I hope you  found some luck in finding some great outfits to help you look ten pounds slimmer with my last suggestion.  This second suggestion may sound simple but it can go wrong quite easily.  I’m going to suggest jeans but it’s very important that you follow these key points.

• Buy Stretch Jeans
• Dark colors look slimmer
• No pale or worn areas
• Wrinkles are never good

We have to admit that we aren’t teeny-boppers anymore and the days of laying on the bed with a hanger to zip up our skin tight Jordache jeans is well over. The key to looking chic is not to look stuffed into old jeans that we should have thrown out long ago.  Denim is such a stable in the American woman’s attire that you have to go out and treat yourself to the right pair.

Be sure they are not 100% cotton or many of the issues listed above are sure to come to haunt you.  Wear jeans that have a little stretch in the fabric.  It hugs the body closer without have the bunched up wrinkles at the groin. Now I know you know what I am talking about. lol Choose nice solid dark colored denim. It is not only slimming but you don’t want the worn or bleached out areas that draw the eye to your flaws. Choose a jean with a wider cut leg to draw and imaginary line from the hip to the cuff. Leave the skinny jeans to the bony girls. I hope these tips help you to find the perfect pair of jeans…  and don’t forget to get an extra pair once you do.

HUGS,  Hope

I have a secret to share. One of the premiere shops for elegant hosiery in the United States is available Online.  I have personally been a customer of their for 7 years. I can’t say enough good things about the stockings and how they make me feel when I am wearing them. Secrets In Lace is based in Virginia and has a private label that is sought after by the stars and some of the most famous people in the world.  The quality is beyond what you are normally used to seeing and the classic and “classy” style will make you feel like a different woman.

In 1997 they decided to make their  exclusive line available to those of us that weren’t fortunate enough to live nearby. They went online and have made these elegant stockings accessible to everyone. Let me tell you that when you feel these beauties for the first time you will enter a whole new realm.  The stockings feel like you are holding the gossamer wings of a fairy.  When you slide them up your legs your instantly feel sexy.

Secrets In Lace is more than just hosiery.  They have gorgeous lingerie such as garterbelts, girdles, bra, sleepware, slips and more.  Give yourself a treat and take a few minutes to see what they have and tell me you don’t agree.  I have always been a firm believer in nice undergarments. No matter what  you wear on top you feel like more put together when underneath your bra and panty match. I know you know what I’m saying.. lol  Their motto is Keep the Romance Alive ….  I say show yourself some love and do it for you.  Pamper yourself in luxury.

Hugs, Hope

So many stars and fashionistas are enjoying a new trend. The Statement Necklace and other Statement jewelry can be seen in all celebrity magzaines and websites. Fun clothes and over sized baubles are making a comeback. Bold and chunky can be worn without looking like your statement is, “I’m playing in mommy’s jewelry box” . My personal style still is to tone down even these large pieces. I’ve never been able to seriously wear the Wilma Flintstone sized “pearls” lol So, these necklaces from Forzieri.com are just right for my taste. They have large prices but are still held together by a classic sterling silver chain.

Poster girl from Fashion Trend Guide gave some great tips for How To Wear – The Statement Necklace. Her first two suggestions were right on target. She says to avoid mixing bold jewelry with prints and to make sure to keep the neckline simple. I think these are key. You don’t want to look like a cacophony of wild animal prints and yard sale finds. Make your necklace look classy by making them the main attraction. For more great tips from her see How To Wear – The Statement Necklace.

Still not sure what I’m talking about. Check out the Accessory Report at WhoWhatWeardaily.com for some examples of stars going bold.

Have fun!
Hope

If your recipient is only available via email then be sure to send an email of your own or make a phone call so you can say the Gift Coded Email Certificate is n it’s way. Anyway you look at it you are giving or getting what you want!! My daughter will be the first to pipe in and ask for gift certificates for anytime she has a present coming. What girl, no matter the age doesn’t like to shop?

I’ve put together some great stores and the links right to their gift certifiate options page to make it easy for you Enjoy!!

Hugs, Hope

Gift Certificate Mega page at Amazon.com

Gift Cards for Overstock.com

Gift Cards and E-Gift cards available at Catherines!

Fashion Bug has it all!

Give the gift of Shoebuy.com!

Gift Cards for Dream Jewelry and Designer Style at FORZIERI

Lane Bryant – The Fashion Leader in Women’s Plus size Clothing!

PETITE Sophisticate – A Brand Dedicated to Women 5′4″ and under size 14p.

Gift Cards for Payless ShoeSource Shoes for Women

Lingerie, Sleepware, Hosiery, and More at Figleaves.com

Designer Glasses, Handbags, Watches, Jewelry and more at FractionPrice.com

A great example are these cute tops above. All are T’s but each has a little added feature. One has beautiful romantic wording and added bling of foil florals. Another shows off a hot trend of layering t shirts plus the pretty and flattering asymmetrical print. Even without prints the third T shirt adds only a simple but gorgeous applique’ to the neclkline. It is simple and feminine. So it’s not just a tshirt anymore. It’s a fashion statement for even the busiest of moms. So, toss on those jeans and your new Fashionable T shirt and run out that door looking put together. Even if you are late and feel like screaming. No one needs to know. No more excuses for being drab.

Hugs, Hope

Tweezerman Three in One Pedicure Tool

CRABTREE & EVELYN, LTD. La Source 60 Second Fix for Feet

Now to some of you this may seem obvious. However, taking good care of your feet is important in many ways. First off there are health concern. Even more important if you have Diabetes or diseases where your circulation is compromised. Just by washing and moisturizing daily you are able to prevent problems. To have stylish shoes today is so important. A good pair of heels can make or break an outfit. We stand and walk for hours in heels or even flip-flops. I keep foot lotion in my living room and when I watch tv at night my husband or I massage and moisturize my tired tootsies. You’d be surprised how that little bit of pampering at the end of a ling day can relax you.

Now there are also the visual benefits to good foot care. All these peep toed pumps are giving the world a new view of a normally close up and hidden away area of our bodies. Nothing looks cheaper than old toenail polish all chipped and grown out. If you are going to pop some red polish on those beauties peoples eyes are going to be drawn to look. You don’t want them to think “Wow she’s really put together but did you see those toes? Euwww”! lol I’m serious. It doesn’t matter how much time you spent trying to look your best. If your feet look nasty you have wasted your time. That’s all that people remember.

If time is the issue and you can’t go out to get a pedicure. Do them yourself. A salon pedi is a treat in my life just for the shear lack of time. Instead of just a bottle of lotion make a cute little basket and put a file, polish, and polish remover in there too. The best investment is a $1 for a little rectangular buffing block. That thing performs miracles. You just slide it back and forth on the tops of your toes. Yes, the tops and get those ridges even out in just a few strokes. Then slide on some clear polish and put your feet up the rest of the night and watch the tv! I love clear polish because it wont show so obviously as it grows out and it adds a bit of healthy shine. That has to be my pet peeve. Such an easy thing to keep you from looking cheap. So, take some time and you’ll feel better for it.

HUGs, Hope

To help make any outfit look great there are three simple items. By just changing these things up you can update your look.

• Your purse… A handbag says a lot about you. Huge and cavernous; seriously scattered. Tiny and toy; you have too much time on your hands. lol A mid sized purse gives you enough space to be real and doesn’t throw your back out. You know what I mean. We tend to over load our bags as if we were still toting around a diaper bag. We don’t need to carry around the kitchen sink anymore. Just gage the size you need by your body type. If you are a good sized lady make sure it’s not too small or it just makes you look bigger. Are you petite? Find a nice tailored looking bag to give you a polished look. (wink)
• Your Shoes… Stop wearing the same pair of convenient shoes. I have the standard black flip flops by my door and it’s all too easy to just slide into them when I’m in a hurry. You don’t have to go shopping right now. Just go back into your closet and do a little hunting expedition. I think you will have a few “ah-ha” moments where you find that old pair of shoes you used to love wearing. Spice things up again by popping them on and see how your mood changes. A little height in those heels does great things for those of us who are short. See what’s going on out there.
• Your jacket… a great jacket can add a whole new feel even if you are just covering up “house clothes” and running an errand. Stay away from those slouchy worn out looking coats that make you disappear in a crowd. What are you saving that nice jacket for anyway? How many times have you pulled out the “good” coat to find dust on the shoulders?? Enjoy it. What’s the worst that will happen? A dry cleaning bill for a spilled coffee instead of those dusty shoulders? If you are like me you may have a few lighter jackets around. The smaller fitted jackets as well as layering are really in the year. Let’s update that look! Don’t forget to add a splash of color and see what it does for your mood. Spring is almost here. Spread a little sunshine.

Hope these tips help freshen your step. Have a tip of your own? Send it to me and I’ll share it with the other moms here at The Stylish Mom. Just go to my Contact page for an easy to use form. Don’t forget to give me your name!

Hugs from Hope!