Style vs Rushed Mornings
It is back-to-school week, and I decided to dedicate my blog to simple routines that make mornings easier.
I love working with women, especially moms. Moms have a lot on their plates and often choose themselves last. Giving care back to them feels very fulfilling for me.
School mornings are busy and chaotic, making it hard to get dressed. A lot is going on, and you have to pick your battles.
Here is a list of little actions that can make your mornings better. I also invited Lauren Melton from This Life Uncluttered to share a special tip: a quick, healthy snack for busy mornings. I hope you love it. Our goal is to help make life a little easier and a little more stylish as we move through the to-do list.
Here’s the list:
Keep a Tide pen in your car and in your bag for any possible accident
Keep a lip-to-cheek cream product you can apply with your fingers for when there is no time for makeup, but you want to improve your look in the car quickly
Pick one thing you really love to do in your makeup. Maybe it is mascara or your favorite lip color. Whatever it is, make sure you keep it in your bag. That way, even on busy days, you will always have that little touch that makes you feel put together.
Your morning outfit should be realistic, functional, and comfortable, and I believe in the power of cute accessories to make life better. A tray with some cute earrings and a few necklaces can be an easy reminder to add a little dazzle before leaving the house. Consider tying a scarf to your bag or adding a small pin to your jacket.
Make sure you have a full-length mirror at home in a spot with good lighting. It sounds simple, but it helps you see your whole look and avoid surprises like a stain you did not notice, something you do not love in the outfit, or lipstick on your teeth.
Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver on a busy schedule.
But if I could give you only one piece of advice, it would be this: choose the colors in your everyday closet with care and make sure they work together. Build your base with six colors, and everything starts to click. You will not need to work hard to match pieces. Getting dressed in the morning becomes a no-brainer.
My best denim ever rule for all capsule wardrobes
There is something powerful about having pants you truly love. They make every day feel easier and a little more exciting. They make you feel cool and pulled together. Many of us save our splurges for special occasion pieces or something very fancy. The truth is, it makes more sense to save part of your closet budget for great jeans. There are not many items as versatile as your everyday pants, right? I encourage all my clients to enjoy the sweet feeling of amazing pants, not just on special occasions, but every day.
Now, from Lauren:
Simplify School Lunches (for the kids and you)
“If back-to-school feels like a never-ending cycle of packing lunches, arguing about choices, and scrambling at the last minute, let’s make it easier. Lunch doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect; it just needs to be repeatable, balanced, and stress-free.
Here’s my favorite framework:
1 protein + 1 carb + fruit/veggie + 1 healthy fat.
Then put 3–5 combos on rotation so you’re not reinventing the wheel every morning.
Some easy examples:
Turkey & cheese wrap + baby carrots + pretzels
Greek yogurt + berries + granola + nut butter
Hummus + whole grain pita + cucumber & carrot sticks
Hard-boiled eggs + apple slices + popcorn
Chicken salad + crackers + sliced pear
Set them on repeat, and you’ve got yourself a simple lunch system that works for everyone (bonus: fewer 7 am negotiations).
Not sure where to start? Check out my adult lunchable guide for more ideas!”
I hope this post was helpful for you. Comment below and tell me your lifesaver on busy school mornings. I would love to learn from you.
Ana Harris - Personal Stylist
Color Analysis - Wardrobe Styling
Studio in Fall River, MA - Serving clients from Rhode Island, Boston, and beyond.
