MOTG to 3's and under - clothing issues

agrace

I absolutely adore Angie's MOTG formulas - they are perfection in terms of style. But my day to day lifestyle with little ones is making it really hard for me to wear these items out of the house. Example: today we took a lunch to the park. I ended up sitting on the ground and getting up and down about 100 times to pull my crawler back from the sandbox, holding a baby on one hip while bending to pick this and that up, holding my 3 year old's hand, and so on. All of other MOTG's I noticed there were wearing workout gear. They were comfortable and modest (not revealing anything when bending over to pick up kids and gear etc)

I do not feel good when I leave the house in my running clothes. I genuinely enjoy being dressed nicely. But back to the scenario - during the picnic I had applesauce, sandwich, beans and juice spilled on me. That warrants a change of clothes midday.

I'm just having the hardest time translating this into real life. If I am wearing a nice sweater, say a cashmere blend, and then have all of those things spilled on me that is a wash and then laying flat to dry. So I end up buying clothes that are less expensive but that I can toss in the wash and dry in the dryer.

The end result? I have a lot of slightly 'off' clothes that are not a perfect fit and I suppose that is okay but it is also really uncomfortable. We are talking jeans that dig into the waist in a painful way (hello, muffin top) and shirts that ride up your back when squatting down, or shirts that fall off of your shoulder when your little one yanks on them.

Okay, I've given a good description! Thanks for reading this long! I know many of you know what I am talking about. I guess I'm just wondering what other MOTG's to little children (babies, toddlers) are doing that is working? Or anyone who has older kids - what did you do when your children were this little for clothing?

Sorry to be so repetitive but I just want to make it clear - I completely think Angie's MOTG outfits are brilliant, I'm just having a hard time translating it into real life knowing that my cascading cardigan will have something sticky on the shoulder by 10:30 am. Yikes! :0

16 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from cciele

Anonymous

Now this is a reality check. I had to laugh while reading your post. I am a Grandmother so I am far removed from having little ones but reading your post sure brought back memories.
I'm quite sure the ladies here will be able to help you.
Thankyou for the very cute scenerio!

16 years ago

Tricia

Veteran

Oh boy, do I feel your pain. I work 4 days a week, but I'm home Friday-Sunday with a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old. I obviously can't wear cashmere sweaters or anything dry-clean-only when I know the baby's going to wipe her nose on my shoulder or I'm going to be cleaning peanut butter off the 3-year-old's face. I don't have advice for you because I've had the exact same thoughts - I'd love to see what others say!

16 years ago

marianne

Active Member

That's exactly why I am passing on cascading cardis
I know exactly what you mean - my MOTG clothes tends to be cheaper and washable. I also really like the skinnies + long top combo, since I feel more "secure" with my backside covered.

16 years ago

garmenta

Active Member

From reading your post, it sounds like you need clothes that are easy to wear, easy to move in, and easy to wash. The trick is finding stuff that fits your life and fits your body really well, too. Would well-fitting yoga pants work for you? Jersey dresses or skirts that are easy to wash? Cotton tops and cute hoodies that don't cost much to replace? If there's ever a time for disposable fashion, it's when darling little sticky fingers and runny noses are a fact of life.

BTW, baby wipes, which are great for getting the goop off your kids, are also great for getting their goop off your clothes.

16 years ago

PalmFronds

Active Member

Okay I do totally get this issue. I have twin girls who just turned four so they are slowly getting beyond the spillage stage(but not quite) but are still quite in the midst of the running,sitting-when-not-planned, crawling on the ground after something that fell etc stage. Before YLF I struggled with this issue alot and also had the poorly fitting jeans and closet "stand ins" as the clothes I would wear, while leaving the clothes I felt good in, safe and sound in the closet.
I love Angie's formulas, but to be honest I could not use them until I made some investments and bought some additional clothing.The trick is to distribute the money, which was and still is very tight, appropriately between items that cost more and last long(like shoes) and easily dispensables like casual blouses.
I think I am finally closing in on a wardrobe that functions well and could take some splattering if another kid came along My suggestions are:

1)do go out and buy atleast one pair or jeans or other casual pants that fit well. I felt SO horribly when I wore those jeans that pulled and tugged in wrong places, it ruined my mood always(and who wants a crabby mom around?).I eventually subsisted on 2 pairs of jeans and one pair of brown corduroys.They were constantly in the wash and took a beating very well. I have never owned designer/premium jeans(still don't actually) and I cannot see buying them for this purpose at all. Others may disagree since they apparently wear better over time.But I would be reduced to tears if peanut butter got onto any pair of pants that cost more than $30.

2)Target is a fantastic place for finding basics and trendy tops that wear fairly well through multiple washings. I bought alot of stuff there during those first three years and still do.

3)Do splurge on some shoes that are comfy and look good. I never wore running shoes or flipflops in public with my outfits , always ballet slippers or cuter on-to-go sneakers like sketchers.I will say that "splurge" for me meant paying more than $40 on a pair of shoes, so clearly I did not buy any quality boots within that budget.I just this past year finally bought some good boots.They cost quite a but more but my feet are SO much happier and I plan on wearing them into the ground in terms of cost per wear.

4) do buy atleast one structured or belted jacket that is washable and a trench(ideally washable as well). If you like your waist like I do, the structured jacket always made me feel so pulled together because it cinched everything in and looked very polished. IN more casual fabrics like denim, corduroy,cotton or linen, they don't look "too dressy" and can be quite inexpensive overall. And again, washable! A trench was my saving grace on really bad days.It covered everything and looks always put together.And on really bad laundry days, it can double as a dress

5)check out places like TJmaxx, Marshalls and Target for up to date items for fun, basics you will need and shoes.They are great for accessories too. I think almost my entire MOTG wardrobe initially came from those three stores.My recent boot purchase also came from TJ Maxx.

Good luck! It does take a little investment to accumulate clothes you can pull from without withering at the sight of coming stains.I recently visited a friend who has a 6 month old. I was wearing a button down short sleeve shirt(shaped), dark denim and flats. Perfect for running after my two kids, and when my friend's little boy drooled on my shoulder it was no problem at all--washable! Sorry for the long post, hope it helps some!

16 years ago

agrace

Active Member

Thank you all for the suggestions so far. I always always know I can get quality answers here!

Garmenta - there is a lot of common sense in the suggestions you made. I think I am having an epiphany that right now is not the time to be buying merino wool sweater dresses and cashmere blend sweaters and premium denim. It is just not practical for my lifestyle, as much as I love wearing that stuff! Unless it is for the rare night out, I truly don't need a lot of dressy clothing.

I think I am on the verge of developing a new 'uniform' for myself that really is much more casual and incorporates some of the things you have mentioned.

Things I know I can get away with wearing: headbands, tall boots, cute purse, cute jeans. I can't wear dangly earrings or things that can be pulled off easily.

Gray is actually a good color b/c it hides things. Black is one of my favorites to wear but it shows every bit of mess.

I think this is one of those phases of life that passes quickly but while in it, I might as well be practical and real and try to find things that are really up to task.

Thank you for all the wonderfully helpful answers so far. Please keep them coming!

16 years ago

Anonymous

When my kids were toddler ages, I wouldn't have been able to wear the MOTG outfits. My situation was exactly as you described! And although I agree with the MOTG formula in theory, crawling around on the jungle gym and being used as a human napkin, you NEED wash and wear clothes and you need a LOT of them. I was honestly surprised at how often I changed outfits!

There is a way to do Toddler-mom clothes where you will feel pulled together. Use all the elements of the MOTG formulas but substitute in the more practical options: machine-wash tops...skip the dryclean only sweaters, for example. A couple nice fitting jeans that can be machine washed/dried and some super cute sneakers will be a good base to start from. Pay attention to the elements of style: colors that flatter, perfectly fitting items, PPL, etc. Even if you choose to wear gym clothes to the part, make sure they are nicely fitting and you feel GREAT in them. Don't allow yourself to succumb to scruffy, ill-fitting clothes since that will make you feel frumpy. It's a slippery slope!

Once your babies start going to school, you will be able to kick it up a notch. You won't be standing in a sandbox as much, you'll have lots of meetings and work at the school, you'll be out running errands (and running into everyone you know!) more time to go out for lunch with friends...then you will be able to follow the MOTG formulas more exactly.

I will confess that I used to really look a mess when my kids were babies. Giant, boxy t-shirts, saggy gym shorts, unwashed hair in ponytail. I felt "wrong" spending money on casual clothes since I wasn't working. But at a certain point, I did decide that this WAS my job and I WAS working and I needed to tend to myself the same way I did when I had an out-of-the-house job.

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I am past the drooling and spitting up stage as well, but oh, how I remember them. Son #2 faithfully spit up on me atleast 5 times a day for probably a year.
Garmenta has fabulous ideas, and you are so right on with your epiphany- this is not the time for silk, cashmere or merino wool. This is the time for Target, Kohl's and Old Navy.
The only other thing I would suggest is to find a corduroy or denim skirt or dress. This might be just the ticket for those days when you want to be a tad more dressed up, but still have the kids in tow- doctors appts, errands, play dates that don't involve monkey bars or McNuggets....
Good luck and enjoy your sweet little ones.

16 years ago

Veteran

My youngest is six, so I don't quite have the same messy clothes and baby on hip issues as you do. That said, I do look for machine washable clothes and I don't own any cashmere or silk. I think there are still plenty of cute, stylish clothes out there that are easy care. You just need to make sure of the fit.

Just think of the activity that you are going to and dress appropriately. If it's a lot of chasing after the kids, then don't wear spaghetti strap tops or wide neck tops that will keep sliding off your shoulders. There are a lot of cute button down and graphic/embellished tees that will stay in place better. Take off the cute cardi or jacket at meal time. Maybe layer with a longer tee underneath so you won't be cold when you have to take off the cardi/jacket. Then if something is spilled on you, you'll have the cardi/jacket to cover the stain later! LOL! Yes, wipes are a mom's stain friend. I try to get at it right away with a wipe. There are special stain wipes available now. I think Shout makes one.

I live mostly in jeans and corduroy pants in the fall and winter. There are many affordable pants out there that have good fit. If you have any outlets by you, the three I like to hit up for pants are Eddie Bauer, Van Heusen and Coldwater Creek. I also think Lee is making great strides in the fit department.

Lastly, I think a very casual outfit can still look stylish with some cute accessories. A colorful bag instead of a colorful and expensive sweater. An inexpensive but on trend statement necklace with a tee instead of an expensive statement blouse. The great thing about Angie's MOTG outfits is that you can adapt the items to your lifestyle and activities. You don't have to follow it to the letter, just get the vibe of the outfit.

Also I wanted to add that prints hide stains better than solids!

16 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Lots of fabulous advice already Agrace.

The things I now look for in my clothes are machine washable fabrics, false plain material to hide the spills, longer length tunics to allow for maximum coverage and stretch material for comfort when contorting your body to catch a bambino.

I like to wear comfortable accessories. I love this type of belt when worn over a longer length t. The stretch fabric allows for maximum freedom of movement and no muffin top.
http://www.inisonline.com/prod.....lt/bc-2-5/

I love scarves, you can adjust them to cover a stain, they add polish and my youngest loves to snuggle into them.

16 years ago

Louise

Veteran

i work with 3 year olds so have spent all day everyday for the last 12 years running around after kids!!! Nothing gets worn unless it's washable i have returned things just because they are dry clean. I ensure nothing is too low cut. wet wipes are great for quick clothes clean ups. I also think it's important to encourage children from an early age to be respectful of their own and others clothes, accidents do happen but purposeful paint flicking is guarenteed to get them on the 'orange face'!

16 years ago

allycat1

Active Member

Love this discussion! I have 2 young sons (18 months & 4 1/2 year) and my weekend wardrobe is woefully frumptastic because I haven't managed to figure out making style work with lifestyle. Work is easier for me and where I spend my time and $ for wardrobe. But, I'm cringing lately looking at pictures taken out and about with the boys. Great ideas here.

16 years ago

cciele

Veteran

Oh, I totally relate agrace! My kids are older now (4 and 6), but I still have clothing issues. So my requirements are similar:
- Machine washable
- Inexpensive
- Comfortable
- Sturdy
- Non-revealing

What works best for me is the leggings + tunic/dress combo. Shoes and outer layer change as appropriate (e.g., sandals in summer, boots in winter). It's as comfy as workout gear, but much more "put together".

Also, I echo those who say to invest in a pair of well-fitting jeans. It's great to find a comfortable pair with a high-enough rise to eliminate that muffin top.

16 years ago

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