Chelsea Kaplan’s Musings About Life... After Birth

Yesterday, Momtourage member Lauren ran into a woman who was in the new moms group we joined shortly after our first babies were born. “Oh Chelsea, she looked like such a….mom,” Lauren reported, shuddering. Though I probably should have been filled with indignation to hear “mom” used to signify “dowdy/schlumpy”, I wasn’t; I knew exactly what Lauren meant, because, admittedly, I’m guilty of using “mom” pejoratively too.

Sadly, these days “mom” (think “mom jeans”) is all too often used to mean “dumpy”. Blame it on SNL’s “mom jeans” faux ad (tagline: “Because you’re not a woman - you’re a mom!”) - or the reality that when you’re pushing a stroller, doing so in sweats and Pumas as opposed to a Michael Kors shift and Prada pumps is, let’s face it, a heck of a lot easier.

I remember watching - and loving - contestant Laura Bennett on Project Runway a couple of seasons ago. She was the redheaded mother of like, 500 (ok, 6, but that’s essentially 500) kids, yet she always looked impeccably put-together. Essentially, she was the anti-”mom”. “If I am dressed dumpy, I am going to eat badly and act dumpy,” she said. “It’s such a simple thing to get dressed and feel better about yourself.” Perhaps “mom” style really is that simple; it takes a little extra effort, but getting “dressed” when you’re a mom is about more than just fashion - it’s a state of mind and being.

This Spring, updating your wardrobe from “mom” to “MOM!” is super simple. Trust me - you don’t need an innate, Carrie Bradshaw-esque sense of style and you won’t have to sacrifice comfort or a ton of cash. Simply take some of what you’ve already got, add a few on-trend items and be ruthless in getting rid of your dated, “mom” duds. Let these tips, taken from the Spring 2008 runway trend report I wrote for the April issue of The Family Groove, be your guide for what to add to, toss from and keep in your closet this season in order to render yourself decidedly un-dowdy:

Bright colors

Items in bold colors were all the rage last fall, and continue to be just as omnipresent this spring. Maintain the trend in warmer weather by wearing floaty tops, tank-style dresses or swingy skirts in bright hues. If you want to try the bright color trend, but are a little hesitant to abandon your tried-and-true neutrals, test the waters by toting a bright bag or slipping on a hot-hued pair of sandals. A great accessory to try: the Los Feliz Beverly Tote from L.A.M.B, which is $395 at shopbop.com or at the Tyson’s Corner Center Nordstrom.

If you’re ready to jump right in and take the plunge, add a piece in a neon shade. In order to avoid a full-on 80s vibe, pair neons and bright pieces (like this Alexander Wang Pebbled Knit Tank, $207, at www.shopbop.com or Georgetown’s Cusp) with subtle neutrals like khaki, gray or navy, and accessorize with simple gold or silver jewelry, as seen below:

Embellished pieces

Last fall, tops, dresses and accessories adorned with jewels ruled the runways – and retail racks. This trend is still going strong for spring, though in a slightly more subtle manner. Your best bet: tops and dresses with necklines decorated with delicate jewels, metallic studs or graphic, metallic sequins. My (ultra-affordable) picks: Studded Knit Dress, $32.80, and Sequined Knit Tunic, $24.80, both available at forever21.com or the Montgomery Mall location of Forever 21.

Gladiator Sandals

This Greek-inspired footwear was popular last spring, and will continue to show up in stores and on soles this year as well. For comfort, wear a flat style during the day, but for evening, kick your nighttime look up a notch with a high-heeled or wedge version. For the most flattering, leg-lengthening look, choose a pair with a thin ankle-strap. My picks: Nine West’s Sulliban Sandal, $89, and Jobilyn Sandal, $79, both available at ninewest.com or at the White Flint Mall location of Nine West.

A neutral bag

Last season, snow white bags were seen on the arms nearly celeb lunching at The Ivy. This season, however, neutral bags in bone, gray and beige are the white-hot way to finish your outfit. My picks: the Kooba Lola Tote, $645, and Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Teri Tote, $428, all available at Bloomingdales.com or the Chevy Chase Bloomingdale’s.

Light denim

Dark denim is still chic (and, of course, slimming), but this season, try trading in your trusty indigo jeans for paler-hued versions. Avoid going super-light and instead opt for a cool chambray shade. Wider-leg styles are in, as are boot-cut and skinny-leg varieties, so choose the style you find most flattering for your body type. My pick: J Brand Love Story Jeans in Summer, $179, jbrandjeans.com or Bethesda’s Denim Bar.

Ethnic prints

Ikat, batik and tie-dye, looks most commonly associated with the 70s love child look, are suddenly fresh and fun. Ease them into your wardrobe without looking like a Deadhead by pairing a top with tailored, trouser-style jeans. My picks: Nieves Lavi V-Neck Poncho, $132 and Yaya Aflalo Solar Tunic, $294, both available at shopbop.com and Gerogetown’s Urban Chic.

Mod-inspired fashions

The 60s pop art look has come and gone, so shelve your graphic prints for now and instead opt for an ethnic print or an acid-hued bright.

Bermuda-length shorts

Time to (ugh) hit that Stairmaster, because shorts hemlines are rising faster than Google stock. Knee-length Bermuda shorts are out, and have been replaced by mid-thigh and shorter varieties.

Corset belts

Shelve your thick & chunky corset belts for now and instead cinch your favorite dress or tunic with a skinny belt, preferably in a bright shade of patent leather.