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 it by saying that I didn’t want to buy something that wouldn’t fit in a month. Finally, I had no choice. With my maternity clothes hanging off and no chance of fitting into my pre-pregnancy clothes any time soon, I started feeling pretty frumpy. Needing a pick-me-up, I headed to ROSS for some retail therapy.
My long legs have always been one of my best features and the quickest way to feeling better is to focus on what you already like about yourself. With this in mind, I decided that jeans were the place to start.
I am so grateful that mid-rise jeans are FINALLY coming back into fashion. There is nothing quite like being able to bend over or sit down on the ground without having to constantly re-adjust. I tried on about ten different styles before finding the single most perfect pair of jeans that I have ever worn, the Lexington Mid-Rise Jean from Jones New York. I purchased them right then and there. Read More
Is there anything cooler than leather? Something about it makes us feel just a little more rebellious, a little sexier, and a little more confident. Leather is always in style but this season the designers have made it a trend by using it for more than just jackets and shoes. If the thought of such a garment is a little too James Dean for you then consider trying one of the many pieces that utilize it as trim or combine it with other fabrics.
Worried about price? Have no fear. Fortunately, faux leather abounds and it is considerably less costly than the real thing. Faux has come a long way over the years and while black is still often the best way to go when buying an inexpensive garment, we’ve managed to find a few alternate colors that make the cut. Read More
Blazers may just be the perfect article of clothing for moms. They never fail to add a touch of sophistication and create a pulled-together look. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can wear one to the office, head straight to a parent-teacher conference, and then, to grandma’s birthday dinner. Pair with dress pants, jeans or the currently-popular full mini-skirt. It will work wonders for your wardrobe. Obviously, black is the most versatile but why not try out a bold color or a pattern for a change? If the one you like is more than you want to spend, it may be worth shelling out a few bucks for something you’ll not only look great it but that you can wear over and over – and over. Read More
I am pleased to announce that a new editor, Lisa Miller, has joined our team. This mom of 13-month-old, Aletta (with another due in April), has design and fashion experience that will bring another valuable perspective to our site. Lisa was the Head Seamstress for Kanye West’s 2011 Coachella Tour. She made all the costumes for twenty dancers, coordinated quick changes, and facilitated entrance and exits for the dancers during the show. Prior to that, Lisa served as Assistant Designer for reVamp, a fashion house in downtown Los Angeles that specializes in reproduction vintage fashion and custom designs. reVamp clients include: Dita Von Teese, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, and Big Love.
Lisa has a personal blog, Letty Bug and Salem Moon, where she not only about the chronicles the adventures of her daughter and their cat, Salem Moon, but also offers advice on pregnancy, life, and all things mom-related. Be sure to check it out!
Welcome, Lisa! I’m so happy to have you on board!
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Blazers are a huge trend right now and will continue to be into fall. They are a fantastic to have on hand when you want to look classy but not like you’re trying too hard. They can be casual and worn with jeans or dressy when paired with a skirt or dress. Regardless of how you wear it, you’ll always look put together. Charlotte Russe is having a sale right now and most blazers are $25-$30. I love this lace one!
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It’s hard to look cute at a picnic. Whether it’s a holiday barbecue or a company outing, you want an outfit that will allow you stay cool, move easily and sit on the ground or at a picnic table. For most people that means a pair of shorts and a top. There’s nothing wrong with that but if you want to be a truly stylish mama, why not try a maxi dress? They meet all the criteria and are THE trend of the summer. From Target to Neiman Marcus, they’re everywhere. Plus, maxi dresses are so easy to just throw on that you can wear one running errands or to the office (just put a cardigan or blazer over it and pair with wedges). Try dressing one up with heels, some jewelry and a sock bun for a night out.
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I got this dress at Target a few days ago for $24.99). It is a high-low dress so it’s a bit longer in the back. This type of dress is a hot trend right now and was all over the runways. If you are short like me make sure the “high” part is above your knees or you will look frumpy and even shorter. The purse, also from Target is featured in this post. The shoes were another Target purchase but they are a couple of years old. I believe they were around $20 a the time. The belt has been part of my wardrobe for so long I don’t remember where I got it. But I can tell you it isn’t designer. I can’t imagine I paid more than $20 for it. Same goes for the bracelet. The best thing about this dress is that it can be dressed up, down or somewhere in the middle (as demonstrated in my photo). Pair it with flats or flat sandals to run errands or heels and some nice jewelry for a night out.
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Finding a bathing suit is rarely fun unless you’re a teenager or have a model’s body (which most of us don’t). Bathing suits put us at our most vulnerable so it is the one time when shopping for your body type is most important. The suits above will help to cover lumps and bumps as the color black, busy patterns and ruching help hide flaws. As you’ll notice, all of these are one-pieces. (I figure if you can wear a bikini you don’t need help finding a suit to hide imperfections.) I shy away from tankinis because I don’t understand them. You may as well just wear a one-piece. Tankini tops end right at our most flabby part, the tummy and hips, so a one piece can be much more sexy and flattering and will hold it all in. I know we all say we need more color in our wardrobes but this is not the time to experiment. Lastly, don’t be afraid to spend a little more on a swimsuit. A quality bathing suit will make all the difference in the world fit-wise and should last you a few seasons.
“Jena” Miracle Suit ($150/Miracle Suit) – I have a Miracle Suit and they really do hold everything in. They’re made well so they should definitely last a few summers. I love this one because it’s sexy without being sleazy. It is definitely family-friendly. The diagonal pieces of fabric will define the waist and slim the entire body. (Note: I kept thinking about this suit all weekend and finally purchased it last night. It was just too perfect to pass up!)
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Nude is the new black, especially when it comes to shoes. This neutral is, as all neutrals are, extremely versatile. And the light color is perfect for summer. It can be dressy or casual and worn with just about anything. So next time you reach for your typical black shoes, try a nude pair with your outfit instead. You’ll look modern and classy. If you’re worried about dirt, try a patent style.
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Lace doesn’t have to be dressy. Almost all of these pieces can be worn casually.
If you don’t like lace you need to learn to love it. Not only is it a huge spring trend, it’s pretty, feminine and provides texture – which adds interest to an outfit. I sifted through the plethora of pieces out there and found some that will work specifically for moms. From the feedback I’ve received, I’ve found that most moms need ideas for everyday outfits. All of the items on this page can be worn separately and most of them with jeans. Both pairs of shorts can be worn with a white tee and flats. The jackets and blue cardigan can all be thrown on over a tee. There are plenty of ways to mix and match these items with clothing already in your closet. Alternately, they’re just as easy to dress up – simply add some heels or a silky tank. Now, let’s get to it!
Striped Lace Front Tank ($14/Forever 21): It’s hard to tell but the white parts of this top are lace. Stripes are huge for spring so with this you’ll be rocking two trends at once. And no, it isn’t “too much.” It’s very unique and a great way to add some style to a casual look.
Lace Ballet Flats ($15/H&M): Unfortunately, these can’t be bought online but there are H&M’s all over the country now so check if there’s one near you. If so, take a trip over. They have super cute, stylish clothes for cheap.
Lulu Crochet Band Woven Fedora ($20/Nordstrom): Enjoy a day off from doing your hair with this cute chapeau. Also comes in brown. And everyone will be envious that you look so pulled togehter.
Black See U Soon Lace Short (now $35, reg $100/ASOS – free shipping both ways!): There are lots of lace shorts out there but I chose these for their length. Most moms probably don’t want to wear short shorts for several reasons so these will do the trick. Pair them with a plain white tee for a casual look or with a silky white top for an evening event. Since you’ll be showing a lot of leg make sure your top has some coverage – if it is too warm for long sleeves, then short sleeves can work too but no tank tops or tube tops or you’ll look like a hoochie mama.
White Crochet Lace Moto Jacket ($33/Charlotte Russe): I love this so much that I bought it myself. Every time I’ve worn it I’ve gotten compliments. It’s unique in that it mixes the innocence of lace with the edginess of a motorcycle jacket.
Penny Blouse ($30/Alloy): Easy piece to throw on for running errands, going to a picnic or having coffee with a friend. Over blue jeans or trendy colored jeans or shorts you’ll look super cute. And dont’ forget Alloy has sizes of most items up to XXXL. Want more arm coverage? Try this.
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Spring fashion is in full bloom so it’s time to get on board with some of the new trends. Over the next few weeks I’ll let you know what those trends are and do the shopping for you. Keeping up with the latest fashions creates a more youthful appearance. It keeps us looking modern and not like we’re trapped in a previous era. You’ll feel good too. Fashion is fun and when you know you look cute you feel better about yourself. So, let’s get started with pastels. I’ve chosen a variety of pieces in varying prices (although all are under $100 – some way under). If you’ve always wanted to wear color but were afraid, pastels are a good way to ease into it. And if a colored top or pants are too much for you then just try a pastel accessory like a bag or a scarf. You’ll still be rocking the trend and look like you’re in-the-know.
Get all the details on these pieces after the jump. Read More
Last Sunday, my husband and I were having a lazy day but we needed to go out and get a few things done. I did not feel like getting all gussied up for Bed, Bath and Beyond or Home Depot but I didn’t want to feel gross and pray I wasn’t going to see anyone I knew so I threw this outfit together. The more stylish pieces you have on hand the easier it is create a fashionable look when you don’t have the time (or energy) to think about what to wear. That’s why I always recommend grabbing unique, on-trend pieces when you see them. They will come in handy when you need them most.
I bought this cape on sale at a local boutique for $22. The jeans are my trusty Jolt jeggings that I told you about in this post. And I have a link to these oh-so-useful (and inexpensive) Alloy tank tops here. The Kangol hat is and old friend that always comes through for me. My scarf is fromTarget and I got the purse at TJ Maxx a million years ago. I love my Ugg boots and always will. It seems people either hate them or love them. They’re warm, easy to throw on, comfortable and dare I say, cute.
Coming Soon: Get ready because in the coming weeks I will be posting suggestions for what new trendy pieces to buy so that you’ll look sexy and chic for spring!
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I am hoping you can help me dress my postpartum figure. I’m 5’4″ and at two months past delivery, I’m about 130lbs. My greatest challenges are my hips (measuring 38 in. around the widest part), my flabby abs, and fact that I am breastfeeding. As this is my second pregnancy, I know my hips will slowly shrink over the next 18 months but right now my smallest maternity pants are falling off, and my largest pre-pregnancy pants (sz. 6) are too small. I don’t want to spend a ton of money on clothing I can’t wear for very long, but I do need cute, comfy, multi-purpose items that will accommodate my changing figure and nursing with ease, and help me feel like a fashionable mommy.
Nikki
The best outfits for you during this transitional time are leggings paired with long, loose tops, and elastic-waist jeans (don’t laugh – I own a pair – they’re comfortable and no one is the wiser) with peplum shirts.
Since your middle area is of biggest concern, the tops you wear with leggings should be long enough to cover the hips. Make sure they are made of thin fabric so as not to add bulk. Avoid horizontal stripes too as they will add width. If you have large breasts you might want to belt the shirt at your waist to keep from looking bigger. Read More
What red-blooded American mom doesn’t like Target? I mean, diapers, clothes, shoes, toys, school supplies, home goods, hardware – basically all your errands in one place. If you’re like me you find yourself walking through those red doorways regularly. But, unlike me, you don’t have time to peruse the women’s clothing and accessories. Sure, you may glance at a pair of sunglasses and sigh, “Well, I don’t really need them,” as you stand in line but that’s as far as it goes. So, while I was there last night, doing my perusing, I found a lot of things that I thought would be helpful to moms. You can either order them online from the links below or check them out in person. You know you’re going to be at Target sometime in the next week. Take this post with you and go straight for these items without having to sift through everything else first to find them. Ok, enough talk. Let’s shop. Read More
As I’ve been studying outfits on everyday people the one thing I see that most women are lacking is accessories. Most outfits only need a little bit of accessorizing to make them a lot more stylish. So, I thought it might be fun for you guys to send in photos of yourselves in an outfit and I can show you how to jazz it up. One of my best friend’s, Katie, helped me come up with this idea so I thought I’d use her for the first post.
In this photo, Katie has a great palette to start with. I love that her white shirt has some detail on it. That, with the long, drapey sweater definitely adds style. The accessories I’ve added will add some color, texture and interest. The necklaces are baby-safe (see details below). Choose one and wear it with the snakeskin belt. The belt should go in the belt loops of the jeans and then tuck in a little section of the shirt right above the buckle and let the rest of the shirt hang out. Alternately, try the pastel green and blue scarf with the belt (these patterns are ok to wear together). If you choose the brighter, striped scarf pair it with a solid grey belt. The rings and purse will go with everything. You can wear both rings at once (on the same or different fingers) if you’d like.
Pink Calcite Pendant and Jade Donut Shaped Pendant ($20 each/Smart Mom Jewelry): Why didn’t anyone think of this before? Now moms with little ones can wear fashionable jewelry without having to constantly remove it from their child’s mouth. These pendants are made of “a food-safe, phthalate-free, federally-approved silicone” so that babies can safely put them in their mouths. They’re made from the same FDA-approved materials as teething toys and come with a breakaway clasp as an extra safety measure. Genius! There are a bunch of colors to choose from.
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Faux fur leopard print jacket ($30): I know this isn’t very practical but for the price it is totally worth getting. It can be your “going out” coat so you don’t have to wear the coat you wear every day when you’re dressed up. It has a vintage feel and can even work with skinny jeans, a black turtleneck and black knee high boots.
Burgundy corduroy blazer ($25): Love this! Getting it for myself. It will go with anything. The color and style say “class and sophistication.”
Shirt dress ($15): I live in casual dresses. They’re comfortable and easy to throw on. This shirt dress could actually work as a top as well. Either way, wear it with black leggings and flats or heels, or try tights and knee-high black boots (flats or heels). I’m going to order it in the olive color.
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Wear all of this together or pick the pieces that work for you.
Sure, a beige or purple coat would have been fun to use for this outfit but I had to keep practicality in mind. A casual, wear-it-all-winter coat that is light-colored will be filthy before – well, you know. Little shoes are going to get on it, you’ll sit on dirty bleachers, rub it against the car when you’re scraping snow off the windshield, etc. So, with all that in mind I went with the basic, but always reliable, and always classy, black. Because moms don’t have a lot of money to spend on clothes for themselves said coat has to last a long time, match with all kinds of things (jeans, corduroys, khakis) and of course, be slimming. (We ALL
Give your old, boring jackets to Goodwill and snap up on of these. They all have unique details, are reasonably priced, and are versatile. Some are casual, some dressier, some for cold weather, some a little lighter. You’re bound to find one that will work for you. Several are on sale. Scoop them up before they’re gone!
(pictured above) – Taupe Twill Toggle Cape (on sale $60, reg. $120/Dorothy Perkins): This is a British company so expect it to take a few weeks to arrive.
Patch Pocket Blazer ($40/Delias): Use code DDA1137 for 15% off until 2/2/12. This jacket has some great details like the three buttons on the sleeves and the button holes on the collar. Details make pieces look more expensive than they are.
Eden Jacket ($198/Heartloom):Although this jacket is a little pricey it’s so cute and versatile that you’ll wear it over and over and it should last for years to come.
Warehouse Double Collar Coat (on sale $107, reg. $180/Asos – free shipping both ways!): British company so it will take a few weeks to arrive.
The Neck Cape (on sale $93, reg. $195/Piperlime – free shipping both ways!)
Princess Coat (on sale $90, reg. $120/Alloy): This coat is a-dor-able. Lots of great details. With kids, you’ll probably want to get it in black.
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Looks like the folks at People StyleWatch appreciate drapey sweaters as much as I do. Neither of the women in the photos are wearing anything particularly interesting underneath – but they don’t need to because when a drapey sweater is added, voila, instant style. It’s as easy as that. Take the ensemble one step further by adding a casual bracelet or necklace and you’re good to go.
Oh, and don’t worry about price. Drapey sweaters are easy to find at inexpensive stores like Target, Kohl’s, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, JC Penney, etc. Don’t waste your money on an expensive one. It’s just not necessary.
Note: This kind of sweater must be worn with skinny pants, leggings or pants that are tight on the thigh (and then get wider below the knee like boot cut or flares). If you pair one with trouser-style pants it will just make you look bigger all over.
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While perusing the latest catalog from Alloy, I found several tops that fit the “mom criteria” of inexpensive, stylish, versatile and figure-flattering so I thought I’d share them with you. Any of them will be a good investment because they can be worn either casually or dressed up and they’ll work year-round (except maybe for the sweater dress). Most have patterns as well. If you’re like me, your closet is full of solid colored pieces. Branch out a bit and invest in some patterns. They’ll amp up your wardrobe considerably.
Unfortunately, Alloy won’t let me use any of their photos so I can only provide links… Oh, enter code J1A1P3A at checkout until February 2, 2012 for 15% off your entire purchase. Also, Alloy is plus-size friendly so most of their tops go up to XXXL. Yippee! Read More
After being out of town for ten days I had a lot of catching up to do. So today I had brunch with my cousin and then ran some errands. Many of my clothes are wrinkled from the trip but I was able to pull something together that I thought I’d share with you because it’s mom-friendly – cute, comfortable and inexpensive. And thank goodness for the sock bun. If you haven’t seen my video on how to do it in just minutes, check it out here.
It’s unseasonably warm here in Dallas and having just come from Michigan I know this outfit may not be practical for some of you right now. But, you may be able to winter it up by adding a beige scarf and an animal print shirt with more coverage (like this one). Then add a wool ruana like this over the sweater as your coat. I have one and I LOVE it. (Skip belting it like they have in the photo, it’s too thick to wear with a belt.) Read More
Sara Rhine looking hot in her favorite “mom” jeans.
I was talking to a friend recently (who has a toddler) and she mentioned some fantastic jeans she found that are perfect for moms. I asked her to write up a little blurb about them so I could share it with all of you. See what she has to say below. And if you’ve discovered a piece of clothing or accessory that you’d like to share email me (email address on the right-hand side of this page) and tell me why it is good for moms. I may just use it in another “Mom to Mom” post.
Thanks to Sara Rhine for sharing her great find:
“I love these jeans. They are the Ann Taylor Loft Modern Skinny Jean in Black. They are made of 1% spandex so there’s a bit of stretch that I think makes them oh-so-comfortable. Yes, I just called a pair of jeans comfortable. I can bend in them without my rear hanging out, and I can crawl on the floor with my 15-month-old and not have to adjust them over my tummy pooch. The material is thicker than other jeans I’ve tried which I think helps to hold me in and disguise my least favorite areas. Read More
The perfect modern French manicure – short nails with a thin white strip.
Gel Manicures: The Energizer Bunny of Manis
Believe it or not, one of the things that can help make a mom look stylish is having polished nails. I know, I know – no time, no money and it doesn’t stay on long so it’s not worth it. But there are new options out there now like CND Shellac polish which must be applied at a salon and lasts for about two weeks with no chipping or loss of shininess. It’s put on like regular nail polish except that in between coats, your hands sit under a special drying light. One of the best parts is that you’ll leave with 100% dry nails so no asking the cashier to pull your keys out of your purse. It doesn’t take any longer than a regular manicure but it does last longer. The only catch is that it either has to be removed at a salon or, if doing it yourself, you’ll need to put cotton soaked in regular remover on each nail and wrap it with tin foil to hold it on. After about 10 minutes remove the foil Read More
Hey Moms! Check out this video I made at Avalon Salon in Dallas. (I thought a salon would be the appropriate place to show you how to do a hairstyle.) This is the cutest, easiest hairstyle that anyone can do on the first try. If you think it’s not working just keep going. Every time I do it I think it’s not working but it always does. It doesn’t matter if you have curly hair or straight, bangs or no bangs. It looks adorable no matter what and works for any occasion from running errands to a black tie event. If you have any questions feel free to email me or post them in the comments. Good luck!
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Wear all of these pieces together or mix a few of them with clothes you already have.
If your family is like mine, Christmas day is fairly casual. But we still try to look a little special and festive and my guess is that you do too. So I put together an outfit that I’m not only suggesting you wear, but that I’ll wear as well. Unfortunately, Target doesn’t make this dress in non-plus sizes so I opted for this one instead. I’ll wear it with accessories similar to the ones I’m suggesting to you. I thought pairing the dress with brown accessories would be a fun change from the usual black. And of course, adding a splash of red is almost a requirement for this time of year. Since we often spend the whole day with our loved ones we’ll go from helping in the kitchen to eating at the dinner table to cuddling on the sofa to sitting on the floor playing games. All of this requires a Read More
For school holiday events you want to look classy and sophisticated but also, festive – without going over the top. I’ve shown two options for the same outfit in this post – the one on the left is more conservative (but still stylish) and the other is more bold. Be careful with sequins because they can easily look cheap. If you question the quality at all, don’t get it.
I love the unexpected use of the khaki-colored pants but if it’s not your thing, you can swap them out for a pair of black pants, or even jeans. The blazer and jewelry work with both outfits, as do the flats. It’s a fun time of year though, make it a little special by wearing heels if you can. I’ve chosen both of these with moms in mind. Wedges are easy to walk in and are often comfortable. They aren’t as high as they look because of the platform in the front. The bootie has a thick heel which makes them much easier to walk in. All three pairs of shoes will be a useful investment as they’ll go with a million different outfits. Read More
Everyone loves to get all gussied up for the holidays but who wants to spend a ton of money on a something you may only wear a few times? Not me. So, I’ve scoured the stores to find you some great dresses that are reasonably priced, that can be worn again for other occasions, that de-emphasize flaws and that, of course, are stylish.
Keep in mind that if you need something to cover your legs black tights will work with all of these except the gold and grey dress from Lulu’s. Try grey tights instead and wear with a shoe in a similar shade. Read More
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What to wear on Thanksgiving is a tough one. You want it to be a special but comfortable, too. It must work for cooking as well as eating. You have to be able to sit on the floor and play a game with the kids, and also sit at the table looking fabulous. I created this outfit at the local Dallas boutique, Movida. (If you’re interested in any of these pieces, they ship anywhere in the U.S. for $7. Email lisa@movidaboutique.com.) The pants are stretchy and the shirt is loose so you can eat all the stuffing your heart desires and it won’t show. If you have a Read More
Because it’s on top of our head for all the world to see, hair is one of the most important parts of a person’s overall look. You can be wearing the greatest outfit in the world but if you have a bad haircut or color, or your locks are just a mess, no one will even notice your stylish duds. I always thought short hair would be easier to deal with and take up less time but I’ve found the opposite to be true (for me, at least). With a haircut above my shoulders I found that I HAD to “do it” every day. If I didn’t, it looked awful. Now that my hair is long, I can just throw it into a cute low side pony or braid or pull the sides up and clip them in the back and it looks decent.
Whatever length you choose, a good haircut is key. My husband, who is a hairdresser, says if you can’t afford to get your hair cut every six weeks or so by a seasoned stylist then at least get a good cut to start with and then head to a local hair school for trims. That way the students can follow the cut lines of the pro. Hair school cuts are super inexpensive, however, I have heard that they take a really long time (like a couple of hours) so weight out the pros and cons. It might be worth paying for a seasoned stylist rather than wasting precious time. Read More
Whether its a wedding, baby shower, baptism or confirmation, you can never go wrong with a sleek pencil skirt. It’s super sophisticated and stylish. If you don’t like the dark tights get a more sheer pair. I would have said to never wear nylons but they seem to be slowly coming back. Never say never.
In case you didn’t see the post on our Facebook page, I recently had a Mommy Stylist event at Movida, a boutique in Dallas. For the party, I styled three mannequins with clothing from the store and indicated what kinds of mommy occasions they’d be good for. Although most of the pieces have since sold out, a few are still available. For that reason, and to continue to give you cute and functional outfit ideas, I thought I’d post a photo of said outfits here. If you are interested in any of the pieces you can email isa.movidaboutique@gmail.com to see if they are still available. (They will ship anywhere in the U.S. for $7.)
The first ensemble would be perfect for lunch with the girls or a parent-teacher conference. The second could be worn to the office and take you straight through to a school function without having to go home to change. Throw on a cropped leather jacket or sweater if it’s cold, or another alternative would be to put on a tight long-sleeved black shirt under the dress. You could easily run errands, chaperone a field trip or report for lunch duty in the school cafeteria in the last outfit.
The shoes on the first mannequin and the boots on the third are from Target while the flats in the middle are from Lulu’s.
Tie your pussybow shirt like this for a sexier look.
Dear Mommy Stylist,
I am a married working mom with two babies at home. I have a conference for work in Vegas in a few weeks (mid-November so kind of chilly). I work in the technology industry (conservative, technical, geeky industry). 🙂 I am looking for ideas for outfits that can work for Vegas (my husband is going with so I need little bit of sexy/fun) but will also be conservative enough for nice dinners out with our vendors. If you have any suggestions, I would greatly apprecaite them! The only thing I’ve been able to come up with is wearing a sweater/jacket over a little black dress.
Rose Lowry
I contacted Rose to ask a few questions before I chose some ensembles for her. She has a curvy shape so I picked things that would flatter her figure. She also told me that the outfits need to transition from a business atmosphere to a “date” with her husband because she won’t have time to go back to the hotel to change. Read More
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Pinterest, it’s a site where you can basically make a collage (of sorts) of photos from anywhere on the internet. I started a page for TMS for myself so that I could keep track of all the things that inspire me to create cute outfits for moms. But then I thought it might be helpful to share them with my readers so you can get inspired too. I’ve also added pics of cute, quality pieces that would be great additions to a mom’s closet (with links so you can buy them).
Because you have no time to peruse fashion magazines and learn about current trends, our Pinterest page will keep you in the loop. Think of it as your own “mommy fashion magazine.” It won’t overwhelm you with a ton of info you don’t have the time to get through, but will give you the broad strokes (which is really all you need). Hope you like it! Check it out at http://pinterest.com/mommystylist/.
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Help me help you! Let me know how you feel about the price points I’ve been using in my posts. It will take one second. Just do it! Thanks!
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I have received quite a few requests for casual everyday outfits. Fortunately, a lot of the outfits I post can be worn for occasions besides the one indicated. For instance, the outdoor sports event look could work for running errands. That’s why I’ve created the categories on the right-hand side of the home page. I will categorize an outfit for everything it might work for, not just for what I have indicated. So be sure to check those when you are looking for something to wear. Also, experiment with mixing some of the pieces from these outfits together. The shoes from this outfit could easily work with the sports event outfit and vice versa. (As you start to collect stylish pieces into your wardrobe you’ll find you have much more to wear that will look fashionable and pulled together.) Read More
By Kristin Hull Get all the details on this adorable and affordable jewelry line our TMS City Deals page!
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Moms need a good deal more than anyone so I’ve decided to start posting exclusive Mommy Stylist deals and discounts from various cities around the country. Please be patient though. I currently only have discounts from Dallas businesses but am working hard to get some from other cities as well.
Do you own a business or offer a service moms may be interested in – or do you know someone who does? If you (or they) would like to offer Mommy Stylist readers a deal or discount email me at themommystylist@mommystylistblog.com.
Click here to see all the offers. Be sure to scroll through them all as many are on-going and don’t have an expiration date!
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VPL (visible pocket lines) make a garment look tacky.
Inexpensive is always good. Cheap is never good. It takes a lot of digging to find clothing that is inexpensive but doesn’t look like it. That’s why I’m here. You don’t have time to do the legwork but I do. The best way to get good clothes at good prices is to shop sales at quality stores. And, don’t worry, I don’t mean Neiman Marcus (although they do have some great sales). I’m talking about The Gap, Express, The Limited, J. Crew, Dillards, Macy’s, etc. Of course, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, JC Penney, etc. are often decent choices but you have to be really careful with quality. The do have some worthwhile pieces but you just have to be discerning. If you even think for a second that it looks cheap, it probably does so put it down and walk away. As I continue to find outfits and clothing options for you I will definitely utilize the cheaper stores but will also be checking other stores for sales. Point being, if you like something that’s on sale grab it while you can because sale items usually go quickly.
You will also probably see that I often recommend things that are black. There are a few reasons for that. First, as a mom, you are busy and often have to just “throw something on.” Because black goes with everything and always looks classy and stylish it is the easiest to work with, especially when time is of the essence. Second, many moms are carrying some extra pounds from having given Read More
There are lots of great raincoats out there but both of these will suit moms particularly well. They are casual enough to wear on the soccer field yet dressy enough for a business lunch. And because they’re black they’ll go with anything (the reversible one is great for when you want some color). The one that ties at the waist will flatter hourglass figures best. (By the way, hourglass doesn’t necessarily have to mean uber-skinny. Even if you carry some extra weight, hourglass figures usually still have a waist that is smaller than the hips and tummy – and you should always try to emphasize that as it will make you appear slimmer.) While both coats are over $100, they are worth the investment. You can wear them over and over for years to come and always look fab. Read More
Today I went out of the house for the first time in six days. I’ve been in bed with a horrible cold for an entire week. And frankly, I really didn’t feel up to going out but I was low on food when I got sick and during the week managed to eat every last morsel in the house. I knew if I didn’t grocery shop today I wouldn’t have time during the week so it was now or never. Needless to say, the last thing I felt like doing was getting dressed. I didn’t even put on a speck of make-up. Since I couldn’t go naked (nor would I want to) I threw on one of my favorite pairs of jeans that were purchased a while back at Arden B. They were on sale for $12 and were so cheap that I ended up getting two pairs, one to hem for flats and one to hem for heels. The best part of these jeans is that they have an elastic waistband. Go ahead, laugh. I’ll wait. Done? Ok, so I laughed too, at first, but after I put them on they were so comfortable I didn’t care. The v-neck shirt I’m wearing came from my husband. Black is always a safe go-to especially when you’re feeling gross and dumpy. It always looks classy and hides flaws (well, mostly – let’s ignore my little pooch hanging out). And the hat is one of the hats from last week’s Stylist’s Secret post (burgundy fedora, last one in the third row). Read More
If you’ve never heard of Belabumbum, you need to check it out pronto. Started by two college friends in 2001, the lingerie line is known for its “bold color choices, comfortable fabrics, and luscious laces.” Their collection offers pretty lingerie (including nursing bras) as well as snugly lounge wear and prices are very reasonable.
As a mom, when was the last time you made yourself feel sexy and attractive with some pretty undergarments? Can’t remember? Well, it’s about time. And your size doesn’t matter. Even if you are bigger than you want to be, a pretty bra or panty will still make you feel better than that old, dingy underwear does. Right? Right. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family and Belabumbum knows that – so they are offering a special discount for Mommy Stylist readers. From now until October 7, 2011, enter Mommystylist at checkout and get 10% off your purchase. Come on, you deserve it!
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If you’re going to be a stylish mom you must get over your fear of hats. One of the easiest ways to instantly add panache to even the most ordinary outfit is with a hat. But not just any hat. It has to be a fashionable hat (see photos above). And there is one hat that is almost always a no-no – a baseball cap. If you have to wear one to support your kid’s team then at least wear it stylishly. Don’t put your ponytail through the hole in the back. Wear a low ponytail (like this) or simply let your hair hang down (like this). Don’t tuck it behind your ears. (In fact, don’t tuck your hair behind your hears when wearing any hat.) You can even try pony tails or braids like this. Now, hat placement. Unless you want to look like Debbie Gibson circa 1984, don’t wear hats on the back of your head (the only exception is the beanie which is sometimes called a beret). Most should be worn covering the forehead, especially fedoras. Vanessa Minillo wears it correctly in this photo. For cold weather, try this style (worn by Paris Hilton). If the thought of wearing a hat scares you, why not start with a military or newsboy cap in black or brown? Then, once you get more comfortable you can move on to a fedora or cloche.
And the biggest bonus of wearing hats? You don’t need to do your hair – a major time-saver for moms. Who doesn’t want to save time and look good? Read More
I realized as I was walking out the door this morning that the outfit I am wearing today is really close to the one I put together for the PTA meeting post. So I thought I’d snap a pic and show it to you to illustrate how it all looks on a human body. I know my shoes are probably too crazy for a mom but hey, I’m a stylist. I need to wear crazy things once in a while. Oh, and my whole outfit was really inexpensive. I got the Gap dress at a local resale boutique for $10. My earrings were a gift. The faux-snakeskin belt is from Target. Can’t remember what I paid but clearly, not much. The bracelet is oooold so I can’t remember the price or where I got it but I know it wasn’t expensive. The silver flower ring (that you can’t really see) was $10 at an art show. And my shoes are from Bakers. I believe they were $75 last year when I got them.
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If you read my recent post on how important it is to have a good bra, then you know I highly recommend getting one from Intimacy. (See if there’s one near you here.) Well, the fine folks at the lingerie store have provided me with a $100 gift card to give to one of you! All you need to do to be eligible to win it is sign up for The Mommy Stylist email subscription (on the right-hand side of this page). If you have already done that then you don’t need to do anything. You are already entered. You must sign up by Friday, September 16 at 11:59 p.m. CST to be in the running. Good luck!
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In case you’re wondering, the pieces in these outfits are meant to be worn together. You can always just utilize parts of it but beware that if you just buy this purse and wear it with a frumpy dress, the frumpy dress will suck all the fashion life out of the purse. So just be aware of that.
This dress can work for all kinds of occasions. Try it with flats (for a casual function), other belts (black, brown, colored), scarves (like the one from this outfit), etc. It could even make a great work ensemble. When it gets colder, put on some tights that match your shoes and you have instant winter style (even with open-toe shoes!). If it isn’t freezing out, scrunching up the sleeves on the sweater to just below your elbows. In fact, all of the pieces in this outfit can be worn over and over in various ways so they’re good investments. Read More
It’s Friday. I woke up late. I’m tired from a long week. My cat threw up. And I had to be out of the door in no time. As I threw together my outfit for the day I thought about how boring it would be without accessories, which are often THE key to making an otherwise dull outfit stylish. I also thought about how this would be an easy outfit for a mom to put together. You probably already have most of the pieces in your closet. I’m going to dissect the ensemble so you too can throw it on the next time you have a busy morning (which I’m sure, because you’re a mom, will be tomorrow). Let’s go from top to bottom: Read More
While perusing sites to find pieces for my next outfit for you – what to wear to a PTA meeting (or really, any adult-only school event) – I found some amazing dresses at incredibly low prices. They won’t work for the PTA meeting but they may work for something else and they are on super clearance so you’d better jump on them immediately. Plus, the site I found them on, ASOS, offers FREE shipping and, even better, FREE RETURNS. To be a hot mommy, it’s important to buy deals when you see them. It will save you time and money in the end. Otherwise, an occasion will come up that you need, in this case, a dress for and you’ll have to spend time (time you don’t have) running around town looking for something cute at the last minute and because of that you’ll spend too much on something that probably won’t be even close to as cute as these:
I’m getting this one for myself in orange. It’s only $36! I love the nude color but you have to have some color in your skin to wear it and, alas, I don’t. Read More
Sign up for a subscription now (by putting your email address in the box to the right) so you don’t miss these upcoming posts! Your breasts will thank me (and so will your husband!).
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Altogether, this outfit would cost around $270 but for nine items that’s really not bad. And if you consider that each piece is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a number of things that are already in your closet, you’ll realize it’s a great a deal. Wear them all at once and you’ll be that mom – the one all the other moms envy. The one that makes them wonder how a busy mom is able to look so put together. However, if you can’t squeeze that much out of your budget then just get a couple of key pieces. The scarf and the hat will provide the most fashion bang for the buck as they can both be worn over and over with various outfits. The hat will keep you looking good despite drizzling rain or humidity (plus, you won’t have to do your hair when you wear it!) and the scarf will add a pop of color which always looks stylish. Read More
What I’m going to do is consult all the mom’s I know to find out what kind of events/occasions you need outfits for. This won’t just be for special events but for regular ‘ol every day things like shopping, running errands, etc. In fact, those are probably the times you need help the most. I’ll show you outfits that can be comfortable, chic and appropriate. If you see something you like you’ll simply be able to click to buy it. I want to make this as easy for you as possible. I was concerned that you’d be concerned about shipping costs but if you factor in all it would take for you to go out and buy the item at a store (finding time, getting a sitter or packing the kids into the car, using up gas), you’ll see it’s well worth a few dollars. Read More
Me with my sister, Karen (right), the inspiration for this site.
The idea for this blog began when my sister, Karen, mother of two, started asking me, a stylist, for fashion advice. After suggesting a pair of 5″ heels and a necklace made of multiple intertwined chains she reminded me that a mom’s clothes have to be functional, very functional. Being fashionable is probably the last requirement on the mommy clothing list – but it shouldn’t be. Because even though raising a child is infinitely more important, fashion matters more than you think. It affects how a woman feels about herself which, in the end, affects how she acts toward others, especially those she loves. (You know it’s true.) Plus, a mom’s body has gone through a plethora of changes and instead of feeling horrible about it by trying to squeeze into her pre-pregnancy clothes, she can learn to work with her new shape and strategically cover up that gut or those thighs. I know, you’re saying you don’t have money to get new clothes or time to peruse fashion magazines so that’s why I’m here. Let me help you be the hot mom you really are! I know what you need – functional clothing that is fashionable and will cost practically nothing, as well as tips on how to look your best quickly and easily. Lastly, you also have no time for yourself – none, nil, nada so these posts have to be quick reads that contain helpful information without any fluff. I get it.
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