How to dress a petite mom

Okay, I'm 5'2, petite, and a mom to a two-year-old toddler. High heels and a lot of the so-called fashion stuff do not work for my life style.

I've learned a little about how to dress, as a petite mom, since I've had the baby. I'm by no means an expert, but--consider where I'm coming from! I used to wear sweatshirt or hoodies, bootcut blue jeans and sneakers all the time, because that's the easiest to throw on and then I'm out of the door.

But as a petite person, I often look too young in that outfit. People think I'm a college kid.

Now, to dress more like a respectable mother, I just need to remember a few key points and swap out the same old things for a few updated pieces.

Number one: No more blue jeans! Now I go for black skinny jeans and ankle chinos in khaki. I got a pair of Paige denim black skinny jeans. They are not skin tight and very comfortable. Of course I got them hemmed, which is very important for a petite person. I also got Banana Republic City Chinos in 0P. It's a little loose in the waist, but I like the slouchy fit. These two pants go with anything!

Number two: Gray v-neck cardigan. Instead of the go to sweatshirt. Paired with a white tank. Comfy and looking good. So versatile! It goes with any pants! Mint ankle jeans, pink ankle jeans, fig ankle jeans, black jeans...endless!

Black ballet flats.

Okay, now I'll just list a few key pieces for a busy mommy on the go.

black skinny jeans
gray v-neck cardigan
black ballet flats
chambray shirt (I got one from J.Crew)
quilted jacket (perfect for spring days)
trench coat (I have one, but don't get to wear it much--not as kid-friendly)
denim jacket (comes handy when you need another layer)
striped T-shirt (I have long sleeves, short sleeves and a tank)
navy/black blazer (I have a navy one, looks rather nice, but again don't get to wear much when I run around with a toddler)
black and/or red sheath dress (for dinner dates, more formal occasions, etc. I also have an ivory cardigan to wear with it when it's a little cool at night)
black pumps (of course!)
loose fitting sweater (looks good with skinny jeans)
white skinny jeans (great for spring/summer, with a navy blazer, gingham shirt, etc.)

These are the essential pieces for now. Of course there are more: light green cardigans, royal purple cardigans, mint cardis...

In winter I'll have
black coat
black down parka
black and/or brown ankle boots

I just bought a black leather jacket and black faux fur coat(for dressier occasions). But need to have the sleeves shortened on both. 

It's pretty basic but it's easy and comfy and I can still look good even if I only have two minutes to dress myself before I get out of the door!

I bought a lot of clothes in the past year or two because, you know, with your body changing so much during pregnancy and post-baby, it's like trying to figure out what you can wear again. And I've learned to shop in the petite section more. It's definitely more challenging to shop for clothes if you are petite because the world makes clothes for women who are 5'7! An XS jacket fits her perfectly, like the lady I saw and talked to in a store, but just looks too big and wrong on me.

Shoes

Steve Madden. Got it half price on sale, about $80.

Steve Madden, bought in Loehmann's, about $80.

These shoes are good for walking around with my toddler.

Just bought these. Ralph Lauren driving mocs. 20% sale, about $80. The weather hasn't been warm enough to wear them.

Steve Madden. Bought last year. They go with everything. Skinny jeans or dresses. But I haven't been able to wear them much this winter because you try keeping up with a toddler in playground in high heels!

AGL ballet flats. My most expensive shoe, about $300. They are really nice, so comfy. And the leather is thick and soft. I feel my feet are so pampered when I put these on. But the leather sole is not as sturdy. I walked up and down the curbside and in the parking lot when my baby was learning to walk. When I came back there were serious scuff marks on the sole and even a little piece on the side broke off. Since then these beautiful red flats have been resting on the shoe shelf.

Tahari ballet flats. I really like these.

okay, I'm here again

I almost forgot about this blog. Now it's late March in 2013. And I'm a stay-at-home mom with a two-year old toddler.

Life has changed so much. I can't even begin to describe. Most days are like a whirlwind. Leisure time has become a distant memory. Even sitting down at the bookstore to read with a cup of coffee is a luxury--I mean, by myself, not with a toddler holding on to my thigh and wanting my attention constantly.

Oh well, the travails of parenthood.

Before I had the baby, I thought, sure I can do it. Everybody else did it. Why can't I? But then the baby comes, your life as you know it before baby goes out of the window. You think, hmmmm, is there anything about parenthood everybody neglected to tell you? About how hard and how much work it is? Or maybe they did, but it didn't really sink in until the baby arrived.

It's trite, but I love his cute little face. How he holds on to my fingers when he walks and presses his soft-as-cloud cheek on to my hand. When he says, "I love you, Mommy!"....

Okay, on another note, I'm gonna post some fashion stuff.