I also miss my pre-baby body (my kids are 9 and 5)! Sigh. It gets better, but it will always be different. I also just turned 40 so that is a thing.
Cheers to leaning into the clothes that work for your life. I just bought two athletic one pieces to try and feel more put together for days of WFH with mid-day workouts. So far it is working well!
Rive Droite Custine is a perfect mom and more bag, no notes. My favorite investment from the newborn haze and it’s still the perfect size a few years on - went for the normal, not XL, and it still fits a sippy cup, snacks, couple diapers and small wipes, my wallet/lip balm/hand cream and bits, plus a kindle or New Yorker. XL would only be ✨more✨ I imagine.
I didn't!! I ended up with a Baggu bag instead, but the Custine has been getting high praise from a few others around here. I recommend the XL in it to hold everything (I've shopped it in person and can attest to size and quality).
Loveeeeee all of this! I just bought a pair of COS cotton barrel pants, a cotton/silk navy sweater from Banana, and also a cream color tie front cotton cardigan from Banana, it looks so cozy! I love a soft cotton knit. I want a pair of long(er) shorts too!! Everlane has a good pair right now
This was great. I’ve had to tell myself so many times that this is a phase of life (a wonderful one) but it means I’m not going to be the chic woman in the airport right now. I’m going to be the one in leggings with side pockets to stuff hand sanitizer and snacks, and multiple layers to use as blankets and outfit changes when something spills and a heavy duty backpack. Someday that will change though, and it happens faster than imaginable when you’re in it.
Also in my post baby, learning to dress my new body while missing my old one era (why didn’t I appreciate it enough before 🤦🏼♀️ ?!?) so this post really spoke to me. Trying to be more intentional buying new clothes in this phase of life — so actually been trying to avoid easy online and buying from good consignment shops or poshmark. However, I need new T shirts and felt very seen by your section on that 🙏🏼
Some great advice here, particularly around your body changing. Thought I need to carry forwards - my body might be different but it doesn’t mean I can’t dress for who I am now.
We’re all changing all the time! I used to be a hoarder, trying to hang on to everything with the hopes I’d wear it again. It took until having a baby to realize how unrealistic that was, and that it’s ok to move on and change and get new things!
Good read. I purchased the cotton gap sweater and a pair of cream horseshoe jeans at GAP and they are good! If you are looking for an alternative to the frame ones:
Ohhhh thank you!! I have a bunch of the Gap barrel jeans but I like how big those horseshoe jeans are...
And I totally agree, spending a ton on jeans/pants with a changing post partum body just doesn't work for me. So glad there are so many good alternatives these days!
This was a fun read, thank you for writing and sharing it! I like your lofty goals matched with necessary practicality! Wanted to chime in with a couple of thoughts/recs on your list:
1. I can attest to the A New Day white tee. I’ve had a white one and a forest green one for maybe a year now and they’re so soft from day 1, stretchy so there’s nothing binding or pulling, and yet they don’t stretch out. Another super affordable route is the Old Navy snug fit bestie tee in white. I have a couple. I know fast fashion and all but like you, I love white tees and wear them so so often, and I have elementary aged kids and I will always get messy. Always. So I just can’t justify expensive white tees. Funny but ridiculous story is that a couple months back I broke down and splurged on a Madeworn white tee that has an awesome Talking Heads graphic on the front. It is truly amazing but every day I look at it in my drawer and come up with at least a handful of reasons why today is not the best day bc it’s so white, so perfect, I must protect it. LOL.
2. For your denim overalls search, may I recommend checking out eBay, Posh, or ThredUp for a perfectly soft and worn in “vintage” Y2K pair from GAP (or Old Navy or similar). I just got mine (GAP brand) recently from eBay after seeing someone else post this idea. And I’m so glad I went that route. They’re perfectly comfortable and bring me back to the late 90s in the best possible way!
I love your feedback on the tees, because I'm always on the hunt for a good one - so thank you!! I totally feel you on the precious Madeworn tee. I splurged on the Leset for myself a while back and of course now it's totally stained on the front and I don't even know what stained it. Womp. Back to cheap white tees I can run!
Excellent rec for the overalls! I'm a Poshmark super fan but honestly hadn't even thought to search for "vintage" overalls. Checking that out now.... (the late 90's contain some very fond memories for me!!)
My kids are mid elementary age now but I feel like I permanently adapted to machine washable and comfortable. (I walk a lot, work from home now and always want the flexibility to comfortably walk a mile minimum or sit on the grass to read or chat.) Three questions:
1. How will you style your overalls?
2. Ditto re styling the sneakers.
3. Cute summer flats - are you just accepting they’re not for walking or… ARE they?!
Machine washable and comfortable is absolutely something I'll be taking with me even as my daughter ages. I love practicality!!
I love your questions.
1) I like to style overalls with a basic tank underneath - I'm not personally a fan of short or long sleeves with an overall, though I know many women who look great styled that way. This is also like the only time one might catch me in a crop top - under an overall. I would likely pair with my Adidas sneakers or some other slim sneaker (maybe Converse), or if I'm not walking and mostly just in the park or sitting around, perhaps a fisherman sandal.
2) The sneakers I would wear with a baggy pant - denim or trouser. I like when the pointy-ish toe of a cool sneaker peeks out. In the spring with just an oversized tee or big sweater on top. But, I also do wear leggings pretty often (to and from yoga, running neighborhood errands), so I would wear those sneakers then too, with crew socks.
3) I would love for the flats to be walkable, otherwise I'll relegate them to days in which I'm not doing much walking. I don't count to/from the subway and to work as much walking, that's just regular walking, haha.
love it, thanks! yes - I think tank is the key for overalls. I keep wanting to make them work and feel like the vibe is right, but I always feel like a Benjamin Button type situation where I'm just a middle aged lady dressed like a child.
Jen I so so can relate to the missing your pre baby body sentiment. I actually chatted about this a bit more in depth on Maureen’s podcast - my youngest is nearly 5 and I only JUST (in the past 6 months) feel at ease with my body again. Everyone has their own timeline but your little one is still so little - it takes time to feel comfortable in our own skin again and that’s OK!! Btw yes to the cotton shirt and shorts set- I got one last summer and wore it to death! Xx
Ok noted on the shirt/shorts set, it's been on my mind so I think it's time!
And yeah, sigh. I feel like its an ongoing journey for everyone, feeling comfortable in their bodies! It's also so hard to talk about because I feel like I shouldn't complain because I have a gorgeous baby and we're both healthy....but you know, it's rough! The things we go through as women!!
I relate so much to this post. I usually change out of my white/cream sweaters and pants before I go pick up my daughter from daycare. 🫠 I refuse to give up on them entirely! And I love the Rive Droite.
Also - how will you manage stains on white jeans with sticky fingers?! I have been hesitant on a white or ecru pair for that reason. Lots of sticky hands around these parts.
Ah you're the second person to recommend that Uniqlo tee! I'll have to check it out.
Haha yeah the sticky fingers always get me, but I don't plan to spend a fortune so if they only last one summer, then fine, and honeslty at this point I've made peace with being a little covered in toddler goop on oaccasion - it is what it is.
Also, I can't recommend oxyclean enough. I regularly soak my whites in it overnight and they come out nearly like new!!
I remember having to do a mid morning work clothing change when our kids were younger too! What helped me was to wear a giant bathrobe/kimono/apron over my work clothes. When I was ready to leave, the robe came off and all the kid smoodge with it. Saved me many an outfit and a lot of time!
I also miss my pre-baby body (my kids are 9 and 5)! Sigh. It gets better, but it will always be different. I also just turned 40 so that is a thing.
Cheers to leaning into the clothes that work for your life. I just bought two athletic one pieces to try and feel more put together for days of WFH with mid-day workouts. So far it is working well!
Ohhh I love a one piece! Which one did you go with!
And yeah, I’m rapidly approaching 40 and just know things will never be the same, for better or worse!!
I’m curious which one-pieces, too!😊
This one from Old Navy turned out to be great: https://bit.ly/41IPSBG! Also this one from Quince which is okay, but not as compressive as I would like: https://bit.ly/4h7VNET.
I ended up grabbing a navy one from Athleta!
I have been eyeing those as well. Let me know how you like it!
I will! I run a lot and in primarily leggings and tops from Athleta, so I’m hoping this is of the same quality!
Thank you, Anabel!
Thank you!!
Rive Droite Custine is a perfect mom and more bag, no notes. My favorite investment from the newborn haze and it’s still the perfect size a few years on - went for the normal, not XL, and it still fits a sippy cup, snacks, couple diapers and small wipes, my wallet/lip balm/hand cream and bits, plus a kindle or New Yorker. XL would only be ✨more✨ I imagine.
Ok sold!! Thanks for the intel!!
Hi! Curious if you got the Custine and in which size. Have you been happy with it? Thanks!!
I didn't!! I ended up with a Baggu bag instead, but the Custine has been getting high praise from a few others around here. I recommend the XL in it to hold everything (I've shopped it in person and can attest to size and quality).
Thank you!! 🙏
Loveeeeee all of this! I just bought a pair of COS cotton barrel pants, a cotton/silk navy sweater from Banana, and also a cream color tie front cotton cardigan from Banana, it looks so cozy! I love a soft cotton knit. I want a pair of long(er) shorts too!! Everlane has a good pair right now
I love all of this. I liveee in my COS cotton barrel pants from last season on the weekends. Will check out Everlane for those shorts ASAP!
Re: white barrel jeans, I recently got the Citizen Miro barrel jeans in almondette - they're more of an ecru/off white but the fit is amazing!!
Ohhh ok good intel! I’ll have to check those out!! I love an ecru jean!
This was great. I’ve had to tell myself so many times that this is a phase of life (a wonderful one) but it means I’m not going to be the chic woman in the airport right now. I’m going to be the one in leggings with side pockets to stuff hand sanitizer and snacks, and multiple layers to use as blankets and outfit changes when something spills and a heavy duty backpack. Someday that will change though, and it happens faster than imaginable when you’re in it.
Also in my post baby, learning to dress my new body while missing my old one era (why didn’t I appreciate it enough before 🤦🏼♀️ ?!?) so this post really spoke to me. Trying to be more intentional buying new clothes in this phase of life — so actually been trying to avoid easy online and buying from good consignment shops or poshmark. However, I need new T shirts and felt very seen by your section on that 🙏🏼
I love that approach! I've been using Poshmark a ton as well - so easy to resell if it doesn't fit and it feels like so much less of a commitment. I've also been trying to in store shop rather than online because I find I either love the way it looks on me or hate it, and it's never the same as how it fits the models online, for better or worse, haha. Yes happy to help with the tees!! I'm always on the hunt...I recently discovered this one from the Gap that I'm loving right now too...https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=795346012&cid=17076&pcid=17076&vid=1&nav=meganav%3AWomen%3ACategories%3AT-Shirts+%26+Tanks&cpos=14&cexp=2859&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D17076&cvar=25415&ctype=Listing&cpid=res25030810123221765795360&ccam=43422#pdp-page-content
Some great advice here, particularly around your body changing. Thought I need to carry forwards - my body might be different but it doesn’t mean I can’t dress for who I am now.
We’re all changing all the time! I used to be a hoarder, trying to hang on to everything with the hopes I’d wear it again. It took until having a baby to realize how unrealistic that was, and that it’s ok to move on and change and get new things!
Such a mantra for life!
Love this so much!!!
Good read. I purchased the cotton gap sweater and a pair of cream horseshoe jeans at GAP and they are good! If you are looking for an alternative to the frame ones:
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=740053002
I feel awesome not having to spend the typical $300 on denim I usually do especially post partum and refiguring my style for my current body.
Ohhhh thank you!! I have a bunch of the Gap barrel jeans but I like how big those horseshoe jeans are...
And I totally agree, spending a ton on jeans/pants with a changing post partum body just doesn't work for me. So glad there are so many good alternatives these days!
This was a fun read, thank you for writing and sharing it! I like your lofty goals matched with necessary practicality! Wanted to chime in with a couple of thoughts/recs on your list:
1. I can attest to the A New Day white tee. I’ve had a white one and a forest green one for maybe a year now and they’re so soft from day 1, stretchy so there’s nothing binding or pulling, and yet they don’t stretch out. Another super affordable route is the Old Navy snug fit bestie tee in white. I have a couple. I know fast fashion and all but like you, I love white tees and wear them so so often, and I have elementary aged kids and I will always get messy. Always. So I just can’t justify expensive white tees. Funny but ridiculous story is that a couple months back I broke down and splurged on a Madeworn white tee that has an awesome Talking Heads graphic on the front. It is truly amazing but every day I look at it in my drawer and come up with at least a handful of reasons why today is not the best day bc it’s so white, so perfect, I must protect it. LOL.
2. For your denim overalls search, may I recommend checking out eBay, Posh, or ThredUp for a perfectly soft and worn in “vintage” Y2K pair from GAP (or Old Navy or similar). I just got mine (GAP brand) recently from eBay after seeing someone else post this idea. And I’m so glad I went that route. They’re perfectly comfortable and bring me back to the late 90s in the best possible way!
I love your feedback on the tees, because I'm always on the hunt for a good one - so thank you!! I totally feel you on the precious Madeworn tee. I splurged on the Leset for myself a while back and of course now it's totally stained on the front and I don't even know what stained it. Womp. Back to cheap white tees I can run!
Excellent rec for the overalls! I'm a Poshmark super fan but honestly hadn't even thought to search for "vintage" overalls. Checking that out now.... (the late 90's contain some very fond memories for me!!)
My kids are mid elementary age now but I feel like I permanently adapted to machine washable and comfortable. (I walk a lot, work from home now and always want the flexibility to comfortably walk a mile minimum or sit on the grass to read or chat.) Three questions:
1. How will you style your overalls?
2. Ditto re styling the sneakers.
3. Cute summer flats - are you just accepting they’re not for walking or… ARE they?!
Machine washable and comfortable is absolutely something I'll be taking with me even as my daughter ages. I love practicality!!
I love your questions.
1) I like to style overalls with a basic tank underneath - I'm not personally a fan of short or long sleeves with an overall, though I know many women who look great styled that way. This is also like the only time one might catch me in a crop top - under an overall. I would likely pair with my Adidas sneakers or some other slim sneaker (maybe Converse), or if I'm not walking and mostly just in the park or sitting around, perhaps a fisherman sandal.
2) The sneakers I would wear with a baggy pant - denim or trouser. I like when the pointy-ish toe of a cool sneaker peeks out. In the spring with just an oversized tee or big sweater on top. But, I also do wear leggings pretty often (to and from yoga, running neighborhood errands), so I would wear those sneakers then too, with crew socks.
3) I would love for the flats to be walkable, otherwise I'll relegate them to days in which I'm not doing much walking. I don't count to/from the subway and to work as much walking, that's just regular walking, haha.
love it, thanks! yes - I think tank is the key for overalls. I keep wanting to make them work and feel like the vibe is right, but I always feel like a Benjamin Button type situation where I'm just a middle aged lady dressed like a child.
Haha I always have that feeling when I put them on, but they’re so practical and comfortable I end up not caring as soon as I get outside….
Jen I so so can relate to the missing your pre baby body sentiment. I actually chatted about this a bit more in depth on Maureen’s podcast - my youngest is nearly 5 and I only JUST (in the past 6 months) feel at ease with my body again. Everyone has their own timeline but your little one is still so little - it takes time to feel comfortable in our own skin again and that’s OK!! Btw yes to the cotton shirt and shorts set- I got one last summer and wore it to death! Xx
Ok noted on the shirt/shorts set, it's been on my mind so I think it's time!
And yeah, sigh. I feel like its an ongoing journey for everyone, feeling comfortable in their bodies! It's also so hard to talk about because I feel like I shouldn't complain because I have a gorgeous baby and we're both healthy....but you know, it's rough! The things we go through as women!!
I relate so much to this post. I usually change out of my white/cream sweaters and pants before I go pick up my daughter from daycare. 🫠 I refuse to give up on them entirely! And I love the Rive Droite.
I feel that!! I do so many outfit changes a day and have to just roll with it.
Everyone here in the comments is really selling me on that Rivedroite bag!
Ahh, I came here to say that I think I need that bag! The cheetah print is tooo fun. Do you have it too?
So cute right!?
Which blazer is it you are wearing?
It's this one, which appears to be on like super SUPER sale so nows the time to snag it!!
https://en.sessun.com/catalogue/special-prices/zachary-black.html
I invested in t-shirts this fall because I'm nursing a baby and I just don't have time for buttons/zippers/weird flaps. I really like the ones I have from COS, but the ones I got from Uniqlo might be even better, and they were less expensive. Hopefully this link works? https://www.uniqlo.com/es/en/products/E424873-000/00?colorDisplayCode=30&sizeDisplayCode=003
Also - how will you manage stains on white jeans with sticky fingers?! I have been hesitant on a white or ecru pair for that reason. Lots of sticky hands around these parts.
Ah you're the second person to recommend that Uniqlo tee! I'll have to check it out.
Haha yeah the sticky fingers always get me, but I don't plan to spend a fortune so if they only last one summer, then fine, and honeslty at this point I've made peace with being a little covered in toddler goop on oaccasion - it is what it is.
Also, I can't recommend oxyclean enough. I regularly soak my whites in it overnight and they come out nearly like new!!
I remember having to do a mid morning work clothing change when our kids were younger too! What helped me was to wear a giant bathrobe/kimono/apron over my work clothes. When I was ready to leave, the robe came off and all the kid smoodge with it. Saved me many an outfit and a lot of time!
GENIUS. Adding to cart ASAP.