Fashion, like everything else (almost?), frequently suffers under the weight of too much intellectual pressure. True style is a constant work in progress, adding (borrowing from your friends and family), deleting (bringing to goodwill, hopefully nothing borrowed), experimenting (yes! try that skirt as a short dress - or not), mixing it up (old navy is always worth a shot, Steve and Barry’s, you never know… say YES to sample sales!). Taking oneself too seriously is always a mistake… it shows… trust your instinct even in the face of peer pressure!!! Think of the process of getting ready for your day as a free association, best with little or no forced concentration.

You see why I could never work with a stylist.

Don’t be stingy!! Share your style with the world!

A lot of fashion gurus have said that their best outfits came when they just threw something together without thinking.

Too true. And sometimes whatever you throw on in an emergency just HAPPENS to look great, a find! Necessity is the mother of invention?

I read a quote from Robert Rauschenberg yesterday: “… knowing more only encourages your limitations.” Isn’t that great? I love seeing little kids in ballet tutus and rainboots. They don’t know what is “supposed” to work. They look great and I think, why didn’t I come up with that?

Ok, I’m a bit old for ballet tutus. But you get the idea.

When I was pregnant with my son, we had to go to a birthday party for Grandma. It was a dressy casual brunch, and for a few days, I wondered what I would wear.

On the morning of the party, I just found myself pulling out a skirt, shell, and top. I wasn’t really thinking until I had those pieces out. Then it was just a matter of accessorizing, and that was easy. My husband, who rarely notices my clothes, actually noticed and liked the outfit.

Ah, style for the mom to be!  I’m with you, I had twins! After looking like a spaceship for too many months… If you can pull off a fashionable pregnancy you’ve hit a sartorial home run!

I bet you looked great!

Travel style is another constant challenge: walking, schlepping, running (!), all with kids in tow or as they get older, in our wake.  The solution still holds, I think: comfortable flats, wrinkle-free fabrics, and a great scarf to provide a focal point if all else fails.

How old is your son?