Maternity Style Tips

striped knit dress

I've had a few people ask me for some maternity style help. While I would not consider myself the expert (I only have one child) I have been through a whole pregnancy and understand how much your body can change for good or bad.

Find my maternity style tips after the jump.

How to Wear a Peplum

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The peplum trend is one that is becoming increasingly popular. I've somewhat steered away from this style because I have more of a boyish figure, however when done right the peplum can be extremely flattering. I also feel like this is one of those trends that can turn equally bad if not done right.

Here are some tips to make it work:

1. Define your waist. Wearing a peplum silhouette is really about showing off your silhouette and making your waist the focal point. You can do this by making sure the top of the peplum hits your waist (the thinnest part of your body) or by also adding a skinny belt.

2. Keep it slim. Since the peplum creates volume you want to keep the rest of the look slim (not skin tight) and streamlined. Wearing a pencil skirt or skinny pants will do the trick. Also, keep the sleeves (if any) minimal.

3. Make it modern. This trend was popular back in the 40s, and there are several ways to wear this silhouette: in tops, dresses or skirts. Stick to one, but play around with different fabrics (leather anyone?) and combine with other trends to make your look current. For example try a polka dot peplum top with colored skinny jeans.  

What do you think, is this a trend you will try or skip?

sandal / bag / jeans / peplum blouse / earrings / reader glasses

How to Wear: Colors that Wash You Out

top: Emersonmade / bottom: atlantic pacific

Do you have colors you like but aren't flattering on you? If you're like me, there are colors you would like to wear, but unfortunately wash you out when you wear them. One of my favorites is mustard yellow, but unfortunately when I wear a mustard yellow top it does me no favors, and I can't seem to pull it off. Here are a couple of tips I use to pull off colors that wash me out.

1. Wear the color on the bottom. If it doesn't work up top, put it on the bottom. Most of the time the problem is when the color is close to your face and hair. If you put the color further from your face such as with a pant, skirt, or even shoes it will be more flattering.

2. Wear something inbetween your face and your top. If you have a top in a color that washes you out, but still want to wear it, try wearing a scarf, statement necklace, jacket, or collared shirt, in a color or print that is flattering on you. Once again you will create a space between your face and the color making it easier to pull off.

3. Wear a bolder lip. Sometimes adding a brighter lip color will bring more color and attention to your face and make you look not so washed out.

 Do you have any tricks for colors that aren't flattering on you?
 

How to Wear Neon

Here is the start of a new 'How to' series where I will be sharing my ideas and tips on style. First up...

left / middle / right

Last summer we saw a bit of the neon trend, however this summer neon is back in a big way. Are you onboard? While you may not think this trend is for you let's talk about how you can pull off the neon trend and not look ridiculous.

1. Small doses. Very few people can pull off a head to toe neon look. Remember, when it comes to neon, a little goes a long way. Try a t-shirt peeking out of a jacket or cardigan OR a skinny belt.

2. Use accessories. When introducing a new trend always start with accessories. It is the easiest way to introduce the trend into your wardrobe. Changing out accessories is also a great and inexpensive way to try new trends.

3.  Pair with Neutrals. Think about wearing neon with white, black, and nude (my personal favorite). It will make the neon pieces pop and keep the overall look balanced.

4. Find Classic Pieces. When you find classic items in a neon color with structure such as a blazer, pencil skirt, or trenchcoat the overall look instantly becomes more sophisticated.

Okay now it's your turn, how do you wear neon?