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

Lingerie To Make Moms (or Anyone) Feel Spoiled and Sexy

I love gorgeous lingerie.  It makes me feel not only sexy, but spoiled.  And I like feeling a little spoiled.  Always have.  In fact, right at this very moment, my closet contains a small arsenal of lacy, silky something-somethings...none of which fit anymore.  ARGH!!!  While I've happily weeded out all of my pre-baby clothes that no longer fit, I haven't been able to bring myself to weed out the lingerie.  I keep hoping that one day we will be happily reunited.

I'm still waiting. 

So there it is.  It might be time to move on.  Since shopping always makes me feel just a wee bit better about...well, anything really (sick, I know), I started looking for a new little silky something as a consolation prize of sorts.  

And there are all kinds of gorgeousness out there.  I just don't want to wear (most of) them. While I'm sure my husband would love me in anything, quite frankly it's not about him.  It's about me.  I need something that makes me feel gorgeous.  And playful.  And flirty.  Something that isn't too serious.  Something that can get me out of the "Mom" frame of mind, but something also that makes me feel comfortable in my post-baby body.  So yes - I'm looking for the Holy Grail of mom lingerie.

Did I find it?  Nah.  But I found some gorgeous-playful-flirty lingerie that is certainly worth a try.   Don't be afraid:  there are no crotchless (or tasseled) anythings. 

All I Want for Christmas – A Gift Guide to Shiny Objects for Moms

Dads, let’s face it.  You're shopping last minute: you need something fast and you need something shiny.  Shiny objects are always a big hit with moms, but you probably have no idea where to start looking.  If you haven’t picked up on any hints as dads are sometimes wont to do, worry not.  I'm a magpie-like connoisseur of shiny objects and here I submit a few suggestions for you to offer up to your beloved baby mama.  Let’s just dig in since I know you’re scanning anyway and you don’t have much shopping time to spare!

Monica Rich Kosann “The Fine Art of Family” Lockets ($190.00 - $795.00)
I don’t know what it is about becoming a mom—maybe it’s because I feel like I’m missing an appendage when I’m without my boys—but I love having pieces of jewelry that symbolize and remind me of them, even though we’re together 24/7.  My hands-down fav from this collection is the Large Round Vine Locket in sterling silver ($695.00).  At 1-1/2 inches in diameter on a 26-inch chain and with a beautifully detailed swivel clasp, it is large-scale enough to suit my funky vibe but classic enough to stand the test of time.  Also, should my baby bug persist, I’ll be able to fit shots of multiple (“huh, what!?!” I hear Dave exclaiming) kiddos together on either side.  An option that will provide you with literally YEARS of effortless gift giving (and I know you'll love that!), or for those of you planning large families, is the more delicate Round Half Locket in sterling silver ($190.00)—you can add additional silver discs ($165.00) for each child and charms (such as the true love tulip) for mothers’ day or birthdays, a beautiful tradition that will be a big hit with your lady.   The Sterling Silver Toggle Necklace ($495.00) and the Rectangular Gate Frame Necklace ($795.00) are two other stunning pieces in this collection. 
 

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.

All I Want for Christmas: A Holiday Gift Guide for Dads Part I

From work to more work to working some more, rocking our babes at 2 AM, then bouncing back up again at 7:15 for Wiggly Waffle and snuggles on the sofa (before work), to rowdy games of chase, bedtime stories, then sharing kitchen duty and running through the whole drill all over again, every day, my husband is the hardworking-est person I know. 

What do I get for this incredible guy who is everything to my two tiny boys and me?  What Christmas gift is enough to say all I’d like to about how dear he is, how much he is appreciated?  Well, nothing.  Nothing can possibly say it all, or even come close.

Curbing my urge to hover, asking less, understanding more and some sugar would probably go a long way, but I can’t wrap those up and put them under the tree, so I’ve attempted to find some cool things to help my dear husband slow down this frenetic pace our life has set and take some time out for himself.  If I could, I would give him all of this and more, including a week-long tropical vacation and a new pair of skis, both of which he sorely needs, but a blog post will have to do. 

A Crazy-Good Massage ($70.00 - $110.00)
Spas are for boys, too, but you don’t necessarily have to provide the fluffy robe and slipper frills.  Try a more pared-down establishment, like Heaven Nail Spa in Denver.  Your hubby may bristle at being dropped off at a nail salon (throw in a mani/pedi if he doesn’t, because you know he needs it), but he will not believe the crazy magic fingers on one Ms. Sogi—she gave me a shoulder massage that made me feel like warm butter, so ask for her by name.  If you’r e in NYC and haven’t checked out Graceful yet, your priorities are WAY out of whack.  Even though they squeeze clients into sheet-partitioned cubicles (they’ve got Manhattan real estate prices as an excuse), we consider planning cross-country trips to the city just to go get massages here.  

All I Want For Christmas: A Cozy Chic Gift Guide For Moms

This gift list comes courtesy of our much-loved, contributing author, J.  J is the one who found Maura Daniel's amazing nursery lighting, and  Avalisa's modern nursery art.  J, a self-confessed fuzzy croc wearer, is also someone I turn to for inspiration.  She's never fancy or frou-frou...but I can always count on J to help focus my attention on something fabulous, yet often over-looked.  So I knew that J's Christmas list would be filled with simple picks that beautifully celebrate the season.  And it is.  Cozy and chic - just like J. 

Men -- If you have trouble shopping for your wife because she is just SO DARN PRACTICAL...this is your gift guide.  All of J's picks are useful, but gorgeous enough to make her feel just a little bit spoiled.  

1.  Something Cozy-Chic to Wear

 

Frye's Harness 12R boots, $238 from Frye.com, is a beautiful but practical choice.  These boots are made from perfectly distressed leather that will get softer with wear, and have that so-hard-to-find heel:  low and sturdy enough to be able to walk everywhere, but without any orthopedic overtones.

The North Face's Metropolitan Parka, $279, packs 600 fill down insulation into a chic little package.  I love the sleek cut and the gorgeous metallic color (tanzania tan).  This is not your average puffer jacket.

Is a hip and stylish digital watch an oxymoron?

Reader question:
Got any recommendations for an affordable, hip and stylish digital watch?  I hope that's not a total oxymoron.

With middle of the night feedings, watching the clock during the day to remember when the baby needs to nap or eat, and getting sloshed with water from washing my hands and my two year old's hands about 75 times a day, I'm looking for a digital watch that can handle getting splashed.  Sounds lame, but at 4 a.m. when I'm trying to recall how many minutes the baby has been nursing, I can't even handle reading the hands of a standard watch!

Thanks!

Answer:
While a backlit digital watch is not my favorite accessory (for those, click here), there are a lot of digital watches out there that can be worn beyond the darkened room of your babe.  If you want to wear a digi for more than utilitarian purposes, a good rule of thumb is to embrace the inherent awkwardness and in fact enhance it by going with something chunky and larger-scale, thereby making it cool.  Digis only look truly lame when you're wearing a diminutive ladies' version, which generally have no sense of irony.  Check out these cute and styley options in order of price, lowest to highest.

Slipper Roundup: Winter’s Hottest (and warmest) Slippers for Moms

Crackling fire: check.  Hot cider and/or spiked eggnog: check.  Good book to curl up with: check.  Now, what’s keeping those tootsies cozy whilst you partake in all that wintery snow-day goodness?  It’s time to update your slipper wardrobe, girl.  You don’t want those little piggies getting caught out in the cold!  Here are the seasons’ hottest slipper picks.

Slipper Boots
Forget dainty ballet slippers and leave the Isotoners on the spin rack.  The boot obsession of the past season or two has overflowed into your boudoir.  Wear these cozy slipper boots with a short nighty and robe set (though please do keep it G-rated if the kiddos are around) or scrunched under flannel jams.  I am in LUV with Nordstrom’s Pompom Fleece Slouch Boot in Mocha - $24.00 this hot look can’t be beat and the low, low price tag is the cherry on top.  Smoke the peace pipe (unless you're still breastfeeding) in comfort and warmth in the moc-inspired Sabrina bootie in black suede by Lucky Brand - $58.95 or storm Aspen in style in the Ted Baker Polka in Stone - $65.00.

Mukluks and Chalet Socks
Why did mukluks and chalet socks EVER wane in popularity?  I’m sure I’ll be able to answer that question for you in a year or two when they’re so-over again, but for now, pair these new-again styles with an oversized sleep tee or tissue-thin sleep shirt.  I’m torn between pulling the trigger on the uber-literal classic, the Woolrich Chalet Sock in Dark Moss -$46.95 and Nordstrom’s updated Tasseled Mukluk in Wine - $24.00.  Old Navy’s Cable-knit Slipper Boots in Saucy Red - $19.50 are another budget-conscious option I’m a fan of.

Mocs
Another recent revival footwear trend, the moccasin, is back in the bedroom.  This look works best with a classic men’s pajama bottom and a simple cami or tee.  With luxurious shearling lining and contrast grosgrain ribbon detail, Cole Haan’s Bow Slipper in Lacquer Red - $128.00 makes a terrific gift slipper.  UGG’s Scalloped Moc in Deep Purple - $100.00 offers up the same comfort and styling with less fuss.  Try J.Crew’s Metallic Bow Shearling Mocs in Soft Graphite - $50.00 for a more conservative sensibility and enjoy the warmth and comfort of shearling at a lower price point.

Scuffs
UGG has given the common household scuff a decadent upgrade with the Pearle in Metallic Gold - $74.00 while Patricia Green’s Sadie scuff in chocolate - $76.00 qualifies as a hostess slipper: have the fam and close friends over for brunch and forget the shoes.  For an understated treat that’s just for you and your toes, indulge in the Arlotta Cashmere Slipper in Black - $80.00.

Enjoy your snow days in style and good lounging to you, ladies!

M.

A Cool, Modern Teether in Baby-Friendly Silicone and Stainless Steel

One of my pet peeves as a mom is that every company designing items for baby seems to think that babies require bright colors, happy faces, and perky puppies/kittens/trucks/flowers on everything.  So I have to wonder:  do these people even have children?  My son can't be the only kid who is completely obsessed with my plain-Jane car keys and remote control.  And my very non-cutesy iPhone?  Don't even get me started.

Once he started teething, I caved and bought him various insufferably "precious" teething devices in an attempt to soothe his aching gums.  The nimby-pimby Baby Einstein "Teeth and Tug Pal?"  We have both the lion and the frog.  He teethed on them for approximately 40 seconds each, then went back to stuffing his mouth full of anything unembellished yet terrifying - rocks, keys, a butter knife on one occasion.  If only I had heard of the Toofeze Teether.

My Default Shower Gift: Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddling Wraps

It's one of the first skills you learn as a mom:  how to swaddle.  You watch the nurses whip the fabric around your kid so fast that it's a blur.  Gingerly you try to repeat their movements, and softly tuck an edge of the blanket beneath the tiniest arm you've ever seen.  You kid starts wailing.  The nurse comes back in and WHAM!!  Just like that, your kid is swaddled and happy.     

For some (like my husband and I), swaddling becomes an life-saving way of life, practically an art form.  A well wrapped swaddle often made the difference between getting four hours worth of sleep as opposed to just two.  If that doesn't sound like a big difference, then you have either never been a mom or you have given birth to freaks of nature that sleep through the night. 

Because we were relying on swaddling as a method to keep our sanity in those early days, we wasted a ton of money trying every swaddling blanket under the sun.  We tried various sleep sacks (too roomy - he'd wake too early), "miracle" swaddling blankets (too thick, too hot) and an assortment of others (most were the wrong size and he would wiggle out, or they would cover his face). Then we discovered Aden + Anais.