As a busy mom, time is at a premium for me. While I don't consider myself a mommy blogger, I am a mommy and a blogger. I've been lucky enough to be a stay at home mom for my kids and fortunate that I've been able to find blogging as an outlet to maintain my sanity, thou some might argue that calling myself sane or any mom for that matter is debatable. There's this concept that women can have it all but I'm here to tell you that you can't. There is no such thing as having it all. Everything comes at a cost. If you have an amazing career, chances are you have a nanny raising your children. If you stay at home with your kids, you probably won't have money to afford that Chanel or even cleaning help. I've long given up on having a tidy house. And that's OK. The first lesson as a mom is to learn is that it's okay to be perfectly imperfect and you just gotta do whatever it takes to make it through the day.
I recently wore this look to New York Fashion Week. I never plan out my outfits in advance (it stresses me out - plus I'm local so it's not like I have to pack) so when I woke up in the morning I decided to repeat. And not just repeat and re-accessorize, a full head to toe repeat. I've spoken to other moms who have confessed to me that they too wear outfits for several days in a row. Like I said, you do what you gotta do. I did visit the Bauble Bar showroom earlier that day thanks to @sequinloveaffair who took me as her plus one. They gifted me these adorable furry earrings - so at least there was one new element to this look from the last time I wore it when I went to meet Sophia Webster.
From head to toe:
- Sunglasses: Moschino, Century 21, free after rewards (they were selling them for $59.99), RV $295
- Earrings, Bauble Bar c/o
- Jacket: Marshalls, $24.99
- Dress: Shop Tobi c/o (also seen here)
- Bag: Jimmy Choo Lockett, sample sale, $350 (RV $2,895)
- Fringed belt: Zadig & Voltaire, sample sale, $40
- Shoes: Sophia Webster Keira Doiley sandals, sample sale, $95 (RV $750)
I was wearing my favorite MAC Miley Cyrus Viva Glam lipstick and it drove me nuts that I didn't have my Urban Decay Menace with me, which is the perfect pink for these earrings. Another note, these earrings come in blush pink too! This little furry touch is such a great way to add some color to your look - and they are super light and comfortable. So good!
Shop my style here:
To create some balance in my life, several days a week I'll go out sans makeup and in mommy-mode so chances are even if you bumped into me, you may not recognize me. I'll confess that some days I run out without even washing my face. I think women in general put waaaaay to much pressure on themselves to look perfect. You don't need to put on a full face of makeup and have your hair done to hit the supermarket. If I'm lucky enough to have 5 minutes to get ready, I'll grab a lipstick, some tinted moisturizer or BB cream, sunglasses and head out the door.
I take pride in knowing I'm physically and emotionally available to my children. My cost is that I've long given up any hopes of having a power career as a lawyer or fashion editor. And my dream Birkin is still out there waiting for me. Luckily I can sate my fashion itch with sample sale scores, thrift stores and the occasional Nordstrom Rack or TJ Maxx find. Speaking of thrifting, I recently put together a few tips on thrifting for thredUP - check them out here.
If you're a mom, what are some of your hacks to make your life easier? How do you deal with the mom guilt of trying to have it all?
Photos were taken by the amazing @littlefashionstylist. Thank you Belle for your endless patience :)
As for sample sales, I just got notification that Rebecca Minkoff is back! While it hasn't been as epic as the good old days (see past sale reports and hauls here, here and here), you can still find some good deals throughout the sale. I always go for the first day, at least one day in the middle and last day for markdowns. Also, there is an amazing fur sale by my adorable friend Shirelle, for those of you willing to travel to Brooklyn. And last but not least, Oscar de la Renta will be back - hopefully with amazing shoes for less than $100 again!
Fur Event
October 21-22
Sat 8pm-11pm, Sun 11-6
1393 Carroll Street, Brooklyn
Rebecca Minkoff
October 23-29
M 11-8, T-F 10-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 10-4
260 Fifth Avenue
Oscar de la Renta
October 24-29
T 10-8, W-Sat 11-7, Sun 11-4
151 Wooster Street
Happy shopping!
XO
Michelle
Michelle! You are hands down the most chic and gorgeous ‘mummy blogger’ out there!
ReplyDeleteI love your style and the fact that they are sample sales finds are just icing on the cake! I wish someday to go sample sale shopping with you!
Also the fact that you have dedicated your life to your kids is so amazing! Even though it must sometimes be hard I bet it is so rewarding as well!
Thank you for sharing this post to show us that everything doesn’t have to be picture perfect if we love the life we live.
Xo
Britta
Thanks Britta! I would love to shop with you too - LMK when you're in town!
DeleteHey Darling,
ReplyDeleteHows you?
Just obsessed with this Look, first the Pink Earrings are so Lovely, with your Hair is so perfect:)
The Denim Jacket and that Skirt is stunning together:)
Plus those Heels are killer;)
Definitely want that bag toooo:) ahhha
Happy Week
Love Open Kloset By Karina
Thank you Karina :)
DeleteI seriously love this post! Every sentence I read I'm saying "Amen!" While reading it! I totally sympathize with you being a mom and a blogger and completely understand the sacrifices we make doing what we do. This outfit rocks. I love the simplicity of it yet the fun and vibrant side with the accoessires. Bauble Bar is one of my go to for accessories that are trendy and make a statement. I die every time you wear these shoes because I love them and they totally make the outfit pop. Hopefully one day we'll get our Hermes Birkin and if you happen to hear of any deals on them pass them along to this mama!! Xoxo, Christine
ReplyDeletehttp://dailykongfidence.com/
Hahaha fashion mommies unite! Thanks Christine. As soon as I find a deal on my Birkin I'll be sure to let the world know LOL
DeleteMy friends make fun of me because I will literally wear the same thing for weeks lol! Love this look so much.
ReplyDeletehttp://asequinloveaffair.com
Hahahaha glad to know it's not just mommies LOL
DeleteThis is such a fun outfit.. Loving those shoes...
ReplyDeleteSincerely Miss Ash
Thanks so much!
DeleteI absolutely loved this post girl and your thoughts on being a mom! I feel like I relate on so many levels! You do what you've got to do to make it through the day for sure! There's a book called "No More Perfect Moms" I did a study with it with a group of moms and it was so encouraging! I remember growing up I would think that I'd be L Woods with 6 children multi-tasking to the T but 2 children in and I find it difficult to even blog without giving up some of the time that I want to spend pouring into my children. I love your outfit and adore your BB earrings! Definitely an outfit worthy of being worn multiple times! I'm in sweatpants most of my days and rarely put on makeup when I'm out running errands. Those of course, have been the days that someone approaches me. lol. But #reallife so oh well! Also, love you locket bag! It's one of my favorite bags but I definitely didn't score an amazing deal like you did!
ReplyDeleteManda | http://EvocativelyChosen.com
LOL isn't it always that way - I also always get caught when I'm caught super casual running around. And thank you Manda!
DeleteThis look is so chic and fun. My favorite is your shoes. Such beautiful statement shoes!
ReplyDeletexx, Maryam
www.glamandposh.com
Aww thank you!
DeleteThis is such an honest mommy post. I definitely understand how overwhelming it can be when you have so many things on your plate! I'm so glad that, despite your busy schedule, you still find time to do what makes you happy. It is so important to care for yourself as well as caring for others. Also, your outfits looks stunning on you!
ReplyDelete~xo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com
Thanks! I'm not sure I find time LOL but I do my best :)
DeleteSuch a great and honest post! Also love that lip on you and your Sophia's are fabulous!
ReplyDeletexo, Jennifer
www.publicistinpearls.com
Aww thanks Jennifer! Just wait and see what momlife is really like LOL.
Deleteyour skirt. your bag. your shoes! perfection!!
ReplyDeletekisses from the sandpit ❤︎
www.mahryska.com
Love this Jimmy Choo of yours and it's such a great bargain!! From $23xx to $350! You are so amazing with the sample sale and outlet hunting!!! If I'm in NYC, I would totally know who to ask for the sample sales!!! Love your shoes too! it's such a great and stylish pair to have!
ReplyDeletexx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/how-to-stay-mentally-fit
It was a crazy deal. It should have been $150 but they charged me an extra $200 upcharge for the snakeskin - which in years past they didn't at the end of the sale.
DeleteAs a serial outfit repeater this post is amazing! Your outfit is absolutely gorgeous so why not wear it more than once? Those Sophia Webster heels are stunning and you got them for such a good price! Teach me your ways ;)
ReplyDeleteRachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
LOL thanks! And it's all about hitting the right sample sales :)
DeleteI seriously love all the deals you're always finding and I too am an outfit repeater. I wear all black quite a lot and if it's not the same outfit it's pretty close. Most days I don't were make up unless it's a weekend and I'm planning on shooting and I'm not even a mommy blogger. I simply just don't have the time or care to spend hours to get all dolled up to be sitting in an office but that's just me. I love your outfit and that you get to do this as a hobby! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Why not repeat? I do have an endless closet and every so often I'll pull out a piece or two but for the most part I live on repeat LOL
DeleteHey gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis is probably one of the posts I can relate to the most. I'm mother of three amazing kids and it can be tricky to fulfill everyone's needs with my busy life. I am pretty lucky to be able to work most of my day at home. It also makes it super helpful so I can still complete every work related and family task.
And it's so true as working moms we are 100% perfectly imperfect and I've learned to live with it. My house is also never perfectly clean, no matter how hard I try.
As of your look, you look stunning I love love those earrings and how fun they are. The bright color helps them stand out. Thanks for sharing!
xoxo, vanessa!
http://thefashionstatement.net
Thanks! Glad I'm not alone :)
DeleteYou have such a great style babe!! I love how you always manage to get some color in your looks if its the earrings or those amazing Sophia Webster shoes that I really love. LOVE your style.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand Im not a mom yet but I can related that the blogging have help me change as a person and been more social and open mind and even get my self more educated. Keep your beautiful work!
xoxo
Marcy
Aww thanks! And I totally hear you!
DeleteGirl, you always rock my world! I love the way you style every single outfit. How one could possibly go wrong with such chic earrings? And this Zadig & Voltaire belt is everything! I need it in my life for sure!
ReplyDeleteI could only imagine how hard it might be being a mom and a blogger at the same time. For me it's a lot to learn, but thanks for being honest! <3
Cheers, Eliza | www.fashion-confession.com
Thanks. It's hard but I was drowning just being a mommy. I needed more. And that belt is epic LOL
DeleteI love this post! I'm not a mama yet, but I can definitely relate to what you are saying! The first lesson is so on point! It's okay to be perfectly imperfect. It is tough choosing between a career and being there full time for your kids. I decision I'll have to make sooner or later!
ReplyDeleteXO
Tandya
www.simplytandya.com
Thanks! I don't think you have to choose - but you do have to accept that something has gotta give and there is no such thing as having it all.
DeleteI also went to the Baublebar event, but opted for a dainty necklace instead. I would have gotten those earrings had I known they were lightweight. I have really small ears, so big earrings usually don't work for me due to the weight. Hopefully you score some good stuff from the Rebecca Minkoff sale! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't do heavy earrings either but I like the looks of big ones. In general I like my jewelry large and impactful :) Fingers crossed for minkoff!
DeleteI used to plan outfits on advance, but lately I didn't feel like in the mood or had barely time. I love all your stylish outfits that you create when you go to New York. The statement earrings are always fun and bring a perfect touch to entire look.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.queenhorsfall.com/
Hahahaha I hear you. And thanks!
DeleteDear Michelle, first of all, you're one of the most sane bloggers I know out there and that's why it's an utter pleasure to come here and read what you've written every time I visit. You're not only a mom and a blogger, but you're a real human being, who, like the rest of us, has good days, bad days, FOMO, but that's what makes you so unique. There's nothing wrong with repeating outfits and fashion craze is a real thing unfortunately. I myself plead guilty to wearing an outfit only once, just to toss it onwards to someone else after that, but I've stopped overthinking it. I don't care if I don't look perfect every day and so what if I wore the same outfit as I did the day before. You're such a breath of fresh air amongst all superficial blogs out there so please, stay true to yourself and never stop being amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteThomas xx