Ain't No Mom Jeans

Mom Street Style: Katie and Batman Rock The Playground

 

Mama's there's so much to love about Katie, I don't even know where to begin.  Those sunnies?  Her backpack?  BATMAN???

 

And let's not forget those shoes. 

We ran into Katie at Clark Park.  She was there trying to run Batman before his nap.  We were doing the same with Superman.  As one would suspect, the superheros sized each other up, then decided to join forces.

But I think Pax was jealous of Batman's mask.  Which I get - I was dying for Katie's sunnies.  Which, it turns out, are a kid's pair from H&M.  Genius!

Katie is wearing a combo of thrift/Old Navy (love that), her scarf is handmade by an Etsy seller I couldn't find (this one has a similar vibe), and her backpack?  It was a gift, so she doesn't know!  I KNOW!  Luckily, the shopping enabler thinks that this backpack is a dead ringer and that this one is pretty close. 

And once I start referring to myself in third person it means it's time for bed.  Katie, it was a pleasure meeting you! Thank you for being such a good sport!

xo,

S

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....

How We Wear It: Sneakers

Mamas!!  This is our new monthly series called How We Wear It, where *we* show all of the different ways to rock a wardrobe basic.  And by "we" I mean...all y'all.   If there was One. Thing. our readers communicated LOUD AND CLEAR via the survey, it's this:  You want to see a wider range of body types represented here on ANMJ.  

So.  I'll show you how I've been styling my old standbys, and so will Cam.  And then, dear readers, we want to hear from YOU.  You can play along via our Linky party at the bottom (you can sign up at the bottom of this article or on Cam's page), you can send us an email (send it to either Cam or me), upload a pic to ANMJ's Facebook page, or use Instagram with the hashtag: #howwewearit.  As reader pics come in, I'll be keeping this page up-to-date.

Ready?  

How We Wear It: A Ladylike Cardigan!

Mamas!!  This is our new monthly series called How We Wear It, where *we* show all of the different ways to rock a wardrobe basic.  And by "we" I mean...all y'all.   If there was One. Thing. our readers communicated LOUD AND CLEAR via the survey, it's this:  You want to see a wider range of body types represented here on ANMJ.  

So.  I'll show you how I've been styling my old standbys, and so will Cam.  And then, dear readers, we want to hear from YOU.  You can play along via our Linky party at the bottom (you can sign up at the bottom of this article or on Cam's page), you can send us an email (send it to either Cam or I), upload a pic to ANMJ's Facebook page, or use Instagram with the hashtag: #howwewearit.  As reader pics come in, I'll be keeping this page up-to-date.

Ready?  

 

The New Spring Basics 101

A few weeks ago I was driving Raines to pre-school (he's 5).  He was sitting in his carseat, a grumpy look on his face.  "What's wrong, buddy?" I asked.  He sighed.  It was one of those dramatic, drawn-out sighs of the long-suffering.  "I jus' don't understand what is happening in this world, Mom" he said.  

Whoa.  I'm not...how to even...begin with that?   I waited, concerned, for him to continue.

"I mean...what the heck is going on with the Sun?  Where is it?  Will I always have to wear this jacket?"  [pause]   I'M NOT COMFORTABLE IN THIS JACKET MOM!!"

Exactly, kid. Sing it.

 

Ready to talk Spring, Mamas?  Us too.  Most of these picks (if not all) can be worn while chasing kiddos around a park, and some can be dressed up for date-night (or the office).  All can be paired with pieces you already own for a fresh, easy update.  These are the new Spring Basics...101.

 

 

Spring Mom-Uniform Update: Try a Bandage Mini

It's March.  Know what that means?  Sigh.  I'm about ready to burn my skinnies.  Like, literally burn them.  As a sacrifice to the weather gods to BRING ME SOME SUN ALREADY.  I mean, it feels like Spring...in my heart.  BOOOO

As a sanity saving measure, I'm wearing a skirt.

How We Wear It: The Basic V-Neck Sweater

Mamas!!  We're starting a new monthly series called How We Wear It, where *we* show all of the different ways we're rocking a wardrobe basic.  And by "we" I mean...all y'all.   If there was One. Thing. you readers communicated LOUD AND CLEAR via our survey, it's this:  You want to see a wider range of body types represented here on ANMJ.  

So.  I'll show you how I've been styling my old standbys, and so will Cam.  And then, dear readers, we want to hear from YOU.  You can play along via our Linky party at the bottom (you can sign up at the bottom of this article or on Cam's page), you can send us a email (send it to either Cam or I), upload a pic to ANMJ's Facebook page, or use Instagram with the hashtag: #howwewearit.  As reader pics come in, I'll be keeping this page up-to-date.

Ready?  

Currently Loving: Dark, Straight-Leg Denim (WHA???)

Mamas, I have some new favorite pants.

 

Yup.  They're a clean, dark wash.  And nope:  they're not coated or patterned, embellished or embroidered.  They are just....plain 'ol denim.  And not skinny!  (Shocking, I know.)  They have a straight leg and a mid-rise.  They practically scream WE ARE NOT EXCITING!

And I realize that dark, clean denim seems like an odd choice, given that brights and patterns are now an everyday basic.  But I think the simplicity is exactly why I was drawn to this pair.  With all of the colors and patterns out there, these almost feel...fresh?

 

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 Peter Pan Collar (And Three Easy Ways To Style It)

 

Mamas, there's fun, 60's Mod vibe afoot. I love it.  And one of the hallmarks?  Yup - the Peter Pan collar.  Retailers are currently stocking a range of Peter Pan collared blouses, tees and sweaters (remember M's adorable pullover from J.Crew?)....but I'm kinda loving the Peter Pan collar.   As in, just the collar.  A detachable Peter Pan collar.  Why? 

Well....it's slightly more cost-effective and versatile...but I just really like the way it dramatically changes the look of my t-shirt & jeans uniform.  

Besides, the collars are totally mom-friendly (unless you find a jewel-encrusted one, they are soft enough for babywearing) and just look so...cute?  But in the coolest possible way?  Cute-cool?  Is that a thing? Gag.  Let's go with...charming insouciance.  BAM. 

After lots (and lots and lots) of searching, I fell in love with Very Vague's detachable Peter Pan collars.  They are simple, hand-made, and gorgeous.  She was kind enough to send me a black one and a plain white one to try....but she also makes fab patterned collars.  Polka dot, anyone?  And at $18 a pop, they are an easy way to transform the daily mom-i-form.

Here are the three very mom-friendly ways I've been wearing my Peter Pan collars.....