Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a mom with a demanding career and a demanding home life so when I leave my house in the morning I travel heavy: a gym bag, my work tote, purse and miscellaneous extras for the kids, inclement weather accessories, etc. I recently started seeing a chiropractor because of lower back, shoulder and neck pain. I attribute it all to the many bags I carry but I can't seem to find a way to lighten the load. And before you say it, my doctor recommended the bag on wheels but I've tried them and they can be bulky and cumbersome, not to mention unfashionable.

Any good suggestions on a great bag to handle all my demands without breaking my back?

Sincerely,

Mom on the Move

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Dear M.O.T.M.,

It sounds like you've got a lot resting on your shoulders - literally and figuratively. What's amazing is that you believe that in order to have it all you have to carry it all...at once. And you are not alone. There are women walking in the same stiletto-heeled shoes as you that teeter on the brink of being recognized as a stylish Sherpa.

We could talk bags but you, more than anything, sound like you need a distribution strategy versus a bigger bag that will only lead you to believe that you have room to pile more things in. You are better served by using your routine's resources to your advantage. Keep what you need for the kids in the car; keep what you need for work at work; acquire a gym locker - and utilize their laundry service - to store your workout clothing and accessories.

Buy travel sized items to further lighten the load in case you have to transport a few things on your person that day. But the only thing you should carry from this point on is your purse and work tote and even those shouldn't be stuffed to the gills. You may still want to see your chiropractor to help repair or reverse what damage you've done by carrying so much for so long. With any luck you should see - and feel - a difference in less time than it takes to unpack your current day-to-day baggage. Overnight, you'll go from a bag lady to a lady who carries a bag. Sounds much more chic, n'est-ce pas?

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a 34-year old mother of two about to re-enter the work force after taking off the last five years to take care of children and the household. I've stayed somewhat current with fashion but with two screaming toddlers my husband and I can barely get away for a date night, let alone have time to leisurely browse at the mall. Where can I find fashionable clothing versatile enough to wear to work, but also durable enough to withstand getting the kids ready in the morning?

Signed,

Working Mom

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Dear W.M.,

First, hire a babysitter one Saturday before you start work to give yourself one day of uninterrupted bliss...I mean, shopping. As you said yourself, you can't possibly browse and be on the amber alert for your kids at the same time.

Start off by purchasing at least three suits (one black, one navy and one dark gray; go for the pant and skirt option if they have it) and two of every button-down that you like. As a mother of two - or just as a rule of thumb for anyone - having a back-up shirt either at home or at work is going to be something you'll learn is less elective and more essential. Look for shirts that are 'wrinkle free' or have a percentage of elastane (e.g. spandex, lycra, etc.). Not only will these shirts be a better body fit, they also hold up well through repeated washes and are easier to iron. Other key pieces to incorporate: sheath dresses, wrap dresses and cardigans.

The idea here is to live in layers. Your days are going to be hectic and will require you to juggle being mom and mrs. at the office. Layers are great for those times you may have to cover a last-minute stain or remove the stained-layer in question. The same goes for footwear - leather is one of the materials you want to go after since its one of the easiest to work with as far as stain and scuff removal.

The ideal clothing for your situation is out there, you just have to be practical. You'd have to swathe yourself in bubble wrap to avoid the stains, scuffs and haphazard unexpectedness that comes with raising children. Just remember to always keep your spare garment handy, keep a layer close in case you need to camouflage and plan for the unexpected. In other words, all of the things you've learned to do as a mother.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com