Fashion, lifestyle, and career advice for overachieving moms and moms-to-be
Loft has a number of cute things lately, including this spotted skirt dress, which is that rare mix of fun and sophisticated. I like the dark colors, the modest hem and high neckline — I think it would look great with knee-high boots and a chunky cardigan on a casual day, or a blazer and pumps on a more important day. And, of course, it’s washable (70% rayon, 30% tencel), and $69.50 full price, in regular and petite. Loft Spotted Skirt Dress
Psst: Here’s a plus-size option.
This dress looks great for maternity, nursing, and even pumping. I like the dark, sedate colors, as well as the mostly glowing reviews. It’s $99-$109 at Amazon in sizes S-XL. Dote Women’s Maternity and Nursing Twinkle Dress
Old Navy is having a maternity sale (prices up to 40% off) through October 1, and I like a lot of what I see in there. This jersey shift dress (pictured) looks chic, and I like that it’s machine washable — it was $33 but is now marked to $30, available in sizes XS-XXL. I also like this dress. It’s fleece, so the thicker fabric should make it more wearable if your complaint with jersey dresses is that they “show everything,” but it should also be nice and cozy for the winter. I also really like this dolman-sleeved top, which reviewers note is great to wear to work. Old Navy Maternity Jersey Shift Dress
I love the more subdued, textured patterns and colors that LeSportsac is coming out with lately. Take, for example, this Everygirl tote, made out of their classic nylon. At 12.25″ x 7″ x 12″, it isn’t huge but strikes me as plenty big for all of your stuff and — in early days, at least — for use as a diaper bag, one that your partner would be happy to grab. (Am I the only one whose baby diaper bag was miniscule but toddler diaper bag is huge? Also, do you guys have any interest in seeing what’s IN my diaper bag?) The tote also comes in a nice navy nylon with a floral texture, as well as about 7 other colors, from $82 to $102. (6PM has a few more colors, included a muted gray with a floral texture, for $71.) LeSportsac Everygirl Tote
When my first son was born I got obsessed with a terrycloth cardigan from Old Navy. (How obsessed? I am sorry to tell you that, in what I hope was a bout of postpartum hormones, I wore it to my 35th birthday party). Anyhoo: I’m on the hunt for a new one, and I like this highly-rated drape neck zip cardigan from Caslon, available in both regular and petite sizes XS-XL. It comes in four colors (gray, black, a beige “morel,” and a light green “olive grove”) and I kind of want them all. It looks nice zipped up or not, and would be nice whether you’re pregnant, nursing, in the sticky-fingers phase of momhood, or beyond. It’s $68 at Nordstrom. Caslon Drape Neck Zip Cardigan
Psst: Here are two plus-size options: one with a shawl collar (terry) and one with a drape neck (not terry).
P.S.: Happy Rosh Hashanah!
P.P.S. If you’re thinking, “Gosh, I wish Kat posted more expensive items,” here’s a $258 version of a terrycloth cardigan.
2017 Update: We still stand by these quick workouts for busy moms — but you may also want to check out our most recent discussion on how to find time to work out as a mom.
I was talking with someone last week about how moms have no time for working out, so I thought I’d round up a few of the methods that I’ve found over the past few years. I still find it really, really (REALLY) hard to take the time for myself (and away from kids, my husband, my business… there always seems like a better way to spend the 20-60 minutes!), but this time around, postpartum, I’m forcing myself to take the time, both to regain my strength, be healthier for my family, exercise the crazies out, and, hey, lose some weight. I forgot how much better I feel — everywhere, in every way — when I work out, and I hope the benefit in my mood and energy, at least, helps the family. SO! Without further ado, here’s my list — readers, what do your workouts look like, post-kiddo(s) — when do you do ’em, what do you do? Moms with older kids, was there ever a magical time when you felt you suddenly had time to workout? (Oh — and I only JUST tried this, but man it made a difference: if you wake up feeling exHAUSTED, try a bit of peanut butter or almond butter before bed — it stabilizes your blood sugar or some such so you get better sleep.)
(Psst: Still pregnant? Check out our discussion on prenatal exercise…)
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