Ain't No Mom Jeans

How We Wear It: The Basic V-Neck Sweater

Mamas!!  We're starting a new monthly series called How We Wear It, where *we* show all of the different ways we're rocking a wardrobe basic.  And by "we" I mean...all y'all.   If there was One. Thing. you readers communicated LOUD AND CLEAR via our survey, it's this:  You want to see a wider range of body types represented here on ANMJ.  

So.  I'll show you how I've been styling my old standbys, and so will Cam.  And then, dear readers, we want to hear from YOU.  You can play along via our Linky party at the bottom (you can sign up at the bottom of this article or on Cam's page), you can send us a email (send it to either Cam or I), upload a pic to ANMJ's Facebook page, or use Instagram with the hashtag: #howwewearit.  As reader pics come in, I'll be keeping this page up-to-date.

Ready?  

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.  

Shopping: 6 Fab Pieces From Piperlime's 20% Off Sale

Happy Valentine's Day, Mamas!!  Piperlime is offering 20% sitewide until midnight tonight with the code XOXO.  They do this a few times a year, and I try to take advantage by stocking up on pieces that might otherwise be outside of my comfort or price range. Here are a few items that I've had my eye on...all would be perfect for both playdates and real dates. 

 

1.  DV by Dolce Vita Sera Boots, on sale for $79 (with an additional 20% off)  

Piperlime has a ton of short boots on sale (including these fabulous Fryes and my old standbys)...and now an additional 20% off?  Yay.  

2. Isabel Lu Hamptons Dress, $89

A sweatshirt dress with the coolest colorblock detailing.  The reviews say it runs small, so order up. 

3. Lucca Couture Vegan Leather Neon Jacket, $119

A bright moto jacket would be perfect this spring over,uh, everything.  Boyfriend jeans and skirts especially.  I also really like this linen one.

4. Rhyme Los Angeles Chloe Chambray Blouse, $59

I loooove this blouse/jacket hybrid.  I'd wear it with with long, slim, flat-front shorts and wedges, or maybe open over a little white eyelet dress, or with a full short skirt, or maxi skirt or slim, dark denim or....

5. Cynthia Vincent Frida, $195

If you still don't have a pair of cool flat sandals, now is a perfect time to stock up. These are gorgeous, and her sandals are typically comfortable.

6. Tinley Road Bleeker Blazer, $69

Last year, I passed on a jacket exactly like this one.  At the time, I thought it was cute, but that I'd never actually wear it.  Silly me.  It's the one thing I wished I had for every. single. summer date night to throw on over whatever I was wearing.  Would also be a killer update for work.

 

Happy Valentine's Day!!  I'm off to go buy a bunch of red heart balloons.  We're having a party of four tonight.  "Party" defined by the fact that I'm buying balloons, Mike is buying champagne, and the boys get candy.  PARTY WHOO!!  

xoxo,

S

Let's Talk Boobs For a Sec. I mean BRAS. (and fit issues)

Mamas, the end is near.  I have been either nursing or pregnant since 2007.  (Actually, that should be our new slogan here at ANMJ: "NURSING OR PREGNANT SINCE 2007!")

But Pax is now over two.  And while he's not weaned juuuust yet...the reality is that his nursing is pretty sporadic.  I recognize the signs, Mamas.  They've been here for a while.  I'll be lucky if I can stretch it out for a few more weeks at this point.

Therefore, it's time to take care of bidniss.  Specifically, my bra situation.  I have a few once-great nursing bras (most featured here), that are now stretched beyond all recognition.  So on a Friday night a couple of months ago, I wandered into Victoria's Secret.  (And by wandered, I mean that I tricked my husband into meeting me at the mall, then left him and the kids there next to 5 Guys.)

I didn't want to spend a ton of money - especially since 'the girls' will be in a state of flux as Pax tapers off.  Once I stop nursing, I...I can't even talk about it.  It's like my life's purpose will be gone.  (cue tragic music)

Ok.  Back to Victoria's Secret:  Basically I walked in and they pounced.  They started by asking what my 'needs' were (I tried to stick to the general topic of 'bras' and not immediately launch into a detailed list starting with "Poop ALONE")...and then quickly whipped out the measuring tape and wrapped it around my general chest area.  "Uh, um.." I stammered.  "I'm wearing three tops and this sweater is kind of chunk-"  Nobody cared.  They pronounced me a D.  Maybe a C.  And "probably, like, a 34".  And suggested that I would "really, really love" their push-up bras.  Hunh.

Pair These Seven Pieces With Boring Basics To Nail That Pesky "Dressy-Casual" Look

Mamas, this article was inspired by a question I received from Martha.  She wrote:

I recently discovered your blog and I am loving the inspiration to step up my mom style a bit, and ideas for putting more personality into my basics. I'm realizing, though, that I have a weird gap in my wardrobe. I have plenty of casual mom clothes (jeans, basic tees and sweaters, comfy shoes). My work wardrobe for a casual but conservative engineering office is jeans, cords, or cotton pants, "boring sweaters", and flats or conservative boots. And I love the rare opportunity to rock a cute dress and strappy heels. But for some strange reason, even before I had kids, I've struggled with what to wear for a dressy-casual night out, like to a restaurant or parties with other "grown ups". 

It's true!  Dressing way up is easy: dress, shoes, clutch, done.  Wearing yoga pants is easy.  But nailing the dressy-casual vibe in an effortless way is tough.  It's easy to go overboard and end up with something that feels too fussy, too "done".  Or, on the other side (like at a business casual office) you end up wearing all solid-color basics.  Snore.  

In the past, I've done both.  Neither is fun, neither feel like "me".  But there are a few pieces that I find myself reaching for time-and-time again, whenever I'm in the dressy-casual zone, be it work or Play* related.  Keep reading to see both the list, and how I'm mixing up my own pieces.

(Play = Big Girl playtime and involves cocktails, play = kiddo play and involves dirt)

 

Stylemint Nicholls Blazer | Mango Lace Tee | Ann Taylor Floral Blouse | M Missoni Skirt | Topshop Check Trousers | Steve Madden Instantt Ankle Booties | Calvin Klein Pumps

 

 

Keep reading for a full explanation of the list, as well as some example pics of how I've been mixing pieces like these...

Reader Q | How To Style A Camo Vest

Reader Question:

 

Hi Shana and Molly,

 

I discovered your blog a month or so ago and have worked my way through most of your archives. I've recently lost about 50 pounds (after having two children) and am starting to become more interested in making myself look nice.

 

Anyway, I may or may not have bought this camouflage vest from Target recently. 

 

I don't know what I was thinking. I had Shana's camo pants in my head and was thinking of the military trend and... it just happened. Now the question is what do I do with it? Return it? Wear it over a neutral tee? Under a jean jacket? Both?

 

Thank you so much for writing such insightful, entertaining posts. I will be more careful when considering trendy pieces next time!

 

 - Jill

 

Answer:

Hunh.  Jill, this camo vest has been on my mind lately.  Initially, when I first read your email, I didn't love it...but...well...it's growing on me.  The vest is growing on me!  And I always like a challenge.  So: I thought I'd try styling it up for a final verdict.  And you know what?  I think this vest could work!

 

Trend Update: The New Puffer Vest

Mamas, I talked about my love of puffer vests for pooch-hiding reasons last winter, here.  And while puffer vests are often made fun of...

One popular example is the performance vest which solves the age old problem of cold chest hot arms. 

                                                                                            ---- from Stuff White People Like

...I've noticed that puffer vests are still going strong (probably because we all hate that cold chest, hot arm syndrome amiright?).  In fact, puffy vests are getting chic little upgrades.  A patch of tweed, perhaps, some leather trim.  Or even...chambray?

TMRDNL: A High-End Designer For Moms? (And At Crazy-Affordable Prices)

Ok Mamas - it's my last shopping enabling post of the year.  But I must warn you:  This one will be especially hard to resist. 

Have you heard of TMRDNL?  It's the line designed by Tamar Daniel, an Israeli- British-American fashion designer who happens to live not far from me.  I had the opportunity to meet with her and see her line...and oh, my.  We're talking ah-mazing stuff.  Like...machine washable, scrunch down into a suitcase and still look amazing stuff. 

 

Tamar's design philosophy is one that us Mamas will relate to.  A mom herself, Tamar describes her collection as a "call to arms for dynamic real women, whose days are full of many facets, and whose outfits need to transition from boardroom to playgroup to date night and back again as seamlessly as they do. A versatile mix of easy, thoughtful pieces, the collection is truly a wardrobe for living."

Sing it, Sister.

 

But here's the bad news:  Tamar is moving on.  It turns out that designing an entire line is a ton of work (no kidding). And Tamar has something new and exciting in mind.  Personally, I'm heartbroken.  With gorgeousness like this...

...TMRDNL will be missed.   

But here's the silver lining, Mamas.  Tamar still has a few pieces in stock.  And they are taking up precious room in her storeroom.  You know where I'm going with this, right?  She'd like some help cleaning things away for the new year.  So pieces that typically retail for...oh...let's just say that they typically retail for prices that I cannot afford...are currently available in the $25 - $125 range.

Seriously.

Even better, Tamar is generously offering Ain't No Mom Jeans readers an additional 20% off with the code ANMJ.

Now...what to buy?

Well.  My most-worn piece to-date is the Intrigue Jacket, pictured above. It's machine-washable, nursing-friendly, and insanely comfortable.  The sleeves are made of a soft knit, so you have full range of motion for picking up the little ones - it feels like a comfy sweater.  Mine is a size larger than I typically go for, so it can be easily layered (even over another sweater, like above).  But when I wear it alone, the drapiness is such that it never looks too big!  This piece is seriously amazing.  It is currently retailing on Tamar's website for $99, and also comes in a longer (trench) version for $125.  The trench makes a gorgeous dress, especially for work.  (Easy to pump in, I'll bet.)  

Ready to see more? Ok...

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

 

 

 

 

 

Pajamas For Mamas That Are Both Chic AND Warm

Ok Mamas.  You asked for it...here are my fav pajama finds for staying warm and cozy...without going the sexless and dowdy route.