Crawling back for help :( - YouLookFab Forum

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Crawling back for help :(

ramya

Veteran

Hello ladies!!!

Long time no see. I have an almost 1 year old baby girl now who goes to day care . And I am back to work.So my mornings include breast feeding preparing breakfast and getting to work.I seem to be running around no matter what time I get up. And I end up pulling an odd sweater and jeans and rushing out. I really really want to try and wear and dress better. But just don't know where to start!!!
I am going to get my hair fixed soon. Just on waiting list for appointment. I haven't invested in jeans but my old ones still fit me. I just am not in sync with the latest trends. I promise to catch up on Angie's ensemble.

Would you kind ladies give me some homework/head start on what would work?

Thanks in advance

General

26 replies

Latest reply was from viva

Anonymous

Great to see you, Ramya. How about finding some easy third pieces to throw on over the odd sweater and jeans? A long cardi or blazer maybe. You might also update footwear.

ramya

Veteran

Thank you Joy!!! Hope things are good at your end Third piece !!! Oh ya!! Now why didn't I think of that... I do have 2 new shoes as my feet expanded post pregnancy

Inge

(website)

Always lovely to hear from you, Ramya! The hair appointment is an excellent idea, and I really like Joy's suggestion of updating footwear and adding an easy third piece. A scarf or necklace will probably get in the way when feeding the baby?

Adding one pair of jeans in one of the "new silhouettes" can also go a long way in making your wardrobe and outfits feel fresh again. Perhaps this post can help:
http://youlookfab.com/2015/09/.....nter-2015/

Or how about adding a denim skirt to switch things up?
http://youlookfab.com/2016/01/.....nim-skirt/

Here are some recent Ensemble posts. If any of them strike your fancy, you could play around in your closet when you have a moment (I know it's hectic for you right now;-) and try to replicate them with pieces you already own (it can also help you to identify items/a new silhouette/ a new-for-you colour that you would really like to add).

http://youlookfab.com/2016/01/.....p-booties/

http://youlookfab.com/2015/10/.....o-or-vest/

http://youlookfab.com/2015/10/.....sy-poncho/

https://youlookfab.com/2016/01.....pport-act/

http://youlookfab.com/2015/10/.....ith-jeans/

https://youlookfab.com/2015/12.....-neutrals/

http://youlookfab.com/2015/09/.....ck-cobalt/

https://youlookfab.com/2015/12.....y-accents/

http://youlookfab.com/2015/11/.....avy-blush/

http://youlookfab.com/2015/09/.....ws-blazer/

ramya

Veteran

Oh Inge you are the sweetest!!! Thank you so much for giving me a head start!!!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Inge has already given you more great advice than I could, but I just wanted to say hi and tell you how nice it is to see you again! It sounds like you are very busy, but in the best possible way.

April

Veteran

Hi Ramya! I'm back too after a hiatus, great to see you.

Inge has you sorted on actual fashion, so I just wanted to add that you should not be too hard on yourself right now. You have a nursing infant and a job (and if I recall correctly, have been building a life in a new country and a new language, yes?). That is a lot on your plate.

So glad you're here and hope we can all be helpful, just don't be too harsh with yourself over your current wardrobe.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ramya, are you at the point where you can get new bras? And how much of your old wardrobe fits?

Your priority is current denim and tops that make you feel fab.

rachylou

Veteran

I like the idea of an easy third piece (something with pockets?), maybe something in a fun colour or pattern or shape. Nothing fussy. Everything fast to pull on. Are all your jeans blue? Maybe a different colour/pattern to shake things up. Fun!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

The third piece idea is a great one... If you have dresses already, I'd suggest hanging a sweater or jacket with them ready to grab at a moments notice... then again, you could do that for any outfit combo, hang them predone in your closet for the hectic mornings...

Sara L.

Veteran

I pick out outfits the night before to streamline my mornings. If it's not a combo I've worn before, I try it on the night before too. I work full-time and have 3 kids so I understand how hectic mornings can be (i.e. trying to put on make-up and keep the 2-year old from empying the make-up drawer at the same time).

Helena

Veteran

Hi Ramya, congratulations!! I think Angie's advice is spot on ... A few pairs of jeans that fit, and easy tops you feel good in - even if its simple tees or Vneck sweaters, try to get a color or style you feel good in! A "go-to" scarf or necklace kept by the front door is easy to throw on to feel put together. A stylish pair of comfy shoes will be your best friend when you are lugging baby and all the corresponding gear around!!! Most of all, enjoy this time and don't sweat it too much, fashion will always be waiting for you, just focus on what makes you feel good and helps you enjoy your babe

Astrid

Veteran

Right now I don't have any ideas to offer, but I wanted to give you a virtual hug. Don't be too hard on yourself. Maybe you could take a quick picture every morning over the next few days and then post them so that we can get a feel for what you're mostly wearing right now? I think it might be easier to suggest something that way.

Anonymous

I don't have anything to add; just want to welcome you back to the forum.

Elle

Veteran

Congratulations on your baby and on being able to fit into pre-pregnancy pants. I'd start with an assymetrical or swingy top (washable) to update your look and some new lipstick. Small changes can often make you feel better.

Adjusting to working and children is a huge deal so try not to worry too much. It does get easier in time.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

You've received great advice already - just wanted to say congratulations & like Elle said it does get easier

Gaylene

Veteran

Nothing to add to the suggestions, but just wanted to say how nice it was to see you back on the forum! And, as Caro and Elle, said it does get less hectic--or, at least, the running around gets to feel like the new normal.

crazyone

Veteran

I just wanted to say hi and welcome back! Have you thought about leggings and loose comfy dresses and tunics with some sort of soft jacket on top?

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Typically my way of getting back into fashion is to go shopping! O_o

Not sure if that's good advice though.

A warm welcome back to you, whether you decide you need to shop or not.

deb

Veteran

Hello there, nice to see you.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Welcome back! I agree that fresh denim will do a lot to make you feel more current. It's so hard to know what's in style when you're in the throes of mothering a little one...but hang on, this too shall pass.

ramya

Veteran

So finally I get time!!!

Janet: Muah!! Thanks:)

April: All true :). I try to be gentle on myself and think rationally. Thanks for reminding . P.S: Wow you remember

Angie: Yup new bras sorted and I am now at my pre pregnancy heaviest. I would say 80% of my wardrobe fits me. Skinnies are still in right Angie? I will not be able to do flares right now.

Rachy,crazyone: Thanks . Yup I do wear coloured denims. And have blazers. Thinking of investing in flowy cardigans

Tracy: Hanging for quick grab is fab idea. Thank you:)

SaraL: Thanks. I agree with you the horros of applying make up when they want to experiment!!! I may/may not have had my dragonlet eat my lipstick

torontogal: Thanks for the quick tips.

Astrid: Awww thanks for the hugs I needed them:). I promise to try and take pictures.

betty,elle,caro,gaylene,deb,Aquamarine : Thank you

CocoLion: I plan to shop. That too all alone without the dragonlet :p

Astrid

Veteran

I think you can definitely still wear skinnies! I think they're the easiest for your weather and everyday dressing. How about a uniform of:

+ skinnies
+ flowy top/blouse
+ blazer/flowy cardigan
+ boots/booties/sneakers/sandals

Add in a winter coat, hat, scarf and gloves as needed. Wear warm underlayers in winter and leave things away the warmer it gets and go less sturdy with the shoes. I wouldn't try for overly complicated right now, just make sure that you have an easy formula with stylish components.

I don't know what your two pairs of shoes are, but if you need a cute new pair of sneakers I can recommend these. I have recently replaced my old ones with a new pair, that's how much I like them. My old pair took three years to wear out, with a lot of wear (I have the burgundy ones). They're good quality, lightweight and very comfortable. Also pretty insulating (for sneakers anyway).

Anonymous

Ramya! welcome back sweetie! Missed you. Has it really been a year since you had DD??!

You've had lots of great advice already. Definitely stick to tried and tested skinnies. Get some fab tops, maybe a little asymmetry? Try to get a little cohesion/coordination/ colour repetition into your outfit somewhere, to add to the feeling of a pulled-together look...scarves, belts, bag maybe. Lipstick can give a little 'lift' too.

Good luck!

ramya

Veteran

Astrid : I really like the suggestions:). I have a combat style boots and booties. Perfect for the weather right now :).

Di: Time sure does fly Asymmetry hmmm nice idea. I have surely started applying make up now that I look like a zoombie most of the time

Lucy

Veteran

It takes time to get your groove back - after all, you are dealing with a little miracle, so it's so surprise.
The only way I could manage was to get things out the night before. I used to think about what to wear the next day while doing something boring - doing the dishes or something - and then quickly get it out before I went to bed. I must admit that I am not a morning person, and I still do this a lot even though my son is ten!

viva

Veteran

Ramya, welcome back! I like Lucy's idea of setting clothes the night before if you're not too wiped out. It's been a long time since I was a working nursing mother but I have been there, and I do recall the hectic mornings very well. So I would also suggest that if you get yourself a nice third piece, get yourself a second third piece as a backup and have it hanging near the door -- so that if something happens between the kitchen and your exit, you can grab the clean one on your way out.

After 24 years of parenting here is my advice: make yourself a priority. That dragonlet is going to get most of your energy, so take that bit for yourself first!!!!