June Week 2: Clothes

Brands

Zeroing in on one brand can help bring a clearer vision to your sense of fashion. When I first started searching for a way to refresh my style after becoming a mom, I started looking at various brands and studying them. What did I like about them? What didn’t I like? Could I see myself wearing one “style” of clothing? I ended up loving Wren & Ivory and decided to focus on buying pieces from only one brand for a while to start solidifying what felt like a sense of style…and I loved it.

Today, give this method a try. Start studying a handful of brands that catch your eye and start asking yourself questions: What do you like about them? The patterns? The solids? The way they layer pieces together? How bold they are? Describe each brand’s style (romantic, dark, classic, floral, casual, etc.) and then use those descriptive words to do a search for similar styles as a way to brainstorm new style ideas.

By the way, I reached out to Wren & Ivory and they generously offered the yayas a discount code: yaya10 (10% off your entire purchase, one time use only)

Capsule Wardrobe

Is a capsule wardrobe for you? Ever tried it? Never heard of it? Spend some time researching what a capsule wardrobe is and if it seems like it might be a good fit for you. Many mamas swear by this method. Research it and write your thoughts on how or if the idea could fit into your new style.

Sizes

Sizing on clothing is bogus. Repeat after me: sizing is bogus. It’s a whacked out guide that clothing companies cannot seem to agree on. One brand’s XL is another’s M.

You are not defined by a tag with a bogus size printed on it.

It’s time to clear our minds when it comes to sizes! Our notions from junior high about sizing being important need to go! So many mamas hold onto these thoughts in a way that doesn’t serve them and that all comes to the surface after having babies. There’s a strange pressure to “get back to pre-baby size.” Mama, please. Embrace physical changes that happen to your body—whether they happen because of pregnancy or not. It’s better to work with what is as you’re working on your health and fitness goals than to beat yourself up from the inside every day. Remember, those sizes are totally subjective and all over the place. Figure out what you need in this moment so you can find peace in this moment.

Today we free ourselves from sizing & labels! Today I want you to simply start looking at clothes that are beautiful to you and find a fit (regardless of what the tag says!) that makes you feel as amazing as you are! Give yourself (and your children!) the gift of freedom from size shame.

Write about how sizing has affected your self-confidence over the years. Write down your views on sizing, society, and stereotypes. Finish with affirmations and positive messages that will encourage you to break free from those chaining thoughts.

Bottoms

What types of bottoms do you like most? Capris? Jeans? Leggings? Skirts? A mix? Neutrals? Patterns? What bottoms could you toss from your closet that aren’t serving you? What style of bottoms would you like to try more of or for the first time?

Write about it! Give it some thought today so the next time you go shopping, you have some (self-guided) direction!

Bonus Activity: do an image search for your favorite style of pants or skirts to see how other mamas pair them with tops!

Tops

What types of tops do you like the most? Long-sleeve? Tanks? Button down? Sweaters? Neutrals? Patterns? Layers? What tops in your closet could you toss from your closet that aren’t serving you? What style of tops would you like to try more of or for the first time?

Write about it! Same as yesterday, give it some thought so the next time you go shopping you’ll have some (self-guided) direction!

Bonus Activity: do an image search for your favorite style of tops to see how other mamas pair them with bottoms!

Dresses

What style of dresses do you love the most? To you have a variety or one style you lean toward? Do you prefer patterns or solids? What dresses do you have in your closet that aren’t serving you anymore? What style would you like more of? What styles have you never tried on before but would like to?

Write about it! Give it some thought so the next time you go shopping you’ll have some (self guided) direction!

Bonus Activity: do an image search for different styles of dresses for your body type to see how other mamas are rocking dresses!

Out of the Box

Make a commitment to try on at least two different styles/colors/sizes/etc. this week that you *think* are “not you.”

I did this recently with patterns and colors and quickly discovered that I was missing out on a whole world of cute and flattering clothes simply because I had told myself that I couldn’t/wouldn’t/shouldn’t wear certain things. I was mistakenly limiting myself. Try out this experiment and see if this applies to you, too! Then write about it.