27.10.11

Easy Wardrobe Updates Volume 1

Leopard print is everywhere this fall season and will last well into the winter until the warmer weather comes back.  No longer is the animal print reserved for old ladies with a wild side!
One of my favorite things about the print is that it requires little accessorizing because of its boldness and color variety.  Add a leopard scarf to a favorite easy tee and jeans outfit, or even a Leopard print top with great pants and some flats for an instantly trendy update.

Easy Updates

23.10.11

History of Mom Jeans

I remember a time when it seemed like every woman who had a child had a certain wardrobe.  It was almost as if the hospital gave you a new set of clothes upon the arrival of your baby that would guarantee the entire world would know you had made the switch from childless to being permanently covered in stains.
Words that make me cringe:
-drop crotch
-pleated
-tapered at the ankle.


I don't think anyone has ever made an attempt to claim these are flattering on anyone.

Lucky for us, jeans are in a great place right now.  When you turn 40 you are not confined to high-waisted jeans and sweater sets! While low-rise, belly-baring styles may be all the rage in high school, there are plenty of other better-looking and more stylish alternatives.

Some jeans I am loving right now are flare or wider bootcut jeans. The best part is both styles are universally appealing on all body types and for a wide variety of age groups.  I do agree however that not all brands fit everyone, but here are some ideas on how they can be styled with correctly fitting jeans.

Flares at twenty


How to wear flares at thirty


Flares at fourty



21.10.11

Easy and Comfortable

One of the biggest obstacles to dressing well as a mom is comfort. It is easily the number one priority for pretty much any mom, and the general rule has been that comfortable items are not cute.
Luckily for us, there are plenty of great options that satisfy both criteria and even aren't too hard on the bank account.

Easy and Comfortable

GAP dolman sleeve top
$25 - gap.com

GAP flare jeans
$35 - gap.com

Old Navy skinny flare jeans
$29 - oldnavy.gap.com

Forever21 wedge heel shoes
$31 - forever21.com

Old Navy lace up wedge boots
$23 - oldnavy.gap.com

H M metal necklace
£6.99 - hm.com


As time goes on we will be able to look at different favorite items to suggest alternatives that are fitting both criteria of fashion and function.

(If you have specific requests, feel free to email me as well, and I can find affordable options as well. paigecordon@gmail.com)

What You Wear and Who You Are

The day I first noticed my expanding pregnant belly, I knew my life with my clothes would change.  All of the sudden I was given a new figure, a new shape, and with it a whole new set of rules on what I was going to wear.  In this time of transition I was able to reflect on what I thought about what I should wear, and what opinions existed outside of myself that I both agreed and disagreed with.  This honest discussion allowed me to critically view my own rules of outfitting that I had created by insecurity, societal messages, and the advice of well-meaning friends and family.  I had made decisions in my mind of what I bought, wore, and thought based on all these subconscious experiences.

Whether or not we acknowledge it, we make mental notes, or rules for ourselves on what we can or can't wear and why.  These rules affect how we shop, what we choose to wear, and how we perceive clothing in general.

I could never wear skinny jeans
No white after Labor Day
Stay away from horizontal stripes, or any stripes for that matter!
Tops with a pattern are too busy for my frame
Stick with black, it is the most flattering
Flats are the best shoes, most practical/comfortable for a mom with kids
Workout clothes are appropriate all day long

It may appear obvious and somewhat laughable what rules are "right" and which are "wrong", but in truth it does vary for everyone, and we have all "broken" one at some point.
Some rules can be helpful, allowing a framework of what works well for our body types, or what standard we set for quality, fit, etc. But the issue comes when we are limiting ourselves, or perhaps feeding into our own negative self-image.

First truth of self-image: You are always harder on yourself than others are on you.  What may seem glaring and embarrassing to you may be trivial or hardly noticeable to others.  Allow yourself freedom to explore new things, open your mind to creativity, and give yourself permission to make mistakes, learn, and try again.

Once we reflect on these issues, two big questions remain:
  1. Which of your rules are untrue or not helpful?
  2. What new rules do you want to follow?
It begins today.  Think for yourself of who you want to be, how you would like to be perceived, and what it all means to you, and don't be afraid to change the rules.