The Best $18 Dress

Spring is quickly approaching, and it is time to say goodbye to your nursing tanks and cardigans and hello to the popular wrap and shirt dresses that are available at almost every store.  I saw this dress at Target this past weekend and was blown away by what a great deal it is.  This dress is made by Merona, and features a button-down front - which is perfect ideal for nursing or pumping easy access - and the best part - it is only $18!  Pair this dress with these adorable platforms by Steve Madden and you will be ready for a night out without the baby!

An Adorable Nursing Dress

I saw this dress on zulily.com and immediately fell in love with it.  It is a light-weight, 3/4 sleeve simple dress that comes in purple and grey.  It has an easy pull-up top which makes nursing a breeze, and it is super versatile, so not only can you dress it up or down, but you can also wear it across different seasons (for milder weather slip on a pair of flats and layer it with a jean jacket, and for colder weather try it with a thick pair of tights or leggings and a great pair of boots).  The best part is that this dress is less than $35 - what a steal!  Act quickly though - Zulily only keeps items for a few days, so it won't be around for long!

The Must Have Bra

If there was ever an important time to have a cute bra it is now ladies.  Face it, your bra is out and exposed more than ever before, so why stick to something plain and boring when you can add something fun under your clothes (if nothing else, it will make you feel better about yourself!).  This bra is another great Target find.  It is by Gilligan & O'Malley, and comes in at under $20.  The cups of the bra do not have underwire (I know, I know, if there was ever a time for underwire it is now, but most breastfeeding experts agree that it is best to find underwire-free bras for best milk production), and the polka-dot print and lace detailing make the bra look really pretty and much more expensive than it's reasonable price tag.  Best yet, this bra does great in the washing machine and dryer, so it won't fall apart after a few washes.  This gem earns a solid "5" on the Tata test. 

You get what you pay for...

This top from Old Navy is the least expensive item I have yet to write about on this blog.  It comes in at under $6 (depending on the color you get), but the most expensive color is still under $8.  It is comfortable, easily accessible for nursing and pumping, and a good casual top to have for hanging around the house or running errands.  It is machine washable, so no need to worry about spilling anything on it - and did I mention it is only $6?  With that said, the quality is that of a $6 shirt.  It will not fall apart after a few wears, however, you have to be vey careful with how you wash and dry it because it will become somewhat mis-shapen.  I recommend washing it on a gentle setting and line drying it. 

 Now the overall style of this shirt is not fantastic, so it will need to be dressed up a bit if you want to wear it out.  For a cute casual look I would pair it with your go-to pair of jeans, and this bright colored trench coat (also from Old Navy).   Lastly, add a comfy pair of flats, and you have a great pulled together-casual outfit for a minimal expense!

Gap does it again!

Today's entry is highlighting another nursing top from the Gap.  This was one of the first nursing shirts I purchased, and it is still one of my favorite tops. 

For starters, the fabric is soft, very comfortable, and machine washable.  The other thing I really like about this shirt is that the wrap front makes your waist look super tiny and also adds some visual interest/design to the shirt.  Lastly, like all of Gap's products, it is extremely affordable (depending on the color, you can snag this top for $15!).  It is a great weekend go-to and looks fantastic with a pair of skinny jeans and boots.   

 Right now I am loving these rain boots from the Gap.  They come in black, orange, pink, and green and are on sale for just under $30!

The only (slight) negative of this top is that it is not as easily accessible for nursing and pumping as other shirts I have featured, earning this shirt a "4" on the Tata Test.

Five Quick (and Frugal) Fixes to Feeling Fabulous!

As a mom, you don't have a whole lot of time for yourself - especially with how demanding a baby can be.  Although it may seem hard to do, it is important that you take the time to take care of yourself, too.  It will make you look and feel much better - trust me!  This entry is dedicated to five easy, inexpensive things you can do to get yourself feeling fabulous.

1.  Take a hot bubble bath.  This is by far one of my favorite things to do.  I try and do this a few times a week, and I find that when I put my son down to sleep at night is the best time for me to do it.  Some nights I make a cup of hot tea to sip on and read a book or magazine and it is WONDERFUL! 

2.  Treat yourself to a face mask.  This is something that is super inexpensive and will make your skin look and feel so much better.  Better yet, it only takes about 5 minutes to dry, so in under 10 minutes you can look and feel like a million bucks!

3.  Put on some make-up.  Okay, I know this may seem like a daunting task and not something that is going to be quick.  I promise that in five minutes, you can put on a small amount of make-up which will make a huge difference.  Here is what I try to do every day:  First, start with some concealer (especially if you have been up a lot the night before with the baby - this will help a lot with under-eye circles).  Next, add a little bit of blush or bronzer for some color on your cheeks, forehead, and chin.  Add a little bit of eyeliner (sometimes I put on a bit of a light shimmery eyeshadow too) and mascara to make your eyes stand out.  Last, put on a moisturizing lip gloss and you are good to go!

4.  Wash your hair.  This may sound obvious, but it is amazing how the day can get away from you, and before you know it, it is time for bed and you have still not showered or washed your hair.  Even if you don't have time to dry it, taking a quick shower and washing your hair is a quick, easy way to feeling like a new person.  I suggest trying a shampoo that has an energizing scent; that can be a huge help on mornings when you are tired and feeling a bit sluggish.

5. Treat yourself to some new underwear.  Again, another thing that might sound like a no-brainer, but swapping out the underwear you wore during your pregnancy and right after you had the baby for something new will make you (and your husband) MUCH happier.   

A Perfect "5"!

Hello, Fashionistas!  I'm sorry it has been a few days since I posted a new item for you - but today's selection will not disappoint - I promise!  Today's must have item is this super versatile top from Target's Converse One Line.  I am featuring it in the purple color, but it also comes in black, blue, and white.  This top epitomizes what a full "5" on the Tata Test is. 
First of all it is extremely affordable ($23), machine washable, and a breeze to nurse or pump in with buttons going down the front of the shirt (better yet, you really only have to unbutton the first two since it has a slight v-neck).  Next, it can be worn with just about anything in your wardrobe.  I have paired it with the white Gilligan & OMalley nursing cami underneath and skinny jeans (trouser jeans work too) for a casual look.  Try topping the outfit off with a cute pair of flats or comfy boots (I have worn UGGs on cold days), and VOILA - you are ready to run errands, grab lunch, or just hang out around the house and feel cute and put together.  This top can also be dressed up when you swap out jeans for a skirt, and add some cute tights and a pair of ankle - high dress boots.  I love these boots from Piper Lime - and they are on sale for less than $50! 

Last, accessories are an easy way to really polish off your look.  Try this beatuful cuff from Banana Republic:
 It is a little pricey at just under $50, but it is currently on sale for 20% off.  What I love most about this cuff bracelet, is that without a clasp, it is easy to alternate wrists to keep track of what side you last nursed on. 

It doesn't get more comfortable than this...

Today's must have item is a shirt that will take you from work to weekends.  This nursing top from Gap has a deep-v neckline which makes nursing or pumping a breeze since all you have to do is move the fabric to a side.  It is also a soft cotton material, which also makes it a very comfortable option (and yes, since it is cotton, it is machine washable -another added bonus!).  I have worn this shirt on the weekends with a pair of yoga pants and a jean jacket for running errands, and I have also worn it to work with a nicer pair of pants (a chino or denim trouser), flats and a cute scarf.  I LOVE this  scarf from the Gap. 
The pattern is a lot of fun, and it is versatile enough so you can easily mix and match it into your wardrobe. 

The only downfall of this shirt is that it is quite low cut, so if you are wearing it for work, you may want to have a cardigan sweater or jacket over it (or choose a scarf, but make sure that it is long enough to cover your cleavage!) This shirt comes in three different colors, and the price of the shirt ranges from a very affordable $15 to $26.  For all of these reasons, this top earns a "4" on the TaTa test.

One Hot Mama!

Every girl needs a little black dress in her wardrobe, and a nursing mom is no exception!  I love this dress from The Limited.  It has a faux wrap top which makes for easy nursing and pumping access.  It also has rouching at the waist, making your waist look tiny and hiding any post-baby flaws you may not want people to see.  This dress is also machine washable (which you must know by now, for me, is an absolute must!)
I have worn this dress with solid color or black tights and ankle boots for a dressier look.  I have also dressed it down by pairing a cardigan and flats with it.
Try this cardigan from Ann Taylor Loft.  At $35 with an extra 40% off it is a steal!

 The versatility and overall style of this dress earn it a "5" on the TaTa Test.  An added bonus: it is on sale for $53!

A Fashionable AND Functional Nursing Top!

Today's must have item is a nursing top from A Pea in the Pod.  I love this shirt for two reasons: the draping in the front is pretty and doesn't make the shirt look like a nursing top (you know what I mean - those frumpy tops that hang awkwardly and are usually some horrible synthetic blend) and the second is how easy it is to nurse and pump in it.  An added bonus: it is machine washable!  This shirt also is a great example of a wardrobe piece that looks great casual or dressy. 

For a casual look, I would wear it with a pair of jeans (you can do skinny or trouser - whichever is more comfortable for you), boots, and these pretty chandelier earrings from Banana Republic.


For a more formal look, I would switch out the earrings for this pair (also from Banana Republic):

I would pair the top and earrings with your go-to skirt, a pair of simple black heels, and a patterned tight.  Try these tights from target.  I really like the flower pattern and they are a great price at just over $10!

Between this shirt's versatility, ease of care, design, and accessibility for nursing and pumping, it earns a "5" on the TaTa Test. 

Investment Piece #1

For many of the clothing items I select, I try very hard to keep them in the $50 range.  It is expensive having a baby, and for me, it is important to have some money left over to go out on dates with my husband, be social with friends, and be able to still maintain some luxuries such as getting my hair done and the occassional massage!  Anyway, when I saw this INC jacket in Macy's I knew I had to write about it.  It is to die for - and meets almost all of my TaTa Test requirements!

Let me begin by saying that at just under $100, this is what I consider to be an "investment piece," meaning that this will be an item that works with almost all of the bottoms in your wardrobe (this is a term that my husband still has trouble understanding, but you know where I'm coming from!).  It will carry you day through night, and can double as a blazer or a jacket.  Best yet, this jacket is machine washable, easily accessible for nursing when worn with a nursing cami underneath, and it comes in three great colors: green, yellow, and black.  All of these qualities earn this INC jacket a "4" on the TaTa Test.

 Pair it with jeans and the white nursing cami and flats for lunch with friends, a play date, or a mommy and me class.  For a dressy look, keep the white cami underneath, but swap out the jeans for a skirt, solid black tights, a pair of heels, and a chunky necklace.  Try this necklace from Ann Taylor Loft.  It is $34.00 with an additional 40% off! 

The Breast Dress in Town!


If you are looking for a dress that is stylish and easy for nursing, there is no need to look any more!  I purchased this dress (on sale for $24.99 with an additional 30% off) and am absolutely obsessed with it!  Let's first talk about the practicality of this dress.  The faux wrap front makes it extremely accessible for nursing or pumping - no need to take off this dress when it is time for your baby to eat!  Even better, the bust is somewhat roomy (let's be honest, as a nursing mom your chest is not the same size before baby eats as it is after baby eats) so it is perfect for allowing for plenty of "growing" room.  Additionally, it is machine washable, comfortable, and EXTREMELY affordable ( it is under $20 after the additional discount is applied to the sale price).  Without a doubt, this dress earns a "5" on the TaTa Test.

Now let's talk about accessories, because these are really going to turn what is already a great dress into a fabulous fashion find. 

These flats from the Gap (also on sale and an extra 30% off) offer a casual alternative when worn with a pair of solid tights or leggings (purchase your leggings from Old Navy or Target - they offer a great selection at a very low price).  Top the dress off with a jean jacket and comfy scarf, and VOILA - you instantly have a comfortable, fashionable outfit for running errands or spending time with your family.

This dress can transform into date night sexy when worn with a cute pair of heels (you can do black or a bold, solid color - I love the bright purple and pink heels that are popular this season) and some fun jewlery.  Try this bracelet from Banana Republic. Not only does it look great, but since it is an elastic band, it is easy to take on and off which would offer a great way to track the last side that you nursed on (an extremely fashionable alternative to the plastic Left/Right breastfeeding braclets).                                                                                                               

The Nursing Cami

As a nursing mom, one of the most important staples you will need in your wardrobe is a nursing cami.  I LOVE this white cami by Gilligan & OMalley from Target.  I received it as a gift from my mom for Christmas, and I have been living in it since.  This camisole has it all (well, as far as camisoles go!)  It is machine washable, has a built in bra, a great shape, and looks wonderful under everything from button-down shirts to cardigan sweaters.  Even better, at $20 you can snag a few in some different colors (it also comes in gray and black).   It is no surprise that this cami earns a "5" on the TaTa Test. 

Bottoms Up

The foundation of a great nursing wardrobe is to start with some key bottom pieces (skirts, pants, etc).  Okay, I know what you are thinking: this blog is dedicated to nursing clothes, and the last time you checked, your breasts are not located on the bottom half of your body (even if they may not be as perky as they were prepregnancy)!  Well my friends, the reason for starting at the bottom is simple – while I will be selecting plenty of tops for you to wear, I will pair these items with the following pieces below:

1.        Yoga Pants – About four weeks after I had my son, I bought the following pair of yoga pants from Old Navy: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=71015&vid=1&pid=633125&scid=633125032 (I purchased them in black).  I lived in these pants for about one month and still mix them into my wardrobe now.  They are a comfortable option for running errands when paired with a jean jacket, and they also double as work out gear when worn with a nursing cami and a zip front sweatshirt.  And at less than $20 they won’t break the bank (TIP: Do NOT spend full price on anything at Old Navy or Gap – they have frequent sales).

2.       Jeans  – Although you may not be back to your pre-pregnancy size, it is important to make sure that you have a great pair of jeans that are comfortable and flattering.  I am a fan of Old Navy’s Diva Skinny jeans www.oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70345&vid=1&pid=480941&scid=480941072
 in the "Rinse" wash  for two reasons: they fit great and they are cheap, cheap, cheap!  I snagged a pair of these for around $20 during one of their sales (full price they are $29.50), and I love them because they work with flats, boots, and heels.  Skinny jeans are not for everyone, so if you are not a fan, try these trouser jeans from Ann Taylor Loft:  http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Denim/Clean-Pocket-Modern-Trouser-Jeans-in-Rinse-Wash/263043?colorExplode=false&skuId=10350775&catid=catl000015&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=9394.  Although they are a little pricey at just under $70, they are great for slimming thighs and creating the illusion of having long legs.  They also look fab with flats and heels so they are perfect for dressing down during the day or up for a night out (yes, even though you had a baby, it is still important for you to have nights out!)
3.  A great skirt - I have found that it is hard to find dresses that are functional for nursing (don't worry about saying goodbye to wearing dresses though - I have found a few and will be featuring them in a future post!) so skirts can be a great option for adding a dressy option to your wardrobe.  Try this new pencil skirt from the Gap:  http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5727&vid=1&pid=833597&ssiteID=ON
It is versatile, machine washable, and at 20% off - what is there to not LOVE about it?  If pencil skirts are not your thing, I suggest this maxi skirt at Old Navy which is easy to dress up or down:   http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55402&vid=1&pid=886041&scid=886041012 or this Merona black jersey skirt from Target: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55402&vid=1&pid=886041&scid=886041012.

Now that you have a grasp on the bottom basics you will need, go through your closet, see what you have, and check out some of the items I suggest above.  Be sure to check back tomorrow when I start highlighting tops to add to your nursing wardrobe.  And don't forget:  you might be nursing your baby, but it is also important to nurse your inner fashionista too!

Nursing Your Inner Fashionista

After having my son three and a half months ago, I began to realize how easy it is to lose yourself once you have a baby.  After my first month of mommyhood, I came to the horrific realization that I had no clothes that fit.  My pregancy clothes were too big and my pre-pregnancy clothes were too small.  Even worse was that buying new clothes was becoming more of a chore than an enjoyable experience - something I NEVER thought would happen to me!   And to make matters worse - breastfeeding was coming between me and a great wardrobe.  All of the stores that outfitted me with sexy, fashion-forward maternity clothes were letting me down.  At most they had three or four options for nursing tops, and it seemed that what I kept finding in the regular clothing stores were mostly pullover tops and sweaters (which I made the mistake of purchasing and grew to hate everytime I had to take off my shirt or hike it up to nurse). 

I knew something was going to have to change - my son was by far more fashion forward than his mom (he was rocking a new Baby Gap outfit every day) - so I staged a fashion intervention for myself.  I purchased several fashion magazines, watched What Not to Wear marathons, and took notes on what silhouttes would look good on my new shape.  Next, I made my plan of attack for the stores that were becoming the bane of my existance.  Everything that I purchased would have to be conducive for nursing, but if I was creative with how I wore each clothing item, I could make them chic and even sexy! 

Thus was born The Nursing Fashionista!  This blog will serve as your one-stop shop for finding clothes that will fit and flatter your body, all while being functional for nursing.  Not only will I feature a different clothing item every day, but I will also rate each item on a scale from 1 to 5 using the TaTa Test (which accounts for the clothing item's cost, functionality, overall style, versatility, and ease of care).  It is my hope that this blog enables you to nurse your inner fashionista while also nursing your baby.

Enjoy!

Emily

The Nursing Fashionista