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How to Keep Your Style with a Toddler in Tow

Today the lovely Kate Brennan is sharing her tips for how she continues her love of fashion now that she’s traded in a job in corporate retail for a busy life with her adorable 18-month-old daughter. Please visit her blog Dress Your Guests for more of her style and tips, and thank you, Kate, for sharing with us!

I was given the incredible opportunity to work with Project Nursery to create a mom-friendly style post, and it couldn’t have come at a better time since Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Whether you are a mom-to-be, a new mom or a mom to multiple kiddos, I have a few suggestions on how I try to pull together a polished look like this one below.

Kate Brennan and Daughter

Kate Brennan and Daughter

Here are my tips:

1. A kimono is one of the most versatile pieces you can own, and it is right on point with spring’s biggest trend—boho chic. It can easily transition through all stages of motherhood. This floral kimono (or a less expensive option like this bold ikat print) can be added to the simplest outfit to take it from ordinary to extraordinary. A kimono will seamlessly take you from pregnancy to post pregnancy and can even be used as a nursing cover when put on backwards.

Kate Brennan and Daughter

Kate Brennan and Daughter

2. Boyfriend jeans are my go-to. I embraced the skinny jean for a long time, but by the end of the day, I found myself pulling and tugging and always seemed to feel restricted by the tight silhouette. I decided to switch over to a tailored boyfriend jean, which feels much more comfortable and allows me to move freely while playing with my daughter. I also favored this silhouette when I was pregnant because as my belly and hips grew this style allowed me more room to grow comfortably. I invested in this pair and dressed them up with heels or wedges at night, and on the weekend, I lived in these with flats.

Kate Brennan and Daughter

Kate Brennan and Daughter

3. Sunglasses and a bold lip are my everyday essentials. As long as I have both of these on I feel instantly pulled together—I learned this trick early on from my mother. When you are tired during pregnancy, this will help eliminate some time from your make-up routine, and after you have the baby, make sure you keep a bright lipstick and big shades stashed in the diaper bag when there is no time for the everyday essentials. Find a lip color that complements your skin tone and it will instantly brighten your appearance. I love Laura Mercier lip glosses because they are moisturizing and have a delicious vanilla scent.

Kate Brennan and Daughter

Kate Brennan and Daughter

4. Add on necklaces that will elongate your frame. Try out a trendy tassel necklace or a more classic option like a monogrammed locket. I have one with my daughter’s initials on it. By keeping the necklace length longer (to below the bust or lower), it will help create the illusion of length and make you appear taller and thinner. Pile them on please!

5. As for dressing Isabella, I favor one-pieces and add-on layers like this light denim jacket. As you can see, clothes easily get dirty, and a jumper makes the outfit changes an easier task. Plus less laundry to do! Isabella also loves accessories, and anything that is kid friendly that I don’t have to worry about her choking on or pulling apart is a win in my book. Chewbeads have transitioned from something I wore to something she likes to add on to her ensemble when getting dressed—18 months and already accessorizing!

Kate Brennan and Daughter

Kate Brennan and Daughter

On Kate: Kimono: Anthropologie and Less Expensive Version Here | Tank: Loft | Necklace: Similar at J.Crew | Distressed Denim: A Gold E Denim | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Bracelet: Loft | Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff | Lipstick: M.A.C. – Vegas Volt | Nailpolish: Essie – Hip Anema

On Isabella: Denim Jacket: Ralph Lauren | Jumper: Gymboree | Necklace: Chewbeads | Sunglasses: Gymboree | Shoes: Freshly Picked

Photography by Ariana Clare

Melisa Fluhr

Thursday 7th of May 2015

Thanks so much for sharing your fabulous style with us Kate! I'm feeling inspired by the Kimono...