Ain't No Mom Jeans

Reader Question: How Do I Spend a $200 Nordstrom Gift Card?

Reader Question: 

So, my last birthday I was VERY pregnant and couldn't come up with gift ideas because I was having trouble imagining life post-baby. My husband gave me a $200 Nordstom card as my present. I used to have no problem spending money there. But now after baby and with not working, I can't for the life of me decide what to spend it on. I could use some new things for spring because last year I was pregnant. Any ideas? I am comfortable spending a little more than just the card if it is on something essential or fantastic. 

- Liz

Answer: 

Happy birthday and congratulations on the new babe!  Having had two in the past 25 months, I can totally relate to not knowing where to start spending on yourself post-babe(s)--there's a lot of ground to cover when you've sat-out several seasons in elasticized pants. 

I love getting gift cards--they're always the perfect gift.  But, especially with a nice little chunk of change to spend, us moms need to exercise a lot of restraint.  What, with college funds and preschool costs looming, it's tempting to immediately hit the sale rack and go for quantity, not quality.  But if you're anything like me, those are most often the pieces you donate after wearing them a few times, so deep discounts aren't really a deal in the end. 

While I'm all for buying a few transitional cheapy pieces to get through the postpartum period, especially for your birthday gift I'd urge you to resist the impulse to go the clearance route unless you find something you really can't live without.  In other words, treat your gift card in the spirit in which it was intended--as a gift, and choose something accordingly.  By all means, buy something you can use, but make sure it's something you really want.  

Buy a splurge item, something you wouldn't necessarily purchase on a typical shopping trip, like one killer handbag, pair of shoes or an outfit that is going to make you feel like the amazing 1.) woman, and 2.) mom, that you are.  Since you've just had a baby, my top pick will always fit--handbags, which will turn up the volume on an inexpensive Gap, Forever 21, Old Navy, etc. transitional piece, and you'll still have it when you've reached your baby weight loss goals.

Crossbody Splurge Bags

A great handbag really polishes even the most mundane outfit, but if you're going to spend $200+, you should be able to use it every day.  I love the crossbody bag trend for moms and city dwellers as they free up your hands to push a stroller, carry your coffee and tote baby essentials, all while looking fabulous.  Check out these bright, spring-ey handbags that will pop a cheapy black jersey dress with flip flops, a tank and jeans with platforms and work togs, too.  I love the MARC by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Natasha Crossbody ($328) in Acai Berry.  I have a Totally Turnlock satchel and now I wish I had this one, too--the leather is amazingly buttery soft yet durable and it has all the auxiliary pockets a mom could want while the bright color is on-trend for the season.  The Junior Drake "Cargo" Multizip Crosssbody ($248) in Ocean is another fav.  I have a Junior Drake convertible handbag in red, and again, the leather is soft, durable and lightweight--can't go wrong.  I'm starting to think I have a handbag problem as I write this, because I also have another version of The Sak Flap Crossbody ($199) in a cognac color.  The cream color option will go with virtually anything in your spring wardrobe.  Again, love love love.  The leather isn't as supple or lightweight as the MARC by Marc Jacobs or Junior Drake bags, but it is very durable and luxurious nonetheless.      

 

A Stunning Spring Jacket
To my chagrin, I found only a few really stunning spring jackets on Nordstrom.com and only one was within range of the $200 gift card limit although it's quite a bit over.  A fabulous jacket is a terrific go-to item.  Like a handbag, it's one of those things you can get away with wearing on a near-daily basis and that will polish even the most basic t-shirt and jeans ensemble. The William Rast Leather Jacket ($395) in cognac is a piece that will be exceptionally versatile and comfortable.  Wear it with a hubby-beater tank, boyfriend jeans and ballet flats or dress it up with leggings and a tunic.  The cropped length is meant to give show to whatever you have on underneath and the cognac color can go with either black-based or brown neutrals.

Splurge Shoes

Are you a shoe person?  I'm a shoe person, but I don't think I've ever purchased a pair of $300 sandals, though I'm tempted now. . . and if I had a $200 gift card and considering I already have some version of each of the handbags I recommended, I think I might just purchase the most amazing platform shoes I have seen in ages.  This is shoe love, ladies.  Shoe.  Love.  For your consideration, the Tory Burch Becket Wedge Sandal ($295) in denim.

If You're Dying for an Outfit

Liz, are you the mom we all hate?  Is whisper-thin rayon/spandex actually forgiving on your bum and thighs?  If so, check out this adorable outfit I would rock spring thru fall if I were that mom, or if I were 24 again.  The Ella Moss Knit Jumpsuit ($132) is right on point with the year's kickiest fashion statement and will allow for freedom of movement whilst chasing toddlers and wearing babes.  Pair it with platforms like the Jingman by Guess ($89.95) for maneuverable height and a splash of color. 

Need a more forgiving option?  Try an of-the-moment boyfriend blazer, like this gorgeous, 50% off Kenna-T Pinstripe in navy ($129.90 from $262) over a detailed racerback tank like the Ruffled Racerback by Splendid ($54) in lemon, paired with your skinny jeans and a snakeskin ballet flat or a delicate gladiator, like OTBT's Libia Sandal in canary ($59.90). 

 

Well, happy shopping and happy birthday to you, Liz!  Hope we were able to help.

- M

LunchSkins - Eco Friendly Snack Bags

I'm slowly transitioning away from plastic.  Our plastic bags have been replaced by Envirosax Bags (to read all about my love for them, click here), plastic sippy cups never stood a chance against my Sigg bottles (despite the recall, I'm still a fan) and at long last, I've found a solution that makes those annoying little plastic baggies obsolete:  Lunch Skins.

Lunch Skins are the creation of Three Green Moms, who wanted to come up with an answer to your "plastic baggie blues".  Three Green Moms were concerned with amount of landfill waste the modern family was contributing, and knew they could come up with a product that was safe, affordable and cute.  Working with patisseries and bakeries in Europe, they created Lunch Skins out of a thick cotton fabric coated with a food-safe polyurethane lining (read: no plastic-leaching worries) that could also withstand high heat: Voila!  An environmentally friendly, dish-washer safe, and very cool alternative to the plastic baggie. 

NOTE: They have been certified as lead, Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalate-free. The very thin layer of polyurethane has also been tested and found not to migrate into food or leave a “plastic” odor behind, and meets EU requirements for food contact (typically stricter than US laws).

I've filled these baggies with popcorn, chips, pretzels, cut fruit, cheese, sandwiches, peanut butter crackers, and, in a pinch, a rolled-up clean diaper and wipes when I needed to downsize my diaper bag to better match an outfit.  My husband regularly steals them for his own lunch, and I've been known to swipe some for toiletries while traveling.  

Lunch Skins now come in three sizes - a smaller size, shown in the pic of Raines happily snacking, a larger sandwich size bag, and a "sub bag".  Best of all, they come in some pretty cool fabric choices (see below for pics).

Local gals can find Lunch Skins at Real Baby in Denver or Boulder, or you can always order them online from Three Green Moms.

xo,

S

What We're Reading This Week: Beautiful Bags From Style on a String (Shhh...they're perfect diaper bag picks!!)

Meet Serena, the writer of the fashion blog, Style on a String.  I've been following her for several months now, and have been impressed with her consistently well edited picks.  A couple of weeks ago, one of her entries caught my eye:  Oh Beautiful Bags....How I Adore Thee.

Not only are Serena's pick gorgeous, but they are gorgeously large, and most would be perfect as diaper bags.  I've never been a fan of the traditional diaper bag (they usually just scream DIAPERS!  GET YOUR DIAPERS HERE!), so I've always preferred hunting around for a cool bag large enough for the little man's accoutrement.    

One especially inspired option is Serena's pick of photographer's bags, like the Kelly Moore bag pictured here.  Totally drool-worthy, and totally perfect for moms!

Enjoy!

xo,

S

Best-of After-Holiday Sales: Nordstroms

Confession:  I actually hate shopping sales.  While I love the thrill that comes from finding a bargain, I hate the digging through racks, the frantic pace, the pressure to make a decision NOW!  BEFORE IT'S GONE!  And I hate that, invariably, most of the items I buy on sale I end up donating to charity before the year is out.  Resolution:  Sales, you will seduce me no more.

The key here isn't to always pay full-price, the key here is to exercise RESTRAINT.  (The capitol letters are for myself.  I need that extra REMINDER)

Therefore, in the vein of RESTRAINT, I have a small list of very-fabulous items, currently on-sale at Nordstroms.com.  All of these items are things I would consider buying, even if they weren't on sale.  At least I think I would.  All items below are on sale for at least 50% off, so I might be viewing with my Sale-Goggles on.  (Get it?  Sale Goggles???  Like Beer Goggles?)  

 Without further ado....

 

I'm loving Free People's Open Heart Sweater Tank, on sale at Nordstroms for $58.90 (down from $148).  This tank would add a little interest layered over  a long sleeve shirt, but would also carry nicely into Spring/Summer over a tank top.  Or, if you want something a bit more covered-up, try We The Free's Ebb and Flow French Terry Sweatshirt, $38.90 down from $98.  A dressed-up sweatshirt with a fantastic ruffle front.  LOVE.  This piece would be perfect for the new mom - it hides spit-up, allows easy access to the girls, and all of that ruffling would help to hide a pooch. 

  
Layered necklaces will still be huge come Spring/Summer, and I'm completely in love with Nordstrom's Sequin Beaded Multi-Strand Necklace, on sale for $48.90 (down from $98).  I love the colors in this one (it would look amazing with a white tee), but it also comes in a toned-down brown version that is just gorgeous.  I'm also loving the very cool, baby/toddler-friendly leather bracelet from Me&Ro.  Me&Ro is one of my very favorite jewelry designers, and I have never previously found any of their designs on sale. Nordstroms is now selling the Me&Ro Vine ID Bracelet for $59.90, down from $153.  

Current/Elliott's Boyfriend Jeans are all 50% off.  If you are interested at all in the boyfriend jean trend, Current/Elliott does them the best.  The denim is insanely soft, and the styling is perfect.  These aren't very practical for cold, snowy climates, but come summer, this is the only thing I want to wear.  Pictured are Current/Elliott's Super Love Destroyed Wash, $113 (down from $229), but you can also find really destroyed versions as well as not-destroyed versions.   

  

These boots don't look all that exciting, I know.  However...M owns these boots, and not only do they look surprisingly cute on (and are sleek enough to go under skinny jeans), but Cole Haan is using some kind of Nike Air technology and the result is AMAZING.  These boots are seriously comfortable.  Like run a few miles comfortable.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since trying on M's, so I was thrilled to see that they are still available.  And on sale for $124 (down from $250).  Lastly, I'm always on the hunt for a great bag that is diaper bagable, but isn't actually a diaper bag.  I'm loving the Sak's Large Braided Strap Tote, pictured in Burnt Orange (though it is available in 4 other colors).  This buttery-soft leather bag is on sale for $98.90, down from $199.

So...Sale Goggles?  Or did RESTRAINT carry the day?

xo,

S  
 
 
 

Best-Of After-Holiday Sales: J.Crew

The Christmas tree is waiting to be composted, the guest laundry is done, the china is stored until next year and every last bit of New Year confetti is vacuumed up.  Time to scour the interweb for the best post-holiday sales!  This week we’ll feature our fav sale items from the big retailers. 

Luxuriously Cozy
I love the timeless look of a fab velvet blazer.  J.Crew gives this old standby a great update with the Eden Blazer ($79.99, previously $148.00), which is available in unconventional color options with ruched patch pockets and a shirred waist.  Pair it with a ribbed tank to dress it down, a paper-thin turtleneck for a hot librarian look, a slinky cami to sex it up, fancy pants and opera-length pearls for a party, or I love it in “darkest midnight” with designer denim and a Dolce Popover sweater, which, incidentally, is terrific for breastfeeding moms ($49.99, previously 68.00), in spicy olive or pale sand with skinny jeans and riding boots for daytime wear.  

Spit-Up Defying and Breastfeeding-Friendly
Sweaters make the winter season worthwhile.  They’re cozy and delightful, flattering and functional, even more so if they’re subtly detailed cardis, perfect for the nursing and postpartum mum.  I love the Dream Cabin Cardigan ($99.99, previously $148.00) for its sliming asymmetrical lines, exposed zipper detail and bottom-up zipper (perfect for a temporary post-holiday or postpartum pouch).  Try it in heather fog paired with the Beaded Marrakesh Tissue Tee ($24.99, previously $39.50) in soft blossom to soften its motocross vibe and camouflage spit up. 

Military Chic
I know it’s a bit premature, but I’m over winter, and I’m counting every minute the days get longer as a blessing.  I’m already looking forward to strappy sandals, tan shoulders and warm spring showers even as I watch the dirty snow outside my house melt, collect dirt, freeze, and then accumulate more dirty snow.  I love a bright pop of color to snap me out of my winter funk in springtime, which is why I’m going to wear J.Crew’s Silk Tiered Cami, a great post-baby belly camouflager, in bright papaya ($29.99) or autumn sun ($39.99, previously $88.00) with tighten-and-rolled Herringbone Field Pants ($19.99, previously $69.50) in military green (to mask grass stains) with strappy gold or bronze wedge sandals to my first springtime birthday party, the zoo and out to lunch with the chics.  If it’s chilly, I might layer with the Dream Cabin Cardi in navy.  

Better Than a Diaper Bag
In general, I loathe diaper bags, even pricey designer versions, so instead I opt for large hand bags that can fit a diaper or two, a thin changing pad, some wipes and a few snacks (I leave a more robustly-provisioned bag in my car or use a saddle bag for longer stroller outings).  Triple bonus points for bags that can be worn cross-body for hands free emergencies, which are becoming increasingly common as I chase a preschooler whilst carrying my infant.  J.Crew’s Georgie Tote ($199.00, previously $278.00) or the large Georgie Satchel (shown right, if you can find it in-store--it’s sold out online) in pale gold are both terrific options, and at this price point, it’s difficult to find a better quality metallic option that doesn’t look cheap.  As you may know, I still love muted metallics, even several seasons after their comeback, because they’re great bling and make a killer year-round neutral.

Detailed Tees
Detailed, tissue-thin tees are where it’s at with layering this year.  They’re perfect for year-round wear, change the look of your cardigans in a snap and are easy to change and launder in the likely event of juice and sweet potato puree spills.  Check out the Silk-rose Tissue Tee ($19.99, previously $36.50), the Perfect-fit Scoopneck Corsage Tee ($29.99, previously $34.50) and the Slub Cotton Beaded Starburst Tee ($19.99, previously $36.50).

Happy New Year, mamas!

- M.

A Gift Guide To Help Guys Who Google "wife christmas"

My husband is trying to find me a present.  I know this because he submitted a question to "Ask Ain't No Mom Jeans".  I think he thought it would be anonymous somehow.  In any case, he was getting desperate.  His highly creative Google search of "wife christmas" yielded (in addition to a link to the 1988 Julie Harris movie, "The Christmas Wife")  ideas like, "pictures of kids" or "bouquet of flowers".  Barf.

But I was surprised at his concern.  I am usually pretty predictable, gift-wise.  I love all things shiny or sparkly or wrapped in a tiffany blue box with a white bow.  I mean, really - any item off of M's holiday accessories post, or even our Perfect Winter Party Shoes, and I'd be delighted.  Home run.

But this year, Mike detected something different.  Or perhaps he noticed that I already went on a small shopping bender, coming home with fun holiday party items. <<giggle>>  In any case, he was questioning his usual methods.  Which made me think:  What do moms really want for Christmas this year?

I'm not sure if it's the sad state of the economy, or if Raines' turning two (and acting like it), or my husband's crazy schedule (work + school), but life has felt a bit hard lately.   I find myself already looking to the new year and wanting to do things differently.  Simpler, somehow.  I want to spend more time with family, but at a slower pace.  Think long walks with self-brewed coffee instead of crazy running from place to place and hitting Starbucks drive-thrus.

I don't think I'm alone.  So this year, my Christmas picks reflect this need to slow down, to simplify. 

...And to wear something pretty everyday.  Because some things never change. 

Gifts To Help Get Us Out Of The House

It's one thing to get out with the kiddos when the sun is shining and shoes are optional.  It's a WHOLE DIFFERENT BALLGAME when it's freezing, and your two year old not only doesn't want to wear shoes, but throws a screaming fit over long-sleeve anything.  Not to mention that once you've stuffed the little screamer into his snowsuit and are now hauling him football-like down the stairs, you yourself drenched in sweat....by the time you get outside (and cooled off), you realize that the hat your grabbed for yourself is the one with the moth holes, and that you are missing a glove.  Not that this has happened to me (cough),  I'm just sayin.  In addition, over the last two years, my diaper bag has mysteriously gotten heavier.  It's the same bag.  With the same stuff.  It just bugs me more.

So here are a few items are help ease this process.  Nothing but time will cure the kiddo's long-sleeve phobia, but here are a few goodies that inject a little bliss into the "we're having fun, dammit!!" process.

   

I've been coveting the Lug Life Glider Sling Bag, currently on sale at ebags.com for $50.  This is the perfect long-walk diaper bag.  It sits close enough to your body to feel like a backpack, but is urban enough to look cool.  It comes in a wide range of colors, including ocean (pictured).

I'm also in love with J.Crew's Merino Trapper Hat, $45, and their Ribbed Merino Glittens, $24.  They are soft, warm and cute.  Cream may not be the most practical color, but it's beautiful and snow-bunny-like.  And they are just expensive enough to feel like a gift. (I think nothing of dropping $200 on jeans, but a $50 hat? Whoa!) 

Lastly, if your lady sports a ponytail even half as much as I do, try Juicy Couture's Faux-Fur Earmuffs, $55 at Neiman Marcus.  The key with earmuffs is that you want to choose a color OPPOSITE to her haircolor.  Blond?  Choose a darker earmuff.  Brunette?  Go light.  Else, they blend in too well and from a distance it will look like she has hair spurting from her ears.

How to Score Cool Mom and Baby Gear on Ebay

I am, admittedly, an Ebay junkie.  While waiting for the birth of my son, I spent many hours on Ebay, trying to score some cool baby stuff.  I'd blame it on nesting, but my Ebay habit started long before my pregnancy.  At first, many of my purchases bombed.  There was the $50 plane ticket (to anywhere!!) that turned out to be a hoax.  (How did I not know that???).  And there was a host of ill-fitting dresses, uncomfortable shoes, and a purse that I just didn't need.  Or love.  I just got caught up in the bidding war.  BUT....over the years, I've learned a few things, gotten a little smarter, and managed to use Ebay to score some really great things for the babe.  My piece de resistance?  The super cool denim Bugaboo Frog stroller for $350, or maybe the 25 piece lot of Splendid baby clothes for $70.  Here's what I've learned: