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Styling Tips for SAHMs

March 17, 2016

Stylish momBy no means do I consider myself to be a parenting expert, nor am I perfect at being a stay-at-home mom.  I didn’t return to my previous professional work after having my second child…nearly 6 years ago now!  As every working parent can attest, it was difficult juggling work and parenting responsibilities.  I always felt torn between my two “day jobs;” not giving 100% of my focus to either. When I had the opportunity to stay at home with my kids, I jumped at it.  Knowing what a joy it was to spend my weekends at home with my babies, I had assumed that it was going to be a wonderful and smooth transition into full-time Mommyhood.  Being at home would surely mean more time with friends for play dates, having time to make healthy and nutritious meals, and actually folding the laundry!

What I didn’t anticipate was my initial loss of identity and the loneliness that can come with spending all of my time with small children.  I remember struggling to push my double-wide strolled through the narrow doors at my neighborhood Starbucks.  Wearing sweatpants and no makeup, I watched with envy as seemingly put-together people were all lost in the “important business” on their blackberries (this was a few years ago now!).  Ironically, in that moment I was jealous of the very thing I had looked to escape when leaving the workplace.

Again, this is a style blog and I feel much more confident dispensing styling advice.  As such, below you will find a few stylish tricks and solutions that have helped me brave being a stay at home parent, all the meanwhile allowing me to look like I belong in the adult world.

Benefit They're RealBenefit ‘They’re Real’

Wear Mascara. Well, not necessarily mascara.  A bra, perfume, blow-dry your hair…whatever helps you feel put together.  For me, wearing mascara made me feel like I had put some effort into my appearance.  Although I wasn’t wearing a full-face of makeup (truly I haven’t worn eyeshadow in years!), I could look another adult in the face and have a conversation without feeling like I was too slumpy.  Perhaps mascara distracted from the spit-up on my shoulder?

I’m rarely a product loyalist but Benefit ‘They’re Real’ mascara is THE best mascara I’ve ever used.  Truth-be-told, I’m quite vain about my lashes (could explain “wear mascara”).

Monrow Grey V-Neck TeeMonrow

Sub Your White Tee for Grey. Grey is just as neutral as white yet much easier to disguise stains and keep clean.  I wear my grey tee under cardigans and flannels or simply paired with my favorite jeans.  The Monrow tee above is the perfect weight (not too shear nor thick), and an awesome longer length – I love it so much that I own 2 (I rarely, if ever, do this!).

New Balance 530 Red SneakerNew Balance

Invest in Sneakers.  Oh, the things I used to be able to do in a 3″ heel?! I could run for the bus, work a 10 hour day while taking the stairs, and lead a workshop all day on my feet without batting the proverbial eyelash (we’ve already discussed how much I care about lashes!). But I cannot tolerate whining, negotiating, and tears while my feet hurt.  It’s time to be practical, and I rarely advocate this – I don’t even own a raincoat and I live in Seattle! But buying a pair of on-trend, cute sneakers (not your running shoes….pleeeease) to wear with your jeans and cardi mom uniform will definitely put some pep in your step.  While your heels gather dust in the back of your closet, you will get a ton of mileage out of this investment!

Yoga in the ParkTake some time for yourself.  This can sound so cliché, but it really does make a world of difference; positively effecting not only my personal sanity but my patience and ultimate joy with spending time with my kids.  My time is before everyone wakes up – I exercise, finish writing this blog, or simply enjoy getting some chores done in the quiet of the sleeping house.  I feel awake by the time everyone else gets up and don’t feel rushed to get something done on my own in “30 quick minutes.”  (Does anyone else do this?  “I’ll be back from the store in 30 quick minutes.”)  I’ll admit, getting up sometimes is a chore (especially this week with daylight savings time), but I never regret it once I’m out of bed.

What are your tips for being a stay-at-home parent?  Please share.  Always room for improvement here!

As always, thanks for reading! ~Jenn

Comments: 2   //   Category: How To

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Felt like today was just the occasion to don a seq Felt like today was just the occasion to don a sequin dress. I didn’t make it far in the heels. 
#inaugurationstyle #sequinsfordays #itsjustfashion
Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Also, posted in stories a nearly identical photo of us from last January at the top of @schweitzer_mountain. While the photos look the same, it’s fun to think that we now are Sandpoint homeowners! A positive outcome of 2020. #newyearonthemountain #snowbest #schweitzermountain #skifamily
Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
#shoplocalseattle #seattleboutique #seattlestyle #happytoshare
Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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PS. Did you know I usually tag everything that I’m wearing? It may not all be current, but DM me if you want more details.
A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spe A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spent a lot of quality time as a party of five, braved a few big changes, and (mostly) survived 2020. #dontjinxit #partyoffive #practicegratitude #seattlefamily 
photo: @chelseamacorphotography
On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope t On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope to inspire, remind, urge, and even beg you to ignore all of the crazy cyber sales that have been creeping into your inbox for the past week and instead SHOP SMALL this holiday season. Yes, perhaps it’s less convenient and even less of a “deal” but this pandemic is putting an even greater strain on the small and local businesses that are the absolute life blood of our communities. And, in addition to supporting an entrepreneur and neighbor, you’ll likely find more creative, individual, and unique gifts for your loved ones by shopping a small business.
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Are you in the Seattle area?  Hit me up with questions about my favorite local haunts and finds. I’ve got so many ideas to share; together we can help blow your holiday giving out of the water this year! #shopsmallthischristmas #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallseattle #seattlestylist
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welcome to my blog

Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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