Fashionable Friday: Rewind

It's the Rewind edition of Fashionable Friday. I've gotten some really awesome comments that last few weeks and wanted to bring some of them front and center and reply. So sit back, relax and let the rewind begin.

When I deemed Fridays, Fashionable Friday on my blog Jill from Glamamom said that sometimes all it takes to feeling confident in the way you look is a little lipstick and a pair of earrings.

And she's right. Even when you don't have time to perfect your hair or put on that just right outfit, sometimes just curling the eyelashes (#1 must have accessory) and adding lipstick and those perfect earrings can help. I know for a fact that freshening up my daily mommy face to go out makes me look 100 times better. Try it...you too will be surprised.

And speaking of hair when I did talked about my hair issues and Elizabeth from The Writer Revived mentioned how she needed to cut her hair shorter to stay away from the dreaded ponytail.

When my hair is curly...it's pulled in a ponytail after a long day. If I straighten my hair? Yep, still a ponytail. So what about you? Do you have the prefect compromise? Do you think keeping hair a certain length prevents you from either styling it or not styling it? I love how long my hair is now and when I think about cutting it I just can't do it. So for me...it's ponytail or bust.

And of course no talk about fashion is complete without talking about shoes. As much as we as women love shoes, we still have issues once we become mom, it's hard to get out of what's comfortable and quick.

Then came the two post about doing you,part 1 and part 2. And the first comment that popped out at me was from Carolyn over at This Talk Ain't Cheap. She divulged her age and said she was dressing better now than she ever did before. She has 3 beautiful daughters and feels the image she portrays to them is important. She doesn't feel the need to "mom jean" it but still wants to look fresh, hip and young.

And she's right. Just because we become moms and our bodies change doesn't mean we can't continue to look good. Maybe we aren't wearing the same sizes but we need to know it's okay to accept our new sizes. For me? I've realized that 100 pounds was good for my 20's but it just won't work now and that's I accept that. I can still look hip and fresh and young. And yes, some days I look better now than I ever did in my 20's!

Part two I gave away my secret weapon for looking instantly thinner...a goodgreat bra. All my nursing mommies out there quickly chimed in on how it is just easier to grab a bra from the local store and go with it. And there is nothing wrong with that but my advice is to make sure you are truly wearing the right size. It will make a difference...even if it's snappy nursing bra.

Last week I talked about the holy grail of fashion, jeans! And boy was I schooled...that's right almost everyone that chimed in let me know that YES, designer jeans are worth the splurge. Who knew? I have yet to put my rear end a pair but plan on trying some as soon as I have baby #2 and lose the baby weight.

So there you have it, a rewind of all the fashion talk that's been going on...and what you've been missing! So stick around and chime in and be fashionable. After all, it's only one day a week.

Fashionable Friday: Rewind

Before I officially deemed Friday's fashionable on my blog, I did intend to try and talk about more fashion in general. I call today another rewind because I am pimping the second post I ever did after revamping my blog. I present that to you today:


Fashionable Friday, before it was official.





Happy Friday!

Fashionable Friday

Remember back when I said I wanted to incorporate more than Mommy talk on this blog? And I did maybe two fashion post and then the next thing I knew I was pregnant and it seems it is back to baby talk.

I am now deeming Friday, Fashionable Friday. I am going to try and make the post as fashionable as possible. We will see how it goes. I use to feel like I was a pretty in-the-know type of gal. I loved shoes and purses and looking made up. Then I got a job where it seemed no one knew a thing about fashion and so began my downward spiral into whatever was most comfortable. I began buying shoes that were more for comfort than fashion.

After being fired I began a work from home gig...which meant I could roll into the home office in pajamas or sweatpants. This further sunk my fashion sense into very murky waters. Oprah talked about not being a schlumpadinka and gave pointers on how some cute yoga pants from Old Navy could remake your wardrobe. I took that meaning into a whole other level. Yoga pants every day? Sure why not.

Follow that with getting pregnant and well...yoga pants turned into outfits I shall not name. I bought some maternity wear and was given a bunch of stuff from a friend but I sure didn't look like how I imagined I would.

But I still love fashion. I love flipping through an InStyle Magazine and drooling over clothes out of my price range. I love thinking about how I could copy the outfit but do it within my budget. Shoes, purses, accessories. These are all things I still love but just don't make time for anymore. Kids will do that for you.

So I am going to reclaim my fashion sense and love for fashion here on my blog. Even if it's only 1 day a week!

(You didn't miss this post, it was published late and I backdated it.)

Fashionable Friday

So the time has come for me to put Fashionable Friday on hold. I know so many of you will miss it (not really, but amuse me) but I promise to bring it back. I think I need to brainstorm a bunch of ideas and get them rolling before I bring it back. It's hard work to think of a fashion topic and then run with it. Mainly because I do all my writing at one time with no drafts or outlines.

I appreciate those of you that read and commented on Friday's. I put a lot of work into those articles I did post and hope it showed. If you have a fashion topic you'd like my POV on, please drop me an email.

Thanks,
The Management

Fashionable Friday: Pause

After being away for a week and trying to get back into the swing of things, I have had no time to get down and dirty with a true Fashionable Friday post. So we are on pause this week and will return next week.

Fashionable Friday: Do You, Part Two

This is part two of last week's Fashionable Friday: Do You post. I want to give some pointers on shopping, on keeping organized and even a tip to look 10 pounds lighter.

I love to shop. Always have and it didn't matter the store. When I was a kid living in New York my mother use to take me to thrift shops and I would play for hours with old shoes and bags and hats. She also taught me that name brands did not have to cost a fortune and we regularly stopped at a place called Loehmann's. They are the original TJMaxx and Marshall's.

As I got heavier, I realized shopping wasn't always so much fun. When you haven't embraced your new size, shopping can actually be a drag. Especially when you see your old size and have to skip a few hangers to get to your new size. It can be downright depressing.

When you become a mother, shopping whether depressing or not suddenly becomes an Olympic sport. You get in, get out and are done. Half the time you get to the store and look longingly at the women's section. If you always loves shopping, the love doesn't go away. But the ease of spending hours in the fitting room does. There is nothing like a toddler who wants to look under all the stalls or crawl under your own stall to get away as you have pants half hiked. While before it might have been depressing, now it's just not fun. Period.

My secret weapon for shopping now? Online. I especially love shopping at stores that will let me return the items to their brick and mortar locations. Target, Old Navy, Gap, Kohl's. If there is a spend a certain dollar amount to get free shipping - do it. You can order something in several sizes, several colors. You can order jeans and try them on at home and take back what doesn't fit...without ever seeing a sales associate roll their eyes.

My second weapon is looking for inspiration from magazines. You can mimic your fave celeb's style by looking for similar pieces. I know some of you say you have the worse sense of style but you probably aren't giving yourself any credit. Maybe your style is just eclectic. Maybe you are ahead of fashion. Either way having a go-to picture or idea is helpful when you are perusing sites.

Thirdly, when you shop, shop in full pieces. What I mean by that is if you find a top you love, make sure you have pants and shoes that you know can wear with the top. There is nothing more frustrating than to buy something and suddenly realize you have nothing to pair it with. Save yourself the stress and either purchase a whole outfit or mentally put the outfit together. This doesn't mean you won't have impulse purchases, it just means those will be minimal.

Lastly when new items come in? Get rid of pieces that don't fit, that are worn out, faded, etc. If you haven't worn it or forgot you owned it? Give it away, donate it, use it as rags. You will never feel like you have the right items if mixed in with new stuff is old stuff taking up space.

And now for the big tip to look 10 pounds lighter. One word...bra. That's right ladies, you have to get right with your boobs. Half the women reading this (all 5 of you) are wearing the wrong size bra. Wearing the right size will change the way you walk and stand. Many of the major department stores have bra fit specialist that can help you find your size. I suggest either Macy's or Dillard's. My favorite place though is once called Intimacy. You can pretty much find any style bra in sizes up to K. And they don't even make you feel funny for having one girl bigger than the other. Check them out here. I will admit, be ready to spend some $$$ on a good fitting bra. I suggest having at least 2 that are really good. You should never wear the same bra day after day (guilty=me) as your bra needs time to breath and reclaim its shape. So once you know your true size find it at regular store (Target, wal mart, etc.) and wear that one around the house, etc.

I hope my tips and suggestions help you get a better picture of how you can do you. I sometimes forget my own tips but I'm really working hard to do me. Looking put together doesn't have to be hard or overwhelming. Like me, you just have to take things slowly.


I will gladly take suggestions or questions about fashion and use it as my next post, so if you have any, send them my way!

Fashionable Friday and Other Things

Nope, you didn't miss it. Miss what? Why my weekly bump update, of course. I've been traveling this week and between that and feeling like a sloth, things can sure pile up. But I did manage to get a picture on week 25 day 5. So here it is:



Dear baby girl,

Yes, you've moved up in the weekly updates. I can't call you a bump any longer, as I know you are growing very fast and packing on the weight. And along with all that growth? Well, mommy is moving slow and feeling like a sloth. I have to really push myself to get up and go. Or go, go, go as Spencer would say.

Lately he has really taken to giving you kisses and hugs. It really is very sweet and I only hope they continue when he realizes that you will require a lot of the time he use to occupy. I worry about that a lot. Of course everyone says he will adjust and I know he will...eventually. But I still worry.

I have only one request...can you do something about the heartburn? Especially at night? Can you talk to someone in my belly and let them know I will gladly take the heartburn, just not at night! I need my beauty sleep.

Time is flying by...soon enough I will be looking into your tiny face and trying to figure out if you look like me or daddy. Amazing.

Love,
Mommy

__________________________________________________________________

And now onto Fashionable Friday.

Going along with my Monday musing, I am going to talk about travel fashion! That's right, there is such a thing, so sit back and make sure your trays are in their upright and locked position.

When I was in college I use to fly looking pretty bum like. I flew wearing what I found comfortable. I wasn't really worried about impressing anyone and I didn't pack light. I was one of those annoying people with a bag overstuffed that they can't even lift!

I'm not sure when that changed but I do remember my college crush dropping me off at the airport and commenting on how rough I looked. I don't remember the exact comment (he probably does) but it was something about how I should care because I never knew who I could/would meet. Talk about blow to the ego, no wonder we never dated.

Anyway, that probably marked a change in the way I started dressing to fly. Back in the day passengers use to dress up to fly. Men wore suits and women wore their Sunday best. It was a big deal to be able to afford a ticket and fly across several states in a few hours. We've forgotten this and it's time we remembered.

This is not to say that you can't be comfortable when you fly, you can. Let's just stay away from things like jeans with holes, shoes that look like they've been through a meat grinder and tops that leave nothing to the imagination.

Speaking of shoes, they come off at security so you best bet is something that you can slip on and off. I've done the high boots or shoes with laces and it's just a big hassle. If you must wear them, stick them in a bag, wear your slip-ons and then throw the slip-ons in your purse.

The other item that I never leave home without when flying? A pashmina shawl. I use it as a scarf and can also use it as a blanket or nursing cover. If you come to Atlanta there is a placed called Bijoux Turner that sells them in every color imaginable for 10$. No, they are thick but they get the job done, trust me!

Stay away from too many accessories, as you never know what will set off an alarm at security. One place it may be your bracelet, another the wires in your bra. If you want to save the embarrassment for a thorough pat down, less is more when traveling.


And while we are talking about less being more, let's talk about those carry on's! Yes, I know all the airlines are now charging to check bags and it sucks. But people, if you can't LIFT it safely and without help, then it's too full! I know a lot of you are thinking if it's too big, they will check it at the gate. And you are right, they will and for free. But trust me, it's only a matter of time before the airlines figure a way to get you there too. So be smart, check your bag and only take you essentials with you.

As a mom, I am bogged down when we fly and I check a bag. A bag that has both my and Spencer's clothing and shoes. My carry on is a backpack with my laptop and his treats and diapers and my purse items. I try to fit as much as I can in the checked bag because chasing a toddler through the terminal with more than a backpack is just punishing myself.

So there you have it...take pride in what you travel in, travel light and finally...enjoy your destination!

Need more tips? Want more advice? Shoot me an email, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the travel industry.

Fashionable Friday: It's All About The Hair

They say a good haircut can save the world. Okay, maybe not the world but it sure can make a difference in a day. Have you ever gotten a bad haircut? You want to just hide until it grows out, right? But when you have a great one you are ready to shout it from the rooftops.

I think part of being and feeling fashionable it taking time to do your hair. I mean really do you hair. For many, especially moms this means stepping away from the wash and go style. These days I spent a lot of time washing my hair and then pulling it into a ponytail flip type do. Or wearing it naturally.

Being Latina, I have naturally curly hair. Only I still haven't figured out how to get my curls to stay fresh without washing my hair everyday. And forget combing them out...if I do that I end up looking like this: This is only a good look on a runway with tons of makeup and flashy clothes. In the real world? It just makes you look messy. My other go-to hairdo is a bun or braid. Basically nothing that is fun or fashionable or even comes to making me feel cute and pulled together.

As a mom I don't have the time it takes to get my hair the way I want it:
That was done at the salon and when I do it, it never comes out that sleek. It also takes twice as long. So instead of sleek, I rock a curly frizzy-do.

I spent years looking for a stylist that really got my hair. I found her in 2007. She talked me out of perms and into keeping the ends trimmed. My hair is the longest I have seen it since I was 11. Pregnancy had a lot to do with it only problem is I never really learned how to handle it then and now I try all sort of fixes, hoping one will cut down on prep time. So far nothing has worked. I am hoping to try a Brazilian Blowout in the next few months to see if that helps.

Every week I promise myself that I am going to give my hair the attention it needs. I promise myself that I won't let the husband see me yet again with an unruly do and yet I can't find the time or energy it requires to do it. Thus making it hard to feel pretty if the hair isn't on point. Part of feeling like I still have my mojo needs to start with my hair.

So how about you? Do you find that you neglect your hair as well? Have you tried anything to make it easier to style? Do you agree that when your hair looks good, you look and feel good as well?

Fashionable Friday: Do You

I think the hardest part about being a mom and staying fashionable aside from time, is growing accustomed to the new shape our body has taken. That's why I am calling this post, Do You.

Do you can mean many different things but in keeping with the fashion theme I am going to focus on admitting our bodies are different and embracing the change. In other words, you have to do YOU.

As a teen and into college life I was pretty much about 100 pounds with the luck of having a large chest. On a good day I was 5'2 with no shoes. Even at that size I had issues with clothing but I didn't let it stop me from dressing fashionable. It was the 90's and I rocked grunge, constructions boots and everything in between. But then I went from this:

To this:

At my biggest size I still dressed cute, I still wore my platforms shoes, my stilettos, my platform sandals. I did me, even if I was a bigger than I was use to. I did my hair, I did my makeup. I took the time to do me.

But even at a bigger size I was not content. Even if I dressed like I cared when I looked in the mirror all I saw was fat. I even bought many of my clothes in sizes that were too big because that is how I saw myself. My only saving grace were my feet, who miraculously have remained a size 6.

Now that I have given birth to one child I can appreciate the body I had before he came along. Now there are parts hanging where they didn't hang before. There are pooches that weren't there before. It is hard to embrace this new body but just as I was getting use to it I found out we were expecting baby number 2. I happily embrace my preggo body, mainly because I can let it all hang out.

Do you embrace your new mommy body? Do you struggle with your self-image? Maybe you find that it is easier to love your new body than the old? Or do you still reminisce about your old body?


Next week, Do You part 2, how to shop!

Fashionable Friday: Dem Jeans

Jeans. They are a staple in any wardrobe. I spent most of my first pregnancy in a pair of maternity jeans. Before getting pregnant, a good pair of jeans and boots were my Autumn and Winter wardrobe.

I remember growing up and thinking Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt, Sassoon and Calvin Klein jeans were the epitome of sexy. Remember the commercials? Everyone seemed so glamorous and grownup.

When I got to college I bought two kick ass pair of Levi's...though I couldn't tell you what style they were, I just know they made my legs seem long and sleek. I also use to rock a lot of Calvin Klein. It was good to be thin and rock heels and platforms.

But as time passes and especially after you have a child, looking good in jeans isn't so simple. While jeans are a great go-to outfit, finding the right fit can be quite a painful. I have yet to meet a mom, new or seasoned that finds in joy in looking for a pair of jeans that fit and make you look and feel sexy. Yes, I said sexy. Instead it is assumed that motherhood means we are automatically gravitating toward the dreaded mom jean. Or we try to stuff our bodies into jeans that don't fit and end up with a muffin top.

I know that lowrise jeans seem to be everywhere but you have to search and you have to try on. That's right you have to take the time to find a pair that fits you and your now body. Not the one you had bc...before children. Have junk in your trunk? Stay away from embellishments on the booty. Feel like you problem area is your thighs? Go for dark denim with a bit of flare. Flat or no booty? Embellishment away. The pooch that never seems to flatten no matter how mant crucnhes you do? Look for jeans with a band, almost like trousers. The band is great for hiding the pooch! And when you find the perfect pair? Buy two...one to wear with heels/boots and one to have altered and wear with flats.

Does it seem like overkill? You can find great jeans for under 100$ and love the way you look. I highly recommend The Gap. They've recently revamped their denim and are finally back to what I remember in the 90's. Before getting pregnant for a second time, I had finally found the prefect jean. It wasn't low rise but it wasn't high-waisted. It has a nice band that hides the pooch but also makes my booty look sexy.

I have yet to spend more than about 70$ on a pair of jeans but know people swear by designer brands. 7 for all mankind, True Religion, Citizens of Humanity. There was a time I thought I would buy a pair but priorities change. How about you? Do you swear by designer jeans? How do they compare?

So, readers, tell me...your good, your bad, you war stories when it comes to jeans. Any advice for others when it comes to jeans? Spill it!


Post title credit goes to Chingy, whose song Dem Jeans came out in 2006.

Fashionable Friday: Must Be The Shoes

So last week was hair. Hair we do, hair we don't do. I did mine this week and I have to admit that taking the time to straighten it really has made dressing easier and put me in a better mood. That is until I realize how long it is and how much it gets in the way! So ponytail style it is...but at least I look polished instead of ragged.







But this week we are going to talk about our feet and what we put on them. Shoes, probably the biggest weakness most women have and freely admit. It is the one thing that can literally put a spring in your step or have you crying out in pain...all on the same day. I love shoes. I can't walk into a store that has them without taking a peek, even if I am there for something else.

I consider myself lucky that my feet have always been small. I can usually walk into a store and try on all the floor models, getting a quick shoe fix before a sales associate has time to register I am there. At the same time though stores usually only get one of the smaller sizes...meaning I have had to pass up a shoe because it does not look like its mate. The color is off or it is just too worn out for the price.

After college before I figured out what it was I wanted to do I ended up working for Nine West. Talk about a dream come true! I remember my first day they told me to pick out a pair of shoes, for FREE. I quickly picked out a pair of black booties. They were probably at least 3 inches high with a leather toe and heel and the middle was elastic. They sort of looked like this, only the leather was stiffer and the heel was stacked:


The manager laughed and said I would regret that choice and she was right, my first day of wearing them and after 8 hours in them, she was right. But they were great for bar hopping and dancing the night away. I hung onto those shoes for a long time.

Living in Boston was great for a shoe addict because you had four seasons in which you could wear shoes. I think it was once I moved back to Florida and began working in an office that my shoes began to taking on a more comfort appeal. But the real kicker was working in an office where the attire was casual. I figured since no one would be seeing me, why bother wearing fancy shoes? Thus began the flats era.

Most days I wear flip flops. In the winter I pretty much live in Uggs. Throw in sneakers and you pretty much have my shoe wardrobe. I do try and buy flats that are cute but no matter how cute I think they are Hubby hates them. He loves heels. He loves me dressed up and in heels or wedges or platforms. Anything, as long as it isn't flat.

I want to wear those shoes. I still try them on, I still occasionally will buy a pair. But now they sit in their dust-bags and I wonder when I will wear them again. I rocked a pair of sexy shoes back in 2008 to a wedding. I was amazed that I lasted almost all night in them. Now? Now I don't trust myself to not fall and break a leg chasing after Spencer. I mean I tripped over some platforms last year and I was PUSHING A STROLLER. I
stare at my Louboutins and think about all the fabulous places I may one day wear them.

What about you? Do you live in one style of shoe? Do you still buy others hoping to wear them someday? Did your feet grow after pregnancy and so you had to start over with shoes? Tell me your shoe stories!

Wordless/Wordful Wednesday - Rockstar Mommy

If you are a regualr around here you've read my Fashionable Friday post. You haven't? Well what are you waiting for?

Anyhoo, I knew as a first time mom I needed to reclaim a bit of the b.c. me. That is the before child me and I was on my way. And then I got pregnant again and it's been hard. Mainly because I just want to be lazy.

But yesterday I decided to shuze myself up to see the doctor and then for dinner later. Here I am...I am pregnant and I AM A ROCKSTAR!

Fashionable Friday: Scarves

Fall is my favorite time of year. The changing of the leaves, the cooler temps, the change in wardrobe. I love boots and in the last few years another big trend that doesn't seem to be going anywhere? Scarves!

Scarves are actually something that can be worn year around, depending on the fabric and size you decide to add to your ensemble. If you go with something the size of a man's handkerchief, you can wear it around your neck for a pop of color instead of a necklace. Or you can add it to your hair for a fun twist on a regular old headband of hair clip.


But the real trend seems to be long flowy scarves worn in all sorts of different ways. I especially love to wear a scarf when I travel. I take a pashmina shawl and use it as a scarf and can use it as a blanket or pillow on the flight, as well as a nursing cover. And if we arrive somewhere and I am cold? Yep, I can then use it as a shawl.

One of the best things about scarves is that they can be found at every price point. If you are a Target lover, scanning their accessory racks at the end of summer you can score some great summer scarves for the next year. Or if you are looking to put a little animal print into your wardrobe but don't want to do anything too big? Yep, a scarf can do it for you.

These are two ways I have worn scarves. The first picture helped me keep my hair out of my face for a boat ride to Alcatraz on our babymoon before Spencer was born. The second was for some color. So how easy it is?

 

Not sure how to wear a scarf? There are plenty of videos on YouTube that can show you how to fold and wear a scarf. My go to way I learned by watching The Oprah Show when some style guru was on the show. It really was so easy and almost a "duh" moment.

So what about you? Are you a scarf lover? If not, what's keeping you from trying the trend? I promise you, if you try it, you will not be disappointed.

Fashionable Friday: Other Mothers

I know, you're thinking "other mothers?" What the heck is she going to talk about today? And what do other mothers have to do with fashion. Keep reading and you will see.

Immediately after becoming a mother and taking the baby out to the store to run an errand or pick up groceries I noticed them. The other mothers. You know the ones I am talking about...they are pushing a stroller and maybe have a toddler and look calm, cool and put together. I wanted to be one of these other mothers and yet, 21 months later (and pregnant with #2 to boot) I am not.

Yes, there are days I hve my hair done and put on a cute outfit and do my makeup and feel good, and then I see one of those moms and I begin to doubt myself. It happens to all of us, at one time or another. We find ourselves thinking the other mom has it so much better, when in reality? We really don't know.

This doesn't stop us from looking and comparing, which leads me to what I did just the other day. And how I realized need to spend more time focusing on me each week. We were at the mall and before I was a mom, I would not have noticed any of the other mothers and their strollers, baby bags and children. But I did this time.

I was dressed in maternity jeans, soft turtleneck and my Old Navy sweater. I paired it with some leopard print flats and was good to go.

Now to give you some background, the nearest mall to us is pretty ghetto. They don't even have a Gap, which is where I needed to go so we went into the city of Atlanta in order to hit the closest Gap with maternity wear. The mall is close to the "snobby" part of town. It has it's share of Buckhead Betty's along with your typical mall folk.

When you work in corporate America, you tend to forget that malls are open during the week and there are actually parking spaces near the entrances. You forget that you don't have to fight crowds to browse and get customer service. What the mall is full of? Moms and their babies, baby bags, strollers and mom friends. And I noticed.

I noticed the mom with a newborn and looking like she'd never had a baby. I noticed the mom with the Hunter Jimmy Choo boots and Tory Burch pink trench. I noticed the mom with the designer stroller and baby bag. If you ask my husband? He will not have noticed these women. But I did and I compared.

And while I noticed clothing and bags and strollers, there was one mom in particular that I noticed. Maybe it was because we happen to sit across from her at lunch. Or maybe it was the way she looked so pulled together but not like she had tried.

This was when I realized that I could be the same. I had dressed and liked the way I looked but I could do more. This mom, she had her simple jewelry on, a beautiful designer bracelet and watch. Simple. She ha her hair in place but nothing fancy, no highlights, no blonde. Just brown and long. Her clothes were nothing fancy, sweater, jeans, flats. But what struck me? Was the fact that she had her nails painted. Not with a french manicure, just a simple dark color on short nails.

As I sat there and watched her interact with her baby and her husband, I knew I should be doing more. What keeps me from giving myself a manicure and painting my nails? While I don't have tons of time, I have a few hours before bed where I can do it. What keeps me from wearing more than earrings when I go out? I have a draw full of bracelets and necklaces and yet I only wear them when I travel. Or get super dolled up.

But why do I only do it then? I keep stressing how the little things can help us go from frump to fab and yet I still have a hard time implementing these small things. I deserve to look good and feel good. If it means slapping some paint on my nails, why don't I do it?

Most of the time when we compare ourselves to the other moms, it's turns into how inadequate we feel. How they look better, are better moms and we see ourselves struggling. But in this case? I'm glad I took a look around because it made me really open my eyes. Open my eyes to the fact that I CAN and SHOULD do more. I can't be a good mom and wife if I don't feel my best.

How about you? Ever see another mom and actually have an aha moment?

Fashionable Friday: Accessories

Sometimes the smallest item can make all the difference in an outfit and how you feel. Everyone wants to look good and at the same time be fashion forward but you want to do it and still be true to you. Today I'm talking about accessories!

Trends come and go and if you have unlimited funds, it can be fun to keep up with trendy accessories. If you're more like the rest of us, you have to pick and choose the trends that work for you. Just because stiletto's are hot, doesn't mean you should force yourself to wear them. Crazy prints might be the rage but might not work for your body type. It is okay to pick and choose what you like and what you can afford and run with it.

As much as I like trends and the way celebrities are put together by their stylist, I still stick true to what looks good on me and what works for me. I have lots of cute earrings but always fall back to the same 3 pairs. And yet when earrings like those in the picture show up on TV via awards shows or television shows, I love them. If you can rock the bold earring, I say go for it! This same thing can be said for bracelets and necklaces. You can be as funky or conservative as you want. Jewelry is a great way to be a little pick me up that didn't cost a lot but makes you feel like you put a bit of effort into your outfit.


Another accessory that people tend to forget about is the belt. About two years ago the thin belt was in and saw where some stylist said a belt was a good way to give your body some shape. I was feeling a bit conscientious about my body and thought maybe a belt was what I needed to reinforce that I was not as big as I saw myself. Truth be told? I hated the belts I bought. They rode up if I put my arms up and I was constantly pulling my shirt down so the belt hit the right spot. Within the last year or so the corset belt has been big but even though I was at my lowest weight in about 10 years, I didn't attempt it. I do say this though...if you can't wear belts on the outside please be sure you are wearing them. It is not attractive to see a woman hiking her pants because they are too big. Belt loops are there for a reason!

I wear my sunglasses at night. Okay, not really. But sunglasses and even eyeglasses can be an integral part of your wardrobe. Besides the fact that sunglasses protect your eyes and skin eye area from the harsh rays of sun, they can sharpen up a look. Or hide you from a bad face day. (We've all had them, don't deny it!) But the thing about glasses is that not all glasses look good on all faces. Take the time to try on different style frames, colors and sizes, you can find something in every price point when it comes to glasses. Or you can hit Chinatown in NYC and find a knockoff pair. I mean, everyone looks good in a BIG pair of Chanel glasses. As for me? I'll stick to my Gucci's. They haven't let me down yet!

One of my most favorite accessories is a hat. I don't really recall wearing a lot of hats as a child but I remember trying them on when we went to stores. Once I got to college I lived in ball caps. I wore them to class, I wore them to go out drinking. I had a ton of caps, baseball teams, hockey teams, my college. They were conversation starters and it helped if I actually knew something about the team I was freely promoting.

As I transitioned out of college and into the real world, ball caps just didn't cut it and so began my obsession with hats that could go with actual outfits. A good hat can really make quite a cute fashion statement as well as hide a bad hair day. Just like everything else, not all hats are made for all heads. It's wise to try on and make sure you hair is styled the way you normally wear it. I hardly ever wear a hat when my hair is in its curly state, so I make sure when I try one on my hair is straightened. It makes a big difference on how the hat fits and how it looks. Perusing the internet I found this great article: (via Life&Style, circa 10/07)
Don't be afraid to hat it up and add some pizazz to your look. It really can be pull together an outfit and be fun at the same time.

Lastly, the accessory that is really a necessity for any woman...the purse. Or handbag. Or pocketbook. Whatever you call it, we all use them for one thing or another. Before I got really into designer bags, I loved matching my bag with my outfit. Not quite like this, Even this is too anal for me but I liked having my purse match a color in my shirt or hat or shoe. But then the designer bag bug hit and matching wasn't so important. What is important? That your purse does what YOU need it to do. And watch for proportion. I'm 5'2 and when the HUGE bags were all the rage, I just couldn't do it. The swallowed me and I looked like I was going on a trip instead of to the store. And whatever you do, once your purse begins to show signs of wear and tear? It's time for a new one! Toting around a ragged bag isn't fashion forward, it makes you look sloppy.


So there you have it, the accessories I use either as a pick me up or to complete an outfit. I know I missed a few (scarves, rings, headbands) if you have any suggestions about them, please leave them in the comments. Also I'd love to hear about how you wear your fave accessories!

Friday Rewind

I'm linking to a post I did back in November about "Other Mothers." I thought it was a good one and why not re-post and see if anyone agrees.

Here it is Fashionable Fridays: Other Mothers


Enjoy!