Generally, when you search for mom-on-the-go style, a circle skirt is probably not on the list of items to wear. Yet, that’s exactly what I reach for first. The fullness makes it an easy item to move around in, lift, sit, run, whatever you need to do with kids. It also hides any random stains that might be made through the day (hello, ketchup), and can be easily styled with a tee and flats to make it a stylish outfit that is comfortable, practical, and retro.
The fabric of this skirt is moisture-wicking, too, which makes it even better for a mom outfit.
Today was the first time I’ve ever taken both kids with me to run errands. We went to McDonald’s for lunch, then to the pediatrician for Asa’s 2 year checkup and shots, and then to the store for some diapers and a few groceries. So I needed an outfit that was easy, but I also wanted to look put-together.
For some reason, I toss this shirt in my Goodwill pile every time I clean out my closet. The fabric is thin, and the shirt tends to ride up on my hips, so I always have second thoughts about keeping it. But then I rescue it, because it is soft, has long sleeves, and can be nursed in. And the color is gorgeous. As you probably know, I love bright colors, and while blue is not usually my go-to color, I realized today that I have a headscarf in the exact color of this shirt, and these flats are basically in the same color family. They don’t match, but they go.
That’s a concept my mom (hi, mom!) has a hard time with. While I am okay with colors that aren’t super matching, but are generally complimentary to each other, my mom loves to match everything with everything. A few weeks ago she texted me a selfie wearing jewelry that didn’t match, and told me that it was very hard for her to not change out the necklace with something that matched her earrings. I told her I was so proud. And also laughing.
Style wise, my mom and I are vastly different, yet somehow the same; I am super girly and always have been, while she grew up a tomboy. She loves paisley and tie-dye, I prefer polka-dots and gingham. I like to mix patterns and colors, she likes to match. She rarely wears makeup, I wear it almost every day.
But, before I was married and while I still lived with my parents, somehow we always inadvertently chose the same color schemes almost every day. Often, she’ll exclaim “I wore something like that in highschool!” and I dearly wish that the one or two items she’s saved from her highschool days would fit me (but she was shorter and thinner than I am, so alas!)
Shirt, Target | Skirt, self-made | shoes, belt, brooch, and headscarf, thrifted | earrings, gift.
It’s interesting to me to see what I’ve inherited from my parents as I get older. I am social and talkative like my dad, yet introverted and need my own space like my mom. I have my dad’s lips, but my mom’s face. I bottle up my emotions like my dad (hi, dad), but also crave open communication like my mom.
And style? Well, I think I am most like my dad’s mom, who, at my age, wore the same types of skirts and easygoing but elegant outfits.
Grandma Helen on the left; my mom in 7th grade, my dad in his teens.
What did you gain from your parents? Or your grandparents? Funny enough, I am not blood related to my grandma — my dad was adopted. But I was born on her birthday, and I have always wanted to be like her. I hope one day I can be the woman of faith, kindness, and humor that she was!
Happy Wednesday!
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