The Imperfect Parent - Articles || Mother Magnetism

PUBLISHED May, 2007
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Mother Magnetism

GABA info, the right nail polish color, and seasonal trends

by Kelly Reising

Q: I have a style question for my favorite fashionista: What nail polish color are we supposed to be wearing now? Dark? What is around the corner for summer? Inquiring minds want to know!

Good question! As with any new season, the times and colors are changing! This time the trend is headed in the exact opposite of the extremely dark nails. What's really hot right now is white nails. Shiny, opaque, white nails are supposed to be the "mod thing" for Spring. I haven't tried it yet--my niece actually trumped me on this one when she showed up for Easter with her nails done in this in style! So I'm going to get a bottle soon; I can’t let a 16-year-old out-trend me, right? OPI's "Fit For a Queensland" from their Australia Collection is a good one to try because it doesn’t look too much like white-out.

Q: I heard of a face cream containing GABA which was said to INSTANTLY reduce wrinkles and fine lines. I looked up GABA and it was mostly about weight loss and anti-anxiety! Do you know anything about it?

Yes, I have heard of it. Here is the deal with GABA -- it's actually the ingredient "Gamma Amino Butyric Acid" and it's supposed to immediately produce a visible, smoothing effect to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It's classified as a neurotransmitter and when taken internally, is supposed to relax the muscles and mind. It's hard to tell if this really does work topically. It’s a favorite product of many celebrities though, and at least the skincare industry is trying to come up with products to compete with Botox and other injectables. If you are in the mood, try Dr. Brandt's brand "Crease Release" cream that, when applied, is supposed to work for 8-10 hours. It's a bit of an investment at $150, though. You can check it out at their website DrBrantskincare.com for more details. Although, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you definitely shouldn’t use this product. I have used a couple of his products before and they are excellent. It’s always easier to resort to good skincare before you let someone stick a needle in your face!

Q: I haven’t bought any new clothes since the birth of my third child, two years ago! I am interested in getting a few new things for spring. What are some easy spring trends that will work for a mother of three?

By now, you have seen all the hot trends for spring. Magazines usually start featuring them as early as January, which is way too early to be excited about spring, in my opinion. Winter is still barreling down on us, and I can’t possibly go out and purchase those sand-colored espadrilles, no matter how cute they look in the magazine. I don’t seriously think about spring until May. But how do you know what trends will work on you? Believe it or not, you're not just a regular woman anymore… you’re a Mom, and you can still look amazing! So toss out that old spit-up-stained t-shirt and get shopping! You can make some of these new trends work for you. Others definitely will not. I’ll show you how, and here are my top choices:

Flowers - This print is a sweet style for spring. Kids especially adore it. It’s feminine and fun. Pick a blouse or a printed, short-sleeved T, and stay away from floral motif-ed pants -- it’s just too overwhelming.

Metallic - This shiny look is showing up everywhere from Balenciaga’s robotic inspired spring line to futuristic Gucci silver platforms. Metallic and modern, yes, but not exactly practical for the playground. The sun glare off your clothing alone would blind a small child! So how do you wear this trend? How about a skinny silver or gold headband? Or you can be even more daring and go with a pair of metallic textured aviator glasses in gunmetal grey or gold.

Sporty - The track suit is still on fire, but you don’t want to wear it from head to toe. If you are sporting track pants then pair it with a more tailed button-up shirt. If you have a track jacket you love, wear it with a pair of skinny stretch jeans. The skinny part means that it’s tailored to be snug around you angle and the “stretch” part will actually allow you to shimmy your way into them. Who says that just because you are a mother of three, you don’t have to look like it.

Sheer - Gauzy, flowy, sheer fabrics that are as light as air are fine for evening. No one wants to see your bra in the preschool pickup line. Save it for a night out with the girls, or your husband if he’s lucky! I have my eye on D&G’s semi-sheer ruffled blouse in aqua. Don’t worry; I will wear something under it.

Ruffles - A little ruffle is fine. Especially around the edge of your sleeve or at the hem of a flirty skirt, but save the major rufflie stuff for you baby. They look best in it.

Neutral - Did you hear that white is the new black? I can’t even think of the last time I actually wore white. It’s just not practical around small children. Since my oldest is 5, it’s been at least that long, and more. I certainly didn’t wear white when I was pregnant. Mainly because I couldn’t go through a meal without spilling half of it all over myself. Tan, white, khaki, and beige are fine neutrals for spring. If you are going to carry this look make sure something on you says color, like a bright statement handbag. My bag is always black, I vow this Spring to get myself one in a plucky color, like red. Wish me luck.

Prints, prints, and more prints - Pucci-esque prints are cool. I can’t wear them. I look like a clown. Maybe you can though, so give it a try. Let me know how it works out for you!

Ballet Flats - Time to ditch those trendy tennies and grab a chic pair of ballet flats. These are oh-so-comfy and stylish for a Mom on the go.

So get into Spring and try a few of these trends. Spring is my favorite time of year because everything is fresh and new again. I’m storing away all my sweaters, boots and hats, and I’m off to buy some ballet flats!