ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG DEPUTY EDITOR AND BEAUTY DIRECTOR CHELSEA KAPLAN GIVES YOU
THE GOODS ON GETTING GORGEOUS

I had a baby a few months ago and my bod’s not exactly in pre-pregnancy shape just yet. I can’t bear the thought of wearing my maternity jeans or sweats one more day. Do you have any suggestions for something good to wear in the interim that won’t leave me looking three months pregnant? – Kim, Gaithersburg, MD

Ah yes, the dreaded post-partum tummy—your body’s version of a deflated balloon. After I had my son, I was a huge fan of Juicy sweatpants (the wide waistband sucks in your stomach pooch) and the black yoga pants from Gap Body (super-slimming, also thanks to a wide waistband). For days when sweats won’t do, try the revolutionary Tummy Tuck Jeans, which not only flatten your tummy, but contour your hips and lift your butt ($89-109, www.nordstrom.com). No kidding—I recently wore them to a friend’s son’s 1st birthday party and three people told me I looked super-skinny, which I assure you I’m not. The jeans come in all sorts of washes and styles, even including this season’s hot skinny jean style. They come up a little high (how else do you think your tummy will be flattened?), but trust me: they don’t look even remotely dorky. Top them off with a cool, tunic-style top and you may even mistake your figure for the one you had pre-baby.

I love this season’s dark nail trend, but I can’t take the plunge, for fear of looking Goth. Do you have a suggestion for a classy, dark shade? – Hallie, Teaneck, NJ
	There’s a fine line between chic, dark nails and scary, Halloween-esque ones. My favorite is Essie’s Wicked, which is stocked in most neighborhood nail salons or can be purchased for about $5 at www.enailsupply.com. It’s the perfect deep wine, but not too black. Only go for two coats of polish (in addition to a base coat and top coat, of course), though. Any more will have your hands looking like those of a very rebellious teen.

I’m trying my best to dress my 18-month-old girl-boy twins in clothing that’s not super-cutesy. Any ideas for good stores or websites? – Missy, New York, NY
If you’re seeking girls’ clothing that isn’t purple and pink and boys’ duds that don’t feature transportation or construction motifs, you’ve got quite a challenge ahead of you. Finding cool kids’ couture isn’t impossible, though. For shoes, I adore TrendyKid’s Starchild Shoes, which come in a groovy punk crossbones, peace sign and Union Jack motifs. If you’ve got a little boy, visit www.pureboyclothes.com for funky tees, pants and jackets. For girls, try www.teacollection.com. Sites like  www.cribrockcouture.com and www.psychobabyonline.com have rockin’ duds for boys and girls alike. If you’re in New York City, definitely pay a visit to my favorite cool kids’ clothing boutique: Space Kiddets on E. 22nd St. (www.spacekiddets.com).

Click here to read all about Deputy Editor and Beauty Director Chelsea Kaplan's life with child in her blog, “I'm Somebody's Mother?”