Ain't No Mom Jeans

Vacation Withdrawal

Oh how looooong the week back from vacation can seem!  We had a dynamite trip to Dave’s home state of Michigan, and it’s hard to get back in the groove after having so much relaxation and entertainment wrapped up into 10 days—what with older cousins entertaining our kids non-stop, jumping off of boats into crystalline lakes, running down mind-blowingly huge sand dunes and having time with friends and family, not to mention fireworks and a ladies-night jaunt to see Magic Mike (awesome and not at all squicky sitting next to your MIL through that one!).

Shop Your Closet: Layer a Short Dress Over a Maxi

Mamas, I have to give credit where credit is due, and this idea came primarily from Stylemint, whose stylists paired the Broadway Dress over a long maxi:

(photo credit: Stylemint Broadway Dress)

I saw this and thought, well, hunh.  Interesting.

Interesting, because I have a problem dress.  It's a t-shirt style dress, and happens to be a maxi-length.  It also happens to look, according to Raines, like a nightgown.  And once that thought is in your head, there's no turning back.  

Buh-bye dress.  Right?

Except...this damn dress is comfortable, I can nurse, and it sorta obscures any poochiness....so I find myself rescuing it from the donate box and re-hanging it in my closet.  Only to try it back on, realize that it is best accessorized with slippers and a teddy (as in bear) and fling it, annoyed, back into the donate box.  Repeat...49857343094872093 times.

I mostly hate this dress.

Unfortunately for me, this dress' fate is now sealed.  I now love it under my little Target shift dress, which can be too short for some mom-life situations (not riding a scooter, mind you). 

(wearing: Jason Wu for Target jersey dress, J.Crew Factory Striped Maxi dress - here's a much cuter one, Jessica Simpson gold sandals - similar, bracelet c/o LOFT - similar)

Now whenever I'm in the middle of a crazed closet-purge, I won't be able to part with this truly stupid dress.  Instead I'll remember this outfit and be all like, "oh wait!  I have that one outfit I can wear this nightgown with!  Yessssssssss....success."

But seriously!  This trick is a good one!  It's basically an easy (and comfy) way to make a shorter, sexier dress a bit more manageable.

One final example: 

(wearing: Velvet Harden Knit Mini dress, Target maxi skirt, Salt sunnies)

 

Almost looks like loungewear, right?  Yup.  Feels like it too.  And what do we say when we find a respectable outfit that feels like sweats?

C'mon Mamas, say it with me:  Yesssssssssss.....success.

xo,

S

DISCLAIMER:  Mamas, if you own (and love) that striped J. Crew factory dress, I have no doubt that it looks much better on you than it does on me.  On me, there's just something about the way it falls that screams take-me-to-bed-in-a-purely-platonic-way!!!  

Reader Question: A Post-Partum Mom Needs a Cute Camping Outfit

Reader Question:

Dear M&S,
I have a fashion dilemma. My husband, who is turning 30 on May 5, wants to have a birthday weekend camp out. The plan is to get a big group camping site and invite 50 or so of our closest friends out to set up tents, roast weenies and drink beer. 

Now I've camped, a lot; but what I haven't done is camped and been a hostess (much less camped and fixed my hair or worn much more than a bikini and shorts). Also, did I mention that at the time of the party I will be 6 months postpartum and probably not in a bikini wearing state of mind? Also, many of the guests will be coming in from out of town-- some of whom I haven't seen since our wedding, including my photographer friend who has promised to come, camera in hand. 

What I really need are some ideas for a cute, put together yet cool and unfussy looking outfit (*ahem* that I can nurse in). I know it might seem like a tall order, but I'm sure you two can handle it because you ladies are geniuses!

Thanks so much for your wonderful blog and keep up the good work!

Sincerely,
Jen

 

Answer:

Jen, thanks for writing in!  Your little shindig sounds like a blast.  And while a bikini and cut-offs are perfect for this kind of thing...at 6 months post-partum...wow.  That is tough. Tell your photographer friend to brush up on her photoshop skills.

But...you do have options.  The key is pulling something together that is comfortable, practical, hides the pooch, yet makes you feel (and look) like a young, fun, hip mama who is up for camping at 6 months post-partum!  Rock on, Chick.  (And BTW?  It's called Glamping.  Glam Camping - get it?  I did not make that up.  It's a thing. I swear.)

My strategy?  To distract from the pooch with legs and/or shoulders. But do it in a completely casual, nonchalant way.  Like..."Hell yeah, I'm out camping.  Yeah, the babe's only 6 months. Yeah, I'm showing some leg...and/or my seriously great rack. I know, I know - you all wanna start having babies now cause I'm just makin' this look eeee-zeee."  

My first thought?  Cut-offs.  Pair 'em with flops or sandals if it's hot, or rainboots if the weather turns.  This outfit would be perfection:

(photo credit: Piperlime, 360 Sweater's Lital Short Sleeve Sweater)

 

Here's how I'd do it post-partum:

• Beat-up cut-offs?  Check.  (Heck, these could even be your old maternity jeans.)
• Black Nursing Shaping Cami?  Yup.
• Lightweight, pooch-hiding sweater?  Check.
• A cool bracelet or two?  Perfect.

I'd pair this outfit with my favorite Reef flip-flops, but since you are camping, you could even pair this with a sportier sandal, if so inclined.  These Keens aren't bad:

Shop Your Closet: Wear a Dress With Pants

Yup.  We're here again.  Anyone as old as I will remember this trend quite clearly.  First we donned dresses over bootcut denim, then gravitated to skinnies.  Remember?

Now...I'm really liking dresses over flares.

There's such a fab 70's vibe going on (still), that a flowy dress over flares just feels...right.  

Reader Question | Spring Getaway With the Girls

Ahhhh. . . the sun. . . the surf. . . the sleeping in past 7:30 AM.  There's nothing like a spring getaway, Mamas, especially when you haven't been anywhere with your BFFs in 5+ years and you've spent much of that time being pregnant, recovering from pregnancy and coping with sleepless nights and the near-total dependence that defines early child-rearing.  We all need a vacay, chicks, so let's take a moment to live vicariously through ANMJ reader Susan, who wrote in with the following dilemma (which I'm sure we're all too familiar with):

Hi Mommas,
I love reading your blog and I was struck by your recent post about quality over quantity. I have a girls' getaway to Florida coming up and it's the first time I'm flying somewhere fun in over 5 years (and leaving my 4 and almost 2 year old for more than one night). I had just loaded up my Old Navy shopping cart with lots of cheapy items figuring I could pull some looks together, but luckily I read your post before hitting the order button. So can you help me? I'm going for two and a half days which will probably include pool time, kayaking, drinks, dinner, and who knows what. I would love to travel light and use this as an opportunity to start rebuilding my spring and summer wardrobe. I'm almost back to my pre-baby weight, but things sure don't look the way they used to! A swimsuit is of special concern, since my one piece and baggy tankinis seem matronly, but I don't know if I'm all out ready to sport a bikini yet.
Many thanks!

Susan, you so clearly deserve a spring break!  I've put together a capsule vacation wardrobe of items that are highly interchangeable, giving you tons of looks, but letting you pack light, which will go the distance both on vacay and when you come home.

 

Get Away Help by dynamama featuring a polka dot hat

 

Please first excuse me for including a $500 canvas bag as an accessory.  Handbags are my kryptonite.  I seriously cannot help myself.  Please ignore this specific bag and shop around a bit for something like it--something roomy, neutral, textured, and summery.  A bag like this (or maybe this very one, when it goes on sale) would be perfect with absolutely everything, spring through summer and probably into the early months of fall.  And I cannot imagine a time or place (maybe a zombie apocalypse a la "Walking Dead"?) when a bag like this would not be appropriate or in style.  It's perfect.  Except the price point.  I drool even as I digress.

Anywho, on to the quality.  Many women never go back to bikinis after babes, what with loose skin, stretch marks, mummy tummys and the like, and that's always been a symbolic (and kinda sad) turning point in many a mama's life.  But in yet another stroke of fabulous luck for the mommy set (first it's flats, then drapey tops, flippin' high rise jeans for tucking in muffin tops for Pete's sake, and now. . . drum roll, please. . . ), one-piece suits are back in style with a vengeance.  Meaning, not only will you be in fine company with one-piece-wearing college coeds on the beach, you will also have a lot more flattering, youthful suits to choose from.  I've chosen just two.  First, the Vince Camuto snakeskin, to show you how ca-razy hot a one-piece can be these days--throw the Athleta Ad Hoc skirt on over it and you're off to cocktails by the pool.  And second, a fab J.Crew suit with heavy ruching (to disguise a potential pooch and other such mom torso quandaries) provides nice coverage and support for kayaking with the chicks and playing at the pool with the kiddos this summer.

Next up is a fab boy shirt that has the potential to become your favorite go-to basic.  On vacation--and at home this spring!--wear it over a white tank to pop a neutral printed jean like these yummy 7 For All Mankind cropped skinnies.  With flat sandals and the shirt half-tucked or thrown over your shoulders, this ensemble is ready for travel day to and from cooler climes, or for a day of shopping/errands/casual Friday.  Throw it on over your suit as a preppy cover up on the beach, give your denim cutoffs a more polished feel, or wear it belted over the J.Crew engineer striped maxi with a straw fedora if you run into a hazy day--you'll still look resort-ready.

The 7 For All Mankind Ikat print crop jeans may look a little crazy, but the printed denim trend is so fun that I can't see it going anywhere soon.  Treat this pair like khakis, but also play with them.  Nordies has them styled with a French dot peasant blouse, or I'm thinking this gorgeous J.Crew Natasha in crinkled silk chiffon would be perfect for a more creative work environment, lunch with the girls, Mothers Day brunch and the like.  I love how they look with coral, tangerine, electric blue and neon yellow, too.

If you want to invest in a few fabulous, comfortable tees, Splendid is your best bet.  Splendidly soft, they wear well and keep their shape and color.  I usually don't pay full price for more basic Splendid items like tanks and basic tees, however--there's often a good stock of it at Nordstrom Rack (am I a Nordstrom fanatic?  Yes.  Yes, I think I am) and I never regret picking up a few pieces when I see it--but items like this Beach Blanket top usually do sell out.  You can easily dress this top down with cutoffs as shown, or up with white skinnies or a sherberty pencil skirt and wedges.

I am in love with the J.Crew column maxi.  I love the preppy navy stripe, which still somehow manages to be sophisticated and sexy, the blouson top is highly mom-friendly (perfect for nursing mamas!), a classic style like this will look current for at least a few years to come, and the length makes it perfect for chasing kiddos without flashing undies.  It will look equally fabulous in the cooler months of spring with a white oxford or the Indian voile boy shirt belted over it as it will stripped down to the minimum during the dog days of summer.

Perhaps you are shocked that I am writing up something from Athleta.  I am too.  It sure doesn't look like much on the hangar, but this Ad Hoc skirt is definitely going to be a summer staple for me.  And if I ever get to take a vacation, it will be wadded up and scrunched into a tiny corner of my bag.  The Tencel/Lyocell blend means it's super-duper soft and comfortable, breathable, fast-drying and won't wrinkle or smell.  The "ad hoc" part is this--it can be worn in a number of ways: as a long skirt, as a high-low skirt (turn the drawstring ruching to the front and pull), a short skirt (fold the ruched top band over) as a strapless dress and as a halter dress (super-sexy).  I'm sure there are other configurations I haven't thought of, but this is a seriously versatile and travel-friendly wardrobe item.  It looks just as good as a pool cover up as it does as a cocktail dress (add strappy sandals, some fab accessories and pull your beachy hair into a messy bun). At home, I bet you could even pull it out from under that pile of laundry that's been sitting there since last week and it would still look pretty hot.

To wrap it all up and keep your bag from busting, pack light on the shoes.  I love these braided "Friendship" Corso Como sandals and they'll pop with everything here.  I'd add a pair of TOMS or some lightweight sneaks and Havaianas or Reef flops for versatility since they pack flat, or a fab pair of sling back wedges would be great too, if you're planning to spend time off the resort in an actual city.

Susan, I truly hope this helps.  A capsule wardrobe like this can get you through not just two-and-a-half days, but with a few minor additions, a whole spring and summer.  Have a great time on your spring getaway with the girls!

- M.

 

 

 

 

Reader Question: Easy Ways To Wear Green For the St. Patrick's Day Party Pooper

Every party has a pooper and on St. Patrick's Day that's me. Seriously.  I love the day:  the parades, the beer, the greasy food - really what's not to love?  But I hate the expectation to wear green, or some stupid button that reads "Kiss Me I'm Irish".   But people get SERIOUS about their St. Patrick's Day outfits.  And the few times I've ventured out without the requisite green (apparently army green doesn't count) I have gotten pinched.  So annoying. 

(I've learned my lesson.  Last year, en route to Denver's parade, I stuck on a greenish scarf.  And earrings!  My earrings have a green stone!  See?  I'm making an attempt...and I love how comfortable R looks.  Snort.  He really, really, really wanted to hold on to that bar.)

So I could identify with reader Beth's St. Patrick's Day conundrum:

Living right outside Boston and having a husband who is 100% Irish (his mom immigrated here when she was 10) means this is a big one for us. Up until now, my kiddos were young and we didn't partake too much in festivities - if we did, I was too tired to care about what I was wearing. 

This year it falls on a Saturday which means all sorts of festivities are going on around here. So what does a mama wear to a parade in the AM and then an adult party in the PM? For the party the invite says to wear "Your best green or festive attire". That is a nightmare for me - I don't like green - my limited (and I do mean limited - waiting for you guys to offer the consultations -but I will save that for another email) wardrobe is mostly neutrals - jeans, and lots and lots of black....somehow I don’t think the hosts are thinking of a black cocktail dress.

Any thoughts are appreciated. I asked my husband for his thoughts and he suggested I just wear my green Hanky Panky thongs under my jeans and call it a day...SIGH...

Um.  I do like your husband's suggestion, LOL!  But seriously - I would just wear something easy and cute, and throw in a green accessory or two.  Here are a few items that would help poopers like us prevent the pinches without having to store a Luck 'o the Irish!! t-shirt all year long. 

Reader Question: A Stylish Way To Stay Warm in a Bridesmaid Dress?

Reader Question:

Hi mamas,
I have to thank you again for your amazing blog and how much more confident I feel about how I look. It was a pretty big ego boost to be on your blog for my "punk librarian" date outfit! But I really need help now. My sister is getting married in March and I am her matron of honor. I picked out this dress and love the way I look in it, and I love the pretty charcoal color my sister picked for the bridesmaids' dresses.

However, it hit me last night that this being an evening wedding, I may freeze my butt off in a one-shouldered dress during the reception. It can be either warm and springy or cold and miserable here in March, so I want to be prepared. Can you suggest something I could wear that would stay on while I am chasing my 2-year-old, looks cute and goes well with the dress? I need you guys, I am not a satin bolero jacket or chiffon wrap person! (Well, I could do some kind of wrap, but I need help styling it. I am lost.)
 
Much love,
Shannon

 

Answer:

Hi Shannon!  So nice to hear from you!  And I laughed out loud reading your question - my sister is also getting married.  I am also the "matron" of honor (I hate that word).  Aaaand, we are also wearing gray.  In fact, I have, hanging in my closet, a very similar dress that I was trying on for her wedding (but is going back - love how it vees at the pooch and hits at the widest part of my calves.  Snort.).  

So instead of a collage, I thought I'd play around with that dress (let's ignore its shortfalls, shall we?) to see if I could warm it up in a chic and practical way.  Here's the dress:

And here's what I came up with:

Festive Holiday Styling for Lazy Mamas: Four Day-to-Night Outfit Ideas

Cookie swaps, champagne brunches, dinner parties, gift exchanges, kid's pageants and a myriad of other festive occasions.  Sound familiar?  The kind of occasions where you want to look festive and fun...but a cocktail dress would be overkill.  And your definition of "festive" doesn't include this:

 

Although, to be honest, I would totally rock this one with teeny, tiny tuxedo shorts and lace tights:

 

In an ironic way?  Funny, right?  HA HA...ha?

Ok.

My point: There are a few styling tricks that I turn to all Holiday season long when I want to look "festive".  Really, I should've named this post, "Captain Obvious' Tips For Festivus Style"...cause there is nothing earth-shattering here.  But if you are busy (yes), tired (oh, yes) and prone to faking illness *cough* instead of venturing outside when the temperature dips (hi have we met?), then here are a few ideas for getting your holiday groove on.

Reader Question: Red Cocktail Dress, Styled 5 Different Ways

Reader Question:

I have been thinking about the company Christmas Party my husband's work throws each year.  The dress code is semi formal AND family friendly (read-bring the toddler and baby along for some Santa time).  How in the world does a mom pull off semi-formal mom-style?

The other obstacles- a tight budget and a mindful husband. When I told him I had started looking at dresses  and outfit ideas he asked me, "What's wrong with the one you wore last year?" Um, I wore it last year.  And it is red.  It is my only semi-formal occasion-worthy article of clothing.

I'm sure I can convince him that a new dress is a good idea, especially if I get something like a LBD that I can change the look of with accessories.  But if I can't afford a new dress, what can I do to change up the one I already have?  I wore a black cropped cardigan with it last year since it was December and I had a brand new baby bump growing.

This is me in the dress.  It hits just above the knees and is not so tight it reveals pooch, but is fitted for a flattering shape.  Hopefully it gives you something to work with.  Did I mention I love the color?

Any ideas?

Thanks a bunch!

Ashley

Answer:

Ashley - What a cute family pic!  I love that the little one has such a scowl on his face - so cute!!  

Your question was the one that inspired our Holiday Cocktail Dresses for Moms roundup.  There are some ah-mazing dresses to choose from this season.  BUT...in the event that you decide to get a little creative with your existing wardrobe, here's a bit of inspiration.

One note:  In the upcoming collages, I purposely picked a dress that I found a bit....boring.  I'm trying to show that even a plain dress can look gorgeous with the right accessories.  

Reader Question - How to Add Flare to Basics and Still Pack Light

Reader Question:

My husband and I are going to Italy in October for a week (my 40th bday) and I'd like some thoughts on how to give my uniform/basics/classics a slightly more sophisticated flare (and still pack pretty lightly). Any ideas (um, I'm always open to making a few good purchases)? 

- Jodi