Reader Spotlight: I just had a baby. What should I wear to a garden party?

Hey Lazina, If you were going to a wedding where the dress code was “garden party formal” what would you wear? Keep in my I will be nursing and just delivered a baby 4 weeks prior. Any thoughts are welcome!! ~ Ashley Hi Ashley,   First off, congrats on your new bundle of joy.  That’s fantastic! I can completely appreciate your uncertainty of what to wear right to this event right after having had a baby.  Here’s an idea for you: Why you’ll love it: It is a great transition dress for a post-pregnancy body in that it has an elastic waist…. so you know it’ll be comfy.  Also, the gathering at the front will draw the eye to the smallest part of the waist while providing coverage to other areas of your midsection that you might not be as comfortable showing off as yet (or ever). The soft, pleated straps are a bit thicker to accommodate a nursing bra so you won’t have to worry about your bra straps showing. The dress is 100% silk.  That alone will provide a more formal look to the dress. The print is fun and playful. It’s just right for a garden party! The v-neck is flattering and will likely show off tasteful cleavage (you are at a party after all).  If it ends up being too much cleavage, just add a cami underneath. Here are some accessory suggestions to complete the look:   Have fun at the party!  

Cool, cas (ual) summer looks – for the gents

Last week, I shared some amazing summer looks from recent photoshoot I collaborated on.  Here’s the second half of that shoot… this one is for the gents. If this doesn’t scream summer, I don’t know what does.  The fabrics are light linens and cottons so they are easy to wear during a warm summer day.  The all-over baby blue is easy to wear but I do understand that not all of you are comfortable pulling off this tone on tone look.  Instead, pair a white linen buttondown shirt with these pants.  The floral pattern shirt, shoes and belt brings the perfect pops of colour to complete this look. Yes, there is pattern on pattern going on here.  It’s subtle (the pants) yet very interesting.  This is a great look for a night out.  The dark denim blazer pairs well with these patterns and grounds this outfit a bit, however, the outfit will look great without the blazer as well (the t-shirt has short sleeves).  A shoe that has more of a sneaker feel to it will bring a more casual look to this outfit.  It you want to dress it up, add a casual dress shoe. Let me know if you have a question/comment about these looks. Photo Credits: Hair: House of Tin Salon Makeup: Makeup by Bean Photography: Kat Slump Model: Ashley Cote Styling: Yours truly (that’s me) Clothing: Simons and stylist’s own

Friday Find: A stylish (and practical) one-piece swimsuit…. you’ll actually wear this

For the ladies who don’t want to or feel they are past the point of baring all their lady-bits at the beach or at the cottage this summer, this one-piece may be the one for you. What’s so fabulous about this one-piece? This is a great suit if you’re looking for something that is stylish and sexy without showing all your assets. I LOVE the retro yet classic cut and pattern.  It’s timeless. If you’re looking for more coverage on your bottom half, this has a fuller bum so you won’t be pulling and tugging at it. The neckline is flattering and quite sexy.  It will give you nice, tasteful cleavage. This is flattering on MANY different body types (it even fits up to size 16). Though it’s not on sale, it is a reasonable pricepoint for a suit that won’t go out of style anytime soon. Enjoy!