Ain't No Mom Jeans

Shop Your Closet: A Styling Trick To Keep His Eyes on Your...Uh...Face?

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I've been thinking about some sexy styling tips for moms.  You know - short skirts, high heels, the usual.  But when I asked Mike what he thought was sexy, he immediately replied, "You know that necklace you have...?"

Strange, right?  But I knew immediately which one he was talking about.  Because whenever I wear it, he really can't tear his eyes away.  It's not that my husband has some strange neck fetish, or that there is anything super-special about this particular necklace....the secret lies in its length.

This necklace is long - roughly 20", and provides a subtle little flash of bling...riiiight there.  Right where his eyes want to go anyway.

Shop Your Closet: Go Leggy in the Winter With Layered Tights

Sunday was my birthday.  So on Thursday night, my dear friend Kirsten (aka Dr. Kiki) and I went out for drinks.  Kirsten and I have been friends since my days in D.C. and it's only by happy coincidence that she's living in Philly for a short time.  It was a much needed girl's night, Mamas.  A much needed girls night.  (And my Denver girls, I miss you so!!)

Girl's nights have been so scarce since our move from Denver (ahem - big sacrifice here, Mike...HUGE...)  so frankly, the boys were a tad confused as to what was actually happening.  Mom is going out?  Without us?  And without Dad??  But that is crazytown!!  WHY would she do this??? OMG WHAT IS HAPPENING?

So as I was about to leave, there were suddenly books to be read....pictures were drawn and discussed...

Mom Street Style - Mandy's Fresh Take on Winter Boots

Mamas, meet reader Mandy.  Mandy is a mom of three kiddos and a fashion blogger herself.  Mandy writes:

I am a mother of three kids, 5, 3, and 3 months old! I gained a lot of weight during each pregnancy. 90 with my first, 70 with my second, and again 70 with my third. My blog is my way of staying fashionable while trying to get back into my old clothes!

Mandy, you look fantastic.  And this outfit (above) has to be one of my favorites.  I love the snow boots and furry jacket mixed in with the Spring-y stripes and blush-toned necklace.  It's a wintery look, certainly, but it has the optimistic feel of Spring.  Total perfection!

Check out the rest of Mandy's outfits over at Juggling Chic (love the name!!)

xo,

S

ps.  Congrats to Heather Williams, the winner of our Dansko giveaway!  

 

 

Congrats to Amy, the winner of our Ashley Ann Photography Snapshop Course!!

 Email us!!

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 grove on.

Giveaway | Naomi Gray signature twisted birthstone necklace

UPDATE: 11/23/11 10:10 PM MST | Congratulations to Ain't No Mom Jeans reader Michelle Mossey, tonight's winner of the Naomi Gray signature twisted birthstone mini ring necklace giveaway!  Winner was chosen at random by a number (31) generated from random.org.

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Hey mamas!  We thought we’d kick off the holiday season with another giveaway! 

This week, we teamed up with Naomi Gray to bring one lucky reader a fab, customizable birthstone necklace.  Inspired by the month you were born, Naomi Gray signature twisted birthstone mini ring necklaces are sure to be a unique and symbolic treasure. Each twisted miniature ring charm is a personal expression that represents you or the people who are important in your life. 

Here are the deets on the bling: the winner will receive an 18” chain and may choose either sterling silver or gold vermeil (gold-plated sterling silver) and one birthstone charm (additional charms can be purchased at cost).

Here's how to enter to win the Naomi Gray giveaway, up to a $75 value, compliments of Naomi Gray: just “like” this post on the Ain’t No Mom Jeans Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know.  Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US or Canada.  Winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday night, November 23rd.

Good luck, Mamas!

- M.

Fall Mom Uniform: Flares + Crop Tops (Seriously Perfect For Nursing)

IknowIknowIknowIknow.  I know some of you are like, "first bunny ears and now crop tops?? Is S pregnant or has she just lost her mind??"  

And I know many of you have fuzzy memories of baby tees that showed off your flat lil' belly when you pranced around all teenagery-young and cute in your low-waisted jeans. 

I KNOW.  That's not what I'm talkin' about.  Promise.  (And I'm not pregnant.)

So.  Crop tops.  Now, in 2011.  First of all, they aren't tight.  And some of them, by our 80's-child definition, aren't even that cropped (Back when I was young, we walked uphill to school BOTH WAYS and knew how to CROP a shirt...)

So really, what we're talking about is basically a shirt that is rather boxy and swingy and hits somewhere between the hips and the bellybutton.  (Hourglass shapes, run screaming now.)  Kinda like this:

GET THIS:   This shape of top does a decent job of hiding the pooch!  Also, because it's so boxy and swingy and short-ish....when layered over a nursing cami or other nursing-accessible shirt (we call 'em v-neck tees in these here parts) it's perfect for nursing moms.  Just lift and nurse, people.  No belly exposure required.

AND....you can find these babies everywhere, including budget-friendly places like Target & Forever21.  You with me?  

Let me show you this mom-i-form, three different ways:

 

5 Fall Basics That "Work" for Work and Play?

Readers, we've been receiving more and more emails from moms about to go back to work.  While we've been meaning to do a back-to-work article for quite some time, we've been putting it off.  However, we received this lovely email from reader Cathy a few weeks ago:

Hi ladies!

First of all, I absolutely love your blog!  A friend passed it along, and I’ve gotten so many other mom-friends hooked!  And as a mainline mom, I often wonder if I might bump into Shana at the playground or other fun spots around town.  I live in Wayne with my 2 year old little girl, husband, and westie dog.  Hopefully some day our paths will cross – would love to meet you!

 

Anyhow, I’m writing in with a wardrobe question as I’m thinking ahead to fall.  I have been working from home for the last five years, and a new job includes a little more office time (2-3 office meetings per month).  I’ve been really enjoying getting out of the house a little more, but I haven’t had to think about a work wardrobe in such a long time.  I have lots of summer skirts and dresses that I’ve been able to wear to work this summer, but I need to do some serious updating for fall.  I’d like to invest in some good cross-over pieces ... things I can wear at the office, during the week when I’m working from home, or on date nights with my husband.  When in doubt, I tend to buy black work clothes (black suits, black wrap dresses, sheath dresses etc.) so I’m looking to add a little more color.  My office is business casual so it’s pretty flexible in terms of dress code.

 

Ooooo....what a challenge!!  What could one buy to spruce up their work wardrobe, add some spice to date night AND still run around with the kiddos?

Well.  After thinkin' and thinkin'...I have 5 ideas.

Not Your Father's L.L. Bean - Signature Summer Line Has Us Drooling!

I did a double take followed by a triple check when, late last week, I found myself perusing--and drooling over--an L.L. Bean catalog I'd just received in the mail.  I'm on the L.L. Bean mailing list because I've purchased everything from ExOfficio sun and insect shield shirts for my sportsman dad, and a British Slip Lead to keep our unruly dog in check, to monogrammed Adventure Duffels for both boys (they'll have them forever), and I'm pretty sure I'll score the Sea-Washed Canvas Duffel for hubs for Father's Day.  Frankly, L.L. Bean sells great stuff: for guys and dogs and kids and moms who like pleated trousers and polo shirts.  But I have never, not even once, considered purchasing something for myself (okay, maybe duck boots). Until now. 

As it turns out, the outdoor gear and polo shirt purveyor's new collection, L.L. Bean Signature (led by Alex Carleton, a veteran of Polo Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch and Rogues Gallery, his own line) has quite a few stunning spring and summer looks.  Here are our picks:

The Key To Cool Layering (Hint: Think Three)

Spring fever has hit pretty hard.  But despite our collective longing, Mother Nature rarely responds.  And if you are in Marquette, MI?  Hello, snow. 

Even if you are dealing with snowdrifts, the easiest way to deal with a bit of Spring fever is to infuse a little dose of Spring into your outfits.  We've talked already about gorgeous trench coats, and bright pops of denim...but one way to feel Spring-y and stay warm is by layering.

Layering, however, is not throwing a cardi on over your t-shirt.  Well, technically, it is...but a cooler way of layering is to follow the rule of three:  Wear three tops*.

*tops - a loose definition.  Tops can be dresses, vests, actual tops or even a big fun scarf.  Two tops and a scarf is kind-of cheating in this layering game.  But will still look great.

The rule of three keeps you a bit warmer, and...even better?  It makes any outfit just. so. cool.  It requires a bit more thought, however.  At least for me.  But the end result is effortless style.  Look at your fav fashion mags or bloggers - some of the coolest looks follow the rule of three. 

Wanna see?  I found some really great inspiration, and came up with a few tips to keep in mind:

What Moms Wear: Warming Up a T-Shirt Dress

My favorite - a reader submission!!  Reader Jacci from Ohio sent in an adorable pic of herself in what she described as a classic & comfy mom uniform:  a t-shirt dress and leggings. 

Jacci makes it cold-weather friendly by layering it over a basic long sleeve t-shirt, then adding tall boots and a denim jacket.  She then dresses the whole look up a bit with a gorgeous statement necklace.  I'm LOVING the rolled sleeves - perfection.

If it's as as cold as it looks in the pic, I think the whole outfit (denim jacket included) would also look amazing layered under a parka.

Want a better pic of the dress & t-shirt?  Yes, of course you do: