Ain't No Mom Jeans

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.

The Three Fall Transition Outfits I Can't Stop Wearing

We had a fabulous Labor Day weekend.  Saturday, we went to the shore (natch) and on Sunday?  It rained.  I mean the heavens opened and it poured.  Great, big, fat, sopping-wet raindrops.  And we loved it.  We splashed in puddles (Pax rolled in them) and then we all came inside for hot chocolate and pancakes.  A perfect way to welcome September.

Raines starts pre-school week after next, and already my mind is turning to cool nights, crunching leaves and that slightly smokey smell of Fall air.  Ooooo....so excited.

However, the temps are staying firmly in the 80's over here.  With cah-razy humidity.  So here's what I've been wearing to satisfy my Fall cravings, without drowning in sweat.  

Swap Cut-Offs For Cold-Weather Shorts, Add Booties

You know I love my cut-offs.  But on days when I'm really craving Fall, I swap 'em out for something more substantial.  Personally, I love faux-leather (mine were $15 from Forever 21), but a cool tweed short would also work.  Add ankle boots for a perfect early-Fall pairing.

My boys have suddenly turned crazytown.  They never, EVER, stop.

(wearing: tee from Anthropologie, faux-leather shorts from Forever 21, Clarks booties - similar here, fringe bag from Piperlime - similar here)

 

Fall Basics 101: A Starter Mom-Drobe

Mamas!  Fall is around the corner, and we're juuust about ready to start talking Fall trends.  In September. So stay tuned.

However, each time we start discussing trends here on Ain't No Mom Jeans, our inboxes flood with requests from Mamas asking us about the basics.  

Reader Lauren wrote in:

"...my clothes are woefully worn, outdated, and too big.  I've been saving money for a "reward" shopping spree when I hit my goal weight, and that day is coming quickly.  I feel overwhelmed with where to start with my buying, though; I literally need a whole new wardrobe."

Reader Kammy agrees: 

"I'm a long-time reader, but am ashamed to admit that my wardrobe has consisted of the same sweatpants and tank tops since my first son was born over 3 years ago. I'm ready to dress like a grown up, but am feeling so completely overwhelmed!  I've glanced back through your mom-drobe series, but I am still feeling so lost and just don't know where to start!"

And by the sheer number of requests we've recieved over the last two years, these Mamas aren't alone.  

So.  Before we start yapping about trends, let's talk basics.  Below I have gathered up 14 key pieces that can be considered a cornerstone of any Mama's wardrobe.  These items represent only the business of being moms (including a simple date night look).  Black-tie event?  No.  Workin' Out?  Nope.  Going to the office??  Not unless your workplace is very casual.  But for trips to the park, days at the museum, afternoons running errands...this is your starting point.  

DISCLAIMER:  The starter mom-drobe shown below is based on my style sensibility.  Which may not be yours.  That's OK.  This list is intended to be inspiration for the types of pieces to look for, not necessarily the exact pieces.  

 

Wear Now and Into Fall: The Chiffon Maxi Skirt, 3 Ways

 

Mamas, it feels like I have spent the last 4+ years wearing nothing but jeans and cut-offs.  Which, you know, is kinda my thing.  But in the days leading up to my sister's wedding, as I (repeatedly) got all gussied up, I realized something:  I like pretty.  

But in the case of a chiffon maxi skirt, 'pretty' doesn't translate very well to messy art projects or playground time, or even walking if steps are involved.  Sorry honey - Mum can't hold your hand, she has too much skirt.  Good luck with those stairs, though!

But you know what, Mamas?  Some days...I just don't care.  Some days I don't want to lug around diapers, I don't want to wear flat shoes, and some days I just want to put on a pretty skirt. 

Obviously these days will require either a nanny, a husband, or children who calmly watch movies while their crazy mother swans around in chiffon. 

Luckily for me, my I NEED PRETTY DAY fell on a Saturday.  And Mike humors loves me.  So out we went - the four of us (Mike carried the diapers). We just walked around, got some ice cream, had a beer.  And you know what?  It really wasn't bad.  I was still able to be involved and have fun.

Reader Q | Recommendations for Flirty Yet Modest Summertime Dressing?

Mamas, when we received the following reader question about modest summertime dressing, I was stumped.  There are many words to describe my style....but modest isn't one of them.  Most of the time my bra is hanging out (even my work shirts tend to be low), my shorts are usually inches away from dangerous territory, and I'm generally confused by the boobs or legs rule and usually end up going with both.  TA DAAAA!

My theory?  Flat shoes make up for a lot of skin.

But I had the best of intentions, Mamas.  I thought about the modest question and was all "oooo, maybe I'll try dressing modestly for ONE WHOLE WEEK!  I'll do a fashion experiment, blah, blah..."  So I busted out some turtlenecks and gypsy skirts and mom capris and then - THANKFULLY - saw an email from Style With Shannon.  Fellow mom-blogger Shannon specializes in modest fashion and was happy to take a crack at our reader's question.  And guess what?  Her style is fabulous, flirty, fun...and modest?  Crazy, I know. 

Reader Question:

I'm an LDS (aka: Mormon) mommy of three little cuties.  Our religion is a strong advocate of modesty (not too high, not too see-through, not too low), in a world that's not-so-modest. Hence my dilemma.  I wholeheartedly support modesty, but my advocacy doesn't make it ANY easier finding cute, stylish mommy gear.  I LOVE your style!  And while most of it I can wear, some things I can't... like super-low (way cute, btw) v-neck shirts.  And yet, I know those shirts are also very flattering to a small chest (another problem of mine)... so what's the compromise?  I hate the look of your basic white t-shirt under a v-neck shirt--it's so lame!  Where I live, that is what we Mormon Mommies are subjected to day in and day out, especially come summer, and it's getting out of control!  Away with the underneath shirts I say!  And while we're at it: Boo to khaki cargo capris!

Help the Mormon Mommies think outside of the box! :)

Sincerely,

Modestly Frustrated.

 

Shannon's Answer:

Being a modest dresser myself I can understand how hard it is to find something stylish and covered up in the summer! But I do have a few tips on how to stay cool and look stylish at the same time.

1. Layering

 Ok, living in Utah I know what you are talking about with the white "Shade" shirts that EVERYONE wears under EVERYTHING. Instead, try a collared shirt under a sleeveless dress.

Enjoy Your Last July Weekend...

 

Oh Mamas.  We have been having so much fun.  There's just something ah-mazing about summer.  Perhaps it's the lack of responsibility, or just the sense that these unscheduled days are fleeting...but we've been thoroughly enjoying our days.  The downside?  Bedtime is 11PM.  11PM!!!  IknowIknowIknow!  In my defense, we're so far north (U.P. what-what) that the sun doesn't set until after 10PM.  Thankfully, both boys are rolling with it for the most part, so I've decided not to stress too much (even while I try to inch it back to something less crazytown).  

My sister gets married next weekend, so things will start to get crazy for us.  Happily, Mike will fly in again for the wedding.  We have MISSED him.  The next time you hear from me, I'll hopefully have some adorable pics to share (R is the ringbearer....think bow-tie, suspenders and a fedora.  Yessssss.)

Some good stuff:

Love this mom & daughter pic that the Sartorialist captured.  

The Style Bakery has recommendations for the best strapless bras for full busts.

You know those ugly plastic cars for kids?  They are usually bright red and yellow, and work like Flinstone cars?  Yes?  The Rookie Moms have a solution to make them cooler.  It's hysterical.  Yet brilliant.

Still looking for a swimsuit?  Girl's Gone Child covered some awesome post-partum friendly suits...and ANMJ favorite Sirens Swimwear has just restocked their fab line of retro suits and bikinis.

This post on Design Mom inspired me to set up a Pinterest board on the best pjs and loungewear.  This Mamas luuvs her jammies.  Let me know if you find anything gorgeous. 

Carrie from the Parenting Passageway wrote an article that brought tears to my eyes: I Hate The Mother that I Am.  Once I became a mother of two (and/or once R turned three - they happened simultaneously) being a mum became so much harder.  There have certainly been times I've watched myself handle situations with my boys and thought WTH?  Who am I?  FOR SHAME.  Carrie speaks from such a place of love and encouragement that I find myself buoyed by her words.  Certainly worth a read on those darker days of motherhood.

Are you getting Olympic fever?  Me too.  I'm loving Gap's vintage Olympic tees.  The women's version is surprisingly drapey and flattering (and Paris ahhhhh)...but I'm also loving the ones for little boys. Tokyo is my fav.

 Go USA!

xo,

S

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.

 

Fourth of July Style

If there's ever a time to dress thematically, it's the Fourth of July, Mamas.  Christmas sweaters--and I know this from experience--can be a slippery slope: it starts out when you pick one up for an ironic ugly Christmas sweater party. 

As the season progresses, even when you don't have an ugly Christmas sweater party to attend, and overwhelmed with the spirit of the season, you may find yourself reaching for said ugly Christmas sweater.  Ironically.  Of course.  But when you venture out of your holiday bubble into the real world, you will notice people snickering at you--not quite behind your back. 

Not so for this Fourth of July wear.  With the Americana trend still pretty well in full swing, you'll be able to proudly, and patriotically, wear any of these pieces separately.

 

 

Fourth of July Style by dynamama featuring cotton short shorts

Here's to fireworks, barbecues and the Fourth of July, Mamas--have a great holiday!

- M.

Mom Street Style | Miss Cassandra's Chic Head Wrap and Non-Maternity Wear

Do you know one of those mamas who somehow, no matter what, always has a huge smile on her face, never raises her voice and always looks good?  Like, even though she works with 15-20 little kids ages 2-1/2- to 5-years-old, five days a week, then goes home to her own family of five (soon to be six!), and takes care of them, too?  No?  Yeah, they're kind of few and far between. 

Meet Miss Cassandra.  H's fabulous preschool assistant teacher.  She is kind.  She is patient.  She is invariably (but not gratingly!) cheerful, and she always looks amazing, but ready to play.  Even at 32 weeks pregnant in non-maternity wear at the end of a loooong day.

Reader Question | A Review of Saltwater Sandals For Moms

Reader Question:

Hi!

Maybe you've covered this before but do you or any of the good readers have Saltwater sandal experience? I think they look like the perfect "mom sandal" without looking too "mommy" -- if you catch my drift. I'm just now sure how to style them without looking terribly Birkenstocky?

I'm itching to order some ...

Thanks!

Grace

Answer:

Grace, do you mean these little babies?

I've been hearing all sorts of buzz about Saltwater sandals...so when I received your email, I figured that it was time to give them a closer look.  And seriously - $42?  

But online reviews are all over the place.  Some love them (and claim total comfort), and some complain that they are wide and unflattering.  So I ordered a pair to try and clear up the confusion.  In red. (funfunfun!!)

(wearing: Clu dress - similar here, Target fedora, Mike's Tissot watch, Saltwater sandals in red)

They are wider than most of my sandals.  But with that (tiny) extra width comes some serious comfort.  I was actually shocked (shocked!!) at how. seriously. comfortable. these sandals are.

I mean, don't get me wrong - these aren't running shoes or anything - but they feel like the sturdy, well-made yet soft leather sandals that we all wore as kids.  

Wait a minute - these are the sturdy-yet-soft sandals we all wore as kids.   And I could feel the leather softening up more as I walked.  Nice. 

In terms of styling...pretty much anything goes, I think.  I loved mine with dresses, shorts...and YES.  My Spring momiform that you all know and are sick of love:

(wearing: Levi's 535 leggings in diver dark wash , Saltwater sandals, James Perse scoop neck tee in size 3, bracelets from Macy's, Salt Hathaway sunnies)

Grace, I think you'd be hard pressed to give off a birkenstocky vibe. If anything, these can look...young.  When paired with my black twirly dress, I felt better balanced with a fedora and serious watch, as opposed to accessorizing with, say, a charm necklace or something.  So, you know...stay away from hair scrunchies when rocking your Saltwaters.  

Saltwater sandals can be found at Zappos, but if you are looking for some in a gorgeous tan or brown color, Hoy's full range can be found here.  $42 for an insanely cute, surprisingly comfy sandal.  Wow.  I guess 50 years of experience really does make a difference.  

These might just be my top mom-friendly sandal pick for the summer.

Thanks for writing in, Grace!!

xo,
S

ps.  Mamas, I know some of you are probably rocking your Saltwater sandals right now!  (Amy, I'm talking to you...) feel free to leave us a comment with a link to a pic of you in your Saltwaters.....