Ain't No Mom Jeans

Trend Alert: Rashguards

Years ago my dear friend Sarah came to visit.  She was pregnant - uncomfortably so.  We thought hitting the pool might be soothing...except Sarah was not happy with her one bikini.  Her pregnant boobs were busting out of the top, and she was unhappy with something regarding her stomach (the dark line, maybe?  Stretch marks?)....but it seemed silly to run out and buy a new swimsuit.  Yet...the pool was one of those extra-warm ones, with a lazy river and tubes and waterslides, and it beckoned.  So I dug through the closet and unearthed Mike's old rashguard from a few surfing trips eons ago.  His rashguard was big enough to fit over Sarah's belly, yet in true rashguard fashion, fit everywhere else.  (Magic stretch, those rashguards.)

But the cool thing?  Not only was Sarah comfortable, but when the rashguard was paired with a little string bikini bottom, she looked...sexy.  Like sporty and flirty and all adorably pregnant.  Sadly, we don't have a single pic (adorbs or not, can you blame her, Mamas?)...but to this day rashguards remind me of Sarah.  

And rashguards are seriously rockin' right now.  Not only can you find the usual suspects from the surf brands, but even mainstream retailers are getting in on the game.  The result?  Rashguards with serious style.  I still like them best with a skimpy little bikini bottom, but their sporty-yet-sexy vibe works with a variety of bottoms....and beats the heck out of a dowdy swimdress.

Besides, I'm pretty serious about water play, and rashguards are just the thing for fearless rough-housing.  Yesssssss!  

1. Tommy Bahama Colorblock Rashguard, $78

Love the quirky color-block twist

2. J. Crew Colorblock Sun Shirt, $78

This is rashguard perfection, right here.  Shown with this top and bottom.

3. J.Crew Colorblock Short Sleeve Tank, $98

This is like a rashguard made into a vintage-inspired swimsuit.  Whatever it you call it (suit?  rashguard?), I like it. 

4. J.Crew Striped Rashguard, $78

Because we don't have enough striped tops, amiright?  And OMG:  Lands' End also has a striped one just like this, for $39.  Shown with this top and foldover bikini bottom.

5. VPL Tape Vent Rashguard, $185

I love the sophisticated color scheme, and how this one looks like an actual shirt.

6. Dakine Best Wishes Rashguard, $40

Like a Hawaiian shirt, but so freaking cool.  Also in short sleeve.   Shown with this top and bottom.

7. Basta Surf Rashguard Top, $195

Love the contrast neckline and zipper, and the crazy-stripe pattern is the coolest. 

8. Athleta Zanzibar Rashguard, $54

The other color options available on Athleta strike me as a bit much, but the white is right-on.  Shown with this top and bottom.

9. Roxy Rocker Rashguard, $46

Love the looser cut, and the boat-neckline.  

 

As I mentioned, rashguards do have magic stretch, so I find that I'm happiest when I've gone up a size (or two!).  

Yay for Summer!

(photo credit:  Lands End!)

xo,

S

 

Friday Fun (And Reader Finds!!)

WOOT WOOT Weekend, Mamas!  The last two weeks have been very, very long.  I have been inexplicably sick (with a cold!  It's just a cold!) for over two solid weeks.  This nasty virus has robbed me of motivation, sucked me of enthusiasm, and taken my patience out for a looong vacation.  Grrrrrrr.

Even my kids have been attempting to cheer me up.  "Mom, it's OK!" Raines said to me yesterday.  "You're the best mom EVER EVER...even if you're always grumpy!"

Awesome.  Let's put that on a mug for Mother's Day, shall we?  "World's Greatest Always-Grumpy Mom!"

(NOTE:  Mike, you had better freaking NOT.  Just so we're clear.)

So.  For this issue of Friday Fun, I have exactly ONE find.  Happily you, lovely Mamas, have been doing a little shopping while I've been sniffling, and have been emailing me all sorts of fun finds.  

Stephanie is pregnant and is wondering if this pair of silky, printed, elastic-waist pants from Anthropologie would be rad, or bad?  Call me crazy....but I kinda love them.  Add a white tee and flat, metallic sandals, and WOW.  Summer perfection.  Either color is gorgeous, but I'm leaning to...pink?   

Helen writes:

After moving to New Jersey from LA in January I was looking for a long sleeved dress that is relatively warm, nursing friendly and pretty enough for a date night.   I stumbled upon your post about affordable dresses on Zappos, and that's how I discovered the Patagonia brand dresses. I ended up buying two of them!

Helen ended up with Patagonia's Bay Laural Wrap Dress in black (currently on sale for $36!!), and the sleeveless Margot dress (also on sale for $36).  They are both nursing friendly, and Helen reports that they can also help disguise a small pooch, as well.

Belinda's been on the hunt for the perfect boyfriend jean, and thinks she found them.  I agree!

Heidi makes a pretty convincing CPW (cost-per-wear) argument for this gorgeous maxi dress:

I really, really loved your style resolutions for 2013 article a few months back, and thanks to you I have the beginnings of a decent wardrobe that's not full of things that sort-of-but-not-quite-fit for the first time in five years!

I love, love, loved the gray maxidress you featured two years ago, but couldn't find it anywhere when I started looking for something to wear this summer. I live in Jordan right now, and it's already 80 here most days so summer starts a bit earlier for me. A few years ago I would have bought a couple of dresses that I sort of liked from Old Navy and never have felt good about them...but I remembered your point about cost-per-wear and held out until I found something I loved. And I did! This maxi dress from Shopbop is exactly what I was looking for: beautiful drape, pooch-hiding blouson top, modest enough that I can get away with wearing it here in the Middle East, but still sexy thanks to the V-neck and the drape of the skirt.

Instead of a half dozen crappy dresses, I have one that I truly love and that makes me feel beautiful.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for encouraging women like me to find what makes us feel good about ourselves and giving us pointers as to how to get there!

Yay, Heidi!  Love this!

Jenny found a fleece moto jacket in taupe.  Yessssssss!  Only smalls are left, but they're on sale for $40!

Patricia has me dying for this scarf....so Lem-Lem-ish, yet roughly half the cost...

And lastly...my one lone contribution:

I love this shirt.  Pooch-hiding, nursing-friendly perfection.  Sadly, I did not buy it.  Yup - too grumpy.

 

Here's to a weekend without tissues, red noses or phelgm!  

Wow.  And here's to never having to hear the word 'phelgm' on this blog ever, ever again.

Now I'm off to find my Kindle.  My sister got me hooked on Game of Thrones during my long two-week lie-in....and I'm totally hooked.  (Although, I may never sleep peacefully again.)

What are you doing this weekend?  Something fun, I hope?

xoxo,

S

 

 

Friday Fun

Guess who is missing the beach right about now?  I mean...it's not like I don't like biting, 30 degree winds, it's just tha--  Right.  The drastic change from a freeing beach week to waaay too much "indoor family time" is driving the boys and I nuts.  NUTS!  And we're only half unpacked, so the house looks as if a bomb has dropped.  Luckily, our new nanny started this week.  I say "luckily" because I like to break 'em in early.  I just wish I had a picture of her face when she first stepped in the door.  There's a good chance she thought we were hoarders.  It's a fine line, though.  You want just enough crazy to keep expectations low, but not enough crazy to scare them off for good.  The just-got-home-from-a-trip level of disaster seems to toe that line pretty well.  We'll see.

Here are a few Fun Friday links that I've been storing up to share...

The Sartorialist wanted to know if anyone was thinking about turtlenecks.  Ahhhh Scott.  You sly dog you.  I'm always thinking about turtlenecks.  [bats eyelashes]

Hot mama Lena from Quality Rivets recently styled her plaid pajama bottoms and looked AWESOME.  For realz.  

Refinery 29 styled a windbreaker three surprisingly glamorous ways.  And OK:  I think they cheated by using an insanely gorgeous Stella McCartney for Adidas windbreaker (*cough $500 *cough)...but still.  I'm 95% sure you could use a regular windbreaker and it would still work, more or less.  I like this one.

We've been talking about ankle boots, and whether or not curvy, short Mamas can pull them off.  Have you seen this picture of Drew Barrymore in her ankle boots and skinnies?  The girl is all curves and gorgeousness, and she pulls them off OK.  However, the black bootie does shorten her leg a bit.  I'll bet that a slightly lighter ankle boot would look great (or a slightly darker jean).  Perhaps that's the key?

Reader Julie picked up this adorable wrap cardigan / cape at Nordstroms and swears by it for both pregnancy and nursing.  It's now on sale for $39!  Thanks, Julie!

According to The Budget Babe (who is now pregnant!  Congrats!!)...H&M is now accepting used clothing for recycling!  You can find out what happens to your donated clothing here. 

Lastly, how cute is Pax's little Superman tee?  It comes with an attached cape.  The cape just velcros on/off at the shoulders.  He has been wearing it EVERY DAY.  I now wish that I had stocked up (it's just a Target tee, folks).  Superman appears to be sold out online, but Target has a whole line of cape tees.  Bam Pow is my favorite.

Happy Friday!!!

xoxo

S

A Maternity Workwear Capsule Wardrobe For Spring (and an ASOS Giveaway)

Maternity workwear.  Isn't that phrase just so...depressing?  Ugh.  It conjures up images of schlumpy, black, ill-fitting suits and those awful maternity button-down shirts.  (shudder)

We can do better, Mamas.  

I threw together a small Spring capsule wardrobe for working mamas-to-be.  And it's almost completely post-partum friendly, and much of it is pumping-friendly.  But best of all?  Maternity workwear (blaaaah) has come such a long way that not only would I happily(!!) wear any of these pieces NOT pregnant, but most are pretty. darn. affordable. 

 

Mom Street Style: Yay for Puffer Vests in Pregnancy and Post-Partum!

Goodness.  Could Grace get any cuter?

 

After our recent article on puffer vests, Grace wrote:

I was SO excited to see your post on puffers following your post on maternity coats because vests have been a wardrobe staple/workhorse for me all winter. I had my third baby on December 30th and didn't want to buy a maternity coat (so I didn't) but lived in a slew of vests (some puffy and some faux furry) that I found on eBay (all for less than $10!). Hopefully I'm not the only pregnant lady that looks pregnant around the lovely handles (which is why I was so convinced I was having a GIRL .... not the case!) but a vest really helps that situation out so very nicely.

Um.  Wow.  Pregnancy induced love-handles?  Yeah.  I knew them well.  You make a really, really good point, Grace.  

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:

Shopping: Sweatshirt Dresses

Ok Mamas!  Our shopping week continues with sweatshirt dresses!! (I want you to be well prepared for the after-Christmas sales, Mamas.  WELL PREPARED.)  And psst:  One of my fav sweatshirt dresses is perfect for nursing.  Seriously.

 

Sweatshirt Dresses

I can't say enough about my James Perse sweatshirt dress (you first saw it here).  And those of you following me on instagram (@shanachristine) will know how often I've been wearing it.  So.  If you happen to be in the market for a versatile sweatshirt dress, choices abound!  You have your pick from sporty to uber glam, and many are fabulous pooch-hiders.  

Basic Sweatshirt Dresses

A. Gap Terry Sweatshirt Dress, $54

This is very similar to my James Perse sweatshirt dress, but half the cost.  The main difference is that the James Perse dress has a banded bottom, which helps keep the dress looking a bit dressier.  However, the slight A-line of this dress might be better for pear-shaped figures.

B. Hatch Collection Sweatshirt Dress, $208

I am recommending this dress with one major reservation:  It's not for small mamas.  I had the opportunity to try this dress on recently, and it was horrible.  I was crushed.  It fell below my knees (I'm almost 5'3") and there was just so much fabric...  If you are fairly tall (I'd say 5'7" or above), pregnant, and don't mind a mountain of fabric...this dress might work.  But I wouldn't bet on wearing it forever.  

C. James Perse Funnel Neck Dress, $195

I love everything about this dress:  the color, the sporty collar, the banded bottom.  Adorbs.

D. ASOS Knitted Dress With Sweatshirt Details, $70

This dress is actually a sweater dress, with embellishments to make it look like a sweatshirt.  Whatever.  It works.  (And probably drapes a bit better than a true sweatshirt dress.)

 

Interesting Sweatshirt Dresses

A. Diesel Gertrude Dress, on sale for $132

Nursing Mamas!!  Celebrate!!  It zips! It hides a pooch!  I feel like I should buy this just in case we have a third.  I mean SERIOUSLY.  I have never, in all of my internet travels, found such a cute nursing and pooch hiding dress.  

Thank you, Diesel.  I realize that the sleep-deprived, leaky boobed, jelly-bellied Mama *may* not be your key demographic...but thank you anyway.

B. French Connection Amazon Sweatshirt Dress, $80

It's a printed sweatshirt, made into a dress.  Looks crazy-fierce on the model with black tights, heels and an oversized scarf.  Would look just as cute with some flat boots.  This one goes easily from playdate to real date.

C.  C&C California Faux-Leather and Knit Dress, $148

Holy. Crap.  See that faux-leather panel?  OMGLOVE.

D. COMEFORBREAKFAST Short Dress, on sale for $80 at Yoox.com

This unique twist on a sweatshirt dress is only available in sizes XS and S...but it's so...swingy, I'll bet there's a bit of wiggle room in the sizing.

E. C&C California Faux-Leather Fleece Dress, $108

OMG SERIOUSLY I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING.  YOU GUYS.  It looks like leather...yet it's fleece.  And not crazy expensive.  Yessssssss.

F. Brown Winter Sweatshirt Dress, $145 from Etsy seller Lirola

For those of you who prefer a vintage, girly vibe to all of that faux-leather, I'm loving Lirola's take on the sweatshirt dress.  Puff sleeves and a ruched bottom?  Nice.

 

Now I'm off to pop popcorn.  It's Christmas movie night and I'm over the moon because I FINALLY found my favorite, Twas The Night Before Christmas.  The one with the mouse?  And the clockmaker?  Yes??  LOVELOVELOVE

(iTunes also has it for immediate purchase.  Yay.)

xoxo

S

 

 

 

 

 

Statement Necklace Inspiration From An Adorable Pregnant Mama (Plus a Stella & Dot Sample Sale Just for ANMJ Readers)

Mamas, after our statement necklace round-up, a few of you commented/emailed that you found statement necklaces tough to pull off. You weren't sure when to throw them on (only with fancy dresses?  T-shirts? What?), or how to get the necklines right.  

I get it.  As someone whose style veers to the minimalist, statement necklaces can seem like...a whole lotta necklace.  So I turned to one of my BFFs, Becky McBride, who happens to be a stylist for Stella & Dot.  Helping women figure out how to wear statement necklaces is part of her job...and Beck often wears them herself.  Like...every. day.  (Just about, anyway.)

Anyway, Mamas, it gets better:  It just so happens that Stella & Dot is coming out with a new line in ONE MONTH.  And Beck is selling her gently used sample pieces at 50% off...to us.  Keep reading for some adorable statement necklace (maternity!!) style inspiration...and some crazy-awesome deals.  Instructions for purchasing are below.

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

Friday Thoughts....

Never have I seen so much rain, Mamas.  With inexplicably 80+ degree temps.  We're all...uh...steaming?  Is that the right cooking method?

Anyway, the best part about the Philly mainline is that the kiddos are free to play in the (relatively) clean street gutters.  Cause this would ne-eh-eh-ever happened downtown Denver:

 

I know you are wondering about the helmet.  (Or no one is, but I'll tell you anyway.)  P insists, basically.  If big brother is wearing a helmet (to bike, obvi), then P wears one.  Regardless of activity.

 

In any case, there are a few fun things I wanted to share....

Did you catch the article about the Dad who started wearing skirts as a show of solidarity to his son?  Nothing but awesome.  Made my whole day.  

This drool-worthy new maternity line has the most unexpected yet chic accessory:  beaded cuffs

Street Style photag Vanessa Jackman caught this little cutie in a big boy outfit, complete with striped socks and sandals.  Gotta love that.

I may actually buy a pair of Crocs for my guys.  Maybe.  This pair only.  (In black.)

Have you heard about that UnbabyMe app for Facebook?  The one that will delete all baby pictures from your Facebook feed?  It struck me as totally annoying and, well, mean.  Then I read MODG's response and laughed and laughed and laughed....love her.

Lastly, we've been busy blogging over at Mom.me.  M shows how to transition your summer dresses into Fall, I put together five Fall outfits that will do double-duty (work then playdate, for example) and highlighted 8 pieces that will help you hide a first trimester bump at the office. 

Enjoy your weekend!  Our last before Raines starts preschool. (sob!)

xo,

S

ps.  We have some giveaway winners to announce!  Congrats to Tamara of GlowingColor for winning the $50 J.Crew gift card!

And our Common Thread winner never materialized....so our new winner is  Alice McGuin!

Mamas, email us: aintnomomjeans@gmail.com so we can hook you up with your loot!