I recently spoke at a MOPS (moms of preschoolers) group on Easy Style Tips for Moms, and received the following email from one of the attendees:

…I really listened to what you said.  I pulled some clothes out of my closet that were too big and instead of just throwing on the same old stuff that I always wear, I pulled out some things that had not fit in years.  Felt good.

One of the easiest ways to get motivated toward a better wardrobe is doing the two subtle steps described above: get rid of what doesn’t fit and use what’s left in a new way.

So many times we continue to wear what’s in our closet…well, because it’s there. However, we don’t take into account whether each piece in your closet FITS you the best it can.  For some women the thought of going through a self-motivated closet edit can be painful, for other women spending a Saturday morning “tackling” your closet is a welcomed engagement. Either one, just do it, you’ll feel oh so good when you’re done.

Here’s what you do:

Start with your base  (pant, skirt, shorts), put it on, GET IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR, and if it sags in the crotch or back-side, get rid of it.  If its too tight to the point that you have two butts (one in the back and front…don’t judge, you know exactly what I’m talking about.), get rid of it. If it started out balck and is now gray from so many washings, get rid of it. If you’re a tall woman and your pants fit you too short, take a look at my post Style for (t)All and find a better option that fits you like it should, then get rid of your old pair. If you’re short and all of your pants are either self-cuffed or fraying at the hem because they drag on the floor, take them to the tailor and have them hemmed (don’t forget to take the shoes you wear with these pants).

On tops: Again, if it was red and now pink, get rid of it. If it has yellowing in the underarms, get rid of it…even if you’re now saying, “but I can still wear it as a shell under my….” what if you have to take off your layering piece? Get rid of it. If there are any noticeable holes, get rid of it. If its pilling beyond the point of fixing, get rid of it. If you’re long-waisted, and its too short, get rid of it.  If you never wear it because it requires ironing and its been in your closet for months wrinkled since the first time you wore it, get rid of it.

You get the picture. Be true to yourself, go forth, and be styled.

admin Career Women, Mommy-preneur, Plus Size Women, Pregnant Women, stay-at-home moms

Oh, Memorial Day, the official start of summer (unless you live in Texas, where summer began back in March!). As I thought of preparing for having the boys at home and the activities we’ve semi-planned, I also began to think of all the prepping a woman needs to go through for the summer months. I am not talking about getting the kids their swim gear, buying new pool towels, or planning play dates. I am talking about WOMAN PREPARATION to help us look decent as we venture to expose most of our bodies to the great pool world!

I’ve put together a quick checklist to help you prep your psyche and body for the summer season. Like all things, regarding “looking good”, DO ONE THING AT A TIME! Don’t read this list and assume you can do it all at once or you’ll be FRIED before your first real tan, which leads me to the first item on my list:

1. SPF: Ladies, our skin is the largest organ of our body, treat it with love and respect and it will pay you back! 
In my eternal search for the best and highest SPF that doesn’t leave white  or sticky film and doesn’t smell like Zinc, I’ve found these to be my favs: Aveeno Positivley Ageless SPF 70 for the face (lotion) and body (spray), and; Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch 100+ SPF (I literally shouted WHAT, 100!?).

2. Inexpensive, Plastic Sunglasses: Remember you’re going to be at the pool, hiking, or playing. The last thing you want to be stressing about is your Rayban Aviators.  Go to Target, get something similar and replace as need be for about 1/10 of the price.

3. Hair Control: Whether you shave, wax, or laser make sure you get your hair situation in the bikini and under arm areas under control. Enough said.

4. Skin Color: Try to give yourself a little color before your first pool excursion. I’ve been self-tanning since Neutrogena introduced the concept in 1995 and trust me, self-tanning has come a long way. I’ve been using these for the past 3 summers: Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer, and ; Jergens Natural Glow Express Moisturizer  - this is great if you need to be at a pool party say…this afternoon! BIG TIP: Buy St. Ives Apricot Scrub (you know, the one your mom used back in the 70’s…its still amazing!) for about $4 and exfoliate before your first self-tan.

5. Body Training: I LOVE Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser Trainer), and I love her even more for putting her 20 min. workouts on Time Warner’s  Exercise On Demand (channel 1431). Trust me, 20 minutes with Jillian will feel like you’ve spent 1/2 the morning at the gym!

6. Mani/Pedi: For the love of flip-flops, please treat yourself to a decent mani-pedi. You’re saving a ton of money on the items above, you can get one! However, if you really can’t, I like this EASY  Pedicure at Home regime.

admin Career Women, Mommy-preneur, Mommy-to-Be, Plus Size Women, Pregnant Women, stay-at-home moms checklist, Home Pedicure, Summer preperation

admin Career Women, Mommy-preneur, Mommy-to-Be, Plus Size Women, Pregnant Women, Uncategorized, stay-at-home moms Hair, Jessica Alba, Side Braids