Category Archives: By Lisa Miller
A New Year’s Resolution A Mom Can Actually Keep
1 More Day Until Friday Pedicure Therapy! #16MinutesForMom
Budget-Friendly Gifts For The Moms On Your List
Join Me For Pedicures? #16MinutesForMom
Embrace Your Inner Dastardly Villain This Halloween
How To Wear: Beanies
Fall Trend Alert: Belt It!
My Real Life Mom-Friendly Outfits
sunglasses – Oakley (patio sample sale); a splurge, 10 years daily wear scarf – UncommonGoods (gifted) graphic t-shirt – Kohl’s long button-down overshirt, boots & purse – ROSS skinny jeans – Forever 21 cuff – borrowed nails – biosculpture gel by Polished (gifted) Outfit total = $138.96 (minus $60 sunglasses = $78.96)
Editor’s Note: Challenge Accepted!
By Lisa Miller I accept! This mama is all ready for tonight’s 16 Minutes For Mom Bubbles & Bubbly challenge! Yep, that’s my bath in the photos. I’m so excited for an excuse to relax and have some ME time – thanks TMS! In fact, I’m so excited I can’t get that Jennifer Lopez song… Read More
Fall Trend Alert: Boho And Fringe
Fall Trend Alert: How To Wear Capes
By Lisa Miller Cool weather approaches and the fashion gods have spoken; capes are in this year. Although we’ll readily admit that a woman with a cape looks confident and chic, the idea of pulling one off ourselves can be daunting. “How do they make it look so cool?” we wonder as we stare into… Read More
Editor’s Note: Back To School Revelry For Moms
By Lisa Miller As the long days of summer come to an end and children are shipped off to school each morning, moms everywhere rejoice in their new found freedom. Mundane things, like running errands in lightning-fast time or taking a ten minute shower without toddler commentary, are suddenly cause for touchdown-esque dancing.
Goodbye Impossible, Hello Mom-Possible Hairstyles
By Lisa Miller As a woman and mother, hair can be the biggest of beauty challenges. It can literally be a pain; for example, when your infant is innocently tearing it out of your head? Or, a nightmare when you haven’t had a chance to wash it in three days – forget styling it. Sometimes,… Read More
Editor’s Note: Is “I’m Sorry” Teaching Our Kids Enough?
Go From Beach To Sports Event With This Boho-Chic Swim Cover-up
By Lisa Miller A mom’s warm weather schedule can be overwhelming . . . and fun. With so many enticing extracurricular activities to keep you busy, sometimes there just isn’t time (or an available phone booth) for a wardrobe change between school, the pool, errands and the big soccer match. Short of showing up at your… Read More
How To Accessorize Every Neckline
By Lisa Miller Accessorizing is an affordable way to complete an outfit and freshen a wardrobe full of time-honored classics, while remaining trendy. Costume necklaces are available for a steal from our favorite stores- Kohl’s, Target, Forever 21 . . . you name it. The “I can’t wear necklaces because I can never find one I like in my… Read More
Flirty Swimsuits For Confident and Beach-Ready Moms
By Lisa Miller Purchasing a bathing suit is a stressful event for moms. Whether you’re hoping to hide “mommy tummy,” c-section scars or a bit of extra weight in the thighs, swimsuits leave little to the imagination. Settling for an unflattering option as a means to cut costs is a bad road that many moms go… Read More
Dress To Look (And Feel) Thinner
By Lisa Miller Inspired by our New Year’s Fashion Resolutions, we decided to do a quick “dress thinner” tutorial. Contrary to what you may think, a wardrobe overhaul isn’t necessarily required to improve your look. By simply defining your waistline you can easily create a slimmer physique. It won’t take designer duds or a major spending spree; simply take a look at your current clothing with new eyes. Creating a… Read More
Spring Trends Moms Can Rock: White Lace
By Lisa Miller Is it me, or is white lace cropping up everywhere? If your children are older and there’s less risk of little fingerprint stains, run with it. White lace comes back time and again and can be season-proofed by adding layers. If your kids are young, trying taking this trend in a different… Read More
How To Be An Effective Budget Shopper
Styling Giveaway Winner Outfit: Perfectly Girly Tomboy Chic
By Lisa Miller Pictured above is the second look for 2015 TMS styling session winner, Allyn Wise. Allyn loves full skirts, a perfect blend between tomboy and feminine style, and tends toward a (business) casual look. Her biggest challenge is finding outfits for work that can blend into her everyday wardrobe. Look two is a… Read More
Fashion Choices For Earth And Life
By Lisa Miller With the weather warming up, everyone’s mind is on the awakening earth, enjoying time in nature and on preserving that joy for our children. Riding bikes to the grocery store; opening the windows to let sunlight and cool breezes into our homes; swapping out fluorescent for LED bulbs; and recycling are all doable… Read More
Personal Style Board: Allyn Wise, TMS 2015 Styling Session Giveaway Winner
By Lisa Miller When it comes to fashion, Allyn Wise (this year’s styling session winner) navigates two very different worlds. We asked her to create a style board in order to get a feel for what kinds of outfits interest her. What we found is that she is drawn to two distinct aesthetics. On the few days she… Read More
Need An Excuse To Indulge?
By Lisa Miller March is a busy month in our household, filled with celebrations and happiness. Our wedding anniversary, my birthday, Ostara and signs of spring all crowd in. I have been asked to make a birthday wish list. Of course for a mom, that’s easy- a clean house, no fighting for a day, my… Read More
How To Avoid A Fashion Disaster In The Last Trimester
By Lisa Miller If feeling like a house has you reaching for those sweatpants, check out these hot mamas for outfit inspiration. They make those final months of pregnancy look effortlessly stylish. For even more ideas for dressing that baby bump, check out the TMS article on dressing to hide the extra weight in early-pregnancy and… Read More
What to Wear: Valentine’s Day/Date Night
By Lisa Miller The day for lovers has arrived; take some time off from being just mom. Today, embrace the roles of wife and lover as well. True, you may have the kids in tow during the day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up, spend time together, and (after packing the kids off… Read More
Favorite Fashionistas: Style Blogs With Outfits That Work For Moms
By Lisa Miller As I flip through my bookmarked style blogs wondering what to write about this week, I realize the answer is scrolling before my eyes. Why not acquaint you with some of the stylish women I turn to for outfit and article inspiration? My arsenal of fashionistas is organized into three collections: “Everymom;” “Supermom;”… Read More
Editor’s Note: New Year’s Fashion Resolutions
By Lisa Miller Each year I set a fashion goal for myself. Four years ago, I decided to confidently dress my maternity and post-baby body. Three years ago I created my personal style board in Power Point. (Today, I use Pinterest.) Two years ago I started incorporating color into my wardrobe. Last year, I set about getting… Read More
Kick Off The New Year With A Free Online Styling Session!
By Lisa Miller Happy New Year! To start the year off with a bang we’re once again, launching our styling giveaway! Let us help you put your most fashionable mommy foot forward by creating an outfit or two just for you! Before we get started though, we want to wish all our moms health, happiness,… Read More
What to Wear: Casual Holiday Gathering – Sequins
By Lisa Miller Shopping for Sequins Blazer ($138.00/Anthropologie) Add this sparkly blazer to a basic, tomboy look for instant glam. Switch out for the blazer in this look, or this one during warmer months and you are ready for a night out. Midi-skirt ($39.00/Dorothy Perkins) Graphic Sweater ($37.00/Dorothy Perkins) T-shirt ($29.40/Nieman Marcus Last Call) Sequins are an unexpected… Read More
Stylist’s Secret: Evolve Your Style Board Into A Lookbook
By Lisa Miller Now that you have taken the time to create a style board and identify your personal style, the next step is to put it to use. Evolving your style board into a personal lookbook (a collection of photographs displaying a collection of clothing) will allow you to easily put together outfits at a… Read More
What To Wear On Thanksgiving; Plus, Save 15% At Emerald Cuff!
Editor’s Note: Fleece-Lined Leggings
By Lisa Miller Don’t have time to shop around? Try one of these options available from Amazon. High waist fleece-lined leggings ($5.50 – $15.10/Amazon) Skinny fit fleece-lined tights ($9.99/Amazon) Image Sources: Chictopia Lovely Pepa Image 3 Image 4 Get Your Pretty On (Did you like this article? If so, sign up for an email… Read More
How to Wear: Layers
By Lisa Miller Layering is creative way to add interest (and warmth!) to an outfit, a lethal fashion combination for the fall and winter seasons. Even better is that when done correctly, layers can be slimming – whether you want to emphasize a tiny waist or pull the eye away from problem areas like the thighs and stomach. What’s not… Read More
What to Wear: Trick or Treating (And Later, to the Office!)
By Lisa Miller Halloween is just around the corner. As a mom, you’ll probably be participating in activities like trick-or-treating and school costume parties. You want to feel festive and acknowledge that this isn’t just another day but being able to function is of utmost importance. So, how do you pull it off? Easy. Utilize pieces that… Read More
What to Wear: Fall’s Must-Have Colors
By Lisa Miller with Ebony Benson It’s that time of year again. Fall is in the air and the Pantone color report for autumn 2014 is in. (Pantone is a color forecasting company that holds a bi-annual “secret meeting of representatives from various nations’ color standards groups” to choose a color of the year (2014… Read More
What To Wear: Parent’s Weekend At The University
By Lisa Miller It’s parent’s weekend at your child’s college; you are so proud and excited that your baby has grown up and is pursuing his or her dreams at Big Name University. Showing support through your wardrobe is a given but how to do it without going overboard? You definitely don’t want to be… Read More
Stylist’s Secret: Use A Style Board To Find Your Personal Style
By Lisa Miller Trends come and trends go, but the silhouettes and styles that look good on you and make you feel confident may be less transient. Knowing what you like is the first step in figuring out your personal style. Knowing what your style is will help you create some guidelines to base purchases on… Read More
How To Make Khaki Classy And Chic
By Lisa Miller Dear Mommy Stylist, I love the look of khaki and would like to start wearing it. However, when it comes time to pull together outfits, all I can think of is Coldwater Creek – khaki pants, button-down shirt, jean jacket, and maybe a watch or necklace. The look is boxy and tired.… Read More
What to Wear: Summer Evening Wedding
By Lisa Miller Along with summer weddings come travel, parties, showers, receptions, and the ever dreaded dress code. During all other seasons, wedding attire is straightforward: a formal dress, heels, a classic bag, a red lip and light eye makeup. In the summer, however, the warm weather throws the rule book out the window. With… Read More
Functional And Fashionable Swim Cover-Ups For Moms
By Lisa Miller I took my kids swimming, now what? You’re fresh out of the water, the little ones are shivering and the big kids take off down the beach to flirt with the cute new lifeguard. The afternoon dip was fantastic. Now it’s time to snap back to reality as you mentally prepare to… Read More
How To Wear: Tribal Prints
By Lisa Miller I remember hearing once, perhaps in a history of fashion class, that after traumatic national events (like 9/11 or the most recent recession) fashion tends to lean toward neutral colors and solid fabrics. A few years after, pops of red and other primary hues begin a scattered appearance. Eventually, as these events… Read More
Let’s Take a Break to Do Some Good With Green Gestures
Brighten Your Wardrobe With Spring’s Must-Have Hues
By Lisa Miller with Ebony Benson Warm weather is finally on the horizon and spring is on its way. It is time to overhaul that drab winter wardrobe and get into some color. What shades should you invest in this season? How about some of the gorgeous hues in the Spring 2014 Pantone color fashion report?
The Mommy Stylist Receives The Liebster Award!
By Lisa Miller and Kristin Hull The Mommy Stylist has received the Liebster Award! The Liebster award is given to up-and-coming bloggers to who, as the German word implies, create content that is beloved, valued, and dear to their readers. Thank you to our nominator, Alisha from Crazy Cowboy Wife, who blogs about life, parenting, and tasty recipes from the heart of Kansas! We… Read More
Congratulations To The Winner Of The Daniel Green Slipper Giveaway
Ask The Mommy Stylist: How to Wear Leggings if You’re Pear-Shaped
By Lisa Miller Dear Mommy Stylist, As a new Mom, I am so happy to find your blog! I have loved reading your posts. I’m hoping you can provide some advice about leggings, because I need some clarification. You see, I am a classic pear, with a small chest and large butt and thighs, and… Read More
Our Styling Giveaway Winner’s First Look: City Chic
By Lisa Miller Before and After In the image above, the outfit on the left represents the typical “mommy uniform” worn by Emily Ragsdale, mother of two boys and winner of our Online Styling Session Giveaway. The outfit on the right is my take on how to liven up this cheerful, comfortable dress. Focus on… Read More
Congratulations To The Winner Of The Online Styling Session With The Mommy Stylist!
By Lisa Miller Congratulations to Emily Ragsdale, winner of the Online Styling Session with The Mommy Stylist! Emily lives near Dallas, Texas with her husband and their two sons, Travis, age 5, and Houston, age 4. As a junior high school counselor by day, a hockey mom in the afternoon and wife to a football… Read More
Win An Online Styling Session From The Mommy Stylist
By Lisa Miller Have a favorite piece of clothing that never sees the light of day because you aren’t quite sure how to wear it or how to fit it into your mommy lifestyle? We can help. Has your wardrobe become a stale parade of your favorite jeans and t-shirt, over and over, with no… Read More
Stylist’s Secret: Runway Tips and Tricks for Everyday
By Lisa Miller Who says runway fashion doesn’t apply to real life? Sure, the garments may often be extravagant and expensive, but runway looks inspire the budget-friendly spin-offs that end up in our shopping bags, many of which are more flattering than the originals. Both sometimes need a little help to look their best. Models… Read More
What To Wear: Thanksgiving Day
By Lisa Miller Last year, we featured a dressier Thanksgiving look that was more suited to a formal holiday dinner. It’s still in style, so click the link to get inspired if this is the way your family rolls. However, if your gathering goes the way of sweaters and jeans, we’ve got something just as easy – but… Read More
TMS Replay: Thanksgiving Day
By Lisa Miller Now that The Mommy Stylist has been around for a few years, we decided to occasionally re-post some of our earlier blogs as TMS Replays so that new readers can benefit from them as well. (And they can serve as reminders for those who have been with us from the beginning.) Note: Some… Read More
Fall Trends For Moms: Menswear For Women
By Lisa Miller Since the introduction of the “boyfriend” jeans and cardigan, the menswear for women field has been pretty stale. With all the women lounging around in their boyfriend’s (or husband’s) actual clothes, you wonder what took so long. The glory of menswear for women is that it is so chic. Whether dressed up… Read More
Outfits For Moms: Business Casual
By Lisa Miller Heading to the office often creates a dilemma for moms – for a couple of reasons. First, the mommy vs. career woman conundrum: on one hand, you want to stay home all day and play with your kids, but on the other, you crave interaction with adults and conversation not centered on… Read More
Fall Trends For Moms: Floral
By Lisa Miller Flirty, feminine florals are in this fall. Although not in the line-up every autumn, take advantage of the trend this season as designers provide us with the opportunity to envelop ourselves in regal, decadent hues like plum, burgundy and deep fuchsia. Darker shades flatter most skin tones and are just as pretty… Read More
Ask The Mommy Stylist: Go from retro costume to modern ensemble with one great dress
By Lisa Miller Dear Mommy Stylist, I have been invited to a 1950s retro theme party and have a dilemma. With my fall budget, I don’t want to spend money on something I’ll only wear once. Can you help me find a great outfit with some pieces I can use again? Thanks, Janice Having… Read More
Mom Fall Must-Haves: Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2013
By Lisa Miller If you are not aware of color forecasting, let me acquaint you with Pantone. Pantone is a company, which among other things sets the standard for colors worldwide. Twice a year the company hosts “a secret meeting of representatives from various nations’ color standards groups” to choose a color of the year.… Read More
Leggings: A Mom’s Best Friend
By Lisa Miller Let’s face it, moms need freedom of movement. We are always chasing children, picking up the house, getting in and out of the car, and running errands. All I can say is, thank goodness leggings have come back into our lives. Leggings wear well under airy tops, sweaters, and dresses making them… Read More
What To Wear: Working Out
By Lisa Miller As a mother and a martial artist, I realize how important it is to get in a workout during the week. The stress relief and confidence that exercise brings to your routine is indispensable. Whether you’re there for the weights or the eye candy, a solid wardrobe for hitting the gym (or… Read More
Get Glamorous With These Fashion Necessities for Nursing Moms
By Lisa Miller Hello, readers! I am finally returning from maternity leave. My beautiful new daughter is healthy and happy at three months. My wardrobe, however, isn’t. While some of my pre-pregnancy clothes fit, they aren’t functional. My maternity clothes are too big and, again, not functional. It’s tough enough dressing a mom figure, and… Read More
Ask The Mommy Stylist: Mixing Color and Pattern
By Lisa Miller Since joining The Mommy Stylist team, I have received several inquiries about how to mix colors and patterns. Often viewed as daunting and tricky, most women tend to shy away from bold outfits while admiring them on others. Climbing out of the safe-zone and into the realm of color and pattern, even… Read More
Mom-to-Mom: What’s in My Diaper Bag
By Lisa Miller A bag may well be one of the most important accessories in every mom’s wardrobe. Whether it’s for lugging around diapers, sports equipment, work documents, school supplies, or just the essentials, we all need something fabulous and functional. In this mom-to-mom series, I’ll show you what’s in my bag and hopefully, inspire… Read More
What to Wear: Rainy Day
By Lisa Miller Don’t let April showers put a damper on your wardrobe. Instead, embrace the weather by donning fashionable rain gear and hitting the pavement in style. We’ve put together a couple of on-trend outfits perfect for the upcoming deluge. Enjoy keeping dry while looking fabulous! Outfit 1: Metallic Fringe Scarf ($8.80/Forever 21 – free shipping… Read More
Spring Trends Moms Can Get on Board With: Ruffles
By Lisa Miller A longtime staple on little girls’ clothes, ruffles often get the bad rap of being too young, cutesy, and frilly to be taken seriously. These grown-up sexy ruffles, however, are nothing of the sort. They’ll add a flirty, feminine touch to your spring closet. From summery organza dresses to fun accessories, keeping… Read More
Spring Trends Moms Can Get on Board With: Stripes
By Lisa Miller Love stripes? Then, lucky for you because all types, widths, and colors are on trend this spring. Stock up, but save big with these Mommy Stylist-approved (see the TMS Mission Statement) pieces. Wearing stripes can be tricky; thick horizontal stripes can make you look wider while thin ones won’t. Multi-directional stripes can be… Read More
Spring Trends Moms Can Get On Board With: Sheers
By Lisa Miller Don’t be afraid to try sheers this spring. Sheer fabric can make an outfit look, and feel, a bit breezier; add interest to that otherwise plain top; or give a little peek of skin without going tank-top-teen-trashy. They’ll add softness and femininity to leather and create a free, bohemian look with jeans.… Read More
Ask The Mommy Stylist: Look Put-Together In 5 Minutes
By Lisa Miller As moms, fitting everything into the day and looking good is a challenge. There is always something to clean, cook, mend, prepare, etc. Remember, taking at least five minutes for you is important for your mental health and physical stamina. Ever notice how you feel better, stronger when you look your best?… Read More
How To Wear Patterned Socks
By Lisa Miller Let’s talk about socks for a minute. Colored or patterned socks are an often overlooked accessory that moms could easily take advantage of. Children can’t tear them off of you, they won’t show dirt like white will, and if your outfit is neutral or monochromatic, they can add a little excitement and… Read More
Ask The Mommy Stylist: How To Keep Your Husband From Cramping Your Style
By Lisa Miller In response to our recent post on looking fashionable in sports apparel, we received a request for a special dad feature and thought, why not? I mean, his style can certainly affect your style. And if you’re working so hard on yours then maybe we should get him polished up a bit too… Dear Mommy Stylist,… Read More
Get The Look: Mixing Neutrals
By Lisa Miller Mixing neutrals. Yes, you can! Many people shy away from mixing neutrals like grey, black and brown because they feel they either don’t work together or are boring. However, neither is true. As you can see from the above photo, they actually complement each other well. Mom-to-be Jenna Dewan-Tatum sports the perfect… Read More
What to Wear: Winter Holiday Party Dresses (All Under $100!)
By Lisa Miller Who wants to sit home with all the fabulous parties to attend this time of year? Not you, especially when there are so many fantastic frocks available. From sparkles and shimmer to lace and sheer fabrics we’ve narrowed down the search, bringing you some of the most flattering, affordable, and fashionable dresses out there. Whether… Read More
Do You Want To Be featured On The Mommy Stylist?
By Lisa Miller Have you been inspired by one of our Mommy Stylist outfits? If so, send us a photo of your version and we may just use you in a future post! The Mommy Stylists love to hear from our readers. Do you have a great outfit idea to share with other moms? Or,… Read More
What to Wear: Winter Holiday Gathering / Holiday Photos
By Lisa Millerhref=”http://mommystylistdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/winter-holiday-outfit-final.jpg”> Want to sparkle and shine as much as the twinkling lights surrounding you this holiday season? Try some glittering gold skinny jeans; pair them with a pretty burgundy blouse with stylish back cut-outs, some comfy studded flats, and a cute tailored blazer to keep warm. Accessorize with an edgy braided chain necklace,… Read More
Mom Fall Must-Haves: Capes
By Kristin Hull and Lisa Miller Capes are a mom’s lifesaver. Well, stylesaver may be more accurate. Put one on and you have instant style. Whether it be to hide the house-cleaning clothes you have on underneath or to amp up a pair of jeans and a tee, the cape will never let you down.… Read More
What to Wear: Thanksgiving Day
By Lisa Miller href=”http://mommystylistdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/thanksgivingfinal.jpg”> The time for food comas and swapping stories with family and friends is fast approaching. Thanksgiving feast is just around the corner, and wanting to look chic while still being able to bend down to lift that turkey out of the oven or eat our weight in food, is always a… Read More
Mom to Mom: The Best Jeans Ever #2
By Lisa Miller A few months after my daughter was born, I found I was spending all of my extra time and money on her. Selfless as it sounds, I have to admit a big part of me was trying to avoid dressing my new body. I kept trying to put off purchasing clothes, justifying… Read More