Effortless Spring Fashion Picks for Busy Moms
By Alicia Harper, REDBOOK
Spring is here, and I couldn't be happier to ditch my down coat, mittens, scarf, hat, and boats for lightweight outerwear! One reason I love spring so much is because of the "no muss, no fuss" fashion finds. I've rounded up a few trendy, inexpensive, and easy-to-care-for fashion and beauty finds for busy moms who are short on time but want to look good.
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1. The Print DressIf you're looking for a fun and trendy outfit, you can't go wrong with a print dress. Bonus points if you score one in cotton or linen-those fabrics are low-maintenance and super easy to clean. The main reason I love the print dress is because it takes me roughly 45 seconds to get dressed in the morning when I'm wearing one that day. As a busy single mom whose time is precious, an outfit like this is a must-have. 2. Colored Skinny JeansColored skinny jeans are basically the spring fashion jackpot. Not only are these jeans trendy and comfortable, they're a great alternative to my usual yoga pants and leggings. Pick your favorite color and pair them with a loose blouse, ballet flats (if you're running errands), or wedged heels (if you're going into work), throw your hair in a ponytail, and you've got an effortlessly chic ensemble.
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3. Canvas Bag or ToteA mom's bag is like a mini convenience store. We carry everything in there: toys, snacks, hand sanitizer, wipes, makeup, a good book, more toys, wallet-you name it, we've got it in there! Why not own a back that's roomy enough for all of the above but also lightweight? Enter canvas bags and totes. Not only are they inexpensive, they're also really easy to clean-I just throw it in the washer when I'm doing a load of laundry. 4. Gel Manicures I'm a firm believer that a manicure is the perfect finish to every fashionista's outfit, but I know what you're thinking about gel manicures: They're so expensive! While they are a bit pricier than your average manicure, they last forever. Okay, maybe not forever. They last for an average of 3-4 weeks, but in "manicure time," that's the equivalent of "forever." Plus, your nails won't chip or begin to look dry because gel manicures withstand washing dishes, doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, and all sorts of other down-and-dirty work. If you only need to sit for one manicure per month, the time and money that you'll be saving is priceless. For this reason alone, gel manicures are hands-down my latest beauty obsession. 5. Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 or Higher I always try to give myself an extra 10-15 minutes in the morning to put my face my makeup on. I love makeup and experimenting with new products, so it's something so I consider it to be part of my "me time." Unfortunately, I don't always have an extra 15 minutes in the morning. If I only have time for one product, I lather on a tinted moisturizer. It takes five seconds to apply and not only provides protection from the sun; it also gives me a glowing, fresh look. If I've got another five seconds to spare, I add blush and a simple lip-gloss…voilà - all done!
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6. Oversized Sunglasses You didn't get enough sleep, but you're still up at the crack of dawn to get the kids ready for school and yourself dressed for work. If concealer and/or eye makeup just aren't cutting it today, don some oversized sunglasses. Problem solved.What are some of your favorite "no fuss, no muss" spring fashion and beauty trends?
Alicia Harper, M.A., Ed.M. is a single mother, freelance writer, blogger, and recent graduate of Columbia University who's now a mental health therapist. Her life is filled with all things pink, except for the one bit of blue-her rambunctious 4-year-old son. Together they make a great pair, and Alicia chronicles the trials and triumphs of being a young, single mother living in NYC at Mommy Delicious. Find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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