Ain't No Mom Jeans

Trend Update: The New Puffer Vest

Mamas, I talked about my love of puffer vests for pooch-hiding reasons last winter, here.  And while puffer vests are often made fun of...

One popular example is the performance vest which solves the age old problem of cold chest hot arms. 

                                                                                            ---- from Stuff White People Like

...I've noticed that puffer vests are still going strong (probably because we all hate that cold chest, hot arm syndrome amiright?).  In fact, puffy vests are getting chic little upgrades.  A patch of tweed, perhaps, some leather trim.  Or even...chambray?

Weekend Inspiration. Yay.

Reader Emily clued us in on a little fun fact about Topshop:  they obviously love our name. 

Topshop, I love that you love it, but I can't get behind your message.  Or rather, more specifically, the length of that zipper.  Just...no.  Nope.  Have fun with that.  

Sorry to kick your weekend off with a crotch-shot, Mamas.  (It's hard not to stare, isn't it?  So inexplicably loooong....) but here are a few fun things I've been wanting to share:

Jennifer Garner is really stepping up her momiform game.  Oxfords and well-fitting skinnies?  Yay, Jen!

Rugged boots + winter white denim?  I'm dying to recreate this look.

We're not the only ones with leggings on the brain.  Refinery 29 shows 5 cool ways to upgrade your leggings and Sarah Jessica Parker solves the pants/no pants problem by rocking thin black cords that look a whole lot like leggings.  But are pants.

Shopbop has the best advice for making your workout gear look chic.  I do this more days than I care to admit.  :)

The Rookie Moms love cute winter coats, and want you to love them too.  Here's why.   

I'm going to give the Coconut Hot Chocolate on a Cup of Jo a try.  (Mine will also have rum.)

Also, you may have missed a few of our articles over on Mom.me:

Here's how to Dress Around a C-Section Scar

A week's worth of outfits that all do double duty (work date then playdate, gym than errands, etc.)

Styling Tips for New Moms 

Lastly, our Holiday Style Guide has outfits for any age and stage...and might work well for a festive Valentine's Day.

What are your plans for the weekend?  We're going to take the boys to see the Arden Theater's production of Cinderella.  I hear it's a great twist on the classic - no poufy dresses or simple happily ever afters.  We can't wait.  

Have a wonderful weekend, Mamas!

xo,

S

Scored a Fab Dress at Target? Awesome. Now Here's How To Wear It Without Looking Like Everybody Else...

Mamas, you know Target's designer collaborations, right?  Have you ever scored an item before it's sold out?  Perhaps a printed tunic from the Tucker collab, or my little red and navy dress from Jason Wu?  Well here's the thing:  everyone's got one.  So when reader Samira asked if she could guest post on ways to keep your Target score fresh, I was all. over. it.  Yes, please.

*********

Kirna Zabete for Target is here!  It’s been a lower-key launch than say, the Missoni collection (!!!), but that is a very good thing for us humble shoppers.  This collaboration may not have as high a profile, but it does have the combined eye of two excellent clothing curators, Beth Buccini and Sarah Easley.  Designer taste on a Target budget: always a win.  

Unfortunately the upside of Target collabs (so available!) is also the downside: so available.  Many of us interested in fashion on a budget will be adding these pieces to our wardrobes in the coming weeks.  Take this pretty floral dress for example:

Kirna Zabete For Target Long Sleeve, Tie Front Floral Dress, $45

 

It’s gorgeous, it’s washable (hey, polyester) and it’s the kind of dress you might think you have to rock-paper-scissors your girlfriend for.  Nope, even if you both get one  (S's Note:  Hear that, Mol??)  you could mix it up in some very different ways—all of them low-key.

Here are three ways to keep your Target dress fresh:

Fall Trend: The Denim Jacket (And 3 New Ways Mamas Can Rock It)

Mamas, the denim jacket (which is, arguably, a classic and therefore always cool)...is having a moment so big, it feels like a new trend.  I'm sure you've seen it paired with statement pants (red skinnies or printed denim, perhaps?), and we've covered to death the denim-jacket-over-casual-dress-and-boots combo (here and here and here - and it's still good, BTW)...but I'd like to highlight the three new ways I'm loving my denim jacket.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

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! 

Shop Your Closet / Reader Q: Baseball Hats! (And Other Hat Baby-Steps)

Reader Question:

Hi Ain't No Mom Jeans --

I love reading your blog, and I have a burning fashion question. In recent years my eyes have become super sensitive, and I find myself wearing a baseball hat with sunglasses almost every time I have to stand outside for a long time. I'm thinking there has to be a cuter way to shield my eyes, but I'm a little bit afraid of a fashion statement hat. Any hat suggestions to stand in for my sloppy baseball hats?

thanks!!

- ali. (bay area, CA)

 

 

Answer:

Ali - Thanks for writing in!  Baseball hats are so crazy-relevant right now that I say, keep wearing 'em!  Seriously!  Want some inspiration?  Try this...

 

(photo credits, clockwise from top left:  J.Crew | Style Activist | Sartorialist for Style.com | Philly Weekly Style Blog)

 

Personally, I'm kinda loving the look of keeping your hair down with the cap (like that cutie in the glasses), or in a low, messy pony (like the J.Crew image above).   I'll bet a romantic half-up/half-down do' would work also. 

Here's my take:

 (wearing: Levi's denim leggings, Frye Carmen 3 strap boots, J.Crew factory chambray shirt, J.Crew sweatshirt, Anthropologie poncho)

See that "C"?  It's for the Coopertown Padres, Mamas.  

Shop Your Closet: Shorts and Sweaters - A Perfect Mom-i-form For Spring?

(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.  

Reader Question: Should Busty, Poochy Mamas Turn To Mature Brands? (Eileen Fisher in Particular)

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):

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....)

Shop Your Closet: Wear Socks With Your Loafers

Mamas, I have always had a soft spot for geeks.  I, myself, am a geek.  I married a geek.  And, if I do my job correctly, my sons will also grow up to be geeks.  

Go geeks, go.

(wearing: J. Crew sweater, J Brand cropped denim - similar here, Gap leopard-print socks, Sperry woven loafers)