Ralph Lauren Sanderson trousers

I have a difficult time finding pants that fit  well.   I blame it on the ‘mommy belly’ that won’t go away no matter how many sit-ups I do and how many miles I walk on the treadmill (not so many these days).  Given my ‘situation’, I was thrilled when I received a pair of Ralph Lauren Sanderson pants and they slipped right on, beautifully and comfortably.  As I put the pants on it felt like I was slipping a sheet of whipped butter on my legs.  Sounds strange, I know.. but these pants are so light and smooth, I don’t know how else to explain it.

The Sanderson pants sit just below my natural waist giving support where I need it most.  The pants have a fuller leg shape which helps me feel more balanced; between my big boobs and small legs.. sometimes I feel like I don’t look properly proportioned in ‘skinny’ jeans.

A classic pair of black pants is a must-have for every woman’s closet.  I can’t imagine a body type that the Sanderson’s won’t  flatter.   The Sanderson’s are available in petite and regular sizes.

Ralph Lauren Sanderson pants

When shopping for holiday outfits this year be sure to try on a few Ralph Lauren pieces.  Thanks to Ralph Lauren’s timeless designs and high quality, you will wear them for years.

<< This is what happens when my 11 year old is responsible for taking photos of me.

View all Ralph Lauren Sanderson trouser colors and sizes

Ralph Lauren Twitter

Disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and may receive various Ralph Lauren products as part of my participation.

Ralph Lauren Sanderson pants – My Official Holiday Pants is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

Having two kids has left me with a body that I don’t feel great about which is why it’s important for me to try to look good even if I know I’m going to be at home all day.  I work from home (most of the time) and as tempting as it is to stay in my pajamas all day, I don’t feel good about myself if I’m in my P.J.’s past 10a.m..  I’m not a sweat suit kind of girl so I mostly wear nice-ish (not button downs but not t-shirts either) shirts and shorts or skirts, around the house and unfortunately I’ve become too comfortable in a few select pieces and wear them too often.  My husband is probably sick of seeing me in the same outfit a few days a week so I’m going to try to invest in a couple of lounge dresses like those featured below which look so super comfy.. and sexy!

According to fashion & trend expert Grechen with GrechensCloset.com, tie waists are always flattering, but for a new mom, you can even tie it above your waist to hide a tummy.

Bourdeaux – Double Layer Knit Tank Dress

Bordeaux Double Layer Knit Tank Dress

$73.50 on sale from  $105
Available in denim blue and in sizes small, medium, and large.
Available at Flutter

Double layer knit tank designer dress by Bordeaux. Sleeveless drop waist dress is lightweight for the Summer months, and is also perfect for layering with a turtleneck, leggings and boots for the Fall!

The Racket Spaghetti Dress

Alternative Apparel – The Racket Spaghetti Dress

$50
Available in several colors and in sizes small to extra-large
Buy here (Amazon.com link) or buy at alternativeapparel.com

This machine washable and dry-able 100% cotton jersey  spaghetti strap dress has 1” cinched elastic casing at waist and a self drawstring tie. Lightweight and breezy—this is a perfect anytime dress for busy moms.

AUBIN & WILLS Wiltshire silk tank dress

AUBIN & WILLS Wiltshire silk tank dress

$155
Available in sizes 4-10
Available at Net-A-Porter

Maybe not as sexy as the first two dresses, this black silk-satin tank dress by Aubin & Wills would be very cute with leggings.  This tank dress has a round neck, button fastenings through front, a pointelle trim, side pockets and an elasticated waist. It is 100% silk and must be hand washed so this is practical only for those of us who don’t get dirty (ha!) or have a personal laundry service.. yeah right!?

3 comfy & sexy dresses for moms is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

Did you read my article February 4th article about Lands’ End’s Anxiety Zone swimsuit selection?  If not, you have to check it out.  I finally had the opportunity to wear my new Lands’ End swimsuit this weekend and I love it!  I went to Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte, NC (photo of me in my swimsuit at Great Wolf Lodge.. to the right) this last weekend and wore my bathing a large percent of the time we were there.

The Mommy Insider is giving a lucky reader a $100 Lands’ End gift certificate so you can buy your very own Lands’ End swimsuit, or whatever you want from Lands’ End.

Follow @mommyinsider on Twitter and use hashtag #TMIgiveaways for 3 extra entries!

Enter to win a $100 Lands’ End Gift Certificate here

Win a $100 Lands’ End gift certificate is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

I am a nervous wreck when I put on a bathing suite.   Even when I was a size 4 I thought I had major flaws.  Now that I am a size 8 and have a little extra weight (from my last birth.. over 3 years ago.. yes, that’s my excuse) I hunt for just the right swimsuit. 

Here is what I look for in a swimsuit:

• It has to be a one piece swimsuit
• I prefer black or dark brown
• My swimsuit must have straps – the boobies just don’t tolerate strapless.
• A skirt to cover the upper thigh area

I got an email newsletter from Lands’ End this morning telling me about their new swimsuit selection and I thought, sheez it’s still Winter, why do I want to look for a swimsuit now?  Well, I thought looking at swimsuits now might inspire me to lose the 10 lbs I put on since October (medication related, but still).. ugh!

What’s really cool about the Lands’ End swimsuit selection is that you can choose your ANXIETY ZONE!  There are currently about 48 swimsuits offered in the Lands’ End Swimsuit Anxiety Zone section.

In the swimsuit area of the Lands’ End there is a list of anxiety zones buyers can choose from.  Anxiety Zones include:

• Minimize Tummy-Waist.. yes please
• Minimize Hips-Thighs
• Enhance Bust.. no thanks
• Lengthen Legs
• Enhance Waist..interesting
• Minimize Bust.. yes please

I’m giving one lucky reader a $25 Lands’ End e-gift card!
Do you have swimsuit anxiety?  Swimsuits aren’t always cheap but the extra expense is worth it.
Leave a comment below telling me what your swimsuit anxiety is, your favorite kind of swimsuit, and/or your favorite summer beach destination and I will enter every commentor to win a $25 e-gift card to use at LandsEnd.com.. on me!  Entries accepted through Feb. 10th, 2010.

I was not compensated financially or with product for this blog post.

Lands’ End Swimsuits – Choose your anxiety zone! is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

The second in my series of Coach Parker handbag reviews.. the Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is yet another beautiful new bag from Coach's new Parker line. 

The Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is a gorgeous, mid-sized, leather shoulder bag with fabric trim and a delicate fabric inner lining. 
This bag is the rosegold/nickel color/style.  In addition to this beautiful metallic color, the Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is available in three beautiful spring inspired shades that work well with the season’s key colors.  This Parker bag will make even your simplest ensemble look radiant. The shaded Parker Leather Shoulder bags are $358 while the metallic bag is $398 and is an excellent value as it is a handbag that you will enjoy for many years.

Why I love the Coach Parker Leather Shoulder Bag:

• The size is perfect for a mom with a toddler.
  Madleyn is 2 so I don't have to carry 3 outfits, diapers, 2 sippies, snacks, etc..

I carry 1 change of clothes, a sippy cup, a snack bag, a book, and a toy.  All of these things plus my wallet, phone, and 'accessories' fit nicely in this Parker.

Overall, the Coach Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is an excellent bag for moms with new babies and toddlers alike and of course for women in general!

GIVEAWAY There are two ways to enter.
Enter to win this Coach Parker Leather Shoulder Bag by simply leaving a comment below telling me why you want to win this bag and your email address will be entered once. 
2 ENTRIES: Your email address will be entered twice when you  subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter by April 30th.

GOOD LUCK!

New from Coach’s spring 2009 Parker line: Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

I love 
this bag.  Coach's new Parker Large Convertible Hippie bag is nicely priced for the amazing quality and features.  The fresh and
feminine attitude of the bag gives moms the style they want and need while achieving the functionality goals every mom needs.  By functionality goals I mean fitting diapers, wipes, a sippy cup, a change of clothes (for the baby), your wallet, and cell phone in the bag without overstuffing it.

 Why I love the new Coach Parker Large Convertible Hippie bag and why it's perfect for Moms:

• Price – given the tough economic times, the $358 price tag is a great value for the amazing quality.
• 14" high x 14 1/2 long
• 37” detachable strap can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody.  I don't have the strap on in the photograph.
• 15” handle with 9” drop.  I comfortably carried the bag on my shoulder with the 15" handle.
• Large interior zip pocket to hold important things like the receipt for

  your new Marc Jabocs shoes that match your new Coach bag!
  

• Fabric lining
• Hidden magnetic snap closure
  
• Small exterior zip pocket for easy access to your wallet or cell phone
• The Parker Large Convertible Hippie bag is available in 4 feminine colors.
• The Parker Large Convertible Hippie bag is part of the new Parker collection for
  Spring 2009. – Be one of the first to get this bag!

Check out the new Coach Parker line here.

GIVEAWAY!! (sorry, this giveaway ended March 9, 2009)  Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when new giveaways start.

Subscribe to The Mommy Insider email newsletter (box at the top of the right column) and you are automatically entered to win!  I will announce the winner right here on The Mommy Insider March 9th.

In addition, you can leave a comment about why you want this bag to be entered to win twice!  Use the same email address you use to sign up for the newsletter.

New from Coach’s spring 2009 Parker line: Parker Large Convertable Hippie bag is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!