Fast forward to today’s environment and you will be hard pressed to find a news stand that has sold out of magazines or newspapers.  The age of the printed press is seemingly closing down by the day.  The future of secure, stable publishing is definitely online with many joining in to get their piece of the digital pie.

Mediafinder, the largest online database of U.S. and Canadian publications, reported that 90 magazines were launched in the first half of 2010.  Even more shockingly, these numbers were actually down from those reported for 2009 (187).  Additionally, 16 print magazines converted to online-only formats this year.

These statistics are not meant to suggest that all of these magazines have been successful but they can definitely be used to illustrate the level of competition in the market.  And, this is without numbers representing all the self-proclaimed freelance writers/philosophers on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.  So how can an online magazine survive?

Flaimahmy is successful because it sticks to the mold of quality, from competent writers to great editing and wonderful indepth interviews.  Flaimahmy genuinely serves the needs of the 21st century mom.  However, more than just a magazine for mothers, Flaimahmy has become a roadmap to lifestyle in areas of interests for both men and women.

This digital magazine distributes a unique product.  The name alone, Flaimahmy (Fly-mommy), is engaging enough to get readers to click on the site.  Yet, it’s the variety of substantive information along with diverse perspectives on a number of topics ranging from child-bearing to financing, that creates the strong fan base.  Where else can you be informed and educated about the Importance of a dad after divorce to finding out whether DHA is actually helpful for growing children?   Nowhere, that’s where.  The content this magazine distributes is both refreshing and enlightening.

Flaimahmy, we celebrate you on your one year anniversary.  This is a toast to a future filled with prosperity and fortune!

Our second year will be even better.  Flaimahmy will feature more trendsetting and mommy-friendly fashions, more indepth interviews, unique perspectives, creative ideas and thought provoking articles.

In fact, we’ve only just begun!

Flaimahmy…A digital magazine…Redefining Motherhood

Not all styles and trends are for all ages.  The key to dressing appropriately at any age is to know your body type and the occasion you are dressing for.  Being honest about your body, be it large, small, perky or in need of a little lift, is essential.  Feel free to accentuate your timelessly gorgeous, even Rubenesque, assets but do not at the same time try to look like you are trying to fit an image that is more suited to a younger woman.

Take the  mini skirt.  If you are wearing it with thigh high boots to pull off an ultra hip club look but first you need to drive your teenage daughter to her summer job, this may not be the best look for you.  However, if you are lucky enough to have never ending sleek legs, you can pair that mini with classic or embellished heels and actually be envied by those young “chicks” for your sense of style.  Taking just a piece or two from the newest, youth attracting trends and adding classic and sophisticated accessories is the key to successfully pulling off a younger and more stylish look.

Also, one sure-fire way to never find yourself in the position of asking if what you are wearing is too young  is to  have a real sense of personal style.  Just mimicking trends and throwing on pieces that you see draped across the size zero, fifteen year old bodies, in high fashion magazines will not work for you.  Find your style.  Take the time to find what truly works for you and makes you look your best at home, work and play.

When you are dressing with your own unique personal style in mind, you will feel comfortable and at  your best.  This isn’t to say you have to cover yourself from head to toe.   Look at your contemporaries.  Take note of how other women your age whom you respect and admire are dressing.  Look long and hard in the mirror.  Ask someone you trust for their opinion.  Remember the goal is not to look a certain age but to look vibrant and beautiful at any age.

Atlanta Apparel at AmericasMart

Print dresses!  Floral & tribal prints are hot for summer.  They are showing up in accessories as well so be sure to pair your solids with daring accessories.

www.ardenb.com

www.ardenb.com

Mini skirts (or short shorts for the less daring!).  If you are wondering if mommies should wear mini skirts, the answer is yes!   So flaunt those legs ladies; short is IN!

www.bloomingdales.com

Boyfriend blazers.  In case you missed our “Editor’s Picks: Spring Jackets” the Boyfriend Blazer is holding on for summer so go ahead and raid your man’s closet for those cooler evenings out!

shop.nordstrom.com

Caged Sandals.  Not the newest trend but still holding strong for summer.  The variety of styles is endless so go crazy!

www.swimnsport.com

A black swimsuit.  Call it your “Power Suit!”  Just be sure to wear your sunscreen and watch out for those tan lines!

Happy Shopping!

www.charlotterusse.com

Expensive bags will always have a soft spot in our hearts… however, when children show up suddenly those expensive bags take to the top shelf of the closet!  Let’s be honest.  Kids aren’t the most delicate creatures on this earth and when it comes to expensive items, we all know it’s best to keep the kiddie hands off!  For a while, let’s just see what we can do with an inexpensive alternative.

Benefit #1:

Inexpensive bags are versatile!  They come in a variety of styles, colors and  fabrics.  You can change up your bag everyday if you wish!   Plus, they are fun to shop for. Check out your chain store mark-downs, department store change of season sales,  local flea markets, Chinatown, second hand stores and even yard sales.

Benefit #2:

Your kids can ruin it!  Sticky hands?  No problem!  Sippy cups?  Drop them in!  Cracker crumbs?  Bring it on!  With a cheap bag you don’t have to worry.  Either try your hand at washing it or toss it!

Benefit #3:

You can be daring!  Buying a crazy, outlandish, inexpensive bag that you really adore but would NEVER dare to buy if it were expensive can be fun.  Try something new!

Benefit #4:

No one will care that your bag is inexpensive (if they do you need to get new friends…).   In fact you will probably be asked where you got it and how much it was.  Watch their faces light up when you tell them!

Benefit #5:

Inexpensive bags are INEXPENSIVE!   For many of us right now, cheaper is better (actually that’s always good!).  You can get your fashion fix without the fashion dent in your budget.

Happy Shopping!

Christina Samycia, PsyD, of the Institute for Inspirational Living, has felt my pain both personally and professionally.  Her approach blends psychotherapy, life coaching and holistic health care services.  “Feeling comfortable in your body is not only an issue we face in the summer, but for some a yearlong, if not lifelong struggle.  I not only have professional experience with body image issues, but personal experience as well,” she said.

“When I work with clients who have body image issues, it is important to get to the root of what they are thinking and feeling, because it is important to uncover the underlying irrational beliefs about our bodies.”   Samycia found confidence by learning to break free from her body anxieties – a lesson I can take to heart.  “I had made a significant step in letting go of my anxiety regarding my body when I discovered that trying to attain perfection was not only impossible, but also very time-consuming.  I had come to realize that by not accepting my body as it is, I truly was not living because I was wasting precious time being unhappy and preoccupied with calories and exercise,” she said.

“Instead of enjoying life, I was miserable because I was trapped by my idea of what I should be.  I realized that to truly be free, I had to stop worrying about my body.”     At 38, she says “I have never been more comfortable in my body.  I made a shift.  I decided to practice what I call ‘radical acceptance,’ which can be used in a myriad of different experiences.  I decided to love my body and accept it exactly how it is and live in the moment.”

Ready to reveal

Armed with new-found body confidence, now what do I wear to the beach?   Susan E. Ostrov, a Chicago-based personal shopper and style consultant, says summer trends include ruffles, cut-out swimsuits, suits with hardware and “blue is a very ‘in’ color.”

“Not showing as much skin is very in right now, suits that offer a bit more coverage but are still sexy and beautiful,” she said.  (My fragile body attitude definitely welcomes that trend).  Ostrov also offered her picks beyond suits: crocheted dresses, relaxed pants, clogs, fringe, big necklaces,“but not bib necklaces; they seem to be passé for now” and neutral tones.

And don’t forget the importance of a good base layer.  “Good bras are a must!  For summer T’s and tanks, it is crucial to be properly fitted for a bra and to watch that you wear bras that are smooth under more revealing and clingy clothing.  With bathing suits this is true as well.  Choose suits with wire support for the best looks and be careful of over-exposing – it isn’t sexy.  It is very important that whatever suit one wears, the bust is well-supported.”

With the higher temps and daunting days of more skin showing, really comfort is the key.  “My advice for those who want to be comfortable in their summer clothing: wear what suits your figure best and don’t feel you have to wear exactly what’s trendy,” Ostrov said.

“Dresses are fabulous because they can be worn to show what’s great about a figure and can cover where it’s needed by choosing a good length for one’s legs, type of sleeve … and dresses are cool and easy – lightweight – and there are tons of dresses in every store, at every price range.”

Now, it’s time to face summer with a sunnier disposition.  “This summer, we need to live in the moment, embrace our bodies exactly how they are and be grateful that the sun is shining!” Samycia said.

For more information on clothing trends, check out Ostrov’s site at www.chicagofashionconsultant.com .
To live a more inspired life, visit Samycia’s site at www.inspirationalliving.org or her blog at http://www.lifelessonsihavelearnedalongtheway.blogspot.com/

Here are a few of our favs for summer:

www.swimwearboutique.com

www.shapefx.com

www.venus.com

www.theorchidboutique.com

store.beachbliss.com

Happy Shopping!

All Fly-Daddies need a new Sweater for Spring. Check out this Shawl-Collar Sweater! (Very Hot!)

www.neimanmarcus.com

These linen Shorts are perfect for Spring!

bananarepublic.com

Looking for the perfect pair of Spring Shoes? Check these out! (Hey Fellas, just fyi moccasins are in!)

www.aldoshoes.com

Can’t be fly without that perfect pair of Shades…

shop.nordstrom.com

And finally no Fly-Daddy should be without a Stunning Spring Suit!

www.express.com

Happy Shopping!

www.ralphlauren.com

www.bcbg.com

www.forever21.com

shop.nordstrom.com

www.charlotterusse.com

Happy Shopping!