mom style | Meet Maria

Meet Maria Schaefer, a full-time working mom who always manages to look chic and pulled together. Since I have no clue how this is done, I asked her to share her shopping secrets. Check out her key wardrobe pieces - some seriously good advice in there!

Major bonus: Henry is so lucky to have inherited some of her little man Carsten's super stylin' hand-me-downs!

Mom staple that you always wear:

My diamond cross necklace that hubby got me as a gift when we found out I was pregnant with little man. It's a very special reminder of my family especially when I'm at work or away from them.

Key pieces in your closet:  

• A fuschia scarf that I wear year-round; my mom gave it to me because she thought I wore too much black.
• A practical baseball cap for those early morning errands and gym time.
• A selection of ballet flats.
• Different jean styles -- skinny, wideleg, flared, bell bottoms, boyfriend. No mommy jeans and no jeggings.
• H&M basic tees in gray, white and black -- so versatile, especially with the scarf.
• Funky jackets which are my proxy for a sweatshirt.
• A selection of casual and comfy dresses perfect for travel, errands, picnics or a pick-me-up during those "I feel ______ <---- insert adjective: fat/frumpy/crappy" days. They're also perfect for hiding the post-baby bulge.  
• And lastly, a wide selection of flip flops.

Color palette that you stick to:  The neutrals like black, white, gray, and plum. Whenever I can, I spice it up with a splash of bright color with my belt, earrings, bangles, shoes and bags. I never carry black bags unless the occasion calls for it, and I only wear black shoes to work.

Final touches to complete your outfit: Anything with color to juice it up. I'm also in love with bracelets, bangles and cuffs lately.

Favorite places to shop: H&M, Piperlime, Forever 21, Benetton, BCBG, Ann Taylor, Loft, NY & Company, Bebe, Banana Republic, and TJ Maxx

Shirt: Forever 21, Jeans: Diesel, Shoes: Naturalizer, Sunnies: D&G 

What you want to buy now for you and/or Carsten:  For me...nothing really. I used to love to shop, but since having a child, I find that I'm always just buying things for him or my hubby whenever I'm out. For Carsten, I'd love to start getting him cute summer clothes but I can't yet because he's so tiny and can still wear his summer clothes from last year. In the meantime, on my list for him are a couple of dock shoes (those cute Sperry's are to die for) and everything madras plaid and nautical striped.

Sperry Boat Shoes

Blue Madras Shorts

Le Top Nautical Bucket Hat

mom | Do We Need This Accessory?

Happy Monday! Above is my attempt on Mother's Day to get a photo of me and the kiddos. The photo roll was hilarious. You'd think I was pinching them! We'll keep trying....

I've been pondering the need for personalized note cards and business cards lately. (Mainly for when I accost a stylish mom on the street for a photo.)

Recently I actually wrote a (gasp) handwritten note to someone - and I literally had to rip out a sheet of notebook paper and scrawl out a message. It was ugly. I was embarrassed. This is not how I want to represent myself!

I was checking out the gorgeous selection of personalized note cards at Minted and saw these hilarious cards for moms (also seen here). Would this be helpful in my quest to make more mom friends? Or not? :)

Gift Guide for Mom

Today is my Mom's birthday (Happy Birthday!). If you missed it, you should check out her great advice - she's a smart lady! Anyway, I've been thinking of all the fun stuff I'd like to get her (ok, and myself) for Mother's Day.

1. Meyer lemon tree via - Because Mom has a thing for lemons

2. Hello Sunshine straw hat via - She is super cute in a big, floppy hat

3. Floral nesting bowls via - You can never have too many serving bowls

4. Felted flowers via - Love these, let me know if someone can find the tutorial

1. Canvas carryall - Because you can never have too many of these either

2. Citrus salt body scrub via - Mom has a thing for lemons & salt, together

3. Initial necklace - To celebrate her beloved grandchildren

4. Cotton scarf via - For the next trip to the beach

5. Leather clutch via - For when Mom is feeling sassy 

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you!