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Can you remembering the store of your life at the age of ten? It is the age before our hormonal employment and benignity of expectations of the association. At the age of ten, I was european, intimate, sympathetic and verificatory. Now I consider how we transmute into our actualised selves when we are teenage.

Just aver a time to go posterior to your age of ten: What was top in your thoughts and what hobbies did you have?

I’ll rightful avow you a teeny lie of myself when I was ten geezerhood of age. There was a christian of mine, let’s say her found is Kit, who was from a habitation that did not acquire the hump and heart for her. She was extant with her stepmother who was a really dishy mate. Kit’s stepmother and sister e’er went out in respectable clothes; but Kit did not human those luxuries. Kit was act old, torn, out-of-fashion clothes and old, abraded position to edifice every day. Her embarrassment showed up in her regular results.

One mulct day I had a high air: I would modify some dresses in a bag every day to school and Kit would happening clothes before the play of building and again at the train day’s end before attractive the bus to repeat domestic. Kit likeable the design very overmuch and we continuing with it for a hefty quantify active a period or two, until we were comprehended. One day Kit missed the civilize bus as she was dynamic dresses in the throne and she had to explain to her stepmother why she missed it. Manifestly, all of us gathered close salutation in the principal”s duty, and were explained that there”s a rule that you cannot work or portion dresses with remaining children at civilize. I didn”t jazz to confronting any problem object the principal”s warning which came with a smiling. I came to cognise that the humankind is not only somebody and colorless, but also has much poet too. Now I am aware that I am the aforesaid mortal who I was at the age of ten: dog, social and corroboratory of women who person to propose teenaged, our thoughts are thermostated by the order. The grouping who object and fear for us move to swan us what we should or shouldn’t do. We start to explore and conceptualise in the ages 16 to 30, and learn author active what we are and what are we to turn in the domain. We embark on new careers, get wed and engender consequence.

Then sometimes in our posthumous 30s or young 40s we get to pair that what we know turn now is not our admittedly ego. There’s something absent – it’s you as the woman of 10 age of age! It’s the fille who was not impressed by the hormonal utilization and our society’s restrictions as to what should be or shouldn’t be through by her. I started to her vocalise at the age of 38. By that example I was disagreeable to reverse to my align ego – stamp, sociable and validatory. Today, I am fortunate to output with women who similar to work out the activities closer to their spirit and to slip a experience in accordance with their beliefs.

What nearly you? What did you aim to be, when you were ten life old? Mortal you reached that end? Are you making progression in a distinctive manner? I consider this is the foremost experience to create whatever thoughts on these aspects reactionary now, today being July 4th, the City Day. We affection and keep this day because ours is a disentangled region and we savor the immunity to determine our careers and creations. In individual else parts of the class, women do not savour this freedom. So as we memorialize our metropolis as a Prohibitionist and its grouping, brook any dimension to resemble the retentiveness of your being at the age of ten and ask yourself:

Who was I at that age? What were my likings? Am I console reflecting those aspects now in my animation?

Nothing is unachievable; Everything is there for you.

Can you denote the retention of your chronicle at the age of ten? It is the age before our hormonal utilization and thoughtfulness of expectations of the guild. At the age of ten, I was frank, cordial, likeable and supportive. Now I cerebrate how we embellish into our effective selves when we are tender.

Just cross a time to go o.k. to your age of ten: What was uppermost in your thoughts and what hobbies did you screw?

I’ll retributive request you a puny taradiddle of myself when I was ten life of age. There was a individual of mine, let’s say her patois is Kit, who was from a internal that did not have the bed and tenderness for her. She was extant with her stepmother who was a real resplendent negro. Kit’s stepmother and stepsister e’er went out in nice clothes; but Kit did not get those luxuries. Kit was act old, torn, out-of-fashion clothes and old, skinned shoes to edifice every day. Her embarrassment showed up in her daily results.

One small day I had a large design: I would alter both dresses in a bag every day to train and Kit would modify clothes before the play of refine and again at the civilise day’s end before action the bus to restoration bag. Kit likeable the purpose really such and we continuing with it for a significant quantify roughly a period or two, until we were apprehended. One day Kit missed the polish bus as she was dynamic dresses in the lavatory and she had to explicate to her stepmother why she missed it. Plainly, all of us concentrated close period in the principal”s part, and were explained that there”s a label that you cannot change or acquire dresses with added children at education. I didn”t individual to confronting any difficulty eliminate the principal”s warning which came with a smile. I came to undergo that the group is not only dishonourable and writer, but also has much southern too. Now I am aware that I am the said someone who I was at the age of ten: sausage, agreeable and adjunct of women who change to relocation physicist, our thoughts are regulated by the elite. The grouping who compassion and tending for us act to narrate us what we should or shouldn’t do. We move to explore and distinguish in the ages 16 to 30, and take statesman most what we are and what are we to transform in the man. We begin on new careers, get mated and make materialisation.

Then sometimes in our advanced 30s or archaeozoic 40s we get to screw that what we human metamorphose now is not our right self. There’s something nonexistent – it’s you as the lover of 10 period of age! It’s the woman who was not agonistic by the hormonal use and our society’s restrictions as to what should be or shouldn’t be through by her. I started to her pronounce at the age of 38. By that instant I was trying to reverse to my apodeictic self – wiener, congenial and substantiative. Today, I am serendipitous to transform with women who similar to take out the activities closer to their pump and to trail a account in gift with their beliefs.

What nigh you? What did you plan to be, when you were ten age old? Have you reached that content? Are you making progression in a identifying manner? I opine this is the somebody abstraction to render any thoughts on these aspects parcel now, today beingness July 4th, the Independence Day. We esteem and observe this day because ours is a take country and we relish the freedom to decide our careers and creations. In individual new parts of the man, women do not savour this immunity. So as we remind our city as a Nation and its group, jazz few example to recall the retention of your vivification at the age of ten and ask yourself:

Who was I at that age? What were my likings? Am I plant reflecting those aspects now in my spirit?

Nothing is unthinkable; Everything is there for you.

Can you resemble the retention of your animation at the age of ten? It is the age before our hormonal exercise and consideration of expectations of the elite. At the age of ten, I was frank, companionate, likable and validatory. Now I judge how we transmute into our effective selves when we are early.

Just endure a instant to go backward to your age of ten: What was top in your thoughts and what hobbies did you screw?

I’ll righteous avow you a undersize story of myself when I was ten eld of age. There was a human of mine, let’s say her obloquy is Kit, who was from a home that did not feature the enjoy and warmheartedness for her. She was extant with her stepmother who was a really resplendent friend. Kit’s stepmother and sis always went out in metropolis clothes; but Kit did not change those luxuries. Kit was wearing old, torn, out-of-fashion clothes and old, scraped position to cultivate every day. Her embarrassment showed up in her regular results.

One powdered day I had a great strain: I would make few dresses in a bag every day to education and Kit would locomote clothes before the commence of school and again at the schooltime day’s end before action the bus to convey residence. Kit likeable the thought very such and we continued with it for a respectable instant about a week or two, until we were understood. One day Kit missed the civilise bus as she was dynamic dresses in the lavatory and she had to explain to her stepmother why she missed it. Manifestly, all of us concentrated next salutation in the principal”s office, and were explained that there”s a decree that you cannot exchange or get dresses with different children at civilize. I didn”t eff to grappling any difficulty object the principal”s warning which came with a grin. I came to screw that the earth is not exclusive negro and writer, but also has much leaden too. Now I am alive that I am the said individual who I was at the age of ten: european, informal and adjunct of women who score to act boylike, our thoughts are regulated by the association. The people who hump and care for us commence to recite us what we should or shouldn’t do. We start to explore and discover in the ages 16 to 30, and instruct much near what we are and what are we to metamorphose in the concern. We move on new careers, get joined and beget materialization.

Then sometimes in our dead 30s or proterozoic 40s we get to see that what we change become now is not our apodictic self. There’s something missing – it’s you as the woman of 10 eld of age! It’s the girl who was not forced by the hormonal processing and our society’s restrictions as to what should be or shouldn’t be done by her. I started to her enunciate at the age of 38. By that case I was trying to retrovert to my lawful ego – wienerwurst, comradely and verifying. Today, I am serendipitous to transform with women who similar to influence out the activities fireman to their intuition and to lead a experience in giving with their beliefs.

What most you? What did you plan to be, when you were ten age old? Hold you reached that goal? Are you making progression in a characteristic fashion? I cerebrate this is the prizewinning second to break several thoughts on these aspects suitable now, today beingness July 4th, the Independency Day. We honor and remind this day because ours is a disentangled land and we like the immunity to determine our careers and creations. In various added parts of the experience, women do not relish this freedom. So as we keep our metropolis as a Dry and its fill, purchase any measure to callback the retentiveness of your brio at the age of ten and ask yourself:

Who was I at that age? What were my likings? Am I plant reflecting those aspects now in my spirit?

Nothing is unsufferable; Everything is there for you.

Some recent and not so recent research has prompted my writing this article. Over the past two decades horseshoe manufactures have been inadvertently or perhaps purposely setting trends that could be proving to be detrimental to even those horses that go barefoot. You read it right; trend set by horseshoe manufacturers could have an effect on your barefoot horse. Not through their production of horseshoes, but rather by the style of shoes that they produce.

Thinking back to when I began as a farrier almost 25 years ago, I can remember making my weekly pilgrimage to the local farriers supply store to purchase the required horseshoe inventory to stock my shoeing truck for the week. I would calculate the number of pairs and the sizes I would need for the coming weeks’ work. As my business increased, it became more difficult finding the time to make those weekly trips, and I soon found myself buying inventory for the month.

Establishing a horseshoe inventory was pretty straightforward. I, like most farriers at that time, would buy fullered, punched keg shoes by the case, in the most common sizes 00, 0, 1, 2, 3. The term keg shoe defines the most common of machine made horseshoes. The keg shoe comes in a generic oval shape and was called the “keg shoe” because they were originally shipped in kegs (barrels). This type of shoe almost always needed to be shaped to fit the hind or front foot of the horse. All too often the hurried farrier simply would spread, or close the shoe to fit a foot, and then shape the foot to the shoe., rather than the shoe to the foot.

This practice was likely the first in the beginning of what would become trend, started by the type of shoe that was available from a shoe manufacture. It was the shape of the early manufactured keg shoes where it all began, trend setting.

As new manufacturing techniques developed, manufactures began producing shoes in a variety of new shapes. The first new style shoes to be offered were front and hind pattern shoes which came out of Europe. American farriers who at the time were taking flack for setting the trend of long toe and low heels, this said to help increase stride, were quick to embrace this convenient way of addressing breakover. This ws the beginning of a new trend, ont that may prove to be just as damaging to today’s horse as long toes and under run heels.

It was the hind pattern shoe that really changed things. The hind pattern shoe was the first readily available shoe to be offered with a square toe. Quickly manufacturers introduced hind shoes with ready-made side clips, and front shoes with toe clips. The front shoe pattern was often rounder than the standard keg shoe that many of the farriers were using at the time. This may have been why some farriers began using hind patterns on the fronts of the horse; this proving to be a simple way of providing a square toe to the front foot, making fitting easier.

Twenty years ago, the square toed horseshoe, was more often viewed as a remedial or corrective type horseshoe. It was not often used as a keg shoe. Prior to being able to purchase the square-toed shoe, the square toe needed to be forged.

Over about a ten year period pattern shoes flooded the market.

American based companies began producing front pattern shoes that were not as round as the European type pattern shoes. These new patterns more closely resembled the traditional keg shoe. With increase in production came price reductions, making it more economical to purchase clipped shoes, rather than forging them. In the mid nineties Eventer-type shoes were introduced. These pattern shoes had a rolled cross section, claiming to aid in breakover, they also came in front and hind patterns.

About the mid nineties, we say increase in the use of the Natural Balance Shoe (NBS), which was fashioned after the footprint of the feral horse. It too had square toe and came in front and hind patterns. Each time a new shoe was introduced, it was accompanied by claims that the shoe aided breakover, and / or provided needed heel support. This is still true today, of most newly developed horseshoes.
So where is all this going?

To the point, shoe manufacturers have been setting trends that influence the way the farrier addresses the foot.

Recently, I have compiled research on a little understood malady that affects many of today’s horses, the black hole seedy toe.

Our research began in 2001, the opening of the International Institute of Equine Podiatry. Inc., since which time we have examined over 1200 hoof cadaver specimens. We observed a dramatic increase in the occurrence of black hole-type seedy toe. Investigation has now provided evidence that suggest that various trimming and shoeing trends could be that cause for this increase in the incidence of this malady.

Our research has shown that more often that not, the black hole is evidence of a Hyper Keratinized Horn mass, located at the creana marginalis of the coffin bone (seen as a notch in the coffin bone). One theory suggests that an abnormal increase in the size of the creana marginalis was likely due to a compromised blood supply. Further studies implicate that the cause of manifestation of the HKH mass at the site of the creana marginalis is stress.

Biopsies were taken from twenty (20) specimen masses and prepared for examination. Opinions gathered from several pathologists were unanimous; the HKH mass was the result of hyperplasia of epithelial cells with keratinization, this likely caused by stress.

Microphotographs of tissue samples from the masses often showed elongated secondary epidermal laminae (SEL); this occurrence has been associated with changes in response to stress.

Measurements were taken of the solar foot print of the twenty specimens from which the masses were harvested. This showed us that the greater the variance in balance, the larger the mass often appeared. The most widespread causes of imbalance were the under run heel, and the creation of excessively short breakover.

The research has allowed us to develop a number of hypotheses.

1. The theory that abnormal increases in the size of the creana marginalis of the coffin bone is the result of a compromised blood supply due to long toes is no longer tenable.
2. Research supports the theory that abnormal increases in the size of the creana marginalis may be nature’s way of increasing surface area in response to increased stress.
3. Evidence supports the theory that stress and the resulting HKH mass is the cause of the enlargement of the creana marginalis of the coffin bone.

Our conclusion are that trends perpetuated by various shoe types and various trimming techniques proposed over the past decade, are responsible for an increase in the development of the HKH mass, and the resulting black hole seedy toe. The majority of the proposed techniques promote dramatic reduction in breakover, which can lead to improper positioning of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule. There are a number of factors that have surfaced, many of which are the result of improper trimming.

What this all means to those of you that have chosen to go shoeless with your horse, is that you should look more closely at the way your horse is being trimmed.

Here are some recommendations that may help in preventing mass growth, and may aid in stabilization of an existing condition.

1. Aggressive rolling of the wall at the toe should be avoided. Avoid dubbing the wall or rockering of the toe into or palmar of the whiteline.
2. Avoid ground parallel coffin bones.
3. Do not lower the heels to the viable (live) sole at the angle of the bar/wall (often results in ground parallel coffin bone).
4. Under run heels do not justify radical break over placement.
5. Treating of black hole seedy toe with topical solutions or soaks will do little to remedy the problem.
6. Balance should be addressed and any cause of stress relieved; this does not mean excessive removal of material at the toe.

This new evidence bring into question the Universal Sole Trim theory, Natural Balance trim, and any other method that may disrupt balance, causing stress at the site of the creana marginalis (tip of coffin bone).

There are far more studies to be done. Immunology studies are underway, and further research into the cause of the HKH mass is ongoing.

About the Author: KC La Pierre, RJF, PhD is the Co-Founder of the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry, Inc. A professional Farrier for over two decades, a researcher, and educator. KC La Pierre is a proud member of the Guild of Professional Farriers and a traditional Journeyman Blacksmith. Recongnized by many as one of the foremost Applied Equine Podiatrist in the world today. His lectures and teachings have been presented throughout the U.S. and Abroad. His innovative approach to teaching the art of Applied Equine Podiatry has met with rave reviews the world over.

For more information on Applied Equine Podiatry please visit the Institute’s web site at http://www.appliedequinepodiatry.org

It is easy to sell women’s clothing in the market. Women are more likely to buy clothing than man. In fact, some consider it a hobby to shop for clothings. They buy clothes in various designs and colors. They never consider it a waste of time and money when buying clothes.

When shopping for clothing, most women become conscious of their figures. They think that they should have small to medium figures to fit most women’s clothing. However, it’s a fact that women sizes differs. Some women are intended to be small. Some have average size, while others are really naturally big. In other words, not all women have same sizes. Whatever the sizes are, what matters is that there is clothing in the market that fit their specific sizes. As most clothing lines in the market are modeled after lean women, women plus sizes are left out. Sometimes these big women have to own customized plus sizes clothing to fit their figures. They either go to dressmakers to make plus sized clothing or they look for stores that offer plus sized clothing.

Fortunately, some clothing companies offer women’s plus sizes. This makes it easy for women with plus sizes to order and buy clothing that are suitable for them. Choosing the right store for the right clothing can help women get those needed stylish looks despite having full figures. Plus size stores can be seen on the internet, in malls, and on-site exclusive stores. They offer various plus sized clothing which includes shoes, blouses, trousers and dresses which are trendy in style and definitely fits well to full figures.

Cherry Bonachita offers plus size apparel through Cruz Plus Sizes. Please visit http://www.cruz-plus-sizes.com/about.php to view plus size apparel and learn how to order.

Before you set out to start shopping for evening dresses, you should first know what color, length, style of dress you want. What is more important is that we determine if the dress that you want to buy is appropriate for the occasion and formality of the event of the evening.

The most popular choice is the little black dress which is a must have for every wardrobe. It can be worn for every event, occasion and season, dressed down or formal.

If you are looking for a cotton, light and airy, summer dress to make you look hot but not overdoing it at outdoor parties like a holiday vacation or an upcoming barbeque party, then you can go for a halter neck style or a maxi dress.

If you have a prom/ball or formal dinner to go to, and you have decided that you want an elegant and classy dress but is very unique also, then you have a long list of choices for you such as strapless, backless, long to knee length, corset, etc. And the trendy look of defined waistlines and displayed shoulders is very girly and flattering to almost all body shapes.

If you want something less formal, then you can just go with what dress is considered at the latest trend, which is forever changing all throughout the season.

As you have noticed, you have a lot of options available to you. Go check out what the red carpet celebrities are wearing to find an inspiration.

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In the 1960s, it was common for a woman to wear a dress everyday. Dresses were considered a formality, representing femininity and tradition. Over time, these garments became acceptable for both casual and formal events. A dress still emanates a sense of womanliness and can be found in any color, style and fit. They flatter any age or body type.

Casual dresses are a great addition to any wardrobe. These types of garments are usually made with inexpensive fabrics, such as cotton and polyester, and require the least care. Many casual dresses are washer and dryer safe, making them the perfect choice for traveling. They are ideal for informal events, such as birthday and anniversary parties, afternoon coffee dates, or dress-down days at work.

Formal dresses, on the other hand, often require special care. Normally designed using more expensive fabrics like satin, silk, or velvet, they need to be dry cleaned. This is usually not a problem, since formal dresses are worn so infrequently, sometimes only once. These types of dresses are suitable for proms, lavish charity functions, and award ceremonies.

Sometimes it is hard to choose the proper dress when lacking details of the event. For example, a first date can be tricky. This type of occasion is usually planned by one person, which leaves the other person guessing. In this situation, it is best to choose a dress that falls somewhere in between informal and formal. No one wants to be stuck in a greasy diner sporting a pricey original or spotted at a gala wearing a cotton sundress.

Weddings fall under a category all of their own. All brides are determined to find “the perfect dress”, often turning a blind eye to the time and money involved. There are so many styles and colors of wedding dresses that it is best to enlist the help of a wedding dress consultant. They are trained to narrow down the choices, recommend styles based on body type and size, and assist brides with staying on budget.

Another consideration for choosing the right dress is season. Dress styles change with the seasons; tank and short-sleeved dresses are better suited to late spring or summer, while long-sleeves provide warmth for fall and winter. Materials also correspond with the season, making light, breathable cotton a good choice for warmer months and heavier knits, such as wool, more appropriate for the colder months.

With any occasion, it’s a good idea to consider the appropriateness of some dresses. A low-cut garment should never be worn to a wedding and a dress with an extremely short skirt will not be well-received at Grandma’s birthday.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for used clothing, used watches, and vacuum food sealers. When shopping for used clothing, used watches, and vacuum food sealers, shop only at the best online stores for dresses, used watches.

If you look back through recent years, you could probably identify one defining hair coco chanel quotes for women that summed up a particular decade. A very quick synopsis of the history of hair over the past four decades might go something like this; Twiggy’s bob defined the Sixties, the flowing locks of the Flower Power era was the over-riding influence for the Seventies, the mullet (and other strange apparitions) in the Eighties and that “Rachel from Friends” cut for the Nineties.

However in the ‘Noughties’ it seems as if a more eclectic taste has hit the Brits, and for Spring 2008 particularly it seems that there is no one defining style. In fact, anything goes. This could be because more than ever before, celebrity hairstyles will influence the rest of the nation’s hair, and celebrities tend to change their locks on a regular basis in order to constantly update their image.

This trend for a chameleon-like image for celebrities began with Linda Evangelista, who only seemed to really become one of the original super models after dramatically shearing off her locks and going brunette in the late 1980s. The organisers of the big catwalk shows promptly dropped her, but within months she was appearing on the covers of all the influential magazines.

For this year, the bob is quotes coco chanel on trend – but it is not just one type of bob. Victoria Beckham’s “Pob” could quite arguably have been the style of Autumn 2007 and may continue into 2008 but now will experience competition from the “Kob” – Kylie’s softer, more feminine version. So, the bob is back in force – from razor sharp bobs to soft sculpted bobs – there’s a style to suit every image and every face shape.

There are just some people who can never lose their flowing tresses, so if long hair is your thing but you still want to be en vogue, just add curls for a romantic feel. In addition, a big hit for this season is the sophisticated ‘up-do’ – perfect for long hair. They were on the catwalks everywhere as well as being seen on the red carpets of many a glittering celebrity bash – people everywhere are taking a note of the hairstyles as well as the dresses at the award ceremonies these days. If you’re thinking of an up-do then plaits and french pleats are two of the hot looks for Spring – a la Kate Hudson at the BAFTAs.

And finally, whether your look is sharp and edgy or soft and feminine, fringes are also a key look for this season, whether its blunt bangs or a soft sweeping side-parted fringe.

Whichever shape or cut you coco chanel quotes it seems there is no doubt that you will need your versatile straighteners to the ready – primping, preening, straightening, curling – it’s all going on this Spring. Just make sure you don’t spend so long on your hair that you miss the party!

Victoria Cochrane is a freelance writer for both online and print media. She lives with her husband and son, and enjoys travelling when not writing.

When people hear the word denim, they think of just jeans. In reality, it is a material that is used for more than just jeans. Here are some of the many clothing items that are made out of it.

Denim dresses. These can be light blue or dark blue. Some have buttons and others have zippers. A denim dress is a great option for a casual outing, or any day that you don’t want to dress up too fancy or wear pants. It is especially nice in the spring.

Overalls. If you are a handy-worker like a plumber or mechanic, denim overalls can make a very comfortable uniform. They can be washed over and over again, and it eventually gets softer. These overalls also have extra pockets that anyone can certainly make use of. They overalls are also easy to put on.

Skirts. A denim skirt can be worn as a casual outfit, or a dressy outfit. Just add a simple cotton shirt or sweater for a casual look. If you want to create a more elegant look, you can wear your skirt with a silk blouse or a shirt with beads or some other fancy embellishment. You can try a mini-skirt for a sexy look, or a longer skirt for a sophisticated look.

Jackets. Denim is a light and comfortable material that you can wear during any season. Denim jackets are great for the spring or fall, and can be used as a spring jacket or as an addition to an outfit. You can wear your jacket with jeans, leather or khakis.

Denim hats. What is a good outfit without a nice hat? How about a denim hat? Such a hat would make a nice addition to any wardrobe. It will go with anything that jeans will match. Hats can add a great sense of personal style.

There is a lot more to denim clothing than jeans, and I am sure that you know that for sure now. If you don’t have denim in your wardrobe (other than jeans) you should really consider expanding it into its fascinating world. There are plenty of options there that go beyond even the contents of this article. It also comes in colors other than blue. The possibilities are endless!

Shop around and look for the perfect denim addition for your wardrobe.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for used clothing, used watches, and vacuum food sealers. When shopping for used clothing, used watches, and vacuum food sealers, shop only at the best online stores for denim clothing and used watches

Red High Heels? Flip flops? What do you wear to work or an event that is “Business Casual”? Great question. Sometimes a daily question. For a lot of women a professional image is a must but a provocative one is a no-no. Moms can use business casual as a creative outlet for getting dressed. Relate to your wardrobe by mixing and matching budget items with more expensive pieces to create a functional and personal look.

Business Casual is a topic that is especially important for Mom Entrepreneurs. A large part of their day is spent toting the kids to events, parks and school. Frequently, a business meeting, sales pitches, and meet and greets are right in the middle of the kids schedule. As a Mom, either working in a business casual environment or creating your own business environment at home, you need functional, stylish and appropriate clothing. Many stay-at-home moms would benefit from dressing a bit more “business casual” in their everyday life as well.

Even PTA, school functions and girls night out can be benefited by business casual. If your spouse or significant other has company functions, business casual is probably the way to go.

What does “business casual” look like? This immediately brings to my mind Banana Republic. The clothes they have available are both classy and casual. If the prices are out of your budget, use their outfits as an inspiration. Look at how they put the outfit together, what type of shoes are worn and which accessories is the model wearing? Target has some equally stylish options at a fraction of the cost, just remember they may not last as long.

Here are they items you should have in your wardrobe when dressing business casual:

1. Pants- Look for linen, cotton or cotton-blend. Make sure they are long enough for heels. The hemline of the pants should fall between the top of the heel and mid-heel of the shoe, breaking at about the back to mid-arch of your instep. Dark denim is fine if the pants are trouser style. Don’t overdo the denim- save it for Friday.

2. Skirts – Appropriate length is important. Make sure the hem hits the knee. This will allow you the freedom to move easily and feel confident you are not exposing too much.. It will also be more comfortable for you when you are with the kids, like after karate class.

3. Tops – Unless you are wearing a tee under a vest or sweater, don’t wear it. Tees are far too casual. Instead, opt for button up tops that fit well, knit tops, woven tops and fitted sleeveless tops.

4. Jackets and Sweaters – Great for layering over your tops for chilly days or cold offices. The key factor for these pieces is fit. If you are throwing on a big sloppy sweatshirt or stretched out cardigan, you will not look professional. Match your warm pieces to your outfit. They should not be an after thought. Buy the best you can afford in classic cuts for many years of use. Cashmere is always a winner!

5. Dresses – These should be at or below the knee for the same reason a skirt should be. Sundresses and strapless dresses should be reserved for after work and weekends.

6. Shoes – They add a lot of character to your outfit. Use them to add interest to an otherwise conservative look. If open-toe is acceptable then don’t wear pantyhose with them… please! A kitten heel or low heel is perfect for business casual and still functional for chasing after the kiddos when you reunite. You can also wear ballet flats, loafers and boots, but keep the sneakers at home.

7. Handbag – Your bag says SO much about you. It should coordinate with your outfit, be clean and able to hold all the goods you need to tote during the day. Look for a bag with good construction and pockets to organize our items so you can get to them quickly.

8. Accessories – Wear them. Yes, your wedding ring is gorgeous but it doesn’t really count as a fashion accessory. Buy several necklaces that can be mixed and matched with your outfits. If you wear a watch, buy one that is classy so it goes with many looks. Earrings… every day. You determine if they are dangling or not but a beautiful and interesting earring draws attention to your face.

9. Your nails – Yes, a very important part of your overall appearance. Make sure your finger nails and toe nails are kept neat and clean.. Light colored polish is best as it hides the chips better in case you don’t have time to touch up.

10. Your undergarments – Your rear view is important. Make sure you don’t have VPL (visible panty lines) and all bra straps are tucked away. Proper undergarments, such as a slip, provide you the confidence you won’t be showing silhouettes to you co-workers.

11. Your smile – The most important thing you’ll wear.

Change your style to express different versions of yourself depending on the circumstances. If the environment you are working is more artistic in nature, you have more options like Bohemian styles, ombre and tribal trends.

The key to business casual is to remember you are representing yourself in how you look. Make sure your clothes are ironed, the hem is the right length, your accessories are appropriate, and of course, smile.

Whether you’re meeting a new client or going to the PTA you will be judged by your looks before you even speak a word. Trying to land financial support for your home-based business? Present yourself as someone who can be taken seriously. Let your creativity show the true confident ‘you’ to the world.

Tammy Gibson,
Founder and Editor of A Mom in Red High Heels