Let's face it, if we get out of the house with two matching shoes, we are doing good most of the time. Being a mother and being in fashion, do not always go hand and hand. It does not have to be that way though! Here are some simple tips that I have found worked for me.
1)
Plan ahead. I remember setting out my outfit the night before, so I did not have to wake up 30 minutes early, back in my school days. The same idea applies here. If you know what you are going to wear ahead of time, it will be quicker to throw it on and get out the door.
2)
Allow time to get ready. I have to get dressed 1.5 hours before we even plan on leaving. Sadly, sometimes I am still running out the door some of the times, but trust me, this helps. You know you will have a million, "mom's" sang at you during this 1.5 hours, so plan ahead and hopefully you can get it done in time.
3)
Choose your battles. Unless we are going to church (and sometimes even then) I let them choose what they want to wear. Batman shirt, basketball shorts and cowboy boots, why the heck not? Any mother/father that sees your child will know they chose their own outfit. If they do not have children and look at you funny, give them ___ years until they have their own child. They will remember that moment, and think, "I take back all the mean things I said about other parents".
4)
Do not compare. It's hard in today's day and age, where you can follow (OK, stalk) celebrities or bloggers literally all day. They all seem to have the perfect life, the perfect outfit, the perfect children. Sighs. Remember, that they are women, just like you and me. They have bad moment and only blog about the good ones. They get PAID to look good and put on a good front. They are NOT you. Be happy with who you are, you are good enough. Trust me, your children do not care if your face lands on the front page of Vogue. They just want a loving mother who is there for them. You do not have to spend millions of dollars to buy their happiness. Just show up and be there. Trust me, it will always be more than enough.
Above all else, just be yourself and love. Your children will remember the time you spent with them more than anything. I am sure all of you wonderful mothers have plenty of other tips as well. Please share them in the comments so we can all learn from each other.
-Tara