Ain't No Mom Jeans

Winter / Spring Mom Uniform Idea: Boyfriend Jeans + Sweatshirt + Girly Accessories

 Yesterday we showed a mom-uniform outfit idea based on a blousey dress (courtesy of reader Amy), and today we have another mom-uniform outfit idea coming in from our reader Esther!  (Esther, BTW, is the insanely talented children's clothing designer Chinny Chin Chin that we profiled last year.)

Esther, typically addicted to a large black parka at this time of year, was inspired to swap it out after reading one of our End of Winter Outfit Ideas.  I'm so glad she did.

I'm head over heels in love with Esther's outfit.  By now most of you know my long-standing love affair with destroyed boyfriend jeans (really, there is nothing more comfortable)...and Esther manages to up the comfort level even further by pairing hers with a comfy sweater and Ugg-like boots.  A gorgeous scarf, a cool spring jacket and movie-star shades completes this drop-dead cool look.

NOTE for other Ugg boot wearers:  Notice that Esther has rolled her jeans to hit at the top of the Ugg boots, instead of attempting to stuff all of that fabric into the boots.  Perfect.

Esther is pregnant, and I love that this look can work for both pregnant and not-pregnant moms.  Esther's "pregnancy denim" is actually Converse jeans from Target.  (Esther - would you leave a comment telling us about the rest of your fabulous outift?)

So...inspired by Esther, I came up with another version of her mom-uniform idea.  But since I'm optimistically thinking Spring, I put together a slighty warmer-weather version:

Items in this set:
Women's sweaters - merino - Merino boyfriend sweatshirt - J.Crew, $70
Gap Petite Military anorak, $70
Gap Petite Destructed easy straight jeans (light wash), $70
Women's shoes - ballets - Patterned classic ballet flats - J.Crew, $120

Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Accessories, $13

I'm loving the drape and ease of J. Crew's Merino Wool Sweatshirt, but any thin, drapey sweatshirt would work.  (FYI:  These kinds of sweatshirts are also amazing with tiny little skirts or shorts for date night - just add high heels).  I just bought an army green jacket like the one above (which is actually on sale for $44, BTW) and I find that I'm wearing it everywhere.  There's a lot of casual boyishness going on in these outfits, which makes them the perfect foil for girly accessories.  Add a pretty scarf, like Esther, and once the weather is warmer, swap out your Uggs for pretty printed flats.  I'm also into ribbon-tied bib necklaces for moms.  Not only do they look very, very cool with a simple sweatshirt, but the kiddos can pull on these things all day with minimal risk.  With Spring and it's widely ranging temperatures, having a pretty little something layered under the scarf ensures you're always lookin' good.

xo,

S

Winter / Spring Mom Uniform Idea: Dress + Leggings + Rainboots + Warm Accessories

One of my very favorite things about blogging?  Hearing from our fabulous readers.  And one of our readers sent in a pic so gorgeous, I knew I had to post it!!

Girls, meet Amy.  Amy is (obviously) pregnant, and rocking a very cool version of a daily mom uniform. 

Amy says she's been trying to "stretch the wardrobe I already have through these months of maternity madness--an infusion of scarves, cute shoes (that are actually flat), blousy dresses, and a few extra pieces that will work from now all the way through postpartum and nursing". 

She's right.  Cozy dresses, accessorized with an array of tights, scarves and flat shoes are one of the easiest and most stylish ways to get dressed in the morning.  And so flattering for new moms. 

When describing her outfit, Amy says:

"It's pretty much my uniform these days with all of this snow--drapey cashmere dress, cute tights, snow boots, and a big scarf.  I love this outfit because I can carry all of the stuff in my purse to make it a "nonsnow" outfit--a pair of ballet flats and a light silk scarf.  I seriously wear some manifestation of this getup at least 3 or 4 times a week.  And...none of it is maternity!"

This mom uniform works for both pregnant, new moms, and experienced moms alike.  For a non-pregnant version of this look, see our post on Gwenth Paltrow's Daily Mom Uniform. (Amy, you're in great company, style-wise!!)

For moms chasing a toddler around, swap out the tights for leggings - they'll give you a bit more coverage.

Amy is wearing a cashmere blend dress from Banana Republic, funky purple tights from J. Crew, Nordstrom's cashmere scarf and armwarmers (I love these things!!), and J. Crew Galoshes.

Galoshes (or rain boots) are a really great way to start transitioning winter outfits into Spring, and would probably be my first choice for rocking this mom uniform now!

Here's what I came up with, using Amy as inspiration:

  

I'm loving American Apparel's Chambray Henley Shirt Dress, $62.  It's completely on trend, and would look equally amazing this summer with a pair of nude platforms for date night as it does all cozied up here.  Wear this dress with a pair of black tights (Gap's are shown here), and some fabulous rainboots.  I can't stop thinking about Hunter's Original Gloss in Violet, $115 at Zappos.com.

To make this look winter-friendly, add in some fun armwarmers (I'm showing Michael Kors, on sale at Nordstroms for $29) and a gorgeous wool scarf.  I tend to wear lots of solid color clothing, so I like to add in a bit of pattern with a scarf.  The 100% Merino wool Gray Floral Scarf pictured above is a more interesting twist on the standard gray scarf, and can be found at SFMoma online for $65.

If things are still really chilly in your neck of the woods, you can further cozy this outfit up by adding thick wool socks over the tights (showing above the top of the rainboot), a long-sleeve layer under the chambray dress (let the sleeves peek out from underneath the chambray's rolled sleeves), and throwing the whole look on with a warm parka. 

Ugh.  I hate that I'm still talking about parkas....but March is often Denver's snowiest month.

Amy, thanks so much for sending in this gorgeous pick -- we just LOVED it.  And congrats on the new baby!  I remember well the "grandama-sized panties" you mentioned in your email...here in Denver the nurses referred to them as "sexy panties".  snort.  And as awful as they are....I LOVED them.  "soooooooo comfortable....aaaahhhh."  Disposable or no, I washed and wore mine more than I'd like to admit. 

xo,

S

Pic is courtesy of Jennifer Wilson of jennifer/brooks photography.  Offices in Washington, DC and Seattle.

  


 
 

What We're Reading This Week: Wearing Flats With Tights from Blue Collar Catwalk

Dear reader: have you ever considered the rule of thirds with regard to your flat footwear?  How about the sheen and texture of your shoes in relation to your tights?  Have you recently scrutinized the curves of your feet and how your flats accentuate them, either elongating or shortening your leg, depending on their fit?  No?  Mmm hmm. . .  I didn't think so.  

Neither have I, and I suppose that's why I've been largely unsuccessful at pairing flats with skirts and tights.  Not that I've tried that hard.  I either a.) spit and curse my 5'4" (and 5/8ths!) height, then put on a pair of heels instead, or b.) spit and curse my 5'4" (and 5/8ths!) height, then opt for trousers.  

"How many times have you put flats on with a pair of tights and just feel ... off? You either look barefoot, cut off at the ankles, or weighted down and a bit shlumpy. I think we've all been there. . . " the genius behind Blue Collar Catwalk sagely writes.  Kyla has pondered these questions and she nailed the formula in her recent post Flat Out Lovin' It Part 2 - Flats With Tights.  At 5'3" with a 30" inseam and looking as smack-down fabulous as she does, Kyla's definitely the go-to-gal on this subject.

Check out her post for the most insightful analysis of flat-wearing (with skirts and tights, no less!) heretofore and for some amazing styling tips that will inform your fall through spring wardrobe.

- 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

End of Winter Outfit Inspirations: Nordstroms Part 2, Coffee and Museum

In order to beat the winter blahs, Ain't No Mom Jeans hooked up with Leisa Payton, a Personal Stylist at Nordstroms to glean some ideas of how to mix up our winter clothing with a little dose of Spring.  Also, don't miss Part 1, a perfect little playground or play-date outfit.

For the next bit of winter inspiration (pictured again on Becky at left), Leisa chose a soft range of neutrals, paired with bright pops of colors, and finished off with light-colored leather accessories.  The light gray boots and soft caramel bag are surprisingly versatile, and will only look better with age.  I love this slightly dressed up (but still easy) look for when I'm headed downtown for coffee and a museum.

Becky is wearing a Phillip Lim blazer, Vince straight-leg jeans, Frye boots, gloves and scarf by Nordstrom's own brand.

Ideas To Takeaway:

• For an infusion of Spring into your style, try a monochromatic pallet of soft neutrals: gray, beige, white.  This works best when you mix contrasting textures.
• Add pops of color with winter accessories (scarf, gloves, hat)
• Turn any scarf into an infinity scarf:  Leisa  tied the ends of the scarf together and wrapped it three times around Becky's neck.  (For a true infinity scarf look, just wrap it twice).
• Try the new short flat boot in a light color.  They look amazing with jeans now, but will look equally amazing in warmer weather with skirts or shorts. 
• Instead of a diaper bag, try a butter-soft leather messenger.  It's just plain cool.

Leisa, thanks again!

To contact Leisa, please visit her at the Cherry Creek Nordstroms in Denver, or email leisa.a.payton@nordstrom.com.

xo,

S

End of Winter Outfit Inspirations: Nordstroms Part 1, Playground

Feeling the winter blahs?  Me too.  Despite all of the the NY Fashion Week reports coming out of the blog-o-sphere last week, I still need a bit of cold-weather inspiration to get me through the next month or so.  So we hooked up with Leisa Payton, a Personal Stylist at Nordstroms to glean some ideas of how to mix up our winter clothing with a little dose of Spring.

Leisa's first look (pictured on Becky at left) layers a Spring safari jacket over cozier winter items to create a warm, yet cute look that can easily go to the playground. 

Becky is wearing Hudson Jeggings, Coach snow boots, jacket by Tory Burch, cardigan by Phillip Lim cardigan and t-shirt by Alexander Wang.

Ideas to Takeaway:

• Try layering Spring jackets (safari, army or trench) over cozy cardigan sweaters to make them winter appropriate.
• Look for cardigans with fun detailing like ribbon trim or ruching to dress up an outfit.
• Don't be afraid to continue wearing your cute snowboots with Spring items (or invest in some - most snowboots are now on sale)
• Try jeggings aka jean leggings.  They are thick enough to be warm and flattering, and unlike leggings, cover all cellulite issues.

If you'd like to contact Leisa directly, she can be found at the Cherry Creek Nordstroms in Denver, or by emailing leisa.a.payton@nordstrom.com

Thanks Leisa!

xo,

S

Reader Question: What Types of Footwear Can You Wear with Leggings and Skinny Jeans?

Reader Question:

I have recently fallen in love with skinny jeans and leggings.  Heels really aren't my thing and normally, I would wear UGG boots or ballet flats, but some outfits just don't call for the winter boots but I am too cold to wear ballet flats.  Are there any other comfortable, warm choices you would recommend to go with skinny jeans?  Is it ever ok to wear a street shoe, like my slip-on sketchers with socks, with skinny jeans.

Answer:

I love that you are embracing skinny jeans and leggings!!  But footwear for these styles can be tricky.  Let me first try to address which footwear I think looks best with leggings and skinny jeans, and then take on the more specific part of your question about leggings + sketcher sneaks.

Best (Easiest) Footwear Choices With Skinny Jeans & Leggings

1.  Boots

We're talking any shape of boot, with any heel height: flat boots, high heeled boots, ankle boots, knee-high, or over-the-knee boots.  They all work.  In fact, boots of any shape and style work: winter boots, western boots, motorcycle boots, sleek boots, moccasin booties, rain boots, combat boots, rocker booties with chains, etc.  You get the picture.  Whatever you're boot fetish, I'm willing to bet it will look amazing with skinny jeans or leggings.  Be wary of traditional Uggs (I'll talk more about this below).  For a bit of inspiration, check out our November 2009 Street Style Mom, or the pics below (all from shopbop.com).

Lastly, I'm loving the outfit put together (pic below)  by K_Isa_Bella on Chictopia.com.  The socks and lace-up boots look just so cool.  You could certainly use this idea of layering socks and boots with other boot styles.

Mom Street Style - January 2010 Mom

Gang, meet Jocelyn and her little guy, Jasper.  She was shopping at Whole Foods, Jasper and hubby in tow, looking adorable in the middle of January in her vintage polka-dot dress. I was impressed by two things:

1.  She was wearing a dress (something I never think about putting on when out and about with the kiddo).

2.  She was wearing a dress in a winter-appropriate way.

Not only did she throw thick tights on underneath her dress, but she added warm, furry winter boots.  And somehow, the whole look works.  The key here is to not over-think it. 

Also, a dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt is not only easy to move in, but universally flattering - especially for moms with curves. Think Mad Men, think 50's housewife.

Here's how I'd recreate:

 Modcloth.com is my favorite source for vintage-looking dresses.  Their Be My Valentine Dress, $80, would be a welcome sight on a gray winter day.  I would pair this dress with the insanely adorable Knitted Bobby Cardigan, $160, from Topshop.com and the Joan of Arctic Sorel boots that I've had my eye on all winter.  They are now on sale for $120 at piperlime.com.  While cream cable-knit tights would be cute, thick black tights go with everything, and that's what I would wear with this outfit.  Again, don't over-think.

Cute, easy, comfy, and more festive than most of my everyday "mom outfits". Thanks, Jocelyn!

(Confession: My husband actually pointed Jocelyn's outfit out to me.  He's such a sucker for a skirt).

xo,

S

Mom Street Style - December 2009 Mom

I know, I know.  It's February.  But I was about to post our January mom (late) and realized that we hadn't yet posted our December mom.  Sigh.  Prior to becoming a mom, I had a slight problem with getting places on time. (I can hear my friends all snorting with derision).  Now that I'm a mom, time has ceased to have any meaning whatsoever. 

But our December mom is too good to miss.  Meet Emily - she's actually Raines' nanny.  So not technically a mom, but Em certainly knows how to look cute and be comfortable around the kiddos!  I'm always amazed at what she puts together: she could seriously be a regular feature.

In any case, I wanted to highlight a cool trick that she taught me this past December.  You know those shirts that come with their own sash?  (Or belt, or whatever)  Em layered the shirt under a boyfriend cardi, and then used the sash belt over the cardi to better define her waist.  Genius!

I love that you could also pull this off with any cute sash belt.  Try also a skinny scarf or a man's tie.  Just layer a thin boyfriend cardi over a longish tunic, and tie your sash of choice around your natural waist, like Em. 

xo,

S

Winter Outfit Inspiration: Violet Boutique

Right about now, I'm starting to ache for Spring.  Which means that I tend to view Denver's eternally sunny skies optimistically:  the sun is out, therefore it's warm, right?  No. Not by a long shot.  Add to the mix the fact that magazines are filled with Spring fashion coverage, boutiques have winter items on super sale and window displays are showing the most fabulous little gauzy dresses, tops and sandals.  BOOOOOOOO.

I could seriously use some fashion inspiration.  So Molly and I asked a few boutique owners and a personal shopper at Nordstroms to put together some inspiring looks to help us get through the winter.   First up?  Stacy McElhany, mom of Emerson and owner of Violet Boutique, Denver.

When Stacy asked us what kind of outfit we were looking for, I told her to put on something inspired.  And Stacy's outfit (pictured) is certainly inspired, with a very unlikely source of inspiration: Dick Van Dyke in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  

NOTE:  Emerson took one look at her mum and declared that she did look like "that man".  Mission accomplished!

I love that Stacy effortlessly rocks the boyfriend denim trend (with socks!  My favorite!), the denim-on-denim trend, the ankle-bootie trend, and the long cardigan trend without looking contrived. 

Ideas To Takeaway:

• Try layering a vest under a long cardigan, or even layering a paper-thin cardigan (buttoned up) under a bulkier cardigan
• Try wearing your boyfriend jeans rolled up, with socks and ankle boots for cool, effortless vibe.
• Throw on a brooch to glam up boy-inspired outfits.
• Experiment with men-inspired neckwear.  Stacy's silk scarf almost seems like an ascot, and I, inspired by Stacy, wore a white shirt, men's tie and a buttoned, vneck boyfriend cardi with jeans the other day.  I ended up getting quite a few compliments.  It's unexpected and fun.
• For a cohesive look, keep the color palette to a minimum. Stacy's basic colors are shades of black, shades of denim, and white.

Most of the items Stacy is wearing have come from her store at one point or another.  Her boyfriend jeans (It's Ellie jean) will be available at Violet this Spring.  She's also wearing a Grandpa cardigan by Cullen, Denim Vest by Pink, Rebecca Taylor White Blouse, Blowfish Booties, Ralph Lauren Trouser socks, Adina Reyter hoop earrings, and a Vintage Replication brooch.

If you have more questions for Stacy, or would like to order from Violet, call her at 720-932-1655.

Hmmmm....I always forget about movies as fashion inspiration.  Winter is the perfect time to snuggle up with an old movie.  And be inspired. Dick Van Dyke? Who knew? 

Thanks, Stacy!  You look fantastic! 

xo,

S