Guest Post by Andrea Fox in Flats
I met gorgeous Andrea at the recent Aussie Bloggers Conference. Over dinner, we chatted about our how we fell into a style rut after having children. This dilemma, one many mums face, is the driving force behind Andrea’s blog, Fox in Flats. In her blog, Andrea shares tips, ideas and inspiration to make it much, much easier to navigate motherhood in style.
I’m so glad to have Andrea here today to talk about 5 accessories every mum should have.
5 accessories every mum should have
Late last year Fox in Flats asked 150 women how they felt about fashion and style since they had become mothers. The study revealed that 87% wear a uniform of sorts on a day-to-day basis – mostly jeans and a T-shirt.
To dress up your everyday clothes, here are the top 5 accessories every mum should have:
1. Sunglasses
“(they are an) instant style accessory and great for hiding tired eyes.” Claimed a mother from Annandale, NSW
But save your designer sunnies for non-child related events to avoid them being bumped, scratched or used as dress-ups, and instead, build up a wardrobe of cheap and chic sunglasses. You can find a great range of fun and also classic sunglasses from as little as $20 in chemists, gift stores or online at Equip or Unity Eyewear.
Just ensure they have an endorsement sticker saying the sunglasses conform to Australian Standards, so you can be sure they are okay for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.
2. A large scarf
Slip on a scarf to add colour and texture, and have fun experimenting how to wear it. A large scarf can come in handy for added discretion when you are nursing, can disguise a ‘mummy tummy’, and at a pinch can come in handy to lie baby on for emergency nappy changes.
This season, go for anything in a leopard print.
3. Chunky Cuff
It’s easy to shy away from jewellery when you’ve got kids. When they are babies it can scratch delicate skin, and by the time there are older you might just be out of the habit. But try a chunky fabric or woven cuff. Stores like Diva stock a myriad of choices for under $10. Consider feather, fur or animal print to stay on trend, or for a classic look try soft leather. Elasticised cuffs can also be handy to switch from side to side when you are nursing to remember what side you last fed from.
And heed this good advice from a mum in Perth, WA: “Put on jewellery when you get dressed or you won’t get around to it.”
4. Satchel style bag
Look outside of the baby and maternity departments for your diaper bag, and consider a stylish satchel bag. They usually have loads of pockets and compartments to keep everything you need stored securely, and come with a long strap to wear across your body to keep your hands free, or to loop onto the back of the pram. Avoid the temptation to experiment with florals or girly patterns, and stick with darker colours in a sturdy fabric that your partner would be happy to lug around. Just make sure they don’t lay claim to the bag entirely like my husband did…
5. A wide brimmed hat
Essential to cover a bad-hair day, and to protect your skin and hair from UV rays when you are out in the playground. But think further afield than the standard baseball hat. Broad brimmed fedoras are not only practical, but look divine in straw or felt depending on the season. Or get a funky 70’s vibe going with a floppy felt hat. We’ve workshopped how to wear them over at Fox In Flats – it’s easier than you think!
But the most simple and inexpensive accessory of course is a smile. Greet the day with a big old grin, and try to get a giggle everyday.
What is your essential accessory for when you are with your kids?
Andrea is mum to two boys. You’ll find her blogging over at Fox in Flats.
“Sharing tips, ideas and inspiration to make it much, much easier to navigate motherhood in style.”
13 Comments
Penny
June 2, 2011 at 9:11 amLove the sunglasses trick. My $20 Portmans jackie O style glasses and my $12 DFO aviators I CANNOT lose. But my Oroton ones? Gone in 60 seconds…well a few days. Murphys Law.
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
June 2, 2011 at 9:24 amThanks Andrea for these tips. You know, I never thought of a woven cuff but it makes so much sense: looks good and is so child-friendly too. Personally I love hats. Oh, and lip gloss is a must-have for me too.
Lina Nguyen
June 2, 2011 at 9:57 amOMG, I love how simple these tips are! Yes, there IS hope – I don’t have to feel like a Dairy Milk Cow cross TragicTrackieDackie anymore! Thank you, Andrea!
Kirralee Baker
June 2, 2011 at 10:16 amGreat advice! I saw a gorgeous Diva cuff in a mag recently. Brilliant idea.
I’ve recently joined the crowd wearing thick leggings with a stretchy short dress and a cardi over the top. Still relatively comfortable and practical for taking care of the kidlets, but occasionally gets me out of the jeans and tshirt rut. I recommend it <3
Kellie
June 2, 2011 at 11:13 amFab tips. I really like the look of the chunky cuff. Not sure if my little wrists could pull it off, but cute none the less! I’ve been wearing a funky cap quite a bit lately to pick up the three year old from childcare. Saves me so much time in the bathroom!! I might have to opt for a wide brimmed one now. 🙂
Andrea @ FoxInFlats
June 2, 2011 at 12:07 pmThanks Kelly for allowing me to guest post!
I just love your new site – just divine. Congratulations.
xxx
Andrea
Elizabeth
June 2, 2011 at 2:04 pmLove the sunnies. I have been buying a few but wondered if it was too “teenager” to wear the cheap ones, but no more thanks to this post. I love the cuff too – gorgeous!
Meegan
June 3, 2011 at 9:57 amAnother addition to my list: A great pair of jeans – the best you can afford! Something that fits fantastically, flatters your shape, makes you feel confident and comfortable. No small task to find these magic jeans, but it’s worth it!
JDaniel4's Mom
June 3, 2011 at 9:45 pmGreat list! I have some of these already.
Kate
June 4, 2011 at 7:26 amWhat a wonderful list, thank you. I need to get some scarves but otherwise I think I can do it – my ‘uniform’ of jeans and black t-shirt really needs an overhaul!
Another thing I was thinking, and I guess it’ll depend on the age of the child, is a bright brooch.
Love the new blog design too, so fresh and bright!
Kathryn Rodda
June 4, 2011 at 6:32 pmGreat ideas! Having 3 boys in 3 years, I didn’t wear a lot of necklaces, but now that my youngest is about to turn 2, I have been revamping my jewellery. Equip has had $5 specials lately and boy have I bought up! About 5-7 new earrings and 4-5 new necklaces. I am loving the long beaded necklaces.
5 Steps to a Better Mummy Uniform
June 22, 2011 at 7:43 am[…] 5 Assessories for Mums […]
aira
October 3, 2011 at 5:10 pmThat’s helpful Andrea!.. I think I must have that since I wanted to look younger. I love the cuff and the hat. I’m not wishing to look like a teenager but just a bit younger than my age. Thanks So much Andrea.