Ain't No Mom Jeans

The Three Fall Transition Outfits I Can't Stop Wearing

We had a fabulous Labor Day weekend.  Saturday, we went to the shore (natch) and on Sunday?  It rained.  I mean the heavens opened and it poured.  Great, big, fat, sopping-wet raindrops.  And we loved it.  We splashed in puddles (Pax rolled in them) and then we all came inside for hot chocolate and pancakes.  A perfect way to welcome September.

Raines starts pre-school week after next, and already my mind is turning to cool nights, crunching leaves and that slightly smokey smell of Fall air.  Ooooo....so excited.

However, the temps are staying firmly in the 80's over here.  With cah-razy humidity.  So here's what I've been wearing to satisfy my Fall cravings, without drowning in sweat.  

Swap Cut-Offs For Cold-Weather Shorts, Add Booties

You know I love my cut-offs.  But on days when I'm really craving Fall, I swap 'em out for something more substantial.  Personally, I love faux-leather (mine were $15 from Forever 21), but a cool tweed short would also work.  Add ankle boots for a perfect early-Fall pairing.

My boys have suddenly turned crazytown.  They never, EVER, stop.

(wearing: tee from Anthropologie, faux-leather shorts from Forever 21, Clarks booties - similar here, fringe bag from Piperlime - similar here)

 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

This is a little embarrassing.  S. and I discussed a top-five list from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview, and as I poured over the catalog, I just.  Couldn't.  Stop.  Which isn't really news, since this is the sale, all year long, that I truly look forward to. 

Fall is all about the details: texture, pattern and rich, saturated colors.  And as usual, Nordstrom doesn't hold out for the Anniversary sale--everything is spot on.  Well played, Nordies.  Well played (again). 

So. . . this list is well over 10.  We're especially loving short booties, fancy pants, textured accessories and more affordable splurge items for the kiddos.  Make the jump to take a peek at our picks! 

Mom Street Style | Miss Cassandra's Chic Head Wrap and Non-Maternity Wear

Do you know one of those mamas who somehow, no matter what, always has a huge smile on her face, never raises her voice and always looks good?  Like, even though she works with 15-20 little kids ages 2-1/2- to 5-years-old, five days a week, then goes home to her own family of five (soon to be six!), and takes care of them, too?  No?  Yeah, they're kind of few and far between. 

Meet Miss Cassandra.  H's fabulous preschool assistant teacher.  She is kind.  She is patient.  She is invariably (but not gratingly!) cheerful, and she always looks amazing, but ready to play.  Even at 32 weeks pregnant in non-maternity wear at the end of a loooong day.

Our Readers Weigh-In! The Comfiest (and Most Stylish) Shoes For All-Day Exploring

Back in February, we posted this Facebook question to our readers:  

What are the shoes you reach for when you know you'll be walking around all day long? These would be the shoes you bring to explore a new city, or when you're out exploring your own city. Any thoughts?

And Mamas, you didn't let us down.  Since the summer travel season is almost upon us (and a looong weekend just around the corner) we thought this would be the perfect time to reveal your picks for the most stylish and comfortable shoes for all-day toolin' around (in any climate).  Each pair of shoes in this article has been rigorously tested -- by you.  

Here's the list (starting with warm-weather picks and getting cooler....)

Reader Question | Homesteading Style

Reader Question:

Hi,

I've been really enjoying reading your posts and have found a lot of inspiration.  I recently had my first baby who is now 4 months old and I have a husband who doesn't seem to find anything wrong with the big belly and junky tees and baggy pants that I have been wearing.  He doesn't seem to think that I should need to spend money on clothes to feel like I look better.  It is a nice sentiment but I still would like to dress more attractively!

I am a stay at home mama and I have a small homestead to run.  I grow a lot of our own food and on any given day need to move from weeding and planting(so getting my knees very muddy), hosting drop by visitors, chasing hawks away from my chickens, nursing a demanding baby, harvesting from the garden to make dinner, etc, etc.  I would love to look better while doing all this and the way my day works it would be really impractical to frequently change clothes from task to task.

Please help with ideas for outfits that could help me pull all this off while still looking pulled together myself!

Thank you!!

Emily

 

Answer:

Emily, what an amazing life you're leading!  At heart I'm a pioneer woman/hippy, so when I saw your email, I pounced on it before S. could get to it!  I love that you're living off the land--and, you want to look (and feel) good doing it : ).  But as I thought about what would really work for your lifestyle, I got a little nervous.  It occurred to me this might be kinda super hard to pull off--I mean, your days (and I assume nights) are spent not only caring for a babe who knows exactly what s/he wants, but actually planting, tending and cooking you family's sustenance.  So. . . not just spit-up, nursing and playground sand, but mud, dirt and manual labor.  Hmmm. . . I thought. . . you might not be too far off the mark with tees and baggy pants, but I think I've come up with a nice update to freshen up your look and keep it functional.

 

Homstead Style by dynamama featuring hats

First, I'd start with accessories.  If I were a homesteading mama, I'd make a fabulous hat, sunnies and a large, airy cotton scarf my trademarks.  Not only will they pull your look together, they'll keep the sun off your face and shoulders and the wrinkles at bay.  Nobody needs that business after stretchmarks and postpartum pooch onset.  Nobody.  Throw the scarf on when you're out of the vegetable patch and company stops by, and in addition to wrapping it around your neck, you can use it as a nursing cover, shawl, baby shade, head wrap, etc. (so get one you really like).  If you can avoid losing them, accessories also get lot less wear and tear if you care for them well, so even the junkiest t-shirts and baggy pants will look instantly updated when you wear them. 

Footwear.  You're one of the lucky few who actually has an excuse to wear wellies on a regular basis, so I say go for it!  Besides Hunter boots, which are pretty spendy, Target, Old Navy and Lands End (everything is 30% off right now, too!), all make great versions.  I'd wear them with shorts, skirts, skinny jeans and under cuffed boyfriends (see S.'s update on how to wear rain boots).  I am also a long-time lover of 90's fav Georgia work boots.  I just know in my heart of hearts that these babies will be back with a vengeance, and they're arguably on-trend as lace-up boots--but they actually work (like, as work boots).  I seriously had a pair for 15 years until they mysteriously went missing and I'm coveting them again as I write this.  Wear them unlaced at the top with boyfriend and cuffed/cropped skinny jeans and with shorts, or if you're feelin' it, skirts, too.

As a nursing, stay-at-home, homesteading mama, my other mainstay would be loose, interesting, not-too-expensive t-shirts and tanks.  Look for styles that fall away from the tum with details like bias-cut fabric, over-sized pockets, epaulets and snaps, and pair them with durable separates like already-destroyed boyfriend jeans, cutoffs or a cute pair of printed shorts.  I like styles with wide scoop necks that pull down for easy nursing.  I've been know to do some light gardening in skirts, so if you're having a fairly light-duty day, don't overlook the possibilities of a pretty, printed skirt this spring and summer.  Grab a light chambray shirt, too--it'll keep the sun off during peak hours and will look amazing thrown over any outfit here, either worn open, belted or half-tucked.

Oh, and don't forget knee pads, a fab pair of work gloves and lots and lots of sunscreen--not only will they help you do your job, they'll keep your pants and legs fresh and sun damage--the mother of all age spots--in check.

Thank you for writing in and for your kind words, Emily.  Happy homesteading! 

- M.   

Reading | Parenting.com Fashion Tips from Mom Bloggers

So here's what we're reading this week, Mamas.  Parenting.com's "11 Fashion Tips from Mom Bloggers."  Hint: two of them are from Ain't No Mom Jeans (yay!).  Check this great story out for chic and easy ways to rev up your mama style from some of our favorite mom fashion bloggers.

- M. 

Reader Question: Should Busty, Poochy Mamas Turn To Mature Brands? (Eileen Fisher in Particular)

Reader Question:

HI Shana and Molly, 
I have been thinking ALOT about your quality over quantity post; and I am scared I am not quite sure where to start.  I love the idea of spending more money on the basics i.e. great tees, knits, jeans, and boots to wear over and over.  The only problem is...the quality stuff  (J brand, Splendid, James Perse, J Crew etc) seem to be made for normal bodies. Where do we turn for the crazy big breasted, poochy, petite mommy bodies?  I am lost.  I was browsing Nordstrom's website and some of Eileen Fisher things look cute with good reviews.  Have you tried her brand?  I would LOVE more quality suggestions for the odd shapes of this world. 

Hugs and Kisses

xoxo

Leslie

Answer:

Leslie, this is a great question.  The short answer is YES:  Stylish, flattering pieces can be found virtually anywhere.  But some brands make it harder to find that hot-young-mom vibe we're all craving.

Now, for Eileen Fisher in particular....after your inquiry came in, I've spent a good amount of time perusing her line and reading reviews.  Her clothing is pricey, but what you are essentially paying for is a great cut and fabulous fabric.  Eileen Fisher clothing drapes and moves in a flattering, pretty way.  

This You Tube video shows four members of the Eileen Fisher staff getting dressed and swapping pieces.  You'll get a good idea of how well this clothing drapes:

 

 

My only concern with this line is the color palette.  The line is truly a classic one, so you are pretty limited to whites, creams, grays and black.  Since we're only talking about investment basics...I'm OK with it.  However, if you are interested in this season's trends (color and patterns), these pieces probably aren't going to get you through Spring/Summer 2012 all by their lonesome.  But augmenting these very gorgeous pieces with cheap & cheerful trends is easy.  

So....what would I recommend?  Here are three Eileen Fisher pieces that I think would be fabulous, classic investment pieces for moms with a softer figure...but styled in a young, hip-mom kinda way (I hope):

How To Inject a Dose of Spring Into a Basic Work Wardrobe

 Reader Question:

I'm headed back to work full-time now that my kids are older, and I work in a pretty conservative field.  I've bought a few basics, but am at a loss now that it's (slightly) warmer and I'll have to pack away my black boots, tights and sweater dresses!

I'm a size 4 (which I've worked hard for post-babies!) but so many of my old clothes look frumpy.  While I'm over 40, I don't look it and don't want to!  Could you give me some tips to use what I've got to be stylin' in the office and budget-friendly?

I went out and bought a black skirt suit with a pencil skirt, some stretchy black belts for the pencil skirt and sweater dresses, two camis - white & black, and a no-wrinkle crisp fitted white shirt.  I have a few cardigans (a bit dated and baggy) but one classic charcoal cashmere sweater set that still works, kind of.  I also have three pairs of dress khakis and a pair of dressy washable black slacks.  And I have one cute silky scarf in neutrals.

A lot of my friends are in the same boat - starting over with a closet full of jeans, t-necks & tees, and no idea where to start.  Can you show us a few looks that could build on the basics for spring but would work for .... well, work?  

Thanks!  I love your blog and read it daily.  I love when you feature other blogs too - I'm starting to follow a few more but yours is the most fun (and fashion-forward).  

Julia

 

Answer:

Julia, thanks for writing in!  What a fun question - and I love that you gave us an idea of what you already have in your closet.  Your basics are very relatable...I'm willing to bet that most mamas have some version of what you described.  So how to perk up a fairly dark and and basic wardrobe for Spring?

Here's a sample of the types of items Julia has in her closet:

Tahari jacket | Tahari skirt | Tahari pants | Gucci Button-down shirt | Jackie Cardigan | Jackie Shell  | Gap Classic Khakis | Neutral Scarf

 

To perk these pieces up....we need to inject a little color, and some patterns.  My recommended shopping list is actually pretty short.  Ready?  

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. 

10 Tips For Keeping Your Mom-Drobe Looking New...ish

After our article on quality vs. quantity in a mom-drobe....many of you asked us to do an article on the proper care of our clothes.  If we're going to invest in quality basics, how do we best take care of them, given the general grime/dirt/food/paint/snot/spit-up that moms face every day?

 

Uhhh...good question.  Here's my far-from-perfect method that's been working OK so far:

1.  Get Good Boots (or shoes)...and Take Good Care of Them

Boots (or even great flats) can seriously make the outfit. This is one area I recommend spending money on.  Get 'em, then wear the heck out of 'em. Boots can tromp through mud.  Boots can play at the park.  Boots can get dirty.  (Ummmm...one caveat:  Don't get light-colored suede.  These boots will not tromp through mud or play at the park.  These boots are just for shopping and ogling at parties.  These are not everyday mom boots.)

Every summer, however, it's time to give your boots some R&R.  Bring them to a cobbler.  Have him fix the heel, re-cover the sole if necessary (he'll be able to advise), and do a full clean and polish.  If your boots are really in tough condition, let him do a whole re-conditioning treatment. This service will cost you anywhere from $20 - $70, depending on the condition of your boots.  NOTE:  the only time I spent close to $70 was when an ancient vintage pair needed cracks repaired, etc.

Getting good boots and taking good care of them is SO worth it.  High quality boots, when well taken care of, will last you decades. You'll be measuring your price-per-wear in pennies.