Ain't No Mom Jeans

Hip Moms, Prepare To Love Madewell.com (A more affordable, boho version of J. Crew)

Have you heard of Madewell?  It's a new concept store launched by the same folks that brought us J. Crew, and is, in fact, referred to in the media as "J. Crew's sister store".  From what I gather, the prices are roughly 20-30% less than J. Crew. 

What's the difference?  Madewell is a very tightly edited collection of clothing that leans to bohemian, rather than preppy (the look J. Crew is so famous for).  This tight editing makes it easy to shop (there's very little to weed through), and these forgiving bohemian silhouettes are perfect for camouflaging a multitude of post-baby body issues while remaining on-trend and hip.  And the lower price point doesn't hurt, either.

While Madewell stores have been around in select cities, Madewell.com just launched.  And I'm in love.  I'm betting this online retailer will quickly become a favorite.  It's hard to resist items like a perfectly slouchy T in just the right shade of gray (pictured at left), worn with an insanely cute-yet-mom-friendly bracelet that  manages to walk the line between tough and feminine (pictured at right).

And both pieces are each under $40.  Not bad.

Need more convincing? How about....

Reader Question: Baby-Friendly Necklaces?

Reader Question: I want to wear necklaces that are on trend but my son will pull them off. Could I wear a scarf as a necklace look? Even in hot a$$ summer? thanks. love love love your site.

Answer:  It doesn't seem like fashion trends could get any mom-friendlier right now.  What happened? Was it the celebrity baby boom of 2008/2009?  I mean, rock hard abs are a distant memory, the hottest footwear out there right now are cork wedges and flat sandals and muffin top is actually in.  But it's true ladies, the gettin' has gotten even better.  Now we have fabulous, mom/baby-friendly neck gear to boot. 

Reader Question: No More Jeans or Leggings! Any Other Mom Uniform Ideas?

Reader Question:

What are your suggestions for moms other than wearing jeans or legging daily? Thanks!

Cindy

Answer:

Oooo...Cindy.  You are pushing me out of my comfort zone.  As you may have guessed, I'm a big jeans/leggings girl.  But never fear, there are so many great options out there that I could drone on at length.  In fact, one could argue that this entire website is built around the concept of helping moms find their own daily uniform.  Let me highlight three easy options that are readily available now: the chino, the cargo, and the linen drawstring pant.

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2010

  It is so hard to believe how quickly time flies by.  It really does seem like just yesterday my little guy was born.  I'm constantly being surprised by all of the things he can do.  I'm surprised by the sight of his long little-boy legs running, jumping.  What happened to chubby baby thighs? I'm surprised by his newly developed sense of humor, by his serious little looks, by the way he senses when I need a hug.  He is growing in so many ways.  I am just so proud.

This Mother's Day, relish in all that you have accomplished: the sheer number of diapers you have changed, the corrections (and distractions) you have provided, the socks you've put back on (and on and on), the hugs and the encouragement you have given, the jokes you have shared, the tears you have wiped away - these are but a small number of ways you have demonstrated love.  Simply put, we have taught our children how to get along in the world, we have taught our children how to love.  Certainly no small feat.  We are so proud of our children -- we should be proud of ourselves, too.  So congratulations, Mamas.  It is truly is a thrilling ride, no? 

After such a long, hard winter, I think most of us are ready for sun.  For this Mother's Day, get ready to embrace summer with a few little tokens that will help the men/women/children in your lives express their appreciation for all that you do....or just go and spoil yourself.  Here's to a great summer.

I'm having a St. Bart's moment.  Which would be, perhaps, the ultimate Mother's Day gift.  Which is not, however, what my husband has in mind.  So in lieu of actually going to St. Barts, I'm craving gauzy little cover-ups, comfy jeweled sandals, delicate little necklaces, gold bangle bracelets, and something that smells oh-so-yummy, but crisp and fresh at the same time.  You too?

Mom Street Style - March 2010 Mom

I was impressed with Melissa's outfit (pictured at left) for several reasons.  Beginning with the fact that it takes a fairly brave women to wear dangley earrings and a silky top with a kiddo as young as her son.  Or a very experienced mom.  Melissa also has an older son, so I actually think she's both. 

Melissa is wearing a striped long-sleeve tee and silk-cotton ruffle front button down from LOFT.   Her jeans are Diesels, her earrings (and gorgeous cocktail ring pictured at the bottom of the post) are from Stella & Dot. 

Let's discuss:

What Target Does Best: Spring / Summer Picks

I have such a love-hate relationship with Target.  I even went so far as to call Target "mom crack" in a previous post.  But, eventually, I'm drawn back in.  Usually after issuing some ultimatum. 

To M:  "I am NEVER going to buy clothes at Target again!  I'm serious - it's my New Year's Resolution." 

Ultimatums usually get me in trouble.  Like my "I will never co-sleep" ultimatum, or my "My kid will NOT be a picky eater" ultimatum. (Yeah, right.)  The list goes on, really.

So true to form, despite my "resolution" this year, I have just returned - VICTORIOUS - from Target, loaded with all kinds of insanely cheap-yet-adorable clothing.  Sigh.  I'm back in love.  For now. 

The Liberty of London for Target Collection helped woo me back in, but it wasn't the only source of temptation under those fluorescent lights.  A perfect romper (thanks to M's post I have a full-on romper addiction), look-alike Hunter Rainboots, and a perfect tiny cross-body bag -- all under $20!!! -- sold me. 

Here are my favorite picks for Spring / Summer:

Worth A Closer Look: Ann Taylor Loft's Spring Line

On the fairly rare occasions I've wandered into Ann Taylor Loft (usually suckered in by a big sale), I've often left feeling underwhelmed.  The clothes were never horrible...just "eh".   Once in a while I'll pick up a necklace or something...but overall, I saw Ann Taylor Loft as a place to be bored.  Nice basics, nothing exciting, nice prices, nice sales, but nothing worth a trip.  Yawn.

So I was very confused, the other day, when I happened to glance over at the Ann Taylor Loft window displays.  For a moment I thought I was looking in J. Crew's windows.  But no - it was good 'ol ATL.  But this time...the clothes were cuter, somehow.  A bit...dare I say it?  Trendy?  (UPDATE:  Ann Taylor Loft, in addition to their new look, is updating their name to just LOFT.)

I suspect that the same re-invigoration that happened to Ann Taylor is also filtering down to the sister, LOFT.  In any case, there are certainly lots to love in LOFT's new Spring line.  But beware - not all of the kinks have been worked out yet, and there were several items that fell short.

Reader Question: How Do I Spend a $200 Nordstrom Gift Card?

Reader Question: 

So, my last birthday I was VERY pregnant and couldn't come up with gift ideas because I was having trouble imagining life post-baby. My husband gave me a $200 Nordstom card as my present. I used to have no problem spending money there. But now after baby and with not working, I can't for the life of me decide what to spend it on. I could use some new things for spring because last year I was pregnant. Any ideas? I am comfortable spending a little more than just the card if it is on something essential or fantastic. 

- Liz

Answer: 

Happy birthday and congratulations on the new babe!  Having had two in the past 25 months, I can totally relate to not knowing where to start spending on yourself post-babe(s)--there's a lot of ground to cover when you've sat-out several seasons in elasticized pants. 

I love getting gift cards--they're always the perfect gift.  But, especially with a nice little chunk of change to spend, us moms need to exercise a lot of restraint.  What, with college funds and preschool costs looming, it's tempting to immediately hit the sale rack and go for quantity, not quality.  But if you're anything like me, those are most often the pieces you donate after wearing them a few times, so deep discounts aren't really a deal in the end. 

While I'm all for buying a few transitional cheapy pieces to get through the postpartum period, especially for your birthday gift I'd urge you to resist the impulse to go the clearance route unless you find something you really can't live without.  In other words, treat your gift card in the spirit in which it was intended--as a gift, and choose something accordingly.  By all means, buy something you can use, but make sure it's something you really want.  

Buy a splurge item, something you wouldn't necessarily purchase on a typical shopping trip, like one killer handbag, pair of shoes or an outfit that is going to make you feel like the amazing 1.) woman, and 2.) mom, that you are.  Since you've just had a baby, my top pick will always fit--handbags, which will turn up the volume on an inexpensive Gap, Forever 21, Old Navy, etc. transitional piece, and you'll still have it when you've reached your baby weight loss goals.

Crossbody Splurge Bags

A great handbag really polishes even the most mundane outfit, but if you're going to spend $200+, you should be able to use it every day.  I love the crossbody bag trend for moms and city dwellers as they free up your hands to push a stroller, carry your coffee and tote baby essentials, all while looking fabulous.  Check out these bright, spring-ey handbags that will pop a cheapy black jersey dress with flip flops, a tank and jeans with platforms and work togs, too.  I love the MARC by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Natasha Crossbody ($328) in Acai Berry.  I have a Totally Turnlock satchel and now I wish I had this one, too--the leather is amazingly buttery soft yet durable and it has all the auxiliary pockets a mom could want while the bright color is on-trend for the season.  The Junior Drake "Cargo" Multizip Crosssbody ($248) in Ocean is another fav.  I have a Junior Drake convertible handbag in red, and again, the leather is soft, durable and lightweight--can't go wrong.  I'm starting to think I have a handbag problem as I write this, because I also have another version of The Sak Flap Crossbody ($199) in a cognac color.  The cream color option will go with virtually anything in your spring wardrobe.  Again, love love love.  The leather isn't as supple or lightweight as the MARC by Marc Jacobs or Junior Drake bags, but it is very durable and luxurious nonetheless.      

 

A Stunning Spring Jacket
To my chagrin, I found only a few really stunning spring jackets on Nordstrom.com and only one was within range of the $200 gift card limit although it's quite a bit over.  A fabulous jacket is a terrific go-to item.  Like a handbag, it's one of those things you can get away with wearing on a near-daily basis and that will polish even the most basic t-shirt and jeans ensemble. The William Rast Leather Jacket ($395) in cognac is a piece that will be exceptionally versatile and comfortable.  Wear it with a hubby-beater tank, boyfriend jeans and ballet flats or dress it up with leggings and a tunic.  The cropped length is meant to give show to whatever you have on underneath and the cognac color can go with either black-based or brown neutrals.

Splurge Shoes

Are you a shoe person?  I'm a shoe person, but I don't think I've ever purchased a pair of $300 sandals, though I'm tempted now. . . and if I had a $200 gift card and considering I already have some version of each of the handbags I recommended, I think I might just purchase the most amazing platform shoes I have seen in ages.  This is shoe love, ladies.  Shoe.  Love.  For your consideration, the Tory Burch Becket Wedge Sandal ($295) in denim.

If You're Dying for an Outfit

Liz, are you the mom we all hate?  Is whisper-thin rayon/spandex actually forgiving on your bum and thighs?  If so, check out this adorable outfit I would rock spring thru fall if I were that mom, or if I were 24 again.  The Ella Moss Knit Jumpsuit ($132) is right on point with the year's kickiest fashion statement and will allow for freedom of movement whilst chasing toddlers and wearing babes.  Pair it with platforms like the Jingman by Guess ($89.95) for maneuverable height and a splash of color. 

Need a more forgiving option?  Try an of-the-moment boyfriend blazer, like this gorgeous, 50% off Kenna-T Pinstripe in navy ($129.90 from $262) over a detailed racerback tank like the Ruffled Racerback by Splendid ($54) in lemon, paired with your skinny jeans and a snakeskin ballet flat or a delicate gladiator, like OTBT's Libia Sandal in canary ($59.90). 

 

Well, happy shopping and happy birthday to you, Liz!  Hope we were able to help.

- M

Mom Street Style - February 2010 Mom

One of my dear friends was visiting from Minneapolis last week.  She and I grew up together in the beautiful (but oh-so-cold-and-snowy) Marquette, MI.  Despite my background, I spent the entire weekend cursing the weather gods for all of the snow and cold that suddenly blew into Denver.  My friend, on the other hand, wasn't fazed in the least.  She pointed out that Denver was still about 20 degrees warmer than our hometown (or Minneapolis for that matter) and that Denver didn't get "real" snow.  Just something fluffy that more closely resembles the fake snow they use on stage.  Certainly nothing you can make snowballs out of.  And this stuff often melts at the first sign of sun.  A far cry from our hometown, where the last snowbanks sometimes finished melting in June.  So yes - I've gone soft.

One of my favorite things about living in such a climate as Denver is the ability to wear ballet flats.  I've always loved the Audrey Hepburn inspired outfits that involved ballet flats and slim little capri pants...but the reality was that in Michigan, ballet flat season lasted approximately 6 weeks:  From the beginning of September (after the summer thunderstorms and muggy heat stopped) through mid October (before the first snowfall).  Not practical.

All of this, by the way, is my way of apologizing to our Northern readers for our February Mom.  Get ready for severe ballet flat envy.

I love Nicole's outfit, pictured at left.  I love the rolled jeans and ballet flats, I love the sophisticated black and white palette with a pop of color (pink!!), I love that she's carrying a fancy bag full of diapers instead of a diaper bag.  

Nicole is really wearing a glorified (and sophisticated) take on the basic t-shirt & jeans mom uniform, and her outfit is a great example of using a fabulous coat to dress up your t-shirt and jeans.

A note on Nicole's jeans:  Nicole is wearing CJ by Cookie Johnson's Faith jeans, $117 at Nordstrom's.  These jeans have a higher rise, but due to a special waistband, they won't gap at the waist.   Nicole tried to claim these jeans were her version of "mom jeans"...but if all mom jeans were this hot, the name of this blog would be different.  

Lastly, check out little Caroline in her matching black-white-pink outfit and rainboots.  Sigh.  Little boy clothes are getting better....but this is a whole different category of cute.

xo,

S

Reader Question: What To Wear To A Country Bar (With a Mechanical Bull)

Question:

I have a friend's birthday party at the end of the month. We are celebrating at a country bar-- the kind that has a mechanical bull and everything. She is turning 33 (I am 28) and she's the friend who I always go to for fashion advice (since I have no clue when it comes to that). WWYW? (What Would You Wear, haha. :)

Tegan

Answer:

Tegan - Obviously my first thought was daisy-dukes, cowboy boots and a triangle bikini top.  I'm thinking pink gingham. 

No?  Really?  Ok.