Stylish Swimsuits That Flatter and Hide in All The Right Places

22 May
Photos courtesy of retailers

Photos courtesy of retailers

Well ladies, we’ve once again come upon that dreaded time of year  - swimsuit season. But, it needn’t be as bad as you think because we’ve found some figure-flatting and forgiving (i.e. gut- and butt-hiding) styles to make you feel like your nineteen-year-old self again. Remember though, you’ll have to shell out some extra dough for a quality bathing suit but it will be well worth it. After having kids (as well as getting older) those $10 bikinis at Forever 21 won’t quite do the trick. This is one instance where you absolutely must splurge for quality’s sake. Plus, a good swimsuit should last you a few years. And it will no doubt make you look better than you thought you could. And when you’re practically naked, it doesn’t get better than that.

Be sure to read the descriptions below to find out which designs will show off your best qualities and hide your worst.

(from top row, left to right)

  •  Anne Cole Striped One Shoulder Swimsuit ($112/South Beach Swimsuits – free shipping on orders over $100): The angled, narrow stripes slim the mid-section.
  • Betsey Johnson Beauty Mark Swimdress ($148/Everything But Water): The black vertical lines help elongate the body while the non-frumpy skirt hides the hips and rear.
  • Karla Coletto Red Draped Bandeau Swimsuit ($281/South Beach Swimsuits - free shipping on orders over $100): If you’re bigger in the middle this is the suit for you; the loose, draped material hides just about everything between the chest and hips.
  • Tommy Bahama Scroll Paisley Swimsuit (now $85.20, reg. $98, South Beach Swimsuits - free shipping on orders over $100): The busy pattern and rouching in the middle will make you look smaller than you are.
  • “Black Tie” Skirted Swimsuit ($138/Nordstrom – free shipping both ways!): We love the way the retro look is modernized on this adorable style. Cover your upper thighs, rear and hips while showing off your assets. Again, rouching will camouflage.
  • Athena Harbor Island Swimsuit ($81.99/Zappos – free shipping both ways!): Apple body types will love this swimsuit as it covers their main problem area.
  • DKNY Chic Stripes Spliced One-Shoulder Maillot ($112/Zappos – free shipping both ways!): Diagonal stripes are always slimming and will add curves.
  • Motel 50s Style Halter Swimsuit ($59.40/Asos – free shipping both ways!): The black vertical panels on the sides of this design will make you appear narrower.
  • Michael Michael Kors Racerback Scuba One-Piece ($140/Neiman Marcus - free shipping through 5/31 with code MAYFS): Like the previous swimsuit, the white vertical side panels are slimming as are the grey panels on the legs.
  • Carmen Marc Valvo Malawi Floral-Print Swimdress ($159/Neiman Marcus – free shipping through 5/31 with code MAYFS): This bathing suit is a triple threat: the fifties-style fitted skirt, busy pattern and rouching will keep those soft spots well hidden.
  • Betsey Johnson Shirr Delight Swimdress ($148/Everything But Water): A cute skirt will cover those lower body problem areas.
  • Magicsuit Draped Swimsuit ($148/Macy’s): Another great suit for the apple figure; the loose, draped material will camouflage the middle.

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Ask The Mommy Stylist: Mixing Color and Pattern

15 May

By Lisa Miller
affordable fashion, budget fashion, budget style, cheap fashion, cheap shopping, chic moms, Clothing, fashion advice, fashion for moms, fashion help, hot moms, lisa miller, mixing color and pattern, mom advice, mom fashion, mom magazine, mom shopping, mom style, mom stylist, mom's stylist, mommy stylist, skinny jeans, Style, the mommy stylist

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 texture, is an achievable goal. All it takes is a little inspiration.

How do designers and stylists come up with their ideas? You’ll be hard-pressed to find even one without an inspiration folder of some kind. Inspiration can come from anywhere. If you see colors, patterns, or textures that you love together, take a picture of them and keep it in your phone so next time you’re out shopping you can refer to it, or, if you find images online, put them on your Pinterest page. In my collection, you’ll find images from style bloggers, retailers, real people’s outfits (ask first), celebrities, interior design, television, nature, my closet, etc.

If you need more concrete rules, take a lesson from art and use the color wheel. Complementary colors are directly across from each other on the color wheel; secondary colors, set of three equally spaced from each other; and split complementary colors, a color plus the two colors on either side of its complement, are combinations that will work well together.

For patterns and textures, I definitely recommend starting with your inspiration images. Putting your own spin on someone else’s idea and adapting it to suit your wardrobe and body shape is one of the easiest ways to pay homage and look great. Another way to get going is to pick a neutral color scheme and layer. Planning on wearing  a black tank under that cardigan? Try a black lace tank instead. How about some faux leather leggings as an alternative to black jeans (just make sure to wear a top that is long enough to cover your rear)? They would be unexpected and will add some personality to the outfit.

The Example:

The collection pictured above, originally created as an option for the How to Wear Patterned Socks post, is a great example of mixing color and pattern. The main colors, blue, yellow, and orange, follow the rules of color theory. Blue and orange are complimentary colors; blue and yellow are secondary colors. The beige cable knit cardigan and suede booties are neutral, easy to add into almost any outfit. The bangle, socks, and tee work together because none of the patterns are too overwhelming and the colors function well together. The neutral colored cardigan is a great way to add texture and pattern to the outfit because, being all one color, it does not distract from the rest. The gold-tone jewelry warms up the ensemble and plays off of the accent colors of yellow and orange.

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Ask The Mommy Stylist: What Should I Wear to a Semi-Formal Business Dinner?

8 May
ask tms dresses

Photos courtesy of retailers

Dear Mommy Stylist,

I need to find a dress to wear to a semi-formal dinner when I accompany my husband on a business trip. It’s a golf weekend in Pebble Beach in June for executives and their spouses. I know how to dress for my job, for being a mom, for hanging out – but the corporate wife thing is totally out of my comfort zone. I want to look nice, but still like me. I already have a black dress so I’d like to find something colorful as an alternative.

Julee

(We contacted Julee to get a little more information about her likes and dislikes and found out her favorite stores are Zara, Loft and H&M; her favorite designer is Marc Jacobs; she likes the fifties “Mad Men” style, prefers solid-colored garments and is not into florals, pastels or anything too trendy. She has a slim apple-shaped figure and needs a style that will hide her post-baby tummy.) 

Dear Julee,

Based on everything you told us, we’ve found some great dresses that fit the “business-appropriate” criteria and are under your $200 price limit. The important thing is to look attractive but not sexy, and stylish but not flashy. And because you’re child-free for the night, take the opportunity to wear high-heels, or at least wedges. If you need something to keep away the chill at night, try a waist-length blazer or cardigan. Lastly, be sure to apply moisturizing cream to your legs; it will make them look, and feel, silky smooth all night.

(top row, left to right)

Lines of Poetry Dress ($89.99/Modcloth – free shipping):

Ignite the Night Dress ($52.99/Modcloth - free shipping): 

Moonlight Marvel Dress ($177.99/Modcloth - free shipping)

‘Tis a Shift to Be Simple Dress ($52.99/Modcloth - free shipping):

Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Pleateed Front V-Neck Dress ($138/Nordstrom – fre shipping both ways!)

(second row, left to right)

Donna Morgan Colorblock Peplum Dress ($49.50/Last Call):

Linger a Little Longer Dress ($177.99/Modcloth - free shipping)

Red Fifties-Style Dress ($170/Stop Staring)

Azure Allure Dress ($52.99/Modcloth - free shipping): 

Vince Camuto Draped Tunic Dress ($128/Nordsstrom – free shipping both ways!)

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Mom-to-Mom: What’s in My Diaper Bag

1 May

By Lisa Miller

bag, purse, bag spill, budget shopping, cheap shopping, chic moms, diaper bag, hot moms, Infant, lisa miller, mom advice, mom magazine, mom shopping, mom stylist, mom's stylist, mommy stylist, the mommy stylist

Photos courtesy of retailers.

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 you to do the same. What better way to help each other out than by sharing our secrets? 

In the coming months, watch for posts on my everyday bag, computer bag and wallet, as well as those of some of our readers.  (If you’re interested in spilling your bag, email us at themommystylist@mommystylist.com. And remember, this isn’t just for moms with babies, we want to know what moms with older kids have in their bags, too.) Now, let’s get to it!

The first photo above is my primary diaper bag, shared with my husband (so it can’t be too girly). With a new baby on the way, due any day now, the contents (and even the bag itself) may soon change. Should that happen I’ll be sure to let you know.

Diaper Bag  (19-month-old daughter):

1. Kinies Classic Diaper Bag (with added zipper): Can be carried either as a shoulder bag or messenger bag. Great organization with many pockets. The only drawback is that it can get bulky and heavy.

2. Nuk Ladybug Sippy Cup: The best transition cup that we’ve found and we’ve tried a lot. Soft nipple and relatively few leaks with this bottle.

3. Pampers Cruisers, Size 5

4. Avent Soothie Pacifier: An emergency pacifier resides in the Ju-Ju-Be pacifier pod.

5. Medela Nipple: As frazzled new parents, we managed to forget to pack a nipple once during the week that our daughter was recovering from tongue-tie and couldn’t nurse. Chaos ensued, but never again. We now have an emergency nipple in the Ju-Ju-Be pacifier pod, just in case.

6. Ju-Ju-Be Pacifier Pod: Inside, there are elastic bands on each half to hold a pacifier in place. Currently, we have an extra medela nipple on one side and an extra soothie pacifier on the other. I have also used this case to discretely carry nipple-shields for nursing.

7. Equate Vitamins A & D Ointment: Purchase it in the adult diaper section of the store to save a couple bucks. It’s the same product, minus the picture of a baby.

8. Carter’s Flannel Lap Pad: These little lap pads make the most absorbent changing pads, burp cloths, and waterproof crib liners (in the bigger size).

9. Onesie: For diaper explosion catastrophes.

10. Leggings: See number 9.

11. Bath and Body Works Pocket Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizer: This travel-size bottle works well for on the move changes where there isn’t a sink to wash-up in.

12.  Seventh Generation, Free and Clear, Baby Wipes: We carry these gentle wipes in a re-usable Huggies travel case.

13. Scented Diaper Disposal Bags: Buy at your local Dollar Tree, not for the crazy $5+ listed on Amazon. They’re great for holding messy clothes and bibs while out and about as well as containing the smell of poopy diapers until a trash can is found. We also use them in place of a wet-bag for bringing home the cloth diapers to wash.

14. Gerber Receiving Blanket: These are so small and thin that we found them to be mostly useless as receiving/swaddling blankets. However, they work well for laying over a restroom changing table for a cleaner surface (one-sided printing makes it easy to remember which side is dirty, which is clean; between washes, fold with clean side out so dirt doesn’t spread). Throw on grass for changes at the park.

15. Rotating contents: wallet, snacks, drops (teething, gas, Tylenol), camera, books.

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Ask The Mommy Stylist: How To Quickly and Easily Add Color To Your Wardrobe

24 Apr

By Kristin Hull

Photo courtesy of retailers

Photo courtesy of retailers

Dear Mommy Stylist,

I wear a lot of black. In fact, my closet is filled with black clothes. I’d like to wear more color but don’t have the budget to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. How can I brighten things up without spending a fortune?

Denise

Dear Denise,

Have no fear! Your problem is easily solved – accessorize! Inexpensive accessories are everywhere. From Target to TJ Maxx, you’ll find scarves, jewelry, hats, handbags, shoes, jackets and more. And the best part is that these pieces can be utilized over and over with various outfits, dressy or casual. We’ve put together some examples in the photo above. So next time you’re feeling blah in black, dig into your new bag of colorful tricks for a pop of color that will put a spring in your step.

  1. Coral Colourblock Flats ($44/Dorothy Perkins)

  2. Nine West Immunity Wedges ($79/Zappos – free shipping both ways!)

  3. Endzone Orange Gingham Headband ($20/High Cotton)

  4. Studded Enamel Cuff Watch ($12.99/Charlotte Russe)

  5. Treasured Friend Necklace ($29.99/Modcloth – free shipping both ways!)

  6. Blue Perforated Duffle Cross Body (sale $35, reg. $49/Dorothy Perkins)

  7. Sasha Samba Belt ($15.99/Modcloth – free shipping both ways!)

  8. Mossimo Sateen Blazer ($34.99/Target)

  9. Xhiliration Star Print Scarf ($14.99/Target)

  10. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips ($4.99/Ulta)

  11. Olivia + Joy Tracker Satchel ($59.95/DSW)

  12. La Mer Watch with Layer Wrap ($39.99/Target)

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What to Wear: Rainy Day

17 Apr

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!

Photos courtesy of retailers

Photos courtesy of retailers

FINAL-Black-and-Yellow-Rain-Outfit-(2)

Photos courtesy of retailers

Outfit 1:

  1. Metallic Fringe Scarf ($8.80/Forever 21 – free shipping on orders over $50!)

  2. Need I Crochet More? Dress ($52.99/ModCloth – free returns!)

  3. Grey Leggings ($9.95/H&M)

  4. Hunter ‘Original Tall’ Gloss Rain Boot ($135/Nordstrom – free shipping both ways!): These may be a little pricey but there’s no skimping on a rain boot where quality counts. Plus, you’ll wear these for years to come; it’s not like they’re a fleeting trend you’ll have no use for later.

  5. Futai Clear Canopy Umbrella ($23.49/Overstock.com)

  6. AB Studio Ruched Open-Front Cardigan ($15.99, reg. $34/Kohl’s)

  7. BCBGeneration Coat, Knit-Sleeve Funnel-Neck Belted Trench ($134.99, reg. $180/Macy’s): Like the rain boots, anything that keeps the elements at bay is worth paying more for. It could be the difference between catching a cold and staying healthy. A sophisticated trench will be a lifelong friend.

  8. Carlos by Carlos Santana Handbag ($98/Macy’s)

  9. Etched Faux Turquoise Ring ($5.80/Forever 21 – free shipping on orders over $50!)

  10. Curved Matte Cuff ($5.80/Forever 21 – free shipping on orders over $50!)

Outfit 2:

  1. Wide brim floppy hat ($29.99/Amazon)

  2. Black trench (sale $30, reg. $39.99/Charlotte Russe)

  3. Olivia + Joy Handbag, Suspect Satchel (sale $68.99, reg. $92/Macy’s)

  4. Umbrella ($24/Wayfair)

  5. Gold Cutout Cuff ($4.80/Forever 21 – free shipping on orders over $50!)

  6. Neon Pointy-Toe Yellow Pump ($30/Amazon): Don’t be afraid! Pointy shoes are back!

  7. Chain necklace ($9.95/H&M)

  8. Cap Sleeve Flippy Tunic ($40/Top Shop)

  9. Black Leggings ($9.95/H&M)

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What to Wear: Graduation Ceremony

12 Apr

By Kristin Hull

Photos courtesy of retailers

Photos courtesy of retailers

Graduation parties often run the gamut from casual get-togethers to sassy soirées, but graduation ceremonies almost always fall into the dressier category. We’re not talking cocktail attire but rather, a pretty daytime ensemble that would also work for a shower or luncheon. Think sundresses with high-heeled sandals or a pair of bright-colored ankle pants (not jeans) with a white blouse and some nude pumps. Or, think like we did: try an a-line above-the-knee skirt with a lacy top and a skinny belt. Since those pieces are the picture of femininity, we balanced them out with a motorcycle-style bouclé jacket and modern accessories. A leopard print wedge finishes off the outfit a classic touch.

Bouclé Moto Jacket ($32.80/Forever 21): Too rock and roll for you? Try a cardigan or a blazer – just make sure they don’t fall past your waist.

Make the Mocha of It Top ($57.99/Modcloth – free shipping both ways!)

Wroughts of You Earrings ($12.99/Modcloth – free shpping both ways!)

Chain Patterned Hinge Bracelet ($8.80/Forever 21): Do the unexpected and wear this bracelet on the same wrist as the watch.

Square Buckle Hip Belt ($4.80/Forever 21): This skirt comes with a blue ribbon attached at the waist. If the color doesn’t work with the outfit, simply cover the ribbon with a belt that does.

Midi Skirt in Texture ($58.19/Asos): The texture of this skirt gives it the “wow” factor.

5th Avenue Watch ($26/Pitaya)

Calvin Klein Saxton Leopard Print Shoe ($71.99/6pm – free shipping!): Wedges are easier to walk in than heels, especially when chasing little ones around or traipsing through grass.

Julia Envelope Clutch (now $44.99, reg. $88/Victoria’s Secret)

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