Hot Mamas

Style After Baby: Hot Mama Heather

by  • 1 October, 2012 • 2 Comments

Heather is proof that you can still have style after having a baby. She was featured here when she was expecting her first child. Now that she is a working mom, she hasn’t let this life change get in the way of being fabulous!

 

Heather shares her style after baby tips:

Having a baby really can and does change everything – your priorities, daily routine, body type, etc. So while it may have  changed some, maintaining your style can help boost your confidence and help you feel connected to your pre-baby self.

It can be disheartening when your pre-baby size doesn’t quite do the trick anymore. But fit plays a big part in looking pulled together so don’t be afraid to part with a piece that no longer flatters your figure or size up when purchasing new things. You may not like the number, but you’ll look – and feel – so much better if your wardrobe fits you properly. I also suggest getting re-measured to learn your new bra size and invest in a great body shaper (i.e. Spanx). You want to be comfortable and appropriate whether you’re at work or scooting around on the floor with your little one.

Get Heather’s look:

Striped Shirt, Tan Skirt, Heart Necklace, Tan Pumps, Tan Belt

Doesn’t she look wonderful?

Moms, please share. What are your style tips post baby?

J9

Hot Mamas: Brett

by  • 2 April, 2012 • 6 Comments

Brett is a working mom with two boys. She also runs her own monogramming business and manages a personal fashion blog called Silvergirl. I love Brett’s unique style and sense of humor, and outlook on life.

How do you describe your sense of personal style?

I think my sense of style is relaxed, casual with a bit of surprise or whimsy.I like to mix very casual with a bit of drama or some unexpected pop.
What are your style tips for moms?
Since my boys are basically young adults now, I would like to pass on my mommie wisdom…
I will tell you from experience, you need to get really dressed a couple times a week, especially you mom’s of little ones. Don’t lose yourself and only focus on the kids. Wear comfortable, but fashionable clothing.  You don’t need to spend a lot to look cute!   People always talk about dressing younger than your age, but I find many moms end up dressing older than their age. Have fun with your clothes and don’t worry that you are not the size you were before kids, you can look great at any size! Wear clothes that fit your body and colors that flatter your skin tone. It’s the confidence and joy that you exude that makes the outfit!!
Thanks Brett for your helpful tips!
J9

Hot Mamas: Ying

by  • 19 March, 2012 • 5 Comments

Meet Ying from My Dressy Ways. Ying is a full-time professional, mom and fashion blogger. Though her life is sometimes hectic, she always manages to look fabulous!

How do you describe your personal sense of style?

My style is lady-like and classic with a touch of trendy.

What are your style tips for moms?

My style has definitely evolved since I became a mom but part of that is due to age and profession too. It takes some effort to be a ‘stylish mom’ but knowing what kind of pieces and styles you like helps too. That’s why I read blogs that have styles similar to mine, I get so many creative ideas from other bloggers! My mommy-mode ‘uniform’ is a pair of skinny jeans with stretch (the $10.50 pair from F21 are my favorite) and a loose fitting but stylish top. If you’re wearing flats, cuff the jeans up and show some ankle – it instantly ups the chic factor. Buy tops in bold colors, trendy prints and classic prints like polka dots and stripes. You can throw on a fun top without much thought and look like you made an effort. (That’s my BIG secret.) If you HAVE to stick to black and gray, pick pieces with embellishments like ruffles, pleats, or sequins. Keep the jewelry minimal but special – small earrings (think pearl or rhinestone studs) and a statement ring is all you need. Bracelets and long necklaces can get in the way if you have to pick up or carry your child. If you see a pretty dress, GET IT and save it for date night which you should definitely make time for as well.

Thanks Ying for the tips!

Are you a Hot Mama? Send me your style tips @j9styleblog@yahoo.com or leave a comment below.

J9

Hot Mama: Heather from H&K Style Journey

by  • 6 November, 2011 • 6 Comments

Heather must be a hot name because here is my third Hot Mama named Heather. Heather is not only a mommy fashionista but is also the author of H&K Style Journey where she posts amazing outfits that she shares with her daughter. Read her style story:

Thank you to J9 for asking me to be included in her Hot Mamas feature! I am Heather with H and K Style Journey. I share a blog with my 16 year old daughter Kayla. We started our blog as a way to share a hobby and to spend time together. It’s been a lot of fun so far sharing the love of fashion with my daughter! I also have a beautiful 6 year old daughter whose blog name is Miss M. She is our budding fashionista and sometimes makes appearances on the blog with us.

How would you describe your sense of personal style?

My style is always evolving and changing, but I think that I tend to lean toward classic styles, but add a bit of fun and trendy edge to them. I really love a good pencil skirt, heels, or a dress, but then I also love my skinny jeans, leather jacket and boots.

What are your style tips for moms?

My tip for moms is to be comfortable and to feel confident! When I am at home or out with my girls, I like to dress comfortable, but love to add lots of color for a playful look. Sometimes as moms we forget to take care of ourselves. It’s important that if we look and feel good, we can be better mothers to our children. Even when I am not feeling my best, I always like to try and put a little bit of effort in my outfits and if all else fails, wear some lipstick!

Are you a Hot Mama? Send me your info to j9styleblog@yahoo.com to be featured!

J9

Hot Mama-To-Be: Heather

by  • 1 November, 2011 • 5 Comments

I have another friend Heather who is expecting her first baby in January. Heather has a great sense of style and she doesn’t let pregnancy get in her way of great outfits! She may be expecting and named Heather, but her sense of style is very authentic and different from the previous mommy-to-be.

Work Outfit:

Non-maternity tunic: Forever 21

Black maternity leggings: Liz Lange for Target ($8 for a 2-pack of black and brown)

Snakeskin heels: H&M

Flower pendant necklace: Charlotte Russe

Casual Outfit:

Maxi dress: Motherhood Maternity ($34.99 on sale)

Cardigan: Forever 21

Beaded necklace: Forever 21

Platform wedges: Old Navy

How would you describe your personal sense of style?

I would describe my sense of style as classic with a few nods at the latest trends to mix things up and stay current. I can appreciate most fashion trends, but I certainly interpret them for my lifestyle and what I think is wearable for the everyday girl.

What is your style advice for mommys-to-be?

I would suggest to other new moms to not limit themselves to what they will find in maternity stores and maternity sections. It’s not only expensive, but the selection is also really limited. Instead, branch out to your old shopping haunts to see if you can buy up in size or look for things that are “bump” friendly like tunics and oversized sweaters. Borrow staple items from friend who have been there before you and don’t forget to shop second-hand stores like Once Upon a Child. For what I would have paid for one pair of jeans at a maternity store, I bought two pairs of work pants and a pair of jeans that are not only in great shape, but very stylish. I was so excited to get clothing that would make me feel great, but also on the cheap! A great value for items that will only be worn for a relatively short time.

As far as footwear goes, I feel really fortunate that flats are so “in” right now as there are a lot of styles to choose from. Flats are a definite lifesaver if you are on your feet a lot or are experiencing a lot of back pain. But a lower heel or a wedge can be just as comfortable (and safe) if you don’t have to do a lot of standing or walking and are careful to watch your step.

Aren’t the moms-to-be Heathers hot? What maternity style tips do you have?

J9

Hot Mama: Heather’s Baby Shower

by  • 23 October, 2011 • 8 Comments

Hot Mama/Outfits on the Cheap Combo: I was honored to throw my best friend a shower for her first baby! Here we are in our shower outfits. Heather is proof that you can still look fabulous even when carrying a baby.

My Outfit:

Dress: $19.99, Ross

Earrings$ 3.90, Body Central

Shoes: $14, Delicious from Ross

Total Outfit: $37.89

Heather:

The flamingo dress is from my favorite ‘splurge’ store Anthropologie and so are the shoes. These were not purchased during pregnancy but for another event I had over a year ago.

Dress and Slip: $80 Anthropologie

Purple Earrings: $7, Boutique

Shoes: $40, Anthropologie

Total Outfit: $127

Heather’s style advice for first time pregnancies:

A lot of first-time maternity shoppers think that when you get pregnant you automatically need to go to a maternity store and buy a muumuu in a pattern you don’t like. Just because you are pregnant does not mean you have to lose YOUR unique sense of style. Many items in women’s retail stores can act as maternity clothes. The flamingo dress for example is not a maternity item. Look for items with high waist bands. Buy dresses a bit longer. Purchase the next size up in fitted shirts or look for shirts that have rouching. If you are thinking about getting pregnant keep these tips in mind prior to conceiving. When you look at your existing wardrobe at least 25% of it can be worn throughout your pregnancy. Mix and match maternity with non-maternity items. I typically wear non-maternity shirts with maternity pants or vice versa. I went to a consignment shop and bought staple brand name maternity pants for $10 each–brown, khaki and black pants as well as a pair of jeans. I also highly recommend purchasing belly bands and other pant extenders that will keep you in your regular pants at long as possible. Also leggings are a pregnant women’s best friend. I have not spent more than $300 on maternity clothes during my entire pregnancy while still dressing up to the same standards and style that I had pre-pregnancy.

Do you have any maternity style tips? Tell us!

J9

Hot Mamas- Korri

by  • 20 June, 2011 • 1 Comment

With a demanding Marketing Director position and two young boys (one less than a year old), to say Korri is merely busy is an understatement. Despite her hectic life, Korri manages to maintain her own sense of style! Her one challenge is time. To save on time, she spends a lot of money on outfits and although she always looks fabulous, building your wardrobe this way can get expensive. Korri had an industry event with a gala dinner as well as an important business meeting,  so I stepped in to help style her.

Business Meeting:

Dress: $29.99, London Times from Ross (FUN item)

Nude Pumps: $39.99, JC Penney (STAPLE item)

Bracelet: She already had and got from a boutique for around $4 (FUN item)

Total Outfit: $73.98

Industry Gala Dinner:

Red Dress: $27.99, London Times from Ross (FUN item)

Nude Pumps: Same as above

Bracelet: Already had and purchased at the same boutique for $5 (FUN item)

Total Outfit: $32.99

Korri describes her sense of style as feminine, classic and romantic and one of her favorite style icons is Jackie O. Her advice to other moms is that even though children change your life, it doesn’t mean they have to take it over completely. “Though my life is crazy, when I have my hair and makeup done and I really like my outfit, I feel complete.”  mentions Korri. It’s okay to take time out for yourself to express your sense of style and to be happy . The happier you are, the better mom you will be.

Are you a Hot Mama? Or, do you need style help? If so, contact J9 at j9styleblog@yahoo.com

Hot Mamas- Shanon

by  • 26 May, 2011 • 2 Comments

In my new segment, Hot Mamas, I feature real life moms who have a great sense of style. Having children changes your life and creating cute outfits can be more challenging, but there are no mom jeans for these moms! Shanon is a mother of a one year old son who keeps her going non-stop. Here are her favorite outfits and style tips for moms.

 

Occasion: Cousin’s college graduation

Blue Dress: $59.99, Dressed Boutique in Deland, FL (was in a pinch because she forget her dress, but it turned out great!) 

Black bracelets & watch: Gifts

Earrings: $2.99, Forever 21

Nude Kitten Heals: $21.99, on sale at Macy’s

Shanon loves this dress because it’s great for all seasons and you can dress it up like shown here or wear it casual with sandals. It’s very comfortable and easy for a busy mom who can just slip on one piece..It’s also flattering for the figure.

  

Here is one of Shanon’s favorite go-to casual outfits.   She loves wearing white pants and tanks because they are super comfortable and great for Summer.

Shanon’s Style Tips:

“I would say my personal style is comfortable clothes that work to enhance my body type. I often try to look for clothes that are not too trendy and that I can get by wearing many times. I love to wear accessories as much as possible and the one item that I cannot leave home without are my earrings. If I had the afternoon to myself (without a baby on my hip!), you would find me thrift store shopping or at Anthropologie, scooping up scarves or fun dresses.

For other moms, I would advise to wear what you feel comfortable and confident in! A smile looks great on every body! My sense of style has not changed that much since I have become a mom, I mean, I am not wearing any mid-drift showing blouses anymore that is for sure! I do try to stay away from items that are very trendy because I am not able to shop as much as I would like to anymore. I also try to buy items that are of good quality and will not be ruined after twice in the wash. Becoming a mom makes you think about those things! ;) “
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Are you a Hot Mama? If so, send your style tips and pics of your favorite outfits to j9styleblog@yahoo.com  to be featured on this blog!
J9