Hi. My name is Shay…and I used to wear yoga pants. A lot. But I rarely ever did yoga.
Here’s the thing…I worked in the corporate world for 8 years before having Kensington. For almost a decade, I purchased mainly “work clothes”. You know, slacks, blouses, pencil skirts and such. I had some weekend clothes but primarily, I wore work clothes the majority of the time. Then I had a baby. Then 16 months and 3 days later, I had another baby. Then one day it dawned on me…when was the last time I actually got dressed during the week? And I vowed to change. That was about four years ago…and oh my goodness…I’m so glad I did!
I remember my “aha” moment (as Oprah would say)…I was in Target, throwing Mossimo hoodies and cute little yoga pants into my cart when I looked over and saw this cute little flannel shirt hanging next to the sweatshirts. I checked the price and it was the exact same price as the hoodie but waaaaaaay cuter! And then I thought about the fact that not only was it cuter but it looked really comfy and provided the same amount of warmth. Two different garments for two different looks but at the same price. From that day forward, I ditched the hoodies and sweats (except for in my home, of course!) and made a more conscientious effort to get my self together every day. And you know what? I feel amazing!
Oprah would be so proud of me!
I’m not saying you can never wear comfy clothes outside of the home…I’m just saying that next time you’re like me and you’re considering investing in more comfy clothes, look around and ask yourself, “Shouldn’t I be spending money on clothes that actually make me look dressed?”.
So what should we wear? Thank goodness we have wonderful Pinterest to inspire us mamas! Getting dressed has never been simpler thanks to the plethora of ideas Pinterest has for busy mamas. Here are some famous moms who look pulled together without wearing anything fancy…
They all have on basics (that would fit any shape and size): jeans, scarves, jackets, cute accessories and basic tees.
So, I’m merging my two favorite series into one today…Pin-spired (where we take images from Pinterest and recreate them) and Fifty Two Shades of Shay (where I give you the scoop on little details about my life). Here we go…getting dressed…mom style…
You need a fun coat.
I’m kind of obsessed with my new plaid coat. I saw it on Big Mama’s blog and it was love at first sight. Kind of like the first time I saw Michael Buble…love…at first site. I ordered it from this online boutique called Tulle and have zero complaints! It was sized right and came quickly. Check out this coat and several other really cute ones on Tulle (click on clothes, outwear, coats to find this one and many more!).
I can’t tell you how many times just putting a fun coat on can make me feel dressed (and it can totally hide the yoga pants you might be wearing underneath it!). This is totally a Pin-spired thing…
…jeans and a basic tee look so much more polished with a big fun coat on top. You don’t have to go all crazy with plaid like I did…you can opt for a nice bright solid too. I like these solids as well…
This red peacoat comes in 3 other colors and they’re all 50% off right now!
Click here to see other coats that are all 50% off right now. This is the season to buy outerwear (and have it ready for next fall!).
Something else I learned for Pinterest involving my mom style…stripes and a scarf always pull a look together…
Such a mom outfit (in a good way!): jeans, flats, studs, a big bag, striped shirt and scarf. Apparently, Erika and I both love this method…
…this was us the other day at Dry Bar. We’re both in stripes, we both had on scarves (she was holding hers at the time) and she’s wearing a colorful coat.
The fringe scarf I’m wearing above is sold out in that color but you can find it’s “cousin” here in black.
I tell you guys this all the time…this leopard scarf is THE BEST. The very best! And it’s only $18! Throw that over a basic tee shirt and you’re dressed! See…
…striped tee and that fabulous scarf!
I really love all of these scarves for throwing over tees…
And speaking of tees…nothing is better for moms than a t-shirt.
I told you ladies about this shirt last week and you have sent me CRAZY GOOD feedback! Everyone seems to love this basic tee available in so many fun colors. I bought all 4 of these colors because I know I’ll wear them all year long. They’ll layer well plus, they’ll look cute with my shorts too. Love these shirts!
I also bought this shirt (but sorry I haven’t taken a picture of myself in it yet) and think it’s super cute too!
Isn’t this shirt cute?! Plus, it’s not a thin material. It’s a really nice cotton material (make sense?). I think you’ll be really, really pleased! And in all of these Gap shirts, I buy true to size.
Don’t forget, now is the time to spend your GapCash! Don’t forget to use it!
And you guys know how much I LOVE these Gap jeans! They are my very, very, very favorite! Right now, they’re on sale for only $49!
And I just got these Gap distressed jeans yesterday and am already in love. You don’t have to cuff them…I just did. They would tuck nicely into boots or look good with flats. I wore them all day today with my booties. Love!
And to finish off my post today…shoes. Mom shoes.
Listen…I wear heels. I am a heels and wedges kind of girl…but I know most moms are not. I have found some really cute (and very practical) mom shoes that won’t make you reach for those old Nikes.
How many times do we see this on Pinterest…
…Toms. I may be a heels kind of girl but I do love me some Toms. Such a cute way to throw on sneakers without looking like you are about to hit the gym. Here are some of my favorites right now:
I love the red Toms! But honestly…all of the solid colors are really practical and cute!
These multi-colored Toms are super cute too!
And for some other fun shoes…
These are great booties for those mamas that want a little heel. And they’re on sale now too!
And you know how I feel about my Wellies…I love them. I love them so much. And it doesn’t have to rain to wear them…they work on any old day. The new Jade color is pretty awesome too :).
OK…and I just now (I know…years late) jumped on the Sperry bandwagon. I bought these and love them! Not only are they super cute but they are comfortable! Love, love, love!
So there you have it! My Shade of Shay plus Pin-spired all rolled into one! Don’t get dressed up for other people…get dressed for yourself. YOU will feel so much better knowing you took a little time for yourself. Being a mom is hard work! We need to reward ourselves with a good shower and a pair of pants without elastic sometimes.
And link up below!
Today…I’m showing you my super simple S’mores Bar! This would be fun for Super Bowl entertaining too! (You don’t have to melt your s’mores outside…you could melt them inside while you watch football too!)
Click here to see my S’mores Bar!
Happy Friday! On Monday…it’s a Pajama Party Day!! Woohoo!
Katie Paladino says
Ok I seriously want to be your bestie so I can come raid your closet!! No worries I live very far from Texas so I won't be showing up at your door;) love your looks as always! You have definitely inspired me to get out of my comfy clothes and into cute ones! Also so on board with the stripes and scarves! Thanks for hosting girl!
Tab & Erika says
You should add that when you started getting out of your yoga pants, the rest of us hanging out felt frumpy so…we had to get it together too!!! hahaha!
Samantha says
You make the scarf and stripes look effortless! I completely agree that it's just as easy to look casual and dressed as it is to wear yoga pants. Thanks for hosting and sharing all of your great tips for looking good 🙂
Val @ Chicken Scratch. says
Thanks for hosting my favorite link up in all of blog land!! Great looks and inspiration today!!!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
LOVED this today! It was like a super easy HOW TO guide with links! LOVE IT!!! And that plaid coat? It's fantastic.
p.s. How did I not wear a scarf EVER until like 2 years ago?
Emily Chalmers says
PLEASE make your next shades installment be your skincare routine! I'm needing to stock up on some new stuff but want to see what you recommend first!
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
Oh gosh, I can SO related to this post! I had to put myself on a ban from continuing to buy more "lounge clothes" a few years back. It's such a trap we can fall into! Love everything about this post, the plaid and stripes and wellies. Everything! Can't wait for that pajama party on Monday!!!
Meghan says
This post's timing is perfect. I am feeling super bloated and gross this week and actually said "I think I need another pair of yoga pants", but now I will hold off and maybe treat myself to another pair of Sperry's or a cute spring top.
Will you be doing a post on spring break fashion anytime soon?
Katie says
I agree with Katie Paladino. I totally want to be your friend just so I can borrow clothes. 🙂 NC is too far to drive from so I will just borrow your ideas. Just ordered the striped shirt from Gap. Please don't tell the hubby. Lol
allisonwest says
This is great! A few months ago I started getting dressed again and realized it does make you feel like a "real" person again. Something about it energizes you! We're on our 4th snow day here, but I'm up and dressed today before the kids just so we feel more normal. Pj days are so fun, but this makes you feel more comfortable to go conquer your day–even if it's just grocery shopping, errands and carpool. Jeans and a basic t are our new superhero uniform! Haha! Have a great day! Thanks for sharing!
Meredith Hellman says
Shay! Just wanted to say thanks for this post. I remember reading about getting yourself out of the "frump" a while back and it really stuck with me! It takes just the same amount of effort to put on a simple tee and jeans as yoga pants and a tshirt! Now.. If I could just get my hair to cooperate 🙂
Katie @ Team Skelley says
When I was a yoga instructor I thought that I could get away with legitimately wearing yoga pants all of the time (even on the days that I did not teach – ha!) but now that my kids are school-aged and I have gone back to work for a newspaper, it is tough to find clothes for work that I can also wear to help out at their school (today's dilemma). I need versatility!
PS – Love the plaid coat!
Kelly B says
Can we be friends? Please. I needed this post. Just had my 2nd baby 3 months ago and have been living in yoga pants! Got "dressed up" to get my new license and felt like a real person! Today after reading I put on my old skinny jeans and a striped shirt!!! Thanks friend!
hillary says
3 months and you're in your old skinny jeans!!?? I need a post on THAT!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I absolutely adore your style because it's totally my style too! I 100% agree with you that it feels so much better to actually get dressed than rock the yoga pants all the time. I do, however, struggle with getting all dressed and "prettied up" with nowhere to go some days. I only have a 10 month old son, so some days we just don't have anywhere to go. I imagine we'll be having plenty of places to go when he gets a little older. But in the meantime, I have a pretty nice balance of getting ready and dressed 3-4 days of the (work) week, and rocking the yoga pants the other 1-2 days. It works well for me. Thanks for sharing some of your favorite pieces and outfits!
Kimberly says
A bunch of my mom friends were talking about how they stay in their pajamas all day. . . and that's when I realized that I don't! I may not look perfect or ready to go out the door a lot of days (my kids are both under 3 so we don't NEED to leave the house much) but I do shower and put on jeans and a real shirt. It helps SO MUCH. Now to lose the rest of my baby weight so I can go buy all of the cute things you posted!!!
Kate at Green Fashionista says
Can I just say that I love that you had your aha moment in Target?! Amazing.
I'm not a mom yet, but I have vowed to myself that I won't let myself lost my sense of style and become frumptastic when my time comes. I'm sure there will be days where I don't get dressed or shower, but I want to make sure I still have cute clothes and not just yoga pants and t-shirts.
[darci @ the good life] says
Ahhhh, SO very much to say!! I do agree, although I go into the office at least once a week (sometimes twice), so that mixed with getting together for play dates once or twice a week makes me feel completely okay with wearing yoga pants and a cute sweatshirt or workout top 1 or 2 days a week!
Question for you!! Do you know if the "sugar pink" color of the Gap tee is cute in person? I'm about to order some online and wanted to double check!
Lastly, your entire family was absolutely STUNNING on tv! Y'all are amazing and what a blessing that y'all have been able to share JESUS on national television. How truly amazing is that?!
Angela says
I love this! Right now I'm 16 weeks preggo and have been SO sick. I mean so so sick. I do find that if I change out of yoga pants and get dressed for the day, it does help! I love your style–just wish I could buy some of these clothes, but I know that in a few months I'll outgrow them with my baby belly. Any maternity fashion advice?? I love Gap Maternity, but if you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear it! THANKS!!!
Amy McCown says
I have been asked why I am so dressed up many, many times since I started staying home. It takes just as much time to put on a cute shirt, scarf, jeans, and a cute pair of shoes as it does to reach for the work out clothes. I am in such a better mood and get so much more done when I am wearing normal clothes.
V @ X-tremely V says
I absolutely love your style Shay and how easy the outfits come together with your suggestions! Like the scarf and stripes…I never would have tried until you showed me that it worked!
Unfortunately, I work in a business casual office so I have to wear dress clothes 5 days a week 🙁 I would love to see you feature some ideas for work attire if possible 🙂 I just love your recs and they always turn out really well for me!
sarah says
Hey Shay! I totally get what you are saying and agree with you. I'm not a mom but I know all too well when you live in comfortable clothes and I got that aha moment too. I wore comfort clothes all the time and I let myself go and gained 15 lbs but i made a effort to try to not dress like that . It was because I was my toughest critic on my body so since I felt ughh I dressed in comfort.
I love you and your blog!!! You are so spicy and young!!
Hayley Chandler says
I read your blog EVERY SINGLE day without fail. I have learned so much from you, and this is one of them. You always look so cute and put together. I finally jumped on the scarf bandwagon last year and now wear the few I own a ton.
Janice @ The JRaabulous Life says
I love scarves! Leopard is my fav because it really does go with everything! Thanks for hosting this fun linkup for a whole year…I have always looked forward to seeing everyone's outfits and am super excited to link up for the first time day! Have a great weekend!
The France Family says
As I read this in my yoga pants!…. seriously though you are SO right! I need to make the effort to get dressed and pull myself together! If not for my Hubby for MYSELF!!!
The France Family says
As I read this in my yoga pants!…. seriously though you are SO right! I need to make the effort to get dressed and pull myself together! If not for my Hubby for MYSELF!!!
whitney says
You are probably way more fashion forward than I, but I really like J. Jill for everyday wear. It's probably a bad thing since my mom shops there too, but I love having a put together look, but it feels like PJ's in the Pure Jill collection. I started buying there when I would spend the night at my in laws but didn't want to be walking around their house in pajamas, robe, or slinky nighties! You are so precious! Thanks for encouraging us momma's to GET DRESSED!
Anonymous says
i bought those Gap t's you recommended. They arrived yesterday and they are amazing! I love the way they fit. I noticed that one of your readers asked about the Sugar Pink one. I ordered it and it actually looks a lot more lavender than pink. I tried to order that plaid coat, but it is already sold out. Boo! Thanks for all of the clothing ideas. You always look so darn cute!
rebeccar says
HI Shay! First time reader, and I have got to say, I can totally relate to this post! My mom was a saint and told me when I had my daughter that I need to get dressed everyday to feel human. She was so right, and even bought me some clothes to get me through til the baby weight was gone. My personal favorite combo is a button up shirt, puffy vest, skinny pants with either boots or cute flats. A collar always makes you look put together!
mel @ the larson lingo says
Whenever I see a cute coat, I think of you! And, like you, I am OBSESSED with stripes and scarves! Love!
Anonymous says
I LOVE your blog and this post. I recently started working from home, after years in the corporate world. Your blog has great outfits that are casual and cute. I have bought several of your recommendations (gap tanks, always skinny jeans, and super soft scarf) and I love all of them. On a separate note, I would love a post on your home decorating. Your home is so cozy and inviting. I am sure this sounds completely random, but where did you get your lamps? Maybe this post is coming with the new house, and I need to be patient but if you weren't planning on talking about your decorating style, then I think you should!!
Maureen says
Great post, could you do one on balancing work and home life
hillary says
Loved this! Getting up and getting showered and dressed before the baby's up definitely makes my day more productive!
Kari says
So I don't do the yoga pants (mainly because they hug all the wrong places on this girl), but I do wear pajama pants every day. My poor fiancé sometimes only sees me in pajamas. I go from last night's pajamas to a clean set of pajamas. Working from home does that to a girl. I do have a pair of pajama jeans though…just not many regular clothes that feel comfortable enough to wear around the house. I need to work on that. Thanks for the pointers.
-Kari @ http://www.karilife.com
Meg says
Hey Shay,
I've read your blog off and on since Sean was on The Bachelorette; but have been following you on pinterest for a while now. Just wanted to say that I love reading about you, your beautiful kids, and all the fun things ya'll do. I'm a new mommy and your post today inspired me to come home, shower, get dressed up, and put on make up after the gym! Thanks!!
Ditto That says
You are right…so right. Beyond not feeling put together, I find that I am FAR less productive when I stay in lounge wear for the day. Btw…I have those Colten booties and they are actually VERY comfy! Not Toms comfy but I can wear them all day without regrets (and I work on my feet all day teaching). Great post!
Patrice @http://dittothatstyle.blogspot.com/
Amanda says
This is so true! When I was a full time SAHM I too found myself in the rut. The velour track suit rut. It's what was in back then. Ugh. (I never wore one with anything written across my bum though!) So glad I snapped out of that! Now I am 37 weeks with my second and I admit to not changing out of my yoga pants when dropping my daughter off in the morning. But I don't get out of the car. And I'm 37 weeks pregnant! I do get dressed for the day when I get back home though. It really does just make me feel so much more productive! My go to's are AE boyfriend jeans, basic but good quality tees, and a scarf, blazer, or cardigan. So simple and comfy and yet put together!
Cathy F says
Love this post. It really does make me feel better to wear cute clothes that look put together. Looking forward to your post on getting up early!
Meet Lindsay says
You and all of your fabulous friends are going to get me In trouble! I just ordered the leopard scarf and the gray striped shirt from gap. PLUS I've already ordered other things y'all recommended. Thanks for the help!
jularie says
I have a red wool plaid Tulle coat with 3/4 length sleeves, that I bought 6 or 7 years ago. I love that coat and have worn it A LOT! It has held up great and goes with many different outfits, and as a bonus, has a beautiful shiny gold lining! I really enjoy your blogs and even though I have children your age, have followed quite few of your style ideas.
Brittany Ann says
Thank you so much for all of your posts! I have been trying to get motivated to make myself get ready each day. With 3 babies who are 2 years and under, I haven't really found my motivation yet. I finally followed through last Friday and got all of us dressed. Baby steps. 🙂 You seem so sweet and I love reading about your family and all of your adventures!
Liah says
I'm not a mother but the lounge pants & hoodie combo is an easy trap to fall into. During drabs winters such as this snowy season, I've been there tossing Mossimo hoodies and several sweatpants into my Target cart too. Thanks for the motivation to "get dressed" when I step out. I have way too many cute clothes to be reaching for stained hoodies and sweats.
Kimm Atwood says
Hey shay !!! Love your blog !!! Would love a shade of shay on handbags and your favorites to carry !!!!