Ain't No Mom Jeans

Stylish Winter Coat Options For Pregnant Mamas (Hint: They're Not Maternity)

Each and every year we get a bunch of reader questions that center around maternity winter coats.  Are they worth the money?  Are there any non-maternity options that work?  Anything affordable?  It's a toughie.  So I went right to the experts:  our readers.

Here's what our very experienced readers recommended over & over & over again (and in some cases, with pics to prove it!).  

1. Try A Cape, Poncho or a Swingy Coat

This was, hands-down, our reader's most-recommended option (and also what I did with both pregnancies).  At first blush, it doesn't sound all that great - how much swing is needed?  And a cape?  Really?  Is it warm enough?

But here's the thing:  Pregnant Mamas get hot.  As reader Erin pointed out:  I just wore a poncho, I was too hot to wear a real coat - the best part of being preggers!

I agree.  Typically, I'll need a sweater in anything less than 82 degrees.  Yet while pregnant?  This is what I wore - even in WINTER:

 

 

I also had a 3/4 sleeve wool swing coat (that you can see here) for colder days, and I'd layer with a sweater underneath.  Long gloves were paired with the 3/4 sleeve coat.

But really, any coat with a bit of swing might get you through.  Go ahead and let your belly peek out!  For example, reader Paula was still using her pre-pregnancy coat in her last trimester:  My nonmaternity coat still buttons right above my baby belly - and I'm due in 3 weeks. With pregnancy I'm naturally so warm... and I always cover my neck to keep from getting cold.

Even a pea coat might be swingy enough.  Reader Sheena "just buttoned as many buttons as I could on my wool peacoat. Eventually I was down to just the top button, but so goes it!"

This option makes sense for Mamas who hate to burn their hard-earned dollars on something that won't go the distance.  Reader Samantha "refused to buy a maternity coat (seemed like a waste as this is our last baby), so I found a swing coat at Macy's. It's a perfect cut, and plenty of room around my growing belly. Plus, it will work for me even after the baby arrives (due in April)."

 So.  If you happen to be in the market for a winter coat, it might make sense to buy one that will work for pregnancy, post-partum, baby-wearing, and beyond!  Try a non-maternity swing coat like Samantha...or find a cape.  Nicole chose "a cape from Isabella Oliver with gloves, scarf and hat or a larger peacoat. I was always so hot- this worked!"  Good choice, Nicole.  Even maternity capes can have a life post-pregnancy.  (Isabella Oliver no longer makes a cape, but I'm loving Hatch's.)

As examples, I've found three capes/ponchos that would look gorgeous whether you are pregnant, baby-wearing, or headed to the office post-partum:

Mom Street Style: Casey's 10 Perfect Pieces For Late Winter / Early Spring

Mamas!  For Mom Street Style this week we have something a little different.  New mom Casey is sharing not only a pic, but her top ten favorite pieces of clothing.  We're talking about her most-used, hardest working, ten favorite pieces.  So without further ado...here's Casey.

Hi!  I’m a new mom, enjoying life staying home several days a week with my son in Northwest Philadelphia. I’m a former kindergarten teacher and elementary administrator, now working part-time as an instructional coach in a turnaround school in North Philly.  I'm also dabbling in some writing and figuring out what’s next!

I swore to myself that I wouldn’t give into the temptation of wearing yoga pants every day as a new mom, but I’m not gonna lie; since the birth of my son I’ve definitely rocked my Lululemons more than I'd care to admit.  That said, I’ve been relatively successful in avoiding the mommy uniform, especially after I grew accustomed to my new life and body.  

The changes I’ve encountered since becoming a mom have included not only a new chunky little sack of cute named Oliver, but also a transition from a full time job to a part-time gig and some undesirable (though totally worth it) changes to my figure.  As a result, my wardrobe has morphed into a collection of comfy, easy, versatile clothes that cover my new mom pooch and still maintain a sense of style and fun.  By mining my existing closet and purchasing a few new pieces, I’ve come up with a rotation of several items that I can mix and match.  My outfits must be suitable for walking to the farmer’s market with my little guy, going to my part-time job at an elementary school, or walking to a local restaurant for a family dinner.  

Though I certainly wear more than just these 10 pieces (and add my own flair with accessories - especially long circle scarves, which do wonders in camouflaging the belly), I have whittled down my list to just my 10 most crucial pieces for the late winter/early spring. 

Sooooo....Are Leggings Pants?

I hate to bring this up.  But I've noticed that the line between leggings and pants is becoming blurry.  I mean YES:  college-age girls have been strutting around in their leggings and Uggs and not much else for years.  But I'm starting to see...uh, others (*cough* me *cough*) blurring the line between leggings and pants.

(wearing:  faux-leather leggings, Mike's v-neck sweater, cozy sweater-poncho - similar on crazy sale, old plaid scarf - similar,  target mittens - similar, DV Java booties, Makr Farm Rucksack)  

 

My bum, you guys.  Is right there.  Is this OK?  IDK.

Mom Street Style: Abby Rocks Cobalt Blue Denim (Plus Three More Ways To Style)

Mamas, Abby sent in this adorable picture of herself on her way to a baby shower.  She writes: 

 

I have been a huge fan of yours since discovering your blog after the birth of my Daughter. She is my second child and was born C-Section due to her being breach. I was so discouraged and frustrated with my body changes and in tears over the lack of selection in my wardrobe. Until I found your blog. You helped me feel "normal". I could relate to you because you do not tout perfection. You help us all breath easier and enjoy a sense of comfort in candidness. Your transparency freed me from the pressure to look a certain way within a certain time frame. (Nano-seconds after child birth? No thanks, Hollywood!)

I remember being in tears from laughing so hard at your recounting of trying on shaper-camis only to get stuck! I was laughing harder than I had laughed in a long time and thought "Finally, someone has the courage to write what we are all feeling, thinking, struggling with!"

You had me at "Jelly Belly"!

You have inspired me to try looks I never would have been brave enough to dare..to think differently about my wardrobe.

WOW.  Thank you, Abby.  Your words made my day.  And I'm sharing your words here not to throw a parade in my honor (yay me! yay me! yay-SHUT UP)...but because I know so many other mamas out there are probably reading and nodding (and me too).   We feel ya, Abby.  YES. DOWN WITH PERFECTION!!

But Mamas...Abby also had a question:

So here is my take on the Cobalt Skinny jeans..I'm still not sure I got it "right" and am still wanting ways to work this bold color (hello, shoes..what shoes does one wear with these for a more casual look?) without looking like a Crayon explosion. I happened to be going to a Baby Shower, hence the heels. You do not find me in these normally! 

Abby, here's how I'd wear them:

Pajamas For Mamas That Are Both Chic AND Warm

Ok Mamas.  You asked for it...here are my fav pajama finds for staying warm and cozy...without going the sexless and dowdy route.

Holiday Style: Add Drama With a Maxi Skirt

I mean really.  With a big, swooshy skirt and a glittery bag, how can you go wrong?

 

(wearing:  Ann Taylor skirt - similar at Urban for $40, Ann Taylor cropped sweater - try this slightly sheer, cropped sweater sweatshirt by Betsey Johnson on sale for $27, J.Crew glitter bag - similar) 

 

But here's the genius part of the maxi-skirt-in-winter:  You can wear juuuust about anything underneath.  Including fleece-lined tights.  Or, say...winter running tights.  Or heck - even fleece skinny sweatpants!  As long as they tuck nicely into tall boots...no one will be the wiser.  (Unless, of course, your little one likes to play hide-and-go-seek in your skirt.  Then there's a chance that someone will awkwardly learn your secret.  There are always risks, Mamas!)

And most of these swooshy skirts look fabulous with a cozy sweater.  Curvy gals, look for a fitted sweater, or something that belts.  Poochy mamas can try a boxy cropped sweater (like above) or something slim through the hips but loose on the pooch.  Like this one:

(wearing: Patterson Kincaid Tiered Maxi Dress which rocks at pooch hiding - here's another tiered one currently on sale for $152, an ancient Esprit sweater vest - while this one is similar, I'd probably try something like this)

 

This outfit isn't quite as dressy...but neither are all holiday festivities.  I wore this exact outfit to a Mother's Tea at Raines' school.  He had requested that I show up looking "like a princess."  Sigh.  How is princess culture so pervasive???

But anyway, this is actually a maxi dress, not a skirt.  I just layered the dress over a turtleneck and added a cozy vest.  And yes - I'm rocking some major warmie legs underneath.  I just have to beware of bears.

xo,

S

Holiday Style: Sex Up a Day Dress

I told Mike (hubs) the title of this article.  His eyes lit up and he was all, "do something sexy, Babe!"  So I did this:

 

Sigh.  Why didn't I just do a pouty duckface? (bangs head on desk) This blog is humbling.  Like a beginning ballet class for adults.

Anyway...let's chat about sexing up a day dress!!  All you need (besides the dress) is a random assortment of:

1.  Something glittery or shiny (necklaces, bracelets, etc.)

2.  Something furry

3.  Sexy tights

4.  High Heels

5.  A belt

6.  A little party clutch 

7.  Big-girl makeup (lipstick, smokey eyes, whatever)

Pick and choose two or three (or four) from the list above, and BAM.  It's party-time.  

This (admittedly haphazard) approach works shockingly well with a wide variety of day dresses.  Wanna see?  Here's how we're taking a few day dresses into our night-time rotation....

Day:  

  J.Crew tunic - similar at Gap, J.Crew striped tissue turtleneck, leggings, Dolce Vita Java booties now on sale for $75!

Night 1:  

J.Crew tunic - similar at Gap, J.Crew skinny belt, Plush fleece-lined tights (so warm!), Nina glitter pumps now on sale for $55, arm party of Stella and Dot 1 and 2, as well as this and this similar bracelets from LOFT, vintage bag - similar at Target!

Night 2:

J.Crew tunic - similar at Gap, Wolford tights - similar, Nine West Booties - similar, Etsy earrings, vintage bag - or check out this gorgeousness, Lindsay Bloom cocktail ring

 

 

Ready for another example?  Next up is that James Perse sweatshirt dress that we first talked about here.  Yes...a sweatshirt dress.   Totally my speed.

*A note about the bubble necklace below.  There are a ton of low-cost iterations (including ebay, where I purchased mine)...but these pieces are everywhere - it's now an over-saturated market.  Expect to walk into any holiday party and see several.  I'm now on the hunt for a new statement necklace.  Anyone else interested in my finds?

 

Day:

James Perse Sweatshirt dress, boyfriend cardigan c/o Goddis Knits, Plush fleece-lined tights, Gray Desert boots c/o Clarks, Gap men's scarf

Night 1:

 James Perse Sweatshirt dress, J.Crew glitter bag (similar) and bubble necklace (here's a cheaper version for $29), Plush fleece-lined tights, Nine West Booties - similar, Lindsay Bloom gold bangles, discontinued Stella and Dot earrings - here's similar

Night 2: 

James Perse Sweatshirt dress, Wolford tights - similar, vintage bag - or check out this gorgeousness, Nine West Booties - similar, Etsy earrings

 

Lastly, I asked Camille from Life in Modification to weigh in.  To see how she'd take a day dress into night.  Cam went a vintage-y / understated route, and the resulting look is quite pretty.  It's amazing to see how a faux-fur collar adds so much sophistication and romance - very Grace Kelly, no?  Love the midi length, also.

Day: 

 

eShakti dress (fyi, it was customizable), AE cardi, Hush Puppies moto boots - similar, Target tights 

 

Night:

eShakti dress, Old Navy coat - similar, Target tights, Steve Madden pumps - similar

Thanks, Cam!  Ok Mamas - thoughts?  You like?

xo,

S

 

 

 

 

Holiday Style: Try A Monochrome Palette (Especially in White...)

There's something about white that just feels so...fancy.  And it's totally unexpected during the holiday season.  I've been feeling all chic snow-princess in my all-white ensembles against a a vast sea of little black dresses, sleek black coats, and dark denim.  It's fun.  

Reader Q | Sophisticated Thanksgiving Options for Moms

Sweetpeas!  My parents are in town (their original visit was rescheduled due to hurricane Sandy), so this will be a quick one.  So many of you had asked for more formal versions of a Thanksgiving dinner outfit, and I didn't want to leave you in the lurch.  Besides, reader Amy cracked me up:

My family is the Fockers, and my in laws are the same as the movie. I would love a bit more sophisticated option for them ;)

How could I refuse a mother Focker?

The Item:  A Sophisticated Fit-and-Flare Dress

The Inspiration: J.Crew's Polka-Dot Ponte Dress, $148

You can wear a dress like this alone with heels, and look amazing.  But since you are asking me for advice, and god knows that I rarely go with such put-together looks....I'd add in a few J.Crew inspired tweaks.  Personally, I love it as-pictured (chambray shirt, bow-tie, and scarf) but you can scale it back to fit your family's tastes.  However, if you go with only the dress, think about including a plaid scarf.  It makes the look so coolly irreverent.  

A note about shoes:  J.Crew had the model wearing some shiny, clumpy loafers....which would work on great legs with the dress hitting 6 inches above the knees.  For the rest of us....wear heels. 

 Cheaper find:  I randomly came across this little number for 40% off at Nordstroms.  A dead-ringer (in black) for the J.Crew, and now only $88.  Also in petite.

The Item(s):  A Big Ol' Skirt and Tucked-In Cardi

The Inspiration: Garnet Hill Coterie Lace Skirt, $98 and Merino Cardigan, $88

I love this.  Tucking a patterned cardigan into a big skirt (extra points for mixing prints) makes this look a bit artsy....rather than just expected.  If you look for cheaper versions of this outfit, be careful about the fabric of the cardigan.  Merino wool will be the most flattering, and will tuck much easier than, say, cotton.

The Item:  A Pencil Skirt

Inspiration One: With a Peplum Top

Peplum tops are perfect toppers for pencil skirts, and flatter so many different body types.  A slim belt and booties, like Natalie from Like Fresh Laundry wears, make the look edgy, but feminine.  Swap booties for pumps if you need a more conservative look.

 

Inspiration Two:  With a Big Graphic Sweater

 

This, I realize, is barely making the "sophisticated" cut.  But it's my fav, and what I would probably wear to a Thanksgiving dinner at a country club.  I'd pair it with heels and pearls, of course, for a slightly ironic twist on the usual.  

The skirt is J.Crew's pencil skirt in double-serge wool, currently on sale for $80, and J.Crew's Heartbreaker sweater, $98 (buy a size up for the best pooch-hiding slouchiness).

 

Hope this helps, Mamas!!  I can't believe were here, almost Thanksgiving.....already??!!??

xo,

S

Mom Street Style: Krista Went to Her Reunion...and Here's Her Weekend of Pooch-Hiding, Hot-Mama Outfits!

Mamas, you guys are amazing.  I'm always overwhelmed by the amount of support, insight, generosity, and great ideas that come out of our readers.  And one of my favorite examples happened recently, in the comments that reader Krista received when she wrote in wondering what to wear to her 5-year collage reunion.  (See This Poochy Mama Needs to Party!)  If you recall, Krista, who has diastasis recti, wrote: 

I feel like I'm twenty-something going on sixty-something, and it makes me sad. Usually I just ignore it and snuggle my toddler closer, but for this one weekend I'm going to be attempting to recapture my youth...and I just don't want to be the one who gets forgiven for her lack of fashion sense because "she had a baby".

Well. Krista's words certainly struck home.  Many readers commented that they have felt the same way.  Reader Courtney said, "I could've written this post, except my little guy is almost 3!"  Totally.  Others weighed-in with their own pooch-hiding tips, or linked to their fav pooch-hiding party clothes.

You guys rock.

And Krista was very appreciative of all of the advice.  So appreciative, in fact, that she's reported back!  With pics!! So keep reading to find out what Krista wore (and it's a far, far cry from sixty-anything).

*******

Hello again ANMJ,

 Can I just say—YOU ARE A LIFESAVER. Or maybe the correct word is sanity-saver. Regardless, I did some inspired shopping and skipped off to my reunion feeling emboldened by your post and the lovely comments from all the readers. I just…there aren’t words. Thank you. 

I may not have enough adjectives to adequately explain how wonderful this blog is, BUT I do have some pictures from my weekend, and some reflections on what I wore. I apologize in advance for the terrible quality of most of these, but my camera has been without a flash for the better part of a year now, oops.  

My first revelation in reading your post was the end-of-day stomach muscle surrender…clearly I am still suffering from baby brain because I never even thought about that before! I only knew that I felt defeated when I looked in the mirror after a meal or in the evenings, which is when I shower (so, lots of defeat going around). Just the knowledge that the evening slump was not on account of eating that extra dinner roll was a HUGE confidence booster, as weird as that seems. And with the nighttime pooch in mind, I Spanx’d it to within an inch of its life!!!

 Actually, it was a double-Spanx situation. The first day, we weren’t pulling into our old college town until evening—did I mention I was taking my engineering licensing exam THAT DAY and driving to reunion right after? I think I might be insane—so I knew I’d need some tummy control. I pulled on my pair of mid-thigh belly control Spanx, then a lace-trimmed shaping cami—another ANMJ brilliant suggestion. High-waisted pooch-containing jeans on bottom and something I’ve decided to call a trapeze top finished the look. I looked good. And you know what? I felt good. 

I’ve come to consider this shirt a magical shirt, and I wish I had run back out and bought more in every color while they were still in stock. It’s an Apt. 9 shirt from Kohl’s. The embellished neckline draws nice attention to the girls without showcasing the jiggliness of postpartum breasts, and then it flows down from that point, so it’s a pretty good pooch-hider, too. I feel extra confident in this shirt so that helps! I think it’s the same concept as the trapeze dresses you mentioned, just in shirt form. 

 

So that was the first night. The next day was our only full day in town, and there was a lot to be crammed in. For daytime, I had a pair of jeans that made my derriere look fabulous, and an older diagonal colorblocked top from Forever21. The top is a little bit loosey-goosey like the drapey tee you mentioned, and the black section being on the bottom (aka over the stomach) helps too, I think. Shaper cami in place, warm shoes for sitting in the freezing cold stands at the football game, and I was good to go! I even managed to squeeze some leopard print in with my trusty gloves and earmuffs. 

After the evening game, we made plans to go out downtown. This was where I pulled out all the stops and decided to be a little bit less-than-subtle. I liked your idea of fun, printed skinnies, AND I seemed to remember a post you did that briefly discussed gold pants. (Mentioned briefly here.) My alma mater’s colors are black and gold, so…I bought shiny gold leggings. 

And I rocked them. 

I saw the leggings at Forever21 and knew they were going to be my “I’M AWESOME” piece. I surfed some websites before settling on Forever21’s charcoal sweater tunic—I definitely wanted a shirt that would cover my butt, and with it being late October, I also wanted something a little warm. Plus the purposefully-shapeless drape of the sweater let me look trendy AND hid my pooch, so I’m chalking that up as a win. I decided to forego a skinny belt, even though it looked cute on the model—my torso is essentially all the same size now, so there’s no “smallest point” to place the belt for emphasis. And did I mention statement earrings? I love them. Honestly, all the earrings I own are statement earrings. They’re such an easy way to amp up an outfit! 

Again, I double-Spanx’d under the leggings (a must for leggings-as-pants, anyway), broke out my favorite pair of killer black heels, and spritzed on my happy-place perfume. We went out on the town for several hours and every single person I talked to thought the look was fabulous. I can’t tell you how much of a goofy grin I had on my face all weekend as former classmates would say, “Wow, you look amazing! And I’ve seen pictures, your daughter is precious!*” I couldn’t get a very good pic of the leggings while I was actually at reunion, so I redid the look when I got home, and included my toddler to up the cuteness factor. These are SO much shinier in real life.

 

*Just to be clear, I do enjoy when people ooh and aah over my girl, obvi. But this particular weekend it was nice to have some of that positive attention comin’ my way, as well! 

 

*********

Krista, you gorgeous girl, you did so well.  What fun inspiration for the rest of us - and just in time for the holidays!!  Thank you thank you thank you for sending in pics!!

xo,

S