My name is Larami. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising. It wasn’t until very recently that I could boldly proclaim that without subsequent qualifiers. Blame it on the questions that typically followed such a statement: “So you studied the history of polka dots and stuff?” or “Wait, that’s an actual degree?” or even worse, the head-to-toe scan that ended in a look that read “Well you don’t look like you studied fashion.”
But try as I might to bury my fluffy education, my secret has resurfaced and I find myself writing about a subject that has been a constant source of inspiration and self expression for me. So let’s talk clothes.
It is a scientifically proven fact that the effort required to clothe oneself in a current, figure-flattering ensemble equals the effort required to dress as if one just rolled out of either a bed or 1996. As moms we have little control over many of the mundane or frustrating occurrences of our days. But when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror while taking little Billy to the public restroom for the ninth time in nine minutes (how does he DO that?), it helps to see a polished you.
I believe it’s safe to say that the most common reason moms (especially those who do not earn an income) give for slacking in the style department is lack of funds or not enough items to work with. While this is most definitely a valid point, there are ways around it. In the images below, I’ve taken a few wardrobe staples to yield three looks that can be taken from the zoo to date night. A little disclaimer: I am not nearly as self-absorbed as the following images would suggest.
Chambray Dress: Urban Outfitters, $19.99 Boyfriend Blazer: Anthropologie, borrowed Scarf: Urban Outfitters, $9.99 Yellow Cardigan: Urban Outfitters, gift Pink Pumps: Nine West Outlet, a decade ago
This dress or something very similar should be in your closet right now. It’s comfortable enough to run errands when paired with flats and a scarf, yet hold its own with a boyfriend blazer and pumps to make a perfect date night get-up. Throw on a comfy cardigan and you’re ready for a PTO meeting. Provided no one flings finger paints in your direction and you don’t suffer from profuse perspiration, this dress could easily get you halfway through the week before anyone notices (wink).
Silk Camisole: Urban Outfitters, $14.99 Pencil Skirt: Forever 21 circa 2000, $16 Cowboy Boots: Steve Madden, $129 (before kids) Platform Sandals: Buffalo Exchange, $12 Military Jacket: Target, $19
Carrying twins, or even one baby at a time for that matter, does some incredible and irreversible things to your mid-section. I have found that spandex and stretch cottons are like blinking advertisements for that region, while silk and silk blends typically camouflage the extra cushioning. Tone down the ultra-feminine look of a silk cami with a rugged military jacket for a go anywhere look. Or go all out girly with a pencil skirt and platform sandals. By the way, when was the last time you saw a bodysuit? Yep, you’re looking at one.
Romper: Urban Outfitters, $9.99 Belt: Gap circa 2000, $4.99
One of the most challenging aspects of style as a mother is finding the courage to take fashion risks. The older my children get, the more I find myself letting go of trying to “dress like a mom” and instead choosing pieces that feel right to me. Case in point, this romper. The vast majority of moms would agree that a romper belongs on a 6-month-old, not his 31-year-old mother. And that may be. But wearing it makes me want to cross my legs and awkwardly extend my right foot and that makes me happy. I think many of us are reluctant to step out of the jeans and t-shirt mold for fear that we’ll stand out or project the image that we care too much about the way we look. It’s nonsense. Challenge yourself to wear something tomorrow that begs the question “Can I pull this off?” I’m betting you can.
Larami Serrano is a portrait photographer residing in Houston, Texas. She is wife to her college love and mother to two spirited identical twin boys. She has a background in journalism, photography and fashion and has recently embarked on a project that marries all three: a blog showcasing street style in her very own city. She loves music, dancing and sitting in small, dark, quiet spaces. If she’s not catering to the demands of two toddlers, preparing a meal, sorting laundry or exchanging flirtatious banter with her husband, then she’s probably not awake.
Photography Blog: http://laramiserranophotography.com/blog/
Style Blog: http://laramiserranophotography.com/journal/Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/larami
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