When people ask me what do for a living, I usually say, “I’m a fashion writer and blogger”. More often than not, this is followed up with, “oh, you are a mom blogger?” The thing is, being a mom isn’t what defines me or my dress sense. I’m an entrepreneur and fashion blogger, and I happen to be a mom. To me being fashionable doesn’t stop being an option when you have kids. If you had a sense of style before, it’s still there, just a little dormant now.

I have learned over the last two years of being a fashion blogger and connecting with an online community of moms that there are certain style issues that plague most of us that have had children.  Maybe it’s a subliminal thing, but we’ve picked up some bad habits, and now people are calling them “mom style”, cringe. So for my first post here at Urban Mommies, I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my quick fixes for these style zappers.

Get out of the sweatpants funk – I understand; they are comfortable, but I promise you there are other comfortable clothes out there. The first step to regaining your pre-baby style sense is to make a commitment to look beyond the athletic wear department for clothes. How about creating a Pinterest board to get excited? Here’s one with mom friendly looks. (link to Pinterest Board)

Ditch the maternity clothes – If you child is over 12 months; it’s time to say adios to the maternity wear. I know it still fits, but the mindset is all wrong, the message you are sending to yourself and the world is; I’m not worthy of any better. A new outfit doesn’t have to be expensive, as long it fits well you will feel like a million bucks.

Switch out sneakers for flats and a diaper bag for a purse – I see way to many moms wearing beaten up sneakers and carrying a bag with circus clowns, it’s time for a change. If you can splurge a little on your flats, Tory Burch is the way to go, but if you are in need of a quick fix find a coupon online and grab yourself a pair of cute ballet flats for $20. I promise you will walk with more grace and feel a bit more stylish. Same goes with the diaper bag, upgrade to a roomy purse. If you are in the mood to splurge my picks would be Kate Spade or Michael Kors (these are investment bags that you will keep for years), but if you want something seasonal head straight to Aldo.

Treat yourself to some new underwear – Do it for yourself not your mate! Most moms I know are wearing stretched out granny panties an old maternity bra; you can’t feel great about yourself with that as your foundation. Treat yourself to a new bra, and while you’re out, get a proper fitting – sizes change after pregnancy and nursing.

Get a new flattering haircut and learn to style it – I’m not suggesting you get an Anna Wintour bob or some drastic bangs (like I once did), because you don’t have the time to blow that out every day, but maybe some layers and highlights? Ask your stylist what products to use and then play, or even check out You Tube tutorials. I hate straightening my hair everyday so I found a tutorial online that showed me how to curl my hair while I sleep. Yes it takes a little time to learn, but it’s a skill you will use for the rest of your life.

Get out of the mom jeans lady – I can’t believe they still make these, but anything with a high waist, pleats, or light discolouration on the thighs and butt area is not a good look. You want a nice dark rinse with a straight or slightly boot cut leg, my personal favourite; the Sweetheart Jean from Old Navy.

I think many of us get stuck in a rut after having kids and somehow convince ourselves that being a mom and having a sense of style just don’t go together – but they do! How you dress has a profound effect on how you feel, how you interact with the people in your life, and the way your children remember you when they grow up. I want my kids to remember me as a competent pulled together woman who takes pride in her appearance – how about you?

Image: A compilation of fashions available at Holt Renfrew.  Floral Jacket: Erdem, Motorcycle Jacket: Acne, Dress: Aquilano.Rimondi, Jeans: Rag + Bone, Flats: Roger Vivier.