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A Simple Guide to Being a Chic Suburbanista (2017)

February 21, 2017 By Milen Gala

This picture pretty much sums up my wardrobe. Yup…

Comfy shoes, a snuggly overcoat and a warm knitted hat.  Throw on a cute backpack (or favorite handbag) and some shades and I’m out the door with my two kids… Who said you can’t be stylish and a mom at the same time?!?

Today, I thought we’d take a break from food and fitness and focus on something more fun. Fashion. There are a few statement pieces that I think are worth the investment to get you from dull and shabby to chic and fabulous in no time flat.

Here are my 5 wardrobe essentials to get you looking effortlessly chic and keep you mommy comfortable all winter long.

1. A pair of classic earrings

For me the one piece of jewelry I feel naked without is a good pair of classic earrings. I find it’s the best way to instantly dress up your face and feel put together. Weather that’s diamond, zirconia or pearl studs, investing in a good pair of classic earrings goes a long way in making you look and feel stylish and ladylike, adding an instant finishing touch to any outfit you have time to put together. Go with a pair of classic studs and you can’t go wrong in terms of both comfort and polish.  

2. Skinny jeans or faux-leather stretch pants

Skinny jeans and fitted faux-leather pants are my holy grail chic outfit hacks. If you start with a pair of really cute skinny jeans, cutoff or distressed you can literally throw a big comfy sweatshirt on top and a pair of sneakers and look effortlessly chic. High waisted ones are my secret mommy hack. And faux-leather pants instantly dress up any outfit, even if they are worn with a loose fitting white t-shirt and flats. When it comes to tight and loose dressing, think tight on bottom and relaxed on top. Or vice versa depending on your body shape and what looks best. 

3. A structured or flowing overcoat

I think good outerwear doesn’t get enough attention. When I’m not dashing through Seattle rain in my Lululemon rain coat, my two favorite outerwear pieces to throw on are either a structured trench with a tie waist belt or a thick, lined, flowing coat over a pair of distressed skinny jeans. I find something snuggly and soft and with enough warmth to get me through to soccer practice is exactly what I need to look both chic and stylish, while staying super practical and put together. 

4. Premium sneakers, flats and chelsea boots

There are loads of cute sneakers, flats and ankle boots in both the expensive and less expensive market. And you don’t necessarily need to dole out huge sums of money to get the perfect pair. Espadrilles have hit the spotlight in recent years and make a great street style alternative to your classic sneaker. They are just as comfy but a lot more fashionable and look great with everything form skinny jeans to sweat pants. A pair of classic black flats will go with almost any outfit and I find my Chanel classic flats get used more often than any other pair of shoes in my wardrobe. Yes, these are quite a lot to invest in a classic pair of flats but I’ve had them for 5 years, gotten loads of complements, and have worn them to death. Chelsea boots are a wardrobe staple this fall and when worn with skinny jeans make your legs look a mile long. You only need one great pair of sneakers, flats and ankle boots to look chic all winter long. 

5. A statement handbag

Where do I even start with handbags. I seriously think a good handbag makes or breaks an outfit. And my obsession with good statement handbags just intensifies with each passing year. There are a few styles I think look really great like cute crossbody, backpack or low shoulder bags (bags that when worn on the shoulder hit you about hip level.) The biggest mistake I see people make? Wearing bags that have very short shoulder straps or bags that are too small or big for your frame. Stick to a classic bag that’s the right size for your everyday that has the right length shoulder strap. My current obsession? I love the top handle/long shoulder strap bags. You can carry them with your hand which instantly stylizes any outfit but also sling them on your shoulder for when you’re running after your 2 year old who just threw a ball at your neighbor’s dog. 

When in doubt, go with all black

One of the easiest ways to look chic in a hurry? Wear all black. Or all white. Or all neutral. When in doubt, wear head to toe monochrome… Last week I had no time to think so one morning I threw on my black skinny jeans, a black turtleneck tucked in front under a cute belt and my black flats. Some sunglasses, and a trench coat later I looked as if I had spent 30 minutes finding the perfect outfit. It’s hard to look un-stylish when you’re wearing all black, no matter how unstructured the outfit. So when in doubt just go for all black. 

P.S. None of the links above are affiliate links, they are just some of my favorite wardrobe staples. I’m sharing my love of dressing chic and comfortable with you so please feel free to shop as much as you like without worry that you’re funding my next pair of Chanel flats 😉 

More Great Stuff:

The Biggest Mistake We Make When Trying to Lose Weight
Spicy Roasted Red Pepper and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Eating for Lasting Energy and True Beauty

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Hi Everyone and welcome to GalaLiving! I am Milen Gala. I live, love, work and play in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our 2 kids (ages 11 and 9). We initially created GalaLiving in 2012 to share vegetarian and vegan recipes with our friends and family. In the past couple of years GalaLiving has transformed from a simple little food blog to a much loved space where several thousand people make and share our recipes and health and wellness inspirations. At GalaLiving, we like to eat wholesome, energizing dishes and incorporate lifestyle habits that keep us glowing and make us feel like a million bucks. We hope you enjoy discovering and tasting new things along with us!

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