Ain't No Mom Jeans

My Summer Mom-Uniform Edit

Awkward Mom shorts.  That's my summer momiform edit.

No, not really. 

  (wearing: tee...belt c/o Lucky Brand...shorts - old, but here's the same style in brown...sandals -awesomely comfortable...bracelets - old Chan Luu but here's my new fav and Lindsay Bloom gold bangles...backpack)

 

I've been playing around with different lengths of shorts...but the jury is still out, Mamas.  I'm not sure I love this mid-length.  I'll probably go back to rolling them up.

Anyway, my summer momiform (heck, my year-round momiform) consists of some kind of tee (give or take sleeves, depending on the season) plus denim.  Like I mentioned last year in our Summer Style Rules article, I primarily rely on a cool shoe + bag combo to keep things interesting in the summer months. (If you missed it, my 2013 sandal picks are here...and bags picks are coming soon!)

But I have two accessory additions to the summer momiform this year:  patterned belts and statement sunglasses. 

Mom Street Style: Holly's Year of Fabulous Rocks My World

Are you guys ready for this???? I mean seriously, Mamas, I hope you have a few extra minutes (or an hour) because Holly, above, has the BEST idea for a mom fashion blog. 

Holly's blog is called My Year of Fabulous, and has the following mission statement: 

To look my best every single day for a year or die trying.  I will completely embody twelve looks, one look per month, in my quest to find a style that works for me.  In the process, I hope to rid myself of total fashion intimidation and break free of a life long clothing rut.

She's currently on her boho month, but has tried rocker, mod, and Euro chic.  Isn't that a great idea?  But here's the best part:  This chick is funny.  Check out her blog banner:

Oh Holly.  That is, indeed, fabulous.

In addition to her fashion experiments (with titles like Bohemian Poncho or Oversized Dinner Napkin?  You Decide!) she also throws down some really sage advice on how to achieve the Bohemian look:

...all you have to do is channel the ultimate icon for Bohemian style Stevie Nicks.  Let Stevie be the poet in your shopping heart and if you can’t picture yourself in something on stage, tambourine in hand, belting out “Landslide” – it’s not Bohemian and it’s not for you.

Holly is craft-impaired (we have this in common) and was recently confused by a Starbucks barista as being her son's older sister, rather than his mom.  (We do NOT have this in common.)  But she's not letting it go to her head.  She realizes that "the Starbucks counter is deceptively wide.  Instead of the standard two feet, Starbucks employees are actually taking your order from space, hence, the fuzzy visibility."

And, BTW, her style is real, practical, genuine, thrifty, and TONS of fun.  One of my new favorite blogs.

Holly, thanks SO much for writing in!!  I'm now a huge fan.

xoxo,

S

How We Wear It: The Basic V-Neck Sweater

Mamas!!  We're starting a new monthly series called How We Wear It, where *we* show all of the different ways we're rocking a wardrobe basic.  And by "we" I mean...all y'all.   If there was One. Thing. you readers communicated LOUD AND CLEAR via our survey, it's this:  You want to see a wider range of body types represented here on ANMJ.  

So.  I'll show you how I've been styling my old standbys, and so will Cam.  And then, dear readers, we want to hear from YOU.  You can play along via our Linky party at the bottom (you can sign up at the bottom of this article or on Cam's page), you can send us a email (send it to either Cam or I), upload a pic to ANMJ's Facebook page, or use Instagram with the hashtag: #howwewearit.  As reader pics come in, I'll be keeping this page up-to-date.

Ready?  

Holiday Style: Sex Up a Day Dress

I told Mike (hubs) the title of this article.  His eyes lit up and he was all, "do something sexy, Babe!"  So I did this:

 

Sigh.  Why didn't I just do a pouty duckface? (bangs head on desk) This blog is humbling.  Like a beginning ballet class for adults.

Anyway...let's chat about sexing up a day dress!!  All you need (besides the dress) is a random assortment of:

1.  Something glittery or shiny (necklaces, bracelets, etc.)

2.  Something furry

3.  Sexy tights

4.  High Heels

5.  A belt

6.  A little party clutch 

7.  Big-girl makeup (lipstick, smokey eyes, whatever)

Pick and choose two or three (or four) from the list above, and BAM.  It's party-time.  

This (admittedly haphazard) approach works shockingly well with a wide variety of day dresses.  Wanna see?  Here's how we're taking a few day dresses into our night-time rotation....

Day:  

  J.Crew tunic - similar at Gap, J.Crew striped tissue turtleneck, leggings, Dolce Vita Java booties now on sale for $75!

Night 1:  

J.Crew tunic - similar at Gap, J.Crew skinny belt, Plush fleece-lined tights (so warm!), Nina glitter pumps now on sale for $55, arm party of Stella and Dot 1 and 2, as well as this and this similar bracelets from LOFT, vintage bag - similar at Target!

Night 2:

J.Crew tunic - similar at Gap, Wolford tights - similar, Nine West Booties - similar, Etsy earrings, vintage bag - or check out this gorgeousness, Lindsay Bloom cocktail ring

 

 

Ready for another example?  Next up is that James Perse sweatshirt dress that we first talked about here.  Yes...a sweatshirt dress.   Totally my speed.

*A note about the bubble necklace below.  There are a ton of low-cost iterations (including ebay, where I purchased mine)...but these pieces are everywhere - it's now an over-saturated market.  Expect to walk into any holiday party and see several.  I'm now on the hunt for a new statement necklace.  Anyone else interested in my finds?

 

Day:

James Perse Sweatshirt dress, boyfriend cardigan c/o Goddis Knits, Plush fleece-lined tights, Gray Desert boots c/o Clarks, Gap men's scarf

Night 1:

 James Perse Sweatshirt dress, J.Crew glitter bag (similar) and bubble necklace (here's a cheaper version for $29), Plush fleece-lined tights, Nine West Booties - similar, Lindsay Bloom gold bangles, discontinued Stella and Dot earrings - here's similar

Night 2: 

James Perse Sweatshirt dress, Wolford tights - similar, vintage bag - or check out this gorgeousness, Nine West Booties - similar, Etsy earrings

 

Lastly, I asked Camille from Life in Modification to weigh in.  To see how she'd take a day dress into night.  Cam went a vintage-y / understated route, and the resulting look is quite pretty.  It's amazing to see how a faux-fur collar adds so much sophistication and romance - very Grace Kelly, no?  Love the midi length, also.

Day: 

 

eShakti dress (fyi, it was customizable), AE cardi, Hush Puppies moto boots - similar, Target tights 

 

Night:

eShakti dress, Old Navy coat - similar, Target tights, Steve Madden pumps - similar

Thanks, Cam!  Ok Mamas - thoughts?  You like?

xo,

S

 

 

 

 

Shop Your Closet: Winterize Your Maxi Dress

I know we've talked about winterizing maxi dresses before.  And I especially loved reader Amber's method for shortening hers.  But.  Sometimes, the details matter.  And if you don't have that one specific necklace, or a jacket *quite* like the one in your inspiration pic...the outfit doesn't seem to come together.  

This was the case with my stand-by J.Crew maxi.  I just couldn't seem to winterize it in an interesting, yet comfortable way.  And then I found these old pics.

These pics are actually from last Fall.  I had somehow forgotten to post them.  Even worse, I also forgot the styling that I had already worked out.  Sigh.  Mom brain?  I suspect that the whole skirt knotting thing must have been in the back of my mind when I was styling Sarah's maternity maxi dress recently.

Anyway.  My issue with this particular maxi dress is that when covered up, it's pretty snooze-worthy.  The fabulous drape gets lost, as does the waist, as does the sexy flash of bare shoulder.  Additionally, I have trouble with boots and maxi dresses.  Sandals always work, but boots?  So often they look strange.  And nothing was cohesive.  It looked like I was wearing a very boring, too-summer-y dress with a long cardigan and clumpy shoes.  I hate when my outfits scream I AM DETERMINED TO WEAR THIS SUMMER DRESS IN WINTER BECAUSE I AM A CREATIVE FASHION BLOGGING TYPE. 

You know?

(wearing: J.Crew Aimee Maxi dress and scarf, ancient long cardigan and belt, Banana Republic boots - but am thinking these would be rad, fringed bag - another cool one, Plush tights)

 

So here's the thing:  The knot helps to reveal that I'm actually wearing cute boots.  This year, I'll probably swap out the tall boots for ankle booties.  But either one works.

The belt helps to define my waist (even under a washed-too-many-times cardigan) and the ruggedness of the belt keeps things cohesive.  The overall take-away is Fall, not Summer-wanting-to-be-Fall.

A cute bag and a woolly scarf tie finish off the look.

Mamas, are you still wearing your maxi dresses?  Any other styling ideas?

xo,

S

Reader Q | Can A Pregnant Mama Wear a Casual Maxi Dress To A Wedding?

Reader Question:

Hi, My husband and I are invited to attend a black tie optional wedding in late August in Boston. I will be 35 weeks pregnant with our second and totally unsure of what to wear that will be appropriate and feel comfortable (who knows if the church is air conditioned, but it will be a full Greek-orthodox ceremony, so it'll be long). Some friends have suggested just wearing my black maxi dress from the Gap, but that seems woefully informal. Others keep suggesting things that are strapless. And though my milk hasn't come in, I am a girl who clearly needs straps on a top these days. Big straps. Any advice on shoes that will work for my feet which will likely be a bit swollen by that point would also be welcome!

Thanks!

Sarah

Answer:

Can a pregnant mama get away with wearing a very casual maxi dress to a wedding?  Especially a black-tie wedding?  I've seen this question pop up in forums around the web, and the answers are discouragingly inconsistent.  Some say "Go for it!  You a growing a human!!"  Others are horrified by the thought.

My initial reaction?  Your words of "woefully informal" sum it up nicely.  But...MAN.  35 weeks pregnant?  How ANNOYING to have to buy ANYTHING at that point.  Especially a black-tie dress that will (most likely) never be worn again.  

Happily, one of my oldest and dearest friends was struggling with this exact question.  (Oddly enough, her name is also Sarah.)  She is also pregnant, and needed help finding something to wear to my sister's wedding....also "black-tie invited".  And this is her third and last pregnancy, so trust me when I say that buying a new dress was her last choice.

So.  Just like in 7th grade, we played dress up.  Here's what we tried, what didn't work....and what Sarah ended up wearing to my sister's wedding....

Attempt 1:  Belted and Pearled

Sarah looks very nice here, but there is something about this outfit that still reads too casual for a wedding.  Despite the fact that the belt is patent leather, I think it's causing problems.  And we tried to offset the casual dress by piling on the jewelry.  However, the necklaces are too much, and the bracelet seems like an afterthought.

We both voted no.  Next...

Reader Q | What An Engineer Wears To Work in the Summer

Mamas, I recieved this email from reader Tracy:

Here's my challenge.  I'm an aerospace systems engineer (yes, you MAY call me Madame Rocket Scientist) in Pasadena, CA and I have no idea what to wear to work when the weather gets hot.  Oh, did I mention California?  Yes, it will be 80-105 degrees here from now until November.  That's half a year by my Excel spreadsheet calculations.  My workplace is actually pretty casual, but the managers certainly dress nicer, and I've always heard you should dress like who you aspire to be at work.  So, what to wear when skin is in season at the beach/park, but no so for those of us sweltering in their desk chair? Cut-offs, short skirts, flip flops, maxi dresses (any that scream "I'd rather be on a tropical island than here in this meeting with all of you!), bare arms, etc. are really not options.  And, I am of course up to my elbows in mommy-mode (and other disgustingness) immediately before and after work so everything has to be kiddo friendly. 

 

Tracy, I have a soft spot in my heart for geeks.  Geeks who mention aerospace, spreadsheets and fashion?  We should be BFFs.

As you know, engineering is a funny field from a dress-code perspective.  It's not as conservative, as, say, some crusty old law firm, but neither is it consider creative, like marketing or a hip ad agency.  And while my company flirted with a denim dress code in the heady dot-com days, the pendulum seems to be swinging back to fairly conservative roots. 

Personally, I tend to favor a professional look, with touches of casual ease thrown in (especially in the summer).  Here's a weeks worth of outfits:

MONDAY:  Cheap, Modest, Summer Dresses

(wearing:  Target dress, J. Crew belt, Marc Jacobs heels)

A few of my favorite places to find cotton summer dresses include Target, Shabby Apple, Modcloth, and  Forever 21.  Look for classic cuts with a bit of a sleeve in dark, conservative colors.  I keep them professional with belts and closed-toe heels, and add cardigans (or blazers) to battle the air conditioning.  The second I leave work I strip off the outer layer, and just run around in what is really just a cheap little cotton summer dress.  Sometimes I'll even change into flip-flops.  

NOTE:  When buying cheap, you sometimes sacrifice fit.  The Target dress above cost me $24, plus another $40 in alterations.  Considering how many times I've worn what became a $64 dress, the CPW (cost-per-wear) is still in the pennies.

 

Mom Street Style | Michelle's Non-Maternity Fabulousness

Mamas, meet Michelle.  She was just walking by my house as I pulled up in front with three sleepy/cranky babes in tow.  I almost let her get away, then mustered up some courage and accosted her with something like, "Hey!  Are you pregnant!?  You're so cute!  Can I take a picture of you?" 

Remarkably, Michelle didn't high-tail it down the street.  Maybe she figured I could out-run her given she's getting into her third trimester (I know, you can barely even tell, right!?) . . . Or maybe having a car full of kids makes you seem trustworthy in spite of the crazy stuff that actually comes out of your mouth.  Not sure.  I explained the why-for and, even though she was on her way back to work from lunch, she stopped for a quick snap and chat.  Thank goodness.  Because really.  This mama-to-be is AH-dorable.    

This black/cognac combo is one of my absolute favs, and set off with a denim jacket or vest and fab shoes, it's even better.  I love that Michelle re-purposed a non-maternity Club Monaco strapless dress, creating a waist with the contrasting skinny belt, and spent her money smartly on these lovely Paso Fino sandals from Anthro. 

The truism that you can never go wrong with a great pair of shoes or a yummy handbag is even truer when you're prego. 

- M.

Reader Question | Can This Boot-Obsessed Mama Wear Her Boots All Summer? (Without looking ridiculous)

Reader Question:

I am writing in with a little style quandary that was inspired by your recent Style Rules for Moms part 1 – “if your bag is big and dark and leather, rethink the bag”.

It got my wheels turning, and made me realize I may be breaking a similar carnal sin - Wearing too wintery of a boot once the ice cream trucks are in full swing and the Hydrangea's start a-blooming.   While I always pack away the non-negotiably winter boot (black, over-the-knee, etc) I have one pair I just can’t seem to let go of for a whole season.  I invested in a pair of Fryes a few years ago, (specifically, the Carmen Harness Tall, in Brown), and ever since,  I think I may be guilty of wearing these bad boys a little TOO often.  I seldom put them away, even in the summer, and have been known to pair them with little sundresses  (even though I suspect the “boots + sundress” look might be slightly too Lilith fair 1994 for me to pull off at nearly 35 years of age..) 

Anywho,  I LIVE for these boots.   I wear them with EVERYTHING.  In the attached pics, you will see them worn last April (when I was 8 months pregnant):  

You will see the Frye Boots on the BEACH, in the sand,  in MAY.   Gasp!  I KNOW. 

See? I think I have a boot problem.

I have had my eye on ANOTHER version of the SAME boots, the Carmen Harness short, in a sand or buff color, in the hopes that maybe that would be a little more acceptable in the warmer months to come?   

Is this terribly misguided?  Am I boot blinded?   Save me.  Can I wear this kind of boot with a summery dress?  I love the way the slouchy distressed boot adds balance to my 5’10, size ten footed, size 12-14 bod.  And while I love the look of the shoes you posted last week, I fear the look might not work on my frame.  I tried the Madewells Whistlestop sandal you featured, they don’t work for me.  Not enough heel maybe, and I felt like they made my legs look stubby.  I need a little more of a heel, or else I feel like I walk like Shrek.     

- Sarah

 

Answer:

Sooooo....High Tops? For Moms?

Mamas, have you noticed the whole high-top sneaker trend?  It seems to be growing.  I had peripherally noticed it a while back, but didn't really...well..care.  Until I was totally charmed by Refinery 29's feature of Elettra Wiedemann:

Those are some serious shoes (Monika Chiang sneakers, to be precise).  But paired with black skinnies and a silky blouse...they're cute.  Like...really, really cute, without veering into puppies and kittens cute.  Sleek-cute.

For the first time, uh, EVER, I found myself coveting a pair of serious high-tops. But, you know, not seriously.  Cause...I mean...well...look at 'em!  Seriously?

I just couldn't commit the cash to such a big, dark, sneaker.  At the time, I could think of exactly ONE way those babies would look amazing...and Elettra's wearing it.   

But high-tops continued to pop up on my radar....and Mamas, I actually own a pair (sort of).  Converse high-tops - they count, right?  I typically wear them under something (last seen under my printed Paige skinny jeans)...but buoyed by Elettra's outfit, I resolved to not just wear them, but to show-off the actual High-Top.

But first, my high-top sneaker inspiration board: