Honey Sessions: SpreadFashion, a.k.a. Ellen Kim, Breaks Down Cool Mom Style
These days, it's hard enough to pull yourself off the couch, out of sweats, and into open air. Now, imagine if you were a new mom...oh, the struggle. As you will learn in today's Honey Sessions, a little — we're talking minimal — effort can go a long way. Take it from style content creator and Sessions Lead Ellen Kim (yep, the one and only @spreadfashion).
The new mama is known for her LA-friendly, casual, luxe style, which comes in particularly handy when you need to look put-together and out the door, stat. "Whether you're a new mom like me, or just really busy with school, work, or whatever it is that life kind of throws at us, I think we [could] all use some tips on how feel and look great — and confident — in just a matter of minutes," says Kim.
Watch her Sessions to perfect cool mom or, just overall, cool-casual style.
To prepare for this Session, you'll need a few essentials. Here, Ellen breaks down her must-haves.
You're probably already living in something low key. "Biker shorts and a sweater are some things I'm usually already wearing," says Kim. "These pieces are really easy to transition from inside the house to going out. You can keep a neutral crewneck sweater or sweatshirt in heavy rotation.
SHOP: Rivet & Thread Seamed-Sleeve Sweatshirt, $49.99, available at Madewell
The biker short is seeing a strong comeback. This '80s trend helps make the lower body appear slimmer, which may boost confidence, if you need it. Elevate the look with a faux leather fabric.
SHOP: Spanx Faux Leather Bike Shorts, $68, available at Shopbop.
The easiest way to look alive after a sleepless night? "Moisturizer is going to keep your face nice and hydrated and feeling really fresh," says Kim. Opt for a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water. More water, more hydration.
SHOP: Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer, $39, available at Sephora
"Sneakers are a really great way to be stylish without sacrificing comfort," advises Kim. Whether you go the dad style or the skater route, make sure to pair the shoe with a feminine outfit to create contrast.
SHOP: Vans Old Skool, $60, available at Vans
Last but not least, layer on gold accessories. "Jewelry is really going to make your outfit come together," says Kim. "It'll make you feel a little more dressed up." Mix some dainty chains with chunky necklaces for full effect.
SHOP: Drawn Cable Chain Necklace, $135, available at Mejuri
Now that you have everything you need to ace the look, let's move on to technique. "I'm going to show you how to transition from a sleepless mess to effortlessly chic," says Kim. And, yes, you can do this part in a few minutes, too.
"The secret is in layering," says Kim.
At home, you're probably already lounging in some kind of leggings or biker shorts and a tee. For this outfit recreation, "you can use any kind of neutral sweater and, of course, just your basic bike shorts," says the Sessions lead. To look street-style ready, just perfect the technique of layering add-ons with your clothes, accessories, and even beauty routine. In the wardrobe department, an oversized sweater or sweatshirt is all that is needed to contrast against the body-hugging silhouette of your bikers shorts or leggings. Add some sneaks and you'll be styling comfortably.
Your beauty routine is just as easy. It all starts with hydrating moisturizer; bonus points if the ingredients include hyaluronic acid. With a dewy, fresh base, any extra makeup will look effortless...rather than caked on. "With your moisturized skin, a little bit of SPF, bronzer, and blush, and you're ready to go," instructs Kim. "Don't forget to use Honey on these items!"
Lastly, jewelry — layering on a few chains of dainty and chunky necklaces will help your super-casual look feel more thought out and, let's face it, fancy. And, again, it takes less than a minute.
Our Sessions lead answers a few of the most common questions about cool-mom style.
Expensive Beauty Products: Do they work better than affordable brands? "Absolutely not," says Kim. Skin care is a completely personal journey. What works for Kim may not work for someone else who may have a different skin type. That's why it's important to know what ingredients work for you and to read ingredient lists anytime you're purchasing beauty products.
Sneaker Style: Dad sneakers are still thing but may be intimidating to some. Kim's advice: floral or feminine dresses and skirts. The sporty look of sneakers, with the femininity of a dress or skirt, helps to create a look with a lot of dimension — despite how easy it was to put on.
Go-To Accessory: Call it a case of new-mom brain, but if you're like Kim and never know what time it is, a watch is your best bet. A shiny stunner on the wrist also helps up the sophistication level.