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When we transitioned to motherhood and took the toll of the responsibilities we now have, it's no wonder we all had that stage when we felt "losyang," the "this-wasn't-how-I-look," and the "I-miss-my-old-self-and-identity" era.
As a new mom in 2018, I didn't know I would feel this way. As a breastfeeding mom, my body shape looked unproportioned, and my hair looked dry after experiencing excessive postpartum hair fall. Looking at the mirror, I remember wanting to lock myself up, and never show up to other people because I felt ugly and had lost myself.
Being a mom may feel like we have lost a part of ourselves as we navigate the newness in motherhood, but as we learn to embrace the things we can do as a mom, we become more confident about our new identity.
After everyone got hyped up with the Barbie movie, we saw a lot of moms dress up in pink as they watched the film with their friends. To them, it was a nostalgic remembrance of their childhood memory of growing up with Barbie as their toy, and to some, it was a recollection of feeling like losing their identity in motherhood, yet the movie reminds us that we can feel empowered even as a mom.
READ ALSO: I Took My Daughter To Watch The Barbie Movie, Here's What We Honestly Thought Of It
Moms have joined the Barbie-inspired fashion trends as they reflect on their childhood memories. Exploring fashion trends and experimenting with different styles can be a form of self-care.
We asked moms to showcase their Barbie-inspired outfits in the Smart Parenting Village Facebook group. These moms proudly shared their finds. They prove that dressing up as a mom is a great way to regain your confidence and lost identity!
Where to buy fashionable and stylish clothes for moms
Here are the top local brands for fashionable and stylish clothes for moms, and why it brings back your confidence.
1. Flattering Tops Long Back Dress Top (Php 499)
Mommy Diana Bediones Po started her homegrown brand in 2009. "It started when I was gaining weight and during that time puro X.S. and small lang mga binebenta sa market," she shared with Smart Parenting. Since then, thousands of moms, including celebrities, have sworn by their brand's comfort, "With Flattering Tops, [moms] can move easily without being conscious of my tummy bulge because the fabric is flowy and the clothes are relaxed. Perfect for my mom bod! The best part: they are wash and wear, and the styles are classic basics that are always in manner. Proudly Filipino Made too!"
Shop this look on Instagram here
2. A.C. Clothing PH Carmina Korean Jumpsuit (Php 195)
Many moms recommend A.C. Clothing store as their go-to fashion local brand for their mommy clothes. Mommy Chrissela Patricia Valeros, a mom of one lovely daughter, looks younger than her age when she wears her favorite clothes. She said, "I dress up to boost my self-confidence for when I look good, I also feel good. I'd also like to set a good example for my daughter by always being presentable while expressing herself."
3. Allie's Clothing Shop Wild Shorts (Php 426)
Mommy Khel Garcia, a mom of two, started a brand called Allie's Clothing Shop, where she shared her love for fashion. In her business, she loved sharing ideas on how to boost confidence and practice self-expression. “Hindi kailangang gumastos ng mahal para pumorma. Confidence is the key," she proudly shared.
4. RVMPED Emma Coordinates Top and Wideleg Pants (Php 450)
Margaux Hemady aka WanderWoMom is a momfluencer who feels confident in styling, shared her fashion takeaway, "I'm not really the type who dresses up every single day, and I prefer to be plain Jane all day, especially when working. But it is important for me to dress up, especially during special moments like my birthday because it boost my confidence, makes me feel good and it is a fun way to express myself."
5. Karisma.Co Slip Midi Silk Skirt and Organza Crosi Blouse Top Women (Php 1145)
Many moms wowed this mom's kikay OOTD. Mommy Jett Buntag mixed and matched these outfits from two shops, and she slayed it!
Buy here top here and her skirt on Shopee here
6. Tayo Studio Poppy Maxi Dress (Php 2399)
Tayo's advocacy is mindful of every body. Tayo means "Us." Ikaw, Ako, Tayo! It claims to be a brand that promotes inclusivity and clothing that will complement different figures as they have sizes from X.S. to 6XL. Celebrity mom of one Jessy Mendiola always shares her OOTDs from Tayo Studio.
If you feel like you have lost your identity in motherhood, think that it isn't just about just losing yourself, but also gaining and getting to know things you didn't know you could do. If you feel a bit ugly about yourself, dressing up is a way to set your mindset on who you truly are.
A famous quote by Miuccia Prada says, "What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language." The clothes we wear signify a lot about who we are and what our identity is.