It's an amazing thing when the social media stars align and you actually meet an Instagram "friend". Even more amazing is when that person is just as incredible in real life as she seems to be through her diary of daily photographs. Case in point - the lovely mama of two, Karla Reed. After following Karla for months and then working with her on a few projects, we finally met in person last fall. Karla is the definition of real life #momstyle. She effortlessly mixes high and low with looks that push the boundaries of everyday style. With over 35,000 Instagram followers, she shows mamas across the map, how to look top notch by shopping their own closets, shopping killer sales, or thrifting. We love her eclectic style, and we love even more when BURU is included in her daily dose of #momstyle!
Follow @karlareed on Instagram for everyday #momstyle inspirations & check out her Redbook Real Women Style Award feature HERE
*Karla selected her favorite BURU styles from our biggest sale of the year. Shop her picks HERE. (Prices reduced further for a limited time during her sale)
BR: What do you love most about being a mom?
KR: Seeing the world through a whole new set of eyes. I've never been so in awe of God's creation. Seeing my children experience the joy and excitement of this world is such a blessing!
BR: What is the number one way in which motherhood has changed you?
KR: I’ve come to realize how truly selfish I am! Having children who depend on me and who love me unconditionally has humbled me beyond measure.
BR: Did you breast-feed? If so, how did it affect your wardrobe selection?
KR: I did! I breast-fed my son for 7 months, and I'm still nursing my 13-month old daughter. I was not prepared for the challenges that nursing would cause the first time around! I became overwhelmed by the limitations and somewhat gave up on my personal style for those 7 months. I felt terrible about myself and really struggled with self confidence. I was determined not to let that happen again when my daughter came along! So this time around I made sure I thought through how I could manage to still look put together and yet still be comfortable enough to nurse. It's takes a bit of creativity but it's so worth it in the end when you can enjoy feeding your little one and still feeling like yourself.
BR: We LOVE your Instagram – your #momstyle is so much fun! Can you tell us a little bit about how your personal style came about?
KR: Thank you! Well, I consider myself a bit of a late bloomer. Though I always loved clothes and fashion when I was young, I didn't feel I had the opportunities to really explore the fashion world. My resources were limited and I lacked the confidence to really wear what I wanted. It wasn't until my early 30's and after I had my son that I realized who I was and what I wanted to communicate through how I dressed. I also discovered the joys of thrifting! It gave me the opportunity to play around and explore my style with out spending a fortune! It eventually gave me the confidence to trust my own style voice.
BR: What inspired you to start Instagramming your daily ensembles?
KR: I started about three years ago. My son had been diagnosed with autism and I was completely overwhelmed with all the therapies and constant stress that came along with having a special needs child. I felt myself slipping away. So after a few conversations with good friends and my husband I realized I needed a hobby. I needed a creative outlet in order to keep me afloat. At the time money was tight so I decided to do a month of shopping my own closet to come up with brand new outfits I hadn't put together before. It was the perfect creative outlet for me and a great motivator to just get up and get dressed! It's amazing what you can accomplish in a day when you feel put together and good about yourself! At the end of the month I was hooked. And here we are 3 years later:)
BR: Is there one fashion item, no matter how impractical to wear as a mom, that you’ll never give up wearing?
KR: Probably my dresses and skirts. I know a lot of stay at home moms who give these up because they feel silly getting so dressed up to take they're kids to school or go to the grocery store. I find the opposite to be true. The more put together and dressed up I am the more I get done in a day.
BR: What are your must-haves from BURU and why do they work in your mommy lifestyle?
KR: I love adding items to my mom style that are both special and comfortable. Then I'm not sacrificing my own personal style, and I'm able to fully embrace my job as a mom! All of these pieces speak to that.
1. Jordan Louis 3 Way Trench Coat
2. Rachel Antoff Shockproof Plaid Overalls
3. Julie Brown Poncho Cape in Ivory
4. Hutch Roll Sleeve Tunic Style Shirt Dress
5. Rebecca Minkoff Marisa Baby Bag
6. Corey Boyfriend Blazer in Gold
7. Julie Brown A-line Coat Dress
8. Sachin + Babi Jagged Houndstooth Jacket
9. Corey Laser Cut Pleated Skirt
10. Rachel Roy Fitted Blazer in Navy
11. Byron Lars Embellished Button Front Dress
12. Mara Hoffman Camel Pullover
13. Sam & Lavi Montana Knit Top
14. Byron Lars Safari Dress With Belt
BR: How do you balance your time between mom time and wife time?
KR: I remind myself that we were first. We are at the center of this family and if we aren't connecting, then nobody is. We try to get in as many date nights as possible:) And when the kids go down we try to do something together...either watching a show or making a late dinner. And communication is key. Even if we don't have time to do something alone together - there's always time to talk...and we try to make it a priority!
BR: What’s the one thing you wish you would’ve known before becoming a mother? And what is the most surprising thing that you have learned through motherhood?
KR: I wish I would've known that there isn't one right way to be a mother. There are many ways and nobody is perfect. It would've saved me from judging so many and mostly from judging myself so harshly in those early years! I love this quote by Jill Churchill -- "There no way to be a perfect mother but a million ways to be a good one"
I am still blown away at the amount of love that bursts forth from me when it comes to my kids. Especially in the moments when I stop and take it all in. I am so blessed! I truly praise God for it!
