Top 5 Ways to Mask a Muffin Top

The muffin top, or extra skin around your midriff that spills out of your waistband in an unattractive fashion is just a fact of life for those of us who have given birth, lost or gained weight or just are experiencing the changes our body brings with age. So suffice it to say that if you have a muffin top, you are indeed in the majority.

Strange as it may seem, though, dressing to hide a muffin top can be quite elusive. Often what we find in stores is fitted clothing that looks great if you're 21 and a size 4, but if you have even an extra pound on your frame you may not want to wear such show-everything clothing. So here are my top 5 suggestions to mask your muffin top and keep your cool this summer:

1/ Add a Belt - Contrary to what we may think, drawing attention to our waist and adding a belt to a loose tunic or other flowy shirt can help us to look slimmer and keep a squishy middle under control. The trick? Wear a belt that's at least 2" wide, wider if you're a rock star or a goddess (it's all about your scale). It creates waistline definition while acting almost like a corset and holding you in.

2/ Layer a long Cami - Ok, so I mentioned that most of us don't want to add an extra layer, but sometimes it's ok. Like when you're wearing a tissue thin burn out cotton tee, or a thin-as air top that actually requires some coverage. When you do, add in a longer tank that will instantly slim you, especially if it's a Yummie Tummie or other tank that has midriff support. Wear one in a fun color and no one will know you're even wearing shapewear - they'll just see how sleek and svelte you look!

3/ Soft Waist Bands - One thing that works to create a muffin top is when your waistband is a bit tight. Opting for a skirt with a soft waist band can help to create a smooth look and will be more forgiving without sacrificing style. Pair this with a cute top for a chic look.

4/ Banded Tops - When you want to hide a little jiggle around the middle, wear a cute top that is banded at the waist. The band gives it structure while it softly flows over the rest of you and can be a forgiving look. * If you're busty, avoid banded tops with lots of fullness or gathers at the bustline or you risk looking prego.

5/ Top it Off - Sometimes just adding a second layer can cover up lumps, bumps and bulges that keep you from feeling confident. But instead of piling on something hot and heavy, opt for a lightweight knit or even gauze short sleeved topper that gently skims your body and leaves you looking tres chic! To keep your cool and avoid bulk wear a tank underneath. You could also layer a long sleeveless vest over a short sleeved shirt for a fun look.

Take a HINT

As you head to the pool, the beach or a day-trip, make sure you grab a few cold drinks to take with you. Sure, it’s great to take water, but wouldn’t you and your kids love a nice treat? How about one that’s not laden with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup? HINT is an essence water created by a mom of four that is a refreshing alternative to soda, juice or other sugary drinks. Made from water accented with a hint of natural flavor, HINT has no calories and zero sugar. Available in ten dynamic flavors including cucumber, honeydew-hibiscus and pear, your kids are bound to love it as much as you do! Find HINT at your local Starbucks, Fresh Market or supermarket for under $2 each.

Best Foot Forward

Warmer weather means that our feel will soon come out from a long season of hiding, if they haven't already. Help get them ready for their unveiling with a little TLC. Here are a few treats that will help get your feet ready to bare:

Soften rough skin and smooth your feet with the Foot Therapy Kit from Rejoice! Body Care. Each kit is $35 and includes foot soak salt, sugar scrub and whipped shea butter to keep ‘em soft and smooth. Rejoice! Body Care products are made from all-natural ingredients and crafted in small batches by an NC mom who is committed to being socially responsible.

Removing your old coat of polish doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals. Try Purifying Nail Polish Remover ($16) from Essie's new Naturally Clean line. Made with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, it gently removes old polish and refreshes your skin with a light fresh scent.

Give your feet a pretty coat of polish to put them in the spotlight. Why not try a lovely coat of Adina, a metallic purple, or Happi, a pretty pink, from Zoya’s newest Reverie collection. Each dreamy shade is free of tolulene, formaldehyde, DBP and camphor to ensure a healthy coat of color! Get them from Zoya.com for $36 for a set of 6 shades. Plus, now you can take part in the Zoya Nail Polish Exchange to get a free Zoya shade of your choice. Simply send in 6 used bottles between now and June 30, 2010 and you'll receive 1 brand new Zoya shade to keep you on your toes!

Everything You Know About Underwear You Learned from Your Mother!

What were Your First Impressions of Fashion?

Some of us are introduced to haute-couture at an early age and it becomes our birthright with our closets brimming with designer labels. Others of us can only dream to look like the pages of Vogue and wouldn't know what to do if our mom left the house dressed to the nines.

What we're exposed to at an early age greatly shapes our perception of our own style and how we dress. But ladies, there's one thing your mama probably didn't tell you about, and that's shapewear.

One of the biggest questions I get asked as an image consultant - aside from what to wear - is what to wear under our clothes. Back in the day when you were girls and your moms were getting all dolled up for the day or for the evening, she may very well have pulled on her trusty girdle to 'keep everything in place'.

While girdles are as antiquated as chastity belts, some of the latest and greatest inventions today can offer up a similar effect (but much better and much more comfortable). With the advent of technology, there is now an item of shapewear intended to go under just about anything you'd want to wear, giving you a sleek and seamless line.

With summer upon us, there's no better time to stock your lingerie drawer. Now that we're wearing more bare items, slinky dresses and lots of white, shapewear isn't just a luxury, it's essential to your reputation. Seriously. Try showing up at a business function wearing white pants and *gasp* white panties underneath.

You've not only damaged your credibility but many may find it hard to look you in the eye when they've seen London and France too! Here are my top picks for shapewear this summer to help keep your bottom line looking smooth (no more VPL) and keep you feeling great:

1) To Wear Under White Pants or Shorts - Try Undie-tectable or girl shorts under your whites to keep your undies under wraps and you looking your best. Find a pair that most closely matches your skin tone for best effect. **Do not wear white under white - it just stands out more. A nude look is your best bet.

2) To Wear Under Clingy Knit Skirts and Dresses - A pair of Power Panties are guaranteed to do away with all visible signs of VPL. When wearing clingy knits, PLEASE don't just wear a thong or bulky panties. No matter how small you are they will create bulges and take away from your look. Power panties are also great under pants and anything else.

3) To Wear Under Clingy Tops and Dresses - I am a believer in the Unbelievabra and love how it gives me a sleek and smooth look on the backside. It smoothes out any back fat and bra bulges that can make your look less than desirable.

4) To Wear Under Tank Tops/Dresses - The Bra-llelejah! is made from a lightweight material that breathes and will help keep your straps under wraps.

5) To Wear Under Strapless, One Shoulder or Camisole - Try a 6-way Convertible Bra and you can have it any way you need it.

When getting dressed in the morning, be sure to glance at yourself in the mirror from the back. It does no good to spend time and attention on your appearance, only to have your rear view ruin your look. Shapewear can give you the support you need to feel secure as you go more bare this summer and you can feel good knowing that everything is under wraps!

To learn more about Mary Michele Little and her upcoming events and information, visit www.OneChicMama.com.

One Dress, Three Ways

Ahh, the first day of summer has arrived! While it feels like it has been here for a few weeks already, we can officially step into the season of summer. Whether your plans include traveling to faraway places, quick trips to the beach or just having a staycation in your very own city, knowing how to maximize your summer wardrobe can help you to look fabulous each and every day without having to completely re-stock your closet.

The key to getting multiple looks from one item lies in beginning with an item that lends itself to versatility. I started with a blue knit Rachel Pally Dress. You could go with any color but I recommend steering clear of black (there are so many more colorful options, why not go for those for summer?). This chic knit dress can go casual for a day of sightseeing, visiting a museum and lunch al fresco. For a chic evening out, dress it up with heels, a great belt and some sassy earrings in a neutral palette that lets the blue take center stage. The next day when you're hitting the beach, simply wear this as your swimsuit cover-up, add a colorful beach bag, some flip flops and sunglasses and you're set!

So have fun with this concept and see how many different looks you can get from just one dress that's probably already in your closet. You just may surprise yourself!

Get Your Tan On!

Now that summer's here it’s time to think about showing some leg! The season's skirts, flirty dresses and cropped pants will look fabulous with a touch of tan on your legs. But with all the health risks getting a real tan poses, getting your tan from a bottle is a much safer alternative. Today’s modern tans are the healthy kind that come from a bottle, not from overexposure to the sun’s damaging rays. But before you start slathering on the self-tanner, take some time to do a little prep work to ensure an even, natural-looking tan.

The best time to apply your self-tanner is a couple of hours before you go to bed. Plan to shave your legs the morning that you want to apply it. You’ll want to do this ahead of time to achieve maximum smoothness, but not too far in advance or you’ll be left with razor stubble. A great razor to use is the Schick Quattro for Women. With four blades and soothing strips containing vitamin E and aloe vera, you’ll be left with one smooth shave.

When you are ready to apply your self tanner, take a quick bath or shower. Use a soft cotton washcloth all over to help smooth out dry skin. Your first inclination may be to use a loofah – but don’t! Loofah’s can actually create rough spots and will work against achieving smoothness. Stick with a good cotton cloth that will be gentle on your skin.

The next step for prep is to exfoliate. Do this by using a gentle scrub on your face and neck, then on the rest of your body (including your hands). Try a natural Citrus Facial Scrub from Burt’s Bees. Enriched with ground almonds, oats, pecans and rose petals, this scrub will gently exfoliate your face (don’t forget your neck area too) and leave you will a revitalized glow to complement your summer look. Follow suit for the rest of your body using a scrub such as Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub.

After exfoliation, towel off and you're ready to begin your self tanning application. With a little patience and preparation, your healthy self-applied tanner can look just as amazing as the real thing! Happy Tanning!

On Your Toes

Don’t you just love pretty summer sandals? Yet if your sandals have heels or wedges you may find yourself with ugly toe overhang or feel your feet sliding forward. This can be frustrating but fortunately, can be easily remedied. Tip Toes from Foot Petals are flower-shaped pads that adhere to your shoe and are designed to keep the ball of your foot in place. Simply stick some in the soles of your shoes and let them work their magic. Tip Toes will help you step out in your summer sandals with confidence! Get them at for $18.95/set of 3.

Think Thin

Slimming down in time for summer fun can often seem like an uphill battle when all you want to do is eat. Enter ThinStick. A natural, scientifically researched compound, ThinStick helps to curb cravings and boost willpower. Designed to support a normal appetite, ThinStick is made from natural vegetable extracts and can be added to foods or beverages (I add it to my smoothies) to help keep your appetite in check between meals. Simply stir a single-dose packet into 6 oz. of your favorite non-acidic beverage and it goes to work to keep you feeling satiated for 4-6 hours after a meal and keep your hunger pangs at bay. The convenient packets are great for busy moms on the go and help keep your willpower working for you. Find it at ThinStick.com for $29.90/30 packets.

Is Your Style Really You?

When you get dressed in the morning and pull on the finishing touches to your outfit, do you feel that thrill of being dressed in an outfit that makes you feel more you? If not you may not be wearing clothing that’s right for your personal style.

As women we express who we are in all we do – how we decorate our homes, how we throw a party and how we dress ourselves. Our personal style determines our unique signature look that sets us apart and creates a look that’s all our own. You probably know someone who has a unique stand-out style, and when you’re out shopping you may have found something that was “so very her”. Her style is obvious and there’s no question that she has a signature style. Yet not all of us have such an overt style that’s easily recognizable. Many women have a wonderful sense of style that’s more subtle and toned down. It suits them and is who they are.

Many women with whom I have the pleasure to work tell me they don’t feel they have a style. Well, ladies, whether we realize it or not, we all have a personal style that we’re born with. We may not have tapped into it just yet, but I assure you it’s there. And when dressed accordingly, the effect can be magical!

Being out of sync with our personal style, or not realizing what it is, can lead to wardrobe confusion as well as the feeling that something is not quite right. Have you ever gotten dressed to the nines only to feel uncomfortable in your own skin (and clothes)? Well, a good indicator is the compliments you receive – do you hear “nice dress” or “Wow, you look fantastic!”? When you’re dressed to express your personality style, generally you’ll hear more of the latter, which is a nice confirmation that you’re doing something right.

By contrast, being in sync with our personal style has multiple benefits. First of all, it makes getting dressed a breeze because you know just what to pair with what to get the combination that suits you to a T. When you understand the nuances of accessories and how the details make all the difference, you can use them to your advantage to punctuate your look to create an outfit that is so very you. Plus, when you know what your personal style is, it makes it easy to bypass all those tempting items on the clearance rack that are calling your name – you just simply say no because you know there’s something better out there for you.

So how do you find out what your personal style is? One way is through my newest offering, Your Signature Style iD™. It’s a system that I have developed after spending more than 20 years in the fashion world that gives women a language to define their own personal style and understand how it all works together. Do you know why that shiny black shirt never really felt right when you wore it? I can tell you! Do you know what prints are best for your personality? We’ll determine that! Do you know what kind of jacket, shoes or jewelry to invest in? You’ll find that out, too. When you understand the process, you’ll have many a-ha’s and gain a deeper insight into why you’re drawn to certain items and how to incorporate them into a wardrobe that’s right for you.

The process I take women through is a simple assessment, along with some discussion and explanation. From there you’ll receive Style Icon cards that will guide you to choosing the right items for you from clothing to home accessories, to your next car!

Your Signature Style feels more like you and fits your personality as well as your lifestyle. It can be adapted to your life whether you’re a stay at home mom or high-powered business executive and can help you to put your stamp on everything you do!

To introduce Your Signature Style iD™ I am making it available through Group Workshops and virtual trainings. It is included in all my packages, but wanted to ensure that clients who have already worked with me for other services can benefit from this. It’s a wonderful tool and the third part of the foundation of building a wardrobe, aside from Color Analysis and Image Analysis. Once you determine those, you’ll have everything you need to dress well and look your best every day!

Your Signature Style iD™ is based on the 80/20 rule, with 80% of your wardrobe being comprised of clothing in your two dominant characteristics and the remaining 20% being your supporting characteristic that really sets you apart. Through this system you’ll gain an understanding of why shiny fabrics don’t work on you, or why you should wear crisp, tailored pieces in certain colors. With your session you will receive a set of style icon cards that support Your Signature Style iD™.

To sign up for my Group Your Signature Style iD™ session on June 22nd, or to inquire about working together virtually, simply contact me at Michele@onechicmama.com for details.

Warmly,
Michele