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How to Spot a Fab Mom on a Playground Near You

There’s definitely a set of moms, who even after having a baby are determined to be as fabulous and stylish as they once were pre-baby.  Channeling their fashion expertise into impeccably dressing their kid(s), they scour the web in search of the perfect shoes and accessories to complete their child’s ever-changing wardrobe and organize closets not as a non-stop chore but rather with a passion, as if Karl Lagerfeld were about to do a final inspection.    I am guilty of being one of these moms and finding other (crazy?) fab moms like me has become one of my new mom goals.

I’ve developed an eagle eye for spotting these women.  Read below and you’ll soon be able to spot a fab mom at your nearest playground:

• We wear faux fur to the playground with our ripped jeans and movie-star sunglasses.
• Leopard.  ’nuff said.
• We refuse to wear sneakers outside of the gym (unless they have a trendy wedge heel).
• Others curiously wonder how our kids always look like they just stepped out of a catalog
• Our diaper bag is designer
• We accessorize with Chanel despite it being completely inappropriate for the setting.
• Matching outfits. Yes really.
• Our kids live their lives in front of our cameras and on social media

Note how I say “we”.  I can poke fun at all of these unusual characteristics because I have exhibited every one of them, I’m sure. 

Surely, you stare at us out of the corner of your eyes and wonder all sorts of things about our lifestyle, our choices and simply how we got out of the house looking so polished.  You might secretly hate us.  We know.  We see and feel those stares.  And we know we don’t fit in everywhere we go.  And yes we know we look ridiculous to you at times.

Rest assured, sometimes we hate ourselves too. It takes extra time and energy to care this much about how things look.  My husband nags me and tells me to relax when I have rare moments of downtime.  But instead, I race around the house trying to make everything look more presentable than need be, and can’t stop my perfectionism when it comes to my passion – fashion.  I’m often found sewing or crafting something for Juliet’s wardrobe.  Or I’m cleaning out our closets, editing things we have outgrown and /or haven’t worn.  I’m making sure that: all the hangers are facing the same way, that clothing is steamed, that outfits are planned, that sales are not missed.  If I didn’t care so much, I could actually take a breather and soak in the tub listening to Sade or something.

So while it may be simpler and more comfortable to slide into yet another pair of yoga pants and call it a day, I am in a skirt, blouse and ballerina hair bun.  (I will admit, I have actually forgone the high heel in exchange for flats..something I never thought I’d do)  But I have yet to give up my old wardrobe.  I figure if it still fits, celebrate it and wear it!  So what if my old fashion PR NYC wardrobe doesn’t fit in with the workout wear / mommy uniform I’m usually surrounded by?  I feel better, more like myself in my old wardrobe. Comparatively, yes, I’m dressed up at classes and play dates where I show up and I’m the only one accessorizing with something other than a diaper bag.  Sometimes I get asked if I’m going somewhere special that day.  (No, I think.  I just wanted to wear the pretty clothes that are sitting in my closet.  I’m just off to school drop-off like you.)

I don’t need an occasion anymore.  My child’s music or art or ballet class has become my occasion.  After all, what else does the stay at home mom usually get to leave the house for?  I dress to please me but I know better than to attend in something like a pencil skirt that would hinder my ability to chase after a toddler and sit on the ground during circle time.  Therefore, I have learned to tone down my fancier pieces with laid back jeans and perhaps a wedge sneaker thrown in as a nod to all the sneaker-ed moms in the room.

And I’ve started a new FB page for us fashion-obsessed moms.  Like Fab Kids!  And follow @fab_kids on Instagram where every Monday a #fab_mom and her child are featured.  Recently, I’ve started hosting NYC themed play dates and parties.  They involve fashion themes like our white party or back to school nerdy book exchange  or Haute Halloween for instance.  And they allow for fab moms to meet, network, and play with their little ones in the comfort of their Manolos.