Ain't No Mom Jeans

Mom Street Style | Naomi's Indie Mom Style

How’s an artsy mom supposed to translate the “indie” style of her twenties into a mom-uniform functional enough to keep up with the kiddos and worthy of her creative sensibilities?  Naomi got it spot on with mixed prints, a layered look and fab boots.  She writes:

Dear Molly and Shana, 

I've been wanting to thank you ladies for some time now. As a former theatre teacher and current stay-at-home mom of two boys, I've had a hard time switching up my "indie" 20-something style into a 30-something mom style (without looking like a bag lady or fashion victim!). Fashion magazines just confuse me and don't seem mom-friendly, so I googled "mom fashion blog" about a year and a half ago and found aintnomomjeans. I love your down-to-earth instructions and I've learned so much. I still shop at thrift stores and second-hand stores, but I do it more wisely and pair my findings with investment jeans (J-brand!) and great boots.  I wish you guys were around in my 20's. It feels great to leave the house looking good and it's a handy way to channel my creativity. I also find that I don't need to shop as much now that I've found my "mom uniform". 

I've shared your blog with so many women! You're providing a wonderful service to women. 

-Naomi 

We’re loving Naomi’s casual day look and her adorable mix of polka dots and stripe prints on top with her fab J Brand skinnies and flats.  This is a perfect day mom-uniform—by incorporating funky mixed prints in black and white, what otherwise would have been a traditional t-shirt and jeans outfit stands out and looks polished while staying comfortable and functional for a day at the pumpkin patch with her sweet baby boy.

Her rocker-chic date night ensemble hits the mark with a pop of color and pattern from a mustard knit scarf and super-current tribal print dress.  Again, the look is functional (Ms. Naomi definitely won’t freeze in her moto jacket, tights and rockin’ boots) put together, and reflects her indie vibe while staying on-trend and age appropriate.  LOVE.

Naomi, thanks for the kind words and for sending these fab pics.  Keep ‘em comin’, Mamas!  We adore featuring real moms, but we (ok, I) do so loathe stopping you on the street : )!

- M.

Mom Street Style | Minor Details from Everyday Mom Style

Mom Street Style comes today from Meagan (aka "the  headless housewife" LOL--more on that later) at Everyday Mom Style.  Everyday Mom Style is a recent addition to the mom style blogging world and a great one at that.  In her endearing, plainspoken "About Me" section, Meagan writes:

"My wardrobe must be reasonably priced, comfortable and age appropriate. . . I’m just a 40 year old mother of two kids who wants to look and feel great. . .  I live in a suburb of Seattle, where style is pretty laid back. My clothes are not expensive, they come from Nordstroms, Anthropologie, J Crew, Target, TJ Maxx, Kohls, H & M."

Reader Q: What to Wear to a Super Bowl Party - Super Bowl XLVI Style

Few things confound me more than dressing for sporting events/parties.  I like designer denim, tall boots, drapey tops, interesting sweaters. . . but these items somehow just don't seem to fit with queso dip and beer (much as I do love those Super Bowl standbys), so I welcomed ANMJ reader Tamar's question as a challenge and spent pretty much all week culling Super Bowl party-worthy ensembles.  See What you think!  Tamar writes: 

I recently got my body back down to its original size and I am looking forward strutting my stuff at our friends Superbowl party. Problem being I have no idea what to wear. I was thinking a cute outfit in team colors? Colored blue denim with a cute top? 

- Tamar

I love the idea of going in team colors, Tamar, particularly if you or hubs are big sports fans, and this year we're in luck, because the New York Giants and the New England Patriots have nearly identical color schemes of blue, red, white and gray.  (Or if you're a Patriots fan, Nautical Blue, New Century Silver--of course.  Totally different.  I'm sure that's complete sacrilege.  Sorry.) 

But pulling off team colors without going the distance of face painting can be tough.  I've put five looks together, including two traditional team-wear outfits and three other more-every-day looks, from edgy to preppy, that incorporate pieces you probably already have.

Super Bowl XLVI (Giants vs Patriots) 2012 Outfits by dynamama featuring tailored shirts

Have fun and congrats on getting your pre-baby bod back!

- M.

Mom Street Style - Maternity Chic That's Easy on the Eyes and the Budget!

Mamas, meet Melissa, one of the most adorable (thrice!) pregnant mamas I've ever seen (excuse the image quality, we just couldn't work out a better shot, but it would have been a travesty not to share Melissa's perfect, easy, affordable style).  She writes:

Hi ladies,
 
Honestly, I can't believe I'm submitting a picture of myself...but alas, here it is.  This was a super simple and inexpensive outfit...and after having 2 kiddos with my 3rd baby just 5 weeks away, I'm desperate to get through these last 5 weeks and still manage to look put together.  I wore this outfit this past weekend with my hubby for our monthly 'date night'.  I got a lot of compliments on it so I thought maybe another pregnant lady could use a pick me up!!
 
Poncho and boots- Tarjay (Target to some people :))
Jeggings- Old Navy maternity
Bag- Old Navy

 

I love your blog and I am so thankful I found it...keep on keepin on!!!

- Melissa

Melissa's rocking a number of ANMJ's favs for moms--skinny jeans, tall boots, and a belly/postpartum pooch/nursing-friendly poncho, topping it all off with understated, spot-on accessories.  I love how her copper/gold cuff bracelet ties into the zippers on her fab riding boots, and the tassel on her bag keys in on the fringe trend, lending a toned-down Boho vibe.

Seriously, Melissa, if you look that good pregnant, you should just keep on have babies.  Thanks for sharing your rad mama style!

- M.

A Tiny Capsule Wardrobe For Post-Partum, Nursing Moms Going Back To Work

Mamas, I received an email from reader Vera.  She was thrilled with our advice during her maternity leave, writing, "I bought a pair of skinny jeans, some leggings, and then shirt dresses/dolman sleeve sweaters, the Dria cover, some awesome slimming nursing tanks and that pumpkin peel...and actually felt NICE immediately after having baby #4.  THAT is awesome - thank you!"

But now she's back at work.

Vera says:

My belly is out of control and I need help figuring out what to wear.  I actually lay awake at night and dread the next morning, mostly because I can't think of what to wear.  I have some suits to wear for meetings 2-3 times a month, but the rest of the time my office is business casual.  I want to be comfortable.  I'm pumping, so I need either tops I can take off or dresses that are nursing/pumping friendly.  I am working REALLY hard on losing the baby weight, and I don't want to spend a ton of money on clothes that fit me now.  I am probably a size 10 on the bottom (my legs are actually smaller than that but my belly...) and a 12/Large on top thanks to the porn star boobs (filled with milk) right now.  Even though I sit most of the day, I want things that are comfy and easy to move in.  So, can you help me find

*Work appropriate

*Cheap

*Comfortable

*Pooch-hiding, porn-star-boob-accommodating

*Nursing/pumping friendly?

 

Vera, there are two ways to approach this problem:

1. Buy a ton of cheap stuff

2. Select, very carefully, a few quality items that look amazing and that you can wear over & over & over again.

My issue with buying lots of cheap stuff is that you often sacrifice fit.  And when your body is going through so many crazy changes....you'll look and feel better in well-fitting clothes. 

However.  By choosing carefully, it's possible that you can invest in a few items that will still work once the weight comes off...AND make the most of what you already own.  

But I do recommend buying pants that fit.  That alone will do wonders for your morning closet conundrum.

So.  Here are five items that every new working-and-pumping mom should consider adding to her closet (and they all work together, too!):

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.

Mom Street Style: Yvette's Perfect Proportions

Friday mornings at the Cherry Creek mall play area are the best times/place to find great mom style.  The last time I was there, I ran into Yvette.

Yvette's oufit caught my eye for the following reasons:

1.  The Cropped Pant - This is the perfect cropped pant.  It's cropped at the most flattering length, and is nice and slim.  The overall effect is very Audrey Hepburn, not scary mom-jean wearer in her "summer outfit".

2.  I love the long, drapy top with the cropped pant.  This short - long combo always looks spot-on.

3.  This style of top was made for nursing, post-partum moms.  Hi.  That's me.

Yvette is wearing Kenneth Cole legging/pants, her top is Splendid's Fleece Button Cardigan (and currently on sale) and her flats are from Naturalizer (and, says Yvette, crazy-comfortable).

Now remember...get your mom style pics ready!  It's one more week until link-up time and our fabulous giveaway....

xo,

S

The Key To Cool Layering (Hint: Think Three)

Spring fever has hit pretty hard.  But despite our collective longing, Mother Nature rarely responds.  And if you are in Marquette, MI?  Hello, snow. 

Even if you are dealing with snowdrifts, the easiest way to deal with a bit of Spring fever is to infuse a little dose of Spring into your outfits.  We've talked already about gorgeous trench coats, and bright pops of denim...but one way to feel Spring-y and stay warm is by layering.

Layering, however, is not throwing a cardi on over your t-shirt.  Well, technically, it is...but a cooler way of layering is to follow the rule of three:  Wear three tops*.

*tops - a loose definition.  Tops can be dresses, vests, actual tops or even a big fun scarf.  Two tops and a scarf is kind-of cheating in this layering game.  But will still look great.

The rule of three keeps you a bit warmer, and...even better?  It makes any outfit just. so. cool.  It requires a bit more thought, however.  At least for me.  But the end result is effortless style.  Look at your fav fashion mags or bloggers - some of the coolest looks follow the rule of three. 

Wanna see?  I found some really great inspiration, and came up with a few tips to keep in mind:

Gorgeous, Wear-Everywhere, Pooch-Hiding, Nursing-Friendly Tops For Spring and Summer

While I'm still totally addicted to my pooch-hiding sweater, I do realize that once the temps warm up, I'm going to need a new alternative.  The hunt is on! Or...was on, rather.

On a quick shopping trip right before I took the boys to Gulf Shores, I stumbled upon two gorgeous pieces that are pooch-hiding perfection. 

They are effortless, cool (from both a temperature and style perspective), and best of all?  No shaper cami required!

Voila...

Beyond the Empire-Waist: The New Shape of Pooch-Hiding Sweaters (Perfect Now and Into Spring)

 After R was born, pooch-hiding was a cinch.  Empire-waisted tanks, sweaters, & tops were everywhere.  This time around?  The whole empire-waist silhouette feels a bit...tired.  Boring, even.  Instead of looking cute and fresh, my trusty empire-waisted tops are just making me look (and feel) pregnant. (It could just be that my pooch is bigger this time around.  But let's not go there, shall we?)

It took me some time, and a bit of trial & error, (shopping research, of course!!)...but the good news is that there is a new silhouette that does a killer job of hiding the pooch.