Wendy Norwood-Patterson is a busy wife and mother. She also happens to be a successful fashion stylist. So, we asked for her secrets for getting herself and two toddlers out the door always looking fabulous!
"I think for a mom, sometimes we just come last. Our appearance can just come last," says Wendy. "It is so easy to walk out the door and go, well, you know, I think my clothes match, or I didn't quite get to the makeup this morning.
But for Wendy, that's not an option. As a fashion stylist, she has to look good in order to look professional. So she's found ways of simplifying her morning routine to make sure she looks good every day without spending tons of time.
"I have my tips and my tricks for making it super easy, something I can quickly do," says Wendy.
Prepare the Night Before
Prepare as much as you can in the evening because you never know what's going to happen in the morning.
"I pack as much of a lunch as I can for the boys at night. So, anything that will remain fresh until the next morning gets packed in the evening," says Wendy.
Then she checks the weather to see what kind of clothes her family will need.
After that, she preps any items that she can for the next day's dinner and tries to tidy up the house. She leaves herself reminder notes for anything she might forget the next morning.
To simplify her morning beauty routine, Wendy showers at night. She tries to fix her hair as much as she can before she hits the bed, but it doesn't always happen.
"Like a lot of moms, I'm exhausted by the end of the day," she says. "It's always the hope that if I do those things in the evening that maybe I get a few extra minutes in the morning to put on my makeup or brush my hair or spend a little extra time getting dressed."
Streamlining Your Morning Routine
Make-up:
Wendy usually starts with her makeup.
"Generally, my makeup's pretty quick," says Wendy. "I have it down to a science. Concealer, powder, eyes, blush, lips. "
Here are her tips:
- Focus on your favorite feature first, in case it's all you have time to do.
- Choose multi-tasking products (lipstick that can double as blush, or foundation that can be used as concealer).
- Leave a little bit of makeup in your car. If you like a little bit of red lipstick and that makes you feel good, be sure you have that in your car.
Getting dressed
Instead of grabbing workout clothes, create an outfit formula that will help you put together a simple stylish outfit with ease.
For example: jeans, t-shirt, and a scarf. In the summertime pair this back to a little flat sandal and you are good to go. This is a really easy outfit that you can duplicate over and over with different color t-shirts and different scarves and different sandals.
In the winter, you can easily duplicate this look by using a long sleeved t-shirt or a sweater and pairing it with riding boots or flats.
Another easy formula that always works is a t-shirt and jacket. Use graphic tees paired with any classic blazers or trendy jackets. Pair it with jeans and shoes that fit the season.
Another important basic to have is a really great pair of leggings. It's really easy to come up with a million outfits for a pair of leggings. For starters, how about a tunic top, layered with a camisole underneath and a scarf on top, back to a pair of riding boots, this is a really easy look that anyone can pull off.
Another easy look with leggings is a simple t-shirt with a sweater on top paired with a pair of riding boots. This is such a cute look.
When you're shopping, pick neutral colors. That way, things can be easily mixed and matched.
Don't forget: always add accessories to complete your look.
For Hair
Here are Wendy's tips on how to get stylish hair fast:
- Wash your hair at night.
- Use dry shampoo to refresh.
- Try a classic low ponytail.
- Try a scarf and bun.
If all else fails, don't stress, she says.
"Honestly, I think the most important thing is, it's okay to let some things go and try to make it up on the back end somewhere else," says Wendy.
For more from Wendy, visit wendynorwood.com.
For the extended story, click here
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices
