Maria and her newborn daughter. Photo courtesy of Sally Brewer photography.
Becoming a mother is life’s greatest gift, but it can also be one of its greatest challenges. Between adjusting to the responsibility of caring for a new life and learning how to work with a new post baby body, fashion can sometimes take a backseat. Because of this, Alexandria based blogger María José Ovalle created the blog Very Busy Mamá — Life, Beauty & Style to showcase real style for moms on the go. Maria is the definition of a very busy mama as she juggles a four year-old son and a newborn daughter, while working with local businesses on social media and event planning and freelance writing for Disney Baby, latinamom.me, Washingtonian’s Shop Around Blog, Alexandria Stylebook and much more. After six and a half years of working and living in London, she also created the British blog collective Mothers & Shakers to connect U.K bloggers to U.S brands and vice versa. We have tapped Maria and her wealth of knowledge to discover how to score fashion and function, the best place to shop for the whole family and her straightforward advice for balancing the ups and downs of life.
Q: What prompted you to start blogging? Did you see a void in the amount of blogs for moms/moms-to-be?
I started blogging in 2010 when I lived in London. My son was just over a year old and I thought it would be cute to blog as him — so for almost 2 years I blogged as my toddler and his views of the world [Mummy’s Busy World]. When we moved back to the U.S in October 2011, he began talking and the feeling on the blog wasn’t the same. I started looking around and trying to find “my voice” on that blog, but it didn’t work.
In January 2012 I started Very Busy Mamá [speaking] as myself and did not plan on it becoming a fashion blog, but it naturally evolved to that. I realized that I wanted to show that YES you can like fashion and be stylish over 30, a mom and a size 12 (okay, so I’m a 14
Showing of stellar style on the Very Busy Mama Blog. Photo courtesy of Maria Jose Ovallo.
now, but I’m post baby!) The reality is, I’m gordita, I have cellulite and a limited budget, but that shouldn’t stop me from looking my best — or anyone else! I think fashion and style-wise, yes there is a lack of blogs for and about moms, especially in the D.C. area but I have found a great network of mom fashion bloggers online. The misconception is that being a fashion blogger is for the young, thin and childless and that’s just not true!
Q: How do you balance fashion and function as a mother?
I’m realistic about my life — for instance I know that I won’t be wearing heels during the day and carrying a designer handbag when I’m at home with the kids or at the playground. When I worked full-time and my son was younger, then yes, I’d wear heels and fancier clothing. Like anything else, I dress for the occasion and I shop for pieces that I can mix and match to go from day to night, or to a meeting or a networking event. Although, I do miss wearing heels on a daily basis!
Q: Best tip to still feel glamorous even when you are on the go?
Get properly dressed. By that I mean, no hanging out in PJs or yoga gear. Put on a dab of makeup — even if it’s just BB Cream, light blush and/or lip gloss. Just a little something to give you a glow and the feeling of being put together. I don’t feel entirely comfortable going through the day only “halfway done.” Add a simple accessory — a scarf or necklace can make a simple outfit go from BLAH to HOORAH.
Q: Best place to find fashion for you and the whole family?
I’m sure everyone will laugh but Target. For real, I can pick up formula, diapers, frozen peas, shoes for my son and a great top for myself. I also do Old Navy, which has a great kids section, and H&M because prices are great and I like the trendy kids clothing.
Q: Many people move to this area to start a family. What are some of your favorite things to do with your children here?
I’m in Alexandria, and it’s the place to be. Old Town is a personal favorite and so close to us. There is always so much going on at any time of the year and if all else fails, then a walk along the river does the trick! I personally like the proximity to D.C. and everything is within in a 5 minute car ride. Other times we drive further out to visit local farms. Depending on the time of year, we also pick fruit and enjoy a family day out.
Q: Quick tips for new moms that are feeling overwhelmed?
It’s not just for new moms — I’m overwhelmed all of the time! Ha! I know many people don’t like tips per say, but my best advice is to ASK FOR HELP and that it’s ok to feel that way. WE ALL DO.
However, sometimes we simply cannot do it all and asking for help does not mean showing we are weak. For instance, when my husband gets the kids dressed chances are a shirt may go on backwards, or he’ll pick something that is way too small or dirty. Instead of flipping out, I just let it be! Otherwise, he is never going to want to help again and I’d rather him think that he too can get the kids dressed. I had to learn to let things go and goodness I feel so much better! Who cares if the Spiderman t-shirt is on backwards, the little guy will survive, and so will I.
-Angela Bobo