Ain't No Mom Jeans

Loving the Daily Mom Uniform On Gywneth's Paltrow's Website

Gwyneth Paltrow started a website called goop.com.  It's pretty fantastic.  Each week, she releases a new issue (you can sign up for the weekly updates here).  She covers cooking, travel, workouts, what to watch, some thoughts on life, and, of course, fashion.  

She only has a couple of fashion posts at the moment, but they are definitely worth a read.  One of her posts shows how to accessorize a little black dress, but my favorite post is the one where she talks about the importance of establishing a daily uniform.  A daily uniform helps keep her looking chic with enough ease to get through the job of mom - making pancakes in the AM, running to a meeting at school, etc.  I love the concept of a daily uniform for moms (and will brainstorm some ideas and post them here later) and I love her picks for a daily uniform.  I ALSO love that her daily uniform revolves around black leggings, which, as you know, are something I have only recently come to appreciate.  For more legging ideas, see our Leggings? Yes! post. 

xo,
S

Fond Farewell: A Review of the Micralite Toro and the Phil & Teds Vibe Strollers

It’s scary getting ready for baby number two.  Strangely, a second child seems so much more committed than baby number one—like we were just dabbling in parenthood until now.  Now, we’re going to be a full-on family of four and as such, we need to trade up for a (GULP!) double stroller—a potentially big hit to my mom fashion sensibilities.

When I was pregnant with our first in late 2007 and selected the Micralite Toro, it looked like we were moving back to NYC for a job offer, so I was obsessed with finding the latest, lightest, swankest, smoothest riding and most compact collapsible full-amenity stroller possible.  I imagined myself rolling my bub to and from the world’s leading museums and most fabulous play groups, riding down NYC’s (virtually non-existent) subway escalators, up its (urine- and vomit-besotted) elevators, hopping in and out of cabs (with drivers who DO NOT appreciate the necessity of a third and fourth seat belt check), etc., and I needed just the right stroller for said adventures.

Sure, the Bugaboo’s the “it” stroller, but the demonstration of how to fold it blew my pregnant brain.  The Quinny Buzz is hot, but two recline positions (?)—when we lived in Manhattan before, we’d leave the apartment at 9 am and walk the city until well after dinner—a little ambitious with a baby, perhaps, but still, the bub would need to become a stroller napping fool, so that wouldn’t do.  I love everything Svan, but that stroller just made me laugh and something about the Orbit system hinted at a lifetime of overly scheduled back-to-back, skill set-enhancing activities and a fair-to-poor immune response.  Enter the Micralite Toro. . .

Should Moms Wear Slouchy, Cropped Trousers?

I keep seeing these pants everywhere.  The cropped, slouchy trouser, usually complete with a higher waist and pleats.  Slightly reminiscent of MC Hammer.  The kind of pants I tell my husband to stay away from. 

Why do they look so fresh?  Because they are different.  We're so used to seeing low waisted jeans (complete with the corresponding muffin top) that these pants in comparison look sophisticated and flattering.  And it doesn't hurt that this trend came back in a big way due to Stella McCartney - the pants shown at left are hers, in silk, and can be purchased at Net-a-porter for $795. 

The question I'm struggling with...are these a good choice for moms?  The higher waist is very mom friendly - no muffin-top potential, hides a slight pooch belly and won't irritate a c-section scar - and the bum is loose enough to high any sagginess problems.  However, after careful consideration, my answer is: no. 

The problem with these pants is not the pants themselves, but what must be paired with these pants in order to achieve the desired effect:  sophisticated and fashion forward.  These pants can quickly go in the opposite direction (dowdy, matronly) when worn incorrectly.  They are too reminiscent of the awful pants some of our mothers may have worn....yes, I did.  I'm comparing them to "mom jeans". 

In order to stay in the sophisticated and fashion forward realm, I really like these pants paired with something a little silky on top (the whole button down shirt thing looks too much like a costume) and with some serious heels.  As you know, silky tops and serious heels die a quick and certain death when the little ones are around.  So.  My advice for moms?  Skip it.  This is one trend to let pass by.

If, however, you are looking for a fresher work look or a fun girl's night out look (but want to benefit from the anti-muffin top, bum hiding potential and sophisticated look of this pant)....then I've thrown together a couple of looks.  But only for those of us at work or out on the town.  The rest of us....don't even go there.  And no, you cannot just pair the pant with a cute sneak or flat shoe.  You might as well put on your mom jeans and your "Think Spring" bunny sweater.   

Girls Night Out

 

The above cropped trousers are the XOXO Cuffed Cropped Pants, retailing for $49 at Macy's.  The gorgeous floral blouse is the Print Ruffle Racer Top from Parker, $150, paired with the KORS Tajines Platform Gladiator Sandal, $225, both from shopbop.com.

Work It, Girl

   

Usually, good tailoring costs a bit more.  But Alexander McQueen's line for Target has two outstanding pieces -- one being an excellent version of the cropped trouser we've discussed!  This TRS pant (it's actual name at Target) looks amazing with the Alexander McQueen for Target Cropped Blazer.  The blazer has a very nipped-in waist and both are surprisingly flattering and well made for a Target line.  The pants retail for $40, the blazer for $50.  You can pair the two with any streamlined shirt underneath - I like the Friendship and Love Knit Tank, $12 at Forever21, for a pop of color and a bit of fun underneath such a serious jacket.  Lastly, I think this looks best a little sexed up with the Mossimo Petrova Gladiator Sandal, at Target for $30.  If your office is very conservative, you could wear black pumps or booties - just make sure the heel is sky high!

xo,

S

This Snack Catcher Is My #1 Baby Gear Find, Ever!

Hands down, the Munchkin Snack Catcher is one of those amazing products that you just can't live without.  Its so simple, yet so effective.  From grapes to cereal to diced veggies, this snack catcher holds it all!  There are so many different versions of this product on the market and trust me, we have tried them all, but Munchkin has nailed it!  Its great design allows easy access for little hands yet prevents (almost) all the snacks from escaping!        

Munchkin Snack Catchers are available at many of the big retail stores and also online at Amazon.  I assure you that the $7.99 for a two pack is  well worth your investment.  And, of course its BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.  I recommend buying a few extra, as my little one does not let us leave the house without one! 

--j

March 2009 Mom

    Anne showed up to baby sign language class the other day in her colorful stripey shirt and a spring in her step.  I'm pretty sure colorful stripes are the universal sign for Spring.  Or maybe it's floral patterns, but stripes are right up there.  In any case, she looked great and made me want to run right out and find something stripey.  For being so Spring-inspired, she is our March Mom!

I love this outfit for two reasons:  color and shape.  The shape we've talked about before - trouser jeans with a swingy top that echos the line of the jean.  For more info, see our November 2008 Mom. 

I love that she picked a nice dark wash for the trouser jean - it elevates everything else.  The fun purple and gray stripes are a welcome pop of color for Spring, and her light pink shoes add a little more unexpected color.  Anne is both tall and thin, so paring a lighter shoe with the dark trousers works for her.  If you are very short, I'd choose a darker shoe to elongate your legs.

Anne has also turned up the cuff of her jeans - but since the underside of the cuff is still dark, it works.  Not a bad trick if you want to wear your jeans with both heels and flats.

Lastly, it's hard to see in the  pic, but Anne also has on a pair of huge diamond stud earrings.  I love the juxtaposition of fancy stud earrings with stripes.  So cool. 

How To Wear Rain Boots - For Moms

Inspired, as I was, by my Victoria vacation, and the super cool rain boots I purchased for the little man....I started wondering if I too could pull off wearing rain boots.  I know that they are trendy (which is not necessarily important, it just means that there will be many to choose from) and in certain climates they are practical...but still.  Taking a page from the cool island moms in Victoria, I suspected that the best way for moms to wear rain boots is to copy the cool English (and therefore rather staid) version of the rain boot:  the wellie.

Best Rain Boots for Kids

I love the rain. Growing up in the overcast Midwest, I suppose it reminds me of my childhood.  Forks (for you Twilight fans) has nothing on the little beach town I grew up in.  Rainy days were not necessarily spent indoors - you'd be indoors half your life.  You simply threw on your boots and went out.  (If you were me at age 4, you would take this instruction literally and leave the house with nothing but rain boots.  They were red.  I loved them.)

So visiting my parents in Victoria, BC (that's Canada, folks) brought me right back to my roots...aka it rained/drizzled most of the time.  Undaunted, the little man and I went out and his shoes were soaked within an hour.  Oh darn.  Time to buy rain boots!  His first pair.  I was SO excited - it seemed like a rite of passage.  I had visions of finding the most perfect boot - did I want the classic yellow?  Something a little punk? Unfortunately, in a city like Victoria where rains for most of the winter, most boots fly off the shelves in November.  I was left with only one choice:  camo.  It physically hurt to hand over my credit card to purchase what I considered to be the red-neck version of a rain boot.  But the boot slowly grew on me.  And you have to admit they look pretty cute in the pic above.  The one thing I did love immediately was the brand:  Splashers.  Splashers rain boots are made in Canada (Yay!  Not China!), have a moisture wicking inner lining, are completely puddle (or ocean) proof and sturdy as hell.  With the exception of the camo print, their other designs are very, very cool.  Exactly what I had been looking for.  My favorites are a shockingly sophisticated plaid, a graphic black and white flower pattern and a pretty bad-ass pirate motif (all pictured below).  You can buy Splashers for about $17 - $26 American dollars from www.theshoecompany.com, a Canadian retailer that ships to the US.  So don't hide out on those rainy days, eh?  

 

xo,

S

Customized Nursery or Playroom Lighting That Makes a Statement!

I am always on the lookout for cool modern nursery or playroom decor.  You know what I am talking about, designs that are kid friendly and whimsical but not babyish or too cutesy.  Something that can really help spruce up a room is funky lighting.  I searched for months and finally came across the fabulous designs from Maura Daniel.  

The thing I love about her products and website is that you can design your own fixture.  You pick a base and you pick a shade and you can see a preview of your selection on the website.  You can mix and match until your heart is content.  And yes, for those of you who prefer there are plenty pre-designed lamps, pendants, chandeliers and sconces to choose from.  

For my daughter's room I ended up buying a pendant light with the max geo cotton shade and medium crystal sphere mars pink column picture below.  It adds some fabulous modern flair to her room. 

'70s Flashback Organic Cotton Footie Pajamas

I have to share with you the most ridiculously adorable (and eco/baby friendly!) footie pajamas.  When you see your precious child in these, you'll immediately flashback to those Saturday morning cartoon marathons spent slurping down Lucky Charms on rust-colored shag carpet, only without the athletes foot-inducing plastic feet or all the pesticides we all rolled around in and ate. 

For your nostalgic parenting pleasure, I submit the organic cotton footie pajama by Pixel Organics.  These fab, retro-inspired pajamas are soft, freaky cute, functional and they’re easy on the environment and your babe.  

The nearly $50 suggested retail is jaw dropping, but Pixel Organics is offering these cute snooze togs on final sale at the rock bottom price of $26.99!  The sale price puts them on par with Gap pajamas, which don’t have fire retardants but are made with conventional cotton.  I’m stockin’ up! 

HGB carries the blush pink, sky blue and spring green color options, but you can check out additional color choices (though at the full $47 MSRP) as well as a bevy of other fabulous organic thangs at Pixel Organics.

Pictured here is my dear son, clearly pleased he is lounging sans pesticides and in water-based, low impact dyes.

- M

 

The Best "Unofficial" Nursing Shirt Ever!

So, I hate to admit it, but I am a total Banana Republic junkie.   But now that I am a SAHM, Banana's not always the look I am going for . . . Anyway, I just happened to find this shirt and couldn't resist.  It's the Dolman-sleeve jersey top, $59, in aubergine.  I was wearing it the other day and had to feed my little one and discovered that it is also the BEST nursing shirt ever.  So now it gets even more points.  I LOVE when they make real clothes that work for nursing and pregnant moms.   So see, even nursing moms can shop in real people stores!  It also comes in a very pretty deep vanilla which would work great for those of you who have babies that still spit up, fortunately, we are passed that stage! 

- J