Ain't No Mom Jeans

7 Style Resolutions for Moms in 2013

Hi, Mamas!!  

(wearing:  Lole's Lea Jacket in black, Sorel 88 Boots in black - currently on sale for $76, Levis 535 denim leggings, Band of Outsiders for Target hat, now sold out)

I'm back!  Did you miss me?  A few of you left me some very nice words on our Facebook page, some sent awfully kind emails...but most wanted to know one thing:  WHAT THE HECK, S?  WHY SO SILENT??

Friends (and any longtime reader) all know that silent is not something I typically do.

My long vacay even spawned pregnancy rumours!  Honestly.  I'm not pregnant.  Very much NOT.  Just...well...busy, I guess.  It's just what happens when you live tragically far from those you love and don't have nearly enough time to see them.  You know?  

So for two weeks, my blogging brain was OFF.  Completely shut down.  I was starting to worry that I had run out of ideas.  But on the way back home (the very, VERY long drive back home), my brain kicked back on.  At least the part of my brain that's constantly spinning over how best to rock a plaid shirt, debating the benefits of loafers vs. ballet flats, and the part that Can't. Stop. Shopping.  So despite the fact that my house (in it's partially-unpacked-state) looks like a bomb went off...I've been positively itching to sit down and write.  Specifically about style resolutions for 2013.  Lucky 13, Mamas!  Not just lucky - 13 is also a prime number, which is really a beautiful thing. 

So Mamas, looking into 2013, here's what I'll be focusing on.  So if you'd like to join me...just repeat after me:

I, Mama...

 

1.  ...will try harder with my hair.

I will take advantage of the numerous bed-head products on the market and do something fabulous.  I will adorn, perhaps, the unwashed mess on my head with pretty hair clips, or figure out an easy braid.  I will even take a break from my tired ponytail. (gasp)  In 2013, I may have dark circles under my eyes and an unidentified substance on my shirt, but my hair?  My hair will be a thing of wonder.  

NOTE:  Later this week, I'll share my insanely-easy hairdo finds that seriously ANYONE can do (You can tell I'm a novice because I still use words like 'hairdo').

 

2. ...will invest in stylish outdoor clothing.

Whether the dark days of winter bring ice, snow, sleet or hail, I will be ready.  I will not avoid taking the kiddos outside because I'll freeze in my wool peacoat.  Nor will I not hit the trendy coffeshop after sledding because I look like a small house in my snowpants.  I will instead embrace the fact that I am a Stylish Mom Who Plays and take dressing myself for cold weather just as seriously as I do dressing the kids.  I will also figure out a cute snow-playing hairstyle that goes under my oh-so-cool winter hat. (see Resolution #1 above)

 

3. ...will figure out footwear that doesn't involve tall boots.

Tall boots will always have a place in our hearts, and our closets.  But it's time.  It's time to ease up on our style training wheels.  (Remember when tall boots and skinny jeans felt all cutting edge?)  In 2013, I, Mama, will bow my head in acknowledgement to all that the tall boot taught me...and will then try my hardest to find an alternate mom-uniform.  Even if it takes all year. 

Can I suggest an ankle boot?  Seriously - these things aren't going anywhere.  Or how about Frye's Moto Boot, or Clark's Desert Boot?

 

4. ...will think twice before buying another solid-color shirt.

Because I want to take part, dammit, of these new, liberating trends that have taken hold of our fashion consciousness!!  I want color, yes, but color alone is not enough!  I want patterns.  And when I'm ready?  I will mix patterns.  In 2013, I will not wear my striped shirt with just solid sweaters.  I will wear it with solid sweaters and polka-dot pants.  I will wear it with a plaid scarf.  I will wear it with another top of different stripes.  So when I find myself in the midst of a clearance-sale madness, clutching yet another solid-color shirt/sweater/tee/whatever...I will STOP.  And consider my closet carefully.

 

5. ...will get my sh*t together (style-wise).

2013 is the year that all ill-advised, impulse purchases will STOP.  Instead, I will clean out my closet - really clean it out - so I'm left with only pieces that work.  Pieces that I will actually wear.  I will then put time into figuring out how to wear my existing pieces better, and make a Master Shopping List of the additional pieces I need.  When I'm ready to shop again, I will be insanely picky.  NOTHING will be purchased unless it makes my heart beat fast, or makes me cry tears of joy.  

(And I will STOP marking secret Target purchases as "groceries" to hide them from my husband.  Unless, of course, they make me cry tears of joy.  Then all bets are off.)

 NOTE: A closet clean-out article is coming later this month. Until then, here are a few articles that might help get your shizz together (and I really need to re-read them myself).

An Easy Method To Determine Your Personal Style

The Argument for Quality Over Quantity...Even in a Mom-drobe

Tips For Successful Mom-Drobe Shopping

Fall Basics 101:  A Starter Mom-Drobe

10 Tips For Keeping Your Mom-Drobe Looking New(ish)

 

6. ...will wear bold makeup like it's no big thing.

On my most casual days, I'll rock a red lip like it's nobody's business.  Or, if I'm in the mood, shocking pink.  Perhaps orange, mid-summer when I'm tan.  On mornings when I'm running around frantically, I'll throw a chubby, glide-on eyeliner (in teal, maybe?) into my diaper bag to add a pop of color later.  In 2013, my makeup will be applied with this one simple rule in mind:  colorful, bold make-up looks effortless and cool when paired with casual everything else. 

 

7. ...will find the perfect white tee...and STOCK UP.

In 2013, I will make it my mission, nay, my quest to find t-shirt perfection in white.  This quest is a worthy one.  The humble white tee is not just a shirt.  Oh, no.  It is the cornerstone of any good mom-uniform, the core of an insouciant French-girl's closet, and the foundation upon which to build an outfit of awesome.  (Especially with all of the print-tastic pants of late.)

 

You with me, Mamas?  Also, our Style Resolutions from 2012 still apply.  Especially the one about rocking white pants...something I've been loving again this year.  But what are your style resolutions for the year??  Any that you're feeling in particular?

Mamas, it is SO GOOD to be back!  Happy New Year!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo,

S

 

Fall Trend: Leather (For Mamas!!)

Have ya heard, Mamas?  Leather is huge this season.  Whether you rock it in small doses, or go hardcore-hot-Mama in leather jackets/pants...without a doubt, leather makes an impact.  Leather can make even the meekest Mama look like a badass.  

Think of leather as our version of a superhero cape. DA DAH DAHN!

Scared?  Don't be.  I'm the world's biggest wardrobe wimp (if it's uncomfortable in the slightest, I'm not interested) and have a couple of leather styling tricks up my sleeve.  

No She Didn't!! Leather Pants (...aaaand an alternative for the rest of us)

Mamas:  Have you ever tried leather pants?  I have - years ago (long before Raines came around).  It didn't end well.  The knees stretched out, I couldn't bend (Somebody help!  I dropped a pencil!), and I found my thighs either sweaty (which previously had only happened in Bikram Yoga class) or freezing.  I also walked funny - ramrod straight and uncomfortable.  The soundtrack to my leather-pant-walking would've sounded something like  ernh-ee-ernh-ee-ernh-ee.  I'm sure some girls can carry them off with aplomb....but these are probably also the girls who look cool smoking.  Me?  Not only am I leather-pant-challenged, but I'm afraid of the fire at the lit end of the cig.  Sigh.  Hopeless, I know.

But I LOVE the look (of both leather pants and smoking - yeah, yeah, bad for you, yeah).  But I LOVE it.  Such an awesome rocker/cool-french-girl kind of look.  And while I'm totally over the smoking thing, I'm still craving leather pants. Luckily, faux leather options are everywhere.  From J Brand's waxed skinny jeans (cute, but not that comfy) to faux-leather leggings that do, surprise!!, feel a lot like leggings. 

BTW?  I ran across a pic of one the French Vogue editors rocking her leather leggings at 6 months pregnant. 

(photo credit: Jak and Jill)

Mamas, that's some serious dedication to leather leggings.  Yay, Geraldine.

Encouraged by Geraldine's pic...I bought some faux-leather leggings.  Just, you know, to see.  Strictly for research, Mamas.  We do serious research here at Ain't No Mom Jeans.  But my expectations were very low, so I bought the cheapest pair I could find.  Then rounded up a couple of pics for leather-legging mom-drobe inspiration (which sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but indulge me for a sec).  Anyway, here's my inspiration board for mom-friendly leather leggings:

Mom Street Style - Mandy's Fresh Take on Winter Boots

Mamas, meet reader Mandy.  Mandy is a mom of three kiddos and a fashion blogger herself.  Mandy writes:

I am a mother of three kids, 5, 3, and 3 months old! I gained a lot of weight during each pregnancy. 90 with my first, 70 with my second, and again 70 with my third. My blog is my way of staying fashionable while trying to get back into my old clothes!

Mandy, you look fantastic.  And this outfit (above) has to be one of my favorites.  I love the snow boots and furry jacket mixed in with the Spring-y stripes and blush-toned necklace.  It's a wintery look, certainly, but it has the optimistic feel of Spring.  Total perfection!

Check out the rest of Mandy's outfits over at Juggling Chic (love the name!!)

xo,

S

ps.  Congrats to Heather Williams, the winner of our Dansko giveaway!  

 

 

Congrats to Amy, the winner of our Ashley Ann Photography Snapshop Course!!

 Email us!!

Mom Street Style - Hannah's Bright Take on Post-Partum Winter Style

 

 

 

We love hip mama bloggers here at Ain't No Mom Jeans (um, obviously)...so were thrilled to hear from Hannah!  She started her mom fashion blog, For Scarlet, just 2 months ago - when baby Scarlet was just 2 months old!

Taking pics of yourself at 2 months post-partum and posting them to the internet?  Brave.  Very brave.  (S applauding wildly)

But seriously, at 4 months pp, how amazing does Hannah look?  Hannah writes:

Fitting into post-baby wear has been a struggle, so I've decided any purchases from here on out include at least 2 percent spandex material:) Thank goodness for bright stretchy jeans, forgiving scarves and big sunnies, all the right ingredients to keep up with motherhood and Montana winters. 

Sing it sister.  You look ah-mazing!

And how festive and totally holiday-perfect are the bright pops of red?

 

Pretty. Darn. Perfect.  But dang, girl - earrings?  At 4 months pp?  Now I'm seriously impressed.  4 months pp I was lucky to shower.  

Hannah, thanks so much for writing in!!  LOVE this look.  I may have to copy it exactly.

xo,

S

5 Very Cool Ways to Wear a Puffer Vest (And Hide A Poochy Stomach!!)

Try saying this three times fast:  Perfect Post-Partum Paunchy-Pooch Puffers!  Perfect Post-Partum Paunchy-Pooch Puffers!  Perfect-

I'll stop now.

(wearing: On S - J.Crew puffer, Madewell boiler shirt, Levis denim leggings, Mia Bukaroo boots, H&M hat, LOFT skinny belt.....On R - Joe's Jeans, Puma sneaks, Crewcuts v-neck tee, Splendid hoodie, Oakley flannel, 77kids hat....On Little P - Gap flannel-lined jeans and camel jacket, Old Navy hat, Robeez fur boots)

Anywho.  The point is that puffer vests provide some major pooch control.  If you can find a puffer that you can juuuust barely zip up - that's the perfect fit for pooch-taming.  The side view, if you are truly post-partum, will be slightly thicker.  My pooch is almost gone (unless I eat, then Hello, food baby), and so the side view is still not the best:

Reader Question: Styling Cropped Cargo Pants Into Fall?

 

Reader Question:

How would you style cropped cargo pants into fall?  I've been wearing the heck out of a pair of olive cropped cargo pants  this summer. They were from Hot Mama in the spring, and no pics available anymore on their site, but they look sort of like Joie's Generette Pant (pictured).

 

Over the summer, these pants have been a staple of my "momiform," work mainly with a black or a green J crew tank top and some black flat sandals with little leather flowers to girlie up this otherwise somewhat tough look. 

 

Here in Minneapolis there's a chill in the air already, and a girl needs a bit more coverage for the morning coffee/playground/grocery stroll.

 

My favorite shoe for fall - the lace up combat-ish boot - comes off as too literal with the army green cargoes. Sneaks with socks seem a bit dowdy, and there is too much fabric at the legs to tuck into my favorite knee high motorcycle boots without looking like a member of a WW2 German motorbike brigade.

 

But, these pants are comfortable, washable, and crazy flattering. How would you style them to get another couple months of wear?

 

- Abby in Minneapolis

Answer:

Abby - great question!  This is a tricky styling situation!  As you mentioned, these pants are too wide for tucking into boots....and the weather is too cold to go without socks.  (Which I mention only because these pants would look adorable with ballet flats, oxfords or loafers sans socks.  Of course.) 

So.  You want to wear these pants, into the Fall, with warm footwear options.  Gotcha.

Now, I don't have a pair of pants exactly like these, but for this tricky styling situation, I didn't want to rely on a Polyvore collage.  So I "spoofed" your pants by rolling up a slouchy pair of straight-leg khakis.  The color obviously, is different, but I think the overall effect is the same.  Here's what worked for me:

Duck Boot Styling

   While 2010 Fall runways were awash in high-heeled duck boots...even the regular, good 'ol LL Bean-style duck boots are having a moment.  (Ummm...or the cheaper iterations, like my Land's End duck boots).  And since the snow just keeps on comin', these boots have certainly come in handy.  And it doesn't hurt that I kinda love 'em.  They have a rugged feel without being too mannish. Tomboyish, perhaps?  (And you know I'm a sucker for anything that gives me yet another way to wear my favorite, cover-everything-bad, post-partum sweater).

Whatever it is, I'm in.

I've been styling these babies with dresses, khakis, skinnies, straight legs....AND I found some really great inspiration pics from around the web.  Read on, mamas!  I think you'll wanna get on board...

(wearing: Theory ruffle tunic, sweater leggings bought several years ago, Lands' End Canvas socks, Lands' End Duck Boots)

Momiform Style Translation: Capes and Lace-Up Chloe Boots

I have been drooling over this outfit since last March, when The Sartorialist posted it from Paris.  Sigh.  This is an outfit that makes my heart beat fast.  One of the reasons I love it so is the fact that it is a perfect blend of sophistication with a casual, irreverent vibe.  The light, destroyed jeans, the sneaker/bowling inspired wedge are both paired with a serious bag and gorgeous cape.  Perfection!

However, I will acknowledge, fabulous as it is...it's not exactly mom-friendly.  Most of us, while going through the whole morning routine with kiddos (feeding/changing/wiping noses & hands, wrestling toddlers into pants, etc.) don't typically reach for our $800 Chloe wedge boots, or our stunning beige capes. 

However, now that stores are finally stocking various versions of the trends pictured in the photo (capes, lace-up boots), this look can finally be translated into mom-friendly versions. 

Yup - I said versions.  There's more than one way to translate this look!

Let's get started:

How to Transition Summer Dresses into Fall, aka Google Search: Date Night Outfit, San Francisco

 “The coldest winter I ever spent,” Mark Twain once quipped, “was a summer in San Francisco,” and indeed these over-quoted words rang true for the bazillionth time in history on my recent jaunt to San Francisco (sans babes, thank you, Mimi & Papa!) from Denver’s 90 degree + heat.  In SF, Locust trees outside the Powell St. BART stop were starting to turn, the temperature was in the 50s and fall sweaters and boots were in full effect, reminding me that alas, fall is on its way.  Fast forward to the Summer/Fall 2010 transitional season dressing challenge!