Quick and Easy Tips for Being a Stylish New Mom

Having a newborn at home can be one of the most stressful times in your life. You are dealing with this new little human you are responsible of taking care of as well as suffering from lack of sleep.

Being stylish and fashionable is probably the last thing on your mind until the day you have to go to some special event or make your first real outing and realize  that just since you have a new baby you can still take care of yourself and like what you see.

Here are some quick and easy fashion tips for being a stylish new mom that won't take a lot of extra effort but can definitely help you feel a little more put together and stylish.

Wear What Fits Your Body the Way It Looks Now

It can be tempting to want to squeeze into your pre-pregnancy clothes right away, but truthfully you will feel a lot more comfortable as well as be able to flatter your body better if you wear the clothing that fits your body no matter what size it may say.

Wearing too small of clothing can actually make you look heavier than you are. When you invest in a few staple pieces to get you through until you are down to pre-pregnancy size you can actually flatter your body and make yourself look slimmer even if you are carrying a few extra pounds.

Don't invest a huge amount of money into new clothing, but check out some of your transition pieces from your first trimester as well as maybe a new pair of jeans that can get you through the first months until you comfortably fit back into your regular clothing.

Buy Stylish Baby Gear

Nowadays there are so many stylish diaper bags and other baby gear that you can choose from that you shouldn't be lugging around a bag that features Winnie the Pooh or some other awful pink color that says "Baby" on it.

Instead opt for a stylish diaper bag that looks like a purse instead. These bags can be great for adding some style to your outfit and best of all they carry all your baby gear as well as your gear that you may need for outings with your new baby.

There are also some stylish baby wraps and carriers that you can choose from that can actually add to your outfit and they are functional as well. If you are choosing any type of baby gear that you may be wearing or carrying with you, opt for a stylish, grown-up feel instead of something that speaks from the 90's.

Opt for a Quick Makeup Routine

You probably won't have as much time as you used to have when it comes to putting on makeup so you will want to abbreviate your makeup routine and go for a quick and easy face that also makes you look fresh.

Go for a tinted moisturizer that also has SPF to cut back on how many layers you may have to apply. This will help to give your face a fresh glow but won't look too heavy and won't take you having to apply sunscreen, foundation and powder.

If you want to hide those dark circles under your eyes, you can take a good quality concealer and simply just apply it under your eyes after you apply your tinted moisturizer.

A quick application of mascara as well as some lip gloss and you can be ready to walk out the door in about 5 minutes. If you do have some extra time, take a few minutes to apply a natural toned blush for some color on your face.

Use Accessories for a Quick Hairstyle

You may not have the time every morning to straighten or curl your hair so you will have to work with what you got. This means accessories like clips, headbands, and even ponytails can become your best friend for a quick but fashionable hairstyle.

A low ponytail with a side part may be a quick way to pull your hair back and get in under control and it looks cute as well. Or a cute little headband for those says your hair may not be lying the way you want it to. There are plenty of quick hairstyles that you can do in only a few minutes.

One thing you should do before baby comes is to get a fresh haircut that is easy and quick to style. Now is not the time to get a complicated cut that takes forever to style.

How to Look Like You Have Long Legs Simply By Choosing the Right Outfit

Whether you truly do have shorter legs or you simply want to make yourself appear longer and leaner, there are certain ways that you can look like you have long legs by simply choosing the right outfit.

Check out these 5 clothing style tips below for some easy ways to make your legs appear longer without having to do anything but put on some beautiful clothes.

1. Wear a Nude Colored Shoe

A nude shoe will help elongate the line of your legs without disrupting cutting them off at the ankles with a different color.

Any shoe, especially high heeled pumps, that match the color of your legs will elongate your legs. If you happen to be wearing tights in a different color keep this tip in mind as well as it can be used for something like black tights paired with a black shoe as well.

2. Avoid Wearing Shoes with an Ankle Strap

Any shoe with a strap around the ankle, no matter how high the heel is, is going to cut off the line of your leg. This make your legs appear shorter instead of longer.

Instead go for a pump that is lower cut so you can see your entire ankle going down into your leg. This works very well for elongating your legs when wearing a skirt or dress.

3. Go For a Longer Hem on Your Pants

Instead of choosing an ankle length pant hem, choose one that grazes the floor instead. This helps to lengthen your leg as much as possible and can make them look incredibly long.

Pair your longer hemmed pants with a high heel and you may just be amazed at how long your legs appear.

4. Choose a Taller Boot

If you are looking to wear some killer boots, then opt for a knee high boot instead of something that ends at your calf or especially not ankle boots.

This tips sort of goes back to wearing items that don't cut off the length of the length or don't bisect them into different areas and colors. If you really want to extend the length of your leg, opt for something like a pair of black leggings tucked into knee high boots or a black skirt that goes to to the top of your boots.

5. Avoid Wearing a Tunic Top

By wearing a long tunic top you can easily cut your legs shorter instead of making them look longer. If you want your legs to look longer, choose a top that ends at the top of your hips and no further down as it will start to hide the length of your legs.

If you do choose a longer top, make sure it is more of fitted one rather than a loose, blousy one so that you can tell where your legs start.

5 Tips for Wearing a White Dress This Summer

This summer why not branch out a little bit and choose white instead of black for your dress?

White dresses are really quite popular right now and you can see plenty of celebrities sporting white frocks this spring and summer. But, you don't have to look like a celebrity to be able to pull off a white dress.

Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when choosing a white dress this summer.

1. Make Sure You Wear the Proper Undergarments

I know that one of the reasons why I often stray from white clothing is because a lot of the clothing pieces I come across you can easily see-through them. This means it is really important that you choose the right undergarments when wearing a white dress even if you don't think you can see through the dress.

This means choosing a bra and underwear in a nude color that matches your skin tone. It can be tempting to go with a white bra or underwear but it may show more than you think and instead stick with a nude skin color.

You also want to wear a slip or camisole underneath the dress if it is really see-through or sheer in any area. I know that a lot of women my age are turned off when it comes to slips and think are just for old ladies but you really don't want to be showing off everything you own to everyone you meet. Look for a slip that fits properly under your dress so that you don't have to worry about any lumps or bumps peeking through. You can even find shape wear slips that will help slim your body and provide some coverage as well.

2. Choose a Flattering Shape for Your Body

Since lighter colors like white are a lot more unforgiving than say black or navy blue, you definitely want to make sure you choose a dress that flatters your body shape.

An A-line dress is usually the most flattering for just about any body shape as it has a closer fit on top and then starts to flare away from the body around the waist and hip area.

You may have to try on different dress styles before you find the perfect one on your body.

3. For a More Feminine and Sweet Style Go with Lace or an Eyelet Dress

If you want to pull off that feminine and sweet style with a white dress, look for one that has a touch of lace or even an eyelet dress. These dresses can easily be dressed up for evening events and date nights out but still have that fresh, summery look.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Add Some Color

If you are afraid that you are going to look washed out or simply boring, then don't be afraid to add some color to your outfit by the way of your accessories.

Items such as a bold statement necklace, or even a darker colored blazer over your dress can easily add some color and style to your white dress and still give you that fresh look. You can even add a pop of color with some funky print pumps or even a long necklace.

5. Choose a Dress with Some Interesting Accents

Instead of just sticking with a plain white dress, look for one that has interesting accents and elements such as a sheer panel or gold hardware accents. This can easily take your look from boring to super stylish and adds a fun aspect to the dress.

I have seen plenty of white dresses that are super cute and stylish with some funky accents or even just simple touches like lace cap sleeves or a crocheted accent at the neckline.

So this summer, don't stray away from all the pretty white frocks you run across, but instead play it smart and choose the right white dress for you and it may just become your favorite outfit this summer.

5 Quick Tips for Looking Slimmer in Photos

How many times have you been tagged in a photo on Facebook and you just want to scream because of the way you look.

I know that I have been caught unprepared or not looking my best for some photos so I decided to find the best way to take pictures so you don't have to worry about "untagging" yourself when your friend posts some pics of you.

These tips work for just about any photos and are great tips if you plan on taking professional family pictures or even special pictures like wedding or engagement photos.

5 Tips for Looking Slimmer in Your Photos

Place Your Arm on Your Hip

This not only helps your arms to look thinner but also helps define a waist as well. Sometimes you may notice that you look like you are a simple straight up and down blob because you can't see a defined waist in the photo. By placing your hand on your hip you define the waist area which can definitely shed some pounds from your middle section.

Check Your Posture

When taking a picture it doesn't matter if you are sitting down or standing up, just make sure that you have your shoulders back and your back is as straight as can be. When you hunch over and your shoulders slouch forward it makes you look frumpy and when you put your shoulders back and have a straight spine you elongate your body, making yourself look much thinner.

Slightly Angle Your Body

Standing straight on shows you at your widest angle, while slightly twisting your body so that you aren't straight on but not completely to the side will make you appear much thinner. This can be done when standing or sitting to achieve the same effect.

Keep Your Chin Up

Get rid of any double chins in your photos by keeping your chin up and out. You can even slightly lift your chin upwards as long as you aren't completely sticking it up in the air. When you look down or have your chin facing downwards it can actually make a double chin appear that you don't actually have. Check out this site for more tips on avoiding a double chin in photos.

Try To Never Stand on the End

This is a tip when you are taking a group photo. Instead try to get in the middle and slightly angle your body towards the person next to you. They will help to cover up some of your body instead of it showing everything when you are on the end. Also you can always put a kneeling or sitting person in front of you or even a kid to help block some of your body, which can make you appear thinner as well.

What are some of your tricks for appearing thinner in your photographs?

Hair Care Tips for Beating the Frizz on Humid and Rainy Days

I naturally have frizzy hair, so when it comes to rainy days you an just imagine the problems I have.

Normally, running a hair straightener through my strands as well as maybe some styling spray you wouldn't even notice that the frizz at all.

But, on those humid or rainy days, it takes a bit more to tame my hair.

Here are some tips that I recommend when it comes to taming the frizz on humid or rainy days.

Use an Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner

I actually use an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner on a regular basis and can really notice the difference between this shampoo and using a regular shampoo. There are several different brands that offer this type of shampoo but I would recommend that you go with a higher quality brand that will actually work rather than waste your money on a drugstore brand that you probably won't notice a difference with.

One brand that I would recommend is Brazilian Blowout Acai Anti-Frizz Shampoo. Although your hair won't look as smooth as if you got a real Brazilian Blowout at the salon, it will definitely help to tame the frizzies.

Use a Weather Proof Spray After Styling Your Hair

There are holding sprays as well as hairsprays that are designed to be weather proof and actually will help repel any humidity or moisture away from your strands. If you are looking for a holding spray to help hold your style in place, then you will want to find a weather proof spray that also has holding power. On the other hand, if you want your hair to simply be soft and not worry about holding your style as much, look for a spray that simply is weather proof but not a holding product.

I recommend Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Spray for anyone simply looking for a good finishing spray to repel the humidity.

Avoid Brushing Your Hair Once It Is Dry

Brushing your hair when it is dry can actually make your hair even frizzier. Brushing can damage your hair's cuticle, which is the part of the strand that makes it look frizzy. If you have frizzy hair, you will want to simply stick with combing/brushing when it is wet and then simply letting it be once you have it styled and dry.

I know that I notice if I brush my hair when it is dry it may not look as frizzy as first, but then about 5 or so minutes later it looks even frizzier.

Use a Frizz Ease Serum for a Quick Fix

If you find that your normal routine is not cutting down the frizz on a really humid day, then you may want to keep a good frizz ease serum on hand for a quick fix. These serums or lotions help to add some oil into the hair to help tame your tresses, but you do need to be careful to not add too much as it can also make hair look greasy.

I have used John Frieda Frizz Ease Sheer Solution as well as Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum and both have been okay products although I currently am using the Paul Mitchell serum now.

Cute Ponytails and Buns Make Great Hairstyles

Sometimes I simply let nature win and gather my hair back into a cute ponytail or a bun. This works well for those hot and humid summer days when you don't want your hair down on you neck anyways. You can definitely find some cute styles that are professional and mature and won't make you look like a 12 year old girl going to cheerleading camp.

What are your hair care secrets to taming the frizz on those rainy or super humid days?