Ain't No Mom Jeans

Reader Q | How to Style a Long, Knit Vest?

Reader Q:

Hello! I look forward to your posts everyday and have gotten some great ideas from you site. I am having an issue with a new piece in my wardrobe - can you tell me how to style a long sleeveless sweater vest/cardigan for work and play? Thanks!  

FYI - like this one... 

 

Answer:

Mamas, this question had me stumped.  I couldn't come up with anything inspired, or fresh, or even all that good.  Even worse, I don't own a vest like this (though I do own a few cozy vests), so I couldn't even play around, waiting for inspiration to strike. Granted, my head has been elsewhere (Fall trends last month, leggings and  Clark desert booties this month)...but regardless, on the vest front I was totally, completely lost.

But do you remember, a month or so back, when I was featured on Life in Mod?  Well.  The blogger behind it, Camille, is a gorgeous Mama, and one of those incredibly creative, DIY sorts.  I emailed her, asking for her take on this reader question.  Thankfully, she came up three fabulous options.

Reader Q | What To Wear To a Thomas-Themed Birthday Party? (For Both Mama and the Birthday Girl)

 Mamas, we're taking a short break from our Fall Trends series.  Instead, we'll be focusing this week on reader questions.  (The break may have something to do with the reader question pile up....or the fat lip Pax gave me on Thursday.  I'll never tell.)

Reader Question:

Hello amazing and amazing.. yes, I know your names are Shana and Molly, but since I stumbled upon (or leapt on) your blog about six months ago you guys have been amazing and amazing in my books.

So enough gushing ... trust me I am capable of way more when it comes to you guys but I've got a bit of a fashion dilemma. My little monkey, girl monkey mind you, is turning two in a few weeks. Her birthday will be Thomas themed and at an indoor playground. Thomas theme means no uber feminine stuff for mama or baby and indoor playground means play friendly clothes and no shoes so there goes my fall uniform of boots with leggings/jeans. So I don't want to look like I am trying too hard but I also don't want to look like I was on my way to the park and popped in here instead. I know our outfits are not the most important things about birthdays but pictures are forever RIGHT? If you could suggest outfits for us (yes us) then I'd be so grateful, I'd even fedex you some Thomas cookies ... all the way from Canada. Really.

If you guys don't have time for my silliness that's cool, but don't get too bummed when you don't get Thomas cookies in the mail :-) 

Just kidding, much love to you guys for hosting such an awesome blog,

Sarah

 

Answer:

Sarah, I LOVE that your daughter wants a train-themed birthday!!  As a fellow tomboy, I had so much fun picking out some adorable (yet rough-and-tumble) outfits for her.  Happy birthday to your little one!   Here are three outfits for both you and her....

 

Make a Wish...

Indoor playgrounds tend to be hot.  So you want to dress for the activity, but also look pretty for pictures.   Pair a flowing, feminine top with denim for an easy (yet gorgeous) look for you...and for your daughter?  I'm totally drooling over Zara's shorts for little girls.  So train-conductor-chic, no?  Best of all?  The tee says, "Make a Wish" which is perfect for a little birthday girl. 

Zara Glossy Top With Ribbon Waist, $50 | Zara Star Shirt, $10 |  Zara Ribbed Tights, $10 | Zara Bermuda Shorts With Braces, $30

 

Reader Q | How To Style A Gingham Shirt?

Reader Question:

Hi ANMJ!

First off, I have to tell you that if it wasn't for you, I'm not sure I would have left the house after baby #2. It wasn't so much the baby weight as it was the overall body changes and new shape. Plus it's so hard to feel sexy after giving birth! Empowered and in love, yes. But sexy? Not until I found your blog. I would read you hourly if you chose to post that often. And my husband has been loving my style lately--major plus!

My dilemma now is that I randomly bought this shirt from j. crew and now that I'm home, I can't for the life of me figure out what I was thinking!

Is there any way to wear this without looking like a prudish Daisy Duke??? You are tops when it comes to wearable, stylish mom clothes and I'm hopeful you can help. Thank you so much--for everything!

With love and gratitude,
Stephanie

 

Answer:

Stephanie - Thanks so much for your kind words!  And I'm loving your purchase.  Gingham shirts are a pretty safe bet.  They'll add a pop of color and pattern to just about any outfit.  The trick (for me, at least) is to prevent a preppy-overload, and, for you, to keep the look far, far away from those crazy Duke brothers.   Gotcha.  Here's what I found:

Reader Q | How To Style A Navy & White Striped Knit Blazer?

Reader Q:

Hello!

I am 9 month postpartum with twins and your site has really helped me get styling ideas for my new lifestyle and new body (read - huge boobs and poochy belly).  I recently picked up this knit blazer at Land's End to help me look polished but be able to move freely to keep up with my now mobile twins...

...but everything I try it on with looks boring and predictable (like the model's outfit).  Do you have any ideas for mixing interesting colors or patterns or silhouettes with this blazer? 

Thanks for all your help!

- A

Answer:

Yeah...these blazers are surprisingly tough.  When they first popped onto the scene I was excited:  stripes AND a soft, sweat-shirty knit in a blazer?  Yessss!  But then...these blazers often look so darn preppy and, as you mentioned, predictable.  

The key, I think, is to pair these with slightly subversive pieces.  Which sounds scarier than it looks.  Here's three ways I'd style these babies up:

*Note:  In the collages, I'm using this Juicy Coture Blazer instead, simply because the pic was cleaner.  But the LE knit blazer will work nicely here too.

Fall Basics 101: A Starter Mom-Drobe

Mamas!  Fall is around the corner, and we're juuust about ready to start talking Fall trends.  In September. So stay tuned.

However, each time we start discussing trends here on Ain't No Mom Jeans, our inboxes flood with requests from Mamas asking us about the basics.  

Reader Lauren wrote in:

"...my clothes are woefully worn, outdated, and too big.  I've been saving money for a "reward" shopping spree when I hit my goal weight, and that day is coming quickly.  I feel overwhelmed with where to start with my buying, though; I literally need a whole new wardrobe."

Reader Kammy agrees: 

"I'm a long-time reader, but am ashamed to admit that my wardrobe has consisted of the same sweatpants and tank tops since my first son was born over 3 years ago. I'm ready to dress like a grown up, but am feeling so completely overwhelmed!  I've glanced back through your mom-drobe series, but I am still feeling so lost and just don't know where to start!"

And by the sheer number of requests we've recieved over the last two years, these Mamas aren't alone.  

So.  Before we start yapping about trends, let's talk basics.  Below I have gathered up 14 key pieces that can be considered a cornerstone of any Mama's wardrobe.  These items represent only the business of being moms (including a simple date night look).  Black-tie event?  No.  Workin' Out?  Nope.  Going to the office??  Not unless your workplace is very casual.  But for trips to the park, days at the museum, afternoons running errands...this is your starting point.  

DISCLAIMER:  The starter mom-drobe shown below is based on my style sensibility.  Which may not be yours.  That's OK.  This list is intended to be inspiration for the types of pieces to look for, not necessarily the exact pieces.  

 

Reader Q | What To Wear To a Wedding When You Are 2 Months Post-Partum?

Reader Q: 

Hi!
I am 2 months postpartum and looking for a dress to wear to a wedding in September. I was hoping to wear something in my existing wardrobe but alas I am not quite back to my pre-baby shape. I used to be a size 0 and now, well, I'm not (sigh).

One issue is this voluptuous chest I now have (I'm breastfeeding). I used to be barely a B cup and now I'm a D! I have no idea what neck line or dress shape will flatter my current shape. I'm not comfortable in strapless dresses and would prefer something that is not too tight. I'm 5'2" and currently about 123 lbs...and still sporting a small pooch.

Any suggestions?? Thanks!
Meg in Philly

Answer:

Meg in Philly, you might be my body twin.  I also attended a wedding post-partum after Raines was born...but I was 9 months post-partum, not two!!  Chick, you are a rock-star.

We brought tiny little R.  The only time he ever slept through a feeding.  Ever. 

I can soooo relate to your email.  And since I obviously have had weddings on the brain recently, I was able to quickly whip up some options for you.

(And readers - Meg later clarified that the baby will be staying at home, so thankfully nursing won't be an issue.)

I have essentially five different dress styles that I think work best for pooch-hiding.  And they basically fall into two categories:

• Hide the Pooch
• Distract From the Pooch With 'the girls' 

So here we go....

Reader Q | Can A Pregnant Mama Wear a Casual Maxi Dress To A Wedding?

Reader Question:

Hi, My husband and I are invited to attend a black tie optional wedding in late August in Boston. I will be 35 weeks pregnant with our second and totally unsure of what to wear that will be appropriate and feel comfortable (who knows if the church is air conditioned, but it will be a full Greek-orthodox ceremony, so it'll be long). Some friends have suggested just wearing my black maxi dress from the Gap, but that seems woefully informal. Others keep suggesting things that are strapless. And though my milk hasn't come in, I am a girl who clearly needs straps on a top these days. Big straps. Any advice on shoes that will work for my feet which will likely be a bit swollen by that point would also be welcome!

Thanks!

Sarah

Answer:

Can a pregnant mama get away with wearing a very casual maxi dress to a wedding?  Especially a black-tie wedding?  I've seen this question pop up in forums around the web, and the answers are discouragingly inconsistent.  Some say "Go for it!  You a growing a human!!"  Others are horrified by the thought.

My initial reaction?  Your words of "woefully informal" sum it up nicely.  But...MAN.  35 weeks pregnant?  How ANNOYING to have to buy ANYTHING at that point.  Especially a black-tie dress that will (most likely) never be worn again.  

Happily, one of my oldest and dearest friends was struggling with this exact question.  (Oddly enough, her name is also Sarah.)  She is also pregnant, and needed help finding something to wear to my sister's wedding....also "black-tie invited".  And this is her third and last pregnancy, so trust me when I say that buying a new dress was her last choice.

So.  Just like in 7th grade, we played dress up.  Here's what we tried, what didn't work....and what Sarah ended up wearing to my sister's wedding....

Attempt 1:  Belted and Pearled

Sarah looks very nice here, but there is something about this outfit that still reads too casual for a wedding.  Despite the fact that the belt is patent leather, I think it's causing problems.  And we tried to offset the casual dress by piling on the jewelry.  However, the necklaces are too much, and the bracelet seems like an afterthought.

We both voted no.  Next...

Reader Q | Recommendations for Flirty Yet Modest Summertime Dressing?

Mamas, when we received the following reader question about modest summertime dressing, I was stumped.  There are many words to describe my style....but modest isn't one of them.  Most of the time my bra is hanging out (even my work shirts tend to be low), my shorts are usually inches away from dangerous territory, and I'm generally confused by the boobs or legs rule and usually end up going with both.  TA DAAAA!

My theory?  Flat shoes make up for a lot of skin.

But I had the best of intentions, Mamas.  I thought about the modest question and was all "oooo, maybe I'll try dressing modestly for ONE WHOLE WEEK!  I'll do a fashion experiment, blah, blah..."  So I busted out some turtlenecks and gypsy skirts and mom capris and then - THANKFULLY - saw an email from Style With Shannon.  Fellow mom-blogger Shannon specializes in modest fashion and was happy to take a crack at our reader's question.  And guess what?  Her style is fabulous, flirty, fun...and modest?  Crazy, I know. 

Reader Question:

I'm an LDS (aka: Mormon) mommy of three little cuties.  Our religion is a strong advocate of modesty (not too high, not too see-through, not too low), in a world that's not-so-modest. Hence my dilemma.  I wholeheartedly support modesty, but my advocacy doesn't make it ANY easier finding cute, stylish mommy gear.  I LOVE your style!  And while most of it I can wear, some things I can't... like super-low (way cute, btw) v-neck shirts.  And yet, I know those shirts are also very flattering to a small chest (another problem of mine)... so what's the compromise?  I hate the look of your basic white t-shirt under a v-neck shirt--it's so lame!  Where I live, that is what we Mormon Mommies are subjected to day in and day out, especially come summer, and it's getting out of control!  Away with the underneath shirts I say!  And while we're at it: Boo to khaki cargo capris!

Help the Mormon Mommies think outside of the box! :)

Sincerely,

Modestly Frustrated.

 

Shannon's Answer:

Being a modest dresser myself I can understand how hard it is to find something stylish and covered up in the summer! But I do have a few tips on how to stay cool and look stylish at the same time.

1. Layering

 Ok, living in Utah I know what you are talking about with the white "Shade" shirts that EVERYONE wears under EVERYTHING. Instead, try a collared shirt under a sleeveless dress.

Reader Q | What An Engineer Wears To Work in the Summer

Mamas, I recieved this email from reader Tracy:

Here's my challenge.  I'm an aerospace systems engineer (yes, you MAY call me Madame Rocket Scientist) in Pasadena, CA and I have no idea what to wear to work when the weather gets hot.  Oh, did I mention California?  Yes, it will be 80-105 degrees here from now until November.  That's half a year by my Excel spreadsheet calculations.  My workplace is actually pretty casual, but the managers certainly dress nicer, and I've always heard you should dress like who you aspire to be at work.  So, what to wear when skin is in season at the beach/park, but no so for those of us sweltering in their desk chair? Cut-offs, short skirts, flip flops, maxi dresses (any that scream "I'd rather be on a tropical island than here in this meeting with all of you!), bare arms, etc. are really not options.  And, I am of course up to my elbows in mommy-mode (and other disgustingness) immediately before and after work so everything has to be kiddo friendly. 

 

Tracy, I have a soft spot in my heart for geeks.  Geeks who mention aerospace, spreadsheets and fashion?  We should be BFFs.

As you know, engineering is a funny field from a dress-code perspective.  It's not as conservative, as, say, some crusty old law firm, but neither is it consider creative, like marketing or a hip ad agency.  And while my company flirted with a denim dress code in the heady dot-com days, the pendulum seems to be swinging back to fairly conservative roots. 

Personally, I tend to favor a professional look, with touches of casual ease thrown in (especially in the summer).  Here's a weeks worth of outfits:

MONDAY:  Cheap, Modest, Summer Dresses

(wearing:  Target dress, J. Crew belt, Marc Jacobs heels)

A few of my favorite places to find cotton summer dresses include Target, Shabby Apple, Modcloth, and  Forever 21.  Look for classic cuts with a bit of a sleeve in dark, conservative colors.  I keep them professional with belts and closed-toe heels, and add cardigans (or blazers) to battle the air conditioning.  The second I leave work I strip off the outer layer, and just run around in what is really just a cheap little cotton summer dress.  Sometimes I'll even change into flip-flops.  

NOTE:  When buying cheap, you sometimes sacrifice fit.  The Target dress above cost me $24, plus another $40 in alterations.  Considering how many times I've worn what became a $64 dress, the CPW (cost-per-wear) is still in the pennies.

 

Crops, Capris, Pedal Pushers (And the Scary Stuff In-Between)

Ok Mamas.  We promised.  We promised to give explicit detail on the whole cropped pant thing.  Ever since we made this bold (obnoxious) statement in our 2012 Style Resolutions for Moms article:

 

 

 So yes, to summarize:  Dowdy capris that hit at mid-calf:  Bad.  Slim cropped J.Crew pants:  Good.

Right?  Right.

But that's not really all there is to it.  Not all of us (myself included) have gone running out to J.Crew for their adorable cropped pant.  Most of us (me again)....already have some sort of cropped pant/capri/pedal pusher hybrid in our closet.  So what to do?

I pulled my one-and-only pair out of storage for this little exercise.  Here's mine:

Oh good.  It hits at the widest part of my calf.  

 

I....don't....know.  I don't know about these, Mamas. 

But here's the deal:  I really, really really want capris to work.  As Mamas, we often have to fight varicose vein issues, or crazy-pale legs from lack of sunbathing time, and one really can't dispute the practicality of cropped pants for just about any summer activity:  short enough to be cool, long enough to climb, run, jump and cartwheel.

So I went right to the cropped pant source:  My mother.  My mother could outfit a cropped-pant army.  She has been buying cropped pants and capris since....well.  One can never reveal a lady's age.  Let's just say it ends in "ixty-something".  But Mom didn't disappoint:  She has a capri-pant motherlode.  And none of these straight-forward, sophisticated, Jackie-O style pants*.  We're talking capris in suspicious lengths.  Odd colors.  Strange cargo pocket placement.  Cropped pants from Old Navy.  Target.  And even....Younkers.  With brands like Plugg.  That's Plugg with two G's!  Two!  Wanna bet those came from a Juniors section somewhere?

*To be fair, my mother keeps all of her suspicious capris at the lake house.  To be used only for gardening, etc.  She does have her fair share of sophisticated, Jackie-O style pants too.  But it's waaay more fun to make fun of her for those Plugggggs. 

Anyway, I chose three of my Mom's...challenging cropped pant/capri/pedal pushers to try and style (and you can bet I grabbed those Pluggs). But first?  Definition time!  What the heck is the difference between cropped pants, capris, pedal pushers, etc?  

(HUGE thanks to reader Sonja in Portland for this awesome graphic/diagram idea!!)