Fearless Friday: How to Survive Motherhood...Without Yoga Pants!

Motherhood is a life altering shift in any woman's life. Some parts challenging; but overall the most rewarding job you could ever be hired to do. Fortunate for me, I am surrounded by inspiring ladies who carry the job with grace and style. And my favorite quality about each and every one of 'em...they do it all with panache and WITHOUT yoga pants!

I asked each of my fellow bloggers, friends, entrepreneurs, mamas, style mavens, creative genius', corporate worker bees, stay-at-home warriors, (they wear many titles) how they survive motherhood with style and today I'm sharing each of their responses!

Let it be known that this has got to be one of my favorite posts to draft thus far. Thanks ladies...you inspire me and you are all amazing mamas! Meet my friends:

Christina: As for my style advice --- especialy as a mom it's hard to get dressed some days and my rule is if I only have 2 seconds because Colt is screaming or needing something - it's a red lip and a cool and easy blouse or top ( for me it's been all about vivid prints like my christina karin artichoke print blouse for fall - it adds oomph to my outfit with minimal work and looks so chic) @christinakarin

April: I find that even on the craziest of days, I'm reaching for red lipstick and my favorite gold bangles. I could be in just a t-shirt and jeans (probably covered in some sort of mysterious kid slime), but when I add a bold color to my lips and bling on my wrists, I feel instantly glamorous. Works every time! @april_kuf

Tiffany

Tiffany: One thing that I always do and even when Layla was a newborn was to take 15-20 minutes of my morning to do my hair and makeup.  It's something that I have always taken the time to do even as a new mom and someone who works from home.  I may not see anyone but my daughter that day but just making myself look presentable makes me that much more productive.  My tip when you don't have someone to watch your baby while you do your makeup is to bring them with you!  Since Layla was a newborn, I've brought her into the bathroom with me while I do my make up and get ready for the day.  As she got older, we would bring toys and other things to keep her entertained while I did my makeup.  Now she gets to help mommy put on make up with her own set of brushes and faux make up (this set is a favorite of ours) She is so used to it now and thinks it's such a fun thing to do that when I say "let's go put on make up" she gets very excited and can't wait to go upstairs to our bedroom. @tiffanyish

Shalice: On the days I can barely answer the phone, my toddler is chewing on the iPhone cord, and I forget what hot coffee tastes like, I go to my go-to basics. What are they? 1. First of all, go see a personal stylist at Nordstrom (if you haven't already) and ask for an assortment of basics. Make sure everything actually fits. Baggy is not in. 2. Once you have invested in good basics: jeans, a white tee, a leather jacket, killer flats, and a versatile heel, you can mix and match, so you won't be tempted to go for the spandex. At least I don't. But don't stress, the days are long and the years are short and I won't care if I'm in spandex or jeans, Gap or Armani in ten years. But I will remember, that I felt good about myself and caring for the ones I love in the best way I know. @shalicenoel

Ashleigh

Ashleigh: Ideally I'd have two hours to myself to shower, style, and play in makeup before leaving the house, because, you know, sometimes it's just fun being a girl. But for those hectic 'need to be out the door in five!' moments motherhood throws at us, I'm a big fan of re-wearing. (Hey, if Kate Middleton can do it, so can I.) Keep stock of that day dress/boots combo from a few weeks ago that made you feel pulled together. If it worked once, repeat! Because if it's not on Instagram it never happened. *wink* @littleashleigh

Lisa: I pre-style outfits for the coming week each weekend. That way when life happens, you're on zero hours of sleep, the kids are sick, and you are running around like a crazy person, you never have to spend time figuring out what you plan to wear that day. It's a huge time saver and even on the most hellish of days, you can look put together. Don't forget to take "me time" each day as well! I set my alarm early daily for meditation, yoga, book reading, etc. just so I can be in the right head space for the day. A mom that takes care of herself is never a bad idea! ;) @stilettosanddiaperbags

Helen

Helen: So let me start by saying that “Berkun, doesn’t always Style” and I have crap days just like everyone else. However, for me it’s all about prepping the night before. My days are typically insane with crazy early call times or travel in general. Also I have two kids in different schools and different start times so it gets a bit nutty in the am. Having my clothing picked out the night before really makes it an easy smooth experience getting ready. I also think it’s ok to have a crap day, however your day is much better when you look good, cause if you look good you really do feel good, as cheesy as that may sound! @Helen_Berkun

Vanessa: I swear on simple choices to feel glam. Red Lipstick and a little mascara always work wonders on me, or at least it gives me the impression that that I'm put together (which is really what matters!). Plus, it takes less than one minute to put on. @whatwouldvwear

Cheryl

Cheryl: "If you have these three things on, you will be well on your way to looking polished every day- earrings, lipstick and nail polish. Also, the lazier I feel the more dressed up I get; it kicks me out of my funk. It doesn't take any more effort to put on a cute dress than it does to pull on those yoga pants and a t-shirt!" Also, another tidbit of advice..."If you are looking for everyday style inspiration, check out TV shows. I have a few favorite fashionable characters, and take my style cues from them on a seasonal basis!" @cjalldressedup

Tabitha: Make time for yourself every week to be inspired by other girlfriends and use that as a reminder to always stay on your style game. For me it's one dedicated night a week where I catch up with a girlfriend over dinner at a trendy restaurant or grabbing drinks at the newest wine bar. Time with your girlfriends is such a great way to re-charge amidst life's craziness and allows you to steal inspiration from their stylish looks. @definingtabitha

Zahra

Zahra: To stay sane,I wake up early every morning, drink a cup of coffee and catch up on my fashion magazines - its my little 'me time' that gets me energized and ready for the day ahead. I don't actually dress up every day like I do on the blog, but I do try to buy and wear chic staples that make me look like I tried, like a pair of pointed-toe flats, boyfriend jeans, a t-shirt and a bomber jacket. When I'm feeling my outfit, It makes me feel good. If for some reason that doesn't do the trick, you can't go wrong with a bright red lip! @zahra_sandberg

Elina: As a mom we all know that time is of the essence, I make sure to at least get in a work out with my trainer twice a week, and I also try to make sure that I eat well and nutritious foods, that way I get some me time plus It makes me more awake and keeps me strong and alert to have the energy to play with my son. Fashion is a huge interest I have and its also my job so I would never stop wearing cute clothes or stop caring just because I happened to become a mother. Being a mother doesn't mean that you stop being who you are or can't dress the way you like, it all has to do with planning, it just takes a little more planning to stay true to your style thats all. @elinacasell

Janet

Janet: Always make time for yourself in the morning! Between feeding the kids, dressing the husband, and making sure the dog went for his walk - is it very challenging to make time for yourself. I always try to wake up before the sunrise for a cup of coffee and a good book. Or to make it to a morning yoga class to clear my head before a busy day. In between dropping the kids off and heading to work, I also find some alone time to be in peace and quiet - it really does help! I also recommend feeding your cravings! I tend to treat myself at the end of the day with a sweet, like Dinkles cupcakes, or relaxing with my husband and a beverage on our patio. I also suggest sticking to a routine at the end of the evening as well. Every night, no matter how late, I stick to my beauty skincare routine. I love to decompress with a warm bath, and I find it therapeutic to test out new beauty products. Simply doing something so small for yourself can keep you calm in what can looks like a tornado of toys. @janetmandell

Alison: Sleep has always been a hot commodity for me but after years of constantly burning the midnight oil (welcome to working motherhood), things finally came to a head in the form of my health – mentally and physically. Surviving motherhood with grace for me is getting enough sleep - as in at least 8 hours per night. It’s not easy when your to-do list is a mile long, little people are climbing in your bed and you want to take on the world and prove you can do it all and have it all. Shifting my priority to getting more sleep over the past few years has not only made me more clear headed and productive during the day, I actually have the energy to workout. And I’m a nicer person to my family. Sometimes having it all is really about not doing it all, especially if it means not taking care of yourself first. @sochiclife

Me: There are four items I live by to get out the door + still feel pulled together. Dry shampoo is almost an appendage at this point. I shower the night before and spray 'til the cows come home in the AM. Concealer, and I use two, is the first thing I put on my face after a morning cleanse. My dark circles are fierce and I've tried every one on the market. (jury is still out on the best one!) Next...a great pair of denim. I don't care if they're from Target, Zara or Shopbop...find that one great pair that makes you feel like a million bucks! (and don't wash them too much!!) Last but not least, a swipe of hot pink lipstick, coffee in hand and I'm out the door to take on whatever the day brings! @101thingsilove

Check out today's link ups: Style Elixir, Jo Lynn Shane, The Fashionista Momma, Lisa ala Mode,  Mix & Match Fashion