Today we have a good friend of mine from college, Jess, for our Secrets of Stylish Moms series! Jess and I were roommates our senior year. I’ll never forget the hip hop class we took together at the gym every week. As long as I watched her reflection in the mirror instead of my own, I was feeling amazing about my hip hop dance skills. She tore her old baggy 501 Levis into capris, I followed suit, and we wore them every week to class. She’s always had incredible style. Not only that- she’s a homeschooling mom to three little ones. So pretty much, she’s superwoman.

Keep reading to hear her life changing motto and the yoga pants that have changed her life as a new mom…

HAT | SUNGLASSES | NECKLACE | OXFORD | SWEATER (similar) | PANTS (similar) | SHOES

What’s your secret to having style?
Here’s my take on mom fashion— look good, feel good, do good! I like to look in the mirror and not immediately dodge my own reflection—but here’s the thing, I don’t spend more than 15 minutes getting ready most days—you can ask my closest friends….I can secretly be wearing the t-shirt I slept in last night and I layer it with a button up or tie it around my waist, slide on some skinnies or leggings, throw on a five panel hat or one of my vintage Stetsons, apply some bright lipstick and I’ve tricked the world and even better, myself. Being a homeschool mom means that I don’t have to face other moms at the dreaded 7:45 drop off time- or feel like I have to be “ready” by the time I pick the kids up—this could make for pajamas all day long every day. But like I said before, look good—then I feel good—then I do good—which means planning a kick butt lesson for my 7 year old Malina, sneaking in a quick skate session with Teo and giving my little Lion more than a bottle and his blankey when he cries– When I’m in pj’s all I want to do is watch trashy tv and eat spoonful’s of peanut butter with chocolate chips on top—when I “look good” its more likely to be domino effect that leads to a day that I can be proud of.

What is one favorite piece in your wardrobe that is both practical for a mother and stylish?

These yoga pants have changed my life. High wasted, perfect thickness and amount of stretch to hold you in, they double as ideal legging that you can rock with booties and a oversized sweater, or a tee with a flannel —I can wear them all day and then hit the gym with out doing the deck change in the locker room—a must have for all mamas.

What would you consider your go-to ‘momiform’ to be?

Chucks/booties, skinnies, American apparel deep v -neck tee, denim shirt tied around my waist, hat.

What advice would you give a new mom who is struggling to feel sexy again with her post baby body?

Be nice to yourself- you spend all day being nice to everyone else–give your self a break, you have your whole life to work on your body and feel fit and strong. So feel ok about taking your time to fit back in to your favorite jeans and in the mean time buy these lulu pants or a pair of jeans that you can wear while you give yourself a minute to enjoy your baby—its worth it to have some thing that you can put on every day and not curse as you try sliding on your pants… also buy some rad shoes that make you feel like a boss when you are walking around town and yeah—buy some bright lipstick—it distracts from the inevitable circles under your eyes.

What is something you do for yourself everyday?

I go to the gym. It’s the only time a day that I don’t have my kids— its cathartic for me to get my heart rate up, sweat off the craziness of the day and zen out in the yoga studio.

What beauty product can you not live without, and why is it your favorite?

Inside And Out Cosmetics- ROSA lipstick– Color is bold, goes on smooth, and is made with all organic ingredients

Do you have a beauty regimen you swear by?
Rodan & Fields reverse regiment— Recently I decided to grow up and commit to a skin regiment. I had a friend send me samples of the R&F and I loved it from the start. I felt like my skin was looking dull and i was embarrassed by some sun spots and weird pregnancy discoloration- now I’m feeling like me skin is actually brighter—glowing possibly? Cheers to that — and all this time I thought it was just a hoax. And as far as price point… I’m kinda cheap when it comes to spending money on this sort of thing—but listen ladies we wear our face everyday- feel good about it and find something that works for you.

favorite sneaker: chucks/converse
favorite comfy boot: Chelsea boot (love these!)
favorite casual dress or skirt: sweatshirt dress—with pockets
old reliable pair of jeans: American Eagle skinny fit
favorite place to vacation: Camping in the Redwoods—Butano State park is my favorite
band on permanent rotation in my spotify: Lorde/Kanye
your go to accessory: 3 piece earing stud– original and can be paired with other studs #obsessed
color or black and white: black & white

Photography by Liz Stanley