Ain't No Mom Jeans

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.

Not Your Father's L.L. Bean - Signature Summer Line Has Us Drooling!

I did a double take followed by a triple check when, late last week, I found myself perusing--and drooling over--an L.L. Bean catalog I'd just received in the mail.  I'm on the L.L. Bean mailing list because I've purchased everything from ExOfficio sun and insect shield shirts for my sportsman dad, and a British Slip Lead to keep our unruly dog in check, to monogrammed Adventure Duffels for both boys (they'll have them forever), and I'm pretty sure I'll score the Sea-Washed Canvas Duffel for hubs for Father's Day.  Frankly, L.L. Bean sells great stuff: for guys and dogs and kids and moms who like pleated trousers and polo shirts.  But I have never, not even once, considered purchasing something for myself (okay, maybe duck boots). Until now. 

As it turns out, the outdoor gear and polo shirt purveyor's new collection, L.L. Bean Signature (led by Alex Carleton, a veteran of Polo Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch and Rogues Gallery, his own line) has quite a few stunning spring and summer looks.  Here are our picks:

Reader Question: Comfy, Cute, No-Denim Outfits For a Reader Going Through IVF

Reader Question:

I have a confession to make… I’m not a mom, I’m not even pregnant but I am completely obsessed with your blog.
 
I stumbled across your site about a year and a half ago when my husband and I first decided we were going to have a baby. Being a self-proclaimed jean snob and fashionista – and proud of it - the thought of dressing a new, round, body had me completely stressed out. (I know, “I’m creating life” blah blah blah) Needless to say your blog saved me and helped me to see that I don’t have to wear some of the atrocious maternity wear some of my pregnant friends are donning.
 
Anyway, the real reason I’m writing is to ask you a favor, and I’ll warn you up front it’s not something you would normally write about. As I said in my confession, I’m not a mom nor am I pregnant – despite two years of trying and thousands of dollars spent. My husband and I have decided to do IVF and even though we no longer have to do the inner-muscular injections or mix our own meds, I’m pretty nervous. Our IVF nurse said the two weeks towards the end of the procedure will leave me with heavy ovaries (no working out), messy panties (in lieu of the injections they now use suppositories and pads – yay, she said sarcastically), out of control hormones, a sensitive tummy and probably no denim for a couple of weeks which…about put me over the edge.
 
I woke up in the middle of the night with a flash back to an article you posted awhile ago about post-delivery attire, specifically Aerie, pad friendly panties but when I went back into the archives I couldn’t track it down. Would you please post something regarding clothing/panties that would be comfortable on a bloated, cranky, sensitive tummy?
 
I soon hope to be joining your every-growing cult of fabulous fashionista mommies but right now I have to get past two weeks of hormonal hell.
 
xoxo
Julia

Answer:

Julia, you will certainly be in our thoughts.  IVF is such a long road...and on top of everything else, no denim???  While this is arguably the least of your worries, it's also the part we can easily help with.  And we are so delighted to help. 

First things first:  the post-partum panties you are looking for can be found here.  And if you missed yesterday's article on loungewear, be sure to check it out.

Since you are self-proclaimed jean snob and fashionista (hello, we should be friends)...I've found a couple of drool-worthy looks that will allow for granny-panties, disguise a poochy stomach, and no denim required!!

How To Wear Belts (Fall and Winter Edition)

We have been promising, for quite some time, to do an article about belts.  We've received numerous questions and comments about types of belts, belts and body types, and what to wear with belts. So it's time.  Time for some belt-love.

While I'd love to give you a few simple rules for rocking the belt...it's just not that easy.  Even different body types (curvy, pear, boyish) can have so many variations on a theme that coming up with a set of rules for belts is almost impossible.  Whether or not a belt looks good often has more to do with the distance between your ribs and your hip bones and what else you are wearing, than a rule that says, "short moms shouldn't wear belts" (because many of you can).

Instead, I offer up a belt exercise, a selection of cute belts, and loads of inspiration.  So if you want to rock the belt (and you should - it's a great way to make an outfit instantly stylish), here's how to get started:

Can Sequins Be Worn Past New Year's Eve?

Reader Question:

Hi!  I bought a couple of fun tops for the holidays, and my question is - can I wear sequins after New Year's? I have a friend's 30th coming up, and wondering if I can still pull it off. Thanks!

Answer:

I have a tendency to ignore traditional fashion "rules" (I wear white after labor day, mix black, brown and navy, wear gold and silver jewelry together) so take my advice with a grain of salt...but YES.  Not only do I love sequins as a going-out look year-round, but I love mixing them into daytime looks.

EX:  I met my friend Amber for lunch the other day, and she was wearing a little sequined cardigan underneath an army green fatigue jacket.  [Sigh of bliss]  I also love a little scarf with sequins for dressing up a plain daytime outfit. 

But back to your question.  For going out, fun sequin tops will always look amazing with jeans and killer heels, but I'm also loving sequin tops with man-style trousers.  And killer heels (but you knew that already). 

For inspiration, here are some old photos from jcrew.com.  J.Crew has been rocking the high-low look lately, combining sequins with casual khakis, jeans, etc. 

Holiday Styling Tips For Moms: Put On Your Fancy Pants

I love my fancy pants.  I actually bought these babies...OMG...wait...6? No...7 years ago?  Could that be true?  Anyway, these are one of my favorite things to pull on when I'm having a "I'm too cold to go out and WAAAY to cold to pull on a cocktail dress" moment. 

I am usually having one of these moments every weekend Dec - April.  Brrrr!

Like many of the other styles we've highlighted in our Holiday Styling Tips For Moms series, if you've pulled on a pair of fancy pants, all you really need is a comfy shirt, some bling-y jewelry, and a great clutch!  Extra bonus points for fab shoes, but when it's really cold, I turn to my stiletto books with really warm, wooly socks.  Nobody can see the socks.

In this pic, I've paired my velvet tux pants with a my basic J. Crew ribbed tank (which J. Crew is showing in their sleepwear section - nice), and threw on a few strands of pearls, and diamond costume jewelry.  

I actually wore these pants to a Christmas party last year with a gray t-shirt.  No joke.  The thing I like most about this style of dressing (besides being insanely comfortable) is the fact that you can go BANANAS with jewelry.  In fact, as a simple rule, the more basic your top, the more you can pile it all on.    

However, since your Fancy Pants are...well...fancy, they can easily be dressed up.  If your shindig is more formal than festive, and you are really dreading the gown, in all but the most strict cases you can pull off fancy pants with an equally fancy shirt.  And fab shoes, jewelry, etc.

In this pic, I've paired my fancy pants with my new go-to holiday top:  Banana Republic's Silk Tiered Top.  This top has a low enough neckline to flatter a big bust, is A-line to hide stomach poochiness, and the flutter sleeves are big enough to forgive arm sins.  This top comes in a bunch of festive colors and is on sale at bananarepublic.com for $30.  Seriously. 

So back to fancy pants.  While 7 years later, I'm still loving my original version, there are a ton of new options to choose from.  You can still find tux-style pants in all fabric types, pants in satin, lace, huge wide-legs, velvet leggings (that I'm dreaming over), etc.  All of these types of pants would work. 

NOTE:  Keep in mind that the super skinny options are amazing, but might look dated 7 years from now.  If you really want something that will last, stick to bootcut, straight,  or even wide-leg trousers.  These  styles can be considered classics.  

Skinny Fancy Pants

 

   

I'm in love with the effortless glamour of DVF's silk Lazar Pants, $225, and the way they would show off hot shoes perfectly.  Unlike velvet, silk would look just as appropriate in the warmer months (Forever 21 has a version here that is similar for $23).  Or, for a more traditional take on the skinny satin pant, try Bebe's Gina Glamour Satin Skinny Pant, $98.   Lastly, I've been in such a leggings mood lately, and these super comfy yet oh-so-hot BCBG Mason Skinny Velvet Leggings might have to be my next purchase.  They retail for $98 at Saks.

Tux Fancy Pants

I love Banana Republic's most recent take on the tuxedo pant, the BR Monogram Tuxedo Pant, $180.  The color is fantastic, and would be especially gorgeous with a metallic or white top.  Victoria's Secret has a traditional velvet tux pant, the Christie Fit Velvet Tuxedo Pant, currently on sale for $58. DVF's Tuxer Pant, $325, almost sold out at shopbop.com, is a beautiful, timeless option.  Lastly, ASOS is carrying a classic tux pant by Gap, $76.49.

A Few Other Fancy Pant Options

 

You really can't go wrong with a perfectly tailored, gorgeous wide-leg pant.  Worn with heels, it makes all of us look leggy.  My favorite is BCBG's Tabitha Wide Leg Trouser, $198.  I also really like the menswear inspired ASOS Flannel Braces Wide Leg Trousers, $60.  Lastly, for a little color, try a fun cropped option like J.Crew's Casino Pant, on sale for $120.  They somehow look like something my Grandma would wear...but in a good way.  

xo,

S 

 

Holiday Styling Tips For Moms: A Modern Take on Lace Tops

 

Lace is huge this season.  And while I run, run, run away from lace that takes a literal interpretation of scary 80's lace (as in gloves or skintight bodysuits), or lace that is in any way reminiscent of the doily that, for years, covered my grandmother's coffee table, the lace looks I'm loving now are clean, modern and sexy. 

Keeping to our holiday styling formula, described in our previous post, mix one of the new lace tops with a simple tank and jeans, or dress it up a bit with trousers or a skirt. 

I'm wearing Pencey's Lace Bow Top, $128 at shopbop.com, with my standby skinny jeans (Goldsign) and a white ribbed tank from J. Crew.  The dressier the jeans and tank, the dressier the whole outfit looks, but I wanted to demonstrate that you can pull off a party look in an old comfy favorite.