New moms have little time to think about fashion! We talked about the joy of leggings, the importance of a great pair of jeans, shorts, dresses, jean jackets and more!
Here are a list of fashion questions the Moms had for Joelle and Joelle's answers:
1. What is needed for the basic essentials for my wardrobe, black suit, white shirt??
If you need a business wardrobe, that is a good place to start. Think about all three pieces (jacket, pant and skirt) when you invest in the best black suit you can afford. White shirts look striking but do consider their maintenance. Dry cleaning keeps them looking crisp, or ironing is a must! Dressier knit tops and tanks are easier to maintain and to care for.
If it is not a working wardrobe you are trying to build, focus on a well fitting, dark pair of jeans in a cut that is most flattering to you. This will go a long way in your wardrobe. Layering tanks, black and white tshirts, black leggings, a cotton cargo pant, basic chino or short (depending on the season) and open cardigans all go a long way to mix and match your way to a good looking basic wardrobe.
2. How do I minimize my bum that isn't as tight as it should be?
Well fitting leggings with tunics that aren't tight but are also not too loose are a good way to camouflage. Proper fitting jeans are key - watch where the pocket sits as high pockets do not always work. Dresses are great - find your style and don't be afraid to wear them for day.
3. My calves are muscular and I am embarrased to wear anything that exposes them, but I do like to wear shorts in the Summer. What type of outfit will draw attention away from them?
Avoid ankle straps on your shoes. Don't avoid leggings - wear them with flats. Find a short that suits you - consider wearing it with a wedge heel. Wear cropped pants but again, you may have to find your lenght and stick to it.
4. What's the best way to get rid of clothes in my closet that have been there way to long. I've heard that if I haven't worn them in the last 6 months, get rid of them. That's really hard for me because I always tell myself I might wear them again.
If things are in poor repair or just don't fit, get rid of them - move on. I think 6 months is a bit harsh - usually I give it a year for trendy items and sometimes two years for classic pieces. Shapes change - sometimes that favourite thing really does become outdated, even if it is a classic.
5. What colours are coming in for Spring this year?
If you need a business wardrobe, that is a good place to start. Think about all three pieces (jacket, pant and skirt) when you invest in the best black suit you can afford. White shirts look striking but do consider their maintenance. Dry cleaning keeps them looking crisp, or ironing is a must! Dressier knit tops and tanks are easier to maintain and to care for.
If it is not a working wardrobe you are trying to build, focus on a well fitting, dark pair of jeans in a cut that is most flattering to you. This will go a long way in your wardrobe. Layering tanks, black and white tshirts, black leggings, a cotton cargo pant, basic chino or short (depending on the season) and open cardigans all go a long way to mix and match your way to a good looking basic wardrobe.
2. How do I minimize my bum that isn't as tight as it should be?
Well fitting leggings with tunics that aren't tight but are also not too loose are a good way to camouflage. Proper fitting jeans are key - watch where the pocket sits as high pockets do not always work. Dresses are great - find your style and don't be afraid to wear them for day.
3. My calves are muscular and I am embarrased to wear anything that exposes them, but I do like to wear shorts in the Summer. What type of outfit will draw attention away from them?
Avoid ankle straps on your shoes. Don't avoid leggings - wear them with flats. Find a short that suits you - consider wearing it with a wedge heel. Wear cropped pants but again, you may have to find your lenght and stick to it.
4. What's the best way to get rid of clothes in my closet that have been there way to long. I've heard that if I haven't worn them in the last 6 months, get rid of them. That's really hard for me because I always tell myself I might wear them again.
If things are in poor repair or just don't fit, get rid of them - move on. I think 6 months is a bit harsh - usually I give it a year for trendy items and sometimes two years for classic pieces. Shapes change - sometimes that favourite thing really does become outdated, even if it is a classic.
5. What colours are coming in for Spring this year?
Navy is the new basic colour that everyone is loving. While bright yellow is showing up as a trend, it is a bit harder to wear - looks great if you can though! Peaches, khakis and white on white are also at the forefront.
6. How do you creatively tie/wear scarves? (something more than just looping them around your neck)
For some reason French women are born with the knowledge of how to wear a scarf. Robyn at Joelle's is our in house scarf tying expert - we all try to duplicate it, but we just can't. Personally, I just play around until I like how it looks - oftne it is not to creative but it works!
For some reason French women are born with the knowledge of how to wear a scarf. Robyn at Joelle's is our in house scarf tying expert - we all try to duplicate it, but we just can't. Personally, I just play around until I like how it looks - oftne it is not to creative but it works!
7. Are jean jackets still "in style"? If so, what length is best? Creative ideas on how to wear them?
I like jean jackets with everything except jeans. Buy it fitted enought that it looks great undone - you will rarely do it up. Look for a bit of stretch. There are even blazer styles. Wear them over cute summer dresses in the evening or with your tees and khakis to the park.
I like jean jackets with everything except jeans. Buy it fitted enought that it looks great undone - you will rarely do it up. Look for a bit of stretch. There are even blazer styles. Wear them over cute summer dresses in the evening or with your tees and khakis to the park.
8. Are yoga pants JUST for the gym? Can you wear them casually? If so, how? If not, just settle the argument for me!
Ok - let's face it, Lululemon makes flattering pants. So wear them, just please don't wear them all the time. Switch it up - jeans, khakis, leggings. It will help you with your figure too - sometimes the yoga pants make it too easy!
Ok - let's face it, Lululemon makes flattering pants. So wear them, just please don't wear them all the time. Switch it up - jeans, khakis, leggings. It will help you with your figure too - sometimes the yoga pants make it too easy!
9. I need some post-baby style help. What are good choices for clothes that are stylish but will also withstand baby spit up and the body changes?
Easy care items are a must! Avoid white for sure at this stage! Stick to the basics discussed in the first question and be sure to watch your care labels.
Easy care items are a must! Avoid white for sure at this stage! Stick to the basics discussed in the first question and be sure to watch your care labels.
10. Could you offer some suggestions on different fashions that could hide problems in the tummy area?
I am all about the layering tank - you can get them in all different price points - there are even styles that really have the built in tummy tucking fabric (like Yummy Tummy or Spanx). That extra layer can really help to hold you in and avoid the "muffin top". I try to wear an open cardigan, a long necklace or a longer scarf - anything to take the attention away from that certain view, especially when you sit down!
I am all about the layering tank - you can get them in all different price points - there are even styles that really have the built in tummy tucking fabric (like Yummy Tummy or Spanx). That extra layer can really help to hold you in and avoid the "muffin top". I try to wear an open cardigan, a long necklace or a longer scarf - anything to take the attention away from that certain view, especially when you sit down!
11. I 'd like to know some good options for covering/hiding "muffin tops"! Also, what styles are best for those of us on the short side!
See above for the muffin top. We just got leggings in by Lisse that are amazing muffin top hiders! They literally make you lose a size! I am short too - avoid skirts below the knee ( you can wear long to the ground with flats if you want to catch that maxi skirt or dress trend this season), straight leg or boot cut jeans work best - always check your footwear to make sure the proportion is right. I have a really short waist - this causes lots of fashion challenges! I have to wear most tops untucked to creat an illusion of a longer waist. If your proportion is opposite, tuck shirts in to pants with a bit of a higher waist to create a longer leg. I love dresses and things with stretch!
See above for the muffin top. We just got leggings in by Lisse that are amazing muffin top hiders! They literally make you lose a size! I am short too - avoid skirts below the knee ( you can wear long to the ground with flats if you want to catch that maxi skirt or dress trend this season), straight leg or boot cut jeans work best - always check your footwear to make sure the proportion is right. I have a really short waist - this causes lots of fashion challenges! I have to wear most tops untucked to creat an illusion of a longer waist. If your proportion is opposite, tuck shirts in to pants with a bit of a higher waist to create a longer leg. I love dresses and things with stretch!
12. What I am wondering is if your wardrobe is totally out of date and you can't afford to go out and buy a whole new one where is a good place to start?
For the summer, I suggest a few cute dresses that can take you from casual to dressy. And updated shoes and accessories can go a long way. Refer to the suggestions about basics and build from there!
For the summer, I suggest a few cute dresses that can take you from casual to dressy. And updated shoes and accessories can go a long way. Refer to the suggestions about basics and build from there!
13. How do I hide the love handels, jellie bellie and wigglie arms....besides putting on a mumu?!
We have talked about the belly - now - the infamous arms! Three quarter sleeves are great, but honestly, I feel really good about my arms when I take the time to to some simple weight lifting! Get some 5 lb weights and get started! 14. What about shorts lengths this year? How do you suggest young moms wear shorts....something doesn't feel good about trying to squish into the show your butt short shorts that the teens are wearing these days?
Whether you are a mom or a teen, no one looks good in shorts they are squished in to. On the flip side, if you look good in shorter lenghts, go for it! Look for shorts that have the option to roll down the cuffs - then, you can go short when you dare or keep them longer when you need to. Add wedge heels to a shorter short if you are on the fence about how your legs look. A knee length, clean, straigh legged short can go a long way for you - dress it up or down.
Whether you are a mom or a teen, no one looks good in shorts they are squished in to. On the flip side, if you look good in shorter lenghts, go for it! Look for shorts that have the option to roll down the cuffs - then, you can go short when you dare or keep them longer when you need to. Add wedge heels to a shorter short if you are on the fence about how your legs look. A knee length, clean, straigh legged short can go a long way for you - dress it up or down.
15. I like to wear pieces that are "different" looking but sometimes I feel like I might be crossing the line into "ugly". Any thoughts on knowing how to determine when you might be crossing the line and getting yourself onto the fashion police hit list?
Flip through magazines like InStyle, Lucky or Lou Lou. This gives you an idea of what is currently "in style". Different is not a bad thing. If you think it is ugly, well, chances are it might be. Ask a friend!
Flip through magazines like InStyle, Lucky or Lou Lou. This gives you an idea of what is currently "in style". Different is not a bad thing. If you think it is ugly, well, chances are it might be. Ask a friend!
16. How can one stay stylish on a tight budget?
Buy your basics in the best quality that you can and add your really trendy pieces in at lower price points. Consider shoes and accessories as instant updates. Most importantly, find a personal style that you are comfortable with and work around it - make your look your own while at the same time, realizing that the timeless, classic items give you the most mileage!
Buy your basics in the best quality that you can and add your really trendy pieces in at lower price points. Consider shoes and accessories as instant updates. Most importantly, find a personal style that you are comfortable with and work around it - make your look your own while at the same time, realizing that the timeless, classic items give you the most mileage!
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