Mom Style Secrets: BeautyMommy Nanette De La Pena

Most days, I feel pretty busy. Too busy almost. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. So I try to stop and remind myself that this is possibly the busiest season of my life, and that one day, I will look back on the routine of work-volunteer-homework-activities-dinner that characterizes my everyday life and long for it, or, at the very least, feel a small tug of nostalgia. But today, I am still in the thick of it, still constantly moving, and so I look, as many of us do, to other moms for inspiration. Moms who seem to have found that elusive balance between work and family and style, like Nanette De La Pena, a gorgeous mother to four boys and the founder, with sister Suzanne,  of Ex Amino, a luxurious line of scents designed for a woman’s hair and body. Not only do their stunning scents smell amazing; they also do good, through a partnership with Daughters of Cambodia, a non-governmental organization that provides support to victims of sex trafficking. So how does a mother-philanthropist-traveler-entrepreneur find the time to look gorgeous, every day? Read on for all of Nanette’s mom style secrets.

Nanette, at right, with sister Suzanne

What are your style secrets to getting dressed on a busy morning?

My secret to getting dressed on a busy morning is to prepare the night before.  I like to lay out what I plan to wear, and if I can, I take a shower and blow dry my hair before bed. If I’ve planned ahead, I can usually be ready in 30–40 minutes.

What are your favorite shops/brands?

I love to shop online for convenience and deals.  My go to sites are Net a Porter, Gilt, ASOS, Free People and Urban Outfitters. My favorite brands currently are Joie Clothing, Isabel Marant, Zara and Lululemon.

How has motherhood changed your style?

Now I find that I gravitate to timeless pieces that I can wear often by mixing them up with some of the new seasonal trends. I love clothes that travel well, wash easy and are well made.

Nanette’s musts include timeless pieces that travel well.

Name 5 things you can’t live without.

Black leather ankle boots, skinny jeans, cashmere scarf, white t-shirt, and of course,  Ex Animo hair and body perfume.

Do you wear makeup every day?

Yes, I wear makeup every day in a natural light way. My favorite brands are RMS for concealer and cheek stains, Vapour Organics for lipsticks, Epicuren face moisturizers and Rahua Shampoo and Conditioner.

Where do you look for fashion inspiration?

I get fashion inspiration from bloggers, Instagram and online. My go to blog sites are Who What Wear, Best Fashion Bloggers and The Sartorialist. My favorite fashion sites on Instagram are Sincerely Jules, Song of Style, and Tuula Vintage. Online I love People Style Watch‘s “You Asked We Found.”

A few of Nanette’s Favorite Things

What is your go-to mom look? Any mom style secrets?

I love to throw on a cute pair of shorts and some sandals when the weather is sunny. When it’s cold out, I love a chunky knit sweater and a pair of jeans with boots.  My signature style is “So Cal” style, which is feminine with a touch of surf.

What is one thing you do every day to pamper yourself?

Have a cup of tea. Lately I’ve been infusing my tea with organic dried rose petals which are known to have a detoxifying and balancing effect on the body; plus they smell divine.

If you could only apply one makeup item, what would it be?

RMS lip2cheek stain.

Favorite denim brand.

Paige.

Color, neutrals, or both?

Neutrals.

Name the one signature accessory you are never seen without.

My D’Blanc sunglasses.

Nanette’s style is refreshingly breezy and laid back. I love all of her mom style secrets, but especially:

• 1. Save time in the morning by washing your hair and laying out your clothes the night before.
• 2. Online shopping is convenient, and budget-friendly.
• 3. Light natural makeup is an everyday must!