We all want to look our best, but for many moms, keeping up with fashion can sometimes feel like another item on a never-ending to-do list. Personal stylist Stefanie Bash aims to help, with her innate sense of style and the ability to put together a great look without overspending. We spoke with Stefanie about a fall fashion must-have, her weekly date night, and a hilarious white lie involving martial arts.

Congratulations on your business, Eye4StyleNYC! What inspired you to launch a career as a personal stylist?

Fashion and shopping have always been a passion of mine. I have always had an eye for creating outfits with both high-end and low-priced clothes. One day at lunch with friends, a girlfriend asked me to help her update her wardrobe, and I realized this is what I should be doing for work. I was at a point in my life where I wanted to be working, but doing something I love, and this was the answer.

Are there any fashion must-haves our readers should be looking for this winter?

I love that Timberland and Dr. Martens-style lace-up boots are back! I love the way they look, but they are also warm and practical for running around with the kids.

Has becoming a mom to two boys changed your personal style at all?

Yes! I have definitely taken on a more sporty style. My heels have been replaced with sneakers.

If you could hand off one chore to someone else each day, what would it be?

Dinner. I always feel like I’m a short order cook when it comes to dinner. The boys are never hungry at the same time or hungry for the same food.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax and unwind?

Once a week my husband and I go out for an early date night. This is my favorite night of the week. It’s adult time with uninterrupted conversation, a nice glass of wine, good food, and we’re home in time to put the kids to bed.

What is your best parenting hack?

My three-year-old doesn’t want to miss out on anything, so when it’s his bedtime, we pretend that it’s everyone’s bedtime. We all say goodnight, and shut the TV and lights off.

What is the best white lie that you’ve told your child?

That I know karate. This little white lie started about two years ago, and I think my older son might still believe it. One night my husband was working late, and my son heard some noises outside and got scared. I told him not to worry because I knew karate and that even if my husband was home, I would be the one protecting him from the bad guys anyway.

If you could describe motherhood/fatherhood in one word, what would it be?

Blessed.

What’s one moment in your motherhood journey that has made you proud?

Motherhood is full of so many proud moments, but one that always makes me smile is when I overhear my kids praise someone else for doing a good job or giving a friend a boost when they may have struck out in a game.

What is one piece of advice you want to pass along to your children?

Always be a compassionate leader.

What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms?

As a mom, you meet a lot of parents who have different parenting styles and values. I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t feel comfortable with something involving my kids, even if the other parent is fine with it, I need to speak up. The few minutes of feeling uncomfortable is nothing compared to the feeling left in the pit of your stomach when you don’t say anything at all.

How do you tackle the work/life balance?

Since most of my clients are moms too, I can schedule shopping appointments and closet cleanouts between drop off and pick up from school. The challenge for me is when I’m not out with clients and I’m working from home. Creating a workspace in my apartment and having the kids understand that when mommy is working, I’m not on mom duty, is always challenging and works better on some days than others. My office is certainly not the typical office atmosphere—it’s more like take your kids to work day everyday. But it allows me to have the best of both worlds, which is what I want.

What was the last book you read?

Big Little Lies