This spring I took a bit of a hiatus from blogging—while I’ve missed our quarterly touch bases my time helping clients navigate post-pandemic wardrobes online and in person took priority.
This summer I thought it may be fun to revisit the blog in a fresh way and expand it beyond my voice. We all have such wonderful insights to share by way of our personal experiences!
I reached out to one of my clients, Tarah, who recently had a sweet transition and welcomed a little one during the pandemic (brave lady)! I was curious about how life was going and how she was navigating motherhood via her wardrobe. I work with a number of women who have gone through this transition and everyone shares a desire to have an easy wardrobe that still looks cute or fun. Finding that balance between self-expression and functionality takes time, but is worth the investment in yourself.
This transition is also not unique to new moms. One of the common asks among all of my client's coming out of the pandemic is “I want to be comfortable!” So, read on for a few great style tips from Tarah that may resonate with you too.
Stay Stylish,
Happy weekend all! And thanks, Kimberly, for the introduction and for offering me the space to share my perspective as a new mom trying to work out what clothes give me joy now.
Tarah and her darling little guy!
What Tarah is wearing: The top is a button style from Maje. The jeans are from L’Agence. The earrings are old and from Madewell.
Last weekend we took our first vacation with the baby, and it went great.
While I was getting ready for the trip, I had to stop and think about “what do I wear on vacation?” After two years of working from home – and then momming from home – in a uniform of yoga pants and cozy shirts, I honestly couldn’t answer immediately.
It felt like so much had changed since our last getaway. Prioritizing how I looked during Covid felt trivial, and in 2021 I was pregnant – so it had been two years since I reflected on what I enjoy wearing.
Tarah’s Summer Travel Capsule
On the trip, I gravitated toward packing things I already owned and had missed wearing.
● Linen button-downs
I thanked my past self for following Kimberly’s advice of rotating and packing my clothes each season. When I opened my summer clothes, I found two of my favorite linen shirts from J.Crew. They are oversized and familiar and make me so happy. I loved these for vacation because they are lightweight and endlessly adaptable. They are always an easy layer piece over a swimsuit or under a light jacket. I wore my white linen button-down with denim jean shorts like these and a leather sandal. My second linen outfit featured my blue linen shirt, black linen shorts, and black sandals. I also just found these shorts for Moms to be, and they are so cute.
New mom bonus: I recently learned (linen button-downs) they are perfect for breastfeeding and more stylish than many other nursing tops out there. I also find that oversized linen tops are great for hiding stains (like baby spit up) and sweat.
● Wrap dresses
I brought my favorite wrap dress from Modern Citizen on the trip. Wrap dresses are easy to pack, flattering and versatile. I appreciate this dress even more after pregnancy, and my body has changed – maybe yours has too during Covid– and a wrap dress gives me the flexibility I need to feel happy, confident, and a little more dressed up.
In addition to wearing my favorite wrap dress to dinner, I’ve also worn it as a swimsuit cover-up and feel extra chic walking around the pool.
In addition to wearing my favorite wrap dress to dinner, I’ve also worn it as a swimsuit cover-up and feel extra chic walking around the pool. I also highly recommend wrap dresses if you are a nursing mom and are out and about. I love that I can wear my wrap dress, a nursing tank or bra underneath, and cover myself with this wrap, all while feeling pulled together and doing the things I enjoy.
● Pool things
This is where I bought a few things for the trip. I wanted a new pair of sunglasses that were festive and fun. I landed on these sunglasses with this hat. I love that the hat isn’t precious, protects me from the sun (up to UPF 50), and is practically uncrushable. I also bought this cover-up for its length and ease, but I considered a cover-up that cinched in at the waist and looked more elevated for when I wanted to go from the pool to the restaurant without having to return to the room and change. I like this one in black.
● Some Learnings
I tried on a swimsuit before we left on our trip, but I didn’t realize until I was at the pool and swimming around that it was super uncomfortable. It was a good reminder that even though I had only worn it once before, it was time to upgrade to something I love and feel great in. I found there are lots of sales on swimwear right now.
I like this one piece and love Johanna Ortiz’s overall brand. I also love the wrap effect of this suit, and I love a red swimsuit. I also wore this swimsuit every day during my pregnancy. Swimming was my main form of exercise, and this suit offered support and coverage and grew with my belly. I was able to wear it until 39 weeks!
