With two children under four, I don’t have a lot of time to get dressed, or even to shower, every day. As a fan of Elle Canada, I get Facebook notifications of what’s going on on the Elle Canada website. One of the notifications that comes in very handy is the Look of the Day, and today’s look in particular (check it out) is a definite thumbs up. However, as a self-respecting woman with the average mom’s belly pooch, I cannot bring myself to wear the featured trendy pleated shorts. I’ve got to modify for my go anywhere look and, of course, you can too.

Image: Walmart

To replace the pleated Elle version, I like the Gap’s Curvy Bermuda Shorts in True Black. They’re classy and smart at the same time and they’re the type of style that will suit most body types. I’d match them with something simple like the Women’s Organic Cotton Scoop Tank (by Seed Supply Co.) from Wal-Mart, priced at a very affordable $4.

Lastly, find a fitted jacket with short or ¾ sleeves, rather than the long sleeves featured in the Elle Canada Look of the Day. It was a little tougher to find just the right thing, but I find I can always rely on Old Navy. A great ON option is the Cotton Twill Trapeze Blazer in Khaki. With short sleeves suitable for summer and a neutral hue for matching to skirts, jeans, and other bottoms (especially those perfect fit black trousers every woman owns) you already possess, it’s a good staple piece.

To finish off the look, grab pretty scarf to drape around your neck and some pretty sandals or wedge heels (as shown in the Elle version.)

Still confused about how to translate what you see on a magazine page into something you can wear? I look at a few factors when deciding what to wear. Is it current? If it’s not trendy, is it classic or the kind of look that doesn’t become dated or easily placed in a fashion era? Is it comfortable; can I move in it, bend over, or stretch? Will it suit my body shape? Is it interesting or pretty? I don’t like to fade into the background and you shouldn’t have to either.

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Mom Style: Go Anywhere Classy Casual

As a mom, sometimes it is just easier to throw on whatever doesn’t smell like baby puke and call it a day. Not everyone can interpret how to wear fashion on their unfamiliar mom bodies. Everything changes, falls, or expands, and it can be tough to figure out how to dress a mom body.

So what’s a girl to do?

Not to worry. I have done the work for you. There are 5 fantastic items at Old Navy that will work for you.

Image: Old Navy

Tube Dress
First, there’s the Smocked Tube Dress. It sits just right on the body, skimming where it should and leaving a little to the imagination where it’s needed. It’s strapless though so your baby will likely pull it down before long. I got it in a floral print that’s been getting me endless compliments.

Cargo Capri
Next, there’s the Low Rise Cargo Capri. They’ve got a rib-knit waistband for not-so-perfect midsections and a drawstring in case you’re still working on losing the baby weight. Just make sure you’ve got the right size and they will flatter your bottom and your legs, showing off shapely calves.

Tank Top
An appealing match to the capris is the Long Layering Tank in Gray Floral. You can layer it with coordinating tanks to add interest (camouflaging some bulk in your torso.) Soft and somehow made to fit a woman’s body just so, I recommend Old Navy tanks for moms who want something pretty but flattering.

Walking Capri
A favourite piece is the Wide-Leg Walking Capri in Carbon, a dark gray to complement your favourite summer tops. With handy pockets, an attractive wide waistband, and trendy walking short length, it doesn’t get much better than this. They’re flexible in Cotton and Spandex, so you can really move in them and they’re the perfect length for bending to scoop up children while hitting the curves favourably but modestly.

Babydoll Top
I found a sweet pairing for the walking capris in the Smocked Slub-Knit Babydoll top, with several vivid colours to choose from. It’s another belly hider but with more style than a droopy old sweatshirt. It’ll draw attention to your décolletage and distract from any flaws. Make sure you wear just the right bra since the smocking effect highlights the frustrating back chub bras can create. I think this top will be ideal with jeans.

So many moms I talk to view fashion with trepidation, fearing people will think they are trying too hard or that they aren’t thin enough or tall enough or young enough to “pull it off.” That is just not so; it’s all in the fit. Choose styles that skim the body but don’t cling to it and you’ll soon find there’s something out there for every mama.

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Mom Style: 5 Old Navy Essentials

This tangerine and lemon top is made from a stretchy cotton blend and has a self belt and a button placket. What can I say? I’m a sucker for the bib-front tops!

Image: Liz Claiborne

It also comes in blue, if you prefer.

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Liz Claiborne Loves Juicy Summer Brights

Invest in somewthing like this Dolce & Gabanna Charmeuse Racerback Tank from Eluxury.com. The top is a chic light blue color. It has a light fluid fit with an A-line shape. It’s also 100% silk. Oh how much fun! Aren’t most of your tanks cotton? Cotton tanks can get so boring! The tank is on sale at the moment for $300. 

Eluxury.com

Eluxury.com

And just FYI, Eluxury.com is having a massive sale, up to 60% off their summer stuff right now! woohoo!

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Dolce & Gabanna Charmeuse Razorback Tank

Available at JCPenney

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Kimono Sweater for Spring

But what I like most about them is the heels that work so well with today’s pantsuits. I can just see these shoes with a skinny lavender pantsuit. Just gorgeous and pretty much the only accessory that you need. Okay, maybe a new handbag. With so many gorgeous ones this  season, I just can’t resist!

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Pantsuits Are Back and Ready to Be Accessorized

*Be sure that you look for ones with built in bras. The less you have to wear during the summer months, the less I like it!

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Tank Tops Spring 2006

And now for a handbag. I picked a tote in colors that I thought would compliment the belt, the shoes and the cargo pants. I thought that this outfit would be perfect for a wander along the beach.

Nearly forgot something for the top. At the moment, I’m getting kind of carried away with tank tops. I picked up six yesterday. They came in lots of three to a package and I just could decide between the colors, so I just bought them all. I think that I’m pretty much set for the summer! Okay, maybe not. I like this tank too! Looks as if I’m not quite done yet afterall!!

All Available Here…

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Now for the Shoes and a Handbag…

But I have been known to change my mind, so be warned! This particular tank top isn’t half bad, so I guess it’s all in the shade you pick and how much yellow you are using at one time!

Photo

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Yellow Everything…