I am not the most stylish mom in my hood.  Far from it actually, as many others in my Norman Rockwell-ish community have the funds to drop some serious dough on the latest threads and look much more fashionable than I.  What is up with everyone at the gym wearing Lululemon, is there a sale I don't know about? I honestly don't care about keeping up with the Jones' but I do care how I present myself.  For my own sake. 

It all started with my mother making sure my undergarments in elementary school were perfect enough for EMS to see, just in case I required 9-1-1.  Years later I spent a semester abroad in Salamanca, Spain and fell in love with the idea of shopping for produce at the local market in stilettos.  No matter where I looked, women were oozing class.  I spent many summers in Europe throughout my high-school and college years and was able to distinguish an American from a non-American.  It's easy to do.

Today at preschool drop off, I took a mental note of what mothers were wearing.

Really, Adidas wind pants with no intention of working out?  No way, you really left the house in flannel pajama bottoms! You have got to be kidding me with that Tinkerbell hoodie, it's a joke, no?  When did Americans get so lazy?  I totally understand that not every mother in America is interested in fashion and I respect that.  I do.  I have loads of friends that own one pair of seasonal shoes and could care less what they look like at preschool drop-off.  I like them just as much, if not more, than my friends in Gucci wedges.

Today, I was embarrassed at the lack of presentation in one self, in America.  Women across the globe with half the amenities would never leave the house looking like three quarters of the preschool moms in my hood.  My baby sister who lived in Senegal, Africa for two years said that women did not leave their mud huts without wearing their most colorful threads and brightest jewels to milk a freaking cow, people.  They wore their finest to garden!  While moms in middle America with 2.5 bathrooms wore their pajamas bottoms outside of the house.  I really don't get it... if you do, please explain.

Obviously, I don't look like I do on Mother's Day everyday.  I don't have the extra time to straighten my hair, exfoliate, or even shower without an audience.

Half the time as a mother of three I barely crawl into the shower to shave, in private.  When I remember to hydrate myself with lotions it's a very good day indeed.  I don't shower everyday.  But Gawd help me, I don't want people to know!  However, it's really not that hard to look good, if you want to look good.  It's in your hands yo.

I re-cycle my clothes. As most women across the globe do.

You do not need a closet full of clothes.  You do not need to spend hundreds at the mall.  You can purchase sensible jeans just about anywhere these days and boots are everywhere.  I love throwing on a coat over an old(er) shirt.  My "Not-so-lazy day"  jacket was a whopping $20 from H&M and my "Lazy day" sweater was $30 from Old Navy!  A much better look, in my opinion, than a tinkerbell hoodie.

Recycle another outfit with some BLING!

The necklace from BR outlet was discounted, the ruffle dress from the super cheap Forever 21 and the jacket at H&M.  Viola!

Leggings have become my best friend.  They have replaced the yoga pants.

Do not tell me YOU can't wear leggings and a tunic with a rocking necklace and some kick ass boots.  It's a lie!  I have seen many mothers of all shapes looking quite awesome in the same outfit.  Tunic =  a $10 Old Navy weekly special.  Leggings = $8 staple from H&M.  Necklace from Forever 21.

I'm guessing if you have read this far into my rant, you are quasi interested in looking good and care about fashion.  Throw on some jewelry today and powder your nose.  Half the civilized female world can only imagine being in your shoes today.

Go on.  And.  Rock it.