Mommy in Heels x Kibou Styles

How would you describe your own personal style?

I feel like I am a chameleon when it comes to my personal style. One day I’ll be wearing a graphic tee, lug boots and a moto jacket, and the next I could be wearing a preppy sweater cardigan with ballet flats! I dress for my mood a lot, too! 

You’ve been blogging and a stylist for almost 10 years now! How did you get your start? What steps did you take to evolve Mommy in Heels from a hobby to a business and brand?

I’ve always had a love of fashion. My 90 year-old grandmother played a huge part in my love for fashion (and leopard print!). It’s always been something I enjoy. Friends were always asking for fashion advice, so I decided to start sharing my outfits online in 2012, just for outfit inspo but also to keep me motivated as a mom to get dressed everyday! 

I started my blog with the intention of just having it be a hobby, but after several years, and with the growth of social media it has evolved into a business. Brand partnerships started to happen more and more, affiliate commission started to grow, and then eventually I landed a management team. Never in a million years did I ever think this would be my career (I mean, this kind of thing didn’t exist when I was little, so there was never the desire to do something like this as a career when growing up). 

It’s so fun to be able to do what I love every day! I do miss it being a hobby from time to time (I’ve realized over the last few months that I don’t have a hobby anymore lol!) but to be able to get paid for doing what I love? You can’t beat that!

We love that you focus on size inclusivity. How do you incorporate size inclusivity into your work? What does being size-inclusive mean to you and your brand?

Having conversations with brands that are trying to be more size-inclusive has been something that I have loved doing. They are really important conversations to have, and it means a lot to have brands working hard to be more inclusive. 

A goal of mine is to have some sort of capsule clothing line, which will be size inclusive. I want everyone to be able to wear and feel amazing my designs! 

How did you come up with the idea for “The Closet Staples” guide? What is at the top of your closet staples list?

Every woman should have staples in their closet. When I do closet edits with clients I typically leave them with a homework list-items to add to their closet that they will wear over and over, season after season-closet staples! 

I loved being able to share those with my blog readers by creating the guide. It’s a toss up as to what is at the top of my list, but I do think a great denim jacket is something that will never go out of style! 

What tips do you have for new moms who are looking to revamp their post-baby wardrobe?

Be patient, give yourself time and give yourself grace. It’s so crazy that as new moms we are expected to bounce back quickly, not only with our body, but our life! It’s so crazy how we are expected to go back to work after just 6 weeks. It took your body approx 40 weeks to grow your beautiful baby, so why should we be expected to heal (mentally, physically, emotionally, all of the above) in a fraction of that time? 

It’s inevitable that things are going to shift and change after giving birth. It took me a lot of time and even more tears, but I found that buying things that fit me well, regardless of the size made me feel so much better about myself. 

If you’re trying to rebuild your wardrobe, start small with staples that can be mixed/matched and easily styled with items you already own that you still wear. 

What trends are you loving for Winter 2022?

I am loving all of the chunky sole shoes. I am certain I had similar shoes when I was in jr. high! It’s one style I am happy to see come back. I also love all of the matching sets. This is sort of a year round trend, but I am still loving it nonetheless! I love that matching sets makes it easy to plan an outfit, and that they can be worn lounging around the house and out and about! 

Are there any female-founded or size-inclusive brands that you are currently coveting?

Yes! I’ve chatted with Able several times about expanding their sizing. They have been slowly but surely over the last couple of months with plans to expand even more. They are doing it correctly and doing it well. 

I adore Robyn Rhodes Jewelry. She is a dear friend of mine, and I’ve had the pleasure of styling many of her photo shoots. Her jewelry is one of my daily go-to’s! 

Gibsonlook is also another female founded and owned brand I love. I have worked with Suzie (the founder of Gibson) for a few years. Their clothing and overall brand is one of my favorites! 

 

Finally, tell us what you're wearing!

Winter white outfit: https://www.shopstyle.com/shop/Mommy-in-Heels/43475235