Ain't No Mom Jeans

Mom Street Style - May 2009 Mom

One of my friends has 12 different red t-shirts, collected over the years from Target.  She rarely wears any of them.  The reason?  One is stretched out, one has a hem coming apart, one would be the "perfect red" but fits like crap, one fits perfectly but is the wrong red, one gives her good boobs but shows her belly, one can only be worn peeking out at the bottom of another shirt, three are worn only to bed, one is sentimental and one still had tags on it from 2003.  Repeat the situation for various colors - white, black, gray, pink, etc.  Why does one keep buying this stuff?  Because it was cheap. Because Target is Mom crack.

I actually hate shopping at Target.  But several times a year I get suckered in.  I always enter the dressing room gleefully, arms full of clothes so cheap that they can't be believed, on a high from the Mom crack that is Target.  However, 45 minutes later, my blood sugar is low, the florescent lights have sucked all youth from my face and my euphoria surrounding my cheap Target finds has completely evaporated.  I am at rock bottom.  I have to fight the urge to rush back out there, to keep looking!  I mean there are all of these racks and racks of stuff!  And they are SO CHEAP!  There must be something perfect!  Or maybe I can just make this work?  I mean, it's only $20!  Ooooo! I didn't see THAT rack!  THAT must be the rack for me!!

Mom crack for sure.

But in any case, most of the time at Target I find that either the fit is off, or the color is off, or the style is too young....or I just don't love it.  Cheap?  Yes.  Destined to be donated to Goodwill from lack of use?  Definitely.  So what suckers me in?  The occasional success, and people like Tara, our May mom.

Tara, mother of two beautiful girls, was celebrating her oldest daughter's third birthday.  She pulled together a party look that was comfortable, practical, and simply looks amazing.  And two of the key pieces are, (damm her!!) from Target. 

Tara is wearing the Xhilaration Flutter Sleeve top, $13 from Target in hardware gray (pictured above).  The drapiness of the top combined with the banded bottom is one of the most flattering cuts for moms who want to hide a post-baby belly.  Even better, the flutter sleeves are perfect for anyone not comfortable with their upper arms.   

She's also wearing Gap's Skinny Cropped Jeans, $60, with a pair of nude colored wedges she bought several years ago at, yup, you guessed it, Target.  I love the combo of nude heels with...well, anything really.  A nude or lighter shoe will help elongate your leg and make you look taller than, say, the expected black sandal.  And her necklace is from Forever21; sadly, she bought it a few years ago and it is no longer available. 

Here are a couple of accessory options to recreate Tara's look:

 

 
The necklace above echo's the chunkiness of Tara's, but in a bolder color.  It is the Graduated Multi Bead Necklace, found at JcPenny for $28. I like this necklace paired with Target's Mossimo Round Toe Wedge in taupe patent, $23.  The smaller wedge heel makes this a good choice for an outdoor party - you can chase your kid without worrying about a high heel sinking into the lawn, and patent is pretty stain proof.  

I really like Tara's pairing of a pale necklace with the gray top.  It made for a nice, soft, slightly romantic look.  The Madison necklace by KentonBeadworks, $40 would be a good choice to recreate the romantic vibe.  Pair this necklace with the flirty Merona Elizabeth Slingback Wedges, $25 at Target.

Sigh.  Back I go.  Back to the fluorescent lights, the 6 item dressing room limit, the racks of shirts that aren't quite right.  All for the promise that I can look as awesome as Tara for just a few bucks.  I'll just go in and buy Tara's shirt.  And the shoes.  But Target probably has some capri jeans that would work.  And they are probably only like $20.  Hmmmm....which would save $40 (because I didn't buy the Gap jeans).  So with that $40, I could probably find another shirt or two.  Or maybe a summer dress.  They have 12 racks of summer dresses....I'm sure I can find a cute one! And a skirt!  I really need a skirt!  But what if they run out of my size?  OMG - I should go now!  Right now!  Target's open all night....right?

Mom crack. 

xo,
S

Diaper Changes Made Easy and Hip: Choe and Tomlinson Self Portrait Mirrors

Mirrors are great for your babe’s social, emotional and language development and, placed at your kiddo’s eye-level on the changing table wall, they can also help keep diaper change fuss to a minimum.  But who wants to hang a large, heavy and disfiguringly shatter-able object above their dearest boy or girl at their most prone?  Baby mirrors intended for the car, such as the BearView mirror, $25.00 from www.GeniusBabies.com, are a safer option, of course, but they are, as a rule, either too hideous or freaky cute to want as a permanent decorative object in your home.  Here’s a hip, safe and fun  alternative: Choe and Tomlinson Self Portrait Mirrors, $35.00 (and well-worth the extra ten bucks), at www.DesignPublic.com.  The mirrors measure a diminutive 12”  x 16” and are made of acrylic, eliminating the hazards of larger mirrors you may otherwise feel compelled to bolt to the studs if your first-time parent safety threshold is as low as mine.  There are a few different motifs, but I chose the Songbird Mirror for my boy’s  mod boreal forest-inspired room and he has dug it since early babyhood, going from the perennially surprised “who’s dat baby!?” stage to, now at 16 months, hamming it up and practicing his goofy expressions whilst I pat, powder and cream his creases. 

 

- M

What To Wear For Moms: Summer BBQ 2009

Memorial Day Weekend always feels like the official kick-off of summer (I'm ignoring the fact that the first day of summer is actually June 21st, which some annoying, exacting person would no doubt point out.  Kind of like when my husband reminds me that is HIGHLY unlikely that there were actually a "million people in Starbucks today").  But you know what I mean - after Memorial Day, the weather turns warmer, the days seem so much longer and old people all start wearing white.  Ah, summer.  And with summer comes barbecues - kicked off nicely by the million or so BBQs on Memorial Day weekend.  (And in this case, there might actually be a million).  So what to wear to the millions of BBQs?  Let's start with a list of considerations for Moms:

1.  Something festive (a BBQ is a type of party after all)
2.  Something you can run around in - you need to be able to chase the little one, play ball, etc
3.  Something that will hide stains easily - think drippy BBQ sauce, mustard and dirt/grass/whatever else

For a 2009 Summer BBQ, I'm a little mad for plaid.  It's festive, it's campy, and this season it comes in a million different cuts and colors.  Not to mention that the plaid will help hide any run-ins you might have with the ketchup bottle (Ok - that's a stretch, but plaid is better than plain for hiding stains).  Here are my favorite plaid looks for this summer:

Man-Style Plaid Shirt With Shorts

The inspiration (pictured above) is the Kimberly Ovitz Hunter Plaid Blouse in black, pictured with a pair of tailored shorts.  I love the combination of slouchy plaid with a tailored short.  I'd wear the whole outift with a pair of flip-flops to keep it casual-cool and practical.  The shirt is available from revolveclothing.com for $325.  If you are looking for something more budget friendly....see the options below.

I'm in love with the Red Plaid Boyfriend shirt from Steven Alan (above), $160, at net-a-porter.com.  I like it worn opened (or partially buttoned) over a white tank and paired with long slim shorts.  The shorts I picked are the 9" chinos from J. Crew in navy, on sale for $32.  This shirt could also be used as a beach cover up, and worn all fall, winter, etc.  Worn alone it has that comfy-sexy vibe - the whole I-just-woke-up-all-sexy-and-put-on-your-shirt vibe.  The one my husband can't resist. Yum.

The fantastic shirt above is the Oversized Checked Shirt in Orange from topshop.com, $55.  This color would be amazing on someone who is not me.  This is the kind of shirt I always wish I could wear - and it would look great on someone who is tannish not pale pinkish.  Although, the Eccentric Orange Gentleman claims that all skin types can wear rust....hmmm...I'm skeptical but want to be a believer.  Anyway, I'm pairing this with my very favorite pair of shorts this season.  They are the Mossimo Paperbag Waist Short from Target, $18.  These shorts are seriously flattering, and would look great with the top tucked in.  Wear with flops.

Feminine Plaid With Denim

The inspiration for this look comes from Sunner's Park Top, available at shopbop.com for $141.  I love Sunner - I find that my Sunner pieces manage to look classic yet fresh for years.  This top would do the same.  I love it in the summer, but could also picture it with a pair of Tux pants at a party this winter.  Something to consider.  But for a BBQ, wear this top with any kind of denim: distressed, cropped, cut-offs.  It all works.  And for those of you looking for budget friendly items....

The tank above left is the Deidra Plaid Tank in pink multi, $30 from delias.com.  Pair this with any kind of denim - skinny would look great with flat sandals, but bootcut, distressed or boyfriend would also work well. 

The tank pictured above center is Forever21's Bow Front Plaid Tunic, $23.  This tank is long, so it would really shine over dark slim capris or long slim shorts.  However, this top would also work over any jean with clean lines. 

The last tank pictured (above right) is the Calvin Klein Print Tank, and it comes in both regular and plus sizes.  It can be found at nordstroms.com for $70.  The tank is very sweet (ruffles on the sleeves, plus a little bow) so I would wear this with distressed denim.  Or tailored short black shorts and ballet flats.  But not khakis.  SNORE

There are two additional items that I didn't use above, but that I loved.  Both looks below are great for curvy girls.

Above left is the Cukor Plaid Top by Miss Sixty, $197 from www.ssense.com.  Despite the stupid name, this is a great shirt.  The off-the-shoulder neckline will help to offset wide hips.  And the whole thing just looks cool - almost trashy, but not quite.  Wear with denim.

Above right is the Crinkle Button Down by Blue Asphalt, $20 at wetseal.com.  Unlike the other boyfriend shirts I profiled, this one will fit quite a bit slimmer, due to the cool button-down back.  Great for showing off a small waist.  Wear this one untucked with long slim capris or long slim shorts.

Now bring on the hot dogs.  Or the organic Tofurky franks, cooked on a special grill that remains untainted by meat.  Whatever works.  Happy summer.

xo,
S

'House Cool' After Kids?

 Having the passion and the drive to keep things looking 'cool' around the house after kids is a little bit of an obsession for my husband and me.  I guess I should define our thought of 'cool' - a modern, neat, functional interior that you enjoy and you're not tripping over toys (all the time) and can have the toys put away within a matter of minutes, if needed.  We strive for this and while wanting to give our son all the toys and space to play he can handle, we need to be able to sit back in the evening after he goes to bed and not stare at the Hot Wheels track and cars, books, blocks, drums - you get the idea.  Of course, it's up to us to actually get the stuff put away but away is a relative term meaning you have to have a place to put it that doesn't look out of place. 

Solution:  We designated the bottom drawer of a 'buffet' for all toys in the living room.  The toys that can't fit either go into the canvas bins in his room (that fit under the crib) or larger things make their way into the garage or his closet.  We don't have a big budget for new furniture or storage so using what you have is key.  This takes some purging of your own stuff to make room, but who doesn't need to purge once in awhile?  I use the word 'buffet' loosely because technically ours is a dresser, but a cool looking dresser similar to the blue one shown below from Ikea.

  

It is extremely functional and inexpensive.  We've had ours for years and have used it in several ways.  Don't limit yourself to only the type of furniture you're looking for.  Sometimes you can find a very functional piece that's termed something else and is less expensive than what you thought it would be.

I'm a fan of Ikea - I think they have some great solutions for furniture and you don't have to spend a lot.  Of course, you get what you pay for but with toddler(s) running around, a $3,000 buffet doesn't seem to be the best option at this point.  Below are a couple of other buffets from Ikea that would work and look cool.  Below left is the Norrsten Cabinet, $399 and below right is the Torsby Sideboard, $299.

 

Another option, if you're looking for a longer term piece, is the beautiful wood buffet, called the Hudson from Room and Board. 

In a quest to always keep things looking 'cool and neat' in our house, I hope some of these ideas help you or at least inspire you to keep your own 'cool'.  :)

sts

How-To: Practical Tips for Breastfeeding Success

In spite of my apparent bitterness about the breastfeeding establishment, I loved breastfeeding my son.  I can’t sing its praises high enough and I know I will breastfeed all of my children.  Not only is breastfeeding close and tender and healthy and sweet, it is cheap, convenient and fab for your metabolism—not to mention a fun boost for the décolletage, too.  They don’t call it a milkshake for nuthin’, girl. 

But I have a laundry list of things I wish I’d known when I’d started and found out too late.  If you’re expecting your first and your girlfriends haven’t dished, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about—just pop that kiddo on and gas ‘em up, right?  But as it turns out, breastfeeding might not be as easy as you would think and feeding in general is the lynchpin of your child’s universe.  As such, it affects every critical aspect of your early existence together, from sleep (oh, sleep!), to your enjoyment of activities other than your babe and your ability to get out the door in a somewhat timely fashion. 

I don’t pretend to be a breastfeeding expert, but I’ve done it for roughly 14 months so far and this is the advice I give to friends and that I’m going to try with this new babe from the get-go.

Best Summer Sandals for Toddlers: Keens

I'm often asked if I'm my son's nanny.  I've even been stopped on the street so someone could remark, "Wow!  He looks NOTHING like you!".  Ummm....thanks?  I guess this would be good news if I were, say, horribly disfigured.  But I'm not, so WTF?  My son is the spitting image of my blond haired, blue eyed husband who tans easily.  I am a dark haired, hazel eyed girl who spells tan L-O-B-S-T-E-R.  But the one thing my son and I have in common is our obsession with water. 

I grew up on the water, and despite my current landlocked locale, am always seeking out water.  It's possible that my little man senses my happiness around water, and therefore has taken it on as his own happiness, but I suspect it's something more.  I, for example, am not nearly as thrilled as he is to see water pouring out of a facet.  Or going down a drain.  I also will not sit for hours playing with a bowl of plain water.  Ok - hours is an exaggeration.  But in toddler-time, it's practically hours.  His water fascination extends to our city's water fountains, mud puddles, sprinklers, a puddle of dog piss on the sidewalk (LOVELY) as well as every little pond or stream that we find while hiking.  It always starts out so fun:  he'll watch the water for a while, then throw something in it, splash around a bit, etc.  It always ends, however with red-faced screaming because his lame parents have yet again thwarted his attempts to fling himself into said body of water.  As he gets bigger (ie faster), he is getting more and more successful.  Our last trip to Boulder ended up with my husband fishing him - sneakers and all - out of the Boulder Creek.  His sneakers took 3 days to dry.  It was time to find some water friendly shoes.  Enter the Keens Kid's Newport H2s.

 

We bought the little man the navy ones (pictured above), but I would've chosen the orange had they been in stock (his only shoes were soaking wet, so I didn't have the luxury of waiting).  However, my very favorite Keens are the girl's version, in Caribbean Sea.  I love how girly-tomboy the Caribbean Sea shoes are.  Very badass.  All shoes pictured can be purchased at zappos.com for $48.

Why are these the best?  First of all, they look cute (unlike, say, Crocs), they don't fall off and can't be easily pulled off (like Crocs), they are waterproof (unlike leather sandals), they have a cushioned footbed and good traction (unlike cheap sandals at Target), and they cover enough of the toes to keep the little ones from hurting themselves when they trip.  We live in an old neighborhood that is a bit of a 'hood, so our sidewalks are pretty brutal.  In addition to the puddles of dog piss, which, incidentally, I really hope was dog piss.  You never know.

xo,
S

Maxi Dresses For Nursing Moms

Nursing moms need support (for heavy, milk-filled boobs) and easy access (for starving, wailing babes).  I haven't been able to find any on-trend nursing dresses.  Ugh.  We should invent some.  In the meantime, with a little creativity...here are a few options for nursing moms:

Strapless layered over a Wide-strap Tank Top

Find a tank top with wide straps - wide enough to hide the straps of a nursing bra, and layer it under a strapless maxi dress for a cute, summery look.  If you've managed to find a nursing bra with cute straps, letting them peek out is OK too.  (I have a list of these kinds of nursing bras - will do a post soon).

Below left is Forever 21's Tie Dye Print Maxi Tube Dress, $28. Layer this dress over any white (or brown) tank top for an easy, slightly boho look.  I'm showing Target's Mossimo Scoop Tank in white, $9.

Maxi Dresses for Moms with Saggy Boobs

If your post-pregnancy or - even worse - post-nursing boobs reduce you to tears....turn away from the mirror.  We just need to do a little camouflage.   Most post-preggo/nursing boobs can be supported with a good bra (even if it's strapless).  So make sure you have a good strapless bra that fits.  The problem then becomes the cleavage.  It's the cleavage that gives away the sag.  So avoid maxi dresses with deep v-necks (I know, I know - that rules out most of them) and try a couple of different options:

Halter Neck Maxi Dresses

A halter neck maxi, when worn with a good strapless bra will easily hide any sagging boob problems.  Below left is Manambe Dress, $168 from anthropologie.com.  It's silk, so not great for running around (but perfect for a wedding), it's pretty, and the shape is perfect.  Look for one like this.  

Below right is a yellow tie-dyed Grecian Goddess Maxi Dress, $61, from Boutiquetoyou.com.  Notice how high the neck is - no saggy cleavage will peak out.

    

Maxi Dresses for Moms With Curves or Big Boobs

We have two goals here:  Make the girls look good, and support 'em.  So.  You want to find a maxi dress that will allow you to wear a nice supportive bra underneath, AND one with a deep v-neck.  A V-neck cut is more slimming for those "extra lucky" in the boob department.  The deep V-neck will also show enough skin to keep the whole look slimming and sexy, and not like an aged Grandmother celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary in a Hawaiian themed muumuu (Grandma got away with it because she was 76.  When I'm 76 I will do the same.  But not until age 76). 

Below left is the Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati Empire Dress in purple floral, $128 at Nordstrom.com.  I love the color, I love the neckline, and how the cut just skims over the model's curves.  She can also wear a bra underneath.  It's perfect.  This is one of those dresses that could easily be worn out and about with the kiddo, or to a summer wedding.

How To Wear Maxi Dresses - For Moms

Don't be afraid of the maxi dress - I actually think there is a maxi dress out there for all body types.  It helps to hide flaws, adds a certain elegance to all who wear it, is easy and comfy.  It may not be an optimal choice for kickball day at the playground, but I've worn mine running errands with the babe, going to the zoo, museums, etc.  To make this look work for moms, here are a few guidelines:

1. The optimal length is only a couple of inches off of the ground.  You ideally want your toes to show, but not your whole ankle.  This is even more important if you are very short.
2. I like to wear mine with flat metallic sandals or flip flops.  If you are a die hard heels mom, feel free, but make sure the dress is still only a couple of inches from the ground, even when wearing heels.
3. Find a maxi dress in a comfy fabric - cotton, rayon blends, etc.  This is supposed to be an easy look - let's not make it hard by getting one in a fussy fabric.
4. To keep the dress from looking dowdy, the top must be bare.  You want to show enough arm, chest, etc. to offset the long skirt.  
5. With so much dress, skip jewelry, unless you want to wear something small and simple.

So how much skin is "enough"?  Keep reading....the subsequent posts have my picks for the best maxi dresses for those of us with big boobs, saggy mom boobs, and for nursing moms.     

FYI - The gorgeous dress above inspired this series of posts.  It is the Long Spaghetti Strap Dress by Mara Hoffman, $427 at shopbop.com.  It reminds me of the ocean.  Sigh.  I'm a sucker for beach anything.

I'm also a sucker for a great deal.  The below dress is the Twist Strap Maxi Dress from Wet Seal, and for $16.90 is the best deal I've found.  It also comes in a ton of colors. LOVE.

xo,
S