Ain't No Mom Jeans

Reader Question | How to Style Frye Moto Boots - Prettily

Reader Question:

Ladies,

Last fall I fell under the spell of one of your posts and ordered myself a (second...ahem!) pair of Frye boots - these boots, as a matter of fact. I love them. But I didn't and don't know how to wear them. In order to justify the percentage of my nearly non-existent clothing budget that they took, I need to wear them every day of winter and fall for the next approximately twenty-five years. I am plumpish and 5'4. I like to wear dresses and tights and leggings, and find that they look good with the shorter lengths. But I need more outfits! How do I wear them with different styles of jeans? How do I not look too masculine/punk in them? How do I make them look like the everyday shoe I need them to be for me?

Help? Thanks!

Axon

P.S. Love you guys! 

Answer:

Axon, I feel you Mama.  Boots like these really stand up to the babies in all weather, all kid-gunk situations, and they truly are classics.  But you're right, the vibe can be kind of tough, and a bit masculine, or too punk if you don't think out your styling before hand.

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"...my clothes are woefully worn, outdated, and too big.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 Question | A Review of Saltwater Sandals For Moms

Reader Question:

Hi!

Maybe you've covered this before but do you or any of the good readers have Saltwater sandal experience? I think they look like the perfect "mom sandal" without looking too "mommy" -- if you catch my drift. I'm just now sure how to style them without looking terribly Birkenstocky?

I'm itching to order some ...

Thanks!

Grace

Answer:

Grace, do you mean these little babies?

I've been hearing all sorts of buzz about Saltwater sandals...so when I received your email, I figured that it was time to give them a closer look.  And seriously - $42?  

But online reviews are all over the place.  Some love them (and claim total comfort), and some complain that they are wide and unflattering.  So I ordered a pair to try and clear up the confusion.  In red. (funfunfun!!)

(wearing: Clu dress - similar here, Target fedora, Mike's Tissot watch, Saltwater sandals in red)

They are wider than most of my sandals.  But with that (tiny) extra width comes some serious comfort.  I was actually shocked (shocked!!) at how. seriously. comfortable. these sandals are.

I mean, don't get me wrong - these aren't running shoes or anything - but they feel like the sturdy, well-made yet soft leather sandals that we all wore as kids.  

Wait a minute - these are the sturdy-yet-soft sandals we all wore as kids.   And I could feel the leather softening up more as I walked.  Nice. 

In terms of styling...pretty much anything goes, I think.  I loved mine with dresses, shorts...and YES.  My Spring momiform that you all know and are sick of love:

(wearing: Levi's 535 leggings in diver dark wash , Saltwater sandals, James Perse scoop neck tee in size 3, bracelets from Macy's, Salt Hathaway sunnies)

Grace, I think you'd be hard pressed to give off a birkenstocky vibe. If anything, these can look...young.  When paired with my black twirly dress, I felt better balanced with a fedora and serious watch, as opposed to accessorizing with, say, a charm necklace or something.  So, you know...stay away from hair scrunchies when rocking your Saltwaters.  

Saltwater sandals can be found at Zappos, but if you are looking for some in a gorgeous tan or brown color, Hoy's full range can be found here.  $42 for an insanely cute, surprisingly comfy sandal.  Wow.  I guess 50 years of experience really does make a difference.  

These might just be my top mom-friendly sandal pick for the summer.

Thanks for writing in, Grace!!

xo,
S

ps.  Mamas, I know some of you are probably rocking your Saltwater sandals right now!  (Amy, I'm talking to you...) feel free to leave us a comment with a link to a pic of you in your Saltwaters..... 

Hats Are Tasty: Dansko Giveaway Take 2

UPDATE 3/30/12: Jennifer Hughes, you're our Dansko giveaway winner. Email us at aintnomomjeans@gmail.com so we can get these to you.  Congratulations!

I’ve got to tell you, Mamas.  Hats are not only pretty and comfortable—they are tasty too!  We here at Ain’t No Mom Jeans have been snacking on hats (or crow) a lot lately because there’s been some talk surrounding a certain comfort footwear brand—namely Dansko—on this blog: they’re soooo comfortable, but a thing of shame, to be hidden under scrubs, Chefwear and boot cut or flare denim.  Dansko has responded to our biased banter with not one, but now TWO generous giveaways for our readers.  I submit for your approval (and mine) the Dansko spring footwear line.  It is fab under flares and it is worthy of skinnies and skirts.

When Dansko approached ANMJ for another give away, I was wary.  I perused their spring line and was delighted by what I found: stellar details with seventies-inspired braided and tooled leather, brass nail heads, rich colors and fresh designs.  I was torn between the Mirabel line Tori, Tru or Tasha, and the Rio line Randi, Rowena or Ryder, and I was shocked to find six pairs of crazy comfortable but heightening (I am not a woman of stature, after all) sandals that I would not only accept as a consideration but would definitely buy in a store at full retail.  It was a difficult choice, but I finally decided on the Rowena and I’m so glad I did.

Target Drives Serious Wedge in Quality v. Quantity Resolve

There's always a lot of talk about quality v. quantity and cost-per-wear (CPW) here at Ain't No Mom Jeans, and we do truly believe in responsible, well-considered shopping.  But, like S.'s little floral denim shorts, there's a time and a place for cheap, on-trend items, and that place is called Target. 

Or Tarjay, if that makes you feel better.  Whatevs.  Not only will they know your teenage daughter is pregnant before you do, but they've also nailed some seriously adorable wedge sandal styles for Spring, which at present seems like (as H would say) an infinity months away.

This damnable store has yet again driven a serious wedge in my quality versus quantity resolve, and three, yes, three, of these styles are now lurking in my Target shopping cart.  Check them out.  I am most in love with the Perri Strappy Espadrille Wedge but I also snapped up the Twyla Espadrille Wedge in-store a few days ago. . . 

 

Target Drives Wedge in My Quality v. Quantity Resolve by dynamama featuring wedge heels

Wedge heels
$25 - target.com

 

Women's Mossimo® Pam Rope Wedge w/ Braided Strap... : Target
$25 - target.com

 

Womens Mossimo® Perri Strappy Espadrille Wedge -... : Target
$30 - target.com

 

Womens Mossimo® Perri Strappy Espadrille Wedge -... : Target
$30 - target.com

 

Womens Mossimo® Perri Strappy Espadrille Wedge -... : Target
$30 - target.com

 

Womens Xhilaration® Twyla Espadrille Wedge
target.com

 

Womens Xhilaration® Twyla Espadrille Wedge
target.com

 

Hmph.  Foiled again.

- M.

Believe It Baby: A Dansko Giveaway (Take Your Pick!)

*******UPDATE - GIVEAWAY WINNER*********

Congrats to Heather Williams, the winner of our Dansko giveaway!  

One thing has become very clear:  Mamas looove their Danksos!  Thanks for all who participated!  It was so fun reading all of your comments!

*****************************

Oh Mamas.  I am eating some serious crow.  

Wait!  Stay with me here....stay...with...me.

Ok.  You know how much we've debated the merits of Danskos here at Ain't No Mom Jeans.  Personally, I have not been a fan.  M does own a pair of Danskos, bought long, long ago, but hides them under bootcut or flare denim, citing the fact that they are "sooooooo comfortable".  Which, we decided, is at the heart of the problem.  Footwear that comfortable typically sways the wearer into wanting them to be cute.

Whatevs.  To me, Danskos = not cute.  Even if The Sartorialist disagrees.

So when Dansko contacted us about a giveaway, I was lukewarm.  But...well...we're doing this whole Season of Giving thing, and I know many of our lovely readers loooove their Danskos....so then I thought, why not?  Giving is about the other person, right?

Right.  And then Dansko cleverly let me choose a pair.  And I found that they have some pretty fabulous boots.  Wha????

I took a closer look.  And found these little babies:

The Rhianna boot.  Which has a 70's fabulous clog look to them - including a studded bottom, which I go weak-kneed for.  Oooooo....

Suddenly, I was feeling a whole lot better about this giveaway.  And once I received these babies?  OH MAMA.  I now know why so many moms are such huge Dansko supporters.  They are indeed "sooooooo comfortable".  I think an orgasmic "Oooohhhhhhhh" actually escaped from my lips when I first put them on.

And look how cute!!!  

(wearing: On me - Dansko Rhianna boots c/o Dansko, JBrand lovestory flares, Banana Republic pea coat, J.Crew plaid shirt, Belle babycarrier in leopard c/o Belle...on Pax - One Step Ahead Cozy Cub Quilted Bunting)

Reader Question: Striped Tops For the Busty, Broad-Shouldered Mom?

Reader Question:

Hi,
 
I love your blog!  I am a seriously fashion challenged mom of two boys!
 
I really like the striped top trend, but I am broad shouldered, short waisted, and big busted.  Is there any way for me to pull it off or should I avoid this trend all together?
 
Thanks!

Answer:

Striped tops are tough for the busty.  They also can be tough for the broad-shouldered.  Putting both of those together....tricky.  Here are my thoughts:

Reader Question - How to Add Flare to Basics and Still Pack Light

Reader Question:

My husband and I are going to Italy in October for a week (my 40th bday) and I'd like some thoughts on how to give my uniform/basics/classics a slightly more sophisticated flare (and still pack pretty lightly). Any ideas (um, I'm always open to making a few good purchases)? 

- Jodi

Reader Question: What To Wear With Oxfords?

Reader Question:

I love love love your web site. It's incredibly well written, topical, helpful, inspirational, practical... the accolades go on. My husband is a little worried because I've been reading it obsessively since I came across it a few weeks ago after Googling "wearing flats with flares" and found your post with that almost exact same title (BTW, after reading your article I bought a pair of Banana Republic flares to try out the style -- waiting for them to come back from the tailor. I lost quite a bit of the flare by shortening them so much bu
t I think they're going to look great).

My question: I bought this pair of lace up oxfords from Madewell last spring and I'm not sure what to wear them with. I don't wear a lot of flowy/girly type dresses -- I prefer tailored (I'd say 75% of my wardrobe comes from J. Crew) and more body conscious (despite remaining pooch 5-years post -- the rest of me is in good shape, I swear!). I also am extremely conscious of dressing age-appropriate. They are super comfortable and super cute so I'd like to make them work with a few options. Any ideas?

 

 

- Jodi

Affordable Basics that Oooooze European Cool...For Both Moms and Tots at Zara.com

Zara just opened online shopping for US customers last week.  Oh happy day!!  For those of you that don't know Zara, this European-based retailer is a go-to source for updated basics that are on-trend, good quality, and mostly priced under $100.  Zara helps to fill the gaping hole between the rock-bottom prices (and quality) at Forever 21/Target vs. the high prices one typically pays for interesting basics.  Even better?  They have clothes for both you and the little ones!  (Oh, and, uh...hubs too.)

In addition to on-trend basics, they have some crazy-fun pieces as well.  Because every little girl needs a pair of these:

Fabulous and ridiculous in equal measure, I think.  But I do love them.

Want to see some play-friendly, mom & me looks from Zara.com?  Voila....