What do Victoria Beckham, Catherine Zeta Jones and Christinia Aguilera have in common? They are all yummy mummies! Women who are continuing to project great style, while fulfilling the role of mom.
Now, the average mom doesn't have an entourage consisting of; a nanny, personal trainer and stylist to help keep her looking polished. Nor does she have a graphic artist who can airbrush all her flaws away on Photoshop. However, what she does have is equal right to look and feel gorgeous!
You don't have to sacrifice all your sex appeal to motherhood. It is completely possible to wear stylish, albeit practical fashion. If you want to look like one of the fashionable moms this summer, the first thing you need to do is avoid the common fashion ruts moms get themselves into.
FASHION RUTS TO AVOID
1. The dumpy bag
A mom will indeed find she has far more to carry around then a single lass, but this doesn't mean you have to toss away all your sexy bags for a plastic nappy bag with cherubs printed on it. There are many stylish bags which have heaps of room like slouchy hobos and oversized totes. Check out Victoriasecret.com for a good selection.
2. Bag lady clothes
Okay, you need to be comfortable to move around as a parent, but there's a definite line between being comfortable and looking like you don't give a damn. Steer clear of sweat suits, baggy T-shirts and house dresses that belong in your grandmother's era. Look for; stretch jeans, palazzo pants, fitted t-shirts and wrap dresses. Oh, and this should go without saying, but if you still wearing maternity clothes post pregnancy, ditch them!
3. Granny shoes
It can be very tempting to only consider comfort when it comes to shoes, but your shoes do have a dramatic impact on your appearance. So instead of Birkenstocks or crocs, look for styles like; ballet flats and flat sandals. Bluefly.com offers page after page of cute ballet flats and they are all designer shoes at significantly less then retail price. For embellished thongs or flat sandals head to Victoria's Secret.
There are several fashion styles which are easy to pull of as a yummy mummy. Consider the following four styles and ways to update these looks for summer 2009:
1. PREPPY MAMA
Think Charlotte from Sex and the City.
The preppy mama likes to wear simple and classic clothing that would fit right in with the well to do country club scene. Think classy separates like those by Ralph Lauren.
New additions:
-The beaded big pony skinny polo- they come in fashionable bright colors and feature a bugle beaded pony logo. Bling detailing is back in a big way for summer 2009 and this is a classic, subtle way to include a touch. Head to www.ralphLauren.com
-If you need something a little more affordable check out the blouses and polos at Abercrombie & Fitch www.abercrombie.com
-High rise jeans-are back and the great news is that they are practical and you don't have to worry about post pregnancy muffin top. Look for a plain, dark denim pair to suit the preppy look. At Victoria's Secret you can search for jeans by rise and wash.
2. ATHLETIC MAMA
Think Jennifer Garner as she starred in Alias.
It's not about wearing brand name sports labels emblazoned on your chest or bottom, but an understated pairing of plain sporty separates.
New additions:
-A one shoulder piece-asymmetric designs are very fashionable this season and they really compliment the sporty look. Victoria's Secret has several one piece, one shoulder swimsuits and a selection of one shoulder tops. The one piece swimsuit is also very popular.
-Layered tanks-are still hot, check out www.gap.com for layered tanks in fashion colors. T-shirts with subtle feminine touches are also very fashionable. Abercrombie & Fitch offer up all the seasons feminine detailing, whilst maintaining a sporty edge.
-Boyfriend fit jeans are one of the most popular denim style for summer. They are a little slouchy like men's jeans, which makes them perfect to work back with sporty, fitted tops. Both Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch have a selection.
3. SEXY MAMA
Think Christina Aguilera or Catherine Zeta Jones.
Both of these mums know how to work grown up sexy. They don't wear overtly sexual clothing that lets it all hang out. They add classy touches of sexiness to well fitting clothes. Think a touch of red lipstick or figure hugging jeans and a glamorous top.
New additions:
-Grecian inspired tops and dresses-the draping of this style is ideal to hide any post baby bulges that you don't favor.
-Tops and dresses that have ruffles-feminine touches are a big hit this season.
-A sheer blouse-wear a tank and simply put on your sexy sheer blouse just before heading out the door. This way you won't get any grubby marks on your top before you even leave the house.
Both Victoria's Secret and Bluefly.com are great sources for this seasons sexy looks in blouses, dresses.
4. BEACH MAMA
Think Jessica Alba's summer style.
This is American girl next door style, with a grown up air. Peasant style blouses with fitted bottoms, or simple sundresses.
New additions:
-A wide waist belt-this will help you look perfectly put together in a flash. Around the house you can wear your items loose and blousy, and then simply add the belt before heading out the door to create a feminine silhouette. Amazon.com has a good selection.
-Maxi dresses-easy wearing and if you haven't had time to shave your legs no one will know. Victoria's Secret has a good range of maxi dresses in easy to care for fabrics like modal spandex or shirred cotton.
-Like the athletic mama you can work the trendy one piece, one shoulder swimwear back with your look. They double as a bodysuit top, with shorts or a skirt.
ONLINE SHOPPING TIPS
Shopping online can save you precious time and rescues you from bundling the kids into the car and dragging them through stores. To avoid the hassle of returns, consider the following tips for online shopping success:
-Take all your measurements and keep them listed on your computer to refer to. Then, always check size charts before selecting a size. Buy the size that corresponds to your measurements rather then a psychological size.
-Take note of fit recommendations. Many online stores write a few notes to help guide you. For example, they'll make remarks like runs true to size, or smaller cut go up a size.
-Make use of customer service-if you have any questions regarding a style use the contact us form or online chat to ask away.
-Check out forums and review sites where other women discuss styles to see if they will suit you.
-Buy what you know-look for styles that you know flatter your figure type and there's nothing stopping you from trying on basic styles in store to familiarize yourself with the fit.
-Buy one style at a time to see what the fit is like before ordering additional colors and fabrics.
Enjoy creating a fashionable look and shopping for new additions. You are just as deserving as a celebrity mom!