It’s true that when you become a mom, you begin a new chapter in your life. However that doesn’t mean your sense of style has to end there. Let’s get to know how some stylish moms here on Chictopia incorporate fashion into their family lives in our Chic Chat!
MEET OUR STYLE ICON ‘MOMS’
Lanton
Real Name: Lena
Location: Montreal, Canada
Blog: Quality Rivets
HallieDaily
Real Name: Hallie
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Facebook: HallieDaily
Twitter: @HallieDaily
Blog: Hallie Daily
StylePantry
Real Name: Folake
Location: Beverly Hills, CA, USA
Facebook: StylePantryCom
Twitter: @StylePantry
Blog: Style Pantry
MeganRoseS
Real Name: Megan
Location: Bay Area, CA, USA
Facebook: DonatilaRose
Twitter: @MeganRoseS
Blog: DonatilaRose
LET’S BEGIN OUR CHAT WITH THESE MOMMAS!
Chictopia: We’re excited to have you on board for this interview! We would love to give a shoutout to your kids! Mind sharing how many you have and how old they are?
Lanton: I have one son, Liam. He is our first (for now) and he’s almost 5 1/2 months old. I never knew a love this grand existed. I mean I love my husband and my dog immensely but when Liam gives me those toothless smiles & giggles, my heart just melts.
HallieDaily: So far, only one boy (a.k.a. “Red Bear”) and he just celebrated his third birthday last month.
StylePantry: Haha ‘shoutout.’ I’m sure they’ll appreciate that.
I have 3 kids: ages 13, almost 4, and a 2-year-old.
MeganRoseS: Thanks for choosing me! :) I have three little duckies: Calise who’s 7, Chloe who’s 5, and Carlos III who’s 2.
Your kids must be fashionistas/fashionistos since their moms are style icons! What kind of styles would you describe your children to have?
L: Right now he is growing at an incredibly fast rate therefore he’s unfortunately usually in pj’s. It’s not worth buying him clothes that he’ll probably only wear once, if we’re lucky. I do buy him clothing when we have gatherings and I always tend to flock to H&M Kids, Zara Kids, & Gap Kids. His current style is like his daddy’s: chinos, polo tops, boat shoes, sweatshirts, etc.
HD: I don’t think my boy is interested in fashion or I should say he doesn’t know that at all. So far, he likes to wear everything I put on him, no matter whether it’s a pajama top mixed with jeans, or plaid shirt worn outside the tee. Every time we go out, I am the one who cares about what he wears, and he only cares what kind of toy he brings! I like to style him like a typical American kid: jeans, t-shirt, plaid shirt, and sneakers. So…what kind of style does he have? It is “mom’s version of style”.
SP: Well, my teenage son has his own identity now. The days of me dressing him are over. He has that ‘skater boy’ look going on since he’s a skater. Big hair, skinny jeans, plaid shirt, blazer, cool Nikes or Vans. He is pretty stylish if I can say so myself. As for my girls, I dress them half the time. They love dressing up in dresses and skirts. Anything that can twirl, they are a fan of. The littlest one is soooo into shoes and bags. Not sure where she gets it wink, wink haha.
MR: Hmmm my eldest has quite a discerning eye. When shopping, she has a final say in what we purchase. Her favorite store is Zara, and I would say her style is classic, a bit trendy, and girly. Chloe loooves to play dress up. She has a ton of costumes that she’s in all the time from princess dresses to super hero costumes to a giraffe suit. She loves accessories and shoes too. My youngest, Carlos III, doesn’t actually like clothes lol. He prefers to be naked all day but if he actually does keep his clothes on, it would be his character pj’s. His favorite pj’s are Spiderman, Cars and camouflage dinosaurs ;).
Many people think once you’re a mom, your fashion sense lowers. But, clearly, you gals prove that statement wrong! Has being a mom changed the way you dress now?
L: For now my style sort of has changed because I’m still on maternity leave. So it’s rare that I go out and when I do it’s usually casual as opposed to dressed up when I used to go to work every day. Whether I’m a mom or not, fashion will always be a part of my life and no one will take that away from me. Why any woman would want to let themselves go after kids is beyond me. Just check out the fabulous moms being interviewed who look exactly the way they did before their babies.
HD: Indeed, I think I started to develop a more sense in fashion after I became a mom. I don’t even want to look at the outfits I wore before I became a mom — so scary! Hahaha. What has changed is that I don’t wear heels when I am with my boy ALONE. It’s too terrible to chase him all around the street with high heels, can you imagine that? Hehe. Plus, I have more bags to carry (i.e., purse, diaper bag) every time we go out.
SP: No. Not at all. Being a mom has not changed my style negatively. If anything, it heightened it. I refuse to lose myself or style just because I became a mother. Growing up, my mother was always well dressed. Her heels were as tall as they come. She was always in beautiful, colorful silk dresses with lots of accessories. And her hair was always perfect.
MR: Yes, my heels have gotten lower, I can’t wear dedicates that snag, stretch, or stain easily. The most important people in my life look up to me and especially to my girls, I have to be the perfect role model to them. That means dressing more modest and appropriate. I still do wear shorts, and my husband thinks that some of what I wear are too short. But as long as it’s still tasteful, I think it’s okay. For example, if I am wearing shorts, I wear something that covers up everything (i.e., blazer) and more loose fitting on top.
What styling tips would you give to our Chictopian moms and mom-to-bes?
L: Moms-to-be: I did not purchase any maternity clothes throughout my entire pregnancy. I continued training at the gym until the end of my pregnancy and I ate well. The weight I gained was all in my belly. Also, I was able to wear my regular size 25 jeans up until the day I gave birth and onwards due to the fact that I tied a hair elastic through the button hole and looped it around the button. For moms: just because you now have a baby doesn’t mean that you have to lose that sex appeal you used to have. There’s always time to work-out, there’s always time to dress-up. I would sometimes do work-out videos at home in front of my son. This will keep you energized and still looking hot!
HD: All I can think about right now is for moms who have a running-around kid: Don’t give up your high heels, and just let your hubby stay around and take care of the child when you are out! I used to tell my hubby, “I wear high heels because of you. I know you like to see me wear high heels. So now can you please keep up with the boy?”
SP: For moms, I’d say go for comfort with an edge. Play with colors. Colors can bring life to a casual outfit. Add platforms to your looks – they are comfortable and sexy. They also boost your confidence. My girls HallieDaily, and MeganRoses are perfect examples. For moms to be (if you are pregnant), go far maxi skirts and dresses. When I was pregnant, I wore lots of colorful maxi skirts with tank tops or hanes v-neck tees. Maxi dresses are saviors too. I never wore maternity clothes, though. I still shopped in my favorite stores, but bought larger sizes hahaha.
MR: I don’t really have any tips specifically for moms. Just remember, you are a role model. But for mom-to-bes, being pregnant shouldn’t stop you from feeling tastefully sexy. Show your curves and keep up with some current trends.
You gals are not only style icons but also are idolized by the community. Any words of wisdom on how a Chictopian mom can find her own style?
L: Just be yourself. Don’t try to copy others out there. You can sometimes end up looking ridiculous because it’s just not you. Take on the trends while incorporating your own style. Think of your kids as a bonus to your fashionista lifestyle. Not only do you get to dress yourself up but now you have another little fashionista in the making to dress up :).
HD: I think every lovely Chictopian mom here has their own sense of style. They know what kind of style fits them and what does not. So go be inspired by your favorite style icon, no matter if they are mom or not. Pick the parts that fit you and mix them with your personality.
SP: Wow, “idolized” seems like such a strong word :). I’d say just stay true to who you are. Figure out your personal style and have fun with it. Confidence and acceptance are also major factors. If you are confident inside and pleased with your body (as a mom), it exudes. Reality is that our bodies are not the same post kids. If you can come to terms with your new body, then the sky is the limit. Celebrate your new image.
MR: I agree with StylePantry, those are heavy words lol. Actually, through blogging I’ve gotten a better sense of what works for me and what doesn’t. I stick to my style and what I love. From there I incorporate my inspirations and new things I want to try. Also, accessorizing can really make an outfit.
Has your own mom somehow shaped how you dress as a mom now?
L: Lol, if you saw how my mom dresses, you will wonder where I came from. Do you know the show, TLC’s “What Not to Wear?” I wish I can send my mom there. She’s one of those women that stopped taking care of herself after having children. Such a shame!
HD: I never thought of this question before, I think her style did influence me in some way. My mom was a very good tailor, she liked to make new dresses for me and my sister during New Year’s and our birthdays. She was smart and liked to design and create the clothes for us and was so careful about the details. I miss my mom very much (she passed away 10 years ago).
SP: Definitely. As stated before, she was a young mom with 4 kids, and looked hotter than ever. She made motherhood look uber sexy.
MR: Not necessarily as a mom. She’s always shaped the way I dress. My mom is very modest and has always kept up with trends.
Ok, I’m a shoe girl, and I’m sure y’all are too! Moms, heels or no heels?
L: HEELS!!! HEELS!!! HEELS!!! Nothing says cool like a mommy pushing her stroller in a great pair of leg slimming stilettos.
HD: Hahaha good question. I think I have mentioned heels in the last few questions, so the conclusion is: I am a heels lover! I wear heels when I have my hubby around . I go for flats or sneaks when I’m with the boy alone, for God’s sake! : D.
SP: HEEL ALL THE WAY! Yes, I’m screaming hahaha. Moms, seriously, heels adds that sexy factor, and it’s a confidence booster. If you can’t do thin heels, then again, go for platforms. That’s what I do. I have days in which I wear sandals, a pair of Converses, etc. But I can do the same amount of walking around or running in platforms too :)!
• MR: Yess, I am too! Heels are okay as long as you can carry them and chase your kids around in them.
C: Speaking of shoes and clothing, what are your favourite brands or stores?
L: I unfortunately do not have the means to buy brands, especially now that Liam is here. Therefore my favourite wallet friendly stores are H&M, Zara, Aldo, Forever 21, etc.
HD: Zara and H&M, plus, they have so many cute kids’ selections, too. Oh, and BabyGAP. During sales season, I like to look at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, to go ‘hunt’ for some treasures.
SP: Free People, Zara, Nasty Gal, H&M, Vintage, Planet Blue, and Forever 21.
MR: Zara, F21, H&M, and various brands. I am currently obsessed with Stone Cold Fox and Isabel Marant.
Just a silly question to throw out there, if you could, which celebrity mom would you switch places with?
L: I wouldn’t, I love my life! However if I was forced to change places with a celebrity mom for one day it would probably be Cindy Crawford. I’d love to find out how after 2 kids and being 45 years old, she still manages to look the way she did when she was 20.
HD: Jessica Alba. This American sweetheart knows how to glam it up on the red carpet, but the actress also knows how to look put together for causal days just chilling out on the playground. The important thing is that she has a very happy marriage. Her daughter is such a cutie, too. I want both: a happy marriage and one more child, a girl!
SP: None. I love my life and my role as a mother to my own kids. It brings me the most joy.
MR: I’m really happy with my life and everyone around me. I wouldn’t switch or trade for anything. Although not so much the lifestyle, but I guess the accessibility of a celebrity like Gwenyth Paltrow wouldn’t be bad.
We’ve talked about you and your kids, so we want to know: do you gals dress your hubbies?
L: Hahaha, my hubby always tells me to butt out of his style because ‘he knows what he’s doing.’ I have to admit, I love the way he dresses. He really does know what he’s doing. He too works in the fashion industry so he’s pretty up-to-date on what’s hot and what’s not. I actually sometimes get styling tips from him :) Love you baby!
HD: No, he has his own idea for styling, and it’s almost the same everyday: all kinds of color (except pink), polo shirts, trousers when working, and jeans during the weekend. It’s sort of boring, but thank God, it’s not too bad.
SP: Aww, my dear hubby. He never goes shopping without me. I used to dress him, now he dresses himself, but gets a yay or nay from me before finalizing or stepping out :).
MR: He has his own style that always impresses me – especially with choosing shirts and ties to go together. He’s got good taste. I don’t have to dress him. He’ll ask for my opinion every now and then. Sometimes he doesn’t care to be stylish and I can’t force him to lol.
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By Crystal (watermoolen)
Main Image via Harper’s Bazaar UK April 2011
All supporting images via their owners
