Spring Fashion for Moms

Hello beautiful mamas! Guess what? We have an event soon with the fabulous Lani Inlander of Real Life Style - 8 Pieces Every Mom Must Have! In that vein, Lani has agreed to do a guest post for us - Spring Fashion just for you!

Why You Should Go Shopping (and what to buy!)

One of the most frequent fashion conundrums I'm asked about is whether or not to buy new clothes during transition times - such as after pregnancy, or when you've gained a few pounds from stress. It is natural to think you would be wasting money by purchasing new clothes when you think you will fit back into your "regular" clothes within a few months. This would be a mistake. You are actually wasting time not feeling good about yourself when you DON'T buy yourself some new clothes. Lest you think I'm being extravagant, I have a strategy for you!

1. KEEP IT CHEAP AND CHEERFUL. Shop at stores like H&M, Old Navy and The Gap, where you can get the most fashion for your money.

2. BUY WHAT YOU LOVE. If your post-baby belly is making you blue, cheer yourself up with a bright top or scarf. Yes, you should get a basic black and white tee, but you should also get a hot pink striped one if that is going to keep you excited to get dressed each morning.

3. MAKE IT FLEXIBLE. Boxier tops will still look good with skinny jeans when you are skinnier, a cotton maxi skirt will shrink with you, and a scarf always fits!

4. INVEST IN ACCESSORIES. Wearing good shoes, a pricier bag, and an expensive pair of earrings will up the perceived value of any outfit. And best of all, they'll always fit!

5. GO FOR THE TRENDS. If you aren't spending much you can reasonably assume the clothes won't last forever, so why not embrace the trends this season? Trends exist to keep us excited about shopping and buying new clothes. Go with it!

Taking the Trends Home

Speaking of trends, here is a sampling of the latest trends for Spring/Summer 2014 and how you can take them home.

Sport Chic: If you love to stay comfy in sweatshirts and yoga pants, this will be your favorite trend. Imagine your favorite pair of sweatpants made out of a slouchy crepe material that glides over your legs and tapers at the ankle. Picture the running sneaker and the forever-loved Birkenstock making a huge fashion comeback. Sounds too good to be true? It is if you don’t do it right! When shopping for this trend you’ll want to make sure that your track pants and hoodies are fitted and not frumpy. Look for a leather sports sandal to replace your Adidas slide and a leather hoodie vest to wear over your cotton terry sweatshirt. The key to looking put-together in Sport chic is fit and fabric. You have to throw some luxury in there and nothing can look or fit too sloppily. 

Key Piece: The sneaker. Fashionistas are now reaching for their Nike Frees over their Manolo Blahniks. Pair your sneakers with jeans and a casual blazer for a totally on-trend outfit.

 

Nike Free - these are so trendy right now!

Ethnic Elements: Vogue called this spring the “season of maximal embellishment.” When looking at the runways of Emilio Pucci and Valentino, this couldn’t be more accurate. These designers covered their clothes with beaded accents and fringed hems, taking inspiration from a number of different cultures. It’s all about mixing and matching different prints and textures that inspire you. A kimono jacket with wide sleeves may speak to you, so pair it with tribal printed pants. The combinations are endless. 

Key Piece: Anything with a bold print. Whether that be a fun pair of shoes to wear with a little black dress or an embellished jacket, your key piece should be something that stands out and makes you feel good.

 

A piece from Emilio Pucci's Spring 2014 collection

Painterly Prints: Clothes are taking the shape of paint palettes this spring with prints inspired by works of art. Think stripes, swipes, graffiti, and watercolor florals in the colors that work for you. Michelle Obama was recently spotted at New York’s New Museum wearing her brushstroke skirt with a burgundy long-sleeve top and tall black boots.  If it’s good enough for the First Lady, it’s good enough for me! 

Key Piece: A Watercolor Skirt or Dress. This trend is elegant and beautiful and you’ll want to wear it for your next special occasion.

 

Michelle Obama in the brushstroke skirt

Pastels: These shades inspired by Jordan almonds are the perfect spring colors. Yellow, mint, rose, lilac, and powder blue were seen on everything on the runways, from lips to purses to coats. Either throw yourself into the trend with an entire outfit of pinks and blues or contrast the candy shades against black and white for a totally chic look. 

Key Piece: A Pastel Purse. Totally wearable and stylish, you’re sure to find a purse at your budget in one of these hues. Choose to either invest in a pink leather satchel or start with an affordable mint clutch.

Louis Vuitton Biface in Magnolia

If you enjoyed reading these tips from Lani, make sure to come see us at the Mama's Night Out!