Have ya heard, Mamas? Leather is huge this season. Whether you rock it in small doses, or go hardcore-hot-Mama in leather jackets/pants...without a doubt, leather makes an impact. Leather can make even the meekest Mama look like a badass.
Think of leather as our version of a superhero cape. DA DAH DAHN!
Scared? Don't be. I'm the world's biggest wardrobe wimp (if it's uncomfortable in the slightest, I'm not interested) and have a couple of leather styling tricks up my sleeve.
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Mamas! The easiest way to give your old standbys a modern spin? Yup - the ankle bootie. These guys aren't new...in fact, two years ago, a very pregnant me wrote an article called The Short Boot Dilemma...where I tried to figure out how the heck to wear the various short boots that were popping up.
Well. Two years later, I'm happy to say that I've figured it out. Feel free to applaud. Two years in the making, baby. TWO.
Ok. Here's what's working for me:
Continue reading "Fall Trend: Ankle Booties (And How To Wear Them)" »
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Mamas, so many of you wanted to know where to get the military-inspired anorak I wore in last week's post (link below). Well...once I started looking, I just couldn't stop. The shopping enabler strikes again.
I love how an irreverent sweater takes some of the punch out of military-inspired pieces. And since both offbeat sweaters and military-anything are huge trends this Fall, there are quite a few pieces to choose from. So. If you are feeling the need for a good shop, see below for my favorite anoraks, camo pants, and sheep sweaters. Seriously.
(Now there's something I never thought I'd say.)
The Military Trend
Topshop Faux Leather Sleeve Army Jacket, $130 | Next Direct Fabric Mix Parka, $108 Nasty Gal Enlisted Anorak, $138
Military Jacket, $100 | BDG Surplus Vest, $69 | Blu Pepper Faux Leather Sleeve, $68
Tripp NYC Camo Jean, $69 | Current/Elliott The Rider Denim Panel, $218 | xhilaration juniors skinny camo denim, $23
psst: I just picked up these bad girl sexy pants. They've been sold out for ever, but the Zara in Philly just restocked (and were sold out again by Sunday). Anyway, word on the street is that Zara will restock online soon, so keep checking. They run small, I had to go up a size.
Offbeat Sweaters
So ugly they're cute? Wear them ironically? I don't know why these things work...but my quirky, offbeat heart sweater has been a closet staple both last winter and now. Perhaps these are "interesting sweaters" personified? All I know is that it has saved many an outfit from snoozeville. It's hard to argue with a piece whose price-per-wear is now measured in pennies.
Sheepmeadow Sweater, $88 |Remain Polka Dot Sweater, $88 | French Hen Sweater, $95
Chunky Heart Sweater, $60 | Knitted Aztec Motif Sweater, $84 | Hive and Honey Tiger Sweater, $59
Mossimo supply co. heart sweater, $23| Deer Print Sweater, $103 | Just the Fox, Ma'am $98
One word of caution....the older you are, the more you need to think hard about cutesy sweaters. If your overall vibe is still pretty-young-thing, and you've been planning to pair your ironic sweater with some cargo skinnies or waxed denim...then YES. Go for it. If, however, you can see 50 and have no idea what waxed denim is...then I'd stick with sophiticated polks dots (sweater #2) or the Aztec print (sweater #5).
Happy Shopping!
xo,
S
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Reader Q:
Hello!
I am 9 month postpartum with twins and your site has really helped me get styling ideas for my new lifestyle and new body (read - huge boobs and poochy belly). I recently picked up this knit blazer at Land's End to help me look polished but be able to move freely to keep up with my now mobile twins...
...but everything I try it on with looks boring and predictable (like the model's outfit). Do you have any ideas for mixing interesting colors or patterns or silhouettes with this blazer?
Thanks for all your help!
- A
Answer:
Yeah...these blazers are surprisingly tough. When they first popped onto the scene I was excited: stripes AND a soft, sweat-shirty knit in a blazer? Yessss! But then...these blazers often look so darn preppy and, as you mentioned, predictable.
The key, I think, is to pair these with slightly subversive pieces. Which sounds scarier than it looks. Here's three ways I'd style these babies up:
*Note: In the collages, I'm using this Juicy Coture Blazer instead, simply because the pic was cleaner. But the LE knit blazer will work nicely here too.
Continue reading "Reader Q | How To Style A Navy & White Striped Knit Blazer?" »
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Reader Question:
Ladies,
Last fall I fell under the spell of one of your posts and ordered myself a (second...ahem!) pair of Frye boots - these boots, as a matter of fact. I love them. But I didn't and don't know how to wear them. In order to justify the percentage of my nearly non-existent clothing budget that they took, I need to wear them every day of winter and fall for the next approximately twenty-five years. I am plumpish and 5'4. I like to wear dresses and tights and leggings, and find that they look good with the shorter lengths. But I need more outfits! How do I wear them with different styles of jeans? How do I not look too masculine/punk in them? How do I make them look like the everyday shoe I need them to be for me?
Help? Thanks!
Axon
P.S. Love you guys!
Answer:
Axon, I feel you Mama. Boots like these really stand up to the babies in all weather, all kid-gunk situations, and they truly are classics. But you're right, the vibe can be kind of tough, and a bit masculine, or too punk if you don't think out your styling before hand.
Continue reading "Reader Question | How to Style Frye Moto Boots - Prettily" »
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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!
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Reader Question:
Hey there,
I am in love with the bright jean/khaki trend this spring & summer, but as a 6'0" mom with a 38" waist, I'm having a HUGE problem finding colored jeans in my size & style. I've tried Gap, Talbots, Macy's - any suggestions?
Love your site, thank you!
Sarah
Answer:
Hi Sarah! Thanks for writing in! Your question is well-timed, because I just heard the following from IndiCustom Denim:
1. They are now doing custom jeans in colors!
and
2. They are having a Spring sale on all custom jeans - 30% off - with sale coupon SPRING12
IndiCustom is, as you can probably guess, an online store that makes custom denim. Sarah, I threw your measurements into their online designer just to be sure...and YES. They do have skinny jeans in bright colors available for a 6' tall mama with a 38" waist. Here are the current color offerings:
Pretty, no?
IndiCustom actually let me customize a pair for myself last month (more on that coming soon)...and so far, I've been really impressed. I actually screwed up the first pair (I'm not very good at precision tasks like taking measurements)...and it turns out that if your custom denim doesn't fit...they make you a new pair. Seriously. You just call and they ask questions about the bad fit, and then input all of the changes into their little computers and VOILA! New denim. The toughest part is the wait.
My other thought for you....is to try men's jeans. (No throwing things, Mamas. I actually HAVE worn guy's jeans, so pipe down.) But seriously: Gap's men's line is filled with bright, fun colors for denim and khaki pants. I think rocking a pair of colorful boyfriend jeans (or khakis) would be completely adorable.
Here's Gap's current lineup:
Continue reading "Reader Question: Where Very Tall Mamas Can Find Colored Denim" »
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(wearing: J.Crew striped cashmere sweater - now on crazy-sale in a different color, Madewell shorts, Salt sunnies)
I love so much about Spring - the flowers, the lush green, the fresh smell of earth and rain....but sartorially, it kinda drives me nuts. I'm so amped up for warm temperatures, but I typically wake to 40-something degrees. Only to dress for it, then find myself sweltering around 2PM as the temps climb near 70. Denver was the worst, but Philadelphia can compete: Hello, humidity.
But these are good problems to have, Mamas. If you haven't yet gotten around to voting for my nanny's Harambee Aquaponics Project in Kenya, please do so now. At the time of this writing, they are only in the #4 spot...and they need to get to #1. (Want more info? Read our article on the project here.)
Ok. Back to our silly little concerns.
Continue reading "Shop Your Closet: Shorts and Sweaters - A Perfect Mom-i-form For Spring?" »
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Mamas, we've been getting requests from our readers to update last year's article on the 11 Mom-Drobe Fashion Essentials for Spring/Summer 2011. In it, we advised our readers to get a great maxi dress, find one perfectly chic Spring jacket, figure out how to rock shorts, and to embrace flare denim, stripes, printed tops, TOMS, cool, flat sandals and scarves.
A year later, that article continues to be the best place to start for mamas rebuilding their wardrobes. Trends really haven't changed much. You can still count on a maxi dress, a chic jacket will always save an outfit, flares are hard-rocking, and I wear my TOMS daily. Also? A shout-out to printed tops. Still going strong.
So what has changed for 2012?
In a word, color.
(photo credit: Gap.com)
This Spring brings new, colorful, approaches to getting dressed that even the most color-adverse can love. And there are a couple of new silhouettes whose mom-drobe possibilities have me excited.
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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):
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