Meet Sally and Hugh. Sal is a great friend from my HK days. Now back in Australia she's relaunched her much loved boutique Lola & Syd, added styling services and a gorgeous children's range.
I miss drinking wine with her so much….anyway...she's kindly given us some styling tips for new mothers. Sal is someone who always manages to look very cool without trying too hard so I would listen in…oooooh and its FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE until Sunday with the code SSFreeShip. I NEED this clutch. Too many capitals I know.
The early days of motherhood aren’t easy. You’re tired, have
an in between body that’s not pregnant but not how is used to be, leaking boobs
if you’re breastfeeding, no time or inclination to do your make up and even
less to do your hair (Sal - I never did my hair before babes ;))
But after sitting round in your pyjamas and breastfeeding
singlets for the first few weeks, there comes a time when you realize you’ll
feel a lot better if a) get dressed, and b) make a little effort. Here are 5 top tips to get you started...
Clothing - Look for easy to care fabrics that
can go in the machine and that will wear well. Ironing is the enemy when you
have small children so avoid pieces that crease easily. It’s worth investing in good maternity bras
as they provide a better shape. Also, stretchy singlets are very handy and can
work on their own or as layers in the winter months. Look for styles with
thicker straps – maternity bra straps are not attractive so best not to have
them on show. If you’re breast feeding separates are best (with the exception
of the shirt dress – see below). Maternity jeans are your best bet in the early
months so it’s worth investing in a pair you love in your pregnancy. Leggings are fabulous for winter, and shorts
and skirts with elastic waists (there are quite a few around at the moment) are
good for summer months.
The Shirt dress - This personally saved me in my
early months of motherhood! They are perfect for breastfeeding, can be belted,
are great with flats and some simple earrings, or can be glammed up with heels
and a big necklace (for the time you actually get to go out at night!). They
suit almost everybody. Choose lightweight cotton for hotter months. Denim works
well in cooler months and you can layer over the top with sweaters and
boots.
Accessories - The best bet in early months is
keep clothing simple and classic and use accessories to add an edge. Bangles
can be difficult when constantly holding and feeding a baby in the early months
so it’s best to look for earrings and statement necklaces to liven up your
outfits. Bangles can be introduced when bub is a little older and starts
pulling at your necklaces! My little one will play with my resin bangle
collection for hours!
Buy a REALLY good concealer and a VERY bright lipstick - It’s no secret you don’t get much
sleep with a newborn so a great concealer to hide those dark circles is a must.
I find Bobbie Brown the best but try to fit in a visit to a department store to
find one that suits you. While you’re there, make a bee line for a bright
lipstick. Gone are the days when you have half an hour to apply a full face of
makeup. If you have a good base, mascara, and a bright lip then you look
polished and it takes under 5 minutes! I love Mac lippies - favourites at the
moment are Morange and Impassioned, but there a ton to choose from so try a few
and see what suits!
Have a great bag that you love - Nappy bags serve their purpose and
while there are many great style out there now I have always preferred to use a
stylish handbag that can hold all the necessities and work as both a stylish
accessory and holdall for baby paraphernalia. Look for something lightweight –
neoprene, cotton and canvas are great options. Also, zip pouches work well for
containerizing things like nappies, wipes, a change of clothes and bottles.
