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:

Currently Loving: Dark, Straight-Leg Denim (WHA???)

Mamas, I have some new favorite pants.

 

Yup.  They're a clean, dark wash.  And nope:  they're not coated or patterned, embellished or embroidered.  They are just....plain 'ol denim.  And not skinny!  (Shocking, I know.)  They have a straight leg and a mid-rise.  They practically scream WE ARE NOT EXCITING!

And I realize that dark, clean denim seems like an odd choice, given that brights and patterns are now an everyday basic.  But I think the simplicity is exactly why I was drawn to this pair.  With all of the colors and patterns out there, these almost feel...fresh?

 

NYFW Recap: Nina Skarra, and My (Short-Lived) Stint as a Street Style Photographer

Do you remember my friend Brent, of Urban Fieldnotes?  He managed to score tickets with a plus one to a NYFW show.  Aaaand guess who he asked to be his plus one?

I obsessively starting planning My Outfit.

But there was a catch:  Brent is a street style photographer, not a fashion blogger.  So his plan was to attend the show, but then spend the rest of the day outside doing his street style photog thing.  And since I was tagging along for the day...."Shana, dress warm" said Brent.  "It's going to be 30 degrees, and after the first four hours of being outside, you'll really get cold."

oh.  Wait - four what? 

 

And that's the story of how I ended up at my first NYFW in a puffer coat. I did, however, wear a pretty dress underneath (as well as three layers of tights & leggings).  I felt...you know, cute and comfortable, if not photo ready.  

I think "photo ready" is over-rated anyway.  From what I could tell, it involved way too much bare leg for 30 degree weather (says the mom).

Stylish Winter Coat Options For Pregnant Mamas (Hint: They're Not Maternity)

Each and every year we get a bunch of reader questions that center around maternity winter coats.  Are they worth the money?  Are there any non-maternity options that work?  Anything affordable?  It's a toughie.  So I went right to the experts:  our readers.

Here's what our very experienced readers recommended over & over & over again (and in some cases, with pics to prove it!).  

1. Try A Cape, Poncho or a Swingy Coat

This was, hands-down, our reader's most-recommended option (and also what I did with both pregnancies).  At first blush, it doesn't sound all that great - how much swing is needed?  And a cape?  Really?  Is it warm enough?

But here's the thing:  Pregnant Mamas get hot.  As reader Erin pointed out:  I just wore a poncho, I was too hot to wear a real coat - the best part of being preggers!

I agree.  Typically, I'll need a sweater in anything less than 82 degrees.  Yet while pregnant?  This is what I wore - even in WINTER:

 

 

I also had a 3/4 sleeve wool swing coat (that you can see here) for colder days, and I'd layer with a sweater underneath.  Long gloves were paired with the 3/4 sleeve coat.

But really, any coat with a bit of swing might get you through.  Go ahead and let your belly peek out!  For example, reader Paula was still using her pre-pregnancy coat in her last trimester:  My nonmaternity coat still buttons right above my baby belly - and I'm due in 3 weeks. With pregnancy I'm naturally so warm... and I always cover my neck to keep from getting cold.

Even a pea coat might be swingy enough.  Reader Sheena "just buttoned as many buttons as I could on my wool peacoat. Eventually I was down to just the top button, but so goes it!"

This option makes sense for Mamas who hate to burn their hard-earned dollars on something that won't go the distance.  Reader Samantha "refused to buy a maternity coat (seemed like a waste as this is our last baby), so I found a swing coat at Macy's. It's a perfect cut, and plenty of room around my growing belly. Plus, it will work for me even after the baby arrives (due in April)."

 So.  If you happen to be in the market for a winter coat, it might make sense to buy one that will work for pregnancy, post-partum, baby-wearing, and beyond!  Try a non-maternity swing coat like Samantha...or find a cape.  Nicole chose "a cape from Isabella Oliver with gloves, scarf and hat or a larger peacoat. I was always so hot- this worked!"  Good choice, Nicole.  Even maternity capes can have a life post-pregnancy.  (Isabella Oliver no longer makes a cape, but I'm loving Hatch's.)

As examples, I've found three capes/ponchos that would look gorgeous whether you are pregnant, baby-wearing, or headed to the office post-partum:

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. 

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

 

Five Stand-Out Puffer Coats I Actually Like

Mamas, I have needs.  And right now, these needs involve being warm.  I am sick of standing outside, freezing, and stomping my feet to get warm.  I am sick of huddling my face down into my jacket and tensing every muscle in an attempt to produce more body heat.  I am sick of shivering.  And it's only NOVEMBER.  Madness, Mamas.  I will be driven to madness by January 1.

The alternative, I suppose, is to simply keep the physically-minded, tree-climbing-obsessive boy of almost five indoors.  Along with his slightly insane, but surprisingly strong almost-two year old brother.  You know...just until it gets warmer out.  In our dinky twin.  We'll read books, bake some cookies,do some art...then emerge from our hibernation in the Spring, happy and peaceful.  

BWAH HA HA HA HA

As it stands, I can set my clock by my two little guys' antics.  If they are exploding off the walls and driving me F-ING CRAZY...it must be 10AM.  I have until 10AM to get them out of the house, or all kinds of hell breaks loose.  Hence my long hours standing outside, freezing.

Mamas, do you remember my cute Lands' End puffer from last year?  I am seriously regretting my choice of length.  If you recall, I picked one that barely covered my bum.  And I paid for it, dearly.  I froze all winter, and am now freezing again.  So.  I've been doing a little puffer "research" (my husband calls it "shopping" how dare he)....and thought you might like to see my favs?  (Some of which, incidentally, are on sale.)

 

Steve Madden Packable Down Walking Coat, on sale for $129.90 (down from $198)

This is the one I took home.  Primarily because it is much longer than my Lands' End, without being overwhelming.  However, I'm not in love with how it looks on the model.  So I attempted to take my own pic:

 

And it still looks a bit...puffy.  Hunh.  This is one of those coats that looks much better in person.  Anyway, the color is gorg, the detail around the hood is really cool, and the seaming on the sleeves is well-placed and flattering, making the coat look much more expensive than it is.  The extra length was key for me. 

 

Ellen Tracy Quilted Walking Coat, on sale for $169.90 down from $228

I may end up wishing I had brought this one home.  Unlike the model (who must be 7' tall) this coat hit well below my knees and was easily the warmest coat I tried.  It is also the most gorgeous soft olive color (much prettier than the pic) and much, much sleeker than pictured.  I ended up leaving it behind because it looked...fancy? Or something.  I think I just wasn't ready to cave and buy the floor-length puffer yet.  But this will be my first purchase should we ever move to Chicago or back to MI.  (And I may end up with this coat yet, if my neighbor's predictions for a horrible winter come true.)

 

Patagonia's Ultralight Fiona Parka, $399 

The color of the Fiona parka is amazing.  It manages to feel bright, without being overwhelming. Also, this parka is paper thin and insanely comfortable.  Literally paper thin.  Personally, I wouldn't be warm enough wearing just this all winter...but it's thin enough to easily layer under a stylish wool coat (think J. Crew) - the kind that aren't nearly warm enough on a cold day.

 

Marc New York Medal Quilted Jacket, on sale for $119 (down from $178)

The cut on the Marc New York puffers is pretty amazing.  It's sleek, it's fitted, it's....not puffy.  Like I said, amazing.  I particularly love this color, but it also comes in basic black, brown, orange, and a gorgeously bright blue.  If the neck scares you a bit, try his hooded version.  Equally great fit, with a hood instead of a huge neck in black, red, or white.  This is a good coat for petite gals who tend to be swallowed up by puffers.

 

Moncler Chou Zip Pocket Down Coat, $1295

I tried this on just for giggles and...sigh.  It was everything you'd expect from a $1000+ coat.  It was, in short, crazy fabulous.  I'm sure a pretty good price-per-wear argument could be made here, depending on where you live...but this was out of my budget.  If you can swing it, however, you won't be sorry.  This is truly a forever coat.

 

Mamas, what are you wearing to stay warm?  Any other finds to share?  I know many mainline moms seem to love this cream one....

xo,

S

Wearing Rainboots: Inspiration Through the Seasons (And $100 Giveaway to Bogs!)

This post is an update to our original How To Wear Rainboots - For Moms article, originally published in March of 2009.  It was in dire need of an update.  Especially since it remains as one of our top-hitting posts.  Crazy.  

When I wrote it, rainboots were being worn everywhere by celebrities and just starting to be embraced by the general population.  But rainboots still seemed a bit out-of-place unless it was actually raining.

Since then, rainboots have come into their own and are now considered a valid boot-about-town.  And while I still think they look silly on a sunny day walking down a dry sidewalk, I've amended my original "rules" (which were totally annoying anyway).

When Moms Should Wear Rain Boots

1. When it is raining.
2. When it is wet -- meaning puddles are on the ground.
3. When you might be wading in a stream, mud bed, or pond.

Let's just summarize things into the following statement:  Wear rainboots whenever you feel like it.  I'm going to guess that most moms will probably feel like it when it's raining, snowing, generally wet, muddy, or on a cold, gray, day.  Or during a cool summer downpour.  

What Kind of Rain Boots Moms Can Wear [Again, from the original article]

1. Tall plain ones - hunter green, dark gray, bright yellows, red, etc.
2. Tall black patent leather ones -- the sheen of these boots will look a little more sophisticated.
3. Some patterns are OK for the brave -- but proceed with caution on this one.  Skip the Hello Kitty boots, skip the ladybugs, skip anything with rainbows or anything that you think an 8 year old would want to borrow.  If reading this makes you nervous, stick with plain.

I'm actually OK with this advice.  But I'd also add that rainboot styles have exploded in recent years.  If you aren't a fan of the typical wellie, there are now rainboot wedges, booties, rubber motorcycle boots and, one of my personal favs, duck boots.  Here are some super-cool, non-wellie rainboots:

My Hands-Down, Favorite Place to Buy Affordable Day Dresses For Moms (Especially Nursing Moms)

Mamas, are you getting as sick of the boots-over-skinny-jean uniform as I am?  Not that there's anything wrong with it (it is the most practical mom-i-form for messy winter months), but GAH.  I needed a sartorial break.  And now that we're in Philly, I couldn't count on Denver's surprisingly mild climate to bail me out anytime soon (although I hear Denver's winter has been brutal this year).

What I wanted was a dress.  A sweater dress maybe, or something mod with a short hem and a high neckline.  God, after four (almost) straight years of nursing, I dream about high necked dresses.  While I have learned to nurse in a crew-neck top, pulling a dress all the way up is beyond my comfort/skill range.  

Shop Your Closet: Temporarily Shorten That Summer Maxi For Winter Snow Stomping

Reader Amber was one of our readers who tested out a pair of Hanes run-resistant stockings.  They tore as she pulled them on.  Needless to say, she wasn't impressed.  

I was impressed, however, with her outfit that accompanied her Hanes write-up.  In the pic above she's showing us the hole in her stockings, but what's actually going on here is the fact that she shortened one of her long summer maxi dresses - temporarily - for winter use.  Here's another pic: