Ain't No Mom Jeans

How We Wear It: A Ladylike Cardigan!

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 I), 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?  

 

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.

 

Trend Update: The New Puffer Vest

Mamas, I talked about my love of puffer vests for pooch-hiding reasons last winter, here.  And while puffer vests are often made fun of...

One popular example is the performance vest which solves the age old problem of cold chest hot arms. 

                                                                                            ---- from Stuff White People Like

...I've noticed that puffer vests are still going strong (probably because we all hate that cold chest, hot arm syndrome amiright?).  In fact, puffy vests are getting chic little upgrades.  A patch of tweed, perhaps, some leather trim.  Or even...chambray?

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:

Holiday Style: Glam Up Your Momiform (AKA Your Daily Mom Uniform)

Mamas, this is so similar to Sex Up A Day Dress.  Basically, just grab a bunch of glitzy-glam accessories, and pile 'em on!  Add high heels and a clutch, of course.  

The thing about this styling tip that I really, really like is this:  It forces you out of an accessory rut.

Since I really found my own personal style during the minimalist 90's...I tend to be accessory adverse.  If I adorn, it's usually with one statement piece.  Add a belt too?  Crazytown.  I tend to live by that old advice, "look in the mirror and remove one accessory".  It's Coco Chanel, for crying out loud.  How can that be bad?

  The thing is...whenever you start any fashion rule with "always"...you're eventually going to get yourself in trouble.  At some point, somewhere, your own rule will hold you back.  At best, it'll hold you back from experimentation, at worst...15 years later you'll realize that no one else wears hair scrunchies anymore.  Know what I mean?

So experiment.  Especially during the holiday season.  The holidays are filled with so much stuff:  lights, tinsel, glitter, shiny objects, bows, ribbons, BAM BAM POW....you really can't overdo it.  You'll just look...festive.  

So here's how I used a little BAM BAM POW to transform my typical daily momiform into something ready to party...

(wearing Playground:J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Black Watch $68, Levi's 535 skinnies on sale for $35, old boots but found similar on sale for $119)

(wearing Party: shirt above, Stylemint Lola black skinnies $60, Aerosoles Tapestry Pumps in red suede on sale for $49, vintage bag - similar at Target $15, headband is ancient but am loving this one for $38, old Chan Luu necklace but think this would be MUCH better)

A few notes:

• See my statement necklace?  It's hard to see, isn't it?  Like I mentioned the other day, I really need a new one.  The ideal situation is when there's enough contrast between your shirt and your necklace to really make the jewels pop. Dark-on-dark lacks oomph.  
• I love how clean a button-down + necklace looks when buttoned all the way up to the top.  HOWEVER...it's important to show some skin.  So roll up the sleeves.
• Because this outfit is so casual, you can get away with a fancy updo, and still not look stuffy.  (If that's your thing.  I am hair-styling challenged, so I wore mine down.)  It would be fun to see a fancy french twist with a sparkly comb sticking out.  

 

I also asked Cam how she'd take her daily momiform out on the town.  She came back with "how about a graphic tee?"

Yesssssss.  

 (wearing Day: A+ro sweater or similar on sale, Forever 21 tee or similar $15, Jbrand jeggings $118, Steve Madden Troopa boots $99, Timi & Leslie Diaper Bag $155)

(wearing Night:  Forever 21 tee or similar $15, Jbrand jeggings$118, Forever 21 blazer - S loves this one, Express clutch or similar $25, earrings DIY, bracelets Old Navy, Target wedges $30) 

 

There's lots to love about Cam's outfit...here's what jumps out:

• A blazer adds instant sophistication.  Even with a graphic tee, she looks ready to go Out (with a capitol "O").
• Because she's so covered up, I love that she shows a little wrist and ankle.  In fact, her skinnies are so perfectly hemmed (sheistall*cough*amodel*cough)...that I want to run right out to the tailor.
• Again, check out the glitz:  big-girl earrings, shiny bag, glam cuff
• See her shoes? They are colorful, without "matching".  The lesson?  Don't over-think it. 

 

And MAN...that girl can rock a sexy look.  I need to take notes.  After Wednesday's sex-kitten-gone-wrong pose, I attempted to redeem myself.  "Mike, does this look sexy?" I asked:

"Sure, Babe" he responds, shrugging his shoulders.  And then seeing the look on my face he quickly corrects, "I mean YEAH!  Sexy!  Yeah!"

Sigh.  Clearly, I need to practice Cam's glare.  So. Awesome.

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

 

 

 

 

Shop Your Closet: Winterize Your Maxi Dress

I know we've talked about winterizing maxi dresses before.  And I especially loved reader Amber's method for shortening hers.  But.  Sometimes, the details matter.  And if you don't have that one specific necklace, or a jacket *quite* like the one in your inspiration pic...the outfit doesn't seem to come together.  

This was the case with my stand-by J.Crew maxi.  I just couldn't seem to winterize it in an interesting, yet comfortable way.  And then I found these old pics.

These pics are actually from last Fall.  I had somehow forgotten to post them.  Even worse, I also forgot the styling that I had already worked out.  Sigh.  Mom brain?  I suspect that the whole skirt knotting thing must have been in the back of my mind when I was styling Sarah's maternity maxi dress recently.

Anyway.  My issue with this particular maxi dress is that when covered up, it's pretty snooze-worthy.  The fabulous drape gets lost, as does the waist, as does the sexy flash of bare shoulder.  Additionally, I have trouble with boots and maxi dresses.  Sandals always work, but boots?  So often they look strange.  And nothing was cohesive.  It looked like I was wearing a very boring, too-summer-y dress with a long cardigan and clumpy shoes.  I hate when my outfits scream I AM DETERMINED TO WEAR THIS SUMMER DRESS IN WINTER BECAUSE I AM A CREATIVE FASHION BLOGGING TYPE. 

You know?

(wearing: J.Crew Aimee Maxi dress and scarf, ancient long cardigan and belt, Banana Republic boots - but am thinking these would be rad, fringed bag - another cool one, Plush tights)

 

So here's the thing:  The knot helps to reveal that I'm actually wearing cute boots.  This year, I'll probably swap out the tall boots for ankle booties.  But either one works.

The belt helps to define my waist (even under a washed-too-many-times cardigan) and the ruggedness of the belt keeps things cohesive.  The overall take-away is Fall, not Summer-wanting-to-be-Fall.

A cute bag and a woolly scarf tie finish off the look.

Mamas, are you still wearing your maxi dresses?  Any other styling ideas?

xo,

S

Fall Trend: Leather (For Mamas!!)

Have ya heard, Mamas?  Leather is huge this season.  Whether you rock it in small doses, or go hardcore-hot-Mama in leather jackets/pants...without a doubt, leather makes an impact.  Leather can make even the meekest Mama look like a badass.  

Think of leather as our version of a superhero cape. DA DAH DAHN!

Scared?  Don't be.  I'm the world's biggest wardrobe wimp (if it's uncomfortable in the slightest, I'm not interested) and have a couple of leather styling tricks up my sleeve.  

Scored a Fab Dress at Target? Awesome. Now Here's How To Wear It Without Looking Like Everybody Else...

Mamas, you know Target's designer collaborations, right?  Have you ever scored an item before it's sold out?  Perhaps a printed tunic from the Tucker collab, or my little red and navy dress from Jason Wu?  Well here's the thing:  everyone's got one.  So when reader Samira asked if she could guest post on ways to keep your Target score fresh, I was all. over. it.  Yes, please.

*********

Kirna Zabete for Target is here!  It’s been a lower-key launch than say, the Missoni collection (!!!), but that is a very good thing for us humble shoppers.  This collaboration may not have as high a profile, but it does have the combined eye of two excellent clothing curators, Beth Buccini and Sarah Easley.  Designer taste on a Target budget: always a win.  

Unfortunately the upside of Target collabs (so available!) is also the downside: so available.  Many of us interested in fashion on a budget will be adding these pieces to our wardrobes in the coming weeks.  Take this pretty floral dress for example:

Kirna Zabete For Target Long Sleeve, Tie Front Floral Dress, $45

 

It’s gorgeous, it’s washable (hey, polyester) and it’s the kind of dress you might think you have to rock-paper-scissors your girlfriend for.  Nope, even if you both get one  (S's Note:  Hear that, Mol??)  you could mix it up in some very different ways—all of them low-key.

Here are three ways to keep your Target dress fresh:

Reader Question | How to Style Frye Moto Boots - Prettily

Reader Question:

Ladies,

Last fall I fell under the spell of one of your posts and ordered myself a (second...ahem!) pair of Frye boots - these boots, as a matter of fact. I love them. But I didn't and don't know how to wear them. In order to justify the percentage of my nearly non-existent clothing budget that they took, I need to wear them every day of winter and fall for the next approximately twenty-five years. I am plumpish and 5'4. I like to wear dresses and tights and leggings, and find that they look good with the shorter lengths. But I need more outfits! How do I wear them with different styles of jeans? How do I not look too masculine/punk in them? How do I make them look like the everyday shoe I need them to be for me?

Help? Thanks!

Axon

P.S. Love you guys! 

Answer:

Axon, I feel you Mama.  Boots like these really stand up to the babies in all weather, all kid-gunk situations, and they truly are classics.  But you're right, the vibe can be kind of tough, and a bit masculine, or too punk if you don't think out your styling before hand.