Ah, motherhood. It’s one of the hardest jobs in the world but also one of the most rewarding. One of the most common questions I get asked is how to maintain a classic vintage look as mother. Well, here’s the answer: I have no idea. Because I’m not a mother myself. For me, it’s easy to maintain my look; because I can devote all my time and attention to myself.
So, I’m not even going to pretend to know what’s like to maintain such a time consuming look while changing diapers, getting up for night feeds, etc. That's why many women stop dressing themselves up when they become mothers - because of the time and effort it takes.
There are also other factors: such as a lack of self-confidence due to how their bodies changed during pregnancy. Many of these changes include stretch marks, c-section scars, weight gain, etc. They don’t realize that you don’t have to give up your femininity just because you’re a mother. You just have to find more efficient ways to embrace it.
I spoke to Nicole Roslyn. A vintage fashion enthusiast and mother from Berlin, Germany. And I asked her for her advice on this subject.
There are also other factors: such as a lack of self-confidence due to how their bodies changed during pregnancy. Many of these changes include stretch marks, c-section scars, weight gain, etc. They don’t realize that you don’t have to give up your femininity just because you’re a mother. You just have to find more efficient ways to embrace it.
I spoke to Nicole Roslyn. A vintage fashion enthusiast and mother from Berlin, Germany. And I asked her for her advice on this subject.
Q: How did you first start dressing in vintage style fashion?
A: “I just had sold my clothing. And with the money I earned, I bought second hand vintage fashion online. Sometimes, I purchased true vintage garments but to get used to it, I studied my favorite Instagram accounts and what brands they wore. Then, I searched for them in second hand shops. I sold most of my purchases later again. It takes a long time to know what you call your style and what suits you the best.”
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: “I was born in the west of Germany. Close to the Netherlands; I was raised in a town just an hour away from Berlin.”
Q: Do you prefer to wear authentic vintage fashion or recreation?
A:“ I prefer a mix: bespoke vintage fashion. Because it’s made with my measurements and my preferences. True vintage garments mostly don’t fit me or are too expensive to get (and when shopping online it’s sad when an expensive purchase doesn’t fit) I am very happy when I find true vintage garments, but I stopped searching for them."
Q: How do people where you’re from react to the way you dress?
A: “Oh, everyone loves it! People compliment me and smile at me. Of course, there are also people who just stare at me but that’s mostly just because it’s different, never negative. And WHEN someone makes jokes about it: I don’t care - I’ve never felt better in my own skin!”
Q: What’s it like being a vintage fashion enthusiast where you’re from?
A: “It’s quite rare. But I am very surprised how many people are interested in it, friends asking me where I got my dresses and telling me that they want to purchase them. They don’t wear vintage style fashion themselves, but they love the feminine silhouettes of my skirts and dresses. Also, men love it! (because it’s feminine!)”
Q: You’re also a mother, how do you maintain your look as a busy mother? And do you have any tips?
A: “Oh! that’s quite hard. But in every beginning is a thought - so if you really want to wear it, you will find a solution! For me, it’s because I am a mother that it is very important for me to dress up - it makes me feel like I am not just a mom; I am also a woman. I am also me. So in the evening, when my son sleeps, I curl my hair for the night. So the next day, I can just brush it out, and not spend hours styling it with a curling iron.
In the morning, I am lucky that my boyfriend is at home. So I can do my makeup. But also when we are alone, my son knows it from the very beginning. So he plays next to me and that’s fine as well. The hardest part is knowing what to wear with a child- the first 13 months I carried Adam (my son) because he hated the buggy. I wasn’t a vintage dresser at the time, but today, I wear strong materials and wrap dresses and blouses with skirts. On top (after the baby is wrapped around me) cashmere cardigans.
For the playground and walks, I wear flats or very comfy heels (Charlie Stone Shoes or my Chanel ballerinas - I fell so often with them and they never scratched!). Also materials are easy to wash. My style doesn’t change when I am with my son, just the materials. Turbans and hats are also quick game changers when there is no time to do your hair in the morning.”
Q: What are some of your must-haves for your look?
A: “Either curly hair or a big hat! I love very swingy long skirts/dresses with a petticoat underneath and a tight jacket on top, with pumps.”
Q: Where do you usually shop for your outfits?
A: “Mostly online (etsy, Kleiderkreisel (Germany), Vivian of Holloway, Miss Candyfloss, El Atelier Secreto, Celeste Lilou.)”
Q: What’s your advice for women who’d like to start wearing vintage fashion but are afraid of judgment?
A: “Just do it! don’t think about it. It’s cliché, but it’s easier than it sounds. Just don’t think about other people think - that makes things more difficult. The most important thing is what YOU think. You have to love your look! When YOU are really happy with your style, then people will see that and will be fascinated by your energy!”
Q: Any up and coming projects we can look forward to?
A: “I have so many projects on my mind that I would love to tell you about! But at the moment, I don’t have enough time. Right now, I am concentrating on auditions (I am an opera singer).”
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