How do I go from Frumpy Mommy to Yummy Mommy .. while not going too far and being a Trampy Mommy?

I need advice! I've always been 'cute'. I turn 37 in a few weeks and I've outgrown cute. I want to be sexy but not sluty. I also work in a very conservative field so I have to look professional and conservative. I just want to have some sex appeal, if you kwim?

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Here's what worked for me.

Not sure if this is an issue for you but first I lost 40 lbs.. Once the weight started coming off and I was feeling good about myself (after the first 5-10 lbs.) I started to dress better, do my hair, wear makeup.

I started putting together outfits that made me look and feel good. No more sweatpants, sweatshirts, only cute shoes/boots, etc. You know by looking if it is something that would be conservative sexy or trampy. Start with basic pieces. For me it was some nice turtleneck sweaters (not the average mom type), cute, trendy jeans (Target and Walmart both have some cute boot cut styles at reasonable prices) and some skirts. I didn't want to spend too much on sizes that I would soon be out of so I just got a few things that made me feel good. Once I broke the 10 lb. mark, I would treat myself to something new or pamper myself instead of with food.

Watch around you for people who look the way you want to and copy it, watch What Not to Wear, research fashion advice on the internet, watch the morning network news which always has fashion advice.

As my husband tells me that it's all in the way you present yourself. If you feel good and project confidence, that is really sexy!

Good luck!

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Marcy
Proud wife of Tim, Mom to Sean (8/87), Ethan (10/98), Sam (9/02)
and angels Nathanial (8/6/97-8/8/97) and Benjamin (8/6/97-8/21/97)

Until they all come home......
Life is a Journey (follow my blog about my journey)

if you have to wear suits, try to get some that are fitted instead of loose and frumpy. A little bit of a lacy camisole showing under a suit also makes it sexy but still classy as long as you're not showing too much skin. I agree about the sweats, I never wear them out of the house. My best piece of advice if you wear dresses or skirts would be to get yourself some nice pantyhose and some killer sexy shoes!

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Im with you on that I am quite FRUMPY. Lets go to Stepford and get changed in the machine!

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Mom of one kangaroo!

Cute is good, especially as you age!

From the few pics I've seen, you strike me as the sporty type, which is also a plus. If you are looking to kick it up a notch, without going overboard, I'd say get some figure forming dresses and suits. Ones that nip in at the waist. Stay away from men's styles...yes, those men's ties are coming back, but you aren't looking for the androgynous look. I think menswear on women looks best when the women have accessoried it with femininie accessories and feminine, flowing hair.

Raising your hemline helps, too. To me, 1-2 inches above the knee is great. Less than 3 inches above the knee is putting you in danger territory and is also against the dress code at many companies.

Feminine shoes are also key, but make sure you're comfortable. There are comfy pumps out there. Having a wider, rather than stiletto heel is more comfy. Again, no higher than 2 inches on the heel. Spring is coming, so you'll see colors, but light colored shoes can give the illusion of trying to dress too young, and can get you subconscientously labeled as a lightweight. Tan shoes look nice in the store, but matching your shoes to your stockings isn't a nice look - boring. Try to keep your shoes just a tad darker than your stockings if you play there. Try to keep with darker colors for business. But funner fabrics will work as the weather warms.

One item that looks nice is the dress with a jacket over it that is the same length as the dress. Make sure both hug your curves a little. A boxy look is very 80s and won't do you the best justice.

Take a look at your hairstyle. Consider going for a more layered look, while keeping it simple. If you want to avoid "cute", avoid bangs that go straight down. pushed to the side is nice. Wispy and pushed to the side is great. You can get away with straight down if they are longish, but that may distract your eyes.

And, of course, posture is key to completing your look, as is a contented smile.

Now, post a picture of before and after!

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Make someone's heart smile today.

I just saw this. I am 37 too (and guilty of the "sporty" look on the days I am hanging out at home and not doing much - I tend to grab jeans, clogs, and fleece pullovers) and last year when I finally got all the weight off I realized I needed to make more effort with my appearance. I agree with the CUTE jeans and cords - fitted and stylish and not levis! - and cute shoes and fitted tops for every day. Skirts and fitted tops and cute ballet flats or boots when you need to look a little more put together. Some of my favorite clothes come from these catalogs: Sundance, Garnet Hill, and Boden. They all have great mom clothes for people our age that are comfortable, stylish, and flattering. They all have websites so you can look at them and get ideas. If they are out of your price range, just copy the look with less expensive pieces. I have heard you say that you love Lands End, but honey, you are too young and cute for their clothes. Step it up a notch and show some waist and some leg!!!

Wear something a little more snug. Show off what you have....don't hide too much. Hiding too much, makes you frumpy. Highlight your assets: small waist, long legs, toned arms, etc. Concentrate on what you do like....by layering up and going solids, you can really date yourself (I too love Lands End and LL Bean but they aren't exactly the most flattering of clothing lines)

Take some of Maggie's tried and true advice and really VENTURE into the "skinny pretties" stores and find something that works for your body type. Don't be afraid of that!

Invest in some yoga pants instead of sweats, or something that is not bulky. You can always wear a longish top over that and it will look great. (just not a sweatshirt) This is a nice alternative to the traditional sweatsuit and very comfortable when you are home.

Take a look at the Victoria Secret catalog. Some clothes are really nice in there - you just have to be selective. If anything, you can always get ideas from it .

I agree with Lands End and LLBean. I used to shop there until my dh told me that he does not like their clothes, too old for me.

Also, invest in a trench coat. They look great and hide anything. Just make sure it is not too big for you or you will look larger. It is a classy look.

Definitely watch What not to Wear. They also have a book, I think. Sometimes you just need a few new pieces to add to your wardrobe and it will make you feel like a million bucks.
Also, if you have nice underwear, that will also make you feel great. Good luck!

Oh, you are all so right. I love(d) Landsend and LLBean but it was the day I got both catalogues in the mail that I wrote this. I was looking through them and I thought "I don't want to look like this anymore. These women dress too old. I want to be a yummy mommy." You got it right. I feel like such a loser .. which is good because I'm mad at myself enough to change. Now I don't know where to shop. (I liked those places because their shipping to Canada was reasonable). I try out Old Navy but most of it feels too young / hip / trendy and I don't want to go too far that way either. I will try more fitted clothes. I am so ready to change. I'm quitting Landsend and LL Bean and saying good-bye to the old me! I wish I had someone to shop with who could tell me the truth about what I try on. None of my friends like shopping and most of them are frumpier than I am. (I hope they don't see this ).

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Try Ann Taylor Loft. I LOVE it!
Ann Taylor LOFT Home

I personally LOVE this top...kinda sexy but not trampy:
http://anntaylor.scene7.com/is/image...detail214x278$

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