Ain't No Mom Jeans

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. 

Mom Street Style: Abby Rocks Cobalt Blue Denim (Plus Three More Ways To Style)

Mamas, Abby sent in this adorable picture of herself on her way to a baby shower.  She writes: 

 

I have been a huge fan of yours since discovering your blog after the birth of my Daughter. She is my second child and was born C-Section due to her being breach. I was so discouraged and frustrated with my body changes and in tears over the lack of selection in my wardrobe. Until I found your blog. You helped me feel "normal". I could relate to you because you do not tout perfection. You help us all breath easier and enjoy a sense of comfort in candidness. Your transparency freed me from the pressure to look a certain way within a certain time frame. (Nano-seconds after child birth? No thanks, Hollywood!)

I remember being in tears from laughing so hard at your recounting of trying on shaper-camis only to get stuck! I was laughing harder than I had laughed in a long time and thought "Finally, someone has the courage to write what we are all feeling, thinking, struggling with!"

You had me at "Jelly Belly"!

You have inspired me to try looks I never would have been brave enough to dare..to think differently about my wardrobe.

WOW.  Thank you, Abby.  Your words made my day.  And I'm sharing your words here not to throw a parade in my honor (yay me! yay me! yay-SHUT UP)...but because I know so many other mamas out there are probably reading and nodding (and me too).   We feel ya, Abby.  YES. DOWN WITH PERFECTION!!

But Mamas...Abby also had a question:

So here is my take on the Cobalt Skinny jeans..I'm still not sure I got it "right" and am still wanting ways to work this bold color (hello, shoes..what shoes does one wear with these for a more casual look?) without looking like a Crayon explosion. I happened to be going to a Baby Shower, hence the heels. You do not find me in these normally! 

Abby, here's how I'd wear them:

Reader Q | How To Style A Navy & White Striped Knit Blazer?

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.

Reader Question: A Post-Partum Mom Needs a Cute Camping Outfit

Reader Question:

Dear M&S,
I have a fashion dilemma. My husband, who is turning 30 on May 5, wants to have a birthday weekend camp out. The plan is to get a big group camping site and invite 50 or so of our closest friends out to set up tents, roast weenies and drink beer. 

Now I've camped, a lot; but what I haven't done is camped and been a hostess (much less camped and fixed my hair or worn much more than a bikini and shorts). Also, did I mention that at the time of the party I will be 6 months postpartum and probably not in a bikini wearing state of mind? Also, many of the guests will be coming in from out of town-- some of whom I haven't seen since our wedding, including my photographer friend who has promised to come, camera in hand. 

What I really need are some ideas for a cute, put together yet cool and unfussy looking outfit (*ahem* that I can nurse in). I know it might seem like a tall order, but I'm sure you two can handle it because you ladies are geniuses!

Thanks so much for your wonderful blog and keep up the good work!

Sincerely,
Jen

 

Answer:

Jen, thanks for writing in!  Your little shindig sounds like a blast.  And while a bikini and cut-offs are perfect for this kind of thing...at 6 months post-partum...wow.  That is tough. Tell your photographer friend to brush up on her photoshop skills.

But...you do have options.  The key is pulling something together that is comfortable, practical, hides the pooch, yet makes you feel (and look) like a young, fun, hip mama who is up for camping at 6 months post-partum!  Rock on, Chick.  (And BTW?  It's called Glamping.  Glam Camping - get it?  I did not make that up.  It's a thing. I swear.)

My strategy?  To distract from the pooch with legs and/or shoulders. But do it in a completely casual, nonchalant way.  Like..."Hell yeah, I'm out camping.  Yeah, the babe's only 6 months. Yeah, I'm showing some leg...and/or my seriously great rack. I know, I know - you all wanna start having babies now cause I'm just makin' this look eeee-zeee."  

My first thought?  Cut-offs.  Pair 'em with flops or sandals if it's hot, or rainboots if the weather turns.  This outfit would be perfection:

(photo credit: Piperlime, 360 Sweater's Lital Short Sleeve Sweater)

 

Here's how I'd do it post-partum:

• Beat-up cut-offs?  Check.  (Heck, these could even be your old maternity jeans.)
• Black Nursing Shaping Cami?  Yup.
• Lightweight, pooch-hiding sweater?  Check.
• A cool bracelet or two?  Perfect.

I'd pair this outfit with my favorite Reef flip-flops, but since you are camping, you could even pair this with a sportier sandal, if so inclined.  These Keens aren't bad:

Reader Question: Footwear For When It's Too Hot For Boots, But Too Cold To Go Without Socks

Reader Question:

Hi,
I am a mama of twin 5 year old boys.  I have recently found your site and love it!  I work from home so I easily fall into the trap of wearing the same old unfashionable clothes and have also been known to go a day or two (or three!) without showering.  Your blog has really helped me take on a renewed focus on being more fashionable and just feeling better about myself.
 
One area that I continue to struggle with is shoes.  I live in Michigan and find that there is a period of time between winter and spring where I don't know what shoes to wear.  It is not cold enough to wear boots, but not warm enough for sandals or flats with no socks.  I struggle to find fashionable shoes that I can wear with some type of sock, and have them be comfortable.  I need to chase around my boys so comfort is a must.  But I also don't want to look like an old lady in orthopedic shoes.  Can you please help by giving me some suggestions?  

 

Sarah

 

Answer:

Sarah, thanks for writing in!  Growing up in MI myself, I know exactly what you are talking about.  And this transitional weather often drives me crazy, too.   But I've been thinking about your request...and now that the weather in Philly is chilly again I've found myself struggling with the same thing.

Here's what I've been happy wearing...

Booties

I don't typically wear these shoes to the park, but for general errands and outings with the kiddos, I find the heel comfortable enough for baby-wearing.

Note my Smartwool socks peeking out.  Navy denim + navy-ish wool socks = close enough.

 (wearing: Levis skinnies, J.Crew Factory sweater, Madewell plaid shirt, Clarks booties, Bella leopard-print baby carrier. Makr backpack, Salt sunnies)

Cute Sneaks

I'm slowly figuring out the whole cute sneaks + skinny jeans thing.  Personally, I like this look a whole lot better if the skinnies aren't legging-tight.  But that might just be me.  And since I'm not the tallest person around, I roll 'em. 

My converse are high-tops, but this look would work even if a bit of white sock showed.

(Also?  This is a different day....but Raines likes to wear the same thing over & over & over....)

Reader Q: What to Wear to a Super Bowl Party - Super Bowl XLVI Style

Few things confound me more than dressing for sporting events/parties.  I like designer denim, tall boots, drapey tops, interesting sweaters. . . but these items somehow just don't seem to fit with queso dip and beer (much as I do love those Super Bowl standbys), so I welcomed ANMJ reader Tamar's question as a challenge and spent pretty much all week culling Super Bowl party-worthy ensembles.  See What you think!  Tamar writes: 

I recently got my body back down to its original size and I am looking forward strutting my stuff at our friends Superbowl party. Problem being I have no idea what to wear. I was thinking a cute outfit in team colors? Colored blue denim with a cute top? 

- Tamar

I love the idea of going in team colors, Tamar, particularly if you or hubs are big sports fans, and this year we're in luck, because the New York Giants and the New England Patriots have nearly identical color schemes of blue, red, white and gray.  (Or if you're a Patriots fan, Nautical Blue, New Century Silver--of course.  Totally different.  I'm sure that's complete sacrilege.  Sorry.) 

But pulling off team colors without going the distance of face painting can be tough.  I've put five looks together, including two traditional team-wear outfits and three other more-every-day looks, from edgy to preppy, that incorporate pieces you probably already have.

Super Bowl XLVI (Giants vs Patriots) 2012 Outfits by dynamama featuring tailored shirts

Have fun and congrats on getting your pre-baby bod back!

- M.

Four Perfect, Pooch-Hiding, Nursing-Friendly Outfits For Fall (Including Date Night!)

Poochy mamas, rejoice!  This season has a ton of adorable, pooch-hiding tops in store...and the best news?  Not an empire-waist in sight!  

Outfit 1 - Playing at the Park

I tried on the BB Dakota top.  It's like a strange, but sophisticated hoodie that is crazy-comfortable and totally pooch-hiding.  So comfy, in fact, it could easily double as loungewear with these.  Nursing girls, this top easily pulls down for nursing access.

 

 

Post-Partum, Nursing Park Outfit by aintnomomjeans featuring a floppy felt hat

Jack BB Dakota lightweight hoodie
$60 - modcloth.com

 

AG Adriano Goldschmied high waisted skinny jeans
$164 - piperlime.gap.com

 

Socks
$10 - topshop.com

 

Minnetonka boots
$90 - piperlime.gap.com

 

Old Navy floppy felt hat
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com

 

 

The Short Boot Dilemma

We've been talking so much about tall, flat boots lately...and while I still think that tall, flat boots are my first choice for busy moms, some Fall trends have been going in another direction:  The Short Boot.

After many years of my skinny-jeans-and-tall-flat-boots momiform, I was ready (or so I thought) to branch out to short boots.  

Easier said than done.

First of all, I'm pregnant (so clothing just looks a bit strange), and second of all, I have a 2.5 year old, so my "shopping" must be done either a) with him in 30 min increments (the time it takes R to finish his Starbucks steamer and a bag of Doc Popcorn)...or b) without him during our precious weekend family time.

And, as I discovered, there's not just one type of short boot.  This season, there are, by my calculations, roughly 8 billion different takes on the "short boot".  For example, in the category of "lace-up boot" alone there are several different iterations:  desert boots, military boots, granny boots, sneaker inspired boots - just to name a few.  And moto boots?  Try tough moto boots, mod moto boots, cowboy moto boots, lace-up moto boot hybrids, etc.  Instead of being inspired by choice, I'm drowning in it. 

(And yes - for the very observant, I was also drowning in paint color choices.  You'll be happy to know that none of the paint swatches on the wall made the final cut.)

So....did I figure it out?  Ummmm...sort of.  Keeping in mind my geeky nature, here's how I went about it:

Cool Backpacks as Diaper Bags - I'm in....Are You?

I was totally inspired by Lane's recent diaper bag article.  I took it as a sign that it was time to upgrade (or really, add) a diaper bag to my growing collection. 

"THANKS, LANE" says my husband sarcastically.

Being firmly in the not-a-diaper-bag-as-diaper-bag camp, I already have my fair share of big bags.  Thus, I wanted something a little bit different.  And since backpacks are slowly but surely making a comeback...I was curious:  could I find a backpack that was cool enough such that I'd actually want to carry it around?  Something with street cred...yet functional enough to actually function as a diaper bag?