Finding Your Identity in Parenthood with Fashion

Finding Your Identity in Parenthood with Fashion 

[This is also an episode of Friday Free Talk on The Tranquility Tribe Podcast on iTunes. Listen here.]

Hey Tranquility Tribe!  I hope you are excited for this energizing and inspiring episode!  Today, Hehe speaks to Lisa Malmgren, fashion lover and owner of Classified Image Consultant, about the power of your wardrobe.  

So why should you care about your wardrobe?

Lisa has always been interested in the acting and modeling industry.  From her first commercial at age 14, she was hooked.  She has accumulated an enormous amount of knowledge through her experiences since then, and she is always the person who friends go to for fashion advice and support.  For Lisa, it’s more than just sticking to the latest trends; as she explains, building your image is about finding the styles that make you look your best so that you can feel your best. 

Still skeptical?  Consider this - the impression that you make on people is largely built within the first ten seconds of your interaction with them.  The way you present yourself can make a huge difference!  And, as Lisa points out, the colors that you wear often reflect your mood and can influence the moods of people around you as well.  For example, red is commonly known to exude confidence, while yellow is typically viewed as a happy color.  Being intentional about your image is a great way to practice self-care and build confidence in your body.  

Convinced now?  Here’s what Lisa recommends for people looking to revamp their wardrobe.  First of all, work with your body, not against it!  Embrace your size and shape and try to find clothes that fit your body rather than forcing yourself into outfits that don’t work for you.  Second, think about your routine and create a wardrobe that will work with your busy life.  Be honest with yourself - if you aren’t able to add extra time into your day to focus on your outfit, pick out clothes that are functional and easy to wear.  

Lisa also has some tips for building a wardrobe on a budget.  Try to get rid of the clothes that you don’t or can’t wear anymore.  Whether they have a stain or a tear or they just don’t fit right, they take up valuable space.  Designate a donation bag and try to fill it slowly, over the span of a few weeks or a month, as you figure out what you wear and what you don’t need anymore.  As you get rid of clothes, make a list of the new items that you need to buy.  Then keep an eye out for sales and stick to your list when you go shopping so that you can get what you need without spending unnecessary money.  

In addition to shopping the sales, Lisa suggests going to consignment shops or looking online.  Often, you can find new or barely worn clothes for much less than you would pay in stores, making these places perfect for filling in the gaps in your wardrobe on a budget.  There’s no shame in buying secondhand!

Lisa’s wardrobe staples

Throughout the podcast, Lisa recommends numerous staples that are useful and versatile for anyone’s wardrobe.  Some of the pieces that Lisa loves include well-fitting jeans (so hard to find, but so nice to have when you find them!), a nice pair of black pants (for more professional occasions), white shirts, jersey and maxi dresses, denim shirt dresses, and a denim or leather jacket (or both!).  This collection of clothing can help you be prepared for almost anything while still allowing you to feel comfortable and confident.

What about expecting or nursing moms?

During and after pregnancy, it can be difficult to find clothes that fit.  Even years after you have your little one, your weight can still fluctuate.  Lisa advises investing in maternity clothes, especially if you expect to have more than one kid.  She also suggests holding onto clothes of multiple sizes so that you don’t have to worry as much if your weight changes.  If you are in search of maternity clothes, both Lisa and Hehe recommend checking out Milk Nursingwear, Belly Moms, or Asos, all of which can be found online so you can shop without leaving your home.  And if you’re looking for more professional maternity clothing, Lord and Taylor and Nordstrom Rack have great maternity selections.  During pregnancy, Lisa recommends sticking to solid colors and simple outfits.  And of course, don’t forget the comfortable shoes!

If you want to learn more about Lisa’s consulting talents, visit classifiedimageconsultant.com or find her on Facebook at Get Classified.  Lisa works with clients from New Hampshire to Rhode Island, so if you live in the New England area, be sure to reach out to her!  

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Written by our Guest Blogger, Kyra Shreeve. She is a Biochemistry, Health Policy, and Music student at Brandeis University.