mummy style
Filed Under Tips & Tricks | January 19, 2010
The New Year is a natural time to think about a “new you”, so we asked local personal stylist Jessie Carlson for her advice on dressing for your mummy body without bowing to the whims of fashion or resorting to “mom” jeans. Carlson’s a big believer in classics that don’t go out of style and dressing to flatter the body you have now rather than the one you’ll have when you lose ten pounds or stop breastfeeding or…
What style issues are most new mums struggling with when they come to you?
Most of them say “I don’t know how to dress anymore. I have this new body and I don’t know what to wear.” I find they’re more vulnerable and they tend to find it intimidating to go shopping. They also have unrealistic expectations of what they should look like because of Hollywood mums who lose their baby weight in two weeks.
How do you help them get over those hurdles?
Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean you suddenly lose your style – it’s not all about shopping for your baby, it’s also about how to maintain you and feel good about you.
For mamas I suggest keeping it as effortless and easy as possible. Which doesn’t necessarily mean yoga pants. It can mean good jeans and tees, a few sweaters and boots and a good coat. Especially in Vancouver.
I like getting classic pieces you can wear over and over again and that work for where you are right now. When you feel good it’s one less thing to worry about.
What are mums’ biggest body issues?
Bums and bellies. Mums gain weight around their midsection but just because you’re carrying extra weight doesn’t mean you should hide your body. Showing your curves and accentuating your shape is more flattering than wearing something big and baggy.
It can be hard to accept your body right now, but dress for it, don’t wait. It may seem overwhelming and you may feel you don’t have the time or the money but when you do put a little time and energy into it you’ll feel like yourself again. And that’s valuable on a deeper level.
What basics should every mama have in her wardrobe?
Don’t focus a lot on trends unless you’re super high fashion. I recommend investing in the right jeans, boots, bag, sunglasses and coat. If you have those things you’re good to go. And skinny jeans are okay, they’re not just for 20-year-olds.
Most new mums aren’t wearing heels. Look for cute flats or boots that are easy to get on and off.
It’s also important to get clothes tailored. Fit is everything and most of what you buy off the shelf won’t fit right, so get the waist tapered, bring in the shoulders a bit, whatever you need to make it fit perfectly. I use A&R Alteration & Dressmaking.
What do you recommend for pregnant mamas?
I like pairing leggings or skinny jeans with a big tee or cardigan. Layer your tops, show a bit of cleavage, go loose around your tummy and show skinny legs.
Why are good foundation garments so important?
A good bra makes all the difference. It can make a t-shirt look fabulous and not sloppy. Everyone needs a good nude bra and it’s worth spending money on one. It’s the same with underwear, you don’t have to wear a thong, but if you’re going to wear full bum underwear make sure it doesn’t cut in and give you four bums.
Any other tips?
Don’t keep all your pre pregnancy stuff that doesn’t fit any longer. Every time you look at it you’ll feel bad.
You can consign your really good pieces but with the rest I always donate them to a charity that I connect with. I like Dress for Success for business clothes and Avalon Women’s Centres for more casual clothes.
And my best style advice may be clichéd but it’s still true – stand up straight and breathe. Confidence is far more important than the right pair of jeans, but imagine what confidence and the right pair of jeans can do!
Jessie Carlson Wardrobe: www.jessiecarlson.com
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From now til the end of February, My Little Green Shop will donate 5% of all proceeds to the Canadian Red Cross for their relief work in Haiti.
We are hosting a fundraiser:
Klik Photographic will be doing mini photo sessions at LilliQ Café on Sunday January 31st from 10am-1pm.
What you get… For a minimum donation of $25 per child you will have a 10 minute photo session with acclaimed portrait photographer Kyrani Kavanaros of Klik Photographic. Each family will receive a gorgeous 4X6 sized print ready jpeg by email, when they leave their email address.
What you give… All proceeds will go to Doctor’s Without Borders to help with the crisis in Haiti.
Makeup artists will be on site if you want a portrait or a makeover!
Details here: http://lilliq.com/?p=587
From now until 28 Feb, we will be donating 100% of profits to Global Medic. They are a zero-overhead, Canadian NGO operating a medical clinic in Port-au-Prince and installing water purification infrastructure. You can learn more about them at
http://www.globalmedic.ca