Dresses and Lessons Learned

Oh…how I wish I could go back to
my days as a young mom and right the mistakes I made.  So far, I am
pretty pleased with the parenting decisions Mr. B and I made…but, taking care
of myself would definitely move up the priority list!
Sandals: Ross
To say I was overwhelmed as a
young parent is an understatement! 
Therefore, it was easiest to pull back my hair, wear no makeup, ratty
shorts, oversized T shirts, and occasionally step in and out of the shower very
quickly… after all there was no telling what the three little darlings might do if
I wasn’t paying attention! 
I got the scarf idea from Jill of Every Thing Just So!!  Wear it as a bracelet!
Red Bracelet is from InPink.com
Unfortunately, years later, I have
learned that a quick brush through the hair, just a little make up, and a skirt
or dress are just as easy to pull off as the grunge/comfort look.  Part of my journey which led to this blog was that it took until I
turned 50 for me to see that it was Pam-time! 
 I am grateful that my only
parenting regrets so far involve neglecting  myself…and I am grateful to be having so much fun
with the rediscovery over 50.
But, as we approach Mother’s Day,
if you know a young mother who is putting herself on the shelf…encourage her to
take just a few moments for mom each day…to eat right, exercise, and pull on an
easy dress or fitted clothing when she goes out…she will feel more like smiling each  and every day.
For years, I left dresses out of
my wardrobe…now, it is fun to bring them back!!  I told you Monday that I hit the BOGO sale at Lane Bryant and purchased the first dress you saw HERE….today is the Second Dress which I needed for a function this weekend…both averaged about $43 each!  I also added a belt and topper from Chicos– purchases-past to this dress.

  Several commented on my black jackets and suggested different colors etc. I agree with you all…but have no funds to go get different colors, so for now, I will go with the black…I am just not confident enough to go sleeveless..need to do some weight lifting!

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26 Comments

  1. I hear ya on the weight lifting. The dreaded angel wings! Love the dresses and I think we should bring them back for everyday wear!

  2. Dear Pam, You live in San Antonio. I totally give you permission to go sleeveless. Step out and be comfortable this summer. It is so difficult to get over that feeling of needing cover, especially as we get older. I had to have surgery on both my arms and have long (ugly) scars that literally go from my bra level down the inside of my arm to my elbow. I am also larger than you (I can't believe you even shop at Lane Bryant). I do exercise those arms, but because of our TX heat, I simply had to get over the heavy upper arms thing. I don't look gross and try to dress as nicely as I can. It probably isn't as awful as you can possibly think it is and you always look so well put together. I will admit to a lot of sleevless dresses in the summer (I LOVE dresses) and I do have a cute black and a cute white coverup if I HAVE to wear one; but for the most part, I just go bare armed. Besides, with your smile, nobody is looking at those arms.
    Mari (have to post as anonymous…sorry…Mari in Dallas)

  3. Those are some beautiful dresses, and *you* look beautiful in them, Pam. I esp love the vibrant stripes. I don't have children, but I so appreciate the dedication you gave to raise yours!

  4. Pam!! I LOVE that CAT!! Color me green with envy! 😉 But seriously, yes. You, and every mom/wife needs self time. Not selfish time as those are two very different things. Self time! Mine usually come in the form of loooooong baths… And! If you know even a little about sewing, you can easily make your own easy t-shirt shrug. So easy, I've made several of them.
    Here's the link just in case you'd like to see it ~> T-Shirt Shrug

  5. You look gorgeous in that color. Putting on a dress or a skirt makes me feel instantly feminine and pretty.. it just kind of changes my overall mood. It was interesting reading your take on students and how social media is affecting them. xo

  6. Very nice post! I was in the same boat as you back in the mid 80's with three small kids. I'm just now stepping it up as far as wardrobe. It's a great way to feel good about ourselves, Lord knows we've been programmed to make sure those around us feel good while neglecting ourselves.
    Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

  7. Love the teal dress and the metallic sandals.

    True. I'm sure I take only a couple more minutes to get ready at 56 then I did when the girls were little and I look SO much better. Just a little effort pays huge dividends.

  8. Oh Pam, I love this post! What a great reminder about taking time out for yourself when you're a mom. I didn't do this for a long time and I'm getting better at it as the years go on, just need to get rid of the guilt at this point. I LOVE the scarf as a bracelet, it's the perfect touch. Thanks for linking back to my site, you are so nice! Happy Mother's Day to you! XO, Jill

  9. Hi, Pam…..really loved reading this post. You're so right! And it just so happens that I'm going shopping this evening for a new dress. Thanks for the inspiration! Love the way you put the outfits together.

    I'm also a new follower, dropping by from Thursdays Favorites Hop. Would love to have you drop by my place when you get the chance. Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!

    Elaine 🙂

  10. Pam – you have inspired me to write today on my post about the topic of helping the young mothers in our lives remember to care for themselves. I, too, am SO guilty of letting myself, my home, my closet, my mental health, my nutrition…all of the above….get to a point where I didn't even know where to start living in my own skin again. My husband used to ask, "What is it that you want?", and I was so frustrated that I didn't even have an answer! How did I let it get so bad before I began to turn it around? I am happy to report that I AM turning it around, day by day, and it feels fantastic!

    And I absolutely second the poster above who commented above that no one else is noticing your arms. They see and feel your smile and love.

  11. pretty teal dress! So true – I'm right there with ya- when my kids were young, I was just surviving – 3 kids under 1.5! I wore sweats and a ponytail and ate oreos on the fly – so my weight wasn't so great either. It's so much better taking a little time to see after your healthy food and exercise and sprucing up a bit I agree!

  12. I love all your suggestions for the Mom's out there on how to dress and how it's just as easy to throw on a dress as a big 'ol tee. Love both of your gorgeous dresses in this post.

    xo,
    Tracy

  13. I had plenty of me-time when my kids were little. There was 20 minutes on the way to work after dropping them off and 20 minutes on the way home from work to pick them up. Oh, don't forget the shower I took when I was getting everybody ready to get out the door in the mornings.

    By the end of the day I looked forward those minutes of sitting on the bus and reading a book or newspaper.

    Thinking back on it I think it's probably a good thing that you have to be fairly young to be a new mother. I don't know that I'd get it all done if I were doing it today.

  14. It's always easier to care for others as a parent, so good for you for changing it up at 50. Happy Mother's Day, by the way. The scarf as bracelet idea is so much fun and you really know how to wear a dress!

  15. I love the flutter in this dress and such a fabulous color on you. And, yes, I know many young moms who struggle to have the time to accomplish all they need to in a day…my oldest daughter is one.

  16. Oh how I wish I could throw on a dress and a sweater like you have – I'm just not built that way, unfortunately. I wear dresses all the time when I'm at home, but rarely wear them for nice occasions. I just feel better in pants. You look great!

  17. What a heart warming post & great advice! I am now at 46 just had the last couple of years to do something for me…sewing & my wardrobe blog. My 3 daughters are my style muses, photographers & critics so I feel I may have done something right the last 21 years with them!
    btw…..your dresses look fabulous & love the flowy turquoise. Have a fabulous weekend!

  18. You look beautiful, enjoy your Pam time it is well deserved. Thank you for your bloggy friendship and for joining in the hop. P.S. good luck in the new giveaway today xo

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