Fashion bug

Here are some tips on putting together an outfit in a short time. When you become a mom, your life is changed in many ways. One is that you need more time to do the things you enjoy. The average mother has only 17 minutes of “me” time daily. One of the exercises I did in my NCT class was to think about how having a child might impact your daily routine. (They used an extreme example where the mother had no time to shower! Mila’s routine has been helpful to me. I can plan my day around hers, and let’s face it, having a child is all about planning. Although I may look like I’m always well-dressed, there are times when I don’t. To look more glamorous regularly, I follow a few rules.

1. Always keep a pair with you. The UK is notorious for its miserable weather, so you can only wear them sometimes. You would be surprised how well sunglasses can conceal many sins and increase glamour. I’ve been wearing Illesteva sunglasses for years because they suit my face shape. The good news is that they work most faces. I also love Freda Banana, Fendi, and other brands, but I wear Illestevas almost daily. I own many pairs, but Leonard’s black and tortoiseshell styles are my favorites.

2. You should make an effort to maintain your hair. Okay, I’m terrible at it. I do my best to get regular haircuts and blow-drys, but I need to improve at this one. My hair is easy to maintain. It’s incredible how much difference a well-groomed head of hair can make, so it’s worth the effort. I LOVE Ruuby App because you can have a beautician come to YOU. I now get everything done at home, from pedicures and manicures to eyelash extensions and waxing. It’s much easier to get a beautician when you have a child!

3. Invest in accessories. You may have noticed that my shoe obsession is a bit extreme. I don’t usually buy handbags – my husband spoils me on my birthday and Christmas, so I leave it up to him. I own a few Chanel handbags, now my favorites, and Goyards. (You can put anything in them!) These are the only bags I use; they are my favorite brands. You can buy good-quality bags from brands like Mansur Gavriel to save money. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed that I always carry a statement bag and statement shoes. Shoes are what I spend the most money on. I buy a lot from high-street brands like Zara and Topshop. You can look great on a low budget if you add some accessories. I don’t buy high street shoes because they aren’t durable and can lose shape after two uses. You can throw together an outfit with just one pair of flats and heels in less than 5 minutes. Add your killer accessories, and you’re good to go. Below are some of my favorite statement accessories:

4. If in doubt, wear black. Even when I was young, I wore all black. I like brightly colored dresses and add color to my outfits. Even my grandmother would ask me as a child, “Why do you dress like you’re going to a wedding?” But in reality, nothing is chicer or more elegant than wearing black. It is also a great solution if you have little time. You can look stylish in an LBD, cropped black jeans, or an oversized knit with a black sweater.

5. It’s the little things that count. Nails are a good example. A regular manicure can make all the difference.

6. Plan. I take a few minutes on Sundays to look at what I will wear for the week ahead. You may have to change your plans if the weather changes, but you’ll feel and look better if you plan. It’s not good to be in a hurry and pull everything from your closet only to realize you have nothing on.

7. Invest in capsule wardrobes. It’s great to have statement pieces, but sometimes it’s better to look at your entire wardrobe and buy pieces you can mix with others. You can create many different looks. Consider the basics, such as a leather coat (I wear mine with everything), good jeans, good quality tees, a cashmere sweater, a denim shirt, etc. Let the statement pieces become your accessories.

8. Wear some statement jewelry. Earrings. Or big rings. I wear the pieces of the brand SORU all the time. They are statement pieces, so you don’t need to layer them or think about it. It’s easy to add a pair of hoops that instantly lifts an outfit.

9. Buy chic sweatshirts and leggings. You should dress in style if you are going to run errands or go to the gym in the morning. I get up around 6:30/7 am, depending on when Mila gets up. I then run errands and often spend a lot of time getting ready.

10. Find a quick and easy makeup routine! I don’t use a lot of makeup. I haven’t used powder or foundation much, but I still had to reduce the time it took to apply. I can now apply my makeup in just 5 minutes. Consider what products you like – I love a bit of bronzer, mascara, and a bare lip. You can gain so much confidence by making an effort. Below you can find my makeup essentials: