Michelle Obama is known for her down-to-earth personality and love of affordable clothing. That’s exciting, but whenever she wears something from J. Crew or the Gap, the clothes immediately sell out. Check out my inexpensive takes on two of the First Lady’s looks:

• Dillard’s yellow dress, Arden B cardigan, Forever 21 studded belt

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The recent celebration of Mother’s Day got me to thinking about the fact that moms are more stylish than ever. In fact, some of the world’s most notable style icons are mothers. Whether you’re a mom yourself or looking to honor a special woman in your life, take a cue from these moms and mom-friendly designers to up your “it” factor.

1. THE STELLA McCARTNEY-INSPIRED BAG

Why she inspires us: She’s been committed to creating eco-friendly fashion way before it was in vogue (or Vogue magazine), plus she created a pretty fly (and affordable) line of bags for LeSportSac that women- and moms-on-the-go can neatly fit their busy lives into.

2. ANGELINA JOLIE-INSPIRED SHADES

Why she inspires us: Because she’s brought attention to the plight of disadvantaged women and children around the world – and knows how to rock the hell out of a pair of oversized sunglasses.

3. KELLY RIPA-INSPIRED PUMPS

Why she inspires us: She works a bazillion jobs – Regis & Kelly co-host (which requires her to be perky and gorgeous at the crack of dawn!), working actress, women’s rights advocate, Electrolux spokeswoman… – and manages to keep up with her children in the coolest heels.

4. THE PROJECT RUNWAY FINALIST, LAURA BENNET-INSPIRED LBD

Why she inspires us: Because she’s a mom of six – including 5 young boys – and she still manages to look effortlessly chic while pursuing her dream of designing timeless, well-made pieces for women.

5. THE MICHELLE OBAMA-INSPIRED BROOCH

Why she inspires us: Because she represents for working moms with comfortable and practical pieces like flats and cardigans, yet isn’t afraid to shine in bold graphics, bejeweled pieces and her signature brooches. Plus! She lets herself be photographed in her Jimmy Choos more than once!

I call them “Comfort Clothes” – the baggy pegged jeans, the swing-shaped tees, the oversized cardigans, and the high top sneakers that have taken over women’s magazine pages this season. With These Economic Times calling for practicality, fashion has responded not with minimalism as it did in the early ‘90s, but cozy clothes that women can swaddle themselves in. Even First Lady Michelle Obama, The Queen of Practical Chic herself, has been known to rock a boyfriend cardigan or two – though she has yet to don a whiskered pair of roomy, rolled-up jeans.

But my question is, are you adopting this new trend? Are you trading in your fitted and embellished tops, curve-announcing dresses and sky-scraping stilettos for more comfy styles – or incorporating BOTH ideas into your closet? Do tell!