Ain't No Mom Jeans

Reader Q | Liberty Print Styling - Not Too Sweet, Please

Reader Question:

Hi,
I'm a new reader and instant fan of your blog :). I have a suggestion for a style challenge I'd like to see on your blog! Liberty prints are all over this spring, and while I love them as a print, I just can't seem to figure out how to style them so they don't look too sweet. Your style has such an edge I think you would know how to do it.

best,
Cortney

 

Answer:

Cortney - I totally get this.  Liberty prints are pretty fabulous, but can easily skew too preppy or sweet.  So....challenge accepted!  Keep reading for how I'm styling liberty prints this season....

Friday

I got a Pap smear yesterday.  Whoa, maybe I should say good morning first.  Hope you already had your coffee!  But I booked my appointment in honor of Megan's recent health scare.  The Happiest Mom says go get it done, Mamas.  I did mine.  Now it's your turn.

In semi-related news, I am a MILF.  (Love the folks at True & Co. for coming up with a funny tilt to that ridiculous acronym.)

Have you heard of Sakroots?  They make really cool products, all covered with...art.  I love this clutch for date night, am dying for this water bottle, and would love any of their iPhone cases.   They are currently holding a contest to find their next print, if any of you are art-inclined....

Are any of you on Chictopia?  I joined recently, just to see what the fuss was about.  I'm not totally convinced it's worth my time....between Pinterest and Instagram and Facebook...there's just so much.  Thoughts?  

Also?  I'm loving my old overalls again and Sarah Jessica Parker demonstrates how cool shoes can make even a hoodie look good.

On Monday, I talked about my resolution to spend more time in nature just...sitting....and then I found this article from a local parent's group.  They call it a "sit spot".  Isn't that clever?

I love when books lead to creative play...and Play at Hom Mom found a good one.

If any of you are interested in Reggio-Emelia...Play Outside has created THE BEST series on the Reggio-Emelia approach.  Their emphasis is primarily for pre-school classrooms, but I find a ton of inspiration to pull into the home.  

I think we're headed out to the Creative Clubhouse today (if any of you are local, it's my hands-down fav place to take the kids)....and this weekend I hope to do a little star gazing.  Gosh, I love a good Science Festival.

Happy Friday!

xo,

S

 

Mom Street Style: Kristen's Perfect Seven For Post-Partum

Mamas!  These quick little peeks into reader's closets are quickly becoming one of my favs.  Here's Kristen's....

 

Hi Shana, thank you for ANMJ! It makes me smile.

I think I may have emailed before, but I could be completely making that up. I'm tired! [NOTE FROM S:  Sing it, Sister.]

I'm a mom of 16-month-old twin girls. I work full-time but in a blessedly casual office. I gained 80 pounds through IVF hormones and then bed rest. Only have 10 to go, but still have the dreaded pooch.

 

Mom Street Style: Yay for Puffer Vests in Pregnancy and Post-Partum!

Goodness.  Could Grace get any cuter?

 

After our recent article on puffer vests, Grace wrote:

I was SO excited to see your post on puffers following your post on maternity coats because vests have been a wardrobe staple/workhorse for me all winter. I had my third baby on December 30th and didn't want to buy a maternity coat (so I didn't) but lived in a slew of vests (some puffy and some faux furry) that I found on eBay (all for less than $10!). Hopefully I'm not the only pregnant lady that looks pregnant around the lovely handles (which is why I was so convinced I was having a GIRL .... not the case!) but a vest really helps that situation out so very nicely.

Um.  Wow.  Pregnancy induced love-handles?  Yeah.  I knew them well.  You make a really, really good point, Grace.  

Pair These Seven Pieces With Boring Basics To Nail That Pesky "Dressy-Casual" Look

Mamas, this article was inspired by a question I received from Martha.  She wrote:

I recently discovered your blog and I am loving the inspiration to step up my mom style a bit, and ideas for putting more personality into my basics. I'm realizing, though, that I have a weird gap in my wardrobe. I have plenty of casual mom clothes (jeans, basic tees and sweaters, comfy shoes). My work wardrobe for a casual but conservative engineering office is jeans, cords, or cotton pants, "boring sweaters", and flats or conservative boots. And I love the rare opportunity to rock a cute dress and strappy heels. But for some strange reason, even before I had kids, I've struggled with what to wear for a dressy-casual night out, like to a restaurant or parties with other "grown ups". 

It's true!  Dressing way up is easy: dress, shoes, clutch, done.  Wearing yoga pants is easy.  But nailing the dressy-casual vibe in an effortless way is tough.  It's easy to go overboard and end up with something that feels too fussy, too "done".  Or, on the other side (like at a business casual office) you end up wearing all solid-color basics.  Snore.  

In the past, I've done both.  Neither is fun, neither feel like "me".  But there are a few pieces that I find myself reaching for time-and-time again, whenever I'm in the dressy-casual zone, be it work or Play* related.  Keep reading to see both the list, and how I'm mixing up my own pieces.

(Play = Big Girl playtime and involves cocktails, play = kiddo play and involves dirt)

 

Stylemint Nicholls Blazer | Mango Lace Tee | Ann Taylor Floral Blouse | M Missoni Skirt | Topshop Check Trousers | Steve Madden Instantt Ankle Booties | Calvin Klein Pumps

 

 

Keep reading for a full explanation of the list, as well as some example pics of how I've been mixing pieces like these...

Reader Q | How To Style A Camo Vest

Reader Question:

 

Hi Shana and Molly,

 

I discovered your blog a month or so ago and have worked my way through most of your archives. I've recently lost about 50 pounds (after having two children) and am starting to become more interested in making myself look nice.

 

Anyway, I may or may not have bought this camouflage vest from Target recently. 

 

I don't know what I was thinking. I had Shana's camo pants in my head and was thinking of the military trend and... it just happened. Now the question is what do I do with it? Return it? Wear it over a neutral tee? Under a jean jacket? Both?

 

Thank you so much for writing such insightful, entertaining posts. I will be more careful when considering trendy pieces next time!

 

 - Jill

 

Answer:

Hunh.  Jill, this camo vest has been on my mind lately.  Initially, when I first read your email, I didn't love it...but...well...it's growing on me.  The vest is growing on me!  And I always like a challenge.  So: I thought I'd try styling it up for a final verdict.  And you know what?  I think this vest could work!

 

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?

Sooooo....Are Leggings Pants?

I hate to bring this up.  But I've noticed that the line between leggings and pants is becoming blurry.  I mean YES:  college-age girls have been strutting around in their leggings and Uggs and not much else for years.  But I'm starting to see...uh, others (*cough* me *cough*) blurring the line between leggings and pants.

(wearing:  faux-leather leggings, Mike's v-neck sweater, cozy sweater-poncho - similar on crazy sale, old plaid scarf - similar,  target mittens - similar, DV Java booties, Makr Farm Rucksack)  

 

My bum, you guys.  Is right there.  Is this OK?  IDK.

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:

TMRDNL: A High-End Designer For Moms? (And At Crazy-Affordable Prices)

Ok Mamas - it's my last shopping enabling post of the year.  But I must warn you:  This one will be especially hard to resist. 

Have you heard of TMRDNL?  It's the line designed by Tamar Daniel, an Israeli- British-American fashion designer who happens to live not far from me.  I had the opportunity to meet with her and see her line...and oh, my.  We're talking ah-mazing stuff.  Like...machine washable, scrunch down into a suitcase and still look amazing stuff. 

 

Tamar's design philosophy is one that us Mamas will relate to.  A mom herself, Tamar describes her collection as a "call to arms for dynamic real women, whose days are full of many facets, and whose outfits need to transition from boardroom to playgroup to date night and back again as seamlessly as they do. A versatile mix of easy, thoughtful pieces, the collection is truly a wardrobe for living."

Sing it, Sister.

 

But here's the bad news:  Tamar is moving on.  It turns out that designing an entire line is a ton of work (no kidding). And Tamar has something new and exciting in mind.  Personally, I'm heartbroken.  With gorgeousness like this...

...TMRDNL will be missed.   

But here's the silver lining, Mamas.  Tamar still has a few pieces in stock.  And they are taking up precious room in her storeroom.  You know where I'm going with this, right?  She'd like some help cleaning things away for the new year.  So pieces that typically retail for...oh...let's just say that they typically retail for prices that I cannot afford...are currently available in the $25 - $125 range.

Seriously.

Even better, Tamar is generously offering Ain't No Mom Jeans readers an additional 20% off with the code ANMJ.

Now...what to buy?

Well.  My most-worn piece to-date is the Intrigue Jacket, pictured above. It's machine-washable, nursing-friendly, and insanely comfortable.  The sleeves are made of a soft knit, so you have full range of motion for picking up the little ones - it feels like a comfy sweater.  Mine is a size larger than I typically go for, so it can be easily layered (even over another sweater, like above).  But when I wear it alone, the drapiness is such that it never looks too big!  This piece is seriously amazing.  It is currently retailing on Tamar's website for $99, and also comes in a longer (trench) version for $125.  The trench makes a gorgeous dress, especially for work.  (Easy to pump in, I'll bet.)  

Ready to see more? Ok...