Ain't No Mom Jeans

Thoughtful, Simple, Easy - My Gift Picks For Mother's Day

Since I do the majority of planning and gift buying in the family, Mother's Day sometimes feels....overwrought.  I'd rather skip the brunch crowds, skip the garden teas and just stick to something low-key.  Something easy.  Something...and this is the key...that doesn't require my involvement to plan.  

You know?  

Wake me up late with some coffee and a pastry, and maybe a little handmade something from the kids.  (I already gave Mike this box from Kiwi Crate to make it easy).  But I'm not gonna lie:  I do want a little token of appreciation from my husband.  It doesn't have to be big or expensive...just...thoughtful.

So here are my gift picks for Mother's Day...whether you are looking for a little token of appreciation for your own mum, or ideas to send to your hubs.

 

FIRST ROW:

1. Linen Beach Blanket, $48

I started using Aden+Anais linen swaddling wraps for the boy's towels, and I'll never go back to terry.  Linen absorbs water, drys quickly, and fits into a beach bag so much easier.  I'd love to add to a big 'ol family blanket for the beach. 

2. Hepcat Shades, $55 at Madewell

Did I mention that I was featured in Glam Canada's roundup of Moms?  So freaking cool.  Anyway, like I told them, high on my wish list are cool sunnies.  Madewell's Hepcat are my current favs - the apricot would look gorgeous with a tan, but paleface moi should go for the mint.

3. Linen Tote, $134 from Independent Reign on Etsy

I'm dying over this gorgeous bag.  Perfect color, perfect shape.

 

SECOND ROW:

4. Leaves Cuff, $65

Remember when reader Desiree commented that she styles her black maxi dress with wooden jewelry in the summer?  Yeah - this would be perfect. 

5. MoMA Sky Umbrella, $42

I know I've mentioned this before...but it's still my very favorite umbrella.  And I accidentally lost my last one...soooo....Mike?

6. Butterfly Kite, $17

I really love to fly kites, but I'm sick to death of flying the assortment of frogs/planes/crap that the boys like.  Mama wants a pretty kite.  I actually think this would be an amazingly perfect Mother's day - going to the beach to fly kites.  Into the Wind actually sells kites in assortments of three to save some money...and OOO!! This assortment has my butterfly, a jet, and a easy triangle flyer for the littlest one.  It's like it was made for us. 

 

THIRD ROW:

7. Stainless Steel Ice Cubes, $19

For all of you Sav Blanc drinkers.  [smirk]  The Easter Bunny snuck these little babies into my Easter Basket this year, and I LOVE them.  They make my happy on a nightly basis.  

8. Silicone Wine Glasses, $20

Sadly, these bad boys are out of stock.  But they will be back by the end of May (you can sign up to be notified), and I would be happy with an IOU for Mother's Day.  Because OMG picnic perfection, right???

9. Table in a Bag, $50

Mike and I bought this 13 years ago.  It is AWESOME.  It's awesome for picnics in the park, for backyard lounging, and even for entertaining city kids on a balcony.  Incidentally, after 13 years of use, we now need a new one. 

 

LAST ROW:

10.  Cami and Panty Set, $59

Gosh I love this sweet little set from Luvahuva.  So pretty.  (Organic cotton, too!)

11. Chocolate Croissants, Set of 15, $40

Have you ever tried these?  Williams-Sonoma overnight ships these to you, frozen.  You store them in your freezer, and when you are ready to eat, you put them on a baking sheet to let them rise overnight. In the morning, pop them in the oven and voila!  The best chocolate croissants I've had outside of Paris.  

12. Blooming Sound Smartphone Amplifier, $25

In order to play music - properly - in our house, it involves something like 24 different remotes and 2387497 button pushes and 9820985792348283 swears words emitted by me as I attempt to wield said remotes and push buttons.  So when Mike's not home, I usually just play music on my phone.  The boys and I currently rock out using a little lego speaker I got for free at a bank...but this gorgeous Bloom amplifier would KILL IT. 

 

Also, if you missed it, we have a no-clutter gift guide for every stage of motherhood.

Happy Mother's Day, Mamas!!

xoxo

S

And Mamas:  A huge, huge, HUGE thank you for all of your thoughts and comments on the MILF campaign.  I am blown away by your support, your words of wisdom, and your respectful commentary.  Words cannot express how honored I feel that women like you actually take the time to read this blog.  MWAH!

Mom Street Style: Paola's Neon-Chic at the Playground

(wearing: shirt - from TJ Maxx or similar here...vest - J.Crew....scarf - Target....jeans - Banana Republic...boots - Macys or similar here...sunnies - Ray Ban) 

 

Mamas.  I ran into Paola at the playground a few days ago, and loved her take on a playground-momiform.  You know how enamored I am of neon + army green....but with chambray?  Genius! 

Best of all?  After I struck up a conversation, she revealed to me that she is a pretty die-hard bargin shopper.  "You don't need to spend a ton of money," Paola shrugged.  "Just choose the right pieces....carefully."  

Even her small details were thoughtfully picked:  pink lipstick, cool Ray-bans and starfish earrings (which are safe from grabby hands, but still blingy).

But don't expect to find Little Batman's gorgeous Mama in sneakers.  "Augh!  So many big sneakers....everywhere.  Never!  I cannot."  She fixes me with a look.  "You do not have to wear sneakers just because you have kids."

Luckily, I happened to be in my desert boots that day...rather than my usual Converse. But I'll bet Paola was really talking about actual running shoes - the big, soul-less ones that appeared to be the footwear-of-choice at the park.  On that front, I'm with her whole-heartedly.  My real running shoes aren't even all that comfortable unless I'm actually, you know, running.  (And then I'm uncomfortable all over...but for a whole different reason.) 

 

Paola, thanks for being such a good sport, and providing us all with some neon inspiration!  I don't know about the rest of you, but I might need to make a Target run....

xo,

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.

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Mom Street Style: Mary Makes Workwear "Work" At Home

Mamas, reader Mary sent us the following adorable pictures:

She wrote:  

Hello! My name is Mary, and I am the mother of three - 8 months, 2 years, and an almost 4 year old. I found your blog a few weeks ago via Camp Patton, and I have really enjoyed cruising around it since. I happened upon your Mom Street Style feature and thought, what the heck, I will save Molly from having to approach a random stranger : ) My oldest took these pics (and another million, in an attempt to get one or two that wasn't blurry) - I'm wearing Target super skinny black jeans, New York and Co white button down, 5 /48 charcoal grey boyfriend blazer (or similar), black embellished Franco Sarto flats (they have a tiny wedge - similar here)  and Citizen Eco Drive watch. Super comfy, nursing friendly, yet polished for running errands or what have you. 

Nice work, Mary!!  You've put old work basics to good use running around with the kiddos.  And is it just me, or are black jeans having a moment?  I've been LOVING mine...and they suddenly seem to be popping up everywhere. Amazing that they can look so sleek...yet still give off a rocker vibe. Here, Mary uses them to balance the preppy blazer & white shirt combo.  And the popped collars are so chic.  Nice. 

Mary, BTW, is a blogger herself.  She writes the blog, With My Sisters, as a way of keeping in touch.  "My sisters and I are close but geographically distant. I hope to use this space to share what I would if I were with my sisters - books, movies, fashion, makeup, recipes, random facts, life and love advice - you know, girl talk."  

Having a sister, I do know.  What fun.  And I love her seven quick style tips.

Also, in a totally unrelated note, I received an email a while back from a reader asking how to wear black/brown together.  Which I love.  But I'm betting other mamas out there are also rocking the black/brown.  Anyone want to add their two cents?  Send me a pic (and I'll give credit of course) and we'll see if we can pull together a whopper of a black/brown inspiration board.  

Mary, you fabulous Mama, thank you so much for writing in!!

xo,

S

Friday Thoughts....

Never have I seen so much rain, Mamas.  With inexplicably 80+ degree temps.  We're all...uh...steaming?  Is that the right cooking method?

Anyway, the best part about the Philly mainline is that the kiddos are free to play in the (relatively) clean street gutters.  Cause this would ne-eh-eh-ever happened downtown Denver:

 

I know you are wondering about the helmet.  (Or no one is, but I'll tell you anyway.)  P insists, basically.  If big brother is wearing a helmet (to bike, obvi), then P wears one.  Regardless of activity.

 

In any case, there are a few fun things I wanted to share....

Did you catch the article about the Dad who started wearing skirts as a show of solidarity to his son?  Nothing but awesome.  Made my whole day.  

This drool-worthy new maternity line has the most unexpected yet chic accessory:  beaded cuffs

Street Style photag Vanessa Jackman caught this little cutie in a big boy outfit, complete with striped socks and sandals.  Gotta love that.

I may actually buy a pair of Crocs for my guys.  Maybe.  This pair only.  (In black.)

Have you heard about that UnbabyMe app for Facebook?  The one that will delete all baby pictures from your Facebook feed?  It struck me as totally annoying and, well, mean.  Then I read MODG's response and laughed and laughed and laughed....love her.

Lastly, we've been busy blogging over at Mom.me.  M shows how to transition your summer dresses into Fall, I put together five Fall outfits that will do double-duty (work then playdate, for example) and highlighted 8 pieces that will help you hide a first trimester bump at the office. 

Enjoy your weekend!  Our last before Raines starts preschool. (sob!)

xo,

S

ps.  We have some giveaway winners to announce!  Congrats to Tamara of GlowingColor for winning the $50 J.Crew gift card!

And our Common Thread winner never materialized....so our new winner is  Alice McGuin!

Mamas, email us: aintnomomjeans@gmail.com so we can hook you up with your loot!

Giveaway: An Effortlessly Cool Bauble from A Common Thread

Mamas, allow me to introduce my new favorite jewelry designer, Stefanie from A Common Thread.  Stefanie is based in Brooklyn, and makes all of jewelry by hand.  Her ascetic is one part minimalist, one part vintage, and one part sofreakingcool.

I've been wearing her Peter Pan Collar Necklace everywhere - to work, date night, even out with the kiddos (it won't break).

 

Even better?  She's shockingly affordable.  M's first response after perusing her shop? "She should start charging more!  I LOVE."  My necklace (and most others) can be had for $40.  Seriously, Mamas.  Gorgeous little baubles like these...all $40 or under:

Clockwise from top left:

Onyx Triangle Necklace | Delicate Silk Necklace in Red | Brass Bar Necklace | Silver Bird Bracelet | Whistle Statement Necklace | Crochet Rope Necklace with Metal Fringe

Check out her shop.  Everything is fabulous.

Stefanie is offering our readers a giveaway!  A $40 credit to her shop!  Which would pretty much get you...almost anything.  Or a couple-a-somethin'.  

To enter, leave a comment on our Facebook page (or below, if you must...) telling us which of Stefanie's baubles you'd most like to win!

xo,

S

**UPDATE:  The giveaway is now closed! Congrats to our winner, Maggie K-M!!**

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.