Life, like fashion, thrives on reinvention—a lesson I’ve relearned daily since welcoming my second daughter, Colette. As Day 8 of the 12 Days of CHRISelle unfolds, I reflect on how motherhood’s beautiful chaos has reshaped not just my routines, but my entire approach to style and purpose.
The Symphony of Second-Time Motherhood
“Just wait until you have your second,” friends cautioned—a warning I nodded to but couldn’t truly fathom. Now, navigating this new rhythm of predawn feedings, school runs for Chloe, back-to-back meetings, and the endless dance of multitasking, I’ve discovered a truth: motherhood is the ultimate masterclass in adaptability. My days blur into a mosaic of unpredictability—no two alike, yet each demanding equal parts grit and grace.
Amid this whirlwind, one constant emerged: the need for footwear that could keep pace. Enter Rothy’s—a brand that redefined my understanding of what “everyday shoes” could be.
Sustainability Stitched with Innovation
Initially drawn to Rothy’s eco-conscious ethos (their flats are crafted from recycled plastic bottles, transformed via 3D knitting to minimize waste), I soon realized these weren’t just shoes—they were a manifesto for modern living. The absence of rigid hardware and buckles translates to cloud-like comfort, while their machine-washable design speaks to practicality—a godsend for someone whose days oscillate between boardrooms and playgrounds.
The Alchemy of Effortless Versatility
Living in Los Angeles, I’d defaulted to slides and sandals year-round. But as autumn’s chill crept in, I needed warmth without compromising ease. The black pointed-toe flats with a gilded cap became my uniform—elevating joggers-and-blazer mom outfits for meetings, surviving impromptu toddler chases, and even adding polish to grocery runs. Unlike traditional flats that demand days of painful “breaking in,” these molded to my feet instantly, as if they’d always belonged.
There’s poetry in how seamlessly they adapt: one moment, I’m soothing Colette during a conference call; the next, striding into a pitch with quiet confidence. In a life fragmented by competing priorities, these shoes became my silent allies—proving that sustainability and sophistication aren’t mutually exclusive.
Fashion with a Ripple Effect
Our collaboration with Rothy’s transcended style—it catalyzed change. Together, we supported DonorsChoose.org, funding classroom projects nationwide. Now, I’m thrilled to extend this joy: two readers will win gift cards to claim their own pair of Rothy’s flats—because every woman deserves to walk her path with purpose and poise.
Final Step: Redefining “Having It All”
Motherhood taught me that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding tools that let you show up fully, even when life tilts sideways. Rothy’s became more than footwear; they’re a metaphor for resilience—crafted from discarded materials yet refined into something timeless, adaptable, and unapologetically you.
This season, let’s redefine “having it all” not as flawlessness, but as the courage to embrace life’s messiness—one sustainable step at a time.
