Ain't No Mom Jeans

My Summer Mom-Uniform Edit

Awkward Mom shorts.  That's my summer momiform edit.

No, not really. 

  (wearing: tee...belt c/o Lucky Brand...shorts - old, but here's the same style in brown...sandals -awesomely comfortable...bracelets - old Chan Luu but here's my new fav and Lindsay Bloom gold bangles...backpack)

 

I've been playing around with different lengths of shorts...but the jury is still out, Mamas.  I'm not sure I love this mid-length.  I'll probably go back to rolling them up.

Anyway, my summer momiform (heck, my year-round momiform) consists of some kind of tee (give or take sleeves, depending on the season) plus denim.  Like I mentioned last year in our Summer Style Rules article, I primarily rely on a cool shoe + bag combo to keep things interesting in the summer months. (If you missed it, my 2013 sandal picks are here...and bags picks are coming soon!)

But I have two accessory additions to the summer momiform this year:  patterned belts and statement sunglasses. 

Neon, For Grown Ups

I carry a little man around on my back.  I am responsible for both providing food and wiping butts at regular intervals.  I am - heavily - relied on by two tiny people who yammer at me all day. "Mum! Mum! Mum! Mumumumum!!!" until I hear myself echoing the empty threat of my mother:  "No more 'MUM'!  I'm going to change my name!"

They give me the same strange look that I used to give her.  For all of these reasons (and more...so much more)...I am, officially, grown up.

Here's how this grown-up (who also happens to be ever-so-slightly color adverse) wears neon:

A Maternity Workwear Capsule Wardrobe For Spring (and an ASOS Giveaway)

Maternity workwear.  Isn't that phrase just so...depressing?  Ugh.  It conjures up images of schlumpy, black, ill-fitting suits and those awful maternity button-down shirts.  (shudder)

We can do better, Mamas.  

I threw together a small Spring capsule wardrobe for working mamas-to-be.  And it's almost completely post-partum friendly, and much of it is pumping-friendly.  But best of all?  Maternity workwear (blaaaah) has come such a long way that not only would I happily(!!) wear any of these pieces NOT pregnant, but most are pretty. darn. affordable. 

 

Mom Street Style: Casey's 10 Perfect Pieces For Late Winter / Early Spring

Mamas!  For Mom Street Style this week we have something a little different.  New mom Casey is sharing not only a pic, but her top ten favorite pieces of clothing.  We're talking about her most-used, hardest working, ten favorite pieces.  So without further ado...here's Casey.

Hi!  I’m a new mom, enjoying life staying home several days a week with my son in Northwest Philadelphia. I’m a former kindergarten teacher and elementary administrator, now working part-time as an instructional coach in a turnaround school in North Philly.  I'm also dabbling in some writing and figuring out what’s next!

I swore to myself that I wouldn’t give into the temptation of wearing yoga pants every day as a new mom, but I’m not gonna lie; since the birth of my son I’ve definitely rocked my Lululemons more than I'd care to admit.  That said, I’ve been relatively successful in avoiding the mommy uniform, especially after I grew accustomed to my new life and body.  

The changes I’ve encountered since becoming a mom have included not only a new chunky little sack of cute named Oliver, but also a transition from a full time job to a part-time gig and some undesirable (though totally worth it) changes to my figure.  As a result, my wardrobe has morphed into a collection of comfy, easy, versatile clothes that cover my new mom pooch and still maintain a sense of style and fun.  By mining my existing closet and purchasing a few new pieces, I’ve come up with a rotation of several items that I can mix and match.  My outfits must be suitable for walking to the farmer’s market with my little guy, going to my part-time job at an elementary school, or walking to a local restaurant for a family dinner.  

Though I certainly wear more than just these 10 pieces (and add my own flair with accessories - especially long circle scarves, which do wonders in camouflaging the belly), I have whittled down my list to just my 10 most crucial pieces for the late winter/early spring. 

Statement Necklace Inspiration From An Adorable Pregnant Mama (Plus a Stella & Dot Sample Sale Just for ANMJ Readers)

Mamas, after our statement necklace round-up, a few of you commented/emailed that you found statement necklaces tough to pull off. You weren't sure when to throw them on (only with fancy dresses?  T-shirts? What?), or how to get the necklines right.  

I get it.  As someone whose style veers to the minimalist, statement necklaces can seem like...a whole lotta necklace.  So I turned to one of my BFFs, Becky McBride, who happens to be a stylist for Stella & Dot.  Helping women figure out how to wear statement necklaces is part of her job...and Beck often wears them herself.  Like...every. day.  (Just about, anyway.)

Anyway, Mamas, it gets better:  It just so happens that Stella & Dot is coming out with a new line in ONE MONTH.  And Beck is selling her gently used sample pieces at 50% off...to us.  Keep reading for some adorable statement necklace (maternity!!) style inspiration...and some crazy-awesome deals.  Instructions for purchasing are below.

Mom Street Style: Mary Makes Workwear "Work" At Home

Mamas, reader Mary sent us the following adorable pictures:

She wrote:  

Hello! My name is Mary, and I am the mother of three - 8 months, 2 years, and an almost 4 year old. I found your blog a few weeks ago via Camp Patton, and I have really enjoyed cruising around it since. I happened upon your Mom Street Style feature and thought, what the heck, I will save Molly from having to approach a random stranger : ) My oldest took these pics (and another million, in an attempt to get one or two that wasn't blurry) - I'm wearing Target super skinny black jeans, New York and Co white button down, 5 /48 charcoal grey boyfriend blazer (or similar), black embellished Franco Sarto flats (they have a tiny wedge - similar here)  and Citizen Eco Drive watch. Super comfy, nursing friendly, yet polished for running errands or what have you. 

Nice work, Mary!!  You've put old work basics to good use running around with the kiddos.  And is it just me, or are black jeans having a moment?  I've been LOVING mine...and they suddenly seem to be popping up everywhere. Amazing that they can look so sleek...yet still give off a rocker vibe. Here, Mary uses them to balance the preppy blazer & white shirt combo.  And the popped collars are so chic.  Nice. 

Mary, BTW, is a blogger herself.  She writes the blog, With My Sisters, as a way of keeping in touch.  "My sisters and I are close but geographically distant. I hope to use this space to share what I would if I were with my sisters - books, movies, fashion, makeup, recipes, random facts, life and love advice - you know, girl talk."  

Having a sister, I do know.  What fun.  And I love her seven quick style tips.

Also, in a totally unrelated note, I received an email a while back from a reader asking how to wear black/brown together.  Which I love.  But I'm betting other mamas out there are also rocking the black/brown.  Anyone want to add their two cents?  Send me a pic (and I'll give credit of course) and we'll see if we can pull together a whopper of a black/brown inspiration board.  

Mary, you fabulous Mama, thank you so much for writing in!!

xo,

S

Reader Q | How to Style a Long, Knit Vest?

Reader Q:

Hello! I look forward to your posts everyday and have gotten some great ideas from you site. I am having an issue with a new piece in my wardrobe - can you tell me how to style a long sleeveless sweater vest/cardigan for work and play? Thanks!  

FYI - like this one... 

 

Answer:

Mamas, this question had me stumped.  I couldn't come up with anything inspired, or fresh, or even all that good.  Even worse, I don't own a vest like this (though I do own a few cozy vests), so I couldn't even play around, waiting for inspiration to strike. Granted, my head has been elsewhere (Fall trends last month, leggings and  Clark desert booties this month)...but regardless, on the vest front I was totally, completely lost.

But do you remember, a month or so back, when I was featured on Life in Mod?  Well.  The blogger behind it, Camille, is a gorgeous Mama, and one of those incredibly creative, DIY sorts.  I emailed her, asking for her take on this reader question.  Thankfully, she came up three fabulous options.

Mom Street Style: Kristen's Genius Style Tip For Baby-Wearing

Mamas, check it:

When you're all covered up by baby, let your legs take center stage.  As reader Kristen writes...

Forgive the crappy photo, but I believe I may have found the perfect baby-wearing accessory: fancy pants! These particular floral pants are leggings which, in my book, makes them eligible for: ignoring my 4 year old at the playground, reading a magazine in the YMCA lobby when my husband thinks I am "working out," and going to a friend's birthday party when my real-life clothes don't fit (see reading at gym, above, haha.)

Brilliant, Kristen!  I love it.  We need to add this little gem to Lane's Baby-Wearing Style Basics.

Kristen's chambray tunic was from Old Navy (now gone, but Gap has one) and her leggings are from Stylemint.  Sadly, they are sold out, but a wait-list is available.  Otherwise, Urban Outfitters has a pretty pair, but I also like their muted paisley legging.  Mamas, are any of you rocking crazy legs these days?  Mind sharing your finds?  I can't quite decide....

 

Kristen, you look gorgeous, girl!  Love this look - thank you so much for writing in!

xo,

S

Reader Q | What An Engineer Wears To Work in the Summer

Mamas, I recieved this email from reader Tracy:

Here's my challenge.  I'm an aerospace systems engineer (yes, you MAY call me Madame Rocket Scientist) in Pasadena, CA and I have no idea what to wear to work when the weather gets hot.  Oh, did I mention California?  Yes, it will be 80-105 degrees here from now until November.  That's half a year by my Excel spreadsheet calculations.  My workplace is actually pretty casual, but the managers certainly dress nicer, and I've always heard you should dress like who you aspire to be at work.  So, what to wear when skin is in season at the beach/park, but no so for those of us sweltering in their desk chair? Cut-offs, short skirts, flip flops, maxi dresses (any that scream "I'd rather be on a tropical island than here in this meeting with all of you!), bare arms, etc. are really not options.  And, I am of course up to my elbows in mommy-mode (and other disgustingness) immediately before and after work so everything has to be kiddo friendly. 

 

Tracy, I have a soft spot in my heart for geeks.  Geeks who mention aerospace, spreadsheets and fashion?  We should be BFFs.

As you know, engineering is a funny field from a dress-code perspective.  It's not as conservative, as, say, some crusty old law firm, but neither is it consider creative, like marketing or a hip ad agency.  And while my company flirted with a denim dress code in the heady dot-com days, the pendulum seems to be swinging back to fairly conservative roots. 

Personally, I tend to favor a professional look, with touches of casual ease thrown in (especially in the summer).  Here's a weeks worth of outfits:

MONDAY:  Cheap, Modest, Summer Dresses

(wearing:  Target dress, J. Crew belt, Marc Jacobs heels)

A few of my favorite places to find cotton summer dresses include Target, Shabby Apple, Modcloth, and  Forever 21.  Look for classic cuts with a bit of a sleeve in dark, conservative colors.  I keep them professional with belts and closed-toe heels, and add cardigans (or blazers) to battle the air conditioning.  The second I leave work I strip off the outer layer, and just run around in what is really just a cheap little cotton summer dress.  Sometimes I'll even change into flip-flops.  

NOTE:  When buying cheap, you sometimes sacrifice fit.  The Target dress above cost me $24, plus another $40 in alterations.  Considering how many times I've worn what became a $64 dress, the CPW (cost-per-wear) is still in the pennies.

 

Summer Style Rules For Moms - Part 1

Mamas, there's a whole big bunch of crazy you can hide underneath a stylish winter jacket and a big scarf.  Spit-up stained tee?  Yup.  Grungy nursing bra peeking out?  None's the wiser.  Too-big maternity jeans with the panel showing?  It's all bunched up under there - but nobody knows.  A flash of bum, due to an unknown hole in your leggings?  Oh, yeah - I can still feel that surprising little breeze...but HEY!  Cute jacket!  Great scarf!  Bum totally obscured!

I think you see where I'm going with this.

The summer months, Mamas, are tricky dressing months.  Because it's so hot, your clothing choices are not only limited, but on full display.  There's none of this Oh, this shirt doesn't really work so I'll throw it under an interesting sweater and add a scarf.  Nope.  Anything you wear is pretty much front-and-center.  But the whole so. flippin. hot. thing makes it hard to care.  I go through a period each summer when I'm choosing outfits based only on one thing:  which pieces touch my body less.  And chunky jewelry aka statement necklaces?  Uh, NO.  Getitoffgetitoffsweatysweatysweaty!

Summer style:  Not as easy-breezy as it sounds.

So. Many of you have asked us to do a set of style rules for the summer months.  And while I have the same reservations about "rules" (break 'em if you can!!)...there are a few, uh, guidelines that do come to mind which might help to keep us mamas both looking and feeling cool (in all senses of the word). 

RULE ONE:  Your Shoes and Bag ARE the Outfit (Every. Outfit.)

Mamas, if there is one offender...or, um...pet peeve, if you will...it's this:  

Here's the deal:  

A.  Shoes

I get when Mamas are sportin' a sport sandal.  I don't love them, but I get the practicality.  However, I'm left completely speechless by the thinly disguised comfort sandal.  The one above uses a flower.  Others use strange colors (green? rusted leather?) or weird heel detail.  No matter what the disguise, the result is the same: a sandal that just isn't chic.  At all.  And unlike a sports sandal, these babies won't even let you play soccer.  You aren't going to be running down the street comfortably.  And the worst?  Most of these sandals are expensive.  So if you are going to drop $100 on a sandal....find a better sandal.  There are a TON of really amazing, very stylish sandals that are just as comfortable as the thinly disguised  'comfort sandal'...but don't require some teenagery flower to prove their mojo.

B.  Bag

If the bag you carry all summer is big and dark and leather...rethink the bag.  

C.  Shoes + Bag

Find a comfortable, chic sandal and a summer-worthy bag that look good...together.

Now, let's not go nuts here.  I'm not talking about investing in some It-Girl bag and Choos.  Nor am I saying that they must match exactly.   I'm just saying that your sandal and bag choice should be intentional.  They should be cohesive.  On a hot, sticky day, they are often your only accessory.  Your only way of injecting style into your outfit.  When you have a cohesive sandal-bag combo, no matter what else you are wearing, you will look great. And it's easy - just part of your daily mom-i-form. 

Here are five pics, hopefully(!) illustrating the point I'm trying to make.  The white tee-n-jeans is pretty much my mom-i-form once the weather starts to warm, but over the years I've amassed a little collection of shoes and bags which help to keep things interesting. 

First up...my Makr Farm Rucksack.  Longtime readers are probably sick of this bag.  But I love it still.   And I'm wearing it to death with my new summer sandals - The Whistlestop Sandals from Madewell.  Shockingly comfortable...but probably best for mamas with a narrower foot.

This is the closest I get to matchy-matchy:

(wearing:  Levi's Juniors 535 Super Skinny Denim Legging, James Perse Cotton Scoop Neck Tee  - I sized up two sizes for extra slouch, Makr Farm Rucksack, Madewell Whistlestop Sandal, Salt Hathaway Sunnies)

Next is an oldie - I bought this Marc Jacob's bag many, many summers ago when I was flying alone with Raines and two laptops (don't ask).  It was the only bag I could find that could fit both laptops, a billion diapers, wipes, snacks, toys and books.  GAH - my shoulder hurts just remembering that flight.