These are all real candid fashion don’t scenarios I captured in real life.  Thankfully my phone has a quick camera on it, although sometimes the pictures turn out blurry when I’ve only got time for one shot.

Real Life Fashion Don’ts – The Bra Confusion Edition

Criss-Cross Nonsense.  This fashion don’t was captured at the grocery store.  This woman’s use of her bra and shirt straps (pictured below) just plain confused me.  Somehow, she felt the need to fill the entire open back with a bra.  She must have thought a criss-cross backed bra would be best since she had tied her shirt’s straps in a knot in the middle to form an x. 

The Racerback No-No.  Pictured below is a woman who is clearly confused about which shape of top to use the racerback bra with.  To clarify: the racerback bra goes with the racerback shirt.  The same shape of the garment ensures that your underwear stays private!  Instead, this poor lady has displayed almost the entire back of her bra for the whole deli to see.  (Blurry picture from the camera phone – so sorry.)

Cut-Out Confusion.  Below, this fashion don’t was captured in San Diego on a woman who looked more “Jersey Shore” than Californian.  It was such a shame about her choice of undergarments; the bra doesn’t fit the dress on the top or across the back.  The whole back of the bra exactly lined up with the cut-out in her dress.  Which means – you guessed it – she showed the whole city her bra every time her hair moved, which was every time she took a step.

Don’t let these fashion don’ts happen to you!  Always match the shape of your bra to the shape of your clothing.  Ladies, I beg of you, if you only leave the Real Life Fashion Don’ts with once takeaway, it’s this: always look in the mirror before you leave the house!

Real Life Fashion Don’ts – The Bra Confusion Edition is linked to Wordless Wednesday at WordlessWednesday.com and 5 Minutes 4 Mom.

As bloggers and women, we all want to look our best when we go to network and meet up in real life with people we’ve only interacted with online.  We’ve developed a countdown to BlogHer conference makeover timeline that you can follow to ensure you’re looking your very best before August 4th! 

What is Included in the Countdown to BlogHer Beauty Makeover?

Things that might need to be addressed in your complete Countdown to BlogHer 2011 Conference Beauty Makeover:

Hair color, cut and style:  Going for a brave new you with a completely different hair cut, color or style is not something you want to jump into the week before the conference.  The hair overhaul should be done at least 6 weeks before you leave for the conference.  That way, if you don’t like the style, it will have time to grow out a bit. 

Also, the 6 week time frame lets you test out a new color without risk.  If you like the new color, you can get your roots touched up a few days before your plane leaves.

Diet and exercise:  Whether you need to lose the last few pounds to fit into a special dress for one of the official BlogHer parties or want to do a complete overhaul and lose a lot of weight, you’ll need to consult your doctor first.  Have your doctor okay the diet and exercise plan you want to use. 

Healthy looking skin: If you haven’t been treating your skin nicely or paying much attention to your skincare regimen, there is still time to get your face into tip-top shape!  Never get a professional facial (which can bring out blemishes, breakouts, and even allergic reactions to the products used) during the final week before the conference. 

If you choose to have a professional give you a facial (Mary Kay consultant or salon), plan it at least a month before the conference.  This will give you an opportunity to use the new facial products the facialist recommends for your skin type and give them a chance to show results.

Healthy nails:  For many of us moms, growing and keeping beautiful nails is a challenge with kid care and frequent hand washing.  A little attention to upkeep and maintenance will give you fabulous nails in time for BlogHer!

White smile:  Teeth whitening is easier and more affordable than ever before!  There’s no reason not to show off a bright white smile in your BlogHer photos.

Choosing the perfect outfits: For many of us, wardrobe is an important part of the BlogHer conference experience!  If you don’t have anything in your closet you’d like to wear, it’s time to start shopping.  Shop early so that you have a chance to look for sales or free shipping deals from your favorite clothing stores. 

If you’re starting a diet and exercise plan also, take into account that you may be a few sizes smaller by the time the BlogHer conference rolls around.  Don’t buy too small of a size, in case you don’t make your weight loss goals.  It’s still easy to have a loose garment taken in with a few quick alterations.

Daily

• Skin care every morning and every night.  Cleanse, tone, and moisturize twice a day.  Use eye cream before bed.
• Drink at least 8 8-oz. glasses of water to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.
• Massage cuticle cream or oil into your nails before bed.

Weekly

• Give yourself a mini-facial at home by using a facial mask after cleansing.
• Do a foot soak while you shower by filling up the bath tub.  Use a loofah or pumice stone to remove dead skin.  After you get out of the shower, apply a heavy foot moisturizer and socks immediately to lock in the hydration.
• Deep condition your hair to add moisture and shine and help repair split ends or damage.

Every Two Weeks

• Do a quick manicure and pedicure by removing polish, pushing back cuticles, then applying base coat, 1 coat of a light color, and top coat.

3 Months Before

• Start a diet and exercise plan.  Make a doctor appointment to get approval for your new plan.
• Remove the junk food from the house and go shopping for healthy ingredients.
• Make up an exercise schedule, listing which activities you will do on which days of the week.  This could be from 3-5 days per week, depending on your weight loss and fitness goals.

6 Weeks

• Make an appointment with a salon for a hair cut, color, and/or new style.

1 Month Before

• Make an appointment for a facial.  Purchase new facial products (cleanser, toner, mask, moisturizer, eye cream, etc.) for your skin type.
• Try on outfits you’ll be wearing to BlogHer.  Choose all accessories for each outfit, including shoes.
• If you need to purchase outfits or specific pieces, start shopping.
• Break in new shoes by wearing them around the house for 1 hour per day with socks on.

2 Weeks Before

• Make an appointment for any hair removal or hair bleaching you need.  This includes eyebrows, upper lip, legs, and bikini area (if you plan to be sporting a swimsuit at the hotel swimming pool!).
• Do an at-home microdermabrasion treatment on your facial skin or use a facial scrub (such as a natural apricot scrub) to remove the top layers of old skin and reveal new younger looking skin.  Follow this treatment with a heavy moisturizer or night cream.
• Whiten your teeth.  Depending on which teeth whitening product you choose, it could take 2 weeks or 2 hours to complete.  Make sure you start early enough to give your teeth time to recover in case of sensitivity.

1 Week Before

• Make an appointment with the same hairstylist to touch up your roots or give you a trim for your new hairstyle.
• Try on all outfits you’ll be wearing at BlogHer and make note of necessary alterations.  Make the alterations yourself or drop off your clothing at the tailor.

3 Days Before

• Pick up clothing from the tailor.  Make sure you try on the items before you leave the tailor’s to make sure they fit correctly.

1 Day Before

• Have an at-home steam in your bathroom (to add moisture to skin, hair and nails).  Turn the shower onto hot and close the bathroom door.  Allow steam to fill up the room, then sit in the steam for as long as you are comfortable.
• Give yourself a full manicure and pedicure.  Include a hand and foot scrub before doing your nails with 2 coats of color.
• Take a shower and deep condition your hair. 
• Apply scented moisturizer after showering.  Follow up with a body spray of the matching scent.
• Before bed, spritz your hair and pillow case with your favorite perfume.

Have a great trip to BlogHer 2011 in San Diego!

There are many items that might be in a typical homemaker’s purse right now, from makeup to pacifiers, but it’s probably missing some of the essentials that will make her invincible!

“Be Prepared. That’s the motto of the Boy Scouts. "Be prepared for what?" someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, "Why, for any old thing." said Baden-Powell.”

-Excerpt from the Boy Scout Handbook

First, let’s make sure your purse is organized.  Many handy purse organizers can be moved from purse to purse so that you can stay organized but change purses quickly.  Here are a few to look at:

The list below of 13 Things You Need to Have in Your Purse contains not only emergency tools, but also items to make you more productive and allow you to use your time more effectively.

13 Things You Need in Your Purse

1. Allergy medicine. Allergic reactions – to foods, animals, materials, or anything else – almost always come on unexpectedly and when you are not at home. I have used the Benadryl in my purse on multiple occasions, not only for myself, but for my children also.

2. Swiss army knife (or other multipurpose tool). There is a pink multipurpose tool in my purse which has been used to extract a broken key from a lock, among other things. The multitude of tools packed onto this gadget, such as tweezers, knife, bottle opener, and more, come in handy all the time.

3. Address labels. Never fill out this repetitive information by hand if you don’t have to! Save the time and energy by carrying your preprinted address labels (remember the ones that come unsolicited in the mail?) in your purse. Whenever you need to fill in mailing info (movie store, drawings/giveaways, registrations, etc.) just peel and stick an adhesive address label.

Time for a new purse to freshen up your style?  Here are some hot handbags that won’t break the bank:

4. Traveler’s check. Everyone knows that carrying cash in your purse is not only a security risk, but a spending temptation as well! Many people don’t want to carry credit cards or cash with them, and traveler’s checks are a great alternative. If you really need money for an emergency (not a clearance sale – those are NOT emergencies!), you’ll have a traveler’s check that can be spent like cash. An added security bonus is that traveler’s checks are refundable if lost or stolen.

5. Spare car key and house key. Locking your keys in the house or car is a huge inconvenience, and can be expensive if you have to hire a locksmith. Do yourself a favor and keep an extra set in your purse that is not attached to your keychain. Chances are good that even if you lock your keys in the car, you’ll still have your purse on your shoulder.

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6. Pen and paper. You never know when you’ll need to write something down (think directions, address, phone number, insurance information).

7. Cell phone and/or address book. Accident, flat tire, lost… with a multitude of possible circumstances, it’s not practical to be away from home without either your cell phone or at least a mini address book with important phone numbers.

8. Lighter or matches. Anything can happen, and you never know when you’ll need to make fire. If you don’t carry around flint and tinder (aside: I don’t in real life, but in World of Warcraft I do- and it takes up 2 bag slots! Hey- you never know when you’re going to need to cook something!) then it will be nice to have matches or a lighter to make a quick fire. Uses: Burn off a leech, create smoke signal, scare away angry bees, etc.

9. Emergency snacks. Stranded? Hungry? Having food in your purse will protect your finances and health by keeping you from hitting a drive-thru. Having food if you are ever stranded away from businesses/people will keep you from going hungry. Lastly, having snacks in your purse can prevent a serious toddler melt-down in public for a hungry little one!

Maybe you’re tired of your same old boring purse and are ready for a quirky new purse that’s a little more adventurous.  Check out these crazy purses:

10. Tissues. Nose bleeds, runny noses, crying child, liquid spills, oily skin – tissues come in handy all the time.

11. Kindle, book, magazine, or blog posts. How often do you spend time waiting- time that is wasted because you just sit or stand there thinking about the fact that you’re waiting?! You could be doing something productive with that wait-time. Bring along a book or magazine that you haven’t had time to read. I used to print out blog posts from my feed reader in the morning and take them in my purse to read throughout the day while I was waiting.

The time I spend waiting at school to drop off/ pick up my daughter, in the bank drive-thru, at the doctor’s office, at the pharmacy, and in line at the post office could be spent reading on your Kindle!

12. To do list. You’re constantly thinking and usually remember things you need to do while you’re away from home. Sound familiar? Keep your to do list with you, so you can add items to it when you think of them.

13. Safety pins. Buttons fall off, zippers break, seams come apart, hems fall down. Having a spare safety pin in your purse can save you from a wardrobe malfunction when you need it the most!

Purses come in all shapes, colors and sizes, but you can never judge a purse by it’s cover – er, outside! If it’s going to go everywhere with you, it may as well serve you as a storage spot for useful tools. The above list of 13 useful items that probably aren’t in your purse right now should get you started in your purse contents-makeover. Print out this list and get your purse up to speed today!

These purses will definitely break the bank, but will turn heads…

Originally published February 5th, 2010. Disclaimer: HomeEverAfter.com contains affiliate links and readers may assume that HomeEverAfter.com receives compensation when affiliate links are used.

Now that we’ve gone through what a tasteful wardrobe should consist of, and the sparkly things that go with it, now it’s on to the rest- the Fringe accents.

Shoes

My personal obsession- shoes (okay, makeup, but shoes are a VERY close 2nd). I am right there with Carrie Bradshaw and gasping “Hello Lover” whenever I see a cute pair in a window.

They are historically how people judged your lot in life. People with money could afford nicer shoes. Now, with some pretty decent ready to wear mass productions, we have some very cute options to go with our lovely classic wardrobe and tasteful jewelry.

There used to be guidelines for shoes. Kitty heels or flats for the taller girls, and no self respecting woman would dare wear 6” stilettos. Not so much the case anymore. I’m 5’7” and adore wearing heels, because they elongate my stubby legs. Your main focus should be on what makes your outfit look good, and what you’re most comfortable in.

Purses

Next is your bag. This very well may double as your diaper bag. And there are some adorable purse/tote looking diaper bags available. What you’d want to have in your “arsenal” is:

1. Small Clutch. For the times that you’re able to get out, usually with your little black dress. These are barely bigger than a typical billfold/checkbook wallet and should be used to hold your ID, cards, cash, touch up makeup (powder and lipstick) and cell. And nothing more… because, well, there’s no more room.
2. Old Standard. This fits your wallet, cell, possibly a brush- basically all you need while away from home supplies. For moms with older children, we usually find room in there for emergency toy cars or princess accoutrements, the directions to where we’re going, our cell, a small address book, etc. This could also be your diaper bag for smaller children… just remember- if you have to lug this thing around, make it work for you.
3. A Large Tote. This is usually what you’d carry with you when traveling (and is usually the first sign to a native Floridian such as myself of a tourist) But these help when flying- or cutting corners at the movie theater. There’s LOTS of room for ANYTHING you need.

So, now you have your clothing, jewelry, shoes and bag. Add your makeup (and a few hair tips I’ll get to next) and we can all emerge from the Mom Rut and start doing the Mom Strut (and look fabulous doing it!)

Accessories and Jewelry

They can make a simple black dress breathtakingly sophisticated. Think about Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) in that beginning scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s… what would that black dress be without those lovely pearls, the tiara barrette in her perfectly coiffed hair, or those fabulous opera gloves? Just a sheath dress in black. They can instantly take a v-neck tee and khaki capris from backyard to date night with a few lobster clasps.

Accessories. Since Cleopatra’s time women have been adorning themselves with jewels and trinkets to enhance their ensemble. And they change with the tide, but a few key pieces will translate well regardless of what’s coming out of Paris or New York this season.

1.  A simple strand of pearls. They don’t have to be real, just make sure they’re real good looking. Sometimes fake pearls are just plastic beads covered with a pearescent foil… this can chip off quite easily, sometimes with prolonged exposure to the moisture from your skin, body oils or lotions. Simulated pearls are more commonplace and last a bit longer. And good places to get quality costume jewelry is QVC.com, HSN.com, or a big box store.

2.  A nice pair of stud earrings. These don’t go below your earlobe, and you can wear them any time, with anything. The traditional choice- diamond (or nice looking CZ). Don’t take this to rap star level (extra large), it’s not ideal.

3.  A simple pair of hoops. Mayonnaise jar hoops are still gauche, but it’s your choice if you want silver or gold. (See NOTE below about how to choose silver or gold.)

4.  A nice cocktail / “right hand” ring. This is a nice looking ring that might be a tiny bit more flashy than your wedding/engagement ring(s), hence worn on the right hand. Rings are always personal choice. Some people get irritated by wearing them, and they’re not as noticeable as a necklace or earrings, so if you really don’t like them, you can skip wearing them.

5.  Statement jewelry. This is where you’d have a piece or two that states who you are or what your outfit says. For Christians that so choose, it would be their cross. Trends like the toggle style necklace that Tiffany released a couple years ago, the diamond circle pendant, etc.

6.  Trendy pieces. With the 80s making a comeback lately, this is where you’d have your thick bangle bracelets with interesting designs, piles of jelly bracelets, etc. This should be the least amount in your jewelry wardrobe, because what’s in for 2009/2010 may be completely yuck in 2011.

A general rule of thumb- don’t try to pile on your jewels just because it’s what you have. And it’s along the same lines of makeup- big and attention-getting in one area and leave the rest simple. Big earrings, keep the necklace simple.

NOTE: How to choose if you’re a Silver or Gold person- hold something silvery or gray next to your skin (face or neck is usually easiest), and with the other hand, hold something gold or yellow/orange up. Whichever side of you looks more “lit” up, that’s what you are. I look best with silver, as I feel gold makes me look a little jaundice.

Stay tuned for Erin’s new fashion and beauty column next week, Fringe- purses, scarves and shoes. 

Eyebrow Threading

From Marlene Dietrich pencil-thins to Brook Shields’ Au Naturales (and back again), we all have personal preferences as to how we want our brows “done”. The newest way (to the local mall nail shop in your area, at least) to do that is through eyebrow threading.

The way a particular esthetician will set up their threads depends on the method they learned. Some are very ornate and theatrical while the service is being rendered. But the idea is the same.

Regular, cotton (in most cases) thread is made into a rounded rectangle shape, twisted into itself three or four times (forming two triangles), and depending on what your particular hand-dominance, is placed before each hair to be removed, the fingers in one loop opened, causing the wrapped part to literally tangle the hairs into the wraps, pulling them out.

Confused? I used the video below to figure it out for myself, instead of paying $7 or better to have them done by someone else (subscribers will have to click through to this article to watch the video).  Especially if it was supposed to be a particularly painful experience.

How to Thread Eyebrows Video

Personally, the jury is still out for me if I’d use threading or trusty ol’ razor stick from Sally’s. Threading is a cleaner technique… It’s must easier to plot out the shape of your brow, and less margin of error. However- the pain factor is great (more so than tweezers, in my opinion), especially if you accidentally catch some skin in the thread, as I did my first attempt.

A razor stick (most drug stores and Sally Beauty stores carry them) is economical, and to me, the least painful way to do brows. But you have to be much more careful with razors than tweezers or threading, or else you end up with brows a la Vanilla Ice.

The most important part is to do SOMETHING to your brows. If you wear not a smudge of makeup, your eyebrows being properly groomed is a very quick way to look better, and a little more put together. 

Summer Makeup for Moms

Summer’s started, and pretty much anywhere you live, you’re dealing with heat… put on top of that the collective thirty seconds you have to yourself as a mom (hello- two preschoolers!), and summer seems like the season you do without, put your hair in a ponytail (or claw clip) and away you go.

It doesn’t have to be that blah just because you’re a mom. I have five of my favorite, go-to products to keep you looking fresh, revived and with-it, and all within 5 minutes. I do have to say- you will notice I’m a big fan of mark. cosmetics. (I am not a representative, I just like the product). But I’ve given you some drug store alternatives for a get-it-right-now purchase.

5 Must Have Summer Makeup Products

1- mark. Get a Tint (appx $8.00). Truly beautiful for a quick pick me up for your skin without going crazy with coverage! I’d definitely put this on before any concealer you need. (I’ll explain later!)

Option- CG Smoothers. Always a favorite on my mecca website- makeupalley.com. I’d go a shade darker than you think you need on this one… it can make you look ashy if it’s too light.

1 ½ – mark. Good Riddance Hookup Concealer (appx $6.00 meetmark.com). If you have a non-sleeping 2 year old like I do, “Say haloh to my little frien’”. LOVE this stuff. And it’s a pencil that I have “hooked up” to my lip gloss. Can’t go wrong- they wedge right in that skinny little pocket in the diaper bag.

Application tip: if you need a LOT of coverage, ‘draw’ right on your areas and tap/smudge until it disappears into your skin. If you just need a little, draw a little bit on your RING finger and apply that way. The ring finger is the most seldom used finger on the hand, therefore the best for applying to the face- it’s less callused, and tends to be the cleanest.

The drug store favorite for me- Revlon New Complexion concealer.

2- mark. Good Glowing powder blush (appx $6.00 meetmark.com). Golden Glo and After Glo are the ones I use the most… and does well across the board with skin tones. Option- Jane mineral blush- I’ve used this on photoshoots. Colors do well across skin tones too. Also apply blush/bronzer in the crease of your eyelid. Instant eye shadow!

3- Physician’s Formula Lash in a Tube. Has been and always will be my favorite. Bad Gal Lash by Benefit was my favorite until I couldn’t afford it anymore. This product does the SAME thing, without the huge-gantic brush gimmick (yes, Benefit was the first!)… for summer, stick with the waterproof. Sweat or jumping into a pool will have you all Tammy-Fayed out. Not pretty!

4- Lip Gloss. No real recommendation on this one. I wouldn’t go too frosty on it, or you look too 60′s B-Movie Sci-Fi queen… just a little sheen, and stick to whatever looks closest to your bare lips… so you can do your lip gloss without looking in a mirror (especially in traffic!)

Next week- I get my eyebrows Threaded for the first time! It’s supposed to be less painful and longer lasting than plucking. We shall see!

Basic Skin Care: Prep Your Canvas!

The biggest thing about makeup isn’t the actual cosmetic itself- it’s what’s under it. You can put the best foundation on, but if your skin is bad, your makeup will look bad too.

But you don’t have to go to the spa weekly for beautiful skin- a few simple steps twice a day will help keep that canvas ready.

Skin Cleansers

First- get a good cleanser. Good doesn’t always mean strongest. Truly oily skin is not just oily through the t-zone (forehead, nose, sides of nose and chin), but the entire facial surface. Sometimes with foundation, your makeup will take on an orange-y tint or seem to disappear by midday. For this, you need good astringent properties. Proactiv is a popular choice, but I hear good things with Clean and Clear’s new line also. Problem with Proactiv- it dries your skin out the minute you stop taking it.

For Normal/Combo Skin - (shiny/oily in the t-zone, but no real “issues” through the cheeks), this is when things get easy. You pretty much have pick of the litter as far as what you can use.

For Sensitive Skin- things get tricky. It seems like everything you put on yours skin burns or itches. A favorite (of mine and dermatologists alike) is Cetaphyl. It’s a gentle, non-detergent cleanser that I also use at photoshoots to remove makeup between looks. Great at removing waterproof mascara as well.

Exfoliating

No real need to buy an exfoliator – your regular cleanser and a soft washcloth does the trick. Once or twice a week, use the cloth in circles around the face, paying attention to the creases in the nose, along the brow, and on the chin line.

Skin Toner

The jury is still out about toner. Some people, especially with oilier skin will need additional astringent, but the majority of us don’t need it… clean skin is clean skin- why add a step?

Skin Moisturizer

Please please please- if you have any intention of wearing makeup- moisturize! It’s the biggest thing I ask my brides to do when they want makeup on their special day… especially if the bachelorette party entailed many a cosmo!  Makeup will change color, cake and “glop” together if the skin is flaky and dry. You can even put a few drops of your regular foundation into your moisturizer to make your own tinted moisturizer. And a note: night/day creams are a myth. I just wouldn’t recommend wearing an spf moisturizer to bed. But it won’t melt your face off either… so use your own judgment.

Lip and Eye Treatments

And last, but just as important- don’t forget your lips! A good (and cheap) treatment for exfoliation- a dime-sized dollop of Vaseline with 1/8 tsp sugar. Mix together, and apply to the lips in a circular motion. Remove with a damp cloth.

For your eyes, if you don’t have wrinkles unless you’re squinting, a small little dab of Vaseline at the outside corners of your eyes takes care of that. For more pronounced lines, I really like Lacura in the pink tube… or Hope In A Tube by Philosophy (a bit pricey, but SO worth it!). If you have dark, pronounced circles (some of the East Indian heritage, pregnant darker skintones, etc), anything with vitamin K. I like Jason Naturals K Crème Plus. There are also a lot of off-brands at your local health food store… look in the beauty section.

Taking care of your skin will pay for itself in about 8 weeks. It’s where you should invest the most money- drug store makeup will (for the most part) look just as good as the most expensive, if the skin is right.

Next week, Summer Makeup! My favorite time of year (for makeup anyway), because it’s the one that I use the least product…

The other day I was going for a walk with my boys and I noticed a woman, about my age, chatting with a friend in her front yard. At 37, I’m no spring chicken, but when I digested what it was she was wearing and how she looked, I thought, gosh, I hope I never let myself look like that! Is that mean?

Listen, I’m not a fashionista, I like a bargain, but I appreciate style too. There is no reason why someone needs to let themselves go to the point of looking frumpy, dirty, dated and older than they should.

Hey, I’m not a size 4 anymore, and I accept this. It’s easy to let yourself fall into a slump when your trying to get into that ideal size again. It’s understandable why someone wouldn’t want to make an effort to update their wardrobe if they know they are losing weight…but you need to have enough respect for yourself to take care of yourself.

Here’s my theory. It’s a vicious circle. You feel fat, so you don’t buy new clothes. Then you look bad, so you feel miserable. Then you decide to have a snack to make yourself feel better. Oh and by the way, you skip working out because you’re too bummed because it’s not having any effect…so you still feel fat.

Break the cycle.

Go to Target or some store that offers trendier apparel at discount prices. Buy a few staples for the new season. A few tops, a couple of pants/shorts, and a dress or skirt. Definitely buy some shoes (no need to go cheap on these…feet don’t lose weight) and maybe a new purse too. H & M is a great place for what I call “disposable” clothes. After a season, they usually are ruined by stains or wear – so you can just get rid of them without the guilt associated with overspending.

Most importantly…buy your size. Buy clothes that fit, because even if they’re a size 14, you will always look better in your real size than if you try to squeeze your size 14 buns into a size 8. You’ll look like a muffin top/sausage…and that’s just not attractive no matter what.

Here’s the deal, you’ll feel better if you try my suggestions above. The funny thing is that when you feel better about yourself, you take better care of yourself. So, you might actually watch what you eat with a little ease and lose a few pounds to boot. Also, people will notice and give you positive reinforcement that in turn which make you feel even better.

One note, get rid of any granny panties and buy something cute as well as a proper fitting cute bra. You need to feel good about yourself all over. Good luck.  Renee

Sweatpants sign by Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com. Fashion don’t models photo by I See Modern Britain.

How to look beautiful is a fun subject for moms, especially when you can vamp up your looks without using lots of chemical filled beauty products on your hair and skin.

I’ve been on the lookout for a new natural hair conditioner treatment to try for some time, so I’m anxious to try a honey rinse recipe that they describe in the beauty tips article.

Here is one of the coolest natural beauty tips from the list- a natural way to whiten your teeth:

“Brighten your smile with strawberries & baking soda. First mash a fresh strawberry and add a tsp of baking soda. Spread on toothbrush & rub strawberry mash onto teeth. Leave for a couple minutes then brush teeth clean. Because the fruit is naturally acidic, don’t use this method more than once a week to protect your teeth from damage.” 

Read the rest of the article here: 12 Simple Beauty Hacks From The Kitchen    [Mommy Style]

Photo by BdwayDiva1.

Mandee is holding their StyleStar contest, perfect for your teens (or yourself).  The winner not only gets a $250 shopping spree, but also wins a modeling photo shoot at Mandee this June. 

To Enter:

You simply model your favorite Mandee outfit, and have someone snap a few photos of you.  Submit your photo by email at stylestar(at)Mandee.com, along with a description of how much your outfit cost and why you think it’s the best. 

Hurry to enter, because this contest ends tomorrow, 5/15/09.  Get more details at Mandee.com.

You need to know how to look beautiful without a lot of fuss and without spending a lot of time or money.  These simple tips will help you keep up with the current trends and look beautiful as a mom, without actually spending much time as you expect.

9 Tips for How to Look Beautiful as a Mom

1.  Take up simple and natural ways of beautifying your skin at home. Some home beauty remedies are:

• Use grapefruit before applying moisturizer to your skin.
• Mix honey, egg white and lemon juice and apply to you skin as a mask.  Allow to sit for a while, before washing it off.
• Use jojoba oil to soften and moisturize your skin.

2.  Choose the right clothes.  If you have just finished a pregnancy, you will still need to wait until you are back in shape to wear your pre-pregnancy clothes.

Until then, wear clothes which suit your body structure, and avoid the body hugging ones. Learn to cover up the unshapely parts of your body with flowing and longer tops over pants.  Make sure to include structured clothes to give your body the shape you want.  For help making good choices on mom clothes, read 8 Quick Rules to Grow Up Your Wardrobe.

3.  Take time to shop once in a while. Don’t shop in a hurry, like in your earlier days. Carefully pick and try on outfits which fit well.  If possible, go clothes shopping without the kids so you can focus and make good clothing decisions without being distracted.

4.  Get your nails and hair done from time to time. If these aspects are taken care of, you will automatically look groomed.  Both of these tasks are easy beauty DIYs you can do yourself at home without spending much at all.

5.  Rethink your hair length and stop cutting it short.  Many moms cut their hair short to make maintenance easier.  However, if your face has become round and full due to previous pregnancies and weight gain, then avoid short hair dos.  These will only emphasize the extra weight you’re still carrying. 

Instead, go for long or shoulder length hair. (You can still pull it back into a ponytail or hairclip when you need to.) Also use a side parting of the hair, rather than middle parts, so that your face looks long and slim.

6.  Buy stylish yet comfortable shoes. No matter how much you may have loved them before having children, you will not be able to wear high heels during most of or immediately after your pregnancy. So go for flat or shoes with comfortable heels, which have attractive designs.  You can find stylish shoes that will also be comfortable for walking or spending lots of time on your feet.

7.  Add dresses to your wardrobe. Dresses are great for the warmer months, and also will look good on you, even if you on the plumper side now.  They can camouflage a lot of what you don’t want seen as you work on your trouble spots.  Dresses are easy wardrobe additions that always let you look put together.

8.  Team up your outfits with complementary jewelry. Jewelry gives a completely different and stylish look to your outfit on the whole. You can consider using bracelets, long earrings and stylish pendants.

9.  If you work demands you to wear professional clothes, avoid suits. Try mixing and matching using jackets and skirts or pants in different combinations to add variety and break out of the boring “suit” look.

These 9 tips about how to look beautiful as a mom will help you get your fashion and upkeep back in check, even if you’ve been slipping since having children.  The more thought you put into how you look, the better you’ll feel, leaving you a happier mommy and wife.  Are you tired in the mornings, but still want to look great?  Learn how to look beautiful even on little sleep in Don’t Look Like a Tired Mom: 13 Quick Mini Makeovers.

Photos by nathalielaure (top) and spaceodissey (bottom).

Spring is in the air, and the warmer weather can definitely bring on cravings for a spring wardrobe update. We want to pack away the heavy, bulky fabrics from winter and dark, jewel tone colors. It’s time to give your closet a little makeover by filling it with lightweight fabrics, tender prints, and bright, spring colors.  Ready to update your wardrobe for spring?

Since we know budgets are on all of our minds right now, we’re bringing you 7 thrifty tips to spruce up your wardrobe for the change of season without spending a fortune. Our tips will have your daily outfits looking like you got a whole new wardrobe, even though you’ll really only be spending money on key pieces to pull this off.

7 Thrifty Tips to Update Your Wardrobe for Spring

1. Add in spring accessories to create the illusion of a bigger wardrobe. You’ll spend much less on accessories than on all new clothes, but the brighter colors will let you create new outfits. Choose bright colored headbands, purses, cell phone/ Blackberry/iPhone covers, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Having bright punches of color coordinated together will make an existing outfit look new and springy. Make sure the color is balanced and evenly spread, such as a headband with a matching purse, or a necklace with splashy bracelets.

2. Switch out 2 black or dark long-sleeved tops for bright vibrantly colored tops. These new tops should be in lightweight fabrics and saturated colors- think fuschia, teal, and coral. Stick with solid colors so they can be accessorized to add variety. These stand-alone shirts shouldn’t set you back too much, just look for inexpensive tops that can be worn alone or in layers.

3. Scarves. Scarves are the ultimate budget fashion accessory that can play many different roles in a modern wardrobe. They can be tied through belt loops to add a spring look to jeans, pants or capris. Scarves can also be worn on your head for the ultimate vacation look. Here’s a tutorial on how to tie a scarf in 3 different ways.

4. Get a few pairs of springy fashion shoes at budget stores, like Payless or Walmart. These inexpensive shoes will add an update to any existing outfit and are usually modeled after the season’s hottest styles. You’ll be trendy without spending a fortune while switching out old winter shoes and boots for spring sandals and hot heels in juicy colors.

5. Buy 2-3 tanks in summer colors to replace shells under jackets and sweaters. Thrift stores and vintage stores are great places to find awesome tanks at a budget price. Rich spring colors and must-have patterns are the key here. The perfect tanks will be able to be worn under jackets for professional daywear or on weekends with shorts, jeans or skirts in casual outfits.

6. Find 1-2 designer pieces at a rack store, outlet store, or department store sale that are high quality and marked down. Not all your wardrobe update pieces have to come from second hand or discount stores. If you’re dying for designer pieces, don’t deny yourself, but don’t go overboard. Choose only 1 or 2 pieces that are very versatile and have high quality construction (meaning they’ll last more than one season). Only add pieces that are not too trendy so they can be used again next year. Check rack stores and eBay first to see if you can score your favorite designer brands at a better price.

7. Opt for skirts in lightweight fabrics instead of shorts. Shorts are cute and can be tempting, but buy skirts instead. Skirts will be able to transition to fall/winter by dressing up with a denim jacket or turtleneck sweater and tights, getting you more wardrobe mileage for your money.

By using these strategies and looking for key pieces to transition your look, you can update your closet for spring without breaking the bank on a whole new wardrobe! Find more beauty and fashion tips and tricks, including 8 Quick Rules to Grow Up Your Wardrobe  and Don’t Look Like a Tired Mom: 13 Quick Mini Makeovers.

Neck scarf photo by Mickael Casol.  Headband photo by yarnovermovement.

“Help!  I Have No Style…”

It can be hard to transition from highschool student to college student to young newlywed to career woman to mommy on the go.  Many women’s closets are still harboring pieces of clothing from each time period, including many too-young pieces that don’t fit properly anymore, are out of style, or are just plain too young.  If your closet looks like a mishmash of a tween/teen closet, a college grunge collection and a mom trying to figure out what her style is, this guide is for you!

When you look good, you feel good.  The manner in which you package yourself often times dictates if you will be taken seriously and treated accordingly.  We want to feel modern, in control, and productive when transitioning from carpool to work to errands to dinner preparation.  Trying to dress in too-young clothes can age a woman and leave the impression of an older person trying (unsuccessfully) to look young.  Shapeless, oversized or overly-casual clothes (pajamas and workout clothes) will make you look like a harried, tired, overwhelmed woman who just can’t keep up with life.  If you need to break out of the “tired mom” rut, read Don’t Look Like a Tired Mom: 13 Quick Mini Makeovers.

Creating a new identity with a new clothing style is possible, even with little time for shopping and a small budget.  Clothes that look great can cost the same or less than clothes that look inappropriate or unflattering.  We all know that the right clothes can make or break the woman in terms of how she is seen by others, and in turn how she is seen by herself.  With this in mind, choose to make time for yourself and make your style makeover a priority.  Transform your wardrobe into a powerful tool that works FOR you, not against you!  You’ll look good, you’ll feel good, and your clothes will let the world know to take you seriously.  Use these 8 quick rules to start growing up your wardrobe and finding your own personal style right now:

8 Quick Rules to Grow Up Your Wardrobe

1.  Cut out the cartoons.  Throw out all clothing with pictures of cartoon characters, even if it was purchased as a souvenir.  (If you have a hard time parting with clothes, especially souvenirs, read Declutter Your Closet: Why is it So Hard to Let Go of Clothes?)  Nothing says junior high like a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt.  Keep your favorite characters in your kids’ rooms, NOT on your clothes.

2.  Stick with solid colored socks.  Socks with crazy heart prints, ducky designs and fuzzy pom poms may look cute on a 6 year old, but are not appropriate on an adult woman who wants to be taken seriously!  Stick with solid basic colors such as black, white, grey, beige, and chocolate brown that match with a variety of outfits.

3.  Trade in hoodies (hooded sweatshirts) for jackets.  Whether you’re hooked on childish hoodies or big baggy sweatshirts, there are plenty of other ways to stay warm and layer your clothing.  Jackets are easy to throw on over a top with pants or jeans and instantly add a put-together look.

Just Say NO to childish hoodies and shapeless sweatshirts:

Just say YES to fitted jackets, blazers and coats:

4.  Say goodbye to sweat pants, track pants and workout pants.  Put the sweat pants in a box in the garage – reserved only for wearing while CLEANING out the GARAGE!  Sweats are sloppy and unflattering on every figure, and workout pants should only be worn – you guessed it – while working out.  Opt for a stretchy wash-and-wear pair of khakis or straight-legged dark wash jeans for a sophisticated, modern look.  Remember that regular pants take the same 2 minutes to put on that sweats do, but look worlds better!

5.  Donate all your tee-shirts and shapeless tops (hint: they look like rectangles with arms when placed flat on the bed).  Shapeless, boxy shirts not only add the illusion of carrying extra pounds, but also look very young since many are designed for the yet-shapeless tween/teen body.

6.  Choose fitted shirts that add shape to your body.  Tops don’t have to be clingy to fit right – choose a top with structure to accentuate your figure while camouflaging any extra weight around the midsection that you don’t want seen.  As seen in the photos below, choose styles that emphasize a small bust with shirring, create the visual of a small waist with horizontal seaming, have banded necklines on sophisticated tanks, and create a feminine look with draped necklines.

Don’t pick this young boxy style:   

Choose tops similar to these flattering styles:

Non-athletic sneakers come in all different colors and are meant for running errands in, not for running a marathon!  These shoes are a great alternative to dirty sneakers in your new fashionable wardrobe for a hip mommy-on-the-go.

8.  Jeans with holes are for teens.  Distressed does not mean the same thing as ripped!  Holey jeans contribute to a very young and overly-casual look.  Jeans can look worn, weathered, and distressed straight off the rack without having holes in them.  Opt for dark colored jeans that are still in one piece when you purchase them, and leave the holey jeans for the teens.

Choosing the right clothes that project you as a capable superwoman is easy when you grow up your wardrobe.  Use the 8 quick rules above to start making over your closet and developing your new style today! 

Editor’s Note: If you are visiting us from StumbleUpon today, welcome! Check out our Beginner’s Guide for a tour of Home Ever After.  

Don’t Look Like a Tired Mom!

Of course you’re tired – running a household with children is tiring work!  We’ve all seen tired moms dropping off their kids at school in morning, desperately clutching a cup of coffee as if it’s their last bastion of hope… And we can all probably admit that we have been that tired mom on one occasion or another! 

Being a mom often means we sacrifice a lot of things (sleep being one of them) just to get it all done, and while we know we need to take more time for ourselves, we also know that sometimes morning is still going to come a little too early.  Just because you are tired doesn’t mean you have to look tired. Here are 13 surefire ways to wake up your look when your energy levels are less than full.

13 Quick Mom Makeovers to Take You from Tired to Terrific!

1.  Drink more water. Hydrating your body is a sure fire way to look and feel better almost instantly.  Another great way to use water for a quick pick-me-up is to fill a spray bottle with water, turn the dial to “mist”, and give your face a quick spritz of water.

2.  Moisturize. Short on time in the morning?  Never skip applying a facial moisturizer with sunscreen.  The moisture in your skin will instantly make you look more awake (and protect your skin at the same time).

3.  Brighten. Use a light colored shimmery eyeshadow or cream to brighten eyes.  We’re talking white, ivory, or light beige.  Light eyeshadows instantly brighten up the face, making you look more alert.

4.  Concealer. Dark under eye circles are a tell-tale sign of not getting your Zs.   Nothing hides circles like a good under eye concealer, which takes only 30 seconds of your busy morning to apply.

5.  Do not wear pajamas out of the house! There is no more effective way to look like you’re still sleeping than to actually wear your pajamas in public!  Please, please, please: take the extra 2 minutes and throw on a shirt and pants.

6.  Add white shimmer under arches. You can perform this great trick on the go – even sitting in traffic.  Dab a shimmery white lip gloss under the arches of your eyebrows and rub in.  The bright color beneath the arch instantly draws the eye upward, causing onlookers to focus on the line of your eyebrow, not the tired eyes below.

7.  Wear lipstick. A powerful punch of color can wake up a tired face when you don’t have a lot of time to get ready.  Stick with a neutral color that’s not too dark, slick on one coat and you’re good to go.  Instead of touching up lipstick throughout the day, keep a chapstick handy to keep lips moisturized and shiny. (Wearing bold lipstick and large sunglasses, no one will know you’re not a celebrity mom today!)

8.  Wear clothes that fit. Clothing that fits and flatters your figure will make you look more put together instead of looking like you just rolled out of bed.  Ditch the baggy tees and sweat pants.  It takes just as long to put on a top and pants that fit your body and look great as it does to put on shapeless lounge wear!

9.  Exfoliate. Use a facial scrub before bed to save time in the morning.  Slough away those dead, dull skin cells to reveal fresh rejuvenated skin.

10.  Self tanner. Self tanning moisturizers are a convenient way to give your skin a little pick me up.  A healthy tan gives you a rested look and can hide dark circles when you haven’t gotten enough sleep.  Try applying a self-tanning moisturizer before bed for a hint of tan by morning.

11.  Put on earrings. Small details get left out when time is limited, and therefore are a surefire way to look more awake and put together.  Large hoops will draw the eyes away from sleepy features, while small diamonds or other gems will add sparkle to your face.

12.  Eye drops. Visine or other eye drops can help to eliminate eye redness caused from sleep deprivation.  Lack of sleep can cause the blood vessels in your eyes to pump more blood than usual, making them larger and the whites of your eyes seem red and “bloodshot”. The tetrahydrozoline HCl found in eye drops is a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it shrinks these blood vessels, giving you back your normal white eyes.  Keep eye drops in the refrigerator for a cool pick-me-up.

13.  Cold water rinse. If all else fails, quickly rinse your face with very cold water.  The cold temperature causes the pores to constrict, delivering the appearance of smoother skin and an instantly awake face.

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Eye photo by Flickr’s darkpatator.