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

 

Mom Street Style: Lisa Dresses Up Her Day Dress!

Gang!  I love getting emails from readers who successfully used one of our styling techniques.  And Lisa was kind enough to include a pic!

Lisa had emailed me a few weeks ago, asking if I thought the Gap shift dress (originally mentioned here) was fancy enough for a work party.  We both thought that with a bit of glitz and fabulous shoes...it would be.  

Yeah, baby.

(wearing:  Gap Fluid Shirtdress $60 - Lisa's exact pattern is sold out, but Gap has issue new ones...Jessica Simpson pumps $50, Forever 21 earrings - similar $24, Stella and Dot Bracelet - not sure which one, but this is my all-time fav $98)

Lisa said: 

I wore it [the gap shift] to a casual Christmas party last night and here's how it looked.  I was happy with it and it was super comfortable!  Most of the women at the party were in jeans and black or sparkly tops so I'd like to think I was one of the best dressed.  :)  

Lisa, you look gorgeous.  Thank you so much for taking the time to send in a pic!!  (And love the intense look on your little one's face!)

xo,

S

 

Holiday Style: Wear Red and Green(ish)

My recently purchased red heels are opening up whole new worlds for me, Mamas.  They are just so bright, so festive.  And I've been especially loving them with green...I mean, uh, greenish.

(wearing:  Levis 535 denim leggings $35, J.Crew Cashmere sweater bought on eBay for $40, Aerosoles Tapestry Pump on sale for $50, red sunnies from Madewell or similar here for $48)

Even when my hair isn't cooperating.

I mean, OK.  Donning red heels and lips is hardly the Fashion Surprise of the Century.  And you could, in all honesty, swap out my greenish sweater for virtually any other color and it would be fine.  But because I'm invoking a hint of red&green...this outfit felt so much more Holiday Fun! 

The key, I think, is to change up the shade of green. Go with turquoise-green, olive green, moss green, army green, deep pine green...anything but a true, bright Christmas green.

And since no idea is truly original...I was able to find some amazing examples of other fashiony types doing the red + greenish thing:

Hello, December! Get Ready With Our Holiday Style Guide for Lazy Mamas...

December's here!!  Bring on the eggnog, bring on the lights, bring on snow the mistletoe the woolly mittens and the ice-cold noses!  Bring it, baby.  

Wondering what to wear during all of the fun?  You could run out and buy a new dress.  God knows the shopping enabler would approve.  But - BUT!  Here's the thing:  I suspect most of you have everything you already need in your closet.  And when the wind is a-howlin' and the snow is a-flyin'....that cute little lace dress ($99) is the last thing you'll want to slip into.  Not even this fab sheer-striped number on super sale will be enough to tempt you out (even though it is long-sleeved*).   So.  All week, we'll be talking about ways to make your existing wardrobe festive...and warm.  While chasing kiddos, natch.

(Speaking of lazy...I did this last year too.  But this year's will be better.  Right?)

Happy Holidays!!

xo,

S

*The shopping enabler can't help herself.

Reader Q | Sophisticated Thanksgiving Options for Moms

Sweetpeas!  My parents are in town (their original visit was rescheduled due to hurricane Sandy), so this will be a quick one.  So many of you had asked for more formal versions of a Thanksgiving dinner outfit, and I didn't want to leave you in the lurch.  Besides, reader Amy cracked me up:

My family is the Fockers, and my in laws are the same as the movie. I would love a bit more sophisticated option for them ;)

How could I refuse a mother Focker?

The Item:  A Sophisticated Fit-and-Flare Dress

The Inspiration: J.Crew's Polka-Dot Ponte Dress, $148

You can wear a dress like this alone with heels, and look amazing.  But since you are asking me for advice, and god knows that I rarely go with such put-together looks....I'd add in a few J.Crew inspired tweaks.  Personally, I love it as-pictured (chambray shirt, bow-tie, and scarf) but you can scale it back to fit your family's tastes.  However, if you go with only the dress, think about including a plaid scarf.  It makes the look so coolly irreverent.  

A note about shoes:  J.Crew had the model wearing some shiny, clumpy loafers....which would work on great legs with the dress hitting 6 inches above the knees.  For the rest of us....wear heels. 

 Cheaper find:  I randomly came across this little number for 40% off at Nordstroms.  A dead-ringer (in black) for the J.Crew, and now only $88.  Also in petite.

The Item(s):  A Big Ol' Skirt and Tucked-In Cardi

The Inspiration: Garnet Hill Coterie Lace Skirt, $98 and Merino Cardigan, $88

I love this.  Tucking a patterned cardigan into a big skirt (extra points for mixing prints) makes this look a bit artsy....rather than just expected.  If you look for cheaper versions of this outfit, be careful about the fabric of the cardigan.  Merino wool will be the most flattering, and will tuck much easier than, say, cotton.

The Item:  A Pencil Skirt

Inspiration One: With a Peplum Top

Peplum tops are perfect toppers for pencil skirts, and flatter so many different body types.  A slim belt and booties, like Natalie from Like Fresh Laundry wears, make the look edgy, but feminine.  Swap booties for pumps if you need a more conservative look.

 

Inspiration Two:  With a Big Graphic Sweater

 

This, I realize, is barely making the "sophisticated" cut.  But it's my fav, and what I would probably wear to a Thanksgiving dinner at a country club.  I'd pair it with heels and pearls, of course, for a slightly ironic twist on the usual.  

The skirt is J.Crew's pencil skirt in double-serge wool, currently on sale for $80, and J.Crew's Heartbreaker sweater, $98 (buy a size up for the best pooch-hiding slouchiness).

 

Hope this helps, Mamas!!  I can't believe were here, almost Thanksgiving.....already??!!??

xo,

S

Reader Q | Cute and Comfy Dress For Thanksgiving?

Question:

Hi Mamas,

First, I can't thank you enough for all of your style advice - boy, do I sure need it!  Yours is one of the first emails I open each morning.  And even though my husband doesn't always appreciate the shopping-enabling, he does appreciate having a wife who looks a little cuter since discovering your blog!

Anywho, I could really use your help with a Thanksgiving style problem.  Hubs and I trade years with family at the holidays and this year we trek from cold, rainy Seattle to cold, foggy San Francisco to spend the holiday with my clan.  First time on an airplane with both kids - yikes!  So my family always dresses up at holidays and I literally have nothing to wear.  I've been investing in the SAHM wardrobe and have cute jeans, tall boots in brown and black and cozy drapey sweaters, but for actual Thanksgiving, my only few dressy clothes consist of outdated work attire from when I was a CPA pre-kids three years ago and one very tired Banana Republic Factory store dress that I've worn over every Christmas and Thanksgiving for three years as I've gone pregnant, post-partum, repeat.  My sister will disown me if I show up in that thing again.

So I need a dress.  Or else skirt and sweater, but buying just one thing seems less intimidating.  And I have zero shoes beyond my boots, Toms and cute sneaks.  Something that went with tall, flat camel boots would be awesome.  Otherwise, I guess I'm buying shoes, too.  I need something fairly casual and warm since my family members keep the A/C continually cranked at their house.  I'm still nursing, but only a few times during the day, so access is not a must.  I've lost the baby weight, so the dress doesn't have to be major pooch hiding, but on Thanksgiving doesn't everyone need to hide their turkey and pie baby by the end of the day?

Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thank you so much for your help!

J

Answer:

Yes.  The answer to your "pie baby" question is a resounding YES.  At least in this household. So J...let's do this thing.  God forbid your sister disown you (I have a sister too, and totally get it).  DISCLAIMER:  I'm assuming that by "dressing up" you mean that everyone is expected to look nice in general.  If your clan is more Grayson Global* than Modern Family, let me know and I'll give you a few ideas offline. 

But for us Modern Family types...here are three cute outfits that would be totally appropriate for all kinds of Thanksgiving festivities...including an extra helping (or two) of pumpkin pie.  

Casual Dress, Glam Jewelry

I love this sweatshirt dress.  Add a chic statement necklace and voila! It's festive.  Let cozy socks with a bit of color peek out over the top of your boots. 

James Perse Raglan Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress, $135 | Spring St Design Group Deco Statement Necklace, $58

Corso Como Rena Boot, $199 | Free People Vintage Over-the-Knee Socks, $20

 Nursing Mamas!  This James Perse neckline *might* stretch (most do)....but if you need more access, try Michael Stars Shine Shirred dress in Cinnamon.  Swap the necklace for this cool art deco cuff bracelet, and try the socks in the darker navy or even black.

 

Pretty Tunic, Leather Leggings, Fur Vest

Really.  This is such a glam way to dress up.  And so stretchy!  Between the cut of the top and the faux-fur, that pie baby will be covered, and you'll be warm. 

 ASOS Warehouse Spot Print Tunic, $74 (or this dress, for more bum coverage) | Banana Republic Faux Fur Vest, $125 | Topshop Faux-leather legging just sold out...but Target has these for $30! | Corso Como Rena Boot, $199

 

A Mod Little Shift Dress

Shift dresses are funny things.  They skim the curves, yet manage to hide little food babies.  Plus, a girl in a shift always looks put-together...making them pretty. darn. perfect. for Thanksgiving.  

Make sure the length is on the shorter side.  This keeps the vibe mod, especially with tall boots.  Add opaque tights and a turtleneck if you are very cold. (Or swap the turtleneck for a slim-cut chambray shirt.  All the hipsters do it.)

Madewell Photoflower Shift Dress, $150 | J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck, $40 | Corso Como Rena Boot, $199

 

Nursing mama?  Try this shift dress instead from Anthropologie (Drool. Worthy.), or this lower cost one from the Gap.

I hope this helps, J!  Thanks for writing in!

xo,

S

ps.  How are my price points, Mamas?  I usually try to include a wider range, but I haven't been impressed with our low-cost retailers lately.  (Old Navy had a shockingly good fall, but are now sold out of all the good stuff.)  So I tried to focus on pieces that could be worn again&again&again...instead of just some cheap holiday dress.  Thoughts?  Was this a hit or miss?

*I'm a huge Revenge fan. 

Shopping Enabler: The Last Day of Anthropologie's 25% Off Sale

Feel like doing a little shopping, Mamas?  Here are my favorite items from Anthropologie's current sale (extra 25% off already marked down clothing):

 

NOTE:  Prices marked are BEFORE the extra 25% off discount...because I'm lazy....

 Wandering Wave Skirt, $49

So cute with a structured jacket for work, a cozy sweater and denim jacket for day, and a silky little top and faux-fur stole for night. 

 

Current/Elliott Slouchy Skinny, $139

These are easily my most favorite jeans ever.  Pajama-like softness, and a cross between a boyfriend jean and a skinny.  I'm wearing a version here...but I'm loving the patches on this pair.  These jeans are typically around $200!

Sleeveless PomPom Sweater, $149

This would be such a fun pooch-hiding sweater for the holidays!  Nursing mamas could wear it over a nursing shaper cami....or it would look mod-fabulous over a black turtleneck.

 

Glimmered Pointelle Pullover, $49

Yes - you read that right:  it's glimmery.  Think of this as the modern take on a Christmas sweater.  It looks cute as styled here...but I also love to pair luxe-looking sweaters like this with destroyed denim.  It would also be cute with a chiffon skirt and glitzy heels for holiday parties.  Did I mention that it comes in gold and silver as well?

 

Ruffled Trench Coat, $99

A cute little pregnant Mama at the boys' school showed up in this trench.  It was crazytown that day so I didn't get a picture, but I was able to learn where she bought it.  It looked so cute buttoned up over her little belly...and would be just as great for the rest of us.  One of the cutest trench's I've seen. 

ps.  This Devonshire Cape ($89) is also pretty fabulous.

Bubbled Bands Shirtdress, $89

Nursing Mamas, meet your perfect holiday dress.  Wear it buttoned up, as shown, or layer it over a cami and leave it a bit unbuttoned to show off a little cleavage (and your waist)!

I also thought this gorgeous black dress would be perfect for office parties ($89)...or this stunning red ($79) for random holiday festivities.

Happy shopping!!

xo,

S

Reader Q | This Poochy Mama Needs To Party! (but what to wear???)

Reader Question:

Hello ANMJ,

Six months ago, I googled "postpartum swimsuits" and spent a depressing half hour looking at one-pieces and tankinis that would have made my 20-year-old self run away screaming. Then I landed on your blog, and your article on tips for pooch-hiding swimwear...and your insistence that if you feel good in a bikini, you should wear a bikini, postpartum pooch be darned! Needless to say, I fell in love immediately.

 

I am closing in on 20 months postpartum, and I am ashamed to say that my ego has taken a huge hit. I was lucky enough to be relatively skinny prior to pregnancy, and I had smallish but wonderfully perky boobs, which I realize now I did not appreciate nearly enough. I always just thought that genetics were in my favor and I'd snap back to more or less myself within a few months' time--HA! I was vain, so vain. I'm currently 15-20 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight, my waistline measures the same as my 6-month preggo size (thank you, diastasis recti), and my breasts are larger but quite sadly jiggly. *shudder* I know that I'm supposed to be proud of myself for carrying a child and yadda yadda, but really, I just don't want to look pregnant anymore. Is that so much to ask?

 

Apparently, yes. Sigh. But enough of my complaining, right? I'm here because I need help dressing myself and I know you will point me in the right direction. Your attention to the actual needs of real moms (i.e. nursing, toddler-chasing, pooch-owning) have been eye-opening. (Empire waisted shirts aren't my friend, you say?)

 

So, here's my situation. I've surrendered to the fact that I will never be my "old self" again. But I still want to dress like my old self, if that makes sense. My five-year college reunion is coming up soon, and I can't wait to reconnect with my friends that have spread out across the country. Most of them have only seen me in carefully selected facebook photos, though, so I need to have a plan for pooch-patrol while we spend the weekend together. None of my pals have had children yet, so I can't rely on any "hey sister, I'm right there with ya" camaraderie.

 

HELP! Do I disguise the pooch with flowy tops that show off the jiggly boobs, do I Spanx myself into submission a la Gone With The Wind and shimmy into something form-fitting, do I distract everyone by wearing a brightly patterned dress that is slit up to there? Can I get away with a sequined dress? Are "body-con" dresses my friends or foes? Is leopard print still appropriate for a mama? There will be a lot of partying and dancing, and I don't want to look dowdy or matronly, but I just don't have the confidence to display my assets (such as they are) like I used to. I'd like to say that I want to be comfortable, too, but I'll happily sacrifice a bit of comfort for a waist that appears to be an inch or two smaller.

 

I feel like I'm twenty-something going on sixty-something, and it makes me sad. Usually I just ignore it and snuggle my toddler closer, but for this one weekend I'm going to be attempting to recapture my youth...and I just don't want to be the one who gets forgiven for her lack of fashion sense because "she had a baby".

 

Keep up the noble work!

XOX

K

Answer:

K, allow me some camaraderie for a moment:  I hear you.  I didn't appreciate my pre-baby boobs either.  Or how persistent diastasis truly is.  Sigh.  Screw pregnancy pictures.  Don't you wish you had posed for sexy photos in trashy lingerie at 6-8 weeks pregnant??  It's too early to see a belly, but man, the rack!  

Sadly, our tots will never be framed for posterity.

But let's get you out of the heart-breaking 'twenty-something going on sixty-something' vibe.  You are young and hot, and want to feel both young and hot at your 5 year collage reunion.  You want all of your friends to say, "OMG K looks so fabulous!  I never knew one could look so hot as a mom!"

Totally do-able. Here's the plan:

1.  No bodycon.

It sounds like a good idea in theory - diastasis bellies can sometimes just be wrapped up, right?  Yeah...no.  Not really.  Especially not at the end of the day, when eating and gravity have taken their toll and your poor stomach muscles are at their weakest.  You know how right before bed your pooch looks the worst?  Yeah - that's when you'll be going out. Bodycon is not a good plan.

2. Spanx it Baby...to within an inch of it's life

(Note:  Your pooch's life.  Not your life.)  

Spanx In-Power Line Super-Power Panties, $32

Get some awesome Spanx.  I like the ones that are undies with belly control, and bike shorts.  Sucks it all in sooooo gooooood.

Wear these all weekend long, both day and night.  If this were everyday real life, we'd talk about how important it is to be comfortable, and bust these out only on certain occasions, blah blah.  Your reunion is not real life.  Wear 'em all weekend.

3.  Get an AWESOME Bra. Or two.

K, make sure you have a bra that lifts and separates.  In a cute color or pattern so it can show.  That way, you don't need to worry about strapless bras* and saggin' girls...if your bra strap peeks out, who cares?  It's fabulous.  

*Let's just skip strapless dresses, too.

You need to find a store that specializes in bra fittings.  Victoria's Secret, while they do measure you, is not my favorite.  Find a specialty boutique, or maybe even Nordstroms.  If you have nothing around you, I'm currently sampling bras from True & Co, an online store that specializes in virtual bra fittings.  While I'm not sure they can replace the, uh, hands of an in-person expert, I've been pretty impressed so far.  And their price point rocks.  (More on that later!!!)

4. K, Meet Your Day Uniform:

 Free People Keep Me Tee, $58 | Maison Scotch for Free People Camo Feather Skinny, $125

This, my dear K, is so young and hot...and is also perfect for a post-partum Mama.  Really!!  Half-tuck a loose, drapy tee into a pair of comfortable printed skinnies and then try - just try - to write to me about sixty-something vibes.  Wearing (nude) Spanx will help hide the pooch even when the wind blows the shirt tight against the belly.

Cold?  Add a cardi, a denim jacket and a scarf.  Or throw a cool winter peacoat over the whole thing.

If you are feeling frisky, add fun big earrings (Hey, it's reunion time!) and a cool pendant necklace. Definetely try a bright lip.  

 

5. Your Night Uniform

I wear a version of the above outfit out at night All. The. Time.  I just swap low heels for big-girl shoes.  And maybe add an arm party of stacked bracelets. But since you were asking about party dresses....I'm thinking you might prefer something like this:

ASOS Swing Dress with Lace Sleeves, $53 | ASOS Metal Bow Clutch, $15 | ASOS Swing Dress in Baroque, $50 | Guess Ureekal Pump, $115

These are trapeze dresses, so the flare starts at the top of your bust, leaving your pooch will be well-hidden.  Add sexy, well-chosen accessories, and voila!  Personally, I'm dying for these red glitter and leopard print pumps (words I never thought I'd use in the same sentence).  And seriously K - what's this nonsense about "no leopard once you become a mom"?  PISH. PISH.  Bring it, Baby.  Especially for a young, hot Mama like yourself! 

One final note about trapeze dresses:  The key is to keep the dresses fairly short, so be prepared to hem.  Otherwise, they do start to veer into dowdy territory.  The good news, however, is that trapeze dresses look just as cute with thick, opaque tights as they do with bare legs.  

Lastly...if you have time (and are up for a little splurge)...go get a blowout.  It's my new favorite thing for big-time party-parties like this.  Gorgeous hair is an instant confidence booster.  

K, I hope this helps!!!  Have a fabulous time, hot mama!  And I'd love to see pics of whatever you decide!

xoxo

S

ps.  If the above isn't quite your style, check out our Pinterest board, Post-Partum Friendly. I've been pinning a bunch of other top and dress options there for you.

 

 

 

 

 

S Gets Crafty For Easter (Prepare to Be Jealous)

Mamas, it's all about the children.  I sacrifice and I sacrifice and I sacrifice for the children.  Those precious, precious children.

As proof-positive of said sacrifice and of my worth as a mother (do they not go hand-in-hand?), I give you this, my latest ridonkulous creation my masterpiece:

 

I've titled it:  "Smug Mummy's Easter Basket."

Do you not see the calligraphied "R"?  The "R" for Raines?  Such that on our Easter morn I can don a pastel hairbow and inquire of my precious boy, "Raines?  Can you find the R?  Can you find the R, Raines?"  And lots of rejoicing will follow all of this natural learning - even on Easter morning, Mamas.  We learn.  

Do you not see the glass?  It's non-toxic, even when heated.  And the organic soil?  And the real, growing grass?  Plastic?  Pshaw!!  Never would I let those tiny, gentle hands touch something so base as plastic.  And on Easter?  Horror.

Go ahead.  You can Pin it.  I know you want to.  

But in all seriousness Mamas, I SO wanted to have real Easter grass for Easter this year.  But when I concocted this idea in my "big stwrong brain" (as R would say) it looked more like this:

 

Ahhhh....now I see!  I'm just missing a bow.

Reader Question: A Stylish Way To Stay Warm in a Bridesmaid Dress?

Reader Question:

Hi mamas,
I have to thank you again for your amazing blog and how much more confident I feel about how I look. It was a pretty big ego boost to be on your blog for my "punk librarian" date outfit! But I really need help now. My sister is getting married in March and I am her matron of honor. I picked out this dress and love the way I look in it, and I love the pretty charcoal color my sister picked for the bridesmaids' dresses.

However, it hit me last night that this being an evening wedding, I may freeze my butt off in a one-shouldered dress during the reception. It can be either warm and springy or cold and miserable here in March, so I want to be prepared. Can you suggest something I could wear that would stay on while I am chasing my 2-year-old, looks cute and goes well with the dress? I need you guys, I am not a satin bolero jacket or chiffon wrap person! (Well, I could do some kind of wrap, but I need help styling it. I am lost.)
 
Much love,
Shannon

 

Answer:

Hi Shannon!  So nice to hear from you!  And I laughed out loud reading your question - my sister is also getting married.  I am also the "matron" of honor (I hate that word).  Aaaand, we are also wearing gray.  In fact, I have, hanging in my closet, a very similar dress that I was trying on for her wedding (but is going back - love how it vees at the pooch and hits at the widest part of my calves.  Snort.).  

So instead of a collage, I thought I'd play around with that dress (let's ignore its shortfalls, shall we?) to see if I could warm it up in a chic and practical way.  Here's the dress:

And here's what I came up with: