Mom Style Vol. 2: Spring

I haven't updated my spring and summer wardrobe in quite some time. I think it's because as a teacher I tend to put most of my (small) clothing budget into work clothing, which mostly means Fall and Winter pieces (especially since our being has air conditioning and is run by men in suits, so it basically feels like Siberia year-round). We had our first real warm-weather spell this past week and I realized that I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy a few new things. A lot of my tops have holes, tears, and stains in them (I think having kids dramatically reduces the life of one's clothing), and my shorts are all super basic and casual. Being home for a year has been great, but I really do miss having a reason to take the time to look nice, so I'm going to try to make time for that whenever possible, even if it means waking up at 6AM a couple of days a week to shower and do my hair before the girls wake up (it's SO easy just to sleep that extra hour though, isn't it?) So anyway, I've been trying to look for pieces that are cute but still practical for a mama of two tiny ones. Here are my current top picks:

1. Solid tees: I love that they are comfortable and can be dressed up with a blazer or cute pair of patterned shorts.

2. Post earrings: I've stopped wearing jewelry because Lucy would always just try to yank it off of me, but I think she's getting to an age where I may be able to try a couple of simple pieces. Post earrings will be a lot less tempting for her to rip out of my ear lobes than the dangly type, so I'm going to start there.

3. Nail polish: While a professional mani/pedi isn't in the budget for us, I know that I can and should make time once every week or two to splash on a coat of nail polish to make myself feel a little bit more put-together.

4. High-waisted shorts: One complaint I have about my current shorts is that they're all low-rise. With kids you do a LOT of bending over and sitting on the ground and all kinds of other crazy stuff, so a high-waisted pair of shorts seems more practical.

5. Simple-but-pretty sandals: I love the simple look and pretty blush color of this pair. I know a lot of moms wear heels and wedges on a regular basis, but flats are a must for me personally as a mom.

6. Sparkly hair clips: An easy way to dress up my hair in a pinch. It's those little details that make the difference between me feeling like a haggard, dark-circles-under-my-eyes frumpy mom and an actual "normal" person.

7. A girly floral blouse: Dress it down with jeans or up with a pretty skirt, and for any breastfeeding mamas out there a button-down is essential.

8. A sweet and simple necklace: I love statement necklaces on other women, but I just don't think they're "me". I'm much more drawn to simple dainty pieces like this gold triangle necklace.

9. An infinite scarf: Instantly dress up any outfit - you could be wearing a basic white t-shirt and jeans and instantly make yourself feel more put together with one of these. No tying involved (or untying by your children for that matter!)

10. A cute and comfy pair of flats: I love this simple nude pair that would go with pretty much everything.

11. A cute head wrap: For those bad hair days when you don't wake up at 6AM before your kids.

12 Stylish sunnies: Considering that we'll be outside pretty much every chance we get, this is a must.

13. A pair of pretty, patterned shorts: An easy way to dress up a simple tee.

13. Midi skirts like this or this: I love something that is light, airy, and again - practical for all of that bending over that you do as a mom.

14. A comfortable dress: I'd love one with pockets because I always need them these days, and definitely something with a forgiving cut.

What about you? What are your Spring/Summer staples? Am I forgetting anything important? I'd love any suggestions before I take the plunge! xo, Lauren

P.S. Mom Style Vol. 1 + My Mom Uniform