Jamie Fuller of www.mommyinflats.com is a stay at home mom to four and wife to one. She put her dreams of a career in writing on hold to raise a family and is just now finding a way to put her passion to use at home. Jamie lives in the Shenandoah Valley where you can find her cleaning the house, schooling young children and always running (usually in Rockports).
A cold blast of wind, the scent of fir trees wafting through the air, Jingle Bells ringing on repeat and little feet racing through the house on a candy cane high. Yep, it’s officially the holidays. As a mom, it can be hard to keep up with your kids and fashion trends, especially this time of year. I don’t know about you, but I’m more likely to be reading about how to keep your children from asking Santa for Hatchimals this Christmas than thinking about how to get festive with my wardrobe. Who has time to plan perfect outfits while ensuring your three-year-old doesn’t scale the Christmas tree? Nevertheless, I’ve gathered up a few ways for you (and me) to rock festive yet functional style this year while keeping up with those tiny, holiday glitter-covered toes.
Invest in Ugly. There is nothing more fun than an ugly Christmas sweater party. Even if you don’t have a party to wear it to, your family will enjoy dressing up to decorate the tree or to snuggling up with hot cocoa and It’s a Wonderful Life. I like to keep it simple with an inexpensive top. Who wants to spend money on ugly holiday fashion? Not this mama. In fact, I found this fun Santa sweatshirt at a big box store and paired it with velour leggings. (Trend Alert: Velvet is in this year and it makes great holiday wear!) With that said, you may be able to cut corners on festive tops, but never on shoes; your feet will thank you for making the splurge on supportive footwear. I finished off my Mrs. Claus outfit with suede Aria booties from Rockport. I love the Cobb Hill collection because it pairs trendy fashion with amazing fit. These booties have seen me through everything from pumpkin patches to holiday parades, and they’re the perfect touch of pretty for all your ugly holiday outfits this season.
Add Luxury. Add a little sparkle or texture to your holiday wardrobe. Sequins are an obvious choice, but you can also dress up basic black with pretty jewels. Don’t feel much like bling is your thing? Go for texture. With velvet all the rage, you can either go all out with a dress or pick one smaller item to give your outfit the holiday vibe. Though I do sparkle quite often (just ask my husband and kids), I’m feeling much more neutral this year, so I paired a soft velvet top with faux leather leggings and a faux fur scarf. As a mom of four, I don’t buy uncomfortable shoes, so I finished off my monochromatic look with black suede strappy wedges to look lux without compromising comfort. With Total Motion technology, Rockport keeps me on my feet so I can run after the littles even while wearing my holiday best.
Add Color. Don’t have time to invest in a whole new wardrobe? Just break out the red – lips and nails that is. You can never go wrong with a dark red lip, but pair it with all black and you have a very merry combination. Don’t have time to wait for your nails to dry or pick out your favorite lip lacquer? Add a pop to your step instead with red shoes. Rockport has so many options for fab holiday footwear, such as the Total Motion Salima Pump in Merlot Ombre, that will keep you dancing through all your holiday events.
Pictured: Total Motion Trixie Shootie 2 ($140) | Total Motion Salima Pump ($130) | Total Motion Valerie Luxe Pump ($130)
Plaid. A touch of plaid says “it’s the holidays” as much as snowmen and Rudolph – plus it’s an easy addition to a casual festive outfit. Throw on a plaid scarf or find a top with plaid accents. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with a colorful plaid to give your outfit a little holiday flare. Plaid also pairs perfectly with my favorite holiday shoes for moms, the Total Motion Tavia Loafer. If you hadn’t gleaned from the name “Mommy in Flats,” I mostly live in flat shoes (though thanks to comfortable heels from Rockport, I don’t always have to!). These shoes give a subtle holiday touch with the tassels and velvet while keeping you comfy during this busy time of year.
Since becoming a mom, December has transformed into a magical wonderland of sugar plum fairies and candy cane kisses. It may no longer be about going to fancy parties or spending nights out with friends (though you can still have those as a parent too), but it can still be fun to dress up in a beautiful pair of shoes and a Santa hat. Even if it’s just for your own Mr. Claus and the little elves you raised yourself!