Mommy's Bag of Tricks: My Latest Must Haves

Every woman has secret tricks that she relies on to enhance her looks or give her that extra bit of je ne sais quoi. Before I had a baby, it only took hot pink lipstick (a nice alternative to the classic red lip), a spritz of Kai, strategically placed fashion tape (a necessity at times if you're well endowed), or a sexy fitted blazer to give me some added oomph. After having a baby, it only takes an arsenal of stuff to make me look presentable (hello, concealar by the vats!). And because I don't have the time, energy, or desire to look as put together as I should (translation: I can't make a career out of hitting the gym and I have a weak spot for Trader Joe's fleur de sel caramel), I'm always psyched when I discover items that help me fake it to make it as a chic mom.  So, I'm going to do what any good mom would do and share my latest discoveries to add to your bag of tricks.

A pretty bra...wait for it...designed for big-boobed gals. You're no stranger to this blog if you're familiar with my efforts to overcome my boring-bra plight. Alas, thanks to a Nordstrom's fit specialist, I've discovered a multitasking bra for women who cannot go braless, you know, those of us with DDDDDDDDDDDs. The Natori Women's Expose Contour Underwire Bra works as a basic T-shirt bra, it is perfect with plunging necklines, and it helps you defy gravity. Most importantly, this is the first bra in ages that actually relieved back and shoulder pressure and made me feel as if my boobs weren't weighing me down. Hallelujah! And that's all I have to say about that.

Image by Nordstrom 

A Tummy Tuck  for $48. You're familiar with the phrase "muffin top." I thought so. For most of us, we leave the hospital with two gifts: a cute baby and a not-so-cute tummy roll. Unfortunately for me, I still have a bit of this leftover jiggle keeping me from my lower-rise jeans. But I think I've found a smooth solution in the Yummie Tummie Shaping Camisole . Unlike Spanx, the Yummie Tummie tank doesn't sausage-fy you by compressing you into an unnatural shape. It has a center panel that smooths lumps and trims your waist without being too tight. And it's designed with a cotton upper and bottom so the exposed  areas of the tummy control tank look like a regular ol' camisole when peeking out of clothes. Now, the only muffins in my future are pumpkin ones.

Image by Nordstrom

You can run a mile in my shoes. In my previous life as a full-time lawyer, I wore high heels everyday. Now, I don't for obvious reasons—they're not practical for the playground, they hurt feet, and it's impossible to run in them. That is until you try wearing shoes born from a supermodel and athlete. No, I don't mean Tom Brady's baby. I'm talking about Cole Haan's ingenious pairing of stilettos and Nike Air technology. I can stand in these heels for days, okay more like hours. And they're worth every penny because you feel ladylike, sexy, and comfortable all at once, making them wearable for just about everything.

Image by Cole Haan

What's in your mommy bag of tricks?

~ The Other Sarah

Comments

[Amber Mapes]

Scarves. Lots of scarves. They can dress up any last minute t-shirt on the weekend and can cover any last minute mess the little ones leave behind on you when you're already running late and don't have time to change! I actually keep some in my office.

[PammyH]

Thanks for the bra tip. I was just teasingly telling the hubby last night that I'll be ready for that augumentation after the baby, (which you know I'm not at all joking about) and he informed me I had to wait til after baby #3. Which...I'm sorry, I didn't know three was on the table. But not the point. In the meantime, a great bra is definitely needed.

[saltandnectar]

I also like Chantelle, which is what I normally wear, but the Natori is a nice addition to my collection and it's slightly easier on the wallet. If you're ever in LA, we should make a trip to Janette's in Hollywood. It only services Ds or bigger. I want to try it some time and find a world of pretty bras for ladies with tig ol'bitties!

[kristrange]

I do love my Spanx bathing suit that I found on the sale rack at Target!