Making Over Momma

Great Layering Camisoles!

tracey — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:18:51 +0000

I feel like I am always looking for that perfect tank top or camisole that works under everything. One that is long enough so when I bend down nothing peeks out and one that doesn’t squeeze you in certain places that excess skin spills out the sides or top. Recently I connected with Kristen at SNUG Camisoles. She suggested that I try their product and sent me the Bra Friendly Tank to try out.

I was thrilled to find that the bra friendly tank was long enough even for me who has an usually long torso. The fabric is a nylon spandex blend which has good body to it. It smoothes without squeezing which gives a great exterior polished look. At $36 and in a rainbow of colors, this is definitely a must have to add to your wardrobe.

Photos courtesy of Reggo Wilson from Reggo of New York Photography

5 Hot Heels under $100

tracey — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:57:35 +0000

After the beautiful weather last weekend, I have definitely caught spring fever! Being that it is Friday I thought it would be a great day to share some hot heels that won’t break the bank. Whether you are in the mood for a sexy date night sandal or a great wedge for those maxi dresses, there are some great options in the market this spring. As always, there is a link attached to each photo for your time saving shopping.

Strappy High Heel Sandal by Zara $89.90

Geezlouis by Nine West $89.00

Talor Wedge DV by Dolce Vita $74.95

Leahanna High Heel by Calvin Klein $99.00

Marcii Wedge by Steve Madden $89.95

Avoid a Fashion Mistake

tracey — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:12:34 +0000

Have you ever noticed another woman’s outfit and thought how perfect they looked if only … Last Saturday morning I was at my usual 7:30am cycling class. As I adjusted all of my settings on the bike and began to warm up, an ‘almost’ impeccably dressed woman chose a bike just in front of me. She had obviously spent a good deal on her stylish work out attire, dressed head to toe in shades of charcoal grey. Her hair styled just so, I was impressed she had taken such measures at an early morning gym class. However, as she turned around to adjust her bike I noticed it. The one thing that ruined all of the time that she had spent carefully putting together her perfect look – the “granny panty” panty lines! With her wrong choice of underwear, she created a double butt which easily could have been avoided.

If the woman had only taken a second to look at how her foundations were fitting her she would have eliminated this unfortunate style faux pas. As difficult as it may be to look at yourself in the mirror wearing just your skivvies, it is so important. Many times the bulges that you see when you are wearing your clothes are created by ill fitting undergarments. Whether it is getting a professional to measure you for a properly fitting bra, going up a size in your panties (1 of my secret weapons) or investing in some of the great shape wear that is on the market (Yes, this is how the celebrities look smooth and fabulous on tv everyday.), ultimately your finished look will benefit.

Need an Easter Outfit Idea?

tracey — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:06:49 +0000

With Easter landing in March this year, it makes getting dressed a little more difficult. In the northeast they are predicting 50 degree weather. That doesn’t scream “Bring out the spring dresses” to me. Stripes and pastels are both big trends for this season. Think about pairing them with a cotton blazer and a hot spectator sandal.

Tailored Blazer by Madewell $138.00

Chevron Stripe Peplum Top $49.50

Cafe' Capri by J. Crew $89.50

Dallas Spectator Sandal By Lauren $120.00

Have You Tried an Under Makeup Primer?

tracey — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:07:42 +0000

Everyday it seems that there is a new product on the market that is going to make us look younger, brighter, more radiant, while we are constantly told as you get older, wear less makeup. One product that I have recently fallen in love with is Spackle, an under make up primer, by Laura Geller ($27). A few months ago I received a sample and have since become addicted. I layer the primer on after my moisturizer has set in and before my foundation. As you apply it, you can easily see how it retexturizes your skin giving a smoother more polished finish. I also love that when I use Spackle, my face feels a little extra moisutrized throughout the day. Since this is an extra step in your make up routine, I like to keep this product for those occasions when you want to add a little extra hotness to your look. As always, if you click on the highlighted text, it will direct you to a website where you can purchase it.

Tips from a Stylist to the “Stars”

tracey — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:45:12 +0000

Last week I had lunch with my friend Kevin who just so happens to be the Executive VP of Stores for Barneys New York. While enjoying a great salad at Fred’s on the top level of Barneys NY on Madison Avenue, I asked Kevin if he would mind sharing with me the 3 things that every woman should have in their closet for this spring. He thought for a second and then said, “Hold on, I have someone for you to talk to”. After lunch we strolled down to the Studio Services department. If you aren’t familiar with this area, it is where the ‘seen and be scene’ go to shop. Kevin introduced me to Laura Mannix, Director of Studio Services. Laura was kind enough to take time out of her crazy day to share the following tips with me so that I can pass them on to you.

Laura Mannix’s Top 3 Must Haves for Spring 2013

This gorgeous bag is called The Edge by Celine. It is one of the best sellers at Barneys NY.

“Bipunta” colorblocked suede single sole pumps by Manolo Blahnik ($645) are a beautiful way to add a “pop” of color to your spring wardrobe.

Tinted moisturizer by La Mer ($70) is a simple step to add to your daily spring routine. It combines your 2 step process of moisturizer and foundation.

What to Wear to The Gym

tracey — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:31:17 +0000

photo courtesy of Fitness 19

Going to the gym has been part of my regular routine since I graduated college. Over the years I have tried every type of workout wear that you can imagine. From the $9.99 no name variety to the gear that professional athletes would be found wearing. For the past year and a half, I have become obsessed with wearing Lululemon. I was hesitant over the hoopla when they first came into the area, skeptical that their workout pants would be any different than the hundreds of others I have worn in the past. After continuously spotting the Lululemon logo on every other woman at the gym, I decided it was time to at least visit their store and try them on. I was overwhelmingly surprised with the first pair I put on. Let’s just say, they suck you in, in all of the right places so that nothing jiggles. Although a little pricey, I can say that I am still wearing the first pair I bought about 18 months ago and they are in the wash twice a week. Since discovering and falling in love with the Wunder Under Crop, I have now ventured in to wearing their tops & jackets. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

Wunder Under Crop by Lululemon $72

I love how the fabric on these cropped leggings hold you in and are completely opaque. No cellulite showing through these babies!

No Limits Tank by Lululemon $64

These tanks are a time saver. The sports bra is sewn to the exterior tank so you don’t have to hunt your drawers for 2 different tops.

Daily Yoga Jacket by Lululemon $128

I love this jacket because it has a polished look to it. It finishes off your outfit so that you look great stopping to do errands on your way home from the gym.

How to Make Your Bargain Bin Finds Look Like A Million $$$

tracey — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:14:42 +0000

Do you ever wonder how celebrities make mass market fashions look like designer duds? For example, do you remember the 1996 Academy Awards when Sharon Stone was sporting a black turtleneck by the Gap? In 2010, Natalie Portman arrived to the New York Times Arts & Leisure Weekend wearing a $39.99 dress from Target. How many times has First Lady Michelle Obama attended an event wearing an outfit from J. Crew?

Here are 5 simple tips on how to make your mass market finds look like you spent a whole lot more on them:

Ironing – I know it is everyone’s least favorite household chore to do and many people don’t even own an iron anymore. However, ironing can take your look up to a whole new level. Taking care that your garments are smoothly pressed and crease free will make the fabrications look a lot more expensive.
Add a Dash of Designer – Be cautious how you assemble your outfit. Mix up your labels and if you are wearing a tee from the bargain bin, pair it with a hot pair of shoes or a pretty piece of jewelry. Mixing higher end pieces in with your discounted items makes it difficult for anyone to notice which ones are less than superior.
Alterations – Fit is everything. Even the most expensive labels won’t look great if they don’t fit right. Take a few extra dollars and have your garments personally fitted by a professional seamstress. Fit is one of the reasons women and men spend so much on designer pieces.
Hand wash & Dry Cleaning – Many mass market styles are not constructed of the best fabrications. Taking care of them while laundering will help to give them a longer life. I seldom use the dryer for knits. Knits have a tendency to shrink or loose their shape when thrown in the dryer. I am also a huge fan of bulk dry cleaning for my lower priced pieces. There are many dry cleaners now that will only charge $2 or $3 an item. This is a great way to help your pieces look best all season.
Hair & Make up – Remember to take care of yourself. The better you look, the better your outfit will appear. It doesn’t matter how much you spend on an outfit, if your hair and face aren’t cared for, your clothes won’t look good.

Old Lady Neck – No More!

tracey — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:38:35 +0000

Having been born a “sun lover”, it is safe to say that I have done some damage over the years to my décolleté. Recently I noticed where I used to have soft smooth skin, was now more reminiscent of snake skin rather than a baby’s bottom. I set out in search for a resolution. After trying many creams and lotions that didn’t help improve the appearance of my quickly aging skin, a friend of mine introduced me to RE 9 Advanced Age-Defying Neck Cream by Arbonne. The instructions recommend you apply this twice a day but, being a mother of twins, I was lucky to slather this on once a day after my shower. After just a few weeks, I noticed a remarkable difference. My skin was no longer crackled and many of the fine lines that once had bothered me had now vanished. I can now feel comfortable that when wearing lower necklines my age is not tattooed across my chest.

Sexy on the Slopes

tracey — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:25:36 +0000

Whether you are heading to the slopes for a long weekend or a week long break, your kids shouldn’t be the only ones looking great in their cold weather gear. Bright colors paired with white are among my favorite looks this season. Pay attention to what you layer under your jacket. You don’t want to add any extra bulkiness. There are great athletic wear fabrics that will keep you warm and help you to look thin. Catching the attention of those cute snow patrol guys is a definite boost to the ego!

Love the bright blue with contrast taping on this style. It has a nice contoured shape so you won't look so bulky. $300

Crisp white snow pants will keep you looking great on and off the slopes. This one is the Lauren Insulated Stretch Pant by NILS. I found it on sale for $98.93.

Your layering pieces are just as important as your outerwear. I love fitted athletic styles that will show off your feminine shape instead of bulky sweaters. This one is the Nike Pro Hyperwarm II. $60

Don't forget to finish off your haute look with a sharp looking pair of goggles. These pretty ones are Spy Bias Goggles. $99.95

As always, I have attached a link to each photo so that you may easily find each item online. Just click on the picture and it will direct you to the website.