For years the transition into motherhood has often been plagued with pajama pants, dark under eye circles, and the banishment of all cute shoes to the back of the closet. But since the recent baby boom of hollywood, more and more products and trends have hit the market that can make any mama look like the talk of the town. Here are the top 5 common mommy pitfalls that you no longer have an excuse not to avoid.




5) Baggy Sweats, PJ Pants, Overalls, and Oversized Tees as Maternity Wear

Ladies ladies ladies: this is the year 2009! And luckily for us, hollywood has blazed the way for a wonderful new attitude in society: pregnancy is beautiful, natural, and oh so sexy. So instead of hiding your bump under layers of sweats and baggy tops, why not embrace the beautiful curves your new body has developed? Maternity wear has come such a long way since our mothers were having children, and there are stores to fit every budget and style. Make sure to check out Motherhood Maternity to stock up on great basics at an even better price, A Pea in the Pod for maternity wear from all of your favorite brand name designers, the Liz Lange Maternity Line for Target to get fashion forward extras from a well known designer but at those loveable Target prices.




4) Cheezy Diaper Bags with Firetrucks and Clowns

You used to carry the perfect little handbag for every ensemble, but now since you've  had your little one, those patent leather little gems have been pushed aside for vinyl messenger bags covered with disney princesses and dora the explorer. Not anymore! All of your favorite handbag designers, from Coach to Gucci, have all jumped on the diaper bag wagon. And even more affordable diaper bag designers have begun to realize that just because we've become mothers doesnt mean we want to lose our sense of chic. Diaper bags are coming in more varieties than ever, so resist the urge to pick up that Tinkerbell Backpack and look for something that matches your wardrobe more than your child's. Even better idea? Look for totes and large purse styles that you can continue to use long after the diapers and bottles are gone. And with products hitting the market like the PishPosh, you can even convert some of your favorite bags from your current collection into diapers bags in a snap.




3) The Infamous "Mom's Dont Have Time for Makeup" Look

I will admit, before the little one ever arrives you begin to see the amount of hours in your day rapidly begin to shrink. Tasks suddenly have to be reprioritized from a whole new perspective, and "me time" is often the first item shoved to the side. But it can be a huge self esteem hit for a mom who used to enjoy the pampering of her morning beauty routine to simply jump from runway ready to shower and go over night. The trick is not to throw your beauty routine entirely out the window, but to find time saving products and techniques that allow you to get out the door faster but still with a fresh face and glowing self image. Two in One products like tinted moisturizers and  combination shampoo/conditioner will become invaluable in your arsenal. And techniques like the Five Minute Face can teach you how to trim steps from your routine and focus on the products that will make the most impact in the shortest time.




2) The "Mom Bob" Hairstyle

Who knows exactly how this trend began, but somehow it became a right of passage that once you had children, you were required to cut your locks into the infamous bob of motherhood. Now sure, having shorter locks is ultra convenient, both in time saved styling it in the morning and in pain saved from the pulls and tugs of little hands. But long gone are the days of the simple hack of the mom bob. Short hair has made a real comeback on the hollywood scene, so make sure you take a look through google images at some of the gorgeous celebs who have chosen to shorten their longer tresses without losing an ounce of style. Bringing some pictures with you to your stylist is always recommended before considering any drastic changes to your current do.




1) Beautiful Shoe Banishment

I have a personal theory that half of the sales of the ridiculous so-called "shoes" known as crocs are to pregnant women and young moms. Far too often the transition into motherhood means moving all your pumps and heels to the back of the closet to give the prime real estate to the slippers, sneakers, and yes, even the uggs. No more ladies! Shoe makers have heard the desperate cries of women everywhere, pregnant or not, and have begun to develop fashionable shoes that refuse to throw the comfort out with the bathwater. Be brave: hit up your local shoe haven and try some on. You may be surprised just how comfortable those sassy heels can be. And dont forget to invest in fabulous must haves like Foot Petals and Dr. Scholls for Her foot care products to make even those not-so-comfortable favorites finally wearable again.