Ain't No Mom Jeans

Reader Q | How to Style a Lace Top For Work

Reader Question:

First, let me say that I love your blog! I read it religiously. So much so that my husband no longer asks where I get new ideas from. Thank you for helping me feel kid-friendly, mom appropriate and sexy all at the same time.

Here's my question...I'm looking for some ideas for work appropriate layering of a lace shirt. I am an attorney and need office appropriate wear, but get bored with the same old dark suit getup.
If I can at least make the tops under the jacket interesting, I feel like I win. On non-court days, I have a little more freedom in what is appropriate. I'm 100% on board with the layering a turtleneck.  I tried a t-shirt today.

(wearing:  GORGEOUS lace tee is Lauren Conrad for Kohl's)  

Is there anything else? Would a button down work?

-Suzanne

Answer:

Suzanne - Thanks for writing in!  You obviously read the article (linked above) where I recommended a lace top.  If you recall, I claimed that it was oh-so-easy to style and soooo very versatile and...well.  I see that you are calling me out.  (Nicely, of course.)  Challenge accepted!!  It's time to put my styling where my big ol' mouth is, and attempt to style one up for the office.  Not just any office....but one of the most conservative of work environments. 

(I came up with six possibilities.)

A Maternity Workwear Capsule Wardrobe For Spring (and an ASOS Giveaway)

Maternity workwear.  Isn't that phrase just so...depressing?  Ugh.  It conjures up images of schlumpy, black, ill-fitting suits and those awful maternity button-down shirts.  (shudder)

We can do better, Mamas.  

I threw together a small Spring capsule wardrobe for working mamas-to-be.  And it's almost completely post-partum friendly, and much of it is pumping-friendly.  But best of all?  Maternity workwear (blaaaah) has come such a long way that not only would I happily(!!) wear any of these pieces NOT pregnant, but most are pretty. darn. affordable. 

 

Pair These Seven Pieces With Boring Basics To Nail That Pesky "Dressy-Casual" Look

Mamas, this article was inspired by a question I received from Martha.  She wrote:

I recently discovered your blog and I am loving the inspiration to step up my mom style a bit, and ideas for putting more personality into my basics. I'm realizing, though, that I have a weird gap in my wardrobe. I have plenty of casual mom clothes (jeans, basic tees and sweaters, comfy shoes). My work wardrobe for a casual but conservative engineering office is jeans, cords, or cotton pants, "boring sweaters", and flats or conservative boots. And I love the rare opportunity to rock a cute dress and strappy heels. But for some strange reason, even before I had kids, I've struggled with what to wear for a dressy-casual night out, like to a restaurant or parties with other "grown ups". 

It's true!  Dressing way up is easy: dress, shoes, clutch, done.  Wearing yoga pants is easy.  But nailing the dressy-casual vibe in an effortless way is tough.  It's easy to go overboard and end up with something that feels too fussy, too "done".  Or, on the other side (like at a business casual office) you end up wearing all solid-color basics.  Snore.  

In the past, I've done both.  Neither is fun, neither feel like "me".  But there are a few pieces that I find myself reaching for time-and-time again, whenever I'm in the dressy-casual zone, be it work or Play* related.  Keep reading to see both the list, and how I'm mixing up my own pieces.

(Play = Big Girl playtime and involves cocktails, play = kiddo play and involves dirt)

 

Stylemint Nicholls Blazer | Mango Lace Tee | Ann Taylor Floral Blouse | M Missoni Skirt | Topshop Check Trousers | Steve Madden Instantt Ankle Booties | Calvin Klein Pumps

 

 

Keep reading for a full explanation of the list, as well as some example pics of how I've been mixing pieces like these...

TMRDNL: A High-End Designer For Moms? (And At Crazy-Affordable Prices)

Ok Mamas - it's my last shopping enabling post of the year.  But I must warn you:  This one will be especially hard to resist. 

Have you heard of TMRDNL?  It's the line designed by Tamar Daniel, an Israeli- British-American fashion designer who happens to live not far from me.  I had the opportunity to meet with her and see her line...and oh, my.  We're talking ah-mazing stuff.  Like...machine washable, scrunch down into a suitcase and still look amazing stuff. 

 

Tamar's design philosophy is one that us Mamas will relate to.  A mom herself, Tamar describes her collection as a "call to arms for dynamic real women, whose days are full of many facets, and whose outfits need to transition from boardroom to playgroup to date night and back again as seamlessly as they do. A versatile mix of easy, thoughtful pieces, the collection is truly a wardrobe for living."

Sing it, Sister.

 

But here's the bad news:  Tamar is moving on.  It turns out that designing an entire line is a ton of work (no kidding). And Tamar has something new and exciting in mind.  Personally, I'm heartbroken.  With gorgeousness like this...

...TMRDNL will be missed.   

But here's the silver lining, Mamas.  Tamar still has a few pieces in stock.  And they are taking up precious room in her storeroom.  You know where I'm going with this, right?  She'd like some help cleaning things away for the new year.  So pieces that typically retail for...oh...let's just say that they typically retail for prices that I cannot afford...are currently available in the $25 - $125 range.

Seriously.

Even better, Tamar is generously offering Ain't No Mom Jeans readers an additional 20% off with the code ANMJ.

Now...what to buy?

Well.  My most-worn piece to-date is the Intrigue Jacket, pictured above. It's machine-washable, nursing-friendly, and insanely comfortable.  The sleeves are made of a soft knit, so you have full range of motion for picking up the little ones - it feels like a comfy sweater.  Mine is a size larger than I typically go for, so it can be easily layered (even over another sweater, like above).  But when I wear it alone, the drapiness is such that it never looks too big!  This piece is seriously amazing.  It is currently retailing on Tamar's website for $99, and also comes in a longer (trench) version for $125.  The trench makes a gorgeous dress, especially for work.  (Easy to pump in, I'll bet.)  

Ready to see more? Ok...

Mom Street Style: Mary Makes Workwear "Work" At Home

Mamas, reader Mary sent us the following adorable pictures:

She wrote:  

Hello! My name is Mary, and I am the mother of three - 8 months, 2 years, and an almost 4 year old. I found your blog a few weeks ago via Camp Patton, and I have really enjoyed cruising around it since. I happened upon your Mom Street Style feature and thought, what the heck, I will save Molly from having to approach a random stranger : ) My oldest took these pics (and another million, in an attempt to get one or two that wasn't blurry) - I'm wearing Target super skinny black jeans, New York and Co white button down, 5 /48 charcoal grey boyfriend blazer (or similar), black embellished Franco Sarto flats (they have a tiny wedge - similar here)  and Citizen Eco Drive watch. Super comfy, nursing friendly, yet polished for running errands or what have you. 

Nice work, Mary!!  You've put old work basics to good use running around with the kiddos.  And is it just me, or are black jeans having a moment?  I've been LOVING mine...and they suddenly seem to be popping up everywhere. Amazing that they can look so sleek...yet still give off a rocker vibe. Here, Mary uses them to balance the preppy blazer & white shirt combo.  And the popped collars are so chic.  Nice. 

Mary, BTW, is a blogger herself.  She writes the blog, With My Sisters, as a way of keeping in touch.  "My sisters and I are close but geographically distant. I hope to use this space to share what I would if I were with my sisters - books, movies, fashion, makeup, recipes, random facts, life and love advice - you know, girl talk."  

Having a sister, I do know.  What fun.  And I love her seven quick style tips.

Also, in a totally unrelated note, I received an email a while back from a reader asking how to wear black/brown together.  Which I love.  But I'm betting other mamas out there are also rocking the black/brown.  Anyone want to add their two cents?  Send me a pic (and I'll give credit of course) and we'll see if we can pull together a whopper of a black/brown inspiration board.  

Mary, you fabulous Mama, thank you so much for writing in!!

xo,

S

Shopping Enabler: The Last Day of Anthropologie's 25% Off Sale

Feel like doing a little shopping, Mamas?  Here are my favorite items from Anthropologie's current sale (extra 25% off already marked down clothing):

 

NOTE:  Prices marked are BEFORE the extra 25% off discount...because I'm lazy....

 Wandering Wave Skirt, $49

So cute with a structured jacket for work, a cozy sweater and denim jacket for day, and a silky little top and faux-fur stole for night. 

 

Current/Elliott Slouchy Skinny, $139

These are easily my most favorite jeans ever.  Pajama-like softness, and a cross between a boyfriend jean and a skinny.  I'm wearing a version here...but I'm loving the patches on this pair.  These jeans are typically around $200!

Sleeveless PomPom Sweater, $149

This would be such a fun pooch-hiding sweater for the holidays!  Nursing mamas could wear it over a nursing shaper cami....or it would look mod-fabulous over a black turtleneck.

 

Glimmered Pointelle Pullover, $49

Yes - you read that right:  it's glimmery.  Think of this as the modern take on a Christmas sweater.  It looks cute as styled here...but I also love to pair luxe-looking sweaters like this with destroyed denim.  It would also be cute with a chiffon skirt and glitzy heels for holiday parties.  Did I mention that it comes in gold and silver as well?

 

Ruffled Trench Coat, $99

A cute little pregnant Mama at the boys' school showed up in this trench.  It was crazytown that day so I didn't get a picture, but I was able to learn where she bought it.  It looked so cute buttoned up over her little belly...and would be just as great for the rest of us.  One of the cutest trench's I've seen. 

ps.  This Devonshire Cape ($89) is also pretty fabulous.

Bubbled Bands Shirtdress, $89

Nursing Mamas, meet your perfect holiday dress.  Wear it buttoned up, as shown, or layer it over a cami and leave it a bit unbuttoned to show off a little cleavage (and your waist)!

I also thought this gorgeous black dress would be perfect for office parties ($89)...or this stunning red ($79) for random holiday festivities.

Happy shopping!!

xo,

S

Friday Thoughts....

Never have I seen so much rain, Mamas.  With inexplicably 80+ degree temps.  We're all...uh...steaming?  Is that the right cooking method?

Anyway, the best part about the Philly mainline is that the kiddos are free to play in the (relatively) clean street gutters.  Cause this would ne-eh-eh-ever happened downtown Denver:

 

I know you are wondering about the helmet.  (Or no one is, but I'll tell you anyway.)  P insists, basically.  If big brother is wearing a helmet (to bike, obvi), then P wears one.  Regardless of activity.

 

In any case, there are a few fun things I wanted to share....

Did you catch the article about the Dad who started wearing skirts as a show of solidarity to his son?  Nothing but awesome.  Made my whole day.  

This drool-worthy new maternity line has the most unexpected yet chic accessory:  beaded cuffs

Street Style photag Vanessa Jackman caught this little cutie in a big boy outfit, complete with striped socks and sandals.  Gotta love that.

I may actually buy a pair of Crocs for my guys.  Maybe.  This pair only.  (In black.)

Have you heard about that UnbabyMe app for Facebook?  The one that will delete all baby pictures from your Facebook feed?  It struck me as totally annoying and, well, mean.  Then I read MODG's response and laughed and laughed and laughed....love her.

Lastly, we've been busy blogging over at Mom.me.  M shows how to transition your summer dresses into Fall, I put together five Fall outfits that will do double-duty (work then playdate, for example) and highlighted 8 pieces that will help you hide a first trimester bump at the office. 

Enjoy your weekend!  Our last before Raines starts preschool. (sob!)

xo,

S

ps.  We have some giveaway winners to announce!  Congrats to Tamara of GlowingColor for winning the $50 J.Crew gift card!

And our Common Thread winner never materialized....so our new winner is  Alice McGuin!

Mamas, email us: aintnomomjeans@gmail.com so we can hook you up with your loot!

Pardon Me, But Do YOU Chino? *

The ANMJ Mamas Take on the Land's End Chino Challenge

Do you chino?  That is, um, wear chinos?  I have some plain, flat front khaki pants.  Sometimes I put them on.  They're soft.  They're comfortable.  They allow range of motion and look more polished than jeans.  But something about them is just so blaaaaaaaaAHaaaaaAHaaaah that I promptly take them off.  I'd probably wear them as a stop-gap on crazy mornings rushing out the door to the office with three babes in tow.  If I worked in an office, but I don't, and I've been happier with my fancy pant/denim rotation, so back to the very back of my closet my chinos go.

But I do now.  Chino, that is.

Mom Street Style | My Mama

Mamas, meet my mama.  She taught me how to love.  She taught me how to laugh.  She taught me how to pass on a two-lane highway, how to do my own laundry and how to walk away from boys who weren't very nice.  And she taught me how to dress.

So when she popped over last week on one of these 95+ degree days we've been having, looking cool and crisp in this effortlessly posh and oh-so-current shirt dress, I knew it was high time to feature Babs here on ANMJ Mom Street Style.  She's wearing an unknown maker gingham shirt dress, Chanel sunnies, sliver wedge Clark's sandals and an LV Palermo GM bag I've been coveting like crazy.

Shirt dresses are having yet another major moment.  They're practically papered over every collection this year, and this versatile, preppy staple is a great counterpoint to less structured summer dresses, confusing capris and shorts. 

Whether you're at work, running around town with the babes or meeting up with the fam for brunch, it's almost impossible to go wrong with a shirt dress.  And with the addition of a belted cardi or slim cut jacket and boots, it will take you through three seasons.  For a less conventional take, pair a shirt dress with a slouchy bag, shortie boots and a low slung belt.

 

- M.

 

Reader Q | What An Engineer Wears To Work in the Summer

Mamas, I recieved this email from reader Tracy:

Here's my challenge.  I'm an aerospace systems engineer (yes, you MAY call me Madame Rocket Scientist) in Pasadena, CA and I have no idea what to wear to work when the weather gets hot.  Oh, did I mention California?  Yes, it will be 80-105 degrees here from now until November.  That's half a year by my Excel spreadsheet calculations.  My workplace is actually pretty casual, but the managers certainly dress nicer, and I've always heard you should dress like who you aspire to be at work.  So, what to wear when skin is in season at the beach/park, but no so for those of us sweltering in their desk chair? Cut-offs, short skirts, flip flops, maxi dresses (any that scream "I'd rather be on a tropical island than here in this meeting with all of you!), bare arms, etc. are really not options.  And, I am of course up to my elbows in mommy-mode (and other disgustingness) immediately before and after work so everything has to be kiddo friendly. 

 

Tracy, I have a soft spot in my heart for geeks.  Geeks who mention aerospace, spreadsheets and fashion?  We should be BFFs.

As you know, engineering is a funny field from a dress-code perspective.  It's not as conservative, as, say, some crusty old law firm, but neither is it consider creative, like marketing or a hip ad agency.  And while my company flirted with a denim dress code in the heady dot-com days, the pendulum seems to be swinging back to fairly conservative roots. 

Personally, I tend to favor a professional look, with touches of casual ease thrown in (especially in the summer).  Here's a weeks worth of outfits:

MONDAY:  Cheap, Modest, Summer Dresses

(wearing:  Target dress, J. Crew belt, Marc Jacobs heels)

A few of my favorite places to find cotton summer dresses include Target, Shabby Apple, Modcloth, and  Forever 21.  Look for classic cuts with a bit of a sleeve in dark, conservative colors.  I keep them professional with belts and closed-toe heels, and add cardigans (or blazers) to battle the air conditioning.  The second I leave work I strip off the outer layer, and just run around in what is really just a cheap little cotton summer dress.  Sometimes I'll even change into flip-flops.  

NOTE:  When buying cheap, you sometimes sacrifice fit.  The Target dress above cost me $24, plus another $40 in alterations.  Considering how many times I've worn what became a $64 dress, the CPW (cost-per-wear) is still in the pennies.