Ain't No Mom Jeans

Fresh Ways To Wear Tall Boots

All last week, Superman, Raines and I were relaxing oceanside in Gulf Shores.  We had gone down to visit my parents, who, since turning sixty-something have become devoted snowbirds.  

My parents didn’t want to move to Florida, but they turned sixty, and that’s the law. - Jerry Seinfeld

Also?  Weather channel. To say I returned home well informed about the snowstorms swirling about the country would be an understatement.

Anyway, fearing the worst, I had tall boots on the brain, expecting that we'd all be tromping around in snow up to our eyeballs.  Nope.  None, nada, nuttin'.  

But still.  I haven't worn tall boots all season, and I was (shockingly) in the mood.  So here are a few tall boot outfits for early Spring/Late Winter:

Mom Street Style: Casey's 10 Perfect Pieces For Late Winter / Early Spring

Mamas!  For Mom Street Style this week we have something a little different.  New mom Casey is sharing not only a pic, but her top ten favorite pieces of clothing.  We're talking about her most-used, hardest working, ten favorite pieces.  So without further ado...here's Casey.

Hi!  I’m a new mom, enjoying life staying home several days a week with my son in Northwest Philadelphia. I’m a former kindergarten teacher and elementary administrator, now working part-time as an instructional coach in a turnaround school in North Philly.  I'm also dabbling in some writing and figuring out what’s next!

I swore to myself that I wouldn’t give into the temptation of wearing yoga pants every day as a new mom, but I’m not gonna lie; since the birth of my son I’ve definitely rocked my Lululemons more than I'd care to admit.  That said, I’ve been relatively successful in avoiding the mommy uniform, especially after I grew accustomed to my new life and body.  

The changes I’ve encountered since becoming a mom have included not only a new chunky little sack of cute named Oliver, but also a transition from a full time job to a part-time gig and some undesirable (though totally worth it) changes to my figure.  As a result, my wardrobe has morphed into a collection of comfy, easy, versatile clothes that cover my new mom pooch and still maintain a sense of style and fun.  By mining my existing closet and purchasing a few new pieces, I’ve come up with a rotation of several items that I can mix and match.  My outfits must be suitable for walking to the farmer’s market with my little guy, going to my part-time job at an elementary school, or walking to a local restaurant for a family dinner.  

Though I certainly wear more than just these 10 pieces (and add my own flair with accessories - especially long circle scarves, which do wonders in camouflaging the belly), I have whittled down my list to just my 10 most crucial pieces for the late winter/early spring. 

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.

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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:

Shopping: Military Pieces and Offbeat Sweaters

Mamas, so many of you wanted to know where to get the military-inspired anorak I wore in last week's post (link below).  Well...once I started looking, I just couldn't stop.  The shopping enabler strikes again.

I love how an irreverent sweater takes some of the punch out of military-inspired pieces.  And since both offbeat sweaters and military-anything are huge trends this Fall, there are quite a few pieces to choose from.  So.  If you are feeling the need for a good shop, see below for my favorite anoraks, camo pants, and sheep sweaters.  Seriously.  

(Now there's something I never thought I'd say.)

 The Military Trend

 Topshop Faux Leather Sleeve Army Jacket, $130 | Next Direct Fabric Mix Parka, $108  Nasty Gal Enlisted Anorak, $138 

Military Jacket, $100 | BDG Surplus Vest, $69 | Blu Pepper Faux Leather Sleeve, $68

Tripp NYC Camo Jean, $69 | Current/Elliott The Rider Denim Panel, $218 | xhilaration juniors skinny camo denim, $23  

psst:  I just picked up these bad girl sexy pants.  They've been sold out for ever, but the Zara in Philly just restocked (and were sold out again by Sunday).  Anyway, word on the street is that Zara will restock online soon, so keep checking.  They run small, I had to go up a size.

 

 

Offbeat Sweaters

So ugly they're cute?  Wear them ironically?  I don't know why these things work...but my quirky, offbeat heart sweater has been a closet staple both last winter and now.  Perhaps these are "interesting sweaters" personified?  All I know is that it has saved many an outfit from snoozeville.  It's hard to argue with a piece whose price-per-wear is now measured in pennies.  

Sheepmeadow Sweater, $88 |Remain Polka Dot Sweater, $88 | French Hen Sweater, $95

 Chunky Heart Sweater, $60 | Knitted Aztec Motif Sweater, $84 | Hive and Honey Tiger Sweater, $59

 Mossimo supply co. heart sweater, $23| Deer Print Sweater, $103 |  Just the Fox, Ma'am $98 

One word of caution....the older you are, the more you need to think hard about cutesy sweaters.  If your overall vibe is still pretty-young-thing, and you've been planning to pair your ironic sweater with some cargo skinnies or waxed denim...then YES.  Go for it.  If, however, you can see 50 and have no idea what waxed denim is...then I'd stick with sophiticated polks dots (sweater #2) or the Aztec print (sweater #5).  

Happy Shopping!

xo,

S

 

Reader Q | How To Style A Gingham Shirt?

Reader Question:

Hi ANMJ!

First off, I have to tell you that if it wasn't for you, I'm not sure I would have left the house after baby #2. It wasn't so much the baby weight as it was the overall body changes and new shape. Plus it's so hard to feel sexy after giving birth! Empowered and in love, yes. But sexy? Not until I found your blog. I would read you hourly if you chose to post that often. And my husband has been loving my style lately--major plus!

My dilemma now is that I randomly bought this shirt from j. crew and now that I'm home, I can't for the life of me figure out what I was thinking!

Is there any way to wear this without looking like a prudish Daisy Duke??? You are tops when it comes to wearable, stylish mom clothes and I'm hopeful you can help. Thank you so much--for everything!

With love and gratitude,
Stephanie

 

Answer:

Stephanie - Thanks so much for your kind words!  And I'm loving your purchase.  Gingham shirts are a pretty safe bet.  They'll add a pop of color and pattern to just about any outfit.  The trick (for me, at least) is to prevent a preppy-overload, and, for you, to keep the look far, far away from those crazy Duke brothers.   Gotcha.  Here's what I found:

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.....

Mom Street Style | LaRae's Fall Transition Outfit

Mamas.  Meet LaRae, our crazy-adorable Street Style Mom.  I ran into her in the City Market parking lot, just walking her cart back after unloading her groceries, looking--seriously--this fabulous. 

We were in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado, which is typically cool in the mornings, in the mid-to-high-80's by 2 PM, and then drops right down again in the evenings, so the area presents the perfect fall transition challenge.  LaRae nailed it.  From her shaggy bangs and nonchalant pony right on down to her tribal fringed sandals, I l-o-v-e-d her tonal ensemble from head to toe.

LaRae is wearing a lightweight Bird by Juicy Couture anorak over a simple Gap denim sundress with Coconuts fringed (and bejeweled) flat sandals and Coach logo bag.  She finishes it all off with simple makeup, a chunky pendant, a gorgeous blown glass ring and a resin bangle.  Perfecto!

- M.

 

 

 

 

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 Fall Basics That "Work" for Work and Play?

Readers, we've been receiving more and more emails from moms about to go back to work.  While we've been meaning to do a back-to-work article for quite some time, we've been putting it off.  However, we received this lovely email from reader Cathy a few weeks ago:

Hi ladies!

First of all, I absolutely love your blog!  A friend passed it along, and I’ve gotten so many other mom-friends hooked!  And as a mainline mom, I often wonder if I might bump into Shana at the playground or other fun spots around town.  I live in Wayne with my 2 year old little girl, husband, and westie dog.  Hopefully some day our paths will cross – would love to meet you!

 

Anyhow, I’m writing in with a wardrobe question as I’m thinking ahead to fall.  I have been working from home for the last five years, and a new job includes a little more office time (2-3 office meetings per month).  I’ve been really enjoying getting out of the house a little more, but I haven’t had to think about a work wardrobe in such a long time.  I have lots of summer skirts and dresses that I’ve been able to wear to work this summer, but I need to do some serious updating for fall.  I’d like to invest in some good cross-over pieces ... things I can wear at the office, during the week when I’m working from home, or on date nights with my husband.  When in doubt, I tend to buy black work clothes (black suits, black wrap dresses, sheath dresses etc.) so I’m looking to add a little more color.  My office is business casual so it’s pretty flexible in terms of dress code.

 

Ooooo....what a challenge!!  What could one buy to spruce up their work wardrobe, add some spice to date night AND still run around with the kiddos?

Well.  After thinkin' and thinkin'...I have 5 ideas.

Wear It Now & Into Fall - The Three Unexpected Colors that Look Amazing With White Denim

Are you ready for the end of summer?  I'm not.  We've been in Michigan for the past month, spending each waking minute either at the beach or my parent's lake house in Big Bay (pictured).

Michigan has gorgeous summers.  With fantastic storms - lightning all over the place. One of my very favorite things is to watch storms come in over the lake.  Gives new meaning to the word foreboding.

Any other Michigan water babies out there?  

But I had promised to talk pants.  White pants, specifically.  Which I had previously labeled as not mom-friendly.  I now rescind my comments.  (It turns out that OxyClean does work.  Hunh.  Who knew?)