What Mums Wear: Philly Smirk, Art Director & Graphic Designer.
Aka my most stylish bestie I go to for advice on fashion and life.
What mums wear is a new series that takes a deep dive into what we wear, our relationship with fashion and how it evolves throughout motherhood, just as we do. We ask our most stylish mum friends their best tips on what to wear and what they consider when getting dressed each day.
I'm taking a risk by sharing my @phillysmirk with you. She is, after-all, my best-kept secret. My dear friend, designer (she is behind the DD branding) and style confidant who can approve or disapprove (don't mention thongs, even if they are from The Row) a purchase instantly. She is a woman of style who gets so much joy from her clothes and one whose consistent personal style never seems to falter. A red nail, gold jewels and a minimal palette are things she will not compromise on – no matter if she is running after her son, Bobby, and destined to be covered in the babyccino he so often throws into the air, working from home, or indulging in a child-free evening with her husband – it doesn't matter the occasion, she wears what makes her feel good.
Read along as Philly shares her love of fashion, the pants she bought when she could no longer squeeze into her beloved tailored pants during pregnancy, and the no-fail uniforms she wears time and time again.
Every morning I do my skincare, pop on my jewellery and then figure out what I’ll wear. Obviously, it’s weather dependent but also what I’m feeling on the day comes into it too. Usually, it’s a toss-up between jeans, pants, a mini skirt or dress. The rest of the outfit flows from there. My wardrobe is very interchangeable which makes it easy to quickly pull together looks. I always finish with a statement gold earring.
My weekdays consist of Bobby and I spending time together – he loathes being inside so we are almost always out and about. I work while he naps and once he’s gone to bed in the evenings. I head out to dinner with friends once a week (I love a Thursday night out). Weekends are generally family time – markets, parks, 5pm dinners at the local restaurant, BBQs with friends….with a little break for my husband and I on Saturdays – we’ll usually have a lunch or dinner with friends and leave Bobby with a babysitter.
If I’m going to dinner, I’m usually getting ready in peak crazy hour for Bobby. I have a few going out looks that I circulate to make it easier. I’ll often go for a black trouser with a bodysuit or sheer top, and dress it up with accessories. And I have a couple of dresses that are currently on high rotation – the Anna Quan mini-dress and this sheer black maxi (that I style with black granny undies and a black bra).
Becoming a mum has made me think more about what works best for me in terms of keeping my mental wellbeing and sanity in check. This includes my nights out with friends, dates with my husband and my fortnightly nail salon session. We are all wired so differently so I’m sure not everyone will agree but I’ve found it important to surround myself with positive people who can laugh at the chaos of parenting and get on with it. When I had Bobby, I felt that my Instagram feed was riddled with a culture of constant whining about parenthood. I found it quite depressing and unhelpful. Yes, there are tough days and phases that warrant a vent and a 4pm Negroni, but I try to focus on the positive – I’ve always wanted to be a mum and I think of those longing for a child or those nursing sick children before I open my mouth to complain. I also try not to take it too seriously – kids are wild and challenging but I know one day I’ll look back and miss my little chaotic sidekick. Above everything else, the most important thing for me is raising kind and confident kids who look back on their childhood fondly.
I’ve loved clothes and dressing up since I was a young girl – it’s always made me feel confident. I didn’t really find my winning formula until my late twenties. Often it’s well-dressed friends or people I pass on the street who give me the most inspiration. I don’t follow many fashion accounts per se, but there are a couple of people on Instagram who’s looks I do often copy and paste –
Grow and (founder of Dorsey). Both have a great way of mixing high and low fashion purchases which I love as it’s generally how I like to shop.I don’t think my style has changed much at all since having Bobby – I’ve had my formula for years and it still works for me. My clothing is so closely connected to me feeling good, so it’s not something I’m willing to compromise on. I simply make more trips to the drycleaners and have accepted that walking around with avo smeared on my cream trousers is just part of having kids. Who cares?!
With my pregnancy with Bobby, I got away with the wardrobe I already had. A lot of what I own is pregnancy friendly. I did have to ditch my beloved tailored pants, shorts and jeans… I tried to hold onto them but it gets very uncomfortable very quickly and those zips and buttons were clinging on for dear life. This time around I’ll be investing in some elasticated pants that are still dressy enough to wear out. I recently bought these Venroy ones and they are incredibly comfortable. I also love a shift mini dress with some strappy sandals.
I’m a big fan of activewear. The mood doesn’t strike every day but it’s more a once or twice a week uniform for me. That being said – I’m never in full activewear mode (due to me not actually exercising in these looks). I’ll wear my black tights and an oversized tee, my signature striped socks and Nike sneakers (if I’m feeling ritzy I’ll wear my Celine’s) – but then I’ll pop on all my jewellery, big gold earrings, sunnies and trench coat (or sweater over my shoulders if I’m in a “Lady Di” mood). So, it’s still quite a considered look. In winter you’ll find me in a cream tracksuit with a trench coat every other day. Activewear is a yes from me – as long as it’s done well.
I never leave the house without my cross body bag. I usually invest in one every few years and wear it every day. And I can’t stress enough how good a cross body bag is when chasing after a toddler, as it means I’m always hands free.
I would consider my style classic and consistent – lots of tailored pants, jeans and button up shirts. My wardrobe is often referred to as ‘the uniform’ – I’m a serial outfit repeater and have duplicates of clothes that get circulated. I put a lot of thought into what I buy, with the benefit being that I don’t have to put much thought into getting dressed every morning. I invest in high quality outerwear, accessories and shoes that I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of – and try to save on the basics such as tees and jeans. On the rare occasion that I do buy something more trend driven (that won’t be worn for years to come), I’d be more inclined to buy it from Zara or Mango. I really consider my purchases and then wear them to death.
I’m a graphic designer, specialising in branding and art direction. After working in-house for both fashion brands and design agencies, I decided to work for myself four years ago. Most of my clients are in the fashion, beauty, or lifestyle sector. When I work, it’s either from my home office, or going in-house to consult for a brand as a contractor. At the moment, most of my work is done at home during nap times or in the evenings (until daycare next year). But yes, I always get dressed to get in the zone – usually black trousers, a blazer, an oversized white tee and my loafers. Because I spend my days making countless creative decisions, I don’t want to put too much thought or energy into my outfit so I don’t mix it up much.
Most of my clothes are black, white cream or denim– with the occasional stripe, blue or pop of colour. I love tailored pants and shorts – the most flattering for me requires a front pleat, and I gravitate towards high waisted, wide leg or straight cuts. I own many of the same pair of Levi jeans in different colourways, along with countless button up oversized shirts. For shoes, I generally stick with minimal strappy leather sandals (almost always A. Emery), ballet flats (The Chanel Ballet Flats are the best investment I have ever made) and loafers. I have my one oversized black blazer and one trench that will get worn until they are falling apart. I’m also a sicko for a statement gold earring – my collection is always growing as it’s such an easy way to change up my otherwise repetitive outfits.
There are a few things I wear every single day, regardless of my outfit. I’m never without my red manicure (seriously it’s a non-negotiable, my life can be a shit show but you’ll still find me at the nail salon every second Sunday haha). My jewellery (watch, bracelets, Dorsey Tennis necklace) – and some kind of statement earring….most of these pieces have great sentimental value and I never leave the house without them. These are all on before I select my outfit for the day – and help me feel put together and “me”, regardless of what clothes I’m wearing.
Want more Philly? Follow @phillysmirk
I loved this one. Both relatable and aspirational. Just subscribed.