Redefining how we see beautiful.

There's a new trend working its away across the nation, via t.v news sites and blogs. That trend is one of self worth. Media bombards us with ideas of body image. One would think from the outside looking in that we as a nation that is so obsessed with reality t.v shows about staying fit and working out and appearance that we would also be happier with ourselves and who we are.

However, if you talk to young women and older alike you are sure to hear insecurities and discrepancies about themselves. But! There are whispers of, grass-root movements even of women taking a stand to tell each other:

You are beautiful!

• Last year, a young author Jenna Lucado released a book called Redefining {beau.tif.ful} encouraging teenage girls to look within and redefine what they see as beautiful and find the self worth to see themselves as they truly are.
• Skip forward to this morning on "CBS The Early Show" a growing group of teenage girls from Colleyville, Texas shared how they have formed a new club at school called 'Redefining beautiful'. Every Tuesday these girls leave the make up at home and present themselves to their peers at school with no make up on. It has made such an impact that there is even a male support group at their school embracing the idea of natural beauty in girls. So where do these young trend setters get their inspiration from?
• Operation Beautiful. This blog site was launched in June 2009. Its mission is to end negative self talk. The followers of this movement have been known to post sticky notes and pieces of paper on mirrors, bus stops and bathroom stalls to encourage another woman with words like "You're AMAZING!" "You're UNIQUE!" "YOU ARE WORTH IT!"

All of the above may seem like small steps but they are most defiantly steps in the right direction. Blogs (such as this one) are meant for fun, and entertainment. I hope that just by posting this message today that it will inspire you to take what you have read above and make it your own and get out there and inspire another teen, or mother, or friend to do the same. Because, clothes and fashion and make-up are all okay to enjoy and express yourself through. But! If you don't love who you are underneath it all, then all it is, is a mask.

Be you.

The Fashion Mashup

Haute Momma is teaming up to join fashion forces with The Fashion Mashup and Nashville Fashion Events. FM is a media driven site updating you on the fastest growing trends and fashion news and updates. I'm excited about blogging with this fresh, fashion forward team. Starting this week, I will be posting regular content to their blog section as well as keeping the deals you expect, coming for you right here!

On Trend Fall 2010

This Fall the looks that are trending are a mix of a few different eras and enough textures to over stimulate your senses. From 50's retro to 80's studded rocker you can find loud prints, harsh plaids and smooth, cool leather and someone better call PETA because designers are clearing out Granny's attic of its FUR!
Before you throw up your hands and retort back to your reliable safe basics take a moment and brush up on a few simple style rules that will at best keep you just enough "in the know" for this Season and you'll be just fine.

Clean Lines!  No matter which concept you choose to follow when shopping one thing that you will find in each collection is clean lines. Just because you will be adding layers onto your wardrobe doesn't mean you have to be frumpy. Think sleek, think greys and think fitted. What I love about that look is that it only makes you look your best. When you buy clothes that are fitted and tailored (if you don't have a tailor yet, STOP. open the yellow pages) then you appear thinner and taller. Not to mention more professional and pulled together.

Browse with through a few key pieces that you can work into your closet now and if you shop smart and choose the right colors you can mix and match these looks until Spring!

This Lauren Conrad skirt can be found at Kohls for 17.60 (as of Sept.1st) I love this vintage inspired piece. You can take a look like this from day into evening with just a simple shoe change. *BOLD ALERT* taint your lips with classic red lip stick to complete this look.

While we are on the subject of shoes imagine your ladies slipping into these Mossimo Ballet Flats at Target for only 9.80! Shoes are the one area you can take a risk in. They are not always the first thing people notice so its safe. Or! If you work behind a desk it can be your own guilty pleasure. Perhaps you are a bit timid about wrapping yourself in cheetah skin? Pair a fun zebra flat with a sleek modern look for the office and you are bound to get compliments.

Here is another piece from Kohls. This pleated ruffle shirt is from the Elle collection and its a bit of a gem for $28.00 Once again you will see the clean lines and the waist minimizer belt.This shirt has many options pair it with a pencil skirt, to a tapered trouser or even dark denim Capri's for the weekend. The cut neckline also allows you to showcase a simple necklace.

A simple trench coat is a a must staple for cooler weather. You can work in a Seasonal trend to this piece by choosing this Plaid Merona water repellent trench coat from Target for $50.00

Fellas! I didn't leave you out of this equation, I found these wool suit pants by Chaps for only $16.00 at Kohls

I couldn't get the picture to load, but I found lots of great deals for this Fall at Macy's including these Plus Size JM Collection Capri pants for $19.99 the sizes for these pants go up to  a size 18. And my favorite part about them is the fabulous buckle belt.

And last by not least:

A military inspired sleeveless black dress from Charlotte Russe for $26.00 Wear this under your trench or slip a bolero jacket over this dress to knock off the chill. Your shoe choices are also pretty endless with this dress as well.

That should get you started. Great fashion is out there and it doesn't have to be expensive!