Life can be complicated but motherhood and your unique style shouldn’t have to be. I’ve been on a journey to make my life easier and still feel good about myself, so I thought I’d share how I simplified my life and style as a mom.
If you’re interested in reading more about my journey with mom style (or my lack thereof) and my tips on looking put together even when life is anything but click here.
Keep reading for tips on living a simplified life and style as well as a free style quiz!
I tend to over think things. I have a knack for taking something simple and making it complex. Just ask my husband.
The same applied to getting it together when I became a mama.
I wrote a little more about it here, but when I became a mom I had an identity crisis. I wasn’t sure who I was or what my style was prior, then I was pregnant and that is a category all it’s own. And then suddenly I was a proud, new mom of this little human who wanted to eat all the time. My body was different, nothing fit the same and I had no idea how to get dressed. I gravitated toward clothes that I thought hid me and strayed away from anything that would make me stand out.
Anybody with me yet?
I am all for comfort and function, especially as a busy mom, but I found that when I kept choosing baggy shirts and yoga pants that I just didn’t feel like myself.
I was caught in yet another #momlife oxi-moron – wanting to hide but also wanting to be noticed. Wanting to pour all of me into being a mom and also wanting to just say “I quit!” and go on an extended vacation.
I was convinced that I wouldn’t feel good or look good without more money or more free time or more knowledge, so I just didn’t.
I didn’t feel good and I’m fairly certain I didn’t look good (ha).
I kept making it complicated, I didn’t take time for myself, and I made excuses as to why this was just the way things were.
And as a result, my family suffered. I fell deeper into depression. I didn’t have anything left to give.
I feel like we as women, whether moms or not, can get to this point.
We give and give and continue to put our own needs and loves on the back burner until we are so empty we can’t even scrape the bottom of the barrel anymore to love our families well.
I guess the thing about hitting the bottom, though, is that the only way to go is up.
Simplify Your Life + Style
Somewhere along the way, I came out of my new mom fog and realized that this is not what I wanted my life to look like. That I and my guys deserved better.
I started to schedule time for things that were life-giving to me. Learning, writing, time reading the Bible.
I began to learn to only say yes to the best things and no or not now to the rest.
I started exercising regularly and being more mindful of what I was putting in my body.
I also learned about this new body shape that I had acquired (thanks, Logan) and how to flatter it.
And I learned two tricks that helped me get ready quickly and feel put together.
- The 1-2-3 Fashion Formula
- Having jewelry I love, that is easy to wear and is based on my life and style
I am in no way saying that clothes and accessories are the key to happiness and will cure all depression. Community and counselors are huge when you’re walking through major life changes and they were instrumental in my journey as well.
BUT, in terms of simplifying my life and style as a mom – developing a formula for getting dressed and having go to accessories has been so helpful for me.
I think that when we look good, we feel good. It takes a layer off and helps us breathe a little. It clears some of the mental and emotional fog so that we can deal with some of the deeper things going on inside our hearts and minds.
Because I’m not wasting valuable brain power on what to wear or letting my emotions get the best of me because nothing looks good, I have more energy and love to give to my people.
Plus, I look good, feel good, and can get ready super quickly.
Fashion Formula
I teach my fashion formula as well as how to put together 30 second looks in my VIP group, in private sessions/closet consults and in online or in-person events.
(You can contact me to learn more about these options by emailing premierwithanna@gmail.com )
Basically it involves 3 steps:
- getting to know the neutrals and basics that fit your personality and style
- adding your own personal flair of fashion, whether it’s a scarf, a bag, a great pair of shoes or a jacket
- pulling your look together with jewelry
Jewelry for Your Life
As a Premier Designs jewelry stylist, I love to help women feel beautiful in their own skin and their own clothes by showing them accessories that can drive and maximize their looks.
I love our entire line, but sometimes it can be overwhelming.
That’s why I created the Mom Essentials collection in a collaboration with shop.thegracefuljourney.com. (Currently being revamped and will be available soon!)
I organized the jewelry I love to wear into five categories based on my own life as a mom and I think it could be beneficial in simplifying your own life and style as well.
The MOM ESSENTIALS line is all about helping you feel better about yourself all while simplifying your life. When you’re a mom, it’s hard to make time for yourself. I’ve selected these pieces specifically for you. They can be thrown on easily for a put together look, even with a baby on your hip. And because they are as hardworking as you, you’ll be ready in time to catch your toddler jumping off the bookcase and to wake up your teen for the fifth time. You’re worth it, mama!
The SHORT & SWEET collection was designed especially for moms snuggling brand new babes and scooping up grabby toddlers. These pieces add sparkle to your everyday look without getting in the way. They were chosen to be cuddle friendly staples that are easy to wear, layer, and feel great in.The THROW&GO collection was designed to help busy moms look put together in a hurry. These pieces can live on your counter, in your purse or in your car and be tossed on to pull an outfit together in a snap. They were chosen to be a simple way to make you feel more “together”, even when you’re wearing the leggings you slept in and are rocking that mom bun!The MAKE A STATEMENT collection was designed with the idea that one statement accessory can dress up a tee and yoga pants or make a little black dress stand out on date night. They were chosen to make an impact on their own or to mix and match with other pieces when you have more than 30 seconds to get out the door.The ULTIMATE VERSATILITY collection was designed to get you more looks for your money. These pieces have multiple strands, can be worn more than one way, and maximize your wardrobe with ease. They were chosen to be hard working pieces that can give you many looks for one affordable price.The BASICS collection was designed to help busy moms complete their look. You may already have a few pieces of jewelry but need something to add to your collection that will mix, match and make you feel great. These pieces were chosen because they are hard working basic layers that can easily be worn alone or along side others.
Which one (or ones!) sound like you? I am usually a Throw&Go girl myself, but lately I’ve been loving a good Statement piece. I’d love to hear what collection speaks to you! Hop on over to my Facebook VIP group and let me know!
Free Style Quiz
If you’d like to find out more about your own unique style, take the style quiz by clicking HERE! Your answers will be sent to me and I will personally respond to you with your unique style, collections and specific pieces that I think you’d love as well as a coupon to use toward your next jewelry purchase. I can’t wait to help you lesson the overwhelm and love getting dressed again!