Disclosure5

Last year, I lost track of the amount of money I spent on my daughter’s first Christmas.  I didn’t set a budget.  I didn’t write a list.  Instead, I bought almost all of the must have items published in parenting magazines and posted on websites.  Some of the toys are still in boxes and haven’t seen the light of day in my little one’s nursery!  This year, I’m not going under to put gifts under the tree.  But I still spent more on her than anyone else.  I’ve ordered a kid’s kitchen and all the matching accessories, an activity cube that rivals the one in the pediatrician’s office, a princess pram to push her doll babies in when we walk in the park and several other things I know she doesn’t really need but mommy wants her to have.

When she was first-born, I never would have thought of adding myself to my Christmas shopping list.  I didn’t mind that my wardrobe wasn’t up-to-date.  I lost a lot of weight due to breastfeeding and chasing around a very active little girl, so most of my clothes were  two sizes too big.  For a long time, I felt guilty purchasing presents for myself, especially since I could use that cash to fill her already overflowing closet or to pay for preschool next year.  Now, I realize that it’s OK to treat myself from time to time.  In fact, that makes me a better parent, because I am able to maintain my identity as a woman and not just a mom.  Still, I won’t break the bank on myself.  That’s why I’ve been looking for fabulous finds online.  Recently, I received an email to check out the upscale women’s clothing company, Spiegel’s. I grew up getting the catalogues in the mail and would circle what I wanted.  I figured the clothes were out of my reach, but when I logged onto the website, I found that most of the things I eyed were actually on sale.

Here are Five Fabulous Finds Every Mom Should Add to Her Shopping List:

1. A Slimming Coat 

You probably have a puffer jacket in the back of your closet.  It’s not the most appealing article of clothing to wear after having a baby, since you don’t want to wear clothes that make you feel bigger.  Once my brother-in-law asked a co-worker when she was due, when she already had the baby!  No one would dare utter those words to you in this botanical print by Shape fx. The Shape fx line makes the body I have look like the body I want.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not embarrassed about my baby belly and stretch marks (a.k.a. my love marks or mama tattoos).  However, I still like when someone compliments my clothing and love when they call me sexy!  Originally $189, this cute coat is on sale for $94.

2. A Little Black Dress

This ain’t yo mama’s black dress!  This trendy, lacy mock neck dress has a flirty feel. You’ll surely stand out at this year’s Christmas party and may be mistaken for the company’s new intern.  I love lace, but sometimes it comes across as something someone retired would wear.  But this dress, on sale for $144, has a much more modern appeal.

3. A Gorgeous Necklace 

Hi my name and Heather and I am a costume jewelry addict.  I rarely buy the real deal, because I’ve lost a countless number of diamond bracelets, amethyst earrings and gold necklaces.  If I misplace a costume piece, I don’t lost sleep or stress out!  But I doubt I lose track of this multi-chain knotted necklace.  I can dress up jeans, make the my job’s dress code more daring or add sparkle to a girls’ night out outfit.

 4. A Stylish Diaper Bag

This isn’t really a diaper bag, but I would transform it into one!  I never carried diaper bags with cartoon characters embroidered onto the front.  For my baby shower, my mother bought me a designer one.  This foldover tote has plenty of space and inner zipper and slip pockets.  You can fit your baby’s diapers, wipes and rattles inside this bag and still have room for  your cell phone, makeup and wallet.  It’s a steal for $74.

5. A Chic Scarf

Spiegel’s site has plenty of finds for under $30, including this chic scarf.  It’s affordable enough to give one and get one for yourself.  It comes in a satin or gauze fabric with a variety of pretty prints.  You have to act fast, because the exclusive holiday scarf is offered for a limited time only.

Hey DFTM members, what fabulous finds would you add to my list?  What is the best deal in Spiegel’s sale section?

About The Author

Vlog Mom/DFTM Creator

Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she's back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom. In her 15 years working as a professional journalist, this by far is her best assignment! Growing up, she dreamed of becoming Oprah Winfrey. She was the features editor for her school’s newspaper and a teen talk show host for her city’s most popular radio station. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. After graduation, she worked as a television producer and reporter at CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates throughout the U.S. Instead of heading to Chicago to join Ms. Winfrey on her set, she bought a plane ticket to the Cayman Islands instead. She arrived five days before a category five hurricane! She lived in paradise for seven years, hosted an award-winning television show and traveled the globe with a government delegation. She also served on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters and spearheaded a Send a Kid to Camp campaign. Then, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to obtain a teaching certification and instruct 8th grade reading at a high needs middle school. She later returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA to raise her daughter Caitlynn, now 4-years-old. During her 10-month-stint as a stay-at-home mom, Caitlynn inspired her to create this blog, and Diary of a First Time Mom was born on Mother’s Day 2012. Two years later, she expanded the family to include 20+ writers. Currently, Heather serves as the communications director at Allies for Children. In addition, she is the owner of Motor Mouth Multimedia, which ranked #49 in Startup Nation’s Home-Based 100 Competition sponsored by Discover Card and Sam’s Club. Recently, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments selected Heather to receive an Emerging Black Artist award to develop Diary of a First Time Mom.

15 Responses

  4. Janeane Davis

    I don’t celebrate Christmas but give my family gifts all year long. You read right my family. I always forget myself and I have to start showing myself better friendship. I love the necklace, the little black dress and that diaper bag is cute enough for everyday!

    Reply
  5. GG

    Great post, Heather and a very very important topic. It’s so easy for us moms to lose ourselves -the things that make us the women we are – after we have kids.

    And I agree with Janeane, that diaper bag is definitely fab enough for every day! All of these are great pics. 🙂 xoxo

    Reply
  6. MELISASource

    I totally agree with this list!! It can be easy as Moms to leave ourselves off the Christmas shopping list. I make an effort to buy myself at least 1 gift every year. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. newmom0608

    It’s actually a purse…lol…I just said I would rock it as a diaper bag b/c I’m that fabulous (just kidding:)

    Reply
  12. Christine

    I absolutely LOVE it! That slimming coat is to die for! I’m going to forward that picture and link to my hubby to add to my wish list 😉

    Reply
  13. Chasing Joy

    Definately add your self to your shopping list. Happy mom’s make happy families 🙂 The necklace and scarf are great accessories.

    Reply
    • newmom0608

      I know right! This is the first bubble coat that I’ve seen that is slimming.

      Reply

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