Ain't No Mom Jeans

My Summer Mom-Uniform Edit

Awkward Mom shorts.  That's my summer momiform edit.

No, not really. 

  (wearing: tee...belt c/o Lucky Brand...shorts - old, but here's the same style in brown...sandals -awesomely comfortable...bracelets - old Chan Luu but here's my new fav and Lindsay Bloom gold bangles...backpack)

 

I've been playing around with different lengths of shorts...but the jury is still out, Mamas.  I'm not sure I love this mid-length.  I'll probably go back to rolling them up.

Anyway, my summer momiform (heck, my year-round momiform) consists of some kind of tee (give or take sleeves, depending on the season) plus denim.  Like I mentioned last year in our Summer Style Rules article, I primarily rely on a cool shoe + bag combo to keep things interesting in the summer months. (If you missed it, my 2013 sandal picks are here...and bags picks are coming soon!)

But I have two accessory additions to the summer momiform this year:  patterned belts and statement sunglasses. 

Styling a Comfy Printed Maxi Three Ways (Reader Q)

Reader Question:

 

Hello,

I am so glad I came across your blog via the Rookie Moms site. I need this fashion kick in the butt to get out of my yoga pants. I feel I often find great pieces and then get them home and don't know what to do with them.   Case in point, I just ordered this skirt  and am super excited about it, but am I limited to a white tank? If you could give me another recommendation, I'd really appreciate it. 

Thanks!  

 Jenn

 

Answer:

I took one look at this skirt, Jenn, and immediately contacted the designer (via Etsy, love that!).

It's on-trend, gorgeous, yet as comfy as sweatpants.  You should be super-excited about it!  Nice. Pick.  Ms. Krista over at Satin Stitch Designs was kind enough to send a skirt over to me so I could style it up here.  (And psst!  Each is custom made, so no hemming required.  That is much appreciated by this short Mama.)

Jenn, since you are writing in looking for ideas, I'll skip over the obvious stuff like the white tank you already mentioned, or a black tee, or chambray shirt, or even a denim jacket...right?  I mean...any of those would be fabulous with this skirt, but since you took the trouble to write in, let me see if I can do something a bit more interesting.  Here we go.

Reader Q | Liberty Print Styling - Not Too Sweet, Please

Reader Question:

Hi,
I'm a new reader and instant fan of your blog :). I have a suggestion for a style challenge I'd like to see on your blog! Liberty prints are all over this spring, and while I love them as a print, I just can't seem to figure out how to style them so they don't look too sweet. Your style has such an edge I think you would know how to do it.

best,
Cortney

 

Answer:

Cortney - I totally get this.  Liberty prints are pretty fabulous, but can easily skew too preppy or sweet.  So....challenge accepted!  Keep reading for how I'm styling liberty prints this season....

How We Wear It: Sneakers

Mamas!!  This is our new monthly series called How We Wear It, where *we* show all of the different ways to rock a wardrobe basic.  And by "we" I mean...all y'all.   If there was One. Thing. our readers communicated LOUD AND CLEAR via the survey, it's this:  You want to see a wider range of body types represented here on ANMJ.  

So.  I'll show you how I've been styling my old standbys, and so will Cam.  And then, dear readers, we want to hear from YOU.  You can play along via our Linky party at the bottom (you can sign up at the bottom of this article or on Cam's page), you can send us an email (send it to either Cam or me), upload a pic to ANMJ's Facebook page, or use Instagram with the hashtag: #howwewearit.  As reader pics come in, I'll be keeping this page up-to-date.

Ready?  

Wearing All Black in the Spring

 

Beth emailed a while back, wondering about all-black outfits.  She wrote:

I love to wear black. I know that may not be the "in" thing to do- but it works for me. Black, a rich midnight blue, dove or heather gray- those are colors I work well with. The problem is that those then look so drab for spring. Any thoughts?

Yup.  See, I'm with you, Beth.  While color is huge right now, I tend to be a more minimalist, neutral kind of gal at heart. From growing up in the 90's, perhaps?  Which also explains my oversized white t-shirt obsession.  But black is pretty fabulous - there's no reason you can't rock all black all year.

Mom Street Style: Paola's Neon-Chic at the Playground

(wearing: shirt - from TJ Maxx or similar here...vest - J.Crew....scarf - Target....jeans - Banana Republic...boots - Macys or similar here...sunnies - Ray Ban) 

 

Mamas.  I ran into Paola at the playground a few days ago, and loved her take on a playground-momiform.  You know how enamored I am of neon + army green....but with chambray?  Genius! 

Best of all?  After I struck up a conversation, she revealed to me that she is a pretty die-hard bargin shopper.  "You don't need to spend a ton of money," Paola shrugged.  "Just choose the right pieces....carefully."  

Even her small details were thoughtfully picked:  pink lipstick, cool Ray-bans and starfish earrings (which are safe from grabby hands, but still blingy).

But don't expect to find Little Batman's gorgeous Mama in sneakers.  "Augh!  So many big sneakers....everywhere.  Never!  I cannot."  She fixes me with a look.  "You do not have to wear sneakers just because you have kids."

Luckily, I happened to be in my desert boots that day...rather than my usual Converse. But I'll bet Paola was really talking about actual running shoes - the big, soul-less ones that appeared to be the footwear-of-choice at the park.  On that front, I'm with her whole-heartedly.  My real running shoes aren't even all that comfortable unless I'm actually, you know, running.  (And then I'm uncomfortable all over...but for a whole different reason.) 

 

Paola, thanks for being such a good sport, and providing us all with some neon inspiration!  I don't know about the rest of you, but I might need to make a Target run....

xo,

S

 

 

Shopping: LOFT's Spring Cyber Monday Sale (50% Off Everything + Free Shipping)

Mamas!  Quick!  LOFT is having a Spring Cyber Monday sale (until midnight tonight, I think) that involves 50% off of everything and free shipping on every order.  I don't always have the best luck at LOFT...but I was able to find some pieces I really, really liked. 

1.  Beach V-Neck Coverup, $60

It's hard to beat crisp navy and white in the summer.

2. Corset Tankini Top $50 andbottom, $40 

I typically hate tankinis...but this one is downright sexy.

3. Side Button Cotton Caftan, $55

Or maybe I like this one better....??? 

4. Tiny Droplet Print Racerback Dress, $60

The cutest nursing-friendly dress I've seen in quite some time. It also comes in summery solid colors...like sea green or coral.

5.  Geometric Woven Sleeve Sweater Tee, $50

 What's happening here?  This looks more like Marc Jacobs than LOFT.  Nice.

6. Corded Dobby Striped Trench, $128

Wear this.  Look chic. Done.

7.  Talia Low Heel Sandals, $90

Orange, tan and a cool (low) heel?  I'm intrigued.  Plus the reviews claim serious comfort.  Whoa.

Also?  My next t-shirt review is coming up...and I think you'll like what I have to say about LOFTS' sunwashed tees.  (I like mine two sizes up).

xo,

S

ps.  Also?  A gorgeous bracelt.

Mom Street Style: Kristen's Perfect Seven For Post-Partum

Mamas!  These quick little peeks into reader's closets are quickly becoming one of my favs.  Here's Kristen's....

 

Hi Shana, thank you for ANMJ! It makes me smile.

I think I may have emailed before, but I could be completely making that up. I'm tired! [NOTE FROM S:  Sing it, Sister.]

I'm a mom of 16-month-old twin girls. I work full-time but in a blessedly casual office. I gained 80 pounds through IVF hormones and then bed rest. Only have 10 to go, but still have the dreaded pooch.

 

Mom Street Style: Susannah Glammed Up Her Momiform

Readers, meet Susannah.  She wrote:

Hi Shana - Just wanted to say thank you for the Glam Up Your Momiform post.  I am due to move from Sydney Australia to Hong Kong in about 4 days with my husband and two children… and so almost all of my clothes are on a big boat in the middle of the ocean.  But a last minute surprise farewell at a moderately hip japanese restaurant necessitated that I find something to wear (that wasn't a t-shirt and shorts).  I had read your blog that morning and managed to find jeans, shirt, necklace and pumps.  It wasn't colourful and festive like your outfit - but it did the trick!  

Thanks so much - your blog is really incredibly helpful for those of us who have ZERO interest in clothes shopping but like looking somewhat up-to-date.  I have told countless friends and they have all gleaned something from reading your articles: better jeans, how to wear ankle boots and nursing friendly fashion.

Susannah 

Whoa, girl.  You look seriously amazing.  And the nuetral pallette really, really works.  I'm starting a round of the slow clap right now.  Mamas, feel free to join in:  clap.....clap....CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP

Susannah, thank you so much for taking the time to snap a pic and sending it on.  I love seeing how our styling tips get translated...and serve as a fresh dose of inspiration for all of us.

Mwah!

S

The New Spring Basics 101

A few weeks ago I was driving Raines to pre-school (he's 5).  He was sitting in his carseat, a grumpy look on his face.  "What's wrong, buddy?" I asked.  He sighed.  It was one of those dramatic, drawn-out sighs of the long-suffering.  "I jus' don't understand what is happening in this world, Mom" he said.  

Whoa.  I'm not...how to even...begin with that?   I waited, concerned, for him to continue.

"I mean...what the heck is going on with the Sun?  Where is it?  Will I always have to wear this jacket?"  [pause]   I'M NOT COMFORTABLE IN THIS JACKET MOM!!"

Exactly, kid. Sing it.

 

Ready to talk Spring, Mamas?  Us too.  Most of these picks (if not all) can be worn while chasing kiddos around a park, and some can be dressed up for date-night (or the office).  All can be paired with pieces you already own for a fresh, easy update.  These are the new Spring Basics...101.