Skims and Birkenstocks: A Meditation on Postpartum Style

As we recently announced on our social channels, our bestie just had a baby!

Is there anything better than newborn snuggles with a baby you adore but didn’t have to birth?! There is not.

If you’ve ever attended one of our events, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered our friend, Ariane; or perhaps you’ll remember her as our go-to photographer (pretty much any photo you’ve seen of us, Ariane has taken); or you’ll recognize her as our muse for the “hot girl break” in Get Your $hit Together. Or maybe you just know her as That Nonna Life. All you really need to know is that Ariane has played an important role on the creative side of the Rebel Mama since its earliest days and while she’s written for us before, it’s never been from the perspective of a mom: Until now!

We’ve convinced Ariane to jot down some of her nursing-haze-induced musings – just like we did nearly a decade ago – so that we can share them here in hopes that they reach some equally groggy souls, looking for camaraderie. Enjoy!

Skims and Birkenstocks – By Ariane Laezza

It happened quickly. My newfound ‘mom style’ that is.

Just as I’m adapting to life with a newborn, I’m suddenly adopting a new way of dressing for it too. An aesthetic shift. A fashion rebirth, if you will. But with far less emphasis on the fashion and a heavy emphasis on the ergonomics. For the first time in my life I’m Googling, ‘What size am I in Birkenstocks?’

I find myself in the late stages of labour, so to speak; about to birth my personal (r)evolution as MOM. A dash of Skims, a healthy amount of Uniqlo sweat shirts, and a humbling sprinkle of Knix leakproof underwear (IYKYK ;)). I even ordered a 3-pack of HUE slouch socks. Who am I?

And it doesn’t stop at clothes.

My pre-partum cosmetics are also on the chopping block. I had already started making my own skincare at the beginning of my pregnancy (more on that later) and makeup was starting to feel pretty unnecessary; not because moms can’t wear makeup, obviously. But because, well, I just didn’t want to. Nothing excessive anyway. And definitely no contouring. I suddenly had a goal of having all my makeup fit into one small pouch. The famous ‘5 minute face’ I’ve been reading about in beauty magazines since the 90’s? Its time had come.

When they first launched in 2021, MERIT Beauty had gifted me The Minimalist complexion stick and blending brush to try out. I wasn’t paid for this and never posted about it publicly… BUT they got me. I ended up loving it so much that I purchased another one for myself (in Sand) along with their Flush Balm (in Beverly Hills). These base items along with my OG Maybelline Great Lash Mascara and Pat McGrath lipstick (in Christy – the best colour in the world imo) now make up my new official mom makeup kit. Along with my trusty brow brush of course…(never neglect the brows).

So far so good. The 5 minute face makes me look like I got 5 min more sleep. Success.

As I take a look at my closet full of whimsical vintage clothes I used to adore … that barely fit and whose fabrics now seem almost abrasive on my new, charmingly squishier skin… I wonder if I’ll ever wear them again. But then I wonder where and with who and for what purpose? My current life is full of walks and stretching and cuddle sessions and coffee dates and naps and writing and memory making and and and … I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s not that I need to revise my old wardrobe – but I want to. I’m ready for a change and for a simpler approach to everyday style. Maybe I will wear those velour flares and vintage Italian platforms one day soon. Maybe all those polyester disco dresses will see the dance floor again. Hey maybe one day my jeans won’t feel like iron maidens made of denim?

But for now my days involve practical German footwear (special mention to Worishofer – the unofficial Nonna shoe) and shape defying, Kardashian approved loungewear. Did I ever think I’d leave the house in glorified long johns and clogs? No. But here we are and there we go. Quite comfortably, I might add, and with an eye, cheek and lip tint to boot.