The ONE THING That Should Never Be Off The Budget…

I wrote several months ago about how we dress as moms. I know it is easy to slip into a “mommy uniform” of khaki capris (please throw these away…no one looks good in them. NO ONE.) and a favorite t-shirt, but I urged you to please be mindful of dressing in a way still pleasing to your spouse, and representing your profession well…whether a stay at home mom or working in some capacity outside the home.  Although, most times, working mommas have less of a challenge in this department.

A few moms recently contacted me and said that they had been inspired to get into better shape and also make more of an effort to take time making themselves look nice.  That was wonderful! But over and over I have heard how budget constraints keeps these  moms from looking their best, and this need not be the case at all.

Please don’t get stuck in the trap of wearing these!

First of all, no matter how tight your budget is, there is one thing that should never be skimped. It can be “skimpy,” but don’t skimp in the underwear department.  Likely, your man will never complain about money spent on some nice undergarments and a good bra does WONDERS FOR YOUR FIGURE. Moms, I know. We have maternity underwear, nursing bras, and then after that, we just hold off buying new undergarments until we are in better shape.

Well, “better shape” may or may never happen, but good undergarments are a MUST. First of all, a good bra is not only better looking and more flattering no matter what your wardrobe, but it also better for you in the long run. Pregnancy and nursing already wreaks enough havoc, add gravity and really, what’s a girl left with?  No option but a well-fitting, figure-complementing bra.  Go to a professional at a department store.  In town, we have a lovely small shop that sells beautiful nightgowns, bras, panties and loungewear…and not the kind you see in a gentleman’s lounge either. This is a classy place with a woman who knows her stuff. (Ruth’s Lingerie in Driftwood Plaza for you local gals…) Once fitted properly, you can find lots of cute undergarments even at Target…so don’t go tellin’ me it’s out of the budget!

Second, a wardrobe does not have to be expensive at all to look good. Two skirts, two pairs of pants, and 4-6 shirts can be enough to mix into a multitude of outfits. Add a couple of simple dresses and inexpensive jewelry pieces, a skinny belt or two, and simple metallic flats or sandals and you have enough to last you quite some time. Old Navy has some great deals…and usually has promo codes to slice even more off the price.  If you go to my pinterest page and look on the board titled “Mommy Uniform” you can see where I pinned some suggestions from Old Navy and get a feel for a few simple pieces you can mix and match.  Let it never be said I don’t have y’all on my mind all the time.  Just so you know, most things I pinned were well under twenty dollars per piece…dresses were half off and then and there was an additional 20% off your total purchase.

Sometimes, it just boils down to a good sale…but I general, I only shop once or twice per year, and buy everything that mixes and matches. The odd piece here and there that most women buy on impulse never get worn!

So at the very least, get a good new bra. And throw in a pair or two of cute undies. I’m sure the daddies that read this blog will be sharing it with their wives today!