Made for Moms

June Lee Johnston

Where are you from?
Korea.

How long have you lived in Beijing?
Ten years.

Where’s your favorite place to go shopping?
I buy most of my clothes when I go traveling, from places like Cambodia. I like ethnic culture.

Where’s the best place to indulge?
I like going to Bodhi. It’s pretty popular, and I feel comfortable there.

Where do you go on the weekend?
The parks around Lido; anywhere that’s green and peaceful.

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Beat the winter blahs with stylish outerwear

 

 

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‘Tis the season to dress up

Holiday season brings holiday parties – the chance to shed sweaters and jeans for those dresses in the back of the closet. No need to buy a whole new wardrobe; we’ve found a few great items around town that can transform an everyday outfit into a festive ensemble. Spice up an old outfit by adding a sparkly handbag or a chic hat, or don a pair of elegant satin heels, the quintessential party shoes. A bold color, like this purple, is also a great way to stand out. Before heading out into the brisk night, slip on a form-fitting peacoat. As for accessories, don’t put on everything you have at the same time; as with the best presents, less is more. Fiona Zhang

1. Lino Black Ostrich Scarf – RMB 1,000; Lino Haute Couture, North gate of Longbo Plaza, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District

2. Diamond Gold sequin hairband – RMB 60; 4/F, Yashow Market, 58 Gongti Beilu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District

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Coats that ward off autumn’s chill

As fall brings crisp, cool days, you can seek refuge in a new coat. Some women remain true to a single, divine jacket for years, while others can’t get enough in different lengths, shapes and styles. This season’s trends call for structured tailoring and pieces that are cut with a defined waistline or cinched in by a belt for an hourglass shape (though baggy, relaxed styles can also be found). Sleeves, which have received much attention from designers recently, can be puffed, short or embellished by details. Classic tweed, jacquard, or even silk-like waterproof polyester are some of the choices on the racks. Don’t forget to experiment when concocting an outfit – try a military-inspired jacket with slouchy boots or a voluminous coat with stilettos.

1. Aquascutum Tara double-breasted coat – GBP 1,695 (RMB 21,433); www.net-a-porter.com.

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With a career that has spanned fronting the pop-ska band No Doubt, releasing solo albums, and establishing fashion label L.A.M.B., Gwen Stefani is also the mother of two children. Work projects never held the singer back from becoming a style icon, though, and her platinum blond hair and bold 40s’ style red lips have been her signature look. On a play date at the park with son Kingston, while pregnant with son Zuma, she paints on crimson lips and dons a black trench coat with a matching jersey pullover and jeans that keep her looking lean and barely pregnant. Even with shades covering her face, you know it’s Gwen.

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British-born actress Kate Beckinsale is known for hitting the red carpet in glamorous gowns and capturing the hearts of leading men. When off the set, Beckinsale makes sure to spend precious time with her family. Heading to the beach with daughter Lily to enjoy sun and sand, this celebrity mom still manages to maintain her sense of style. She pairs a linen-and-lace white dress with chunky wooden heels, accessorizing with red-framed shades. This summer, step onto the beach with the star’s fashionable look.

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Finding your natural beauty

From the dispirited wife in the movie Juno to real-life mom, Jennifer Garner looks equally gorgeous on screen and off. As for her daily style, she prefers a more natural and sophisticated look. On a sunny day out to the beach with her 2-year-old daughter Violet, she dresses casually in a low-cut V-neck dress in a vivid coral color, with a silver wristwatch and a diamond pendant to emphasize her beautifully toned skin. Fashionably oversized shades help block the glare of the sun, as well as those pesky paparazzi! Below, find out how and where to copy her style right here in Beijing.

Donna Karan crystal studded sunglasses,Price TBD
B-2901, Soho New Town, 88 Jianguo Lu,
Chaoyang District
(8580 3288)
朝阳区建国路88号
Soho现代城B-2901

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A few Mother’s Day gift ideas

Mothers are always giving without asking much in return, so take advantage of Mother’s Day to say thank you! But forget the clichéd bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates – try giving something different this year to show her how much you really care. Here are some suggestions for the perfect gift to give the mom in your household.

For Expecting Moms

Pregnancy will make her legs tired and swollen, so soothe her skin with L’Occitane Cream Gel for Tired Legs to improve circulation and give a sensation of freshness and well-being. RMB 280. L’Occitane, Shin Kong Place

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Eight ways for moms to look good while staying comfortable

One of the biggest frustrations for many postpartum moms is the difficulty of fitting back into those evening dresses and high heels. Yes, not only does the figure get bigger, but the feet also tend to get puffier because of pregnancy, which means you might have to say goodbye to those stiletto heels for a while. You can’t chase your toddler around the playground with high heels anyway! So go with these comfortable flats, available in chic styles to keep your look up-to-date. 

These silver ballerina plastic flats can be worn out to a night on the town or on a rainy day. RMB 199. Zara, south building of The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶南楼

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Baby-friendly cosmetics for new moms and moms-to-be

Most women like to look their best, and new moms or moms-to-be are no exception! But pregnancy – which brings an expanding figure, stretch marks, and even blotchy skin or acne caused by hormone imbalance – can be tough on a woman’s confidence. What’s more, when it comes to using cosmetics and skin products, moms should be extra cautious, because many of these products contain chemicals that may be harmful to the baby. Here are a few beauty products that Song Yang, professional beauty stylist at Jimmy Studio, recommends as pregnancy- and nursing-mom friendly.

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