By the end of my first pregnancy, I had gained 35 pounds. It was a healthy number according to my OBGYN, but I hoped I would be one of those people who lost the weight quickly after my son was born. To my surprise, I dropped 30 pounds within the first week of my son being born. But at my 6 week postpardum appointment, my OB voiced a warning. “Many women who drop weight quickly after having a baby can experience issues with their milk supply.” Because I WAS experiencing issues with a low milk supply, I took her advice.

Here’s what happened next…

It’s crazy to me how pregnancy can draw upon so many emotions all at the same time. I’ve felt pride for growing a healthy baby, insecurity over whether I’ve gained the right amount of weight at the right time, panic at how I’ll ever be able to lose all the weight and feel like me again, and excited anticipation to meet the little person I’ve been sharing this body with over the last several months.

As I reflected upon the journey of growing a tiny human and how it’s caused me to view myself and my appearance differently, I realized there’s 5 tools I’ve used to hold a healthy attitude towards weight gain during pregnancy…

Do you work from home or stay at home with your kids? If so, you’ve probably noticed how easy it is to wear PJ’s from noon to night and feel like you’re #winning at life. Gone are the days of stiff, structured suit separates and itchy sweaters. Yoga pants, workout wear, and oversized sweaters are your new uniform. When I transitioned to running my business full-time, I was curious to discover how I’d feel wearing around-the-house clothing for work. I was scared I’d fall in love with leggings and oversized sweaters and feel shameful for loving them so much as a stylist.

And then it happened...

We all do it. Every year when the calendar turns back to 1/1, we determine to take full advantage of the fresh beginning a New Year brings. We set out to fulfill our bucket lists, spend more time with our loved ones, beef up our savings, and get in shape. For some of us, it may look like a continuation of the same routine we began last year, and for others, creating brand new habits we hope will stick. One thing is certain - we all have goals when it comes to a healthier lifestyle!

As you approach exercise and a healthy lifestyle, try this one styling trick for making your workouts most effective…

Many moms devote their entire lives to taking care of their kids. The role of mother is demanding, all-consuming, and without weekends, holidays, or PTO. But when given a moment of silence, a mom may begin to feel lost in her new identity. How should she go about expressing herself in the clothing she wears? Victoria Shipman is a close friend of my sister's and a mother of two in Phoenix, Arizona. Upon befriending her on Facebook, I was instantly impressed with her attention to style. How does she do it?

I got with her to ask all about her style strategy, mindset, and perspective on spending time on her outward appearance as a mother of two…

Do you ever feel afraid you'll show up as too much in an outfit that's colorful, loud, or on the dressier side? Does bright color make you feel like you're begging for attention, and a bold, eye-catching outfit feel like you're trying too hard? My friend, Julie, is a previous co-worker and Escrow Officer at a company called First Alliance Title. I’ve noticed the way she dresses has rubbed off on those around her and upleveled the style around the office.

I got with Julie to ask about the motivation behind her image and appearance and whether she's ever had a case of the "showing up as too much" scares…

The first time I noticed the wrinkle was in a selfie. “Wait what is that!? What’s wrong with my face??” I couldn’t seem to disguise my newfound flaw. This was a month or so before I called the dermatologist to schedule an appointment for a bump on my leg. It had been bugging me for a long time, and with a tropical vacation coming up in just a few weeks, I was tired of looking at it. Perhaps you can relate. Do you have a physical flaw you can’t seem to get past?

Read this blog for the lesson I learned after leaving the dermatologist fuming…

Do you put your worth in what you look like? I know I do. I have for years. I’m reminded of it when I go to the mall, gazing up sheepishly at the giant posters of beautiful women. I wander inside a store, unconscious of the desire the image has sparked inside my heart. I want to look beautiful…to captivate an audience. I try on clothing in the dressing room and begin to feel anxiety when I don’t measure up. I stand in line at Victoria’s Secret and wonder if it’s possible to actually have a body with such perfect proportions. The women look so happy, so fulfilled. Their radiance speaks of the worth they must feel. The value behind their beautiful face.

All of a sudden, the comparison game has started. And it really has nothing to do with clothing…

This week I went shopping for jeans (for myself). I haven’t bought denim in a couple years and was due for a year-round pair I could wear with flats or tuck into boots. I thought I’d find what I needed at The Limited, where pants have worked well for me in the past. I tried on a couple pairs, but found the styles at The Limited more jegging than jean, and I needed something more sturdy. I moved on to Macy’s and tried on just about every affordable pair I could get my hands on. Lucky, Levi’s, Bar III, Free People, and Maison Jules to name a few, without any luck. 

I began to think I wasn’t going to find denim today. I was looking at myself different in the mirror…

Whenever I introduce myself as a personal stylist, I always get the same follow-up question. “Sssoooo, what exactly does that mean?” I’ve come to expect it every time I talk about my business, and I’ve gotten rather good at a response. “An image consultant provides closet cleanings and shopping sessions. I find flattering clothing for a client based on her body type and personality. I also shop for women who hate shopping.”

Here’s five things you may not know about working with a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant…

This isn't something you expect to hear from a stylist, is it? You should see the reaction I get when I tell people what I do for a living. Their expression often changes to one of insecurity. They look down…they make excuses for what they’re wearing. I’ve realized this is the #1 reason I’ve avoided talking about my business in the past. It’s like people expect I’ll think less of them if they’re dressed casually!

Read my reason for supporting whatever you choose to wear inside this blog…