https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:06:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-70192 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:17:11 +0000 Melody 70192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd like to throw out a website: <a href="http://www.athleta.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.athleta.com</a>. Their travel-oriented clothes are super casual and don't require any ironing. There's some great sporty skorts to choose from, and lots of comfortable dresses.</p> <p>You also might look at messenger bags as an alternative to a diaper bag ... that's what I used with my first baby. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-70130 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:07:57 +0000 Ariadne 70130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, here we go!</p> <p>o Why is your current wardrobe NOT working ?<br /> - I have too many clothes that are suited for a lifestyle I'm not living most of the time (smart casual) and which require more care (ironing especially) than I am able to give them at the moment<br /> - My weight is a little higher than usual so not everything is fitting properly<br /> - I don't have enough appropriate clothes for warm weather. Normally in the summer I'm OK with jeans, t-shirts, and skirts, but I find I am far warmer than usual when I'm carrying a baby around.<br /> - a lot of what I own relies on accessories that are not practical right now (vests, handbags that I don't often carry now that I carry a diaper bag, necklaces that are uncomfortable for the Chickadee when I'm cuddling her against my chest or wearing her high on my chest so that her head is resting where the necklace lies)</p> <p>o What is missing?<br /> - Warm weather clothes! Clams and walk shorts/bermudas and sleeveless shirts in particular. I have a pair of dark denim clams and a pair of black cotton walk shorts, plus a few dresses, and that's it.<br /> - Great looking, easy-care CASUAL clothes that don't require a ton of accessorization to look great. I've read everything on this topic on the blog and the forum, and yet, I still have a hard time finding things that work for me that are casual, easy-care, and affordable, and able to stand more or less alone (I'd like to be able to wear a top, a bottom, shoes, and a watch and look great--or a dress and lighweight leggings).<br /> - A watch, preferably a white one. I have my eye on the men's Fossil watch with white silicon links strap and chronograph dial. It's the same as the women's one but without the rhinestones, which I dislike.<br /> - cropped leggings<br /> - maybe a couple of supremely lightweight summer scarves<br /> - a pair of lightweight hiking shoes that I can wear with shorts or clams<br /> - I think I'd really like a pair of light-colored espadrilles or other wedges with a raffia sole<br /> - more dresses! I could probably live in dresses and cropped leggings for the summer.<br /> - lightweight summer cardigans, cropped and regular length<br /> - one or two cute summer totes (straw, nude, cream, white, or ivory, or maybe yellow or metallic)<br /> - I'd love to find a super diaper bag that doesn't look like one, or--even better--a handbag that's large enough and has enough compartments to function as one. I'd ordered a Roman Savell bag, but the straps wouldn't stay on my shoulder and the insulated bottle compartment ripped immediately. I am pretty mad about that, since I'm out $60 in shipping.<br /> - since I don't wear heels too often, I'm thinking a pair of comfy nude pumps would go the distance for me since I could wear them all year with almost everything, including black.</p> <p>o What’s bottlenecking?<br /> - too many clothes that are either too dressy, too hard to care for right now, or too casual to do anything but lounge or camp/hike in.<br /> - too many clothes that require accessorization that I can't pull off right now</p> <p>o What do you NOT wear since the arrival of Chickadee?<br /> - wovens that require ironing, except for church or special occasions<br /> - low-cut tops, unless worn with a cami, which isn't practical now that the weather is hot<br /> - heels (except ultra-comfy wedges) unless we're talking a SUPER special occasion<br /> - tops that are not long enough to be able to stand up to the riding up that happens when wearing the baby (the reverse problem of low-cut tops)<br /> - necklaces that are at all chunky which are my favourite accessory!<br /> - cross-body bags</p> <p>I'm sure I'm missing some things here, but it's a start. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69932 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:30:44 +0000 Christie 69932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, Angie, those wardrobe questions seem very helpful in critiquing a wardrobe. Thanks for another angle to take. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69867 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:43:04 +0000 Ariadne 69867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, so much great advice! I'm going to copy everything into one document, and make a list. Angie, those are super questions. I will answer them later today, once I've had a shower and picked up a shoe order from Zappos at the post office that just might take care of my shoe needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69736 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:46:57 +0000 Angie 69736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brianna! How is life? </p> <p>Such superb suggestions from our pukka MOTG’s. </p> <p>Bri, you have many staples in place and you did not need to contend with a changing body. Good for you! You are also aware of all the MOTG formulas. So I guess I’m tackling your wardrobe concerns differently: </p> <p>o Why is your current wardrobe NOT working ? </p> <p>o What is missing?</p> <p>o What’s bottlenecking? </p> <p>o What do you NOT wear since the arrival of Chickadee? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69734 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:35:27 +0000 Asha 69734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are things that have worked for me:</p> <p>Clams, leggings, and walk shorts are my most versatile bottoms. With a carrier, I think my main requirement was longer tops (short ones shifted around too much), so I didn't wear many skirts because they didn't look as good with the longer tops. </p> <p>I say still wear necklaces - just make sure they aren't delicate. Chunkier necklaces (in my experience) will hold up to yanking and tugging from curious little hands - and they are great to keep them busy when you are, for example, talking to the cashier at the post office Earrings - I agree, but it won't be long before you can wear them again, don't worry! Jewelry is a great way to jazz up any ensemble.</p> <p>Even on cooler days, I always wore baby over my top, and then brought/wore a cardi over the carrier - easier to remove a layer when I inevitably warmed up. </p> <p>Think about buying more than one carrier if you can/want to. I've always regretted not buying myself at least one carrier in a nicer fabric that made me smile (I always got a neutral). There are so many gorgeous carriers out there now.</p> <p>Hope that helps! Also, it is amazing how quickly time passes - I put my dangly earrings away just the other day I feel like, and now I can wear them again Enjoy your sweet baby! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69732 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:24:06 +0000 Christie 69732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That necklace is very pretty!</p> <p>I googled "necklace for baby to chew on" and found what I remember seeing. Now I'm not so sure it was on YLF since I can't find it using search. Its made with safe materials and looks cute:<br /> <a href="http://www.smartmomjewelry.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.smartmomjewelry.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69718 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:53:20 +0000 cciele 69718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, great idea Cricket! I used to wear loop necklaces like this one:</p> <p><a href="http://www.littlegemsonline.com/item_109/Evergreen-Mothering-Rocks.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.littlegemsonline.co.....-Rocks.htm</a></p> <p>Great for babies to tug on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69714 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:39:36 +0000 Christie 69714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As for accessories, don't overlook bracelets! I loved wearing bracelets of all sorts when my babies were small. Someone posted a necklace on here (a month or so ago) that was made for babies to yank and chew on. It was really cute. I tried to find the thread via search and couldn't find it. Maybe someone else will recall it and provide the link? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69713 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:25:53 +0000 cciele 69713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm such a dork, Brianna! Sorry about that -- I'm a new member of YLF and wasn't aware that you had adopted.</p> <p>Anyhow, here are my suggestions:<br /> - Bermuda shorts<br /> - Clamdiggers<br /> - Leggings<br /> - Long tops (about an inch or two above your crotch)<br /> - Tops that won't wrinkle easily: knits or crinkled wovens<br /> - Tops without buttons or zippers that might get caught by the carrier (or the baby!)<br /> - Solid color tops so you don't clash with your carrier ;)</p> <p>You have sensitive feet, so you know comfortable shoes are very important. It's even more crucial now that you are carrying your baby, because of the extra weight and changes in balance. Flat shoes with support, for sure!<br /> Mephisto, Ecco, Birkenstocks, Naot, Clarks. </p> <p>Also, use fragrance-free laundry detergent, since you'll have your baby pressed up against your clothes.</p> <p>A backpack is probably your best bet while you are carrying Chickadee on the side or front. If you're carrying her on your back, a messenger bag works nicely. Or you could get something like:<br /> <a href="http://fleurville.com/product/re-run%E2%84%A2-micropod" rel="nofollow">http://fleurville.com/product/.....2-micropod</a><br /> and attach it whereever it works<br /> A wristlet is nice too; you can clip it to your pants' belt loops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69711 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:38:45 +0000 marianne 69711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not very fashion-forward, but you know I live in a similar climate I also walk a lot around the neighborhood and rarely get in the car. For footwear, you have both converse and tall docs - those are my most frequently used shoes. I would also get a pair of comfortable slip-on sandals, like the ones Angie suggested as alternative to Birkenstocks (Mephisto, Ecco, etc).<br /> For momwear I only buy clothes that is washable, but I hang dry it. I usually wear woven tops, but if you'd rather not iron, you could go the way of rayon knits.<br /> In summer, I wear walk shorts and clams. Skirts are trickier because I often need to squat or bend over. I haven't tried the dress over leggings look yet but I am working on it - it has tons of potential.<br /> When it was colder, I also got a ton of use of a hooded nylon anorak that hits mid-thigh... don't know how to describe it well, but it was from Zara and maybe they will have something similar this fall.<br /> Also it's good to remember, things change very quickly, babies grow fast, and you will suddenly feel like you have more time to do laundry... or read a book. And you'll be able to wear necklaces again soon enough </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69705 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:32:51 +0000 Ariadne 69705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks! Laura, I think you're totally on the right track :D</p> <p>cciele, no, I'm not breastfeeding--2 days' notice didn't give me any time to even consider prepping to adoptive breastfeed. At least my wardrobe options are less limited. Formula sure stains, though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69689 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:59:11 +0000 Laura 69689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tunics/dresses over leggings with ballet flats is my first reaction. It is by far the comfiest MOTG combo I've found. To make it work, you need to find comfy cotton washable dresses. </p> <p>Otherwise ... Jeans, fashion sneakers, dresses to wear over jeans, cardis paired with graphic Ts ... I am sure some of this is already in your closet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69677 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:44:09 +0000 cciele 69677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the thorough description of your needs, Brianna! Being a mom (particularly a babywearing one) does have special demands on your wardrobe.</p> <p>I posted my staples in your earlier post, but I'll repeat them here. I used to live in a combination of a long cami, like<br /> <a href="http://www.modbeclothing.com/IndvItem.asp?InventoryID=2107" rel="nofollow">http://www.modbeclothing.com/I.....oryID=2107</a></p> <p>under a long tee, like<br /> <a href="http://www.modbeclothing.com/IndvItem.asp?InventoryID=2316" rel="nofollow">http://www.modbeclothing.com/I.....oryID=2316</a></p> <p>These items are long and stretchy. For nursing, I would push up the top layer (the tee) and pull down the cami layer. Worked great, even while babywearing! One of the keys of dressing for babywearing is to wear a long top layer, since it tends to ride up in the back.</p> <p>I also like the kind of nursing top that are fake cardi-tank sets. The cardi part is sewn onto the tank, so you can access your breast through the side of the tank. Again, good while you are babywearing. Wrap tops are also good.</p> <p>For the summer, especially since you live near a beach, I'd add a pair of bermuda shorts or clamdiggers.</p> <p>ETA: A few other links of cute, nursing-specific tops that would work for babywearing:</p> <p>Japanese Weekend (I love this brand for maternity and nursing):<br /> <a href="http://tummystyle.com/products/Floral-Obi-Maternity-Nursing-Top~1460.html" rel="nofollow">http://tummystyle.com/products.....~1460.html</a><br /> <a href="http://tummystyle.com/products/D%26A-Sash-Maternity-Nursing-Top~1747.html" rel="nofollow">http://tummystyle.com/products.....~1747.html</a><br /> <a href="http://tummystyle.com/products/Jersey-Cross-Over-Maternity-Nursing-Top~1709.html" rel="nofollow">http://tummystyle.com/products.....~1709.html</a></p> <p>Belabumbum:<br /> <a href="http://tummystyle.com/products/Belabumbum-Maternity-Nursing-Cami~1603.html" rel="nofollow">http://tummystyle.com/products.....~1603.html</a></p> <p>Boob:<br /> <a href="http://www.duematernity.com/bosmnutop.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.duematernity.com/bosmnutop.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.duematernity.com/bofrtienudr.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.duematernity.com/bofrtienudr.html</a></p> <p>ETA again to add: Sorry, I assumed you were nursing! If you are not, then disregard my links </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-prescribe-a-new-mom-wardrobe-for-me-pretty-please#post-69675 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:26:21 +0000 Ariadne 69675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, and everyone, especially other moms--I'm ready for some major help as I figure out my wardrobe and style as a mom to an infant!</p> <p>I'd love it if you could tell me what you think should be in my wardrobe (clothes, accessories, outerwear) now. I'll tell you as much as I can about my lifestyle, taste, and needs, and feel free to ask for more details about anything at all. The more suggestions you have time to make, the better!</p> <p>I live in Vancouver, as you know, which means fall and winter are my dominant seasons, but I also need some spring and summer things. My neighborhood is casual but stylish, and it's right in between urban and natural, since my apartment is blocks from the beach and close to a number of parks, but is also half a block from a major shopping, eating, and cafe street with many upscale stores and eateries.</p> <p>I'm an hourglass, 5'8.5", strong shoulders, 166lbs--usually a size 10 or 12 or L, sometimes, an 8 or an M in stores that do a little more vanity sizing. I wear 30" or 31" jeans. Short light brown hair, green eyes with some grey and blue in them, medium fair skin with warm undertones (I tan easily).</p> <p>I spend most of my days at home, mothering, doing paid work on the computer, and doing housework and cooking. I go for long walks every day, for exercise and to do errands and just for enjoyment. When I go out socially it's often to coffee shops, church (casual), casual or very slightly dressy restaurants, movies, and visits or parties and friends' homes (also usually casual to smart casual). Once in a very long while I need something semi-dressy, such as for my daughter's upcoming baptism (I'll start a separate thread for that).</p> <p>I have fussy feet and I hate, hate, hate to wear uncomfortable shoes. HATE. I will not wear heels over 1" for daily wear unless they're supremely comfortable wedges. </p> <p>I'm aiming for a modern look that's elegant but still casual, and that has a strong creative edge to it. I also like some boho things (cotton, beads, denim, worn leather, but not fringe or crochet) and I do not usually go for lace, ruffles, fluffiness, or ditsy florals.</p> <p>I have very little time for clothing maintenance right now; ironing happens maybe once a month, and I don't have space or time to do a ton hand washing or hanging clothes to dry. Everything must be machine washable unless it's a very special item that will not be worn regularly. Dryel might be an option too. I've never used it before.</p> <p>I have a small closet. We're talking about three feet long by five feet deep, plus a small coat closet.</p> <p>Necklaces and dangling earrings are not practical because the Chickadee will soon be able to grab them.</p> <p>I don't have a watch, but I need one.</p> <p>I live near the beach and often go there for walks, picnics, and to relax.</p> <p>I wear the Chickadee daily, either out and about, at home, or both, which means low necklines don't work (weight of baby pulls them down and reveals my bra), cross-body bags don't work, and the warmth of baby's body and the carrier act as at least an extra layer of clothing.</p> <p>I'd appreciate your help so, so much! Angie, I trust you and the other ladies on this forum with my fashion life. My time to shop and dress myself is incredibly limited right now, so the more of a plan I can have in place before I do anything, the better.</p> <p>I'll be interested to see how much of what you suggest I own already (or don't own already). </p>