Ain't No Mom Jeans

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: Try A Monochrome Palette (Especially in White...)

There's something about white that just feels so...fancy.  And it's totally unexpected during the holiday season.  I've been feeling all chic snow-princess in my all-white ensembles against a a vast sea of little black dresses, sleek black coats, and dark denim.  It's fun.  

Shop Your Closet: Pile on the Plaids (Even if they don't match)

Trying too hard almost always backfires for me.  Like when I try to match.  In any way.   I end up looking too matchy-matchy or just...off.  And feeling horribly uncomfortable.  My best outfits are often the ones I just threw together.  So when I came across the following Gap ad...well. 

Unknown Gap Stylist, thank you for saving me from myself.

I love this idea.  And really, with all of the mixed prints lately...why not?  Especially when you can anchor the look with rockin' black denim.

 (wearing: Stylemint Waverly Shades, $30, and Lola skinnies in black,$60, J.Crew flannel - similar style, J.Crew men's wool plaid scarf - similar, MIA Buckaroo boots, now sold out, but here are ones with a similar fold-over for only $109)

 

Throwing a plaid scarf over a flannel is obviously taking the easy way out.  So this past weekend, when shopping with my mama (yay!) I doubled up on plaid flannels:

Skinny denim haters, this outfit is for you

(wearing:  J.Crew flannel - similar style, Cropped plaid from Vintage Havana - similar here by LNA, Mother Denim "The Drama' High Waist Flares, $220, Dansko Rhianna boots, a few sizes are available here for $107, or try the Nakita boot, $195 for a similar heel and studded toe, my fringe bag is old...here's a similar one from Threadsense.)

So in summary, when it comes to super-soft cozy flannel...more is more?  Yeah, baby.  Color me plaid.

xo,

S

Reader Q | Cute and Comfy Dress For Thanksgiving?

Question:

Hi Mamas,

First, I can't thank you enough for all of your style advice - boy, do I sure need it!  Yours is one of the first emails I open each morning.  And even though my husband doesn't always appreciate the shopping-enabling, he does appreciate having a wife who looks a little cuter since discovering your blog!

Anywho, I could really use your help with a Thanksgiving style problem.  Hubs and I trade years with family at the holidays and this year we trek from cold, rainy Seattle to cold, foggy San Francisco to spend the holiday with my clan.  First time on an airplane with both kids - yikes!  So my family always dresses up at holidays and I literally have nothing to wear.  I've been investing in the SAHM wardrobe and have cute jeans, tall boots in brown and black and cozy drapey sweaters, but for actual Thanksgiving, my only few dressy clothes consist of outdated work attire from when I was a CPA pre-kids three years ago and one very tired Banana Republic Factory store dress that I've worn over every Christmas and Thanksgiving for three years as I've gone pregnant, post-partum, repeat.  My sister will disown me if I show up in that thing again.

So I need a dress.  Or else skirt and sweater, but buying just one thing seems less intimidating.  And I have zero shoes beyond my boots, Toms and cute sneaks.  Something that went with tall, flat camel boots would be awesome.  Otherwise, I guess I'm buying shoes, too.  I need something fairly casual and warm since my family members keep the A/C continually cranked at their house.  I'm still nursing, but only a few times during the day, so access is not a must.  I've lost the baby weight, so the dress doesn't have to be major pooch hiding, but on Thanksgiving doesn't everyone need to hide their turkey and pie baby by the end of the day?

Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thank you so much for your help!

J

Answer:

Yes.  The answer to your "pie baby" question is a resounding YES.  At least in this household. So J...let's do this thing.  God forbid your sister disown you (I have a sister too, and totally get it).  DISCLAIMER:  I'm assuming that by "dressing up" you mean that everyone is expected to look nice in general.  If your clan is more Grayson Global* than Modern Family, let me know and I'll give you a few ideas offline. 

But for us Modern Family types...here are three cute outfits that would be totally appropriate for all kinds of Thanksgiving festivities...including an extra helping (or two) of pumpkin pie.  

Casual Dress, Glam Jewelry

I love this sweatshirt dress.  Add a chic statement necklace and voila! It's festive.  Let cozy socks with a bit of color peek out over the top of your boots. 

James Perse Raglan Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress, $135 | Spring St Design Group Deco Statement Necklace, $58

Corso Como Rena Boot, $199 | Free People Vintage Over-the-Knee Socks, $20

 Nursing Mamas!  This James Perse neckline *might* stretch (most do)....but if you need more access, try Michael Stars Shine Shirred dress in Cinnamon.  Swap the necklace for this cool art deco cuff bracelet, and try the socks in the darker navy or even black.

 

Pretty Tunic, Leather Leggings, Fur Vest

Really.  This is such a glam way to dress up.  And so stretchy!  Between the cut of the top and the faux-fur, that pie baby will be covered, and you'll be warm. 

 ASOS Warehouse Spot Print Tunic, $74 (or this dress, for more bum coverage) | Banana Republic Faux Fur Vest, $125 | Topshop Faux-leather legging just sold out...but Target has these for $30! | Corso Como Rena Boot, $199

 

A Mod Little Shift Dress

Shift dresses are funny things.  They skim the curves, yet manage to hide little food babies.  Plus, a girl in a shift always looks put-together...making them pretty. darn. perfect. for Thanksgiving.  

Make sure the length is on the shorter side.  This keeps the vibe mod, especially with tall boots.  Add opaque tights and a turtleneck if you are very cold. (Or swap the turtleneck for a slim-cut chambray shirt.  All the hipsters do it.)

Madewell Photoflower Shift Dress, $150 | J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck, $40 | Corso Como Rena Boot, $199

 

Nursing mama?  Try this shift dress instead from Anthropologie (Drool. Worthy.), or this lower cost one from the Gap.

I hope this helps, J!  Thanks for writing in!

xo,

S

ps.  How are my price points, Mamas?  I usually try to include a wider range, but I haven't been impressed with our low-cost retailers lately.  (Old Navy had a shockingly good fall, but are now sold out of all the good stuff.)  So I tried to focus on pieces that could be worn again&again&again...instead of just some cheap holiday dress.  Thoughts?  Was this a hit or miss?

*I'm a huge Revenge fan. 

Shop Your Closet: Wear Black and Navy...Deliberately

(wearing: Stylemint Lola Jeans in black, an old Theory button-down - similar, cropped navy sweater from Ann Taylor - similar, Mia Buckaroo Boots - can be found on eBay...or I'd wear these in a heart-beat)

Mamas, we just spent the most ah-mazing week in Baltimore.  Have you been?

Mike was there all week on business, staying at some fancy-schmancy hotel we'd never normally afford (*cough $300 a night *cough)...so my choices were thus:

1.  Stay at home for a week - alone with the boys -  while they whined for Dad

2.  Go and play all day long in the kid-wonderland that is Baltimore

Easy decision.  But I was on strict orders from Mike:  "Babe - you can only come if you ask me for nothing all week.  I'm serious - NOTHING."

Um...OK.  Geez.  Like I'm high-maintenance or something. (Says the girl who routinely wakes her husband up at 3AM for a glass of water.)

But anyway. We all went, I asked Mike for nothing, and we all had a blast.  After Mr. Important was done  with his week-long meeting, he joined us for playtime.  And boy, that aquarium sure is somethin'.

Of course, you are more interested in the outfit. Black and navy.  Together.  Like you mean it. 

I kinda loved it.  It felt....sophisticated?  No, that's not quite the word I want.  It felt cool, but in a French-girl kinda way.  Gamine!  That's it.  I felt positively gamine.  Hence the attempt at fancy eyeliner.

And Mamas, I'm wearing Stylemint's new skinny jeans.  They came out a while ago, but didn't look like much online.  The online pics make them look almost baggy at the ankles.  So I ignored them.  HOWEVER...they are only $60, so in the interest of "research" I caved.  And am so glad I did.  I've barely taken them off since.  

Anyway, I've been warming up to the whole navy-and-black thing since last fall when Emerson Frye styled their fab navy peacoat with black skinnies (see it here on Pinterest).  I think the key is to go all-in.  I like the pop of white to make the black/navy color distinction clear.  (Gray, I think, would also work.)

I wore this outfit several times last week, including on our playdate with Mike.  It's one of the few outfits that went from day-to-night effortlessly, without high heels.  Bonus.  

(I'm also patting myself on the back because the navy sweater was an Ann Taylor sale rack steal for $4!!  And the white shirt is a old work standby that hasn't been touched in a looong time.  Love making use of old clothes.)

What do you think, Mamas?  Is navy and black in your future?  And who else LOOOOVES Baltimore??  We're planning a trip back in December to see the Polar Express in 4D (you feel wind, rain, etc.)  Wanna join?

xo,

S

Reader Q | How to Style a Long, Knit Vest?

Reader Q:

Hello! I look forward to your posts everyday and have gotten some great ideas from you site. I am having an issue with a new piece in my wardrobe - can you tell me how to style a long sleeveless sweater vest/cardigan for work and play? Thanks!  

FYI - like this one... 

 

Answer:

Mamas, this question had me stumped.  I couldn't come up with anything inspired, or fresh, or even all that good.  Even worse, I don't own a vest like this (though I do own a few cozy vests), so I couldn't even play around, waiting for inspiration to strike. Granted, my head has been elsewhere (Fall trends last month, leggings and  Clark desert booties this month)...but regardless, on the vest front I was totally, completely lost.

But do you remember, a month or so back, when I was featured on Life in Mod?  Well.  The blogger behind it, Camille, is a gorgeous Mama, and one of those incredibly creative, DIY sorts.  I emailed her, asking for her take on this reader question.  Thankfully, she came up three fabulous options.

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.  

Fall Trend: Ankle Booties (And How To Wear Them)

Mamas!  The easiest way to give your old standbys a modern spin?  Yup - the ankle bootie.  These guys aren't new...in fact, two years ago, a very pregnant me wrote an article called The Short Boot Dilemma...where I tried to figure out how the heck to wear the various short boots that were popping up.

Well.  Two years later, I'm happy to say that I've figured it out.  Feel free to applaud.  Two years in the making, baby.  TWO.

Ok.  Here's what's working for me:

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: