Style, recovered
by Miss Joni
By the end of last summer, I’d shed enough pounds from my first baby to encourage me to rifle through my closet, rooting out anything that might be too big. I spent my time on the Exercycle, flipping through fashion magazines and dreaming how I would build a new wardrobe come fall when my birthday money came pouring in. Then, in late August, I peed on a stick, and found myself scooping up any Liz Lange Maternity item on clearance at Target. By the end of last summer, I’d shed enough pounds from my first baby to encourage me to rifle through my closet, rooting out anything that might be too big. I spent my time on the Exercycle, flipping through fashion magazines and dreaming how I would build a new wardrobe come fall when my birthday money came pouring in. Then, in late August, I peed on a stick, and found myself scooping up any Liz Lange Maternity item on clearance at Target. Emerging from last winter’s nap of pregnancy, my latest accessories include a pink-clad baby girl strapped to me in a Baby Bjorn baby carrier and a 6-inch grin carved across my abdomen where the doctor cut, releasing the tiny person from my uterus. The advent of this new child doesn’t mean swift redemption from Fashion Purgatory, but a shift from one stylishly challenged state to another. I’ve realized that this in-transition state comes with parameters. First, no large purchases should be made, because, ideally, I’ll be at least one size smaller by the time this new baby is walking and another summer rolls around. In order to play it safe, I decided it’s best to make the most of my in-transition clothing purchases by shopping at less expensive venues like Target and Old Navy. This way, I’m assured of some trendy fun that can be thrown away or donated at the end of the season. And, with a little luck, I will still be able to wear some of my more stylish pre-pregnancy clothes, too. The bottom line for all new mommies is this: Whether you’re back to your pre-pregnant weight or not, you have just dropped a good 25 or 30 pounds in one fell swoop. The least you can do is reward yourself with a new outfit or two. Heaven knows, even a late-night trip to the pharmacy becomes cause to put on a fresh coat of lipstick and slip into a cute pair of britches. You’ve been sitting on the couch for six hours straight, trying to get a tiny human with an extremely small mouth to find sustenance by wrapping her lips around your unnaturally large areola. After that, anything seems glamorous. Summer fun wear Besides the art fairs, the State Fair and everything in between, my calendar is filled with plenty of summer fun. Here’s a rundown of some of the exciting things I will be doing and what I plan to wear. The OB/GYN: Like it or not, that required postpartum pelvic exam officially kicks off my summer. Since I was taught that one should look as good for a trip to the doctor as on Perfect Attendance Sunday, I always make sure I am marginally presentable. With this in mind, combined with the reality of hauling an infant and toddler along for the fun, I’ll wear a skirt. As every woman who has ever laid on the exam table, feet awkwardly shoved into the cold metal stirrups, understands, the paper blanket provided by the doctor’s assistant is scant cover when you suddenly find yourself lunging in the direction of a misguided toddler. So much better to don a skirt, hoist it up when the doctor calls, then replace the undies and let the skirt fall neatly into place when the exam is through. The church fish fry: Events like this always conjure images of the Film Noir masterpiece PICNIC, inspiring me to break out a vintage cotton frock and a tube of Estee Lauder Patio Pink lipstick. I want to see cakes concealed in covered cake cozies and pocketbook-clutching old ladies perched on park benches, wearing nylon stockings despite the ungodly humidity. While the annual fish fry at my church, Fairview Presbyterian, may be the oldest in town, my ideal imagery and reality don’t quite see eye-to-eye. With congregation members gleefully taking turns to wear a giant fish costume to greet our guests and the bulk of volunteers donning some form of T-shirt and shorts for the occasion, my cotton sundresses may have to take a rest. Outdoor concerts: These casual affairs might be the best venue ever for parents with small children. The music is almost always good, but secondary to the primary function of dining al fresco. Whether it’s served on a silver salver at Symphony on the Prairie or presented in plastic containers at Cool Creek, IMA’s Concerts on the Terrace or any number of other fun spots, easy-moving, hip-mom garb is required at these family-oriented venues. I plan on a print that won’t show stains, roomy sleeves that allow for hoisting happy toddlers dancing into the air and comfy sandals that show off the new pedicure paired with a baby sling or carrier for the wee-est of wee ones.
