Karen and I // 2006
Thank gawd for childhood friends who are more experienced at motherhood than I am! Karen, a friend of mine for over 20 years is one chic mom I turn to for advice about everything, and recently I've been turning to her for something she's known about for years-- MOMMYHOOD. She's a mom of a very tall teenage boy, a quiet artsy beauty, and my girlie girl god-daughter. I admire and adore her for her brilliance and strength, not to mention, her out-of-this-world organizational skills. And, even though she lives 500 miles north of where I reside she's just a call, text, or email away. Yay for technology! I recently asked her to contribute to NanayChic by answering some of my questions. Here's what she had to say:
What is your advice to new moms out there who are trying to adjust to the new mommy lifestyle? “Savor each moment with your child. The laundry and dishes can wait a few more minutes, but your child may not. Your child may not remember how clean (or messy) of a house you kept, but he or she will remember the time you took to a story or to play hide-n-seek.”
Do you have a nanaychic “uniform” and if so, what is it? Or, do you have any wardrobe staples that are a must for moms? “I’m still developing my nanaychic “uniform” so I can roll out of bed looking more stylish, but I’ve identified some must-haves for moms:
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Two pairs of jeans (at least one dark wash). One pair should be hemmed for heels and the other for flats, flip-flops, sneakers. I like the hem to practically touch the floor.
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A comfy shoe alternative to sneakers so you can chase the kiddies around while looking nanaychic.
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Diamond studs. Every mom should have a pair—real or fake. They’re my go-to earrings. Whether paired with a little black dress or a sweat suit, they make me feel sophisticated.
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Cotton blazer. I have recently eliminated my zip-up hoodies and fleece pullovers from my daily wear and purchased a black cotton blazer to keep me warm when I walk my first grader to school. (This was per the advice of my favorite chic mom.) It’s comfy but even makes jeans, a tank and flip flops look stylish.
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Earrings – all kinds (hoops, dangling, chandelier, etc.) When I’m not in my studs, I put on dangling earrings with some color to dress up my outfit. I usually have my hair back and don’t always put on a full face of makeup (just powder, brows, gloss) but wearing interesting earrings adds flair to my look.”
How would you describe your own style? “I’m still working on my personal style, but I’m probably a mix of preppy-sporty-laid-back-casual. I try to merge comfort with looking “put together.” Dressing comfortably doesn’t mean living in sweats.”
What’s the hardest part about staying a chic mommy? “Keeping up with what’s “in.” I have to refer to my InStyle mag or ask my niece (or the nanaychic founder) on what’s the latest trend. I don’t have the time to base my wardrobe on the season’s new look, so I just add a couple trendy pieces or accessories to my basic wardrobe.”
Do you have any nanaychic tips you’d like to share? “Take time out for yourself. You need some “me” time every day, whether it‘s 5 minutes of peace to do your makeup, a 30-minute jog or a girls night out. You need some down time to de-stress and reflect.”
Favorite song to “get ready” for the day to? “I don’t have a favorite “getting ready” song but listening to 90’s hip-hop/rap throwbacks gets me pumped for the day.”
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