Mama Fashion: Casual

Every once in awhile I have a bit of a fashion crisis, where I'm not really sure what to wear. Let me clarify a bit. I used to be a working mama, and found it easy to continue to dress as I used to, pre-baby. Since I've made the transition to being at home full-time, I often grapple with what to wear. 

My nicer knits and office wear are now saved for special occasions, and I refuse to wear workout clothes/sweats all day. (Maybe because I don't own any? Though, in my opinion, leggings are fair game.)

Today, I've put together an outfit that I think strikes the balance between being functional and fashionable. Also, I happen to own the tee and pants that are featured, and can attest that they are both great options for an active mama chasing around her kid(s). 

The perfect tee

For me, it was finding the perfect tee. One that was comfortable but also felt special in some way. And I'm so happy I found it. (Though I'm sad that it doesn't come in the amazing mint color I own online.) 

Comfy, yet stylish pants

I love these striped trousers because they are very in harmony with what's happening in fashion (i.e. linear patterns and black and white), but aren't too fussy. 

Fun flats

Finding a great pair of flats is key for a day at the playground. It helps that they're really in style right now, but for me, this is mainly functional. 

Colorful bangles (or another great accessory)

My daughter just loves to pull at my earrings and necklaces, so I have found that bracelets are the way to go. I love the variety and colors of this set. 

TOMS

I find it satisfying when companies seek to employ the idea of "fashion for a cause." It becomes vaguely annoying, however, when said "fashion for a cause" is kind of ugly and at the same time really trendy. (Remember the Livestrong bracelet hysteria? Eesh.)

Enter TOMS shoes.

I absolutely love the idea that when you buy a pair of shoes, a child in need will also get a pair of shoes. I love that said shoes are made to be inherently comfortable. But in truth, they were initially kind of ugly. And they've kind of become a status symbol of sorts. Which doesn't necessarily bother me, because it means that people are continually supporting the cause... but I have been reticent to buy a pair because I thought that buying a blah-colored flat didn't sound too appealing. (Though I think they'd be a fabulous and chicer alternative to a running shoe or something like that if you were going on a trip where you were going to have to walk a lot.)

Thankfully, TOMS has come out with some alternate options (including wedges, hooray!) that I actually think are pretty good-looking. They've produced their standard shoe in lots of amazing colors and prints as well. Which means I kind-of-sort-of-really want to buy them all. And it's even more satisfying to know that it's all for a good cause. My favorites are below:

Wool Women's Cordones 

in slate

Women's Classic in Morocco

Canvas Women's Wedges in Ash (also available in Cranberry, Black and Midnight Blue)

Wrap Boots in Rust (I also love them in Olive, Black and Blue)