Can Alyson Hannigan and her family be any cuter than we see here above, enjoying St. Patty's day while out shopping? We haven't seen anything quite as cute since we spied Alyson, her hubby Alexis Denisof, and daughter Satyana out for Halloween.
photo via Celebritybabyscoop.com
We know how hard it is to be a mom and keep your pre-kid style going, so we've asked the Web's top Style Moms for their favorite must-haves to stay chic and stylish post-kids. This week we're excited to feature the co-founder and publisher of the "chic little daily" Mamaista.com, Elina Furman.
Elina originally started Mamaista to help moms find the best products for babies, kids and themselves without having to search for hours and hours on the web. Previously a magazine editor, she has also written non-fiction books about life transitions and is currently co-authoring a new book about motherhood in a very funny and unique way. If it's anything like Mamaista.com, we can't wait to read it!
SBM: What are your favorite must-haves of the season?
Mamaista: This season I'm all about finding key pieces that work overtime, like investment pieces that can be worn a multitude of ways. I'll be wearing a lot of black and neutrals. I'm really loving the Halston Heritage collection and Rick Owens is always a favorite, but I will probably end up at H&M trying to find affordable knock offs. For my son, I'm loving the Toobydoo Varsity Cardigan and the new Shampoodle military inspired looks. I am also dying over the new Native Kids shoe line. I'm getting a pair in yellow for Julian. They're a must-have for the first day of preschool.
SBM: What's your favorite gift to give for a baby shower?
Mamaista: Right now, I'm really into monogrammed and designer diapers like Cynthia Rowley. I know they're not practical and too expensive, but I think that makes for the best shower gifts: buying parents something they would never splurge on for themselves.
SBM: How would you describe your personal style?
Mamaista: Since becoming a mom two years ago, I've been veering a lot toward classic looks. I spend most of my time looking for new finds for my son so I've stopped being as style obsessed as I used to be. Basically, he's much better dressed than I am. I obviously don't have time to spend hours getting ready, but I still want to look put together in about 5 minutes. I tend to choose structured silhouettes and clean lines -- trench coats, tailored pants, and wrap dresses. This season, I'm all about corduroy a-line skirts with a new pair of Boden riding boots that I'm about to purchase right now.
SBM: What blogs/sites do you read every day?
Mamaista: Besides working on Mamaista.com, I am regular blogger at Babble.com's Family Style Blog and BabyCenter's new Momformation blog, so I'm always on these blogs for obvious reasons. I'm also really inspired by design blogs, including sites like Oh Dee Doh and Bloesem Kids.
SBM: As a mom I can't live without...
Mamaista: My iPhone, my juicer (my son won't get his veggies any other way), and my alone time. I'm really big on getting one night off a week. For the most part, I work, eat sushi, and watch bad reality TV. Thankfully my mom helps me out so I can do that!
Mamaista's 5 fall style must-haves
Toobydoo Varsity Cardigan, $69, at toobydoo.com
Native Kids Shoes, $34.99, at zappos.com
Designer Disposable Diapers with Initals, $1.50, at babychix.com
Boden Chunky Leather Boots, $278, at bodenusa.com
Corduroy Stitch Detail Skirt, $68, at bodenusa.com
Q. I had a baby last winter (he's so darn cute!), and he's breastfeeding, which has been great for losing the baby weight and getting my figure back, but tricky in the fashion department. I purchased several nursing tops from Old Navy during the winter when I needed more layers, but now that it's nearly summer I want to wear tank tops and little dresses. But it's hard to find dresses and tops with easy access and stretchy fabric! My figure is getting back to normal and I'm so over shopping in the maternity section, plus the selection of nursing tops can be pretty pathetic. Do you have any suggestions for stylish nursing moms?
A. Congrats to you on getting your figure back so quickly! It is certainly easier to find dresses and tops that accommodate nursing mothers in the warmer months, so you're in luck. V-necks, thin straps and shirtdresses make it particularly easy to slip off one shoulder or unbutton to nurse. Look for pretty prints which help hide inevitable baby messes. Here are some options for you, including a few actual nursing styles that are so cute, you'll want to wear them long after you're through:
Q. I'm 12 weeks pregnant with my 6th child! I'm a petite athletic 5ft tall post pregnancy weight of 105. I've always had a hard time dressing my petite frame with all my pregnancies. I continue to run 30 miles per week and continue weight training but since I'm short I tend to look chunky anyway! I would like some tips on how to elongate my torso and look cute for once during my pregnancy. I have very toned arms, shoulders, and legs, how would I go about focusing on those areas rather than on my mid section which tends to hold a lot of my weight gain. Hope you can help!
A. First of all - your 6th child? Wow, congratulations! How you find the time or strength to run 30 miles a week and weight train is beyond me, but good for you!
It can be very tough for petite pregnant women to find clothes that are flattering, since most clothes tend to make you look like you're all belly. Since you're fortunate enough to have toned arms, shoulders and legs, you should flaunt them! Look for sleeveless tops, above the knee dresses and skinny pants or jeans that show off your slimmest features. Look for silhouettes that are sleek and form-fitting, and avoid extra fabric like ruffles that will overwhelm your figure. When possible, wear a sturdy heel or wedge to add height.
Some outfit ideas:
Here are some pieces to get you started:
Q. I own a pair of PRPS bootcut jeans and I'm 5'6". I can't figure out what to do with the long inseam issue. I don't want to get them altered because it would destroy the look of the jean. I tried wearing 4" heels and the legs still are too long. Is it appropriate to fold them up a bit and still wear with boots or is that tacky?
A. Cuffing a pair of bootcut jeans isn't tacky, but it can be tricky. You can try doing a wide cuff to see how it looks, as long as it looks neat you can "shorten" your jeans using this method without looking like a fashion victim. However, since you already own the jeans, they aren't worth anything to you if you don't wear them. We suggest taking them to a good tailor and having the minimum amount of length hemmed - an inch or two shouldn't have a major impact on the silhouette of the jean. Be sure to ask your tailor to use the original hem of the jean for the best look.
right: Prps Daytona Bootcut Jean, singer22.com
Q. I have to go with my husband at his office Christmas party. Any suggestion what would be appropriate to wear? I'm 28 yrs old and size 4.
A. For your husband's holiday party, you want to strike the balance between festive and fun yet conservative. You want to impress your husband's colleagues without giving the office gossip something to chatter about. Since you didn't mention whether this is a casual or formal affair, we are going to assume that the attire falls somewhere in between. Here are two chic yet understated looks to try.
The first look pairs black pants with a sequin tank and velvet blazer for just the right amount of festive sparkle. A rhinestone cuff and platform pumps finish the look. The second look starts with a simple and conservative timeless black dress. Swap out the belt that comes with the dress and add a sequin bow belt, along with a bauble necklace and cocktail ring to turn your understated dress into the perfect party look.
Q. Do you have any suggestions for boots that be worn in the rain that aren't rain boots? I want boots that aren't Uggs for fall/winter but I don't want to ruin leather ones by wearing them when it's wet and gross outside.
A. There are many chic rain boot options that aren't Uggs and aren't made of rubber. Aquatalia and La Canadienne are famous for their waterproof/weatherproof leather and suede boots that come in a variety of styles and heel heights. Stuart Weitzman also offers a few rain proof styles. And for lightly rainy days when you're not stepping in deep puddles, a rugged boot like the ones from Frye should hold up well.
We found a ton of great options for you, check them out:
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