Makeover Momma

Makeover Momma™ Rating: C

Why:

               We at Makeover Momma™ admit that we often feel jealous of our baby’s cute and cuddly romper-ridden wardrobes, which generally consist of loose fit cotton (and a significant lack of control panels or corseted waistlines). If only mothers could dress as free and relaxed as our children…or can we? Fashion maven Sarah Jessica Parker was recently spotted sporting the current trend of adult rompers, which look equally comfortable as they are risky.

                Although we love the comfort factor for grown women (no tight waistlines, no skinny jean restriction, no visible panty lines of any kind), very few momma’s can truly pull of this trend. To begin with, this style generally looks best on the very petite, should not be worn extremely tight (we are not J.Lo circa 90’s) and has to be accessorized flawlessly at risk of looking messy. To avoid a janitor aesthetic, try choosing rompers that hit a few inches above the knee (save the long style for S.J.P), are loose fitting in the waist and hips, and pair with feminine accents like delicate flat sandals, pretty jewelry or a soft tank top underneath.

                Naomi Watts is (rumored to be) pregnant with her second child, but this adorable outfit she donned while holding first child Alexander is going down in flattering, comfortable history. Naomi dons a loose, lengthening top (perfect for hiding post-partum tummy), with a delicate cardigan, flawless fit jeans, and a soft scarf to pull it all together.

            Try achieving a similar style to Naomi (with 1/2 the price tag) by combining a comfortable, cinched top like this Sheer Lace Tunic from Forever 21 ($19), with casual slim fitting jeans like SO Slim Jeans from Kohl’s ($14). It’s the relaxed and chic accessories that really pull this look together, so make sure to choose a soft cardigan similar to Wet Seal’s Rib Inset Cardigan ($18), and a dramatically draped scarf like Rue 21’s Dip Dye Scarf ($5) for flare. You will be able to tote babies, diapers bags and groceries in no time, while looking comfortable and classically casual.

                Christina Aguilera is not only a busy mother to new son Max, but she has also mastered the art of flattering post-partum curves. Instead of hiding or contorting her new shape, she creates the appearance of lean legs with dark-wash sleek denim, while elongating her torso in layered tops that hit at the hips. This long and layered look is ideal for new mothers who want comfort and style, while the dose of leather from her cropped jacket adds a hint of rocker to the ensemble.

Get The Look:

Jeans:  Flatter and control curves with bootcut jeans like NY & Company’s Curvy SoHo jeans which have some stretch.

Longer Top: Create elongated layers with a hip-length tank top (like a No Boundaries Skinny Layering tank) and a loose waist-length tank (like this grey No Boundaries Trapeze Top), both from Wal-Mart.

Jacket: Add a good dose of androgyny to this masculine-but-femme ensemble with a comfortable leather jacket, like Forever 21’s Bomber Jacket.

Have a celeb momma fashion that you love, and want to know how to get it on a budget? Let us know, and we will help!

NO BRAINER OUTFIT: loose classic shift dress + dainty kitten heels + bold accessories

WHY THIS WORKS: A mini shift dress can conceal post-partum pudge (whether real, imagined or hormone induced), while showing off a woman’s most flattering assets (long neck and even longer legs.) Try choosing a style that is classic in shape and structure (ie. zero cling factor) so that you can relax and feel sexy (nursing bra be damned!) Take this look from dumpy to darling by adding supportive kitten heels and daring accessories (like stacked bangle bracelets, a bold necklace or long colorful earrings.)

LESSON LEARNED: No matter your size or shape, add this comfy shift to your “in-a-moments-notice” motherly wardrobe…and you can dress it down or up however needed.

UNFLATTERING FAUX PAS:

Even though it may come in handy to have (what men charmingly refer to as) “child bearing hips” when delivering a baby…it may not seem quite as handy when dressing post-partum. Have confidence in those curves with well-placed outfits and proportional clothing.

FIGURE FLATTERY FIX:

Instead of hiding your curves after baby, simply learn the three keys to highlighting those beautiful womanly hips: 1) Accentuate a small waist or shoulders to create proportion, 2) balance hips with a wider cut in either pants or skirt, and 3) wear a flattering color, cinched waistline or something that makes you feel sexy.

1. A top with balance: Aim for a top or shirt with wider cut shoulders, ruffles on top or a dramatic neckline. Balancing out small shoulders to hips will create leaner proportions and balance overall.

TRY: Layered Puff Sleeve Top for Wet Seal

2. A cinched belt or waistline: Nipping your top or dress at the waist creates an hourglass figure, which is enviable to anyone. Try a soft belt with light stretch so that you can flatter your figure, while still being comfortable after baby.

TRY: City Style Wide Stretch Belt from NY&Company

3. A wide cut bottom: Choose an A-line skirt or wider cut trousers to balance out hips. Although it seem counterproductive to wear wider clothing on your widest area, clothing with slight give and structure is better than tight, stretchy items.

TRY:Victoria’s Secret Linen Drawstring Skirt

Fashion Fix Prices:

· Balancing Bold Top — 18.50

· Stretchy Belt — 13.96

· A-line or wide skirt — 29.50

Motherhood is hurried and harried enough, without throwing constant wardrobe malfunctions and fashion faux pas into the mix. This week, Makeover Momma is giving you a 10 second recommendation for timeless fashion, for moments when you have everything but time.

Speedy Fashion Spotlight: Embrace newfound curves and cleavage post-partum by throwing on a saucy summer dress when you’re in a hurry. Try choosing a dress that has…

a) An empire waist cut to hide post-baby pooch

 b) A flattering neckline with spaghetti straps or halter neckline (to flatter upper body)

 c) A control top that can easily conceal a nursing bra and keep curves in their place

 d) An eye-popping color that makes you feel gorgeous.

BUY IT: Try choosing well made and affordable options such as the Cladise Abstract Dress or Tropical Lily Dress from Forever 21 (each about $22.)

ADMIRE IT: As seen doubly on new-mother and body conscious starlet Halle Berry.

Makeover Momma™ Rating: D

Why:

                We at Makeover Momma™ feel that every mother should be empowered and confident to flaunt their newfound curves, wear their favorite clothes and discover new forms of fashion as new mothers. However, we also advocate wearing sensible trends, and although tube tops may be stylish and flattering on some…they can be a disaster waiting to happen on others.

                Even trend-setting Gwen Stefani (seen here with young son Kingston) may not understand the hazards of wearing a tube top with an infant or toddler.  Although Gwen thought ahead with a colorful and stylish bra- the odds of your child tugging or pulling on your shirt (for a variety of reasons) are higher than you might expect. One of the rules of new motherhood that can only be learned in time: “a strapless top doth not make style…it only makes for show and tell.” Try sewing a strap or ribbon to create a temporary halter effect (and less chance of flashing the grocery store while running errands.)

                Katie Holmes is one of Makeover Momma’s favorite classy fashion mavens, and a beautiful mother to boot. She was spotted sans daughter Suri, 2, sporting a sensible outfit for any post-partum lady. Wearing dark trouser jeans with a simple blouse and structured bag- she looked the epitome of casual and feminine. The jeans were slimming and flattering, the top perfect to hide after-baby pooch, and the purse a wonderful substitute for any diaper bag.

                Mimic Katie’s flawless style by combining a loose fitting top with a kerchief neckline like Wet Seal’s Pleated Tunic Top ($20), which can transition from day…to night…to breastfeeding…to bloating…to anything! Combine with trouser style jeans in a deep wash such as Forever 21 Wide Leg Denim Trouser ($27), sensible heels (to elongate legs), and hide un-concealed eye circles with coordinating sunglasses. Top the entire style off with a sturdy purse like Delia’s Madeleine Bag ($36), which comes in a color blocked pattern to accompany any outfit.

                Although new mother Jennifer Lopez may seem more like Jenny-with-a-crib than “Jenny from the Block” these days… her fashion sense is sharper then ever. Jennifer looked stunning recently in a professional and classic ensemble, despite a hectic lifestyle as mom to twins Max and Emme. Pairing a longer top with flattering (not too tight) jeans creates a lean shape, while the cropped pea coat helps conceal any post-baby padding.

Get The Look: Achieve Jennifer’s classic style with a summer spin and fraction of the cost…

Jacket: This Rampage Canvas Swing Jacket is just as cute, cropped, and flattering as J.Lo’s but with a summer friendly vibe.

Jeans:  Achieve the same relaxed feel with slimming, curve-friendly jeans that don’t show too much…Try Woman’s Classic Rise Bootcut from Old Navy in “The Sweetheart” Curvy fit.

Long Top: The Twelve By Twelve Luxe Waffle Knit Top comes in a soft cream color and is extra long and lean for a slimming look.

Have a celeb momma fashion that you love, and want to know how to get it on a budget? Let us know, and we will help!

            Every mother needs an arsenal of “no brainer outfits” in her closet, which she can turn to during harried mornings (practically every morning.) This month’s example of the No Brainer comes via super-busy-mom Angelina Jolie, who as a mother of four (soon-to-be five) exemplifies simple chic.

NO BRAINER OUTFIT: long flattering dress + comfortable chic sweater wrap + basic ballet flats + big sunglasses

WHY THIS WORKS: A long, empire-waist dress can conceal all sorts of newfound curves after having a baby, while flattering your most womanly assets (the décolletage.) It is elongating and comfortable, and made even more chic with a lengthy sweater or wrap. Ballet flats can take any outfit from cute to chic, and are a far better alternative to clogs or world-weary sandals. The entire look is pulled together with oversize sunglasses that expertly conceal the significant lack of concealer (or anything else you may need to hide.)

LESSON LEARNED: Add this to your closet of No Brainers, and be ready to throw it on at a seconds notice. You will be prepared and pretty!