My Gradual Mommy Makeover

This spring, I went through a gradual makeover and I thought it’d be fun to summarize it in writing, if not pictures. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to create elaborate posts with lots of pics cuz I’m a busy tired mom of a 1.5 yo and almost 4 yo. So this will have to do…

My gradual makeover had several catalysts:

1. I was tired of having my wardrobe being dictated by breastfeeding. Even though I am still breastfeeding every 2-4 hours during the day, I’m starting to gradually wean him. 
2. The dreaded super hot muggy Texas summer was coming up. 
3. Trends in makeup, clothes, and skincare finally matched what I found flattering and practical. 
4. Finally being able to fit into pre-pregnancy clothes again about 14 months after my baby was born. 
5. Meeting a new friend who loves browsing and shopping. 

I realized that my wardrobe no longer suited my lifestyle and stage in life. Most of it was from a decade ago when I was a busy childless professional hustling in the city with lots of people to meet and places to go! I’m now almost 4 years into being a suburban full-time mom with kids to take care of and much fewer people to see and places to go. 

It started with me purging my closet of tons of - 

• Maternity dresses, shirts, and leggings that were too baggy, worn, or long
• Dresses & skirts that have become too tight or have always been a little too short for LDS garments because anything above knee length is totally impractical for taking care of my active kids
• Jeans & pants w/ zippers and buttons, and leggings that were always too tight and uncomfortable
• Necklaces and earrings that were out of style or worn because most of my jewelry is really cheap stuff that is not meant to last (I like to switch things up)
• Shoes that were worn out or uncomfortable
• Swimsuits that were never comfortable or flattering because I never swam more than 2-3 times a summer
• Tops that were worn out or uncomfortable 
• Lipsticks/lipgloss that were too old
• Bras & panties that were too old and made of polyester which traps body heat and sweat

You may have noticed a common theme - I will no longer tolerate being uncomfortable! I sold some on Facebook Marketplace, gave as much as I could away, and donated the rest. 

I started browsing online and in stores at what’s in style now that I like. Social media noticed and starting feeding me lots of ads, some of which were actually very helpful as I discovered new brands. 

I’ve made lots of changes to suit my new lifestyle as suburban stay-at-home-mom!

BRANDS

Before: Loft, Amazon, Target, Costco (inexpensive, lower quality materials)

Now: Quince & Pact (sustainable organic cotton & linen, fair labor practices, nice styles, more pricey than I'm used to spending so I wait for Pact sales and buy select items on Quince). Gap Factory/ Banana Republic Factory/J Crew Factory (lots of 100% cotton in more interesting colors, inexpensive and trendy because I care about comfort and the planet but I also value being able to buy larger quantities of items, especially after I purged so much of my closet!)

FABRICS

Before: polyester everything (lots of micro plastics and not breathable for hot humid weather)

Now: cotton & linen, some tencel (much more breathable and environmentally friendly)

DRESSES

Before: fitted, knee length or shorter, all polyester

Now: much looser, midi length (mid-calf), all cotton or linen

BOTTOMS

Before: thick leggings for modesty and tummy support, skinny jeans (I’ve always hated jeans - always)

Now: wide-leg drawstring cotton, linen or tencel (bamboo) pants 

JEWELRY

Before: long dangly colorful earrings or studs with backs, long metal/plastic necklaces 

Now: small gold or silver hoops that clip shut (don’t fall out or poke me), no necklaces til my baby stops grabbing them

SHOES

Before: sneakers with laces (I still have some but they’re not my everyday go-to)

Now: Allbirds slip-on sneakers, platform Croc sandals that go with almost everything

UNDERWEAR

Before: all polyester probably from Target cuz they're over a decade old!

Now: all organic cotton from Pact

SWIMSUIT

Before: one-pieces from Target & Amazon with shorts

Now: same but a better one-piece from Quince with a rash guard from Carve Designs (I love that more brands are using recycled plastic to make clothes) to avoid putting on sunblock on arms & back (I briefly tried a 2-piece but found it much more uncomfortable)

MAKEUP

Before: foundation, eyebrow powder, eyeshadow, eyeliner, waterproof mascara, blush, lipstick

Now: tinted moisturizer, eyebrow powder, concealer, blush, lip serum or oil

I’ve always loved clothes, shoes, makeup, and skincare. I loved dressing up for work and church, dates and dancing (ballroom, salsa). Most of that has taken a backseat since becoming a mom, not just to take care of my kids but to give myself more downtime. It feels really good to update everything I wear to suit my needs, and to keep up with the times a bit. 

There are some lingering things I’d like to take care of…

• My hair - I’ve grown it long again because I think I look better with long hair but I’ve had to keep it tied back or in a bun because my toddler still grabs it!
• Old t-shirts that have sentimental value but I never wear anymore
• Blouses I wore for work that look nice but are all made of polyester 
• Slacks & blazers for work that I hope to be able to wear again someday soon for speaking engagements, conferences, and teaching gigs as the kids get older
• Pants - I want to find ones that are cotton, comfortable, and polished (not just drawstrings or elastics) to wear out of the house in the cooler seasons (I have a big collection of sweatpants to wear at home)

I like looking and feeling put-together. I like having some place to go everyday where I see other people besides my family so I have a reason to dress up. I like wearing feminine dresses and shoes. I like wearing jewelry and makeup everyday but I don't right now because I'd rather spend more time with my kids going on walks or to the park or the pool. 

I want to roughhouse with them on the bed or floor and not worry about messing up my hair or wrinkling my clothes. 

I want to hug and hold my kids without worrying they'll choke me with my necklace! 

I want to smother them with kisses all day long without worrying about smearing my lipstick or eye makeup because I know in a few years, they'll spend most of their waking hours at school (and I will relish that free time) and they may not let me give them so much affection. 

I want to be able to run after them, pick them up, carry the carseat and push the stroller without feeling constrained by clothes that are too tight or too short. 

I miss my old more glamorous wardrobe, but I'm enjoying building a new wardrobe for a new me right now!