For Mother’s Day, we gave deserving moms a fresh new look. This stunning wardrobe update is perfect for any new mom returning to work. Brought to you by Ecco.
Wardrobe styling by Vanessa Taylor
Hair & Makeup by Civello Artists: Melanie Whitmore, Makeup Artist & Brow Specialist (Civello Rosedale), Gabo Hernandez, Hairstylist (Civello Queen Street)
Nails by Jennifer Mather, CND Nail Artist
Her story: An endless cycle of diapers, bottles and sleepless nights is all this 33-year-old mom of two (Blaise, 2, and Jude, 6 weeks) has been able to think about lately. “When we had our first baby we thought it was tough, but now with two, it’s like, ‘what were we complaining about?’” she laughs.
Read more: How to fake a good night's sleep>
It’s safe to say that applying lipstick has been at the bottom of her to-do list—way at the bottom. “I don’t really have much of a beauty routine these days,” she admits. “I wear basically no makeup.” Part of the reason is that she’s still in new-mom survival mode, but it’s also because Michelle doesn’t like the idea of beauty products rubbing off on little Jude’s delicate skin. “If I were going to work, I’d definitely do my hair and put on some makeup, but right now there’s no point.”
But dates with girlfriends and more opportunities to get out and about are on the horizon, and when she goes back to work at an insurance agency, Michelle will want to ramp-up her office attire, hair and makeup routines.
Behind the scenes look: So many shoes, so little time. Guess she'll just have to take them all...
Look 1: Anytime errands
Top: A soft and stretchy T-shirt is breastfeeding-friendly and goes with everything.
Makeup: Tidying up your brows makes your eyes look brighter and you appear well rested (even if you’re not!). Fill them in with pencil or shadow if necessary, and pluck any stray hairs, maintaining their natural shape.
Pants: Busy prints can be flattering on the bottom, as long you opt for pants made of thick stretch-cotton that retain their shape.
Michelle says: “I love these flats! I’d wear them shopping, out with the kids—pretty much anywhere.”
Bag: This colour is big for spring and gives you a fun fashion hit in a roomy everyday tote.
Michelle says: “I can fit diapers, snacks, a backup onesie and my wallet in here.”
Jacket, $69, joefresh.com; t-shirt, $12, oldnavy.ca; jeans, $20, hm.com; necklace, $84, stelladot.com; watch, $140, watchit.ca; Dalman tote, $295, and Touch 45 shoes, $145, eccocanada.com
Look 2: Date night
Hair DIY: After you blow-dry, gather a small section of hair directly above each ear, twist straight back and secure both sides with bobby pins.
Clutch: It’s the perfect size for your essentials. Keep it tucked in your diaper bag during the day and pull it out as a purse for date night.
Michelle says: “I like that I can use it whether I’m dressed up or down.”
Dress: The black panels on the sides create the illusion of a longer, leaner silhouette.
Shoes: A wedge heel is almost as comfortable as flats, but still fancy enough for a night out.
Dress, $80, winners.ca; earrings, $54, and spike bracelet, $64, stelladot.com; chain bracelet, $ 38, cocoajewelry.com; Delight clutch, $225, and Touch 45 sandals, $175, eccocanada.com
For Michelle's awesome makeup, we used the following Aveda products (find out more at aveda.com):
Product photos provided by AvedaA version of this article appeared in our May 2014 issue with the headline "Mommy makeovers," pp. 75-8. This makeover was brought to you by Ecco.
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Karen Robock is a writer, editor and mom of two whose work has appeared in dozens of publications in Canada and the U.S., including Prevention, Reader’s Digest, Canadian Living, and The Toronto Star. Once upon a time, Karen was even the managing editor of Today’s Parent. She lives in Toronto with her husband, school-age daughters, and their two dogs.