By Ebony Benson
Congratulations to Allyn Wise for winning our styling giveaway! Allyn is mom to two boys, five and seven years old. She currently works part-time from home as an Executive Assistant but goes to the office a few times a month. We recently chatted about her fashion and style in order to get a feel for what will work best when we create her outfits in the coming weeks.
The Mommy Stylist: What activities does an everyday outfit have to function for?
Allyn: On the days that I do go to the office (which are the most challenging) it’s typical for me to head straight from there to pre-school pick-up and then to the grocery store or to run a quick errand. On the days I work from home, I am at my desk until pre-school pick up and then, like on office days, I’ll get few errands done. Sometimes, I have PTA meetings or lunch with friends during the day while the kids are in school.
TMS: What clothing stores do you purchase from most often (online or in person)?
Allyn: Nordstrom is my favorite and I used their personal shopping service for several years. In an effort to cut expenses, I have stopped using it because I liked everything they would bring me and it would be really hard to not get everything. However, I realize now how horribly inefficient I am at shopping for myself. I will spend an hour gathering things to try on and then 30 minutes trying on and maybe, if I’m lucky, buy one item. Not a good use of my time. Also I have used Amazon for the basics in the past.
TMS: What is your biggest fashion problem?
Allyn: Muffin top. I have even started taking in my waistbands just a little on each side which does seem to help. I like Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, but when my top is more form fitting, I don’t like how high the waistband seems to be, a little too 80s for me.
TMS: What item(s) can’t you leave the house without?
Allyn: Lipstick, mascara and earrings are the three essentials I never leave home without.
TMS: What is your favorite article of clothing in your closet right now?
Allyn: Stretch corduroy skinny pants.
TMS: Are there any current trends that you love/hate?
Allyn: I absolutely hate the tribal leggings trend. I have yet to see anyone that I like them on – and that applies to all body types. A woman can have a rockin’ body but if she’s wearing those it’s over for me.
TMS: What do you like most about The Mommy Stylist?
Allyn: I love the outfit ideas and links to where to buy them. I like that you consider whether an item looks cheap when it is priced cheaply. I love a bargain, but not if it looks bad. I like your advice on how to dress for your body type. Also, I like that what you have started doing with the Happiness and Confidence posts.
TMS: Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about you that we didn’t ask?
Allyn: An accomplishment that I am proud off outside of my family is that I completed a full marathon for my 40th birthday. Prior to having my boys, I never even thought about running a marathon so to want to, and actually complete one, was amazing.
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