As an independent style coach and personal shopper, I have the privilege of helping women realize authenticity by exploring with them the dynamic possibilities found in personal style and image. I also hear their private self-talk, and the theme expressed most often by moms – ranging in age from 26 to 44 – is that after having children, their bodies have changed and they’re not sure, style-wise, how to capture the nuance of their new shape.

What I don’t hear much about or see – from women’s magazines to style sections in news publications – are messages with reference to moms and how they can reconnect and feel good about themselves as they go to their wardrobe for everyday living. There are some easy, straightforward solutions … Interested?

Women, especially moms, are active, busy, dynamic, multi-taskers who accomplish so much in a typical diverse day that their to-do lists would fry the hard drives of most umpteen-megabyte PDAs. Yet the reality is that their focus and attention is on everything – and everyone – but themselves.

Whether they are meeting up for playgroups, organizing extra-curricular activities, shuttling kids to soccer, volunteering at the local school or for a non-profit, enjoying a girl’s night out, running their households or perhaps even a business, these women have an exceedingly full-plate!

Just like everyone else, women who are moms want to look and feel great. The message I consistently impart at Uniquely Savvy is that how you feel about yourself changes everything – from demeanor, to countenance, to productivity, to mood and attitude. This resonates with many of today’s moms, and what they really desire are versatile, practical and stylish wardrobes.  What would it be worth to feel more comfortable, confident and more alive as CEO of your household?

Perhaps you might recognize the following phrases. “My body has changed since having kids, and my clothes just fit differently.” Or how about, “Other moms dress practically and fashionably, but I just feel frumpy in sweats and simple tees.”  Ahhh ... what about the one we can all identify with, “I was standing in the closet and realized I had absolutely nothing to wear!”  This does not have to be you, nor should it be!

Having a new shape does not have to be a challenge. Busyness and a full-schedule do not have to make you feel out of touch. And being a mom does not forfeit your right and need to feel terrific about who you are and how you look. You deserve to feel good about yourself – and you can!

Creating and witnessing transformation is one of the reasons I absolutely love what I do!  I have the privilege of bringing people, especially moms, back online, both in perception and reality. And in a fast-past world, where we are too often short on time and overloaded with demands, it’s worth having someone you trust and respect assist you with such seemingly basic needs that profoundly affect so much of who you are.

The wide range of people I work with (both men and women, young and old) learn to celebrate body shape, personal coloring and authentic clothing style while simultaneously creating a wardrobe that achieves individual lifestyle goals. For instance, I recently had the pleasure of working with a mom who also happens to be a top-level executive at a Fortune 500 Company. Our objective was for her to learn how to dress her new shape and to refine her authentic and creative sense of style, with the idea that it would not only project her competence, but also be practical, requiring less of her time and energy.

After evaluating what was in her closet, I was able to create a shopping list for missing pieces and accessories that would bring it all together. I pre-selected items from a variety of stores; based on color, shape, wardrobe style, budget and lifestyle. As she tried things on, I was able to accessorize and coach her on combinations that made her light up – as evidenced by the little jig she did in front of the mirror!  In the end, she was able to purchase pieces that made her look and feel like the person she truly is.  

Emotional return on investment is huge, especially when you think about self-worth issues and how they affect you on a daily basis. You are worth the savings – especially when it empowers you! Practical solutions are both attainable and affordable. Here are three simple, helpful tips to spark your creativity as you consider some support:

First, take a time-out to assess your lifestyle. What kinds of activities are you involved with on a daily basis? Where do you spend the majority of your time? Your wardrobe should be a reflection of you, your lifestyle, and how you spend your time.

Second, evaluate your likes and dislikes, and what it is that moves you in terms of beauty, fashion and style. What makes you come alive? What doesn’t? What makes you walk with an extra bounce in your step? Each season offers many new trends. A personal style coach can help you keep up with what’s in, assist you in identifying what appeals to you, and help you with the seasonal additions you would like to incorporate into your wardrobe without having to spend countless, frustrating hours trying to figure it out on your own.

Finally, suggest the idea to your better half! In my experience, husbands and significant others are generally willing to support their partners in looking and feeling their best. When they do, everything just seems to run smoother … what’s that worth? 

Feeling positive about yourself really does make a difference, and looking good just makes you feel better! True story, fashion is a vehicle – but underneath it all it’s really about the heart of a woman.  It’s about reshaping how she feels by changing the self-talk and perception from negative to positive. Consider treating yourself, or ask your partner for a style coaching gift certificate. You’re worth the investment!

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