#HotLikeAMother is the new blog series created by Confidently Kylie that looks to break the barriers and expectations of Motherhood. Too often we hear that when you become a mother you must conform and sacrifice who you are and become the perfect picture of a frumpy, homemaking woman of the 50’s. But I call Bull Shit. Society’s expectations often brings mothers down. Making them feel like they are no longer relevant. At Confidently Kylie, we are here to bring mothers up and inspire mums to embrace their inner fire.
In this series I will be interviewing and getting to know some of the UK’s most kick ass mums. From inspiring boss babes, to stylish fashionistas, to just damn right inspirational mothers. All in the quest to encourage mums to go for their passions and be Hot Like A Mother…….
If you would like to be featured or know someone who should then please contact me at Kylie@ConfidentlyKylie.com
MEET OCTOBERS HOT MUMS
Two friends, two mumpreneurs taking their passion for fashion to a whole other level. Kate and Claire are the founders and owners of up and coming personal styling service Coveted Styling. When I first met Kate and Claire I was immediately drawn to the duo. Not only for their impeccable style but also for their down to earth “mumsyness”. Their friendly nature and relatable characters immediately put me at ease and I felt like I could discuss anything and everything with them over a cup of tea. I spoke to Kate and Claire about Fashion, being a mum and their business.
Fashion is definitely one of my passions too. What made you start Coveted Styling?
Kate: Our friendship developed very quickly when we discovered we were both obsessed with fashion. We used to spend a lot of time talking to each other about clothes. About what to wear to certain parties or events we had on, that hasn’t changed! Instagram played a big part in it as we started following other stylists, loved what they did for other women and so decided to go for it. We did a styling course with The Image Consulting Company in Bristol which was brilliant. We even registered Coveted Styling while we were there!
Claire : We were both at a time in our lives where we wanted to do something for us. I was on maternity leave and Kate’s boys were at school & Nursery. We wanted to do something we love, as well as helping other women to feel good about themselves.
Both of you are mums and seem to be juggling a lot. How do you keep on top of running a business, looking stylish plus the everyday challenges of motherhood?
Kate: Sometimes I get to the end of the day and feel like I’ve achieved loads and other days I feel the total opposite! So I do try to be organised, l make a list every night of what has to be done the next day. I try to plan my outfits the night before so it’s one less thing to worry about before the madness of the school run. Also having the school uniform ironed and ready to go every morning helps but doesn’t always go to plan! That way I feel slightly in more control!
Claire: I also work Part-Time, so for me organisation is key! I like to plan my week so everyone knows whats happening and when. However we both have a strong support network that helps us out.
So many mums find it difficult to find the time to look after themselves. What are your style tips to make being fashionable effortless and accessible?
Claire : Try not to overthink it, don’t worry about following particular trends. Invest in good quality wardrobe staples that make you feel good and can be worn with lots of other items in your wardrobe.
Kate: If you don’t want to spend lots of money on the new ‘on trend’ items we suggest choosing some accessories which can update your outfits in an instant. Leopard print is huge this season but some ladies are a bit scared of it. So you could start off small with a belt or bag and see how you feel. It’s a way to be on trend without going head-to-toe if you’re not sure. Belts are a great accessory to have in your wardrobe too, whether for jeans or a dress/skirt they can really add something extra with minimal effort.
High Street or High End?
Kate: We are both fans of both. The high street is amazing and gets better all the time in terms of quality and value for money. I do love high end things such as bags and shoes though for that little bit of luxury sometimes. But the high street is fab at creating their own versions making it very accessible.
Claire: I like to invest in key staple items such as handbags, shoes & Coats. But the high street is my go-to for every day style.
Where are your favourite places to shop?
Claire: We are big online shoppers as we love the comfort of our own homes. Plus it is more convenient for busy mums like ourselves. I love ASOS has it has the variety of brands, styles, price range, shoes & accessories. I also love Topshop & Warehouse
Kate: ASOS like Claire, as they have so much and you can often buy a whole outfit from there. Their next day delivery is fab! River Island is my go-to for footwear and I love Zara and New Look for their on trend pieces without spending a fortune. But I also really love finding new brands and boutiques on instagram, buying things you maybe wont get in the normal places.
Confidently Kylie is all about being Confidently You. How do you stay confident and true to yourself when us mums tend to do everything for everyone else?
Claire : Make up! Not a full face, but a bit of concealer and highlighter to cover the eye bags! I also have short hair, so I like to make sure I give it a good blow dry. I don’t have the ease of popping it up in a Mum bun!
Kate: We have days when we don’t always feel good about ourselves. Especially if i’m a rush to get out of the house or everything is going wrong! I love make up like Claire but the one thing I can’t go without is having my nails and toes done regularly. I’ve also got back into exercise recently and it’s definitely something that gives me a boost of confidence and makes me feel good about myself!
What advice would you give to mums who feel like they have lost themselves in the whirlwind of motherhood?
Claire : Just having some me time is important, so when you get the chance you should take it! I think it’s important to take time out to do things which you did before becoming a mummy. For me that is spending time catching up on my favourite blogs, or going into town and having a look around the shops.
Kate: Try and do some of the things you did before becoming a mum. Things that always seemed so simple but not so easy now! But also just enjoy it. Now both my boys are at school I’ve realised how quickly the time has gone and I’m kind of missing the whirlwind!!
Last but not least, What are your go to style items and why?
Claire: I have about 10 variations of a Breton top in my wardrobe! I can’t get enough… they are perfect for Mum days. Can be dressed up with a maxi skirt over the weekend or pop a blazer over it. Or why not over jeans and a heel for a smarter feel. It’s a wardrobe staple which will always be in style.
Kate: My go to style items can vary quite a lot but I do like anything that can be worn every season. I just change how I wear them. In summer I lived in shirt dresses, I have quite a few from New Look! They are so easy and comfy to wear. I can carry on wearing them throughout autumn/winter with ankle boots and my leather biker jacket. But I am also a massive fan of a shacket, slogan t-shirt, cropped jeans and sneakers for everyday running about. The one thing that never changes is my obsession with cross-body handbags as they go with everything in my wardrobe!
You can check out Coveted Stylings Instagram Pagehere and their facebook page here to book them for a personal styling experience
If you would like to feature or you know someone who would be perfect for it. Then contact me at Kylie@confidentkylie.com
#HotLikeAMother is the new blog series created by Confidently Kylie that looks to break the barriers and expectations of Motherhood. Too often we hear that when you become a mother you must conform and sacrifice who you are and become the perfect picture of a frumpy, homemaking woman of the 50’s. But I call Bull Shit. Society’s expectations often brings mothers down. Making them feel like they are no longer relevant. At Confidently Kylie, we are here to bring mothers up and inspire mums to embrace their inner fire.
In this series I will be interviewing and getting to know some of the UK’s most kick ass mums. From inspiring boss babes, to stylish fashionistas, to just damn right inspirational mothers. All in the quest to encourage mums to go for their passions and be Hot Like A Mother…….
If you would like to be featured or know someone who should then please contact me at Kylie@ConfidentlyKylie.com
Meet This Months Hot Mother
Mother of Two and Bonafide Boss Babe. Lindsey co-owns London and Aberdeen based architecture practice ABN7 Architects along with her husband Hugh. As if that wasn’t impressive enough she is also one of the minds behind Granite and Smoke, an up and coming online homeware boutique. Offering unique high quality home accessories for the modern home. When you first meet Lindsey you cannot help but be charmed by her chic yet artistic style ( she has pink hair people!). Her soft voice and genuine interest in others instantly makes you feel at ease. She runs both businesses from home while looking after her two boys Jackson (5) and Stanley (2)
I spoke to Lindsey to talk about how she juggles motherhood and her passions. As well as get some expert tips on being a Boss Mum.
How do you juggle the demands of motherhood together with running two businesses?
“It’s a constant juggle and often a struggle! For me having childcare and a supportive husband and family helps with trying to find a good work/life balance, but it’s not always easy. Especially when the kids get sick or the social calendar is busier than normal. We are always learning from our mistakes and trying to figure out ways to stay on track. What I find helps is regular exercise, meal planning and trying to do housework and jobs in the evenings then leaving our weekends free for family time, but it doesn’t always work out that way!”
Do you have any daily habits or rituals that make your days more productive and manageable?
“I don’t really have many daily rituals, other than coffee! But weekly I do try to make some time for myself, by doing some exercise or meeting a friend. I think it’s important for everyone to have a little me time, otherwise resentment can start to build”
Both of your business are focussed on home & design. Why do you love interior design? Do you have a go to theme or style?
“I’ve always loved interiors for as long as I can remember. I studied Interior Architecture at university before doing my Masters in Architecture, it was the interiors that drew me to architecture in the first place! I’m not sure I have a go to look or theme, but there are probably some rules I find myself following and repeating. In the past I’ve often worked to quite a neutral palette as a base, but I also like to use the same materials and colours throughout a project to give a sense of unity. I’m more relaxed about using colour & decorative details these days and I’m even more open to the odd clashing detail, as long as the overall look is contemporary and has a timeless aspect…perhaps having kids has played a part in influencing this!?”
What are your to go places to buy home accessories? Any recommendations?
“There are too many to list them all, but some of my fave places are small stores in London such as twentytwentyone and SCP…and I always enjoy a good browse around the The Conran Shop and Liberty’s. I also love IKEA! And I can happily spend an evening browsing independent stores online through Trouva 🙂 More locally my fav shop is Curated Stories in Aberdeen!”
Mothers tend to always think about others while neglecting themselves. What do you do for your own self care?
“Like most mothers I don’t spend as much time as I’d like or dream of spending on self care. When it comes to beauty and pampering I’m one of those people that gets their nails done for a wedding and love it so much that I announce that I’m going to make it a regular thing. Then I don’t do it again for another two years!
I do really love buying make up, beauty products, going for a spa treatment, getting dressed up for a night out, but I don’t prioritise these things as often since having family…maybe one day I will! For now, self care for me on a regular basis is trying to eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise, but I also believe allowing myself things I enjoy like coffee and a glass of wine or G&T is part of self care!”
How do you stay confident and happy in your own skin when juggling so much?
“I don’t feel good when my hair is a mess, so I always make sure I have regular haircuts, but I sometimes get bored having short hair so I like to change my colour from time to time! I also love to have a good laugh with friends and family, I think laughing is so important for wellbeing and feeling happy”
What is your go to modern mum outfit?
“A denim shirt, black jeans and converse. With a coloured lipstick. Sometimes I like a printed converse like a leopard print or something. I am not big on accessories. I tend to buy staple pieces such as earrings and stay with that”
Last but not least, what advice would you give to mums who would like to go after their dreams but are too scared?
“My advice would be to just be true to yourself. Go at your own pace and keep believing in yourself.”
If you want to hire Lindsey for some Interior design advice or Architectural work than check out their website Abn7architects.co.uk and stay on the look out for the launch of Granite and Smoke.
If you would like to feature or you know someone who would be perfect for it. Then contact me at Kylie@confidentkylie.com
Confidently Kylie is the every girl turned modern mum. This Blog is about Self love, Confidence and Motherhood while being Effortlessly Stylish and Confidently True to yourself.
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