Ain't No Mom Jeans

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.   

Hats Are Tasty: Dansko Giveaway Take 2

UPDATE 3/30/12: Jennifer Hughes, you're our Dansko giveaway winner. Email us at aintnomomjeans@gmail.com so we can get these to you.  Congratulations!

I’ve got to tell you, Mamas.  Hats are not only pretty and comfortable—they are tasty too!  We here at Ain’t No Mom Jeans have been snacking on hats (or crow) a lot lately because there’s been some talk surrounding a certain comfort footwear brand—namely Dansko—on this blog: they’re soooo comfortable, but a thing of shame, to be hidden under scrubs, Chefwear and boot cut or flare denim.  Dansko has responded to our biased banter with not one, but now TWO generous giveaways for our readers.  I submit for your approval (and mine) the Dansko spring footwear line.  It is fab under flares and it is worthy of skinnies and skirts.

When Dansko approached ANMJ for another give away, I was wary.  I perused their spring line and was delighted by what I found: stellar details with seventies-inspired braided and tooled leather, brass nail heads, rich colors and fresh designs.  I was torn between the Mirabel line Tori, Tru or Tasha, and the Rio line Randi, Rowena or Ryder, and I was shocked to find six pairs of crazy comfortable but heightening (I am not a woman of stature, after all) sandals that I would not only accept as a consideration but would definitely buy in a store at full retail.  It was a difficult choice, but I finally decided on the Rowena and I’m so glad I did.

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.

Easy Styling Tip: Throw on a Comfy Blazer (Not a Real One...a Soft One)

I read somewhere recently that a good blazer should be one of the cornerstone pieces in every woman's wardrobe.

My original thought?  Eh.  Underwhelmed.

I mean, I love a good blazer, but I chose to pass on my longtime favorite: the gorgeous navy J.Crew schoolboy blazer.  Why?  Well, because it was constricting.  The second I had it on, I wanted to rip it right off again.  And considering that the vast majority of my days include picking up an injured toddler (seriously - every. day. he scrapes or bruises something) and carrying around a bowling-ball heavy baby...no thanks.  

Blazers, I decided, were not for me.  And probably not for most moms while engaged in the baby/toddler boggle.

But then I found this little number, the Habit Jacket by Gentle Fawn.  It's really just a little polyester blazer, but is done in a herringbone fabric with a faux-suede trim...and  manages to pull together even the most thoughtless of outfits.  And it's stretchy.  Which means that rolling the sleeves is easy and comfortable, and that I can pick up babies, kiss booboos, and be an impromptu climbing gym while looking put-together. 

I'm in love.

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.

How To Wear Socks With Sandals...Mom-Style

The socks-n-sandals pairing have been all over the runways and the blog-o-sphere for....well...over a year now.  While there was some backlash initially, socks-n-sandals is now considered de riguer for the avant guard fashion set. And since I've never been one for following traditional fashion rules...I kinda like it.

The easiest way to wear this trend is to pair (thin) socks with wedges or heels in a similar color (as pictured from Burberry Prorsum Spring 2011 RTW).  You can mix up the colors a bit (gray with black, etc) but sticking to tone-on-tone is the most fool-proof pairing. Yes?  Heels are best?  No surprise there. 

So now that we agree on how to wear socks-n-sandals on date night (which is just what our guys want to see - a man-repelling trend saved exclusively for our romantic nights)...let's talk about how to incorporate this trend into our everyday, toddler-chasing, outfit rotation.

Here are my takes:

 

(wearing: current/elliott boyfriend jeans in super destroyed, j.crew v-neck tee, madewell socks, dv by dolce vita regina sandals in blush, tissot watch, chan luu necklace)

40% Off J.Crew Factory This Weekend! Here's What We're Coveting...

From now until Sunday, J.Crew Factory has 40% off all merchandise.  Aaaannnd...it just so happens that I was in a J.Crew Factory store last week, doing a marathon try-on session.  (And there's plenty for post-partum and nursing moms to be excited about.)

Here's what I'm loving:

This dolman striped top has a crazy-flattering fit.  While you can't nurse in it, the top will hide a slight pooch.  I love the mix of stripes with that gorgeous zebra print jacket and pop of color.  A light-wash jean feels perfect for Spring.  And you know how I feel about nude shoes.

Factory1 by aintnomomjeans featuring j crew jeans

 

 

Next outfit: 

Gorgeous, Wear-Everywhere, Pooch-Hiding, Nursing-Friendly Tops For Spring and Summer

While I'm still totally addicted to my pooch-hiding sweater, I do realize that once the temps warm up, I'm going to need a new alternative.  The hunt is on! Or...was on, rather.

On a quick shopping trip right before I took the boys to Gulf Shores, I stumbled upon two gorgeous pieces that are pooch-hiding perfection. 

They are effortless, cool (from both a temperature and style perspective), and best of all?  No shaper cami required!

Voila...

Three Ways to Keep a Classic Style Youthful

Classic style.  It conjures up images of Jackie O's shift dresses, Katherine Hepburn's wide-leg trousers, Audrey's iconic black turtleneck, Ralph Lauren's blazers.  If your personal style is classic, you're in good company. 

However, keeping a classic style both comfortable to meet the everyday demands of motherhood, and youthful can sometimes be a challenge.  Reader Jacci left this comment on our Personal Style Definition article:

"I do think it's awfully challenging to keep classic looking young when you're getting less young (we don't need to say 'old', right?) by the minute...Add classic and cozy together and it can all start looking a little too 50yo English teacher real fast." 

Ummm...no offense to any of my old high-school English teachers...but Jacci makes a great point.  So here are three easy ways busy moms can keep a classic style youthful: