I want to start by wishing all the moms out there a very warm and happy Mother's Day -- especially my mom, who has ever so graciously accompanied me on many of my fashion research expeditions, most of which end with her offering up a bit of her own style advice.
That said, I thought I would dedicate this column to all the moms out there who do their best each and every day to look vivacious and fashionable, no matter how old or young they are.
NYDJ Denims, $159
As some of you are probably well aware, a lot of clothing out there is made for people who have yet to hit puberty, let alone a woman who has taken on the task of raising kids. And let's face it -- sometimes what's available for a more mature woman isn't exactly what any of us would describe as fashionable. Sure, it may look nice, even contemporary, but trendy? That's a different story.
I recently had the opportunity to meet a woman whose unique boutique offers up extremely fashion-forward garments that celebrate a woman's curves. The store, which carries clothing size 12 and up, is called Sue's. It's named after its owner -- a lady who has spent most her working career in the fashion biz and knows all too well the perils facing curvaceous beauties when it comes to fashion.
At Sue's you'll find a variety of fun, flirty and, more importantly, fashionable clothes that accentuate a woman's form. There's everything from a basic tank -- by a company called Yummy Tummies -- that hugs and holds the torso to some stunning dresses that could be worn to the swankiest of events.
But perhaps one of the best finds at Sue's is a line of denim called Not Your Daughters Jeans. These pants are the answer to anyone who dreads denim shopping -- and with all the low-rise, stovepipe-legged, hip-hugging jeans out there, it's no wonder some women get the blues.
These jeans are made from ultra-soft denim -- it almost feels like a brushed cotton to the touch -- but it's the tummy-tuck technology that has women from Diane Sawyer to Rachael Ray raving about them. Basically, there's a hidden criss-cross panel that flattens the lower abdomen. The jeans also miraculously rid you of the so-called "muffin top" look that can sometimes happen when flesh spills over the waistband of low-rise jeans. And don't worry, they don't look like "mom jeans" -- NYDJ are very stylish. Call them the designer jeans for real women with real curves.
Nine West Jacket, $199; pink bag, $65
Another great find is the sundresses by Donna Ricco of New York. These frocks are fantastic: so colourful and eye-catching, they make the perfect addition to any woman's wardrobe heading into the summer. Too many dresses nowadays -- especially the ones at trendy boutiques -- can't be worn with a bra, and going braless is not an option for some women. The Donna Ricco dresses have wider straps to conceal bra straps and they come in a heavier cotton that is more figure-friendly than jersey knit.
connietamotofashion@hotmail.com
Donna Ricco dress, $225; necklace $30
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