I'm Not a Mom... but I Play One on TV: A Starter Pack
Hiiiii!
I’ve always said my RHOBH tagline would be, “I’m not a mom… but I play one on tv.” IFYKYK. Long Live Eileen.
This has been on my mind as of late and thought I would share some things that have worked for me. I audition all the time for moms, whether theatrically or commercially. Each situation has it’s own vibe, color scheme, etc. If If it’s a comedy/comedic commercial (snacks, children’s items) I opt for brighter colors, a bit more fun with color and pattern and a bit more fitted. If it’s a grounded drama, blue collar or “make you feel” kind of commercial (think prescriptions/banking) I tend to go more neutral or grays/taupes, a cooler palette and relaxed fits.
And this is not a reflection of moms anywhere; this is just what works for me for auditions and 99% of these picks are things that are similar to what I’ve tried on in wardrobe. So. To take you behind the scenes, these are some things you might see as a “mom,” even if you are or aren’t one, on camera. It’s almost like, a Universal TV Mom Uniform if you will. Check out the TV Mom Starter Pack below.
We’ll start clockwise from the powder.
IT! Cosmetics ByeBye Pores Powder
I absolutey love this powder. I’ve been doing spot concealer on top of heavy moisturizer and using this to lightly set my skin. I’m really lightening up on foundation and I find it’s been helping. This takes away any shine whatsoever, blurs pores and is beautiful to set on top of a cream blush. I really like this and it’s been serving me well for auditions.
IT! Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer
Full coverage. Waterproof. Definitely get this warmed up with your finger first. I apply it firs to the back of my hand and then warm up the consistency with my ring finger. A TINY, TINY BIT will give you full coverage. Use this under ehe and to spot conceal wherever you have redness or darkness and then set on top with the powder and you’re good to go. I have a few other affordable audition beauty staples and must haves from a previous post here.
A sweet little top like this is perfect to have in your wardrobe. It’s feminine, not too busy, but pulls you together. It is a bit boxy, so be sure to make sure it fits your frame to flatter you. I find higher necklines to be more common and “appropriate” for moms, teachers, etc.
Ruffle collar and Puffed Shoulder Sweater Top
This top is so cute! This is sweet and fun mom. I love the detail that’s on trend that isn’t over the top. I would definitely pair this with some slacks and would work for both mom and casual work wear.
I love an alternative to a classic blue jean and have tried on so many different shades of jeans in fittings. Even polkadots, dusty red, army green you name it. Stylist play with color for wardrobe, so this is a great alternative and staple to have in your closet for auditions. Great to have these for cleaning product commercials. Bright, happy, productive.
Skinny Cropped High Rise Jeans
I love a smart dark denim. This to me reads a bit more polished and put together. The slight distress detail is really pretty and to me reads more upscale. I personally tend to avoid rips in jeans or super faded jeans unless my character calls for it. Someone is a bit more fashion forward.
For whatever reason, I’m almost always trying on what I call “a little running around shoe.” Super cute, comfortable and very mom-on-the-go vibes. These are also great for business casual.
I’m almost always trying on a textured, taupe or light toned bootie in fittings. The block heel is comfortable to wear on set for long periods of time and this boot is cute to wear year-round and can go with any wardrobe. This style is similar to what I own and I wear often for real life and auditions. Mixing it up with sweaters, flannels, mom, bartender, all of it. A versatile shoe.
This is a great little layering piece to add to your wardrobe. One, it’s on trend, but two, the colors, texture and button detail read cozy and warm. I’d wear this for a scene “putting my kid down” or “running errands” in the fall. It can read a little young so I’d definitely be conciencious of styling with jewelry to make it more youthful or mature.
I don’t know who started this or when but for whatever reason, at almost every audition for mom and I’m in a printed plaid… everyone else is ALSO in a printed plaid. It’s happy, it’s casual, workable. Works great for “cleaning the house,” “home improvement,” type of spots, “car commercial.” I guarantee you will wear the heck out of something like this and likely be asked to bring it to set when you book it. It reads different from a flannel. Great for spring time.
I also would like to know who is responsible for the denim shirt craze. This is a staple. Always have it in your wardrobe, or in your car. It’s the perfect mix of casual and cute and can read for a range of things. Doing laundry, home improvement, blue collar, trendy with jeans and a white top and little booties as above. It’s so versatile and a great layering piece! I know it’s basic, but it also works. (Again, works for me, def find your vibe.)
So I’m embracing less and less makeup for auditions. I was actually booked for my national car commercial becuase of my skin. Not even kidding. While I typically do a concealer and a foundation, now I might skip that and use a little under eye & spot concealer, emove shine with powder but I’ll also go in with an “invisible” seamless blush like a cheek gel that comes from underneath and within the skin. I love this one from Pixie and use the shade Flushed. So natural, long wearing and looks radiant and youthful. Great for everyday!
I love a tote. It holds all the things; resume, makeup, money, keys, sanitizer and masks. I like this is reversible from black to brown with a little tie detail. Great for everyday life, but also, great for “busy mom on the go” for auditions.
Similar to the gray detailed collar, this is a great alternative. It has a higher neck so is “appropriate,” fun little shoulder detail that reads fun and sophisticated. And this is a great color! I absolutely love it!!
I hope you get some value out of this post. Funny, I shared this with my good friend Emily and showed her the “TV mom starter pack” and she said she has just about everything in this post and she has over 20 commercials to her name… So… LADIES. We are giving you the goods and truth of what works!! YOU ARE WELCOME!
Let me know what you’d like to see next!!
xox,
A
