Ain't No Mom Jeans

Reader Question: Craving Cropped Pants

Reader Question:

Okay, so it's now gotten hot where I live and I'm craving a shorter options for pants for work/play with kiddos. But a quick perusal of the stores this week left me swimming in a confusing sea of bermuda shorts, pedal pushers, capris, crops, and on and on. How can I tell what length pant is right for me? Or are they all equally right? I'm 5'9, thoroughly apple shaped, and constitutionally opposed to buying destroyed denim.

Thanks for your help!

Signed,

Confused about pants.
 

Answer:

No pant has greater potential to turn totally croptacular (particularly for those of us with bums and thighs or who are vertically challenged) than the cropped pant.  But done right, cropped pants are incredibly flattering and uber functional for moms.  

Reader Question: How to wear nude pumps?

Reader Question:  

Hi!

 

I found your website this past January and have really enjoyed it! I only wish you would write more! But, being a mom of a 27-month-old girl and a 11-month-old boy, I can imagine why you don't.

 

I have a style question for you. I have been seeing nude pumps show up a lot on the red carpet, and on the feet of those who are more stylish than I. It seems like it would be really wearable (neutrals go with everything, right?) but I'm worried that perhaps I don't know the right way to rock them. Have any suggestions or advice on how to wear neutral pumps? Also, any ideas on where to get a good pair in time for wedding season?

 

Thanks,

-Rachel

Answer:

YES!  Nude pumps are everywhere and we’re convinced this comely trend is here to stay for a while.  We love nude pumps (and platforms and flats and sandals) because not only do they make your legs look miles long, they’re total mom-brainers (i.e., your exhausted, multitasking brain can rest assured, once you’ve selected the perfect pair, that they’ll compliment virtually anything you put on with them).  

9 Spring Jackets, Perfect for Rain, Wind, or Shine

   I really feel like we should be talking about summer.  Writing about shorts, and flip-flops, and sunscreen.  But instead, the weather in Denver has been breaking my heart.  Rain, rain, and more rain (with the occasional sleet and snow thrown in) is our forecast for the next week or so.  Ugh. 

If you've been feeling my pain, this post is for you.  Here are my current favorite Spring jackets, to help you face the weather when really....we just all want Summer.

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.

Reader Question: Cute and Comfy Shoes for a Trip to NYC?

Reader Question: Please Help! I am going to NYC for the first time for a weekend trip in three weeks. Can you recommend some cute and stylish yet comfortable (oxymoron,yes?) shoes that I can walk around in all day? Thanks!-Jen 

Answer:  NYC is a tough one as a tourist.  You want to look edgy and up-to-date, but New Yorkers walk, on average, two miles a day, and tourists probably walk more.  So, to get the absolute most out of the city, footwear choices have to be spot-on.  

Reader Question: What To Wear To A Baptism?

Reader Question:

Hello,
I found your blog via Shana's sister, Scotti, and I must say I love it!  We recently just had a baby boy and are having a baptism in May. I would like to wear something classic, understated and still look amazing after getting my body back. Could you possibly do a piece on what to wear for your baby's baptism?
I'm considering all options but am steering more towards a sheath dress, pencil skirt, or the like. My one requirement is that it must be below the knee, even just slightly.
 
Thanks!
Nell

How To Wear Mixed Prints for Spring / Summer 2010

  We're seeing mixed prints everywhere this Spring:  Fashion mags, blogs, runways - you name it, it's there.   But it's a tricky, tricky trend.  While a haphazard approach to just throwing on mixed prints can work, this type of look is usually pulled together by a killer pair of heels and a statement bag.  So the overall look screams "I'm purposely not matching in an ironic way!!" instead of "I got dressed in the dark!"

Moms, however, rarely are rocking killer heels or a statement bag, so the quirky mixed trend look can quickly veer off into crazy-lady land. 

Additionally, while I find spreads in fashion magazines very inspiring, I often feel that that the clothes are either impractical for my daily life, or (especially in this case) the look can only be achieved with the exact carefully selected silk floral skirt and shirt shown in the spread.  In short:  beautiful, but not accessible.

So here's my attempt to take this trend in a very mom-friendly direction.  It's an easy and fun way to perk up your everyday basics.

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: