MOMMA KNOWS… lingerie for Valentines is a must!

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You know I’m not about to post a picture of my in lingerie – so here’s a behind the scenes shot from a shoot I styled a little while ago… We’re bringing sexy back.

Valentines Day is fast approaching and it’s time to get yourself some new lingerie.  Very rarely do we spoil ourselves in this way – but this is more of a gift for him as well as for you.  Now a days their is a big trend towards lingerie that’s meant to be seen.  Once upon a time it was considered tacky for a bra strap to show – but there are so many gorgeous, sexy pieces that are meant to be seen popping out of low cut blouse…  That’s right, lingerie doesn’t have to be purely functional or purely for the bedroom – it’s all about finding great pieces that do it all AND can even add a pop of something extra to your outfit (of course some pieces it might be best to save for private).  It’s time to invest on some great new underpinnings that may quickly become some of your favorite wardrobe staples (and you’re significant other is NOT going to be mad at that).  Check out some of my favorite lingerie and get ready for Valentines Day in sexy style!

For Love and Lemons bra

For Love and Lemons bra $121

Marlies Dekkers bra

Marlies Dekkers bra $99

Scarlett Blue bra and briefs

Scarlett Blue bra $48 and briefs $16

Forever 21 bralette

Forever 21 bralette $7.90

Fleur du Mal bra

Fleur du Mal bra $125

Skivvies bra

Skivvies bra $88

Calvin Klein bra and thong

Calvin Klein bra $44 and thong $22

Asos bra and thong

Asos bra $34.11 and thong $15.16

Stella McCartney bra and briefs

Stella McCartney bra $95 and briefs $49

L'Agent by Agent Provocateur bra and thong

L’Agent by Agent Provocateur bra $74 and thong $40

Nasty Gal bra

Nasty Gal bra $45

Free People bra

Free People bra $28

La Perla bra and briefs

La Perla bra $154 and briefs $74

Skivvies bralet

Skivvies bralet $78

Only Hearts bra and thong

Only Hearts bra $53 and thong $41

Nasty Gal bralette

Nasty Gal bralette $28

 

MOMMA NEEDS… under the dress essentials (what lies beneath)

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My suitcase full of underpinnings from nude bras and thongs to spans and nipple covers – see my stylist secrets for making the dress(and you) look best!!

The under the dress essentials are the lingerie and other helpers that lie beneath and can be as important as the dress you put on .  These underpinnings can make or break your look.  As a stylist, I have a kit, and in this kit there are safety pins, clams, double sided tape and the biggest assortment of under the dress essentials (from spanx, to nude thongs, strapless bras and the cutlet inserts that go in them) you could imagine.  I have to be prepared for every styling need – from a celebrity on a red carpet that will have no retouching and be seen from every angle to celebrities on a photo shoot in their lingerie who want all the lifts, tucks and proper coverage they might want.  As you get ready for all your holiday parties it is imperative that you start to consider what under the dress essentials you might need for your dress. I tend to go with nude colored bras and thongs (find ones that are closest to your natural skin tone) and then consider the various multi way bras, inserts and spanx that can give you all the support you might need.  This isn’t your sexy lacy underwear – this is the utilitarian stuff that will make everything you put on top look ten times better!  I’m going to share with you all of my favorite under the dress essentials that can transform your look and give you that million dollar celebrity finish.

Calvin Klein strapless push up bra

Calvin Klein strapless push up bra $42

Wacoal push up bra

Wacoal push up bra $56

Fashion Forms plunge bra - under the dress essentials

Fashion Forms plunge bra $34

Victoria's Secret multi-way bra

Victoria’s Secret multi-way bra $52

Calvin Klein convertible bra

Calvin Klein convertible bra $46

Fashion Forms Nu Bra adhesive stick on bra

Fashion Forms Nu Bra adhesive stick on bra $40

Nordstrom Intimates low back bra strap attachment

Nordstrom Intimates low back bra strap attachment $8.50

Commando thong

Commando thong $22

Victoria's Secret thong

Victoria’s Secret thong $8.50

Calvin Klein seamless thong

Calvin Klein seamless thong $12

Victoria's Secret thong panty

Victoria’s Secret thong panty $11.50

Spanx shaper

Spanx shaper $38

Yummie shape shorts

Yummie shape shorts $38

Spanx maternity shaper

Spanx maternity shaper $32

Commando opaque control tights

Commando opaque control tights $36

TC full body shaper

TC full body shaper $74

Spanx "boostie yay" comfy corset

Spanx “boostie yay” comfy corset $84

Commando control thong

Commando control thong $36

Spanx high waisted thong

Spanx high waisted thong $72

Fashion Forms NU Bra adhesive silicone bra

Fashion Forms NU Bra adhesive silicone bra $75

Commando cupcake cleavage inserts

Commando cupcake cleavage inserts $44

Fashion Forms silicone inserts

Fashion Forms silicone inserts $30

Nordstrom Initmates silicone shapers

Nordstrom Initmates silicone shapers $24

Bristol 6 adhesive nipple covers (comes in various skin tones)

Bristols 6 adhesive nipple covers (comes in various skin tones) $26

Fashion Forms gel petals nipple covers

Fashion Forms gel petals nipple covers $15

Commando double stick tape (keeps everything in place)

Commando double stick tape (keeps everything in place) $10

Nordstrom Intimates dress and lingerie tape

Nordstrom Intimates dress and lingerie tape $16

 

MATERNITY MONDAY… style the bump with the best maternity clothes!

So, you’re pregnant, which is the best scariest news you’ve ever gotten – now comes the question of how to style the bump.  What to wear when you’re expecting has been a question women have wrestled with since the beginning of time.   Your body will be changing every day for the next 9 months (and then for however long it takes after that to get back to where you want to be) so how do you prepare for that?  How do you style the bump for all it’s various stages and still look amazing and feel like yourself?  I’m here to help make suggestions so that you can keep your style (while you let go of your body).  Maternity clothes have made leaps and bounds over the last decade and these are not the frumpy frocks our mom’s had to wear.  Whether you’re working mom, a stay at home mom, a going to be a first time mom – check out some great options for you to style the bump and look your best!

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Mamalicious trench coat $120.37

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Asos maternity dress $46.30

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Gap top $24.95

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Isabella Oliver track pants $109.26

maternal america maternity dress

Maternal America dress $170

tory burch diaper bag

Tory Burch diaper bag $350

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Asos maternity top $40.74

DL 1961 maternity jeans

DL1961 maternity jeans $168

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Old Navy maternity maxi dress $30

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Asos maternity cardigan $51.85

topshop maternity sweater

Topshop maternity sweater $76

topshop skirt

Topshop skirt $48

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Isabella Oliver wrap dress $175.93

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New Look maternity blouse $33.32

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New Look maternity jeans $37.02

coach diaper bag

Coach diaper bag $298

maternal america maternity shift dress

Maternal America dress $146

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Asos maternity leggings $22.22

topshop maternity shirt

Topshop maternity shirt $68

Tees by Tina maternity dress

Tees by Tina maternity dress $98

MOMMA NEEDS… bras that are meant to be seen

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left: Max and I playing in the garden – showing some colorful side bra, right: me and my bestir – she’s rocking a classic Marlies Dekkers bra

This may sound crazy since we have always been taught that bra straps should always remain hidden, and in general this is a good rule of thumb.  However, lingerie today has changed – bras can be just as much a part of an overlook at anything else – the key is a bit of peek-a-boo without ever being overly exposed.  The thing is, as a mom – a mom that nursed my little one – well, lets just say that the ladies will never be the same…  I, as many of you, will always need some extra support.  Forget about going braless – that’s not going to happen, but even strapless bras aren’t always enough support…  So what to do when so many tops and dresses are low back, punging, open at the sides or sheer…  Well, why not make a statement with your undergarment.  A pop of bright color, or even better yet, a more architecturally designed bra.  I have been a HUGE fan of the Marlies Dekkers lingerie and have personally used their bras on celebrities for red carpet appearances, tv shows as well as for magazine editorials.  The Marlies bras are meant to be shown and have been featured on everyone from Lady Gaga to Britney Spears, Miranda Lambert and countless others.  Remember the key to bras that are meant to be seen is not about full exposure – its about the details – perhaps you see a pop of color peeking through some sheer or the top detailing from a Marlies bra in a low cut blouse or tank – its the question of – is that part of the top or is it the bra?  Its one part cheeky and one part fashion.  And the bonus is it’s 100% the support that we mommy’s need!  Check out some of my favorite bras that are meant to be seen  - they’re not just giving the girls some lift, they’re also giving them a bit of style (and just in time for Valentine’s Day).

Marlies Dekkers bra

Marlies Dekkers bra $115

marlies dekkers navy bra

Marlies Dekkers bra $166

Free People racer back bra

Free People racer back bra $38

Marlies Dekkers corset

Marlies Dekkers corset $160

Else Lingerie bra

Else Lingerie $41.50

Dolce & Gabbana bra

Dolce & Gabbana bra $535

Helmut Lang asymmetrical bra

Helmut Lang bra $90

Lonely bra

Lonely bra $94

forever 21 bra

Forever 21 bra $9.80

for love and lemons bra

For Love and Lemons bra $121

one teaspoon bra

One Teaspoon bra $71

MArlies Dekkers classic bra

Marlies Dekkers bra $99

L'Agent by Agent Provocateur bra

L’Agent by Agent Provocateur bra $92

eberjey racerback bralette

Eberjey racerback bralet $53

elle macpherson bra

Elle Macpherson bra $95

victorias secret bra

Victoria’s Secret push up bra $48

Mimi Holliday by Damaris bra

Mimi Holliday by Damaris bra $100

forever 21 lace corset

Forever 21 lace corset $14.80

L'agent by agent provocateur

L’agent by Agent Provocateur $74

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Marlies Dekkers bra $147

Hanky Panky bra

Hanky Panky bra $45

forever21 netted bra

Forever 21 bra $5.80

MOMMA KNOWS… best bras for all of your holiday dresses

Last week I did a feature on what lies beneath the dress in terms of shape wear…  This week, I thought it only fitting (ha ha ha – couldn’t help myself) to share some of the best bras, inserts and stylist secrets for making you lady friends look great in the dress. Shapewear helps tame your curves – now I’m going to show you how to accentuate the curves you want!  Let’s face it moms, for those of us who breast fed things aren’t  what they used to be on top… We need all the support we can get and dresses are often backless or one shouldered or strapless – don’t worry, I’m here to show you all my stylist tricks of the trade and share the best bras and bra accessories out there to keep you looking fabulous!

Calvin Klein convertable push up bra

Calvin Klein convertible push up bra $44 (converts to criss cross in the back)

fashion forms plunge bra

Fashion Forms plunge bra $28

victoria's secret multi way bra

Victoria’s Secret multi-way bra $55 (6 ways to wear it from strapless to one shoulder and everything in between)

Calvin Klein straplesss push up bra

Calvin Klein strapless push up bra $42

fashion forms bra strapless backless

Fashion forms strapless and backless bra $36

 

Natori plunge bra

Natori plunge bra $50

warcoal bustier

Warcoal bustier $85

Low back strap bra attachment

Low back strap bra attachment $8.50

Now for the cutlets.. yes – every celebrity relies on these puppies to give that helping hand by boosting cleavage and adding fullness where its needed…

fashion forms nubra

Fashion Forms Nubra $75 *** this is the ultimate in my stylist kit – they give fullness and cleavage! You don’t even need a bra!

fashion forms silicone push ups

Fashion Forms silicon push ups $30 (create a fuller bust by inserting these in your bra)

fashion forms underwire adhesive bra

Fashion Forms underwire adhesive push up $30 (this is basically an adhesive underwire pushup without the bra)

For those of you daring and able to go bra-less don’t forget nipple covers and double sided tape – no nip slips please!

fashion forms petals

Fashion Forms gel petal nipple covers $15

fashion forms dress tape

Fashion Forms double sided dress tape $20 (no stylist is prepared without double sided tape!)

MOMMA KNOWS… shapewear – what lies beneath the dress.

As a fashion stylist I am often working with celebrities for their red carpet appearances.  The trick with red carpet is there is no retouching and there is no cheating angles – you have to get it absolutely perfect.  A large part of getting the overall look perfect is getting the fit right – and so we have come to rely on shapewear.  That’s right, spanx baby!  You didn’t actually think celebrities were completely perfect did you?   Everyone needs a bit of extra support and there is no shame in that! It doesn’t matter if you’re a size 2 or a size 12, women need that little bit of extra something to smooth out the lumps and bumps for the best possible silhouette.  The holidays are upon us and we have dresses to pour ourselves into (while we pour ourselves another cocktail) – so, just in time, here are some of my go-to favorite shapewear from my stylist kit that helps transform celebrities into fashion icons.

spanx high waisted briefs

Spanx high waisted briefs $36

spanx full slip

Spanx full slip $98

spanx thong

Spanx thong $72

 

spanx high-waisted thigh shaper

Spanx high-waisted thigh shaper $72

spanx tights

Spanx tights $28

dmondaine slip

Dmondaine slip $170

spanx shaper

Spanx shaper $38

yummy tummy bustless slip

Yummy Tummy bustless slip $57

spanx maternity hose

Spanx maternity hosiery $28

spanx maternity

Spanx maternity mid thigh $32

While we’re talking about what goes under the dress… a nude thong is a must have.  Panty lines are never in style – so don’t mess the dress ladies!  If you don’t have them already – these are the first thing models and celebrities must put on when they’re on set with me.

spanx thong but

Spanx thong $20

commando thong

Commando thong $24

Victoria's Secret thong

Victoria’s Secret thong $8.50