Personal stylist and blogger, Alison Lumbatis, is joining us for a Q&A all about fashion, style and motherhood. She is here to share her knowledge on finding the best wardrobe and style for your lifestyle - whether it is working, being at home or something in between.
I work in Finance and while we are not a business formal office, the business casual dress code leans more toward business than casual. Do you have suggestions other than button down shirts with nursing camis for feminine clothes that will allow for easy pumping during the workday?
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Alison L.
Hi Meredith! This was an issue for me in corporate America too. We had a private pumping room though so I just wore my normal business clothes and made them work. After a few weeks of working my nursing attire into my business outfits, I realized it wasn't working out so well. |
Welcome, Alison! Alison is a mom and personal stylist joining us today to answer all of your questions about fashion and motherhood to help you find the right style for your everyday life.
Where can I find dresses for summer that make it easy to nurse but look like "normal" clothes?
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Alison L.
Hi Laura! I've heard great things about the MAMA nursing line at H&M. The pieces are stylish and they don't scream "nursing". You can find them at www.hm.com and typing in MAMA nursing in the search bar. Cute pieces! |
For health and quality reasons, I try to find pieces made from natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool, etc.) but sometimes it feels impossible! I see so much polyester, acrylic, nylon, modal...do you have any recommendations for brands that sell cute pieces with an emphasis on material quality that's also budget-friendly?
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Alison L.
Hi Anne! You're right, it is very hard to find clothing made from natural fibers. And when you do, it's even harder to find fashionable pieces! I like www.bluecanoe.com. They seem to find a good balance with organic cotton pieces that are also stylish, yet classic. They're moderately price but also have great sales. |
I'd like suggestions for outfits that are comfortable, look nicer than athleisure, and work for nursing.
I don't mind layering nursing tanks but I'd like to move away from nursing shirts. I've thought of v-necks and button downs but was wondering what else I could do. I'd like something with more style that doesn't scream nursing.
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Alison L.
Hi Lori! I love the layered look of lightweight long cardigans or a kimono over tanks and tees. You could still keep the nursing pieces as your base item. A printed scarf is also a nice addition that adds a lot of style. When I was nursing, I eventually switched to regular tees, v-necks and button downs. You can layer nursing tanks and camis under your button downs too. H&M also has some cute nursing pieces that are stylish. I love their floral tops! You can find them at this link: http://bit.ly/2pCAItT |
Hello! I'm wondering what your thoughts on backpack diaper bags vs. shoulder bags. They seem better for posture and logistics. Do you have any favorites? Thank you!
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Alison L.
Hi Julia! In my opinion, backpacks are SO convenient and easier to carry than a shoulder bag. Shoulder bags are fine for every day but I prefer a backpack for travel and excursions, like a day at the zoo. Check out the Skip Hop Forma backpack at Target. It has good reviews and lots of space to stash your stuff. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/2pCCDi5 They also carry quite a few other brands and styles online. |
I'm looking for coverage for running after a toddler and to hide some winter weight I still need to lose :) but I still want it to be cute and flattering. What are the best bathing suit options and where to shop to find the right fit?
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Alison L.
Hi Paula! Have you checked out Land's End? They have some great mom-friendly suits with nice coverage. Here's a cute option: http://bit.ly/2oVqh6W Because they're online, I'd do measurements to make sure you're ordering the right size. |
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Paula Thank you Alison! |
I used to be one of the best dressed women at the office wearing cute dresses and skirts. Well now a sahm to two kids (2.5/1), I rarely get out of my pj's and if I do, yoga pants it is. Blah! How do i break the cycle?!
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Alison L.
Hey Katrina! You're speaking my language. As a recovering yoga pants addict, I like to think I'm the expert in this area! My blog Get Your Pretty On www.getyourprettyon.com is about easy ways out of the rut. Every Monday, I do a SAHMonday post especially for the moms of the world who aren't heading out to an office on Monday morning but still want to look cute and put together. You can search my blog for SAHMonday for these outfits. I also do a SAHM Style Challenge which has 20 days of easy outfit formulas, you can find that at www.stylechallenges.com. |
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Katrina Great thanks!! |