ride on.

I LOVE the biker chic look. LOVE.

(I ride a Harley, and it's one of my FAVORITE past times in the summer, but my chaps for riding, are just for practical uses.)

 If it were acceptable to wear leather pants to my daughters play date- I would.

If you've seen me, in the past 6 years, you know this is my fav hairstyle:

It all started in Australia...7 years ago...(here with my Irish co-worker and friend Stephen. SO much drinking...which is why my face is swollen, and there are fly aways here. If you know me-you're laughing.)

I have blonde "Snooki" hair. The bigger the "poof", the bigger the party. Clearly, this was daytime(pictured with my husband, aww.)-so the poof was tame.

 

 

Gawd...this is getting obnoxious. 

 

I feel like a total rocker when I have my hair incredibly teased. Actually, I can't even say that I "tease" my hair. I freakin' ABUSE it. I am very lucky to have such strong hair, because the way I back comb it, it's scary. I was born in the wrong decade. Could you IMAGINE if I was a teen in the 80's? (I would have LOVED every minute of it.) My hair would have looked like this:

People ask me how I get it like that...I find it really easy, since I have been doing it for 10 years, but here's the broken down version:

 Start at the crown of your head. using a tooth comb, pull a section of your hair straight UP, and backcomb like a crazy person. Now Spray with hair spray. Continue this in sections all the way to the front. I "mold" mine into place. You have to play with it a little, to find out what your hair can handle.

Has anyone "Liked" my style.Ease facebook page? Click on that link to see Tom Ford's biker style. (I <3 Tom Ford. One day, when I'm a billionaire...I will have a closet full of his line.)

Tom Ford Spring 2011

Burberry Spring 2011

Burberry Spring 2011

But...we DO have play dates...and depending on your circle of friends...a full metal jacket may not be appropriate. So...what to do, what to do? Start playing with accessories, if going full tilt makes you nervous.

Try a studded clutch:

Diane von Furstenberg

Philomena Studded Clutch

$212.50....you can find cute clutches that are not $100's of dollars...but I love a good quality purse/bag/clutch...

Why don't you try a biker jacket, with jeans to start. You can work it up from there. And you'll look hot. Next time you see me...I may be wearing leather pants.

xo

Rach

hair.

Hair plays a HUGE part of your look. If I am having a bad hair day, fuh-get-about-it. Seriously. When you go shopping, and your hair looks bad, or maybe your make up too....you have "butter head" (everything's great...but her head...In N.American...we call it butter face, but in Australia, they say things like "Mate, look at her head..."-if it's a bad situation... So, I think "butter head" is appropriate when you're having a bad hair/makeup combo day.) when you're shopping, for example- you most likely won't like what you're trying on...it becomes a frustrating experience, and you end up buying a hoodie. Sweet...another frumpy hoodie. SOOOO high school.


What is the 2011 trend for YOUR hair?



Long hair:

Double hair knots- 
this style is all about looking "effortless".  Which is funny....cause it sometimes takes awhile to get the perfect "I don't care look". Haha!

1. Spritz the hair with a sea-salt spray all over (Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is awesome)
2. Now, scrunch the hair into bunches to add waves and texture while drying 
3. Pull a thick section of hair out at the front, sweeping it into a deep side part
4. Then, take back two sections of hair and tie into a knot - then again into a double knot

***UPDATE : More details on the double hair knot

1.) Your hair needs enough texture for the hairstyle to hold.
You're not looking for so much texture that this becomes too messy of hairstyle, but enough that it adds volume.
Try a spray-in mousse applied to the hair's roots. Then worked through with a hair dryer.
If you have flat or fine hair simply apply more mousse. This is a hairstyle that will benefit from liberal lashings of mousse, so be worried more about too little, rather than too much.

If the hair dryer and mousse causes too much of a messy look (natural waves dominating the hair) brush out the excessive texture.

2.)  Using a comb divide the hair at the back down the centre hair line, beginning at the crown of the head and finishing at the nape of the neck.

3.) Hold both sections of the hair separately.

 
4.)  Tie a single knot in much the same way you'd tie any knot.

To do this place one section of your parted hair over the other, loop that section though the created hole and pull the two parts tights.

 5.) Now, do another know, same as above, so you have two knots.

6.) Twist a little bit, and stick bobby pins through the "knots". Secure with a couple bobby pins.

7.) Spritz with hair spray to keep any fly aways, or short hairs in place.

For fall or winter, play down the beach look by making the hair smoother and a little less textured. Try replacing the sea-spray with a volumizer and keeping the hair in place with a little hairspray.

 Short hair:

The waved bob-
The more understated the curls, the better. Don't focus on getting perfect curls.

1.)   Work mousse through your hair & dry
2.)   Create loose curls in sections, a couple inches down from the root. They need to have "bends", not tight curls
3.)   Hair spray, then blast hair with a blow dryer to break it up.


The PIXIE cut.

2010 had a little longer version of the pixie cut, but SHORT, SHORT is back. And eeeeaaassssy!

***UPDATE:

 How to spend 10 minutes on your pixie cut...and not have the same 'do as your son ;)

 1.) Blow dry on HOT, while "pulling" sections straight.
 2.) Now, put a little pomade on your finger tips, and "mess" up your hair.
 3.) Pinch some pomade to select ends,  of select sections.
 4.) Strut.



Hair accessories are not going to be very popular for 2011...head bands here and there, but not a lot more  than that.

Don't try too hard, that's kinda the point. A little messy can be good.
Happy stylin',

-Rach
xo
***super duber details & photos were found at an awesome site:
 http://www.fashionising.com/
LOVE it!

Facebook page?

Social networking is the wave of the future...

How do you feel about it?

Will you "like" the style.Ease page?


http://www.facebook.com/pages/styleEase/150578361661881?v=app_2373072738&ref=sgm#!/pages/styleEase/150578361661881?v=wall

Pre-pregnancy love.

***I feel like I talk a lot about mommy stuff. I apologize to those who are not yet mama's. I blab about what's in my head, and it tends to come out unfiltered.  So- if you haven't had children yet. Here is your official warning.***

If you haven't bore fruit from your loins yet- Listen to me very carefully. Immediately get completely naked. In a well lit room. In front of a full length mirror. Now just stare. Get a good look. A REAL gooooood look.

Continue looking daily, until you see the little plus sign. **not thinking of kids ANY time soon?-puuuurfect. Keep looking. Look in every mirror you pass. Have "grown up time" with the lights on. Take advantage of not having to wear a bra.

Learn to LOVE your body now. 

Before children is when you're most likely in your physical prime . You haven't been completely stretched out yet. You're hair is still in place. Your panty drawer is full of silk. It's so funny, because before kids (when we are at our most selfish) we hate our bodies.

"I'm so fat", "My boobs aren't big enough", OR "My boobs are too big" (PS- the worlds tiniest violin is playing for you) We're consistently dieting, trying to lose weight- trying to look like the Victoria Secret model....don't you LOVE VS, btw? Anyway. Ready?

(+) CONGRATS!!!!

 
Game over. I hope you enjoyed your ass, your boobs, the taut skin on your tummy. Don't think it's taut? Don't like your butt? Not too happy with your boobs? You better get over that, and learn to LOVE them now- because once the lil fetus starts to suck nourishment, energy and life from your very core, it (literally) all goes down hill.

Yes, I too have heard the urban myths. Bologna. "My friend "Brandy's" boobs STAYED big after her baby! She has DD's now!" If she actually DOES have DD's... when she isn't wearing a bra, she can tie 'em in a knot, she can tie 'em in a bow. It's JUST the way nature works. (Think soggy perogy. Same effect with little ones, FYI) Don't be mad at ME! I'm trying to warn you. I'm your friend!

What happens to a woman's body after bearing a child, is a sick, sick joke. I mean- it's amazing, and a miracle, and all that- but I'm just throwin' this out there, because I was in total denial. Actually, denial up until preggo with my 2nd lil nugget. I didn't fare as well with my little "Dorothy".

 The TRUTH is- it doesn't f****n matter what your ass look like after having children, cause remember- YOU don't matter anymore! :) It's all about the kids. So ungrateful...always wanting to be FED, CLOTHED....the list goes on, and on, and on. Blah, blah, blah.


Here's the GOOD news:

• Once you have a bebe, you will be so busy, that you won't have much time for eating! Whoo hoo! 

• If you have enough self control to eat veggies and fruit- when you do get .7 seconds without children (and/or their accessories in your hands), you're golden!

• I am a crazy bi-otch, and what I am writing about doesn't matter, because you'll have a gurgly, cooing , cute lil baby to cuddle.

• Some women LOVE being pregnant. I think they are liars, but hey-that's just me. I HATE it. The ONLY thing I can think about what I like about it, is when baby moves around, and your stomach looks like there is an alien in there. Or a baby.

• Some women actually do lose more weight after having baby than before they were pregnant. For some, swapping the weight for saggy areas and stretch marks is a fair, and welcome trade.

So ladies, whether you are pre-baby, or post~ you have one body, and one body only. You either love it, or you hate it. For some, it's not easy to change- for others, it's a matter of a little exercise and fruit. So do what you need to do, because it doesn't matter what clothes are in your closet-if you hate what is under them, you won't feel good about what you're wearing. And I'm not just talking about an actual PHYSICAL change.- My brother would call me Dr.Phil right about now,

xo
 Rach
This "style" blog is quickly going down hill....hmmm....style....style......uh, if you missed the memo-shoulder pads are back. (easiest to wear when it's a fitted style.)

( Maybe next time I'll focus on what we can cover up our mummy tummy's with....)

PS- When you do get knocked up- grab a copy of "The girlfriends guide to Pregnancy". 

No wonder....

FIRST THINGS FIRST: My husband is a loving, caring man. One of the NICEST guys you'll ever meet, so read this with a grain of salt.

*** He said he was going to take pictures of our house, and post them on facebook-so everyone can see how unfortunate his life is. (OK-my words, not his) And I said, why don't I blog about this conversation, and he said DO IT. So maybe I will post pictures of how messy our house is, and you can all send him "Get better" cards.***

There is nothing nice about having a disorganized house. There just isn't. Messy is one thing, "dirty" is another...and then there is disorganized. First of all...I am the most UN-organized person you've ever met. My husband literally took a picture of me sitting on the floor of my office working on my lap top, surrounded by crap.(Not "real" crap. Ew. Why would you even think that?) My desk was piled so high with papers and junk, that I couldn't sit there. And as he snapped the picture, he said "Maybe I should put this on facebook to show everyone how you work." I said...."I'll tell them myself, thank you very much.", while shooting lasers with my eyes....

PS...this is not our house...so what is he so damn upset about?!

Do I think it's fair to my husband that he comes home to a disaster of a house? No- of course not...but this is my fault. Not for not cleaning 24/7. Not for letting the laundry get behind, and stay behind. It's my fault he's pissed off about the state of the house, because at the BEGINNING, I cleaned a lot. I NEVER asked for help. I took care of our daughter (only one at the time, which is maybe WHY we're at where we are at...), I cooked, I vacuumed (almost every day), floors were washed weekly, dusted, all that jazz-and I looked half ok doing it. Ava was always dressed in adorable outfits. (maybe I was the bitch at the mall?) So, it's MY fault that he hates coming home to this mess, because I didn't bitch him out from the beginning. THIS is what I SHOULD have said 3 years ago:

 "What the hell?! Look around! We live in a bloody pigsty! Are you HAPPY living like this?! Because I am NOT. You need to start pulling your weight around here. How the hell do you think I could do everything by myself? Grab a mop sunshine, the floors aren't going to wash themselves!"

Now...back to reality. I don't LIKE cleaning. I like working on my Stella & Dot business, and I like hanging out with my kids. (He would add here: "And she LIKES being on facebook all day.") So, when he gets mad about the house, I have said recently that I need help. I CAN'T do it by myself. I don't think it's fair that I make supper, and then have to clean it up, and get the kids to bed, after being with them all day. I don't think it's fair that I am expected to do it all. And he said "I make the money." I KNOW that there are many women out there, who's blood just BOILED. Are you thinking "What an assh*le", or are you thinking, "Yes bitch, he works all day, get sweeping."? He does work his ass off. Mostly in hot, 3rd world countries. He is away from his family for a good part of the year. He wants to come home to his "castle" (that, yes, I KNOW- HE pays for.) He doesn't want to come home, to trip over toys, move unfolded laundry from the couch, so he can lay there and watch hockey. I get it. But I'm not about to admit defeat like my mother did. My father- also an incredibly hard worker. He has build his business from the ground up to support his family, just like my husband is doing...but he didn't help my mom at all. 

 I told my husband, many, many times (before we were even dating-we were just friends at this point) that I would never marry a guy like my dad. I love my father, but I'd be damned before I got myself into that situation. And now...he says things like "I pay the mortgage." 

 So- who's right here? Maybe we both are a little right, and a little wrong. I do need to point out, that in the past month or so, he has been A LOT more helpful. A very dear friend of ours, explained to him, that I am his "equal"(yes. I know. Someone had to explain it to him...I know.)...and since then, he has helped clean up after dinner, helps at bath time, has even taken the kids for FULL DAYS when I have trunk shows. So, don't hate him yet...he is making huge strides, in the home front. But I often wonder...how many women STILL, in 2011- are trying to do it all by themselves?

 No WONDER we're in bandannas and granny panties.

Mamacita!

"Because she's not a woman anymore, she's a mom!"
I think that was quite possibly one of the funniest skits in SNL history. I've talked about it before, the "mom jeans" skit. I laugh every single time. Because so many moms STILL wear mom jeans. And mom vests. OMG- Mom vests. THAT is truly funny.

The time line of "woman" to "mom":

• Pre-pregnancy: Thong, or G-String undies...tight jeans, sexy low top, heels, long hair-typically flowing in the breeze......

• You are now 2 months preggo: Bikini cut undies....feeling a little bloated=yoga pants more and more often...you hair is still long, not so "flowy"...the morning sickness, tends to take the time you had to curl your hair- and puke all over it.

• 6 months preggo...nothing fits, except for your "laundry day" panties, which are scary to the naked eye, you used to cringe if your "significant other" (NO- I will not say husband...it's 2011.) ever caught a glimpse of them. You now have no choice but to wear elastic waist everything. This precious lil meatball in your womb has completely taken over. It is NOT your body anymore. You look in the mirror...you cry. "Who's thighs are those? When did the cellulite get so bad?......my skin is bad...but...my hair is thick as ever! ...and my boobs look awesome...!!!"

• 9 months pregnant. If you are like me-you are hating your life right now. You pee every 4 minutes...whether you make it to a restroom or not. Your belly button is poking THROUGH your shirt- W.T.F. You are so flipping exhausted,  that the thought of doing anything more than a pony tail with your long, thick flowing hair, requires a nap.

 (Notice how much just the pregnancy part takes away? Now...the little bundle has arrived.)

•  CONGRATULATIONS! You are now the proud mommy of a beautiful, poopy, crying, hungry-all-the-time-attached-to-your-breast-24-hours-a-day BUNDLE OF JOY, LOVE AND HAPPINESS! This will be the happiest, most unflattering, low point of style in your life! I say this because....it's true. YOU don't matter anymore! YAY! It's all about baby. Which is FABULOUS! Right? We knew it wouldn't be glamorous to bear a child, didn't we? 

I mean, first of all- the baby weight. Isn't it great? What I ALWAYS wanted! Don't you love when you're **significant other touches your tummy-and it jiggles, and comes and goes like waves, because 15 pounds of baby and fluids departed like a bat out of hell, and now you are left with the devastation? LOVE IT.

Between diapers, figuring out how to breastfeed properly, laundry, the tornado that seems to go through your house every day, possible siblings of said baby (which includes, but is not limited to: feeding these siblings...apparently it is frowned upon to not feed your kids, school, sports, homework, bathing them-also frowned upon if left undone....), grocery shopping, shall I go on....?- when did you have time to wash YOUR hair? You didn't. I think this is wear bandannas come into play. (AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!) Stop. Put the bandanna down, and walk away.......

Once a week, when you find the time to wash your hair...you end up in complete disbelief and devastation. Why? Because what used to be long, flowing locks, are now-coming out in clumps. Sexy. So what happens now? You chop your hair off. At the time, you think "It will be so much easier to maintain! Less hair=less time managing it." Right? Wrong. With most short cuts-you need to STYLE it. Not really great for "wash & go". You need to blow dry, and possibly use some type of heated device; ie: straightener, curling iron, ect.....otherwise, your "cute, easy bob" cut will look like my hair did in Grade 3. I don't want to talk about it. The photos will haunt me forever.

You are now in full mom mode. Your daily attire consists of sweatpants, a t-shirt with spit up and stains, and a bandanna. This is usually inevitable. It is the sacrifice that most moms make to bring life into the world. News flash- even if you didn't go the "pregnancy route" to start your family-you are most likely in the same boat as those who did. If your hair isn't falling out because of hormones, it is being pulled out with frustration and lack of sleep.

Becoming a mom is the best thing that ever happened to me. I love my children, more than anything in the entire world. I am happy to trade in the toned butt for cellulite-because now I have "Stella" and "Dorothy". They are worth it, obviously. Don't start sending me hate mail.

The point is this. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We all (well, most of us-I have seen those bitches at the mall: pre-pregnancy jeans, glossy pink lipstick, perfectly maintained hair-with their 2 day old baby-dressed in an adorable outfit from "The Gap"...) have had to go through it. It's horrible, and disgusting-in a beautiful way. How ironic. And the thing is- you may feel like a huge slob-but everyone around you (ok, not EVERYONE, but- other parents who know what you are going through, because they have been there before) thinks you are super woman. Because you are. You are living on quite literally, NO SLEEP. Little to no food- (when you are able to scarf something down while standing over the kitchen sink-possibly warming a bottle, or soaking a onesie that was just exploded on -it's cold), and you are sustaining a human LIFE. You are allowed to wear a sweat suit, and I suppose you can wear a bandanna...((shutter)).

That lil ray of smelly sunshine will only be little ONCE. You don't get a do-over. So skip the shower once in awhile to cuddle in bed longer. You deserve it. But once that kid is in pull ups, I want to see lip gloss.

He said, she said.

I love my husband. 

I love fashion.

These two things are polar opposites.

 I can write this, because it's a.) true, and b.) he doesn't read my blog. I'm not sure he would argue it though.  I'm also quite sure he doesn't care. I do find it interesting, however when he comments on certain styles.....he makes me laugh. Here are some funny things he has said recently:

 Me: "The 70's are back baby! I'm breaking out the high waist jeans!"

 Him: "I hate 70's style." (( SHUTTER ))

Me: "Get over it, it's back in a big way."

Him: "I don't get it! Some of it is OK, but those jeans....they even make skinny chicks look like they  have  gunts."

(I googled "gunt" for you. I am praying my gramma doesn't read my blog....quite sure she doesn't...if she accidently clicked on it somehow...Gramma- I am sorry. Here's what Urban Dictionary has to say: 

1.	Gunt
	Bulging area found on large older women between the waist and the genital area. Not quite a gut, not quite a cunt... The Gunt. "My sixth grade teacher had a gunt like a freakin' innertube!")  -If you are scared that maybe you are sporting a gunt.....where a pair of spanx. That s*** sucks everything in and up.

That's all for now. Haha. SO inappropriate.

xo
Rach

Inappropriate.

The title of this post...is because "inappropriate" has been a word in my house lately. I have a 3 year old daughter, and a 1 1/2 year old daughter...I am trying to explain what is "inappropriate" to a 3 year old, and what is ok. But then sometimes, I'll see a grown woman, and think... didn't anyone have that talk with her?


For example;

• A grown woman, wearing jeans so low, that her thong is half way up her back-is inappropriate. In fact-it is inappropriate for not so grown women as well. And it's gross. (Once i saw a boy-wearing skinny jeans, that were below his bum, and he was wearing a purple thong. ***GAG***- so actually, I'm gonna say what no one should have to say: it's inappropriate for boys too. *shutter.)
• While we are on this topic...which is worse? "Whale-tail" or "Muffin top"? -Whale tail- is seeing the top of your thong, and muffin top- is when your jeans are too tight at the waist, squeezin' some love, up and out........yeah....just get rid of your low cut jeans.

• Also inappropriate: an ill fitted bra. Bad, bad, bad. And just wrong on so many levels. If you have boob, squishing up and out of the top of your bra-it's too small. -Seriously, invest in a bra. If you have the money, go to a real lingerie store, and buy a couple real, high quality bras. -after you have had a fitting. Your ladies will thank you...but you're bank account won't-those suckers are expensive...but worth it! 
• *note- this look is most inappropriate while wearing a low cut top, preferably with skulls, and be-dazzling. Throw a bandanna on, grab a big bear beer and you're ready for the races. 

Do you feel like maybe sometimes, you aren't dressing your "age"? I realized I wasn't, when I counted how many hooded sweatshirts I have...(for the Albertans-"hoodies", Saskatchewan-"bunny...somethings?") Anyway, I think it's important to dress appropriately for your age.

I for one, try my best to not wear a "hoodie" everyday. Comfortable,  and warm...but not trendy, or stylish. Don't get me wrong- I wear them often, but not when I go out for a reason.  I do not wear a hoodie while doing any of the following:

• Going to the movies with your man, or your girlfriends....if you're with your man-look good honey! Give him a lil (extra, cause yes-I know you're beautiful Au natural) arm candy to walk around with. He likes it when other dudes do a double take, cause you're HIS. (Unless he's a crazy person...in which case....well, that's not even funny to make a joke about...) And then after the movie, he'll need to take you for a glass of wine to show you off, instead of rushing back to the babysitter!? Score. If you're going with your girlfriends, it's just a fun reason to doll yourself up.
• Going out for dinner-anywhere. Hoodies are not flattering. And there are so many other, warm options.
• ...............I just realized that I can go on, and on...so maybe it would be easier to say where I DO wear hoodies:
• at the gym

The end.
xo
Rach

If you're a mommy put your hands up!

There's this lil thing on facebook, called "Circle of moms". Have you heard of it? Are you a part of it? I am. I must say, I VERY rarely go on there, but I will occasionally get an email from one of the groups...ie: wives of the oil patch, young moms, ect. And one of the posts that was emailed to me, was "Do you neglect yourself for the sake of your family?" And then, the other morning, I was chatting with my BFF, and she mentioned that moms wear bandana's...and it got me thinking. Do YOU feel guilty when you take the time to apply mascara? Do you feel like a better mom than "her", because you're hair is a frizzy mess, and she looks like she just walked out of the salon? Maybe this doesn't apply to you whatsoever. I hope that is the case, but I know that it's usually how moms think.

It's pretty much bred into us that our purpose in life, is to take care of everyone else first, and if there is time, maybe you can go pee. When my first daughter was born, I realized that peeing was now a luxury. She was very small when we were released from the hospital- 5lbs 1oz, and was incredibly jaundice. SO jaundice in fact, that all day-I sat on the couch-trying-to nurse her. She would eat for 45-60 seconds at a time, and I would tickle her feet, poke her cheek, ect, trying to wake her up to eat for another 45 seconds- ALL DAY. This was my life for a straight 4 weeks. Until we had to go to the Children's Hospital, because she was STILL jaundice at a month old. It was after that, that I "caved" and started alternating formula bottles, and nursing. I'm trying to think of a time that I felt more guilty.... I can't. I wasn't being a "good mom". It was splattered everywhere that "breast is best", and I was a failure. But I had to pee. I couldn't sit on the damn couch with my shirt open all day anymore! And at that moment, my life began to change......

I still think that breastfeeding is a great choice-IF you can do it. It's not for everyone. It's HARD. No one told me how freaking hard it would be! I got mastitis after we got out of the Children's Hospital, and ended up in the hospital that night, with a fever of 106F-the worst the hospital had ever seen. (at 108F, you're brain dead.) I was on IV antibiotics and Tylenol 3-literally every hour and 1/2- for seven days. Why am I telling you this? Because breastfeeding is a touchy subject...and I know people will be pissed about my opinion- so I want to put it out there, that I've been through the worst, but also the best of it. So I don't want emails about how it IS best, and that I shouldn't tell people not to, or vice versa....I'm NOT telling you that you should or shouldn't, but I DO tell my friends who are expecting that I think they should at least TRY. It's easy for some, and hell for others.

Now, what does breastfeeding have to do with style? Lots. For those of us who are new mamas! It consumes your life-at least until you get the hang of it-and after you kinda know what you're doing-you have to dress appropriately to do so. If you have a child that needs your nourishment, you need a top that that you can pull down, or pull up comfortably to fit a small being under. (While getting nasty looks from assholes who think breastfeeding in public is "gross".-PS- if you are one of those said assholes, and you are accidentally reading this- it's not gross. It's food for a BABY. Would you rather that mother starved her baby, and let the child scream in hunger, so that she didn't offend you in the mall? Get over yourself.) Ahhh. THAT felt good to say. Now, carrying on.


I was poor as dirt when I had my first newborn, and had maybe 2 or 3 nursing tops, so I often ended up in a regular shirt, and had to lift it up. Ewww. Mummy tummy in public...not a good colour on me. So-if YOU are expecting, or have a small baby that you are nursing-button downs are your best friend. (PS-invest in a GOOD nursing cover. They rock. I just found this one, and if I have another baby one day-hahaha!-I will buy 2 of these: http://gritsembroidery.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=34)

(Ooooh-a tip for planning ahead for a baby-go to maternity stores when you are at the beginning of your 9 month adventure, and hit the sale rack. There will probably be something on sale for the season you're baby will be born in. )

Now, back to the bandanas. Please stop. There is NO way to wear them that looks good. I wear a bandana-under my helmet, when I am snowboarding, or riding a Harley. It is STRICTLY to keep my hair out of my eyes. One time I threw a bandana on-hairband style when I was cleaning, and then looked in the mirror and saw this:

So I haven't worn it again. What if my purolator guy came? Hahaha. I'm joking. I don't care what I look like when I clean...but if I don't look like a mess, I find that cleaning isn't as dreaded as usual. (look good=feel good thing...)

Ok, so I guess the point I'm trying to get to, is this:

• You aren't helping anyone if you don't take care of yourself first. HOW in the world can you be the best mom, if you aren't being the best YOU? (oooh, that was good. ;)
• Have you seen the SNL "Mom Jeans" skit? If not, go to you tube and find it. "Mom Jeans-because she's not a woman anymore-she's a mom!" I laughed so hard, and still laugh when I see it.

• You aren't setting a good example for your children. Your daughters will try to continue the cycle, and will feel the same resentment, loneliness, and exhaustion. Your sons, will expect their wives to be like you, and he and his wife will fight, and he will say, "Well, my mom did it like this", and then your future daughter-in-law will seek out the nearest voo-doo doctor, and curse you. 

 Like always, this is said with love....if you're angry, build a bridge, because I was the mom trying to do it all in jogging pants, and trust me-it's greener over here.

xo

Rach

Baby it's (still) cold outside.

In my last post, I wrote about Spring collections. I couldn't help myself! Spring may be on the runway, but it's definitely not here in Calgary yet. (Boo!) What can a girl do? We live in a winter city...Three things Calgarians (and many Canadians in general) know for sure- taxes, death & snow.

So, how to look sexy while trying not to freeze your money maker off? Here are a couple tips:

• Add a little rocker chic to your look. Try a pair of fingerless gloves. Very edgy ;)

•  Instead of throwing a huge parka over your cute lbd, try a tres-chic trench! Make sure that the hemline of the coat is longer than the hem of the dress to avoid a style faux-pas.

• Think hourglass! Even with a winter coat on, you can still accentuate your waist! Strap a fun, skinny belt on-va-va-voom! Look at Cameron Diaz; hottie!

• What to wear on "chilly", not quite "freezing" days? Try a slim, thin leather vest, with a matching turtleneck. Very cute. It will hug your body in the right places, and isn't as frumpy, or bulky as a winter coat. 

Notice her fun animal print shoes? She may not be PETA's BFF, but here's to hoping all that leather is "faux".

•  Mega loop scarves are all the winter rage. Note* when wearing a huge scarf-make sure to offset the bulkiness with fitted jeans and jacket.
  
  
  
  
  HOT
  Faux Fur Vests:
  
  
  
  
  
  NOT
  Real Fur Animals draped all over you:
  
  • When wearing fur, stick to the fake stuff, unless you inherit your grandmothers jacket...new real fur is beyond tacky...not to mention mean, to the little foxies and bunnies who died for you. I'm no Animal rights activist...I like animals, sure...but would I march in a bloody parade for them? No. (when I think of an animal rights parade, I think of naked humans splattered with blood...am I wrong?)
  
  
  
  
  Stay warm beautiful. 

xo

New Collections are on their way!

I'm thinking of Spring...so many things to look forward to. Some would say flowers, new life-calves in the fields, butterflies...me? New Spring/Summer lines! Ooooh, I'm so excited!

As you most likely know, I am an Independent (STAR-"toot-toot"-that's my own horn there ;) Stylist with Stella & Dot, (which is such a fabulous company) On SATURDAY I will be flying to Dallas, Texas for our Directors Conference. I will watch the fashion show of our new Spring/Summer 2011 line, with a glass of Champagne in hand, surrounded by amazing women!

So, now that the new line is almost here-we are thinking about what we will wear with the gorgeous pieces!

Here are some big trends for Spring 2011:

Minimal White
I love white. So easy, so clean. (Unless you have small children-like me....tide pen to the rescue!)

Sheer baby, sheer.

Ok, maybe the exposed nipples are a little much...but-Michael Kors showed plenty of crisp, cool whites-as he indulged the biggest color trend for spring 2011. The softest-looking T-shirts, flowing skirts and his take on the season's suit.

Seventies
My mother is going to be ecstatic! The seventies are back baby!

-high waisted denim
-over-sized plaid
-flowing blouses
-flatforms (part platform, part wedge)
-wide leg trousers

(by Derek Lam)

*~*~*~* AHHH!   I have seen denim on denim, and I didn't hate it! It felt weird.....*~*~*~*

Eclectic Chic

I am loving Michael Kors Spring 2011 line.
60's style jackets are hot, hot, hot! (Choose an A-line coat, in a hip, cheeky colour to vamp up your cuteness!)

Patterns, colours, CRAZINESS! Would you try to pull any of these off?(by Chris Benz)

To play with the look above- choose "happy" prints, and mix them up. Throw in some confidence, and work it girlfriend! I was out for a drink with some pretty awesome chickas last night, and one mentioned that it's funny when people say "I could never pull that off." WHY do people think that? Because they are lacking in the confidence department. You CAN pull it off if you want to. I mean...not ALL trends are for everybody, -the models are a size -000, but if you try it with a big smile, and your head high, it will work. At least better than if you look like you're uncomfortable. Like I've said-wear the clothes, don't let them wear you.

I need some time to digest these:

Michael Kors Spring 2011

My feet are thanking me already, just for considering them...your thoughts?

Some of the pieces about to debut in Dallas from Stella & Dot:

The nice thing about the new S&D line, is that you can wear it NOW. Throw it on with what's in your closet, and it instantly updates your wardrobe! Who can actually afford to CHANGE their wardrobe every season? Not me. That's why I LOVE being a Stylist with Stella & Dot! I can work with my closet, when I get my new Jewels in!

(Email me to get your FREE Jewelry wardrobe, and let's get you set for Spring!)
r.sd.johnson@gmail.com

xo
Rachael