Ain't No Mom Jeans

Styling a Comfy Printed Maxi Three Ways (Reader Q)

Reader Question:

 

Hello,

I am so glad I came across your blog via the Rookie Moms site. I need this fashion kick in the butt to get out of my yoga pants. I feel I often find great pieces and then get them home and don't know what to do with them.   Case in point, I just ordered this skirt  and am super excited about it, but am I limited to a white tank? If you could give me another recommendation, I'd really appreciate it. 

Thanks!  

 Jenn

 

Answer:

I took one look at this skirt, Jenn, and immediately contacted the designer (via Etsy, love that!).

It's on-trend, gorgeous, yet as comfy as sweatpants.  You should be super-excited about it!  Nice. Pick.  Ms. Krista over at Satin Stitch Designs was kind enough to send a skirt over to me so I could style it up here.  (And psst!  Each is custom made, so no hemming required.  That is much appreciated by this short Mama.)

Jenn, since you are writing in looking for ideas, I'll skip over the obvious stuff like the white tank you already mentioned, or a black tee, or chambray shirt, or even a denim jacket...right?  I mean...any of those would be fabulous with this skirt, but since you took the trouble to write in, let me see if I can do something a bit more interesting.  Here we go.

Shopping: My Favorite Everyday Summer Dresses

Mamas!  I obviously have summer shopping on the brain.  First sandals, now dresses.  But in my defense, some dresses are 20% off this weekend at Piperlime (use promo code DRESS), so it's a good time to be looking.  Here are thirteen of my favs (and most are either nursing friendly, pooch-hiding, or both.)

1. Free People Striped Uniearthen Dress, $128

Well.  If ever there was an earth-mother dress, it would be called the "Uniearthen".  GOOD GOD.  So drink, eat, dance around the fire....your pooch will be well-hidden.  The back is really low, so if the earth mother (aka you) must nourish her children, she may just shimmy-shimmy one strap down.  (You'll want a cute nursing bra, though - it'll show in the back.)

2. Ella Moss Striped Maxi Dress, $198

So often maxi dresses verge on being empire-waisted, and that silhouette is death for pooch-hiding.  BUT!  See the extra panel of fabric running down the front of this dress?  Genius.

3. VIva Vena Tie-Front Maxi Dress, $88

This bad-boy has two ties to ensure a good fit.  And all of that stuff (ties, pattern, etc.) is perfect for pooch-hiding...even on a curvy mama.

4. Viva Vena Strappy Trapeze Dress, $98

Yup.  Perfect.

Friday Fun and Weekend Inspiration

Any big plans for the weekend, Mamas?  I'm already craving Tired Hands Brewery's house-made pickles and candied bacon.  Yup - you heard correctly:  bacon candied, served with maple syrup for dipping.  Also?  Everything is locally sourced.  It's our go-to spot for Happy Hour, and low-key enough to bring the kids.  Yesssssss.

Earth Day is coming up, and John Master's Organics giving 25% off of everything with code earth13.  They have the best shampoo and conditioner, and offer it in bulk sizes...which become much more affordable at and additional 25% off.  I'm stocking up.  I've been using them for years, and did a full review of their products a while back. 

Shopbop is also having a sale - 20% off of everything with code WEAREFAMILY13 - but the last day is Friday.  So many things to love...but I'm totally blown away by this t-shirt dress, think that this swimsuit cover-up is insanely sexy (in the most subtle way), and that this chic maxi would be perfect for pooch-hiding.  I also have my eye on this simple maxi and would wear it exactly as reader Desiree described earlier this week: 

My favorite combo is a black maxi dress, brown leather sandals, wooden jewelry and a nice canvas bag - so easy.

Perfect, no?

I was inspired by this Dad's article about spending one-on-one time with his kids.  He terms it "Parenting a Boy, Not the Herd."  He writes:

I realized I’d not only slowly reduced parenting to herding, but I’d turned conversation with my kids into not much more than relaying information: giving orders, teaching lessons, reinforcing the positive, correcting the negative. But, away from the herd, alone with Gresham, I found myself cracking jokes, retelling stories from my own childhood, asking better questions.

Yes.  That. I hate when I fall into 'boring old parent mode' and just drone on at my boys about wiping their spills, getting their shoes on, not licking the furniture, etc.  Sigh.  Not only do they not get the best of me when I'm in this mode...but they get someone who doesn't feel like ME at all.  You know?

On an uplifting note, my dear friend Megan sent me the gorgeous video below.  It speaks volumes about how we see ourselves, and how ridiculously hard we are on ourselves.  Get out the tissues, Mamas. 

 

 

xoxo,

S

 

Friday Fun (And Reader Finds!!)

WOOT WOOT Weekend, Mamas!  The last two weeks have been very, very long.  I have been inexplicably sick (with a cold!  It's just a cold!) for over two solid weeks.  This nasty virus has robbed me of motivation, sucked me of enthusiasm, and taken my patience out for a looong vacation.  Grrrrrrr.

Even my kids have been attempting to cheer me up.  "Mom, it's OK!" Raines said to me yesterday.  "You're the best mom EVER EVER...even if you're always grumpy!"

Awesome.  Let's put that on a mug for Mother's Day, shall we?  "World's Greatest Always-Grumpy Mom!"

(NOTE:  Mike, you had better freaking NOT.  Just so we're clear.)

So.  For this issue of Friday Fun, I have exactly ONE find.  Happily you, lovely Mamas, have been doing a little shopping while I've been sniffling, and have been emailing me all sorts of fun finds.  

Stephanie is pregnant and is wondering if this pair of silky, printed, elastic-waist pants from Anthropologie would be rad, or bad?  Call me crazy....but I kinda love them.  Add a white tee and flat, metallic sandals, and WOW.  Summer perfection.  Either color is gorgeous, but I'm leaning to...pink?   

Helen writes:

After moving to New Jersey from LA in January I was looking for a long sleeved dress that is relatively warm, nursing friendly and pretty enough for a date night.   I stumbled upon your post about affordable dresses on Zappos, and that's how I discovered the Patagonia brand dresses. I ended up buying two of them!

Helen ended up with Patagonia's Bay Laural Wrap Dress in black (currently on sale for $36!!), and the sleeveless Margot dress (also on sale for $36).  They are both nursing friendly, and Helen reports that they can also help disguise a small pooch, as well.

Belinda's been on the hunt for the perfect boyfriend jean, and thinks she found them.  I agree!

Heidi makes a pretty convincing CPW (cost-per-wear) argument for this gorgeous maxi dress:

I really, really loved your style resolutions for 2013 article a few months back, and thanks to you I have the beginnings of a decent wardrobe that's not full of things that sort-of-but-not-quite-fit for the first time in five years!

I love, love, loved the gray maxidress you featured two years ago, but couldn't find it anywhere when I started looking for something to wear this summer. I live in Jordan right now, and it's already 80 here most days so summer starts a bit earlier for me. A few years ago I would have bought a couple of dresses that I sort of liked from Old Navy and never have felt good about them...but I remembered your point about cost-per-wear and held out until I found something I loved. And I did! This maxi dress from Shopbop is exactly what I was looking for: beautiful drape, pooch-hiding blouson top, modest enough that I can get away with wearing it here in the Middle East, but still sexy thanks to the V-neck and the drape of the skirt.

Instead of a half dozen crappy dresses, I have one that I truly love and that makes me feel beautiful.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for encouraging women like me to find what makes us feel good about ourselves and giving us pointers as to how to get there!

Yay, Heidi!  Love this!

Jenny found a fleece moto jacket in taupe.  Yessssssss!  Only smalls are left, but they're on sale for $40!

Patricia has me dying for this scarf....so Lem-Lem-ish, yet roughly half the cost...

And lastly...my one lone contribution:

I love this shirt.  Pooch-hiding, nursing-friendly perfection.  Sadly, I did not buy it.  Yup - too grumpy.

 

Here's to a weekend without tissues, red noses or phelgm!  

Wow.  And here's to never having to hear the word 'phelgm' on this blog ever, ever again.

Now I'm off to find my Kindle.  My sister got me hooked on Game of Thrones during my long two-week lie-in....and I'm totally hooked.  (Although, I may never sleep peacefully again.)

What are you doing this weekend?  Something fun, I hope?

xoxo,

S

 

 

Holiday Style: Add Drama With a Maxi Skirt

I mean really.  With a big, swooshy skirt and a glittery bag, how can you go wrong?

 

(wearing:  Ann Taylor skirt - similar at Urban for $40, Ann Taylor cropped sweater - try this slightly sheer, cropped sweater sweatshirt by Betsey Johnson on sale for $27, J.Crew glitter bag - similar) 

 

But here's the genius part of the maxi-skirt-in-winter:  You can wear juuuust about anything underneath.  Including fleece-lined tights.  Or, say...winter running tights.  Or heck - even fleece skinny sweatpants!  As long as they tuck nicely into tall boots...no one will be the wiser.  (Unless, of course, your little one likes to play hide-and-go-seek in your skirt.  Then there's a chance that someone will awkwardly learn your secret.  There are always risks, Mamas!)

And most of these swooshy skirts look fabulous with a cozy sweater.  Curvy gals, look for a fitted sweater, or something that belts.  Poochy mamas can try a boxy cropped sweater (like above) or something slim through the hips but loose on the pooch.  Like this one:

(wearing: Patterson Kincaid Tiered Maxi Dress which rocks at pooch hiding - here's another tiered one currently on sale for $152, an ancient Esprit sweater vest - while this one is similar, I'd probably try something like this)

 

This outfit isn't quite as dressy...but neither are all holiday festivities.  I wore this exact outfit to a Mother's Tea at Raines' school.  He had requested that I show up looking "like a princess."  Sigh.  How is princess culture so pervasive???

But anyway, this is actually a maxi dress, not a skirt.  I just layered the dress over a turtleneck and added a cozy vest.  And yes - I'm rocking some major warmie legs underneath.  I just have to beware of bears.

xo,

S

Shop Your Closet: Winterize Your Maxi Dress

I know we've talked about winterizing maxi dresses before.  And I especially loved reader Amber's method for shortening hers.  But.  Sometimes, the details matter.  And if you don't have that one specific necklace, or a jacket *quite* like the one in your inspiration pic...the outfit doesn't seem to come together.  

This was the case with my stand-by J.Crew maxi.  I just couldn't seem to winterize it in an interesting, yet comfortable way.  And then I found these old pics.

These pics are actually from last Fall.  I had somehow forgotten to post them.  Even worse, I also forgot the styling that I had already worked out.  Sigh.  Mom brain?  I suspect that the whole skirt knotting thing must have been in the back of my mind when I was styling Sarah's maternity maxi dress recently.

Anyway.  My issue with this particular maxi dress is that when covered up, it's pretty snooze-worthy.  The fabulous drape gets lost, as does the waist, as does the sexy flash of bare shoulder.  Additionally, I have trouble with boots and maxi dresses.  Sandals always work, but boots?  So often they look strange.  And nothing was cohesive.  It looked like I was wearing a very boring, too-summer-y dress with a long cardigan and clumpy shoes.  I hate when my outfits scream I AM DETERMINED TO WEAR THIS SUMMER DRESS IN WINTER BECAUSE I AM A CREATIVE FASHION BLOGGING TYPE. 

You know?

(wearing: J.Crew Aimee Maxi dress and scarf, ancient long cardigan and belt, Banana Republic boots - but am thinking these would be rad, fringed bag - another cool one, Plush tights)

 

So here's the thing:  The knot helps to reveal that I'm actually wearing cute boots.  This year, I'll probably swap out the tall boots for ankle booties.  But either one works.

The belt helps to define my waist (even under a washed-too-many-times cardigan) and the ruggedness of the belt keeps things cohesive.  The overall take-away is Fall, not Summer-wanting-to-be-Fall.

A cute bag and a woolly scarf tie finish off the look.

Mamas, are you still wearing your maxi dresses?  Any other styling ideas?

xo,

S

Reader Q | Can A Pregnant Mama Wear a Casual Maxi Dress To A Wedding?

Reader Question:

Hi, My husband and I are invited to attend a black tie optional wedding in late August in Boston. I will be 35 weeks pregnant with our second and totally unsure of what to wear that will be appropriate and feel comfortable (who knows if the church is air conditioned, but it will be a full Greek-orthodox ceremony, so it'll be long). Some friends have suggested just wearing my black maxi dress from the Gap, but that seems woefully informal. Others keep suggesting things that are strapless. And though my milk hasn't come in, I am a girl who clearly needs straps on a top these days. Big straps. Any advice on shoes that will work for my feet which will likely be a bit swollen by that point would also be welcome!

Thanks!

Sarah

Answer:

Can a pregnant mama get away with wearing a very casual maxi dress to a wedding?  Especially a black-tie wedding?  I've seen this question pop up in forums around the web, and the answers are discouragingly inconsistent.  Some say "Go for it!  You a growing a human!!"  Others are horrified by the thought.

My initial reaction?  Your words of "woefully informal" sum it up nicely.  But...MAN.  35 weeks pregnant?  How ANNOYING to have to buy ANYTHING at that point.  Especially a black-tie dress that will (most likely) never be worn again.  

Happily, one of my oldest and dearest friends was struggling with this exact question.  (Oddly enough, her name is also Sarah.)  She is also pregnant, and needed help finding something to wear to my sister's wedding....also "black-tie invited".  And this is her third and last pregnancy, so trust me when I say that buying a new dress was her last choice.

So.  Just like in 7th grade, we played dress up.  Here's what we tried, what didn't work....and what Sarah ended up wearing to my sister's wedding....

Attempt 1:  Belted and Pearled

Sarah looks very nice here, but there is something about this outfit that still reads too casual for a wedding.  Despite the fact that the belt is patent leather, I think it's causing problems.  And we tried to offset the casual dress by piling on the jewelry.  However, the necklaces are too much, and the bracelet seems like an afterthought.

We both voted no.  Next...

Fourth of July Style

If there's ever a time to dress thematically, it's the Fourth of July, Mamas.  Christmas sweaters--and I know this from experience--can be a slippery slope: it starts out when you pick one up for an ironic ugly Christmas sweater party. 

As the season progresses, even when you don't have an ugly Christmas sweater party to attend, and overwhelmed with the spirit of the season, you may find yourself reaching for said ugly Christmas sweater.  Ironically.  Of course.  But when you venture out of your holiday bubble into the real world, you will notice people snickering at you--not quite behind your back. 

Not so for this Fourth of July wear.  With the Americana trend still pretty well in full swing, you'll be able to proudly, and patriotically, wear any of these pieces separately.

 

 

Fourth of July Style by dynamama featuring cotton short shorts

Here's to fireworks, barbecues and the Fourth of July, Mamas--have a great holiday!

- M.

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.

Reader Question | Can This Boot-Obsessed Mama Wear Her Boots All Summer? (Without looking ridiculous)

Reader Question:

I am writing in with a little style quandary that was inspired by your recent Style Rules for Moms part 1 – “if your bag is big and dark and leather, rethink the bag”.

It got my wheels turning, and made me realize I may be breaking a similar carnal sin - Wearing too wintery of a boot once the ice cream trucks are in full swing and the Hydrangea's start a-blooming.   While I always pack away the non-negotiably winter boot (black, over-the-knee, etc) I have one pair I just can’t seem to let go of for a whole season.  I invested in a pair of Fryes a few years ago, (specifically, the Carmen Harness Tall, in Brown), and ever since,  I think I may be guilty of wearing these bad boys a little TOO often.  I seldom put them away, even in the summer, and have been known to pair them with little sundresses  (even though I suspect the “boots + sundress” look might be slightly too Lilith fair 1994 for me to pull off at nearly 35 years of age..) 

Anywho,  I LIVE for these boots.   I wear them with EVERYTHING.  In the attached pics, you will see them worn last April (when I was 8 months pregnant):  

You will see the Frye Boots on the BEACH, in the sand,  in MAY.   Gasp!  I KNOW. 

See? I think I have a boot problem.

I have had my eye on ANOTHER version of the SAME boots, the Carmen Harness short, in a sand or buff color, in the hopes that maybe that would be a little more acceptable in the warmer months to come?   

Is this terribly misguided?  Am I boot blinded?   Save me.  Can I wear this kind of boot with a summery dress?  I love the way the slouchy distressed boot adds balance to my 5’10, size ten footed, size 12-14 bod.  And while I love the look of the shoes you posted last week, I fear the look might not work on my frame.  I tried the Madewells Whistlestop sandal you featured, they don’t work for me.  Not enough heel maybe, and I felt like they made my legs look stubby.  I need a little more of a heel, or else I feel like I walk like Shrek.     

- Sarah

 

Answer: