"The Momiform Diaries": Lesson #3: Don't Forget Yourself

top: t by alexander wang (old)// blazer: the limited (old)// jeans: target// shoes: steve madden (via endless )// jewels: stella & dot

Man, life...... Being a parent makes you question so many things and sometimes it can get you bogged down in some existential craziness that you never thought your brain could handle. I know its not necessarily a bad thing but sometimes you just have to get out of your own head....which leads me to fashion. Fashion has always been my outlet, I've been sketching dresses on the corners of newspapers and napkins since I was 3 and it was always my release from whatever "real world" issues that were going on around me. 

Being a mom is such an important job (for heaven's sake you are responsible for shaping another human being into the person they are supposed to be) but let's face it.....just being a woman is a pretty AWESOME and important journey and I think its important to remember who you are and what makes you happy....find that outlet that you can turn to to get away from it all.....the (rediculous amount of) laundry, the dishes, the bills, the suffering going on around the world....just find YOU. 

Do glitter loafers, an incredibly gorgeous statement necklace and a magazine filled with images that I can only dream about take me to another world........you bet your bottom dollar they do. I'm sure you are asking, "does she really do the laundry in that outfit" and I will reply "shut yo mouth, yes I do!" So go out and find your happy place, mine is waiting for me  next to a never ending amount of laundry :)

"The Momiform Diaries" Lesson #2: Lighten Up

dress: bcbg (old), top worn under dress: stylemint// shoes: 3.1 phillip lim// sunnies: marc by marc jacobs

Soooo the second lesson I'm sharing with you guys for "The Momiform Diaries" is actually the first lesson I learned after SHOCKINGLY finding out that I was becoming a mother. For the first 4 months of my pregnancy I was convinced I was having a girl....like I literally went out and bought an entire closet full of baby girl clothes.....needless to say at the 20 week sonogram I found out I was having a boy.....and everything changed. That was my first realization that nothing in life is how you expected it to be.

When you lighten up and see the world as how it is and not how it should be it allows you to experience new things...I never looked back after finding out I was having a boy...in fact, after seeing my husband's face in that room after we heard the news I thought to myself "I will just keep popping boys out just to see that look again." And my sweet doodle bug baby boy is the most amazing thing I have ever created in my life.

So I guess my point is....LIGHTEN UP, with life and with fashion. Is that my 65 lb pound puppy in a red polka dress that just so happens to match her mommy's? Why yes, yes it is....and do you know why she is wearing that rediculous dress.....because she is the only other girl I get to dress right now....and because life is short!!!!

"The Momiform Diaries": Lesson #1 Casual Chaos

top: cabi// blazer: zara (old)// jeans: the limited// shoes: marc by marc jacobs via endless // jewels: stella & dot and michael kors// diaper bag: marc by marc jacobs

Holy smokes I'm so excited for this series.....I feel like I have learned so much about life and motherhood over the past year after having my sweet doodle bug and I wanted to show you guys more of my life within the Allen household and some tips on how to keep yourself from looking like a frazzled mom (although you definitely feel like one on the inside)! I hope these tips can help everyone, not just moms.....

Lesson #1: Casual Chaos

 With all of the commotion that goes on in the household of a 13 month baby boy that goes 100 mph every day the secret to looking (almost) sane is to keep easy pieces in your closet that you can easily move in but are tailored to make you look awesome!  Casual chaos is a simple recipe: a shirt+ a blazer+ skinny jeans + a statement necklace and boom you have an outfit that allows you to take on the world (or your nursery). I can't really control anything else that goes on in my house but I CAN CONTROL WHAT I CHOOSE TO PUT ON. This recipe is for everyone actually.....even if you have a job that allows you to stay at home you should still make yourself presentable. One of the main things I've learned this year is so cliche but true....when you look good you feel good......so for the love of god get out of that fugly t-shirt and victoria's secret "pink" sweatpants and boost that self esteem, I know you have it in you!

Also, if you are a mom, do little things for yourself that make you feel chic......when I was preggo I happened to be walking through Saks one day and spotted this marc jacobs diaper bag and just about peed on myself (literally and figuratively) . I felt massive and unattractive and couldn't buy clothes or shoes but I knew if I had the perfect diaper bag that it was something chic that I would use every day. And every time I load it with diapers and goldfish and head out of the house I'm reminded to do something small for myself that day. Its about finding that balance of keeping small amounts of yourself while pouring the other 99% of your efforts into your family....so go ahead and get that mani or buy that latte, you deserve it!

PS I wore this outfit last night to pick up a pizza from a local pizza joint and several of the cooks told me they liked my outfit, I believe "classy as Carmen San Diego" was thrown out there. In conclusion: the blonde cookie cutter biatches in this town may not get me, but damn if the local pizza guys don't think I'm fly!!!!

The "Momiform" Diaries: Pattern Mixing

The "Momiform" Diaries: Pattern Mixing

This installment of "The 'Momiform' Diaries" is all about pattern mixing. I know this is a lot for some to handle but once you get the hang of it and you know what patterns to mix then you can turn that boring mom uniform into a serisously stylish but comfortable outfit.

The Shirt

top: bb dakota (this top is available online through urban outfitters ....but if you live in the triangle fab'rik has it $13 cheaper!!)

Start with the print on the shirt. If you feel more comfortable trying new things then don't be afraid to do a trendy print like this aztec blouse. If you aren't up for trying trends then stick to classics like stripes, polka dots and even subtle animal prints. (Note: prints that mix black and brown are genious for pattern mixing)

The Bottom

Shorts: Nicole Miller Indego Africa



Make sure that the pattern on the bottom is around the same size as the pattern on the top. Also, its important that the colors in both patterns "go" together but they don't have to match. I suggest starting with a top and shorts first so that the patterns don't overwhelm you, then you can move on to pants and such.

The Shoes

Shoes: Minnetonka Moccasins (avaiable pretty much everywhere these days but mine are from endless.com)

As with all "momiforms" cute, comfy shoes are a must...like these moccasins. But beware, I would only suggest moccasins when going for a tribal or western theme...if I see you out in them with an ill fitting t-shirt and mom jeans I will be seriously upset (does anyone remember when the 15 year old mall girls adopted that look?)

 The Finishing Touch

Necklace: Stella & Dot Lillith Fringe Necklace

To pull the look together an interesting statement necklace is the perfect touch...if you have time add some bangles and lipstick (but if you don't, which lets face it you probably won't, don't sweat it, you are a mom...you are pretty awesome already :) )





The "Momiform" Diaries: Back to Basics

"Momiform": Back to Basics

 

 

Hello party peeps, I'm excited to introduce a new series I'm doing called "The 'Momiform' Diaries". What's a "momiform" you ask, a mom uniform of course. Moms get such a bad rep for having notoriously unflattering style and if I have to single handedly change that then I will!!! The first part of the series is reworking the typical mom outfit, a t-shirt and jeans...here we go...

 

The T-Shirt

The T-Shirt: Moms, please stop wearing sloppy t-shirts that are 4 sizes too big....its not helping anyone!! I understand the need for practical shirts (being a mom myself and all) so my solution is Stylemint, they have the perfect balance of comfort and chicness for a mom on the go!!

 

 

T: Stylemint-Mine is sold out but here is a similar style...and its on sale!!

 

The Jeans

The Jeans:  Man...who hasn't heard the term "mom jeans"? Come on ladies...this is a simple fix...find a cut that works for your body type and fits you properly so that you know you can just throw them on and go....and go with interesting washes and different colors, it takes it up a notch!

 

White skinnies- Urban Outfitters, available here

 

The Shoes

Shoes: Ick, I see it every day...the horribly unattractive but "comfy" mom footwear. I'm not saying that its easy to find super chic flats (I've spent months curating my fall shoe collection, which I will be showing on Monday!) and lord knows I miss my heels, but I promise if you put a little extra effort into picking stylish mom-approved footwear then it will pay off! My answer to almost everything is a chic loafer.

Loafers: Shoemint- available here

 The Finishing Touches

Accessories: I know you are in a hurry, jeesh my getting ready routine has been reduced to about 10 minutes...but to pull this look together I SERIOUSLY suggest adding a statement necklace and a chic, practical handbag. How long do those 2 things take to throw on..5 seconds...I don't want to hear any excuses!

Necklace, bag and bracelets: Stella & Dot all available here

Boom, done!

 And there you have it....wasn't that easy? Jeans and a t-shirt can be totally chic but still mom-appropriate. Now get excited for the next installment of "The 'Momifrom' Diaries"!