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.

But as common as muffin tops are, dressing to hide one can be a bit of a challenge. Often what we find in stores is fitted clothing that looks great if you're 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 season:

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 shapewear 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.

Is Your Look Basic or Boring?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and how you see your wardrobe and personal style is largely subjective. It's also in how you present yourself. What may be basic to some may be just plain boring to others. But I want to tell you that these two words are worlds apart when it comes to building a great wardrobe.

The other day as I was shopping with a client who is embarking on a new career and needed to build a professional wardrobe, I pointed out a great dress and jacket combination that I thought would be perfect both together, but also separate as core items to create multiple outfits. Her response? How boring! I was surprised at this, but quickly realized she wasn't seeing the full potential.

Do you see your clothing as boring? Do you confuse your core pieces as ho-hum and avoid them like the plague? Then I'd like to give you a few tips to help shift your perspective and see the difference between boring and basic.

1/ First, boring means lackluster. An outfit that is boring lacks interest and energy. Who wants that? However, chances are your 'boring' outfit is just in need of a little re-frame to put things into perspective. I want you to understand just how important basic, or core, items are to your wardrobe. Think khakis, black pants, jeans, a white shirt, etc. Neutral items in your best basic colors that you can make multiple combinations with are the backbone of your wardrobe. Are they boring? Yes, on their own they certainly may appear to be. However, I'd like to encourage you to think of them as chameleons - they take on the style of whatever you put them with.

2/ Think of the Unexpected. When I get dressed one of my goals is to wear something that is unexpected. My feeling is that when I switch things up then it's attention getting, it stands out, but it still works. My goals is to wear something that absolutely works together but no one else would have thought to do just that. I want to inspire my own creativity as well as that of others.

3/ Consider the Possibilities. Sure, a basic gray dress can be plain and boring. But spice it up with a gorgeous skintoned cardigan, nude pumps and some eye catching jewelry in various shades of turquoise and you'll be anything but boring. When you think of your core (read: boring) pieces as just the foundation for many wardrobe possibilities, you uncover a lot of potential.

4/ Wear Colors in New Ways. One thing that gets boring real quick are simple, netural color combinations. Navy and khaki. Brown and khaki. Black and more black. But here's the kicker. You can easily elevate those items - and even outfits- to new heights with the addition of color. Perhaps you swap out your plain white tee for one in lavender under your brown jacket. Or try Navy, khaki and fuchsia for a vibrant trio! Black can be dressed up by adding a hint of metall ic - try a little silver or gold for a modern spin. It really is all in the mix!

5/ Don't Forget Your Accessories. By now I'm sure you've heard me singing the praises of accessories. Well, don't underestimate their power to make you look pulled together - and fabulous! They add color, texture and polish to your outfit while giving you a chance to inject a bit of your personality into the mix. Plus, they can be an inexpensive way to update your most boring pieces and let them be the backdrop for a few fabulously chic accessories that really speak to who you are.

So when you look at your wardrobe or go out shopping, don't confuse boring with basic. Basics are essentials that are necessary in every wardrobe, but boring is what happens when you're not paying attention or just feeling lazy. Take a few minutes to put a fresh twist on your basics and you'll find that the word boring is no longer a possibility!

Want to learn how to get the most from your wardrobe? Take a peek at OneChicMama.com and get more great tips on how you can look your best every day!

Get a Rosy Glow

One of the season's hottest shades is honeysuckle pink and not only is it a fabulous color for those with cool complexions to add to their wardrobes, it's also a wonderful shade to add a rosy glow to your face.

Now I have to admit that I am a big fan of Bobbi Brown cosmetics, as well as a sucker for makeup palettes. After all, when you have multiple items that come in one palette it sure makes putting it on a breeze. Plus, when you're traveling a good palette, some foundation, eyeliner and mascara are really all you need!

This Pretty Face Palette from Bobbi Brown ($60) is a wonderful way to give your face a lift while streamlining your makeup routine. After all when everything is in one place it makes it hard to skip a step. I recommend these shades for cooler complexions and for women in the summer and winter seasons. If you're more on the warm side, opt for something that brings in more corals for your best look.

Candy Colored Goodness

As spring draws near and we get teased with warm days like we experienced here in NC, it's time to turn your attention to updating your winter look and making it a little lighter for spring.

One of the easiest and most fun ways to do this is by adding in some fabulously fun jewelry in some of the season's best candy colored brights. This gorgeous Mama's Got a Brand New Bag Necklace from ViNT Design ($65) is so pretty it looks almost good enough to eat - but we know better! It would lend a fresh vibe to your most simple tee shirt or to your classic sheath dress. Plus, it's one of a kind and would ensure that your look is as unique as you are!

If you like pink as much as I do, and your coloring is cool, then the The Ramona ($110) is the piece for you. Try this gorgeous show-stopper, rich with purple howlite beads accented with a vintage flower pendant to take it to a whole new level. Wouldn't this look fabulous with your Easter Dress or for the steeplechase? Better hurry! This is one-of-a-kind too!

If you like your jewelry to add a little something to your outfit without taking center stage, try this gorgeous Rock Candy Necklace from Anthropologie ($38). Perfect with a simple top and cardigan, it adds a chic boho flair while enhancing your skintone with its flattering blue-green hue.

As you choose your spring jewels, you'll have as much fun as a kid in a candy store! And just think - these lovelies will last much longer than the sweet treats, without adding any unnecessary calories to your bottom line!

Celebrate with Self Love

Today is Valentine's Day, a day dedicated to love. Whether you're in a relationship or on your own, there's no better time to be reminded to practice the art of self-love than now.

Yes, I want to encourage you to love yourself up! Treat yourself like you would your romantic partner, your best friend or your kids. It's time to do something nice just for you!

It's a sad reality that women talk quite ugly to themselves at times, belittling their accomplishments, begrudging themselves for eating a second piece of chocolate or berating themselves for the size of their thighs. In a recent study by Glamour Magazine, 97% of women said at least one negative thing to themselves each day. Are you in that 97%? If so, it's time to break free from the self deprecating comments and turn off the negative tape that plays over and over in your head.

“It’s your body, you can do whatever you want to with it – including love it. Choose that, just for now.” ~Sandy Kumskov

What happens when you walk around with all that negativity about yourself? For starters, your view of the world becomes glass half empty pretty quickly. Your perception of things is more negative. You become critical of others, and in doing so are critical of yourself. You build a wall around you that disconnects you from others, as well as from yourself.

I want you to tear down that wall and let your true self be revealed in all your glory! Show the world all that you have to offer and embrace yourself for who you are, rather than put yourself down for who you are not. We were not all created to be Angelina Jolie so just stop trying. And if you can't help be continue to compare yourself, ask yourself if you'd really want to deal with all her problems the tabloids have exploited over the last few months. I certainly wouldn't.

Your Challenge: To celebrate Valentine's Day I'd like to challenge you to love yourself today. No nasty comments, no looking in the mirror and putting yourself down. You may be asking, how to get back to loving yourself. After all, you've neuroligically programmed your mind to repeat those negative comments and now you don't know how to stop them. Here are a few ways to get you started. Try them and see what a difference you can make in your life, as well as in the lives of those around you!

1/ Start your day with gratitude. Write down at least 5 things you are grateful for. It will help you to shift your thinking just with this one act.

2/ Notice something about you that's gorgeous. Do you have lustrous hair, beautiful lips or a curvy shape? Do something to play it up: add a pretty hair accessory, wear a new shade of lipstick or wear a figure-flattering dress. Then note how you feel when you do just this one thing. It can help you see how beautiful you truly are! When you can begin to see your own beauty, your world expands. Seeing your own beauty is about accepting yourself for who you are- and loving every square inch of you! It’s about saying ‘YES’ to you!

3/ Use affirmations. Try this one: Comparing myself to others keeps me small, but seeing my true and unique beauty sets me free. Write it on your mirror (in lipstick:) or print it out and keep it with you. Refer back to it when you catch yourself talking negatively to yourself and see how it can help you to feel great about you!

4/ Give of yourself. Doing something nice for another, or giving a compliment, is a wonderful way to feel great about you! And more often than not, giving a compliment gets a compliment in return, which can help you feel even better! Don't keep to yourself- share yourself with the world!

5/ Do something just for you. Enjoy a piece of decadent chocolate. Take a bubble bath. Buy yourself flowers. A simple act of self-love will leave you feeling indulged and recharged.

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXO

Size Matters

A four-bedroom house. A two-seater car. A single serving of ice cream. Yes, there are times when size matters. It also matters when it comes to getting the right size clothing that fits you like a glove!

After working with clients for years to help them find clothing that works for them, I've heard it all. "Oh, I can wear anything from a 2 to a 10", "I can just have it let out and it won't be so tight", and the list goes on. But one thing I have found in my many years of dressing women is that size matters. Getting the right size, that is.

Over the past few weeks I have done quite a bit of shopping with clients and a pattern has emerged. Or better yet, I believe I have tapped into a big secret as to why so many woman have clothing that just hangs in their closet that the spent good money on, only to end up in the discard pile. I've also found where my little bit of magic comes in, and that is in finding the right size.

When I'm personal shopping for my clients, I work to the best of my ability to help them get clothing that will work perfectly for them, on several levels. Fit is the primary concern. What I've heard from clients is that too many times they'll take something in just one size into the fitting room, decide it's too small (or too big, which has been the case several times recently) and just move on to the next thing. But what they don't realize is that if they bothered to try on a size up or a size down, they could wind up with a garment that they absolutely love!

With my experience as a dressmaker, often I can think out of the box to see how clients can make just minor alterations to have a perfectly fitting garment. Just yesterday a client tried on a dress that was perfect in every way, but a bit too low-cut for work. After a few minutes of considering possibilities, we determined that if she just had the shoulders taken up a bit, not only would it alleviate the problem, but it would be an even better fit.

So here are my tips for helping you get the best fitting clothing possible:

1/Fit is Key - don't get hung up on the numbers. Whether you have to go up or go down, your goal is to have the best fit for your body, not squeeze yourself into a size 6. No one will know what size you're wearing, only how fabulous you look!

2/ Be Relentless - If you find something you love and it's a bit too big or small, find another size that will work for you. Hire a personal shopper to ensure you have the right sizes in everything. Sometimes you need to try on multiple items to get the perfect fit. Get a good fit or go home! Otherwise, you'll end up wasting money on something you'll never wear - or feel fabulous in.

3/ Explore Possibilities - If at first the outfit doesn't work, think about what you could do to change that. Sometimes a nip or tuck are all that's necessary to make a garment fit you like a glove. Many larger stores have alterations specialists who can help you to know what's possible. Don't be afraid to ask for their professional opinion, as well as what it would cost. If an overhaul is necessary, it may not be worth the cost when all is said and done.

4/ Shapewear is Key - If a dress shows every lump, bump and bulge, don't discount it completely. Sometimes just wearing shapewear, such as Spanx, will give you a sleek, smooth look and help you go from schlumpy to sexy. Department stores have begun stocking it in or near the clothing, so don't be afraid to try some on with your dress to see how great the final product can be.

5/ A Second Look - At first glance, an outfit may appear too big and too sloppy and you may discount it altogether. But give it a second look and ask yourself if the sleeves are too long, or it needs to be hemmed. Sometimes when sleeves or hem are too long a garment appears to be much bigger on you than it actually is. Roll sleeves and cuffs up or imagine your skirt shorter. If the fit still is big, go down a size. Don't allow yourself to be disillusioned when it comes to size. Look for bunching, gaping, pulling or stress on seamlines. When these are present, go up a size.

6/ A Nip and Tuck - If you're hard to fit, you're going to have to be a bit more imaginative. I have many clients whose waist is smaller in proportion than their hips. Consequently, when they try on pants or skirts, the hips fit while the waistline is gaping. This is where a creative mind, as well as an alterations specialist, can assist you in getting the right item for you. Buy a garment to fit the biggest part of you, then have the rest tailored to fit your body.

What Are You Waiting For?

In working with women over the years I have been privy to all the little jabs and negative self-talk that clients tell themselves, and I have to say that I'm not happy about it for several reasons. First, because we as women deserve to feel great about ourselves each and every day! And second, because that negative self talk turns into self-sabotage that prevents us from making the changes we'd really like to make to improve both our image and our outlook.

It's the little things that we tell ourselves each and every day that add up to big differences in our lives. Putting ourselves and our lives 'on hold' indefinitely because we think we need to lose 10 pounds (or 50), we're too busy, or we don't think we can afford it begins to send the message that we're not worthy, that we don't deserve to change, that we aren't good enough...our inner gremlins come out and simply take over, leaving us to feel, well, pretty bad about our selves and putting us that much further from living the life of our dreams.

What can you do about this? Well, for starters, you can simply make the decision that you're going to take action right now and make a difference for you! Saying that you can't change the way your dress, your hairstyle or anything about your appearance until you lose 25 pounds is equivalent of saying "I'm too fat and I don't deserve to look good", isn't it? That's enough to depress you right into polishing off another box of cookies, and just perpetuates this vicious cycle.

When you change your perspective and begin to do little things for yourself, treating yourself to a gorgeous new shade of lipstick, trying a new haircut that shows off your lovely face or buying a new dress that makes you feel sexy in the body you have right now, you say YES to you! You begin to see the beauty you already possess, you feel great and have a positive attitude that brings a new spark to your life. How cool is that?

If you find yourself still stuck in the same old patterns, feeling cranky and undeserving, here are a few tips you can try to help you say YES to YOU!

1/ Write a love note to yourself. Place it on your mirror so you see it first thing in the morning! Simply phrases such as "You are Gorgeous!", "You ARE all that!" or "I love you!" are enough to begin to shift your perspective.

2/ Do something just because. Sign up for a class you've always wanted to take. Take a mental health day and go have a makeover. Buy a scarf because you LOVE it! Doing something to fulfill an inner desire and see how happy it makes you!

3/ Do something for someone else. Surprise a friend with an unsolicited compliment, treat your significant other to a romantic dinner in, pay it forward. Giving of yourself helps you to feel expansive in a loving way and feel great about yourself.

4/ Dress yourself for YOU! Forget about what you always wear, or what you think you SHOULD wear, wear what feels great to you! If that means stepping out and trying something totally new, go for it! Just make sure you love it and you're wearing it for all the right reasons.

5/ Take care of you. When you take time out for a much needed massage, get a mani/pedi or have a facial, you allow yourself to be taken care of and it feels great. It will help you rejuvenate and have more to give to those around you!

So don't wait. Embrace the amazing woman you are right now and say YES to yourself - no matter what your weight, your size or your outlook, life's too short not to experience the little things that make it special - every day!