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Don't even know where to start

JennyK (NC)

Hi guys,

I used to be a carefree, WIW poster, plan-my-wardrobe-a-week-in-advance, love-fashion, regular on these forums.

Then I got pregnant.

With twins.

Now I'm a SAHM mom to 18 month old twin boys. My bombshell working gal wardrobe is completely unusable for my current lifestyle. I have so little in my closet that I can wear and I feel so guilty about buying anything because we no longer have my income and we have some heavy-duty medical expenses.

But. I can't wear the same 3 shirts all winter. I have 3 pairs of jeans but only one works well for me because of the rise. I'm up and down and kneeling etc. all day and I have to have a longer rise on my pants to avoid being downright obscene.

I don't have much in the way of footwear anymore either. My high heels don't work when you're chasing twins at the park.

I know I need to start somewhere but I'm overwhelmed. My time is so limited now. I've avoided trying to come back to the forums because I know I don't have much time to give - only to take. I don't like being that kind of forum participant.

I'm just crying out for help! I don't know where to start! I don't know how to feel ok about spending money on clothes.

Thanks for listening.
#1 - the old me. sigh.
#2 "We're both going to ride this motorcycle, darn it, but we're not going to be happy about it."
#3 Halloween
#4 The current me
(a couple of pics of my rascals, for those who might remember me)

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Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Inge

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I adore your new haircut and colour! You look FAB!

And your twins are adorable.

No wonder you don't have time. Don't worry about it. Just jump in where you can, and ask away.

What are your top needs right now? It sounds like a jean with a slightly higher rise, some comfortable but stylish shoes, and a few good (wash and wear) tops?

For jeans, a few here have mentioned AGs as having a slightly higher rise, but not too high. You're maybe looking for 9" or so?

Sona

Veteran

JennyK: you look beautiful before and after. But now you have two adorable and busy little ones two!

How about starting with a pair of hue denim leggings ( macy's with a coupon would bring the price to $25 or so) and 4 more shirts- so you can have one for everyday of the week atleast! target has some really nice tops at good prices right now. I would also invest in one pair of neutral footwear. Your feet will thank you and it will be better to play catch up with the little busy toddlers as well. Try dsw.com or a dsw store: they have pretty good shoes at great prices.

JennyK (NC)

I'm totally stalking this thread for responses. LOL - I reek of desperation. I'll have to measure the rise on the one pair of jeans I like. They are NYDJ. I have two David Kahn pairs that look gorgeous on me, but the claim of "mid-rise" is a lie on me. I'm tall, so maybe that's why.

You're right about my needs. Exactly. I guess I need to take pictures of what I do have and maybe y'all can help me go from there.

Jenny

Kristin SF

Veteran

I can truly say BTDT to your predicament, except I was never as FAB as you pre-kiddos, lol.

First, your current hairstyle is GORGEOUS!
Second, those boys are so cute, I want to eat them up.
Third, you are WAY ahead of me. I didn't wake up and smell the "take care of yourself" coffee until my DD was 5 and my DS was 3. I lived in the same 2 t-shirts and 2 pairs of jeans for 5 years. Same 2 pairs of shoes (Birks and Danskos). Insanity.

>>Anyway, I agree - NYDJ jeans are awesome for the rise. If you love them so much, get another pair, if it's in the budget!
>>I wholeheartedly agree with the HUE leggings suggestion - get a few pairs and some longer shirts, they are so comfy.
>>I actually think GAP has some great jeans right now, and they are very affordable. Plus 30% off this weekend, even online, I think.
>>If you lean more towards premium denim, Paige has a skyline rise that I find nice. You can probably find on ebay: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pa.....ht/3128824
>>Shoes - I like Born, Clarks, Orthaheels (the best for chasing kids!!!), and I did buy some replacement Birks.

Good luck and have fun! BTW, my cousin has 2 year old twins, and I keep telling him -- it will definitely get easier, and then you will have 2 fun little guys who can take care of themselves!

Anonymous

OK,

First breathe... We got you covered

Those two peas in a pod are definitely worth it How do you keep a straight face? Sooo cute!
and what a beautiful haircut, let alone face, you have!

My sister is raising twins along with a 4 year old. I can understand how hard it is.

Some questions:

1- What are your current activities, other than SAHM?
2- What are your fit challenges?

In the meantime, may I suggest some essentials?

Some ideas to start:
Express and Express.com : I do like Express tops for SAH mommies because they do have good polyester blends, that don't look tacky and are super washable. They usually have some sort of promotion going on. I would start by getting me 2 or three tunics tops, in pretty colors, that I can wear over jeggins and skinnies. I might have a coupon code, from a mass mailing I can give you:

The tops lineup:
http://www.express.com/view-al.....8;bypass=Y

Some blouses:
http://www.express.com/shirts-...../index.cat

Sweaters: Banana Republic & Gap currently have lots of beautiful merino wool and cashmere cotton blends that are washable, soft and warm. Banana can be pricey, but what I do is pick a bunch of stuff, put it on my shopping cart and wait for a sale. They have 30% off all full price items both online and at the store, right now. I do not favor poly blends on sweaters because they are not breathable.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/

You might have some denim, so I will not suggest much. You mentioned being tall. Have you ever tried American Eagle jeans? They are super affordable, I just bought a pair of bootcuts for $29.00 and they look and feel great.

How are you with shoes? I would get me a basic pair of riding boots, one pair of killer booties and some flats, if you like them.

Since you are building from the ground up, I would start with a limited color palette. Pick a neutral ( brown, taupe, black or grey) and select two or three contrasting colors for tops. Try to get one with a pattern, if you like pattern. I'd say get yourself a top for every day of the week, along with a neutral blazer, a denim jacket or vest, a couple patterned scarfs, 2 or 3 killer accessories ( I would skip necklaces for now), a mommy friendly bag ( maybe crossbody?) and see how you feel then.

N-Marie

Veteran

I know you said you were once a regular, but it might be worth revisiting the MOTG formula articles that Angie wrote? http://youlookfab.com/2009/10/.....on-the-go/

The articles are a bit old but the styles could be easily updated. I found those to be very helpful in my recent journey- I have a 15-month daughter and had to reinvent my style to fit my new life (I now work from home and spent a good bit of my afternoon at playground).

And learn to shop online (amazon, zappos, nordstroms's, old navy, target, gap, banana republic, etc) , Most have free shipping over a certain $ amount and then you can try things on while the kiddos sleep, then do a bulk return by mail.

And your twins are adorable!

Gaylene

Veteran

Oh, Jenny, it is so nice to have to back--and you can be as much of a taker as you want because you are so much fun to have around. And, while you were a bombshell as a blonde, you are off the charts with that new color and cut. Such a pretty mama to accompany those two adorable "peas in a pod".

If you like a higher rise, you might want to see if the Jag Malias, one of Angie's picks at NAS this year, work for you. They have a longer rise and a stretchy band at the top that makes them as comfortable as sweats. They also let tops slide smoothly over the tummy area without any muffin top effect. They are my go-to travel jeans because they are comfortable, stylish, and tough enough to wash over and over without losing their colour or shape. (Mine have even accidentally made a couple of trips through the dryer without problems). Just remember to size down because you don't want them to look baggy. Even mamas should show off their assets!

I'm so looking forward to your posts: welcome back!

sarah

Veteran

JennyK - I've been totally MIA around here lately because of work, but had to pop into say CONGRATULATIONS in making it to 18 mos with your twins. YOU ROCK.

Adding to Zap, I'd really go for some shoes that make you feel great - they won't care about your changing body shape and they can really take outfits to the next level. I love her suggestions. Booties are all the rage, and you could wear them with jeans and feel super fab. I'd also suggest some cute jackets that you could throw over sweaters/jeans/booties, and maybe add a scarf, and voila! A jacket always elevates an outfit up a notch. The GAP has some cute ones at the moment and as everyone else has mentioned, everything is 30% off right now.

Have you looked at Angie's pinterest posts for inspiration? She's got some great MOTG looks pinned there.

http://pinterest.com/youlookfab/outfits/

Lastly, I just wanted to say how GREAT your hair looks. You're gorgeous! And your twins are adorable.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I have nothing to add to the excellent advice you've received. Just wanted to say your babies are so cute & I love your hair!

JennyK (NC)

Gosh you guys are the best! Thank you for the lovely compliments.

Luckily, I am about the same size I was pre-babies, plus maybe 5-8 pounds. My shoe size also did not increase, so I can still shop my shoe collection.

OMG the Jag Jeans!!! I just put them in my Nordstrom cart! Funny you mention the maternity jeans. I continued to wear mine for quite a while after I gave birth, not because I couldn't fit my others but because they were so comfy and I never had to worry about my midriff popping out!

HUE leggings... inseam is only 29-31" Sadly, I'm afraid that will look like cropped leggings on me.

zapotee asked what my other activities are. LOLOLOL I literally have no other activities! Everything I do revolves around the kids. Monday is errands, Tuesday is MOPS or doctor appointments, Wednesday is developmental therapy, Thursday is playdate, Friday is Ready To Learn. Virtually all of these involve me sitting or kneeling a lot.

Fit challenges: I'm a little over 5'9" (175cm) and I seem to have long legs AND a long torso. LOL I'm sure it must be one or the other. I do have loose skin/muffin top issues. Snug fitting jeans fix the belly problem but not the muffin.

I have h-u-g-e breasts. I wear a 34H.

Also, my style is "bombshell" and that hasn't changed. I tend to dislike flowy tops because they flow over my boobs and end up tenting me, resulting in a 6 months pregnant look. I still like to wear really form-fitting stuff. I don't mind that my bosom looks big. It is.

I'm going to take some pictures of some stuff I have that still works (what there is) and you guys can help me expand.

Jenny

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Hi, love the haircut and babies... I suggest to make your funds stretch that if you have thrift stores near you, it might be worth investigating especially for the tops. Investing in pants new is a much better option.

Thistle

Veteran

First of all, congratulations! Those beautiful babies make everythign else worth it.

While I am not a SAHM, I do have a 13 month daughter, so I can understand some of the challenges you face.

I thought I would recommend a pair of ponte knit fabric pants. I am not sure what your budget is, but these can really dress up or go casual, are super comfy, and the fabric is forgiving of mommy tummies. These might be a nice addition to the jeans everyone noted above.

As for tops, the GAP is running a 30% off sale right now. So is Ann Taylor. Both have some nice cotton/modal tops that are machine washable, curve friendly, and should wear well.

Once you have the pants and tops above selected, if your budget allows, I would get a nice topper or two. Something in a neutral you could wear with all of the tops, but that would dress the ensemble up a bit more.

I also second Zap. Get yourself a couple of pairs of really good shoes. A pair of nice booties and quality flats are huge. Look for comfortable brands like Clarks or Born. They have stylish choices, but are great for chasing kiddos. Check 6pm.com or Amazon. They both can run great specials, and have free shipping. Amazon has been running free returns as well.

I am not so sure about scarfs. My LO likes to pull them and strangle me, but maybe your boys are better behaved!

Anonymous

Ha, so it seems you and I have very similar fit challenges.

First, I have tried every skinny jean under the sun in attempts to find one brand long enough to be worn with both boots and flats. I am 5'8". So far, the only ones that are long enough on me are the American Eagle skinnies in either the Long or X-Long length or the 7FAM Roxanne skinnies. GAP skinnies used to fit length wise, but they are no longer offering long lengths on each and every style. Premium denim used to be cut way long back in the day, but that somehow got adjusted towards my disadvantage. It is slim pickings for us tall gals. I think you might have found some brands that work already so perhaps this is a nil point.

I do feel "tarpy" on some tunics , but I have found that if I layer a structured item over them, i.e. a blazer, moto jacket or denim jacket, the effect is extremely slimming and very comfortable, plus I can bend and move at ease, because the long tunic is providing the coverage and the blazer is providing the definition. Winning combo.

Are you comfortable with knit dresses? Those are a sore point for me, since I feel very curvy on them. However, I can see how a knit dress can be a great asset for you. You can layer tights or leggings under it, pop a cardi or blazer, add some boots or booties and you are good to go. It is much easier to bend and grab a screaming baby on a somewhat looser fitting knit dress. You can go with something super casual.

You mentioned preferring a bombshell look. Both Rita ( Modgrl) and Natalie ( Goldenpig) are mothers of small children, who have killer bombshell style. Gosh, there are so many other fabulous bombshells here but I am drawing a blank. In the meantime, check out their YLF blogs for inspiration:

Rita:
http://api.viglink.com/api/cli.....5086882742

Natalie:
http://api.viglink.com/api/cli.....5087321645

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Aw, such gorgeous twins! I do remember you, my dear. How are your other sons?

My most comfy pair of casual pants are Kut from the Kloth skinny cords. They are like PJ's but look a lot better, are not too spendy, and come in lots of colors. the rise is maybe 9 inches?

For tops, what about a knit blazer?

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Also, if you get some booties that come up your ankle a little ways you can get away with less than ideal pant lengths! The shoes will hide the gap. (-:

Kiwichik

Veteran

Beautiful boys and wowzer am loving the new you - dark straight hair - way better than your pre baby look.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Hi Jenny, it is so nice yo see you (and your adorable boys) again!
As for the clothing I find a dress or long tunic over leggings is the most comfortable attire for physical activities. I like Hue wide waistband leggings, they are very comfortable in the tummy area. They are my travel uniform now, much prefer them to jeans for the comfort level.
Ponte knit trousers may be another good option for you as they are stretchy and comfortable but nice looking.

Inge

(website)

Jenny! It's so good to see you again! You look fantastic (love that you went even shorter with your hair, it's gorgeous, and so is the darker colour). That picture of your cute little boys is priceless:-) I hope your older boys are also doing well?

I also prefer high-rise jeans and trousers and can really recommend the Gap Really Skinny pants. They're stretchy and they hit me right below my belly button, which almost never happens. They fit great, also come in Tall, and look fab with booties, ankle boots, tall boots, oxfords, flats... Plus they work for both casual and a bit more dressy outfits. Gap is also offering 30% off this weekend.
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=772541012