Unfortunately after a woman decides to leave the workforce to stay home with her children, often times she leaves her sense of style behind too. Ladies, being a mom and being fashionable are not mutually exclusive. If you are living out your days in baggy sweats and sweatshirts or running errands in your pajamas, this is for you. Here are some tips to look fashionable while still comfortable and able to keep up with the demands of your kids.

Obviously a good pair of jeans is essential. Mom jeans are a no-no. You need to find a fit that flatters your best parts and hides your flaws. Skinny jeans are probably not going to be the perfect jean, but experiment with boot cut and trouser jeans which flatter a lot of figures. You can spruce up your typical jeans and t-shirt look by throwing on a jacket, adding a scarf or pairing them with a funky piece of jewelry. Choose a t-shirt that is fitted, but not clinging to flatter your shape.

Old Navy Women’s Mid-Rise Flared Jeans - $20.00

If you are still looking for something along the lines of sweats and pajama bottoms, try some yoga pants and a hoodie. Make sure they fit you and aren’t oversized and baggy or you will end up looking dumpy instead of sporty. Pair it with a cute bag, some hoop earrings and a hip pair of sneakers and for minimal effort you have a look that says, “casual, but ready to sprint after my toddler if she spots something across the park”. I like this hoodie. See how the neckline dresses it up a little?

Softest Gray Hoodie from the Gap

Finally, lets agree to make at least one day of week “No Ponytail Day.” I know they are easy and convenient, but often times they end up making us look frumpy. Try a cute headband or scarf in your hair or even dare to experiment with a cute cap like this one from the Gap.

It’s risky, but then so is running to the store in pajama bottoms and an unkempt ponytail. You know your ex-boyfriend is going to be shopping in the produce aisle.

Jill can usually be found blogging in her pajamas over at The Diaper Diaries.

About a week ago, it started to get pretty chilly in my part of the country. All of a sudden all of those cute 3/4-length sleeve tops that I’d bought for fall were not so much cute as COLD! Although I’d love to just buy a whole new warmer wardrobe, that’s not the world I’m living in. So, instead, I headed out to the stores to get a few layering pieces to warm up the tops I already had. Here are a few tips on how to layer your short or 3/4-length sleeve tops over long-sleeve tops correctly.

1) Watch the Neckline

If your top layer has a lower neckline, your bottom layer will need to have a higher neckline. A v-necked bottom layer will look silly with a scooped or square-neck top layer. In this photo, I’ve got a short-sleeved, lower square-neckline tunic over a higher neckline long-sleeve. (Please keep in mind that I am a real person, not a fashion model!)

I am so glad to be able to keep wearing this cute tunic into the late fall and winter!

2) The bottom layer should not be thicker than the top layer

Layers should be relatively thin. If your bottom layer is thicker, it is going to add bulk to your outfit and simply make you look bigger. Generally not the look any of us is going for! I wear this Ruff Hewn long-sleeve tee from Bon Ton under this polo tunic from Kohl’s and the layer combination is just right.

3) Try a little color

You don’t always have to pick a neutral color to go under your top layer. Try adding a bottom layer with a bright, contrasting color to spice things up a bit! I’ve been wearing this bright pink long-sleeve tee under this denim-and-navy blue striped henley (both also from Kohl’s) and it’s a really fun contrast.

Adding some fun, cozy layers to tops you already own can keep you warm this winter and help stretch your clothing budget, too! What are your favorite layering looks? Join in the fun and share your tips at the Blissfully Domestic Forums!

Jenny Rapson is a SAHM of two and a fashion and beauty junkie, in addition to her duties as editor of Blissful Style. You can read all about her adventures in vanity and motherhood at her blog, Mommin’ It Up!

Photo: Jenny Rapson

I love the idea of clutch purses. The look of clutch purses. The size of clutch purses. But I don’t use them all that often, so I have a terribly hard time justifying spending all that much. That said, I wouldn’t mind having a few go-to clutch purses for evenings out. I carry a giant tote bag as my day bag, and it’s just not practical for dinners or going to bars. For after work plans, you can always tote a clutch in your larger day bag or briefcase. At the end of the day, just toss the essentials into your clutch and you are free from giant handbag hell!

With that in mind, I’ve created a collection of affordable clutch purses for the frugal. Here we go!

First up, this adorable green clutch from Forever 21. I know- it’s green! That’s not practical! Okay, but really, it IS practical. This can go with anything black. I would also pair it with darker blue shades. It will look great with jeans. Also? It’s a mere $12.80.

If green isn’t your style, in lieu of other more boring neutrals, might I suggest gray?

This clutch is also from Forever 21, though I think it is very Marc Jacobs-esque. It is also quite wallet friendly, at $14.80.

Purple Purple Purple! It is the color of the season. Why not make a purple clutch your go to evening out bag of the season?

Thankfully, Old Navy makes it affordable with this clutch for only $12.00

I’ve seen this bag in store, and I can attest to it’s quality and cute factor. It’s also a bit larger than your average clutch, which is always desirable. You can definitely fit make-up, cell phone, and a small wallet inside this bag.

My favorite of the lot are these “Slither Clutches” from Lulu’s:

Not only are they fabulously sleek, they also have a hideaway chain if you get tired of holding them. Inside, there is a mirror (fabulous for checking make-up at the last minute!) and slots for credit cards or your driver’s license. At $24.00, you can afford to get the practical black clutch, or one of the fun green or purple shades.

And lastly, I have to include one investment clutch, for those of you who perhaps get out a little more than yours truly. Lauren Merkin is probably the most famous name in clutches, and her bags have been seen on many a Hollywood star. That considered, they are probably a bit more affordable that you might suspect. And obviously gorgeous:

This embossed suede clutch is magnificent, and will last for an eternity. The style is hardly trendy, so you can wear it with confidence for years. At $228.00, it is certainly not cheap. But that’s what letters to Santa are for, my dears! And perhaps if I had one, I’d consider leaving my house more than once every six months. Or perhaps not.

Slynnro is the author of Slynnro, a personal blog chronicling travel escapades, fashion and skincare obsessions, and various amusing anecdotes about marriage. She also reviews skin care products and much more at her review blog, What is in my…..

Recently, a friend asked for help on what to wear for a photo shoot. She was getting a corporate photo taken for a new job, and the picture was going to be in the newspaper. I gave her some basics tips, and it made me wonder if people generally think about these things when they are getting family portraits taken or having a picture taken for business or blog.

Here are some photo session wardrobe tips:

• Be careful of anything patterned, especially stripes. They can take on a life of their own in a photo.

• Clothing…stay away from anything baggy – or even anything with an empire waist, tunic or baby-doll style. On camera, you can’t tell that it is ‘the flow’ of the garment, it just adds bulk (which is code for it will make you look fat).

• If you have light hair, wear something dark…light colors (with all the light at the shoot) might make you look washed out. Likewise, if you have dark hair, be careful of wearing dark colors. Also think about the background you are going to be photographed on. Is it a tone that is like your hair? If it is, you will get lost in the photo.

• Double up on your makeup – specifically your foundation. Although you might feel like a circus clown, on TV (or in a photo), you’ll look great! Truth is – you will be back lit, front lit, side lit…all of that light will wash you out (and can make your skin look – well, odd). So, double layers of foundation, use lots-o-powder (shine is bad in photos), and don’t be scared of eyeliner.

• Think about what you would wear on a date night. That is what you should wear. Don’t wear something you wouldn’t normally wear – you’ll feel self conscious, and it will reflect in the photos.

• Think about the reason you are getting your picture taken. Your job, blog, (whatever) has a personality – and that personality should be expressed in the photo. If you are getting your picture taken to post on your blog, you don’t want to freak out your readers by being photographed in a way that is completely contradictory from the tone of your blog. For example, if you are a banker, you don’t want to be photographed in a sun dress and a market hat. Likewise, if your blog has a cutting edge tone, covering edgy topics, and your writing style is ‘anything goes’ – you won’t want to be photographed wearing a stuffy pin striped business suit.

• If you’ve got great curly hair – make that your statement! I have a friend who is a photographer, and she has this big curly red hair – it is her ‘thing’…it’s awesome. If your hair is straight – spray on a little shine, and be careful of ‘fly-aways’. Remember in the picture, (especially if it is a head shot), we’re going to see a lot of your hair.

• If you wear glasses, be sure the photographer is especially careful of glare. Clean them, and wear a TON of eyeliner (so we can see your eyes through the glasses).

PHOTO CREDITS: All pictures were taken by, and are property of the uber talented Cathy Dietz

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Kathy Friend is a wardrobe coach, fashion stylist and personal shopper. Visit Kathy’s blog at www.FashionAnswers.blogspot.com – or website at www.KathyFriend.com

Over the years, I’ve consulted (literally) thousands of women on what to wear. I have never had one of those ladies ask me to help them look heavier, make their butt look big or their midsection look fat. One common thread in all women - regardless of weight or body shape - is that we all want to look thin.

Even models at fashion shows I have produced have said things like “I feel so bloated in this outfit” - this from a professional model who is at least 5′11″ and weighs maybe 120lbs! CRAZY! Yes, I told her to eat a Twinkie; it would make her feel better.

For the rest of us (those who are normal, who have our fat days and skinny days…that have let time get away from us, and somehow gained a few pounds in the process), here are some tricks to help you look thinner.

HAIR

Pulling your hair up and away from your shoulders will peel away pounds. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, and your face instantly looks slimmer. If you have shorter hair, try pulling just the sides back.

Wispy bangs make a round face seem less round.

Be careful of too much hair on the sides…if your hair-do has a poofy effect on the side, it can accentuate chubby cheeks. Also, check the length of your hair. If it is chin-length, this can bring attention to a double chin.

CLOTHING

A sheer blouse over a matching opaque tank skims the body so your entire silhouette looks slimmer. Look for lace tees, transparent tunics. Wear this look with jeans, with skirts, under suits – it is awesome!

If you worry about your waistline, try jeans or pants that sit lower on your hips, as they will slenderize your trouble spot. Pants with a mid-rise (hits just below your belly button) will make your midriff seem longer and slimmer.

Look for pants with a thick waist band, at least 2” thick. This style holds ‘stuff’ in, and smooths out bulges.

Always remember oversized clothes don’t camouflage problem areas. Excess fabric only makes you look bulkier (i.e. bigger). Don’t hide under your clothes! YOU should be wearing your clothes…clothes shouldn’t be wearing YOU! Likewise, clothes that fit tight do not make you look slimmer.

DETAILS

Not only are vertical - and pin stripes slimming, but asymmetrical stripes such as miter stripe blouses and tunics also work, they will elongate your upper body.

If you’re burdened with a belly bulge, choose relaxed fit jeans (note, this doesn’t mean the more pleats the better!). Pleat-fronted pants will balloon your middle, so they’re a definite “Don’t”. Flat front styles are a “Do”.

When fit correctly, a straight skirt (or pencil skirt) style is flattering to many figure types. The details make a big difference when finding the right fit for your body type. For example, your skirt might have a slight flair at the hem, front seaming, a wide waist band, or a high waist. Once you find a detail that works for you – seek out that same detail in other style skirts too.

Handbags – make sure that your handbag is in proportion to your stature. If you are a larger lady, then steer clear of a petite clutch – it will make you look bigger. Larger purses are better for just about everyone. Also, be conscious of where the handbag hits you when you carry it. If you carry your weight in your midsection, then don’t carry a shoulder bag that lands at your waist…at a glance, that is where people will look – right at your trouble area.

High heels will always make you look thinner. The higher the better!

When you put on a jacket or button front blouse, hold it up and look at the seaming on the back. What is the shape of that jacket? If it is square, then you are going to look boxy in it. If it has definite princess seaming, or is a peplum style – it is going to make you look slimmer. In other words, if the item you want to wear already has a nice silhouette (hourglass shape), then it will look good on you. Clothes don’t change shape on your body – the illusion of your silhouette changes depending on what you put on it.

PHOTO CREDITS: http://images.inmagine.com/img/photoalto/paa199/paa199000026.jpg

Be sure to ask your figure-specific question on Kathy Friend’s blog - www.FashionAnswers.blogspot.com.