Ain't No Mom Jeans

TMRDNL: A High-End Designer For Moms? (And At Crazy-Affordable Prices)

Ok Mamas - it's my last shopping enabling post of the year.  But I must warn you:  This one will be especially hard to resist. 

Have you heard of TMRDNL?  It's the line designed by Tamar Daniel, an Israeli- British-American fashion designer who happens to live not far from me.  I had the opportunity to meet with her and see her line...and oh, my.  We're talking ah-mazing stuff.  Like...machine washable, scrunch down into a suitcase and still look amazing stuff. 

 

Tamar's design philosophy is one that us Mamas will relate to.  A mom herself, Tamar describes her collection as a "call to arms for dynamic real women, whose days are full of many facets, and whose outfits need to transition from boardroom to playgroup to date night and back again as seamlessly as they do. A versatile mix of easy, thoughtful pieces, the collection is truly a wardrobe for living."

Sing it, Sister.

 

But here's the bad news:  Tamar is moving on.  It turns out that designing an entire line is a ton of work (no kidding). And Tamar has something new and exciting in mind.  Personally, I'm heartbroken.  With gorgeousness like this...

...TMRDNL will be missed.   

But here's the silver lining, Mamas.  Tamar still has a few pieces in stock.  And they are taking up precious room in her storeroom.  You know where I'm going with this, right?  She'd like some help cleaning things away for the new year.  So pieces that typically retail for...oh...let's just say that they typically retail for prices that I cannot afford...are currently available in the $25 - $125 range.

Seriously.

Even better, Tamar is generously offering Ain't No Mom Jeans readers an additional 20% off with the code ANMJ.

Now...what to buy?

Well.  My most-worn piece to-date is the Intrigue Jacket, pictured above. It's machine-washable, nursing-friendly, and insanely comfortable.  The sleeves are made of a soft knit, so you have full range of motion for picking up the little ones - it feels like a comfy sweater.  Mine is a size larger than I typically go for, so it can be easily layered (even over another sweater, like above).  But when I wear it alone, the drapiness is such that it never looks too big!  This piece is seriously amazing.  It is currently retailing on Tamar's website for $99, and also comes in a longer (trench) version for $125.  The trench makes a gorgeous dress, especially for work.  (Easy to pump in, I'll bet.)  

Ready to see more? Ok...

Shopping: Sweatshirt Dresses

Ok Mamas!  Our shopping week continues with sweatshirt dresses!! (I want you to be well prepared for the after-Christmas sales, Mamas.  WELL PREPARED.)  And psst:  One of my fav sweatshirt dresses is perfect for nursing.  Seriously.

 

Sweatshirt Dresses

I can't say enough about my James Perse sweatshirt dress (you first saw it here).  And those of you following me on instagram (@shanachristine) will know how often I've been wearing it.  So.  If you happen to be in the market for a versatile sweatshirt dress, choices abound!  You have your pick from sporty to uber glam, and many are fabulous pooch-hiders.  

Basic Sweatshirt Dresses

A. Gap Terry Sweatshirt Dress, $54

This is very similar to my James Perse sweatshirt dress, but half the cost.  The main difference is that the James Perse dress has a banded bottom, which helps keep the dress looking a bit dressier.  However, the slight A-line of this dress might be better for pear-shaped figures.

B. Hatch Collection Sweatshirt Dress, $208

I am recommending this dress with one major reservation:  It's not for small mamas.  I had the opportunity to try this dress on recently, and it was horrible.  I was crushed.  It fell below my knees (I'm almost 5'3") and there was just so much fabric...  If you are fairly tall (I'd say 5'7" or above), pregnant, and don't mind a mountain of fabric...this dress might work.  But I wouldn't bet on wearing it forever.  

C. James Perse Funnel Neck Dress, $195

I love everything about this dress:  the color, the sporty collar, the banded bottom.  Adorbs.

D. ASOS Knitted Dress With Sweatshirt Details, $70

This dress is actually a sweater dress, with embellishments to make it look like a sweatshirt.  Whatever.  It works.  (And probably drapes a bit better than a true sweatshirt dress.)

 

Interesting Sweatshirt Dresses

A. Diesel Gertrude Dress, on sale for $132

Nursing Mamas!!  Celebrate!!  It zips! It hides a pooch!  I feel like I should buy this just in case we have a third.  I mean SERIOUSLY.  I have never, in all of my internet travels, found such a cute nursing and pooch hiding dress.  

Thank you, Diesel.  I realize that the sleep-deprived, leaky boobed, jelly-bellied Mama *may* not be your key demographic...but thank you anyway.

B. French Connection Amazon Sweatshirt Dress, $80

It's a printed sweatshirt, made into a dress.  Looks crazy-fierce on the model with black tights, heels and an oversized scarf.  Would look just as cute with some flat boots.  This one goes easily from playdate to real date.

C.  C&C California Faux-Leather and Knit Dress, $148

Holy. Crap.  See that faux-leather panel?  OMGLOVE.

D. COMEFORBREAKFAST Short Dress, on sale for $80 at Yoox.com

This unique twist on a sweatshirt dress is only available in sizes XS and S...but it's so...swingy, I'll bet there's a bit of wiggle room in the sizing.

E. C&C California Faux-Leather Fleece Dress, $108

OMG SERIOUSLY I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING.  YOU GUYS.  It looks like leather...yet it's fleece.  And not crazy expensive.  Yessssssss.

F. Brown Winter Sweatshirt Dress, $145 from Etsy seller Lirola

For those of you who prefer a vintage, girly vibe to all of that faux-leather, I'm loving Lirola's take on the sweatshirt dress.  Puff sleeves and a ruched bottom?  Nice.

 

Now I'm off to pop popcorn.  It's Christmas movie night and I'm over the moon because I FINALLY found my favorite, Twas The Night Before Christmas.  The one with the mouse?  And the clockmaker?  Yes??  LOVELOVELOVE

(iTunes also has it for immediate purchase.  Yay.)

xoxo

S

 

 

 

 

 

Statement Necklace Inspiration From An Adorable Pregnant Mama (Plus a Stella & Dot Sample Sale Just for ANMJ Readers)

Mamas, after our statement necklace round-up, a few of you commented/emailed that you found statement necklaces tough to pull off. You weren't sure when to throw them on (only with fancy dresses?  T-shirts? What?), or how to get the necklines right.  

I get it.  As someone whose style veers to the minimalist, statement necklaces can seem like...a whole lotta necklace.  So I turned to one of my BFFs, Becky McBride, who happens to be a stylist for Stella & Dot.  Helping women figure out how to wear statement necklaces is part of her job...and Beck often wears them herself.  Like...every. day.  (Just about, anyway.)

Anyway, Mamas, it gets better:  It just so happens that Stella & Dot is coming out with a new line in ONE MONTH.  And Beck is selling her gently used sample pieces at 50% off...to us.  Keep reading for some adorable statement necklace (maternity!!) style inspiration...and some crazy-awesome deals.  Instructions for purchasing are below.

Pajamas For Mamas That Are Both Chic AND Warm

Ok Mamas.  You asked for it...here are my fav pajama finds for staying warm and cozy...without going the sexless and dowdy route.

Friday.

Mamas, I'm still reeling from Friday's horrific news. I literally spent the weekend snuggled in with my boys, sometimes reading about Friday's tragedy, and then turning it all off when I couldn't bear it any longer. The stories of the brave teachers (and students) are truly amazing, but they don't take away my...anger? Confusion? Choking, bewildered, pain? All of it, I guess. As a mom, this hits such a raw nerve - the weight of the despair literally brings me to my knees when I think of the reality that so many are now living...they were our babies! And, as Lane said here, those mothers affected are our sisters. Lane's words resonated hard with me. They didn't bring me peace, necessarily, other than the peace that comes with the understanding that we are not alone. Not alone in our thoughts, in our confusion, in our despair.

To those affected by Friday's events, to those all over the world who are dealing with the tragic loss of a child...my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Wonder Box and Kiwi Crate Review: Which One Is Best For You?

Mamas, have you heard of these things?  These by-mail subscription packages where a box of kid-friendly projects (for ages 3-7) is delivered to your house?  

They. Are. Awesome.  And perfect if you (like me) are dreading the after-Christmas influx of crappy toys.  (Really, we don't have the room.)  Instead of _____ (fill in the blank with annoying toy), how 'bout the relatives get your littles something that is not only super-crazy-fun but also helps to keep you sane during the dark days of winter?  A win-win if ever there was one, Mamas. 

I had the opportunity to try two of them:  Wonder Box and Kiwi Crate.  Which one is best for you?  Here are my thoughts on each...

 

Mom Street Style: Lisa Dresses Up Her Day Dress!

Gang!  I love getting emails from readers who successfully used one of our styling techniques.  And Lisa was kind enough to include a pic!

Lisa had emailed me a few weeks ago, asking if I thought the Gap shift dress (originally mentioned here) was fancy enough for a work party.  We both thought that with a bit of glitz and fabulous shoes...it would be.  

Yeah, baby.

(wearing:  Gap Fluid Shirtdress $60 - Lisa's exact pattern is sold out, but Gap has issue new ones...Jessica Simpson pumps $50, Forever 21 earrings - similar $24, Stella and Dot Bracelet - not sure which one, but this is my all-time fav $98)

Lisa said: 

I wore it [the gap shift] to a casual Christmas party last night and here's how it looked.  I was happy with it and it was super comfortable!  Most of the women at the party were in jeans and black or sparkly tops so I'd like to think I was one of the best dressed.  :)  

Lisa, you look gorgeous.  Thank you so much for taking the time to send in a pic!!  (And love the intense look on your little one's face!)

xo,

S

 

Shopping: 10 Gorgeous Statement Necklaces under $100

After a while, all statement necklaces begin to look the same:  a big 'ol jumble of stuff.  But as promised, here are ten of my favorites, all under $100 (most are around $40).  These are the ones that still caught my eye, even after my head exploded from an overabundance of gem.

 

TOP ROW

1.  Anthropologie Frozen Fruit Necklace, $48 

2. House of Harlow 1960 5 Station Necklace in red, $75 

3. Panacea Crystal Collar Necklace, $48 at Nordstroms

 

MIDDLE ROW

4.  Chasca Necklace, $58 at Anthropologie

5. Blue Mondrain Bib Necklace, $38 at Bauble Bar

6. Spring St. Design Group 'Drama' Necklace, $32 at Nordstroms

 

LAST ROW

7. Noir Weave Bib, $36 at Bauble Bar

8. Sabine Multi-Color Statement Necklace, $78

9.  Multistone Slider Cord Necklace, $45 at Express

 

Um.  I promised ten.  And that was only nine.  Here's one more:  

Cara Accessories Roped Necklace, $42 at Nordstroms

I'm totally intriuged by this little sparkler.  I had originally deleted it from the list...but then I keep going back for more.  This might actually be my new favorite?  Sigh.  Fickle, I know.  THIS is why I've been searching for a new statement necklace for years.  I'm totally overwhelmed by choice.  OMG.

xo,

S

ps.  Have you heard of Bauble Bar?  Holy MAMA.  It's page after page of fun little necklaces...most priced oh-so-cheap.  If you are not feeling my picks above, check them out.  But be warned:  it's addicting.

Holiday Style: Wear Red and Green(ish)

My recently purchased red heels are opening up whole new worlds for me, Mamas.  They are just so bright, so festive.  And I've been especially loving them with green...I mean, uh, greenish.

(wearing:  Levis 535 denim leggings $35, J.Crew Cashmere sweater bought on eBay for $40, Aerosoles Tapestry Pump on sale for $50, red sunnies from Madewell or similar here for $48)

Even when my hair isn't cooperating.

I mean, OK.  Donning red heels and lips is hardly the Fashion Surprise of the Century.  And you could, in all honesty, swap out my greenish sweater for virtually any other color and it would be fine.  But because I'm invoking a hint of red&green...this outfit felt so much more Holiday Fun! 

The key, I think, is to change up the shade of green. Go with turquoise-green, olive green, moss green, army green, deep pine green...anything but a true, bright Christmas green.

And since no idea is truly original...I was able to find some amazing examples of other fashiony types doing the red + greenish thing:

Holiday Style: Glam Up Your Momiform (AKA Your Daily Mom Uniform)

Mamas, this is so similar to Sex Up A Day Dress.  Basically, just grab a bunch of glitzy-glam accessories, and pile 'em on!  Add high heels and a clutch, of course.  

The thing about this styling tip that I really, really like is this:  It forces you out of an accessory rut.

Since I really found my own personal style during the minimalist 90's...I tend to be accessory adverse.  If I adorn, it's usually with one statement piece.  Add a belt too?  Crazytown.  I tend to live by that old advice, "look in the mirror and remove one accessory".  It's Coco Chanel, for crying out loud.  How can that be bad?

  The thing is...whenever you start any fashion rule with "always"...you're eventually going to get yourself in trouble.  At some point, somewhere, your own rule will hold you back.  At best, it'll hold you back from experimentation, at worst...15 years later you'll realize that no one else wears hair scrunchies anymore.  Know what I mean?

So experiment.  Especially during the holiday season.  The holidays are filled with so much stuff:  lights, tinsel, glitter, shiny objects, bows, ribbons, BAM BAM POW....you really can't overdo it.  You'll just look...festive.  

So here's how I used a little BAM BAM POW to transform my typical daily momiform into something ready to party...

(wearing Playground:J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Black Watch $68, Levi's 535 skinnies on sale for $35, old boots but found similar on sale for $119)

(wearing Party: shirt above, Stylemint Lola black skinnies $60, Aerosoles Tapestry Pumps in red suede on sale for $49, vintage bag - similar at Target $15, headband is ancient but am loving this one for $38, old Chan Luu necklace but think this would be MUCH better)

A few notes:

• See my statement necklace?  It's hard to see, isn't it?  Like I mentioned the other day, I really need a new one.  The ideal situation is when there's enough contrast between your shirt and your necklace to really make the jewels pop. Dark-on-dark lacks oomph.  
• I love how clean a button-down + necklace looks when buttoned all the way up to the top.  HOWEVER...it's important to show some skin.  So roll up the sleeves.
• Because this outfit is so casual, you can get away with a fancy updo, and still not look stuffy.  (If that's your thing.  I am hair-styling challenged, so I wore mine down.)  It would be fun to see a fancy french twist with a sparkly comb sticking out.  

 

I also asked Cam how she'd take her daily momiform out on the town.  She came back with "how about a graphic tee?"

Yesssssss.  

 (wearing Day: A+ro sweater or similar on sale, Forever 21 tee or similar $15, Jbrand jeggings $118, Steve Madden Troopa boots $99, Timi & Leslie Diaper Bag $155)

(wearing Night:  Forever 21 tee or similar $15, Jbrand jeggings$118, Forever 21 blazer - S loves this one, Express clutch or similar $25, earrings DIY, bracelets Old Navy, Target wedges $30) 

 

There's lots to love about Cam's outfit...here's what jumps out:

• A blazer adds instant sophistication.  Even with a graphic tee, she looks ready to go Out (with a capitol "O").
• Because she's so covered up, I love that she shows a little wrist and ankle.  In fact, her skinnies are so perfectly hemmed (sheistall*cough*amodel*cough)...that I want to run right out to the tailor.
• Again, check out the glitz:  big-girl earrings, shiny bag, glam cuff
• See her shoes? They are colorful, without "matching".  The lesson?  Don't over-think it. 

 

And MAN...that girl can rock a sexy look.  I need to take notes.  After Wednesday's sex-kitten-gone-wrong pose, I attempted to redeem myself.  "Mike, does this look sexy?" I asked:

"Sure, Babe" he responds, shrugging his shoulders.  And then seeing the look on my face he quickly corrects, "I mean YEAH!  Sexy!  Yeah!"

Sigh.  Clearly, I need to practice Cam's glare.  So. Awesome.

xo,

S