Tami Piper, owner, Poppy & Dot

Being a busy mom shouldn’t mean you have to give up your style. Mom life isn’t easy. Every day seems to bring new challenges. Not to mention as women, our bodies change as babies come and grow.

When I was a young mom of three boys, a sweet woman at church snapped a family photo of us and posted it on social media. When I saw myself, I was horrified! It took me many years and a lot of trial and error, but I have found a style that works for me. When I like what I’m wearing, I carry myself differently. I am confident. I feel capable.

Whether you work in your home or in a board room, confidence is the key to a successful day. I don’t want you to spend years of frustration, feeling unhappy with your closet! I want to share what I’ve learned and make life a little easier for other busy moms.

Here are a few of my best tips:

DRESS FOR THE SIZE YOU ARE!
Telling yourself that you only deserve new clothes when you meet the weight or fitness goals you have is counterproductive. Finding styles that fit properly will feel good, and feeling good about you, right now, will help you accomplish any goals you may have.

SPLURGE ON KEY TIMELESS PIECES.
Two of my favorite things to splurge on are shoes and a great blazer. I have a soft spot for shoes! I feel justified when I buy a quality pair since my feet don’t change size. A blazer takes any outfit up a notch. Throw one over a basic tee and jeans when you want to be taken seriously. Add a great pair of heels and you’ve got a look that works for everything from a meeting with the principal, to a night out with your sweetheart.

KNOW YOUR BODY SHAPE!
Certain cuts look better on certain shapes. Understanding what styles flatter your shape best will go a long way to empowering you when faced with fashion decisions.

ONLINE SHOPPING
Online shopping is a HUGE time and stress saver until you get something on your doorstep that doesn’t fit. Here are three things that will make online shopping easier:
• Know your measurements. Many online retailers (including Poppy & Dot) list clothing measurements on their product pages.
• Look for key phrases such as relaxed fit, oversized, or fitted, which will help you understand how a piece should fit on your frame.
• Always check the return policy before you buy. Small businesses and boutiques are not Amazon, but need your support nonetheless! To save unnecessary frustration, make sure you understand how returns are processed before you buy.