Moms CAN Wear Leather
Let me tell you a story.
After my son was born I found myself in a little funk. None of my clothes fit properly as I was in between two drastically different sizes. Every time I tried something on I felt disappointed and frustrated. Either my pants were too small and dug into my waist or were stretched-out and droopy. My t-shirts were shapeless and I found myself wearing my maternity leggings over and over again. The last thing I wanted to do was spend money on temporary clothing.
As the weeks went by and I repeatedly wore my saggy black maternity leggings, my husband suggested I go buy myself proper fitting clothing. He saw my frustration, my lack of confidence and my overall "blah" mood. I am not one to focus on materialistic things but it was clearly affecting my overall state of mind.
One day, while my husband was working, Theo and I ventured off to the mall. I was determined to get out of my funk! I should note, I am guilty of owning different variations of the SAME clothing item. Find a sweater I love? Absolutely I'll take both colours! Favourite pair of jeans, you bet I have both washes! It is no surprise I have an obsession with faux leather...I am instantly drawn to it. Does it have faux leather detailing? SOLD.
There I was, trying on ANOTHER pair of faux leather pants, extremely similar to my existing ones sitting in my closet. However, these were slightly different, moderately/marginally more edgy, considerably more comfortable and most importantly they fit my changing body. My eyes were initially drawn to them like a baby setting eyes on their bottle.
After wandering around the store for several minutes, filling up the bottom of the stroller with additional pieces, I was eventually escorted to the changing room by a sales associate to help me organize my heaping pile. Theo was happy. He had a teether and was soaking in the new atmosphere. This shopping spree was exactly what mama needed. I grabbed the faux leather pants to try on first as these were what I was most excited for. Guess what...they fit perfectly! Did I have an event to wear them to? Absolutely not! I didn't care if I wore these washing dishes, I knew I had to have them.
Suddenly my whole mood shifted as I came out of the changing room. I simply wanted to see my new favourite pants in the mirror, but as the sales associate approached, I was taken back by her compliment/remark/choice of words...
"OH of course moms can wear leather too! You ROCK it...don't let anyone tell you otherwise!" she cheered.
Wait...what? Are there people out there who think moms can't wear leather? I'm confused... was this look inappropriate for a mom?
Stunned, confused, and slightly embarrassed; not being one for confrontation, I smiled and gave my awkward laugh which part or me regrets. I entered back into the changing room feeling defeated. Deep down I knew she didn't intend to be hurtful. At least I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and say it was unintentional. This didn't change how I felt. I starred at the mirror thinking what am I doing...I don't need these, I clearly have no where to wear them and if it's slightly inappropriate should I bother?
A wave of emotions took over and something came over me. I said to myself "DAMN RIGHT MOMS CAN WEAR LEATHER"...and you know what...I bought the damn pants! If not for myself, for every other mother who feels uncomfortable in their post-baby body. Moms can and should feel confident after having children. They should be able to wear whatever piece of clothing they desire. Of course our bodies aren't the same, why should they be! Body standards and messages like "you will get your post-baby body back" are unnecessary! Why would I want my post-baby body back? THIS BODY, the stretchier one, carried my baby for nine full months! THIS BODY gave me a healthy baby, kept them warm and nourished, and for that I am incredibly grateful. THIS BODY deserves to feel confident even more so than before.
I now wear all my faux leather pants with pride because to me they are more than just another pair of pants.. they are my confidence, my motivation and a daily reminder of how AMAZING mothers' bodies ultimately are.
Our bodies grow. They evolve. They are beautiful the way they are.
So cheers to you mamas rocking whatever look you desire!
