Rediscovering Me: A Style Journey Through Motherhood, Chaos and Chronic Illness. 🌿
Somewhere between motherhood, chronic illness, and throwing my hair in a messy bun, I realized I’d lost my sense of style without even noticing. I didn’t mean to… but one day I blinked, and apparently all I owned were leggings! This is the story of how I’ve stopped waiting for “someday” and have started learning how to dress like myself again.
✨ It’s Easy to Lose Your Sense of Style (Especially During Big Life Changes!)
I’ve always been a fashion girlie. As a teen, I made my own clothing, and style was a HUGE part of my identity. But then I grew up, got married, had babies… and somewhere in the chaos, wearing leggings and a t-shirt became my entire personality. 🙄
And honestly? It’s really normal. Motherhood, chronic illness, working outside the home, or even just years of survival mode can take your personal style away before you even realize it.
🌿 It’s NORMAL to Outgrow a Style — But No One Talks About What Happens Next.
I used to be a die-hard vintage girlie. I made 1940s dresses from original patterns and wanted to live in a different era entirely. But after kids? My body changed, my lifestyle changed, and suddenly I didn’t want vintage dresses — I wanted comfort. Soft fabrics. Easy outfits.
And before I realized it, I didn’t know my style anymore. I didn’t know how to reconnect with it.
No one tells you what to do when the version of you who loved that old style is gone.
🙈 I Started Buying Clothes That Were Just… “Easy.”
Being a mom, wife, & entrepreneur means pouring out energy nonstop. So buying clothes became a survival decision:
Same leggings.
Same stores.
Same shirt in three colors.
Not because I loved them — but because I was tired. And listen… I still love a good leggings-and-sweatshirt moment! I just didn’t want to live there every day.
😣 I Told Myself I Should Wait Until I “Lost Weight”
This realization hit hard. Between kids and chronic illness, weight loss has been a challenge. And I kept thinking: “I’ll buy cute clothes once I lose weight.” I also believed that the style I wanted wouldn’t look good on my curvier body. So I kept waiting… and waiting… and waiting. And then I realized: Those were all just excuses.
I deserve to feel good in my clothes right now, at the weight I am.
That decision changed everything.
🌼 Here’s What I’ve Been Doing to Re-Discover My Style:
Pinterest Deep-Dives 🧚🏻♀️
I made boards of all the styles I’m drawn to… and apparently I’m a Bohemian Hippie with a side of Librarian. (I don’t know how that works, but we’re going with it. 🤷🏻♀️✨)
I’ve Stopped Buying “Safe Clothes” 👖
No more panic-buying replacement leggings. I decided to INTENTIONALLY step out of my comfort zone & buy clothing that looked like my Pinterest boards… even if it felt scary.
I’ve done Perfume Experiments ✨
I started noticing my favorite scents and went searching for a signature perfume that doesn’t trigger migraines — which is a battle, but a worthy one! (Arianna Grande’s “Cloud”)
Jewelry That Matches Me 💍
I’ve never been much for jewelry or accessories, but the boho style is often heavy on the bling. I decided to get a few pieces that fit my new vibe, and have absolutely loved adding a little extra sparkle to my outfits!
I Got a Nose Ring! 😆
I’ve wanted one for years… and finally said “Why NOT go for it?!” I LOVE IT.
Returning to My Curly-Girl Roots 💁🏻♀️
After growing out my perm for two years, I embraced the truth: I feel most like myself when my hair is wild, wavy, and free. (So I got a fresh perm - Thanks Mom!)
Choosing some Clothes with Elastic (Bless 🙌🏻)
Not only for flare days when I need soft comfy clothes, but also so my clothes can grow and shrink with over time.
I’m Becoming More “Me” — One Step at a Time. 🌿
My goal each day is simple:
Make one intentional choice that brings me closer to the version of me that I’m meant to be.
Some days that’s still leggings, but with a spritz of perfume. Other days it’s mascara, stretchy jeans with holes, and a pile of boho jewelry. But every day, I’m choosing to get one step closer.
This is who I am now. And it feels really good to finally be ME.