Introducing urbanmoms.ca Style File!

Welcome to the urbanmoms.ca Style File! Our goal is to focus on fashion and shopping tips that work for real moms and real budgets.

We’re not going to focus on fashion fads (seriously, leggings?) or high-priced designer duds (spend $30 or $300 on a shirt and the baby will spit up on it just the same) or making anyone feel that there is fashion-standard to live up to.  But, we will share sound advice on maintaining a wardrobe that works for you – your personal style and your lifestyle — working mom, stay-at-home mom, part-time worker or mompreneur.  A wardrobe that avoids the daily dilemma of wondering what to wear – that actually saves time and money. And, in true urbanmoms fashion – there are no right or wrong answers – just useful, mom-approved information and hopefully a shared laugh or two. Because dressing for success as a mom is not just about how clothes make you look, but how they make you feel. What to wear is not one of the most serious matters moms face, but feeling good about the way you look sure can help make your day a little easier and build confidence – and we could all do with more of that.

So, please share your fashion tips, let us know your favourite retailers and brands and send in your style questions.  In the meantime, here’s a look at what I learned about wardrobe building from two radically different times in my life…

As a teenage exchange student spending time in France, I noticed how French women create their stylish look with relatively few pieces.  While I had used this technique over the years, I really honed this skill many years later when building a pregnancy wardrobe. It’s truly amazing how far a few key pieces such as a great pair of jeans, black pants, black skirt, a white shirt, some basic T’s, great boots and a few funky accessories can take you. 

Now, just like every one else, I was sick of my maternity gear after nine months, and it’s no fun to have such a limited choices in the long term, but the theory is sound – get strong foundations in place – and add to them.  So take a look at the items you wear most often and spend the majority of your clothing budget on new pieces that work with them.  The 80/20 rule is applicable to most wardrobes – that is 20% is worn 80% of the time.  The goal is to flip those percentages around so that 80% are useful and stylish items that you can wear everyday, and 20% are fabulous items that, while not worn as frequently, are on standby for special occasions, such as that anniversary dinner or family formal.

Here’s some thoughts on a couple of wardrobe essentials:
• Jeans are a mom staple…

o Create a more finished look with a great belt or two.  I find that it’s useful to have both a black and brown leather belt.  Basic buckles are great for everyday wear, or add a little “bling” with a more ornate version (note my belt above) – there are lots in the store right now.  Check out the major department stores accessory departments or any of the little accessory spots in the mall.
o Nothing goes with jeans better than a great T.  This time of year, layer long sleeved versionsor wear a short sleeved over long for a sporty look. Watch out for interesting décor and designs on T’s as we move into Spring. (I love this brown Burton brand one I’m wearing above – it coorordinates equally well with beige and brown cords, neutral cargo pants and jeans.) These work best on small/ medium busts.  Also, be sure any slogan is something you like and that you don’t mind a keen kindergartener or two reading your chest! Here is an example from Roots.

o By the way, if you find your perfect jeans – consider buying two pairs. That way you’ll always have a spare pair to change into following a juice spill (or worse).  Also, consider hemming one pair for flats and one for heels.

• We can’t live without our coats in Canada…
o Black seems to be the colour of choice in both wool coats and parkas, and there’s no doubt that it always looks sharp. However, if you’re in the market for a new coat in this season of sales, another versatile colour to consider is charcoal grey.  It’s a little softer than black, looks great with black, brown and any shade of jeans, and hides a multitude of marks.

o If you’re getting bored with your coat, but don’t want to invest in a new one this year, then treat yourself to a new accessories.  Hats, scarves and gloves are also on sale right now.  A new colour or style of hat can do wonders to freshen up the feel and look of the great Canadian parka.  A punch of bright pink or blue or a crocheted or textured scarf or hat are all fun. Here are some ideas I got from Sears.ca. 

o Hard to imagine, but warmer weather will come again. No need to purchase a new jacket for the short Canadian Spiring – longer length cardigans (especially wrap versions) make great Spring cover-ups over roll necks, T’s and camis.  Here’s one I liked from Gap.

Katie is host of the urbanmoms.ca Style File.  As a public relations professional and a student of style and design, Katie has helped many retail and fashion clients promote their brands. She is mom to two boys (the best anti-shopping devices on the market) and now indulges her love of fashion by conducting wardrobe consultations and personal shopping expeditions for friends and acquaintances, providing advice on everything from wardrobe must-haves to accessories and footwear.  Katie firmly believes that high style does not have come with a high price tag and her shopping philosophy is based on saving both time and money.

Have style questions or ideas?  We’d love to hear from you!  Share your thoughts below in the comments or email katie@urbanmoms.ca.