In my twenties I considered myself to be relatively stylish. I mean, for all intents and purposes I could put an decent outfit together. Having mom style, let alone travel mom style was something I never intended to be on my radar. “Mom jeans” existed in my world solely as a hilarious sketch comedy skit. I knew how to dress when going to some sort of evening function, going out with friends, and could even throw together a cute something casual for during the day. Boy, could I pack a mean suitcase….we’re talking outfit options, accessories, multiple pairs of shoes, wearing actual makeup everyday and looking fresh after a long-haul flight. And most importantly I could rock a four inch heel like a boss!

Then I had babies. I became a mom and I got old. Scratch that, I got lazy. I got anxious, and I lost myself. My world for the last five and a half years has been yoga pants and top knots and bra optional. I accessorized with baby spit-up on the shoulder, toddler boogers on the sleeve and eventually graduated to somebody’s snack remnants on my right thigh. Gross. Yeah, motherhood is kind of like that. But it is also incredibly joyful, raw, and gorgeous all at the same time. Except somewhere between my water breaking at 3am in late March 2013 and today, I forgot how to look presentable in society. And let’s just call it like it is….it’s not like riding a bike.

Traveling has always been a core value for our family and we started bringing our kids along when they were still babies. I’ve always enjoyed traveling with our kids but I’ll admit I’ve always felt a little ‘frumpy’ while doing it these past five and a half years.

A few months ago I started to feel like I was becoming myself again. That’s not to belittle being a mama as part of ‘myself’. It’s a huge part. I’m strictly talking about the superficial here. Slowly (and the process is still evolving), I began to feel more comfortable in this new, post-baby body. It never quite goes back to exactly the way it was and that’s totally cool. Embrace your new normal and learn how to dress it like the boss that you are. I’m learning that I can be comfortable and still look ‘cute’ on the road or in the air. The it is possible to create a wardrobe for travel that I classify as my travel mom style and be proud of it. That I shouldn’t be taking care of everyone else and throwing whatever of mine is clean into our luggage fifteen minutes before we leave. I’m discovering new ways of dressing this body and a whole new style that is completely me. It’s a journey so I want to share it with you guys here.

And though my heels may not be as high and the rise on my jeans not quite as low, I’m finding my new style. My mom style. My travel mom style. It’s really fun! And I’m embracing all of it. You should too.