Hankering to Hide this Holiday

Dear KK, Recently I had a baby and I am having a hard time losing weight, so now I am dreading the holidays. I can’t fathom going through this season with A.) Still wearing my maternity clothes, or B.) People thinking I am still pregos because my belly is so big. Any words of advice about how to survive the holidays?                                                              - Hankering to Hide this Holiday

Dear Hank (it was too cute to resist!) Ok first off, congrats on being a new MOM! You are amazing and you ROCK!

And I want to take a moment to worship the goddess you are right now! Please tomorrow morning look into the mirror and start your day with this mantra, “Good morning gorgeous, you are ONE HOT MAMA, and you are on FIRE.”

Trust me, there are plenty of us “hankering to hide” this holiday and it ain’t because we had a baby, it is because we forgot our gym membership at work... uh..... like ... 8 months ago.

I know people can be cruel and they say the rudest things sometimes, but I’ll be damned before I let someone destroy the diva-luscious BABE lurking inside of you. Lucky for you, last Holiday season my Thyroid broke (or that is how I like to refer to it)...

all of a sudden I was swollen, bloated, and approaching the season of parties and I quickly became an expert in how to dress when your belly is a mess!

The key to surviving the Hell of the Holidays is to know your body type, your limitations, and your ASSetts. 1.) Are you an Apple, Pear, Hour Glass, Straight, or Full Bust kind of gal? 2.) What is your weakness? Mine is my waist, it is short and sort of smooshed so when I gain weight it throws everything off.

3.) What is your best body part? Mine are my legs. For you, is it your arms? Your butt? Your bust?

I find that short Empire waist dresses look best on me. However, they have to synch under my bra line. Since I have a full bust, I need to make sure my bra line is sculpted out, otherwise I look like a huge square box! If you have slender arms and a smaller bust line you can wear strapless dresses that have a more giving bottom like chiffon. If you don’t like your arms, I am a huge Bolero fan during the Holidays. They are super cute and appropriate for the season. Shift dresses can be very forgiving as well, just make sure you pick one that is flattering to your bust line. If you don’t like your arms get creative on the sleeves you choose.

It doesn’t always have to be long sleeves. There are really cool options out there. Also, make sure you pick forgiving material; stay away from satin or polyester blends and stick with jersey, cotton/rayon blends, and chiffon. If you are going for something flowy, make sure it has a halter top or something sexy that will have people focusing their eyes on the “girls” not the gutt! I love to shop Nordstrom.com. where you can click on dresses and they have a “shop by body shape” section. Even if you don’t buy a dress from that site, you can get some really good ideas on what will be flattering to your current scenario. Do not be discouraged, there are tons of options out there. And remember, rouging rocks and so do you!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! KK

Comments

[Lauren]

First off I think this website is amazing and very informative. Second, Hank I think a majority of us are fighting a weight loss battle that seems never ending, but at least you have an excuse!! I think KK is completely right when she says know your body type and just take it one day at a time. Third, I would just like to thank KK for all the questions you have answered and the inspirational ways you went about them!
Lauren