Ain't No Mom Jeans

Shopping: Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale

2013-05-22T19:55:43-06:00

Mamas! The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for women and kids is happening now. Here are a few things that caught my eye. (Like the soft, printed jacket above - You know me and soft jackets. I've had my eye on that one for months.)

Last year, a few readers complained that I didn't feature enough tops. Voila! Tops!

1. A Perfect Chambray (on sale for $31)

It's surprisingly hard to get chambray right. I like mine slightly oversized, not too washed out, and boyfriend-y...yet still feminine.

2. The most perfect striped top (on sale for $70)

Like, ever.

3. Bird Print Shirt (on sale for $23)

Some prints can look too teenagery...but birds? Birds are just cool.

4. An awesome Aztec-print top (on sale for $65)

Love this print. Would also be a great pooch-hider.

5. Tie Dye Cable Knit Sweater (on sale for $100)

I mean really. Enough said.

6. A truly strange shirt that I totally love (on sale for $32)

This one might save me from my plaid problem.

7. A super cute windbreaker (on sale for $50)

Perfect for those yoga-pants-all-day kind of days.

8. A Flirty Summer Dress (on sale for $64)

Sassy, orange, and just long enough to be kid-proof. Love this.

9. Denim Jacket Meets Sweatshirt (on sale for $32)

HOLD THE PHONE! Denim jacket + sweatshirt sleeves? OMG I think my heart just skipped a beat.

10. A bright maxi (on sale for $47)

So glamorous and pretty.

11. Seriously cool printed jeans (on sale for $120)

And it's like a starter print for the fearful.

12. A coral and turquoise scarf??? (on sale for $29)

How did they know it was my favorite color combo? Awww...Nordies. You guys are the best.

13. Bright Pucci Sunnies (on sale for $119)

These also come in a few other shades....I'm really intrigued by the green....and these red/pink ones.

They have a decent shoe sale going on, but I didn't find anything that made me gasp. I think the big shoe sale is in July/Aug (their anniversary sale), and that's when you can score some amazing Frye deals. I am considering this Myron Boot (on sale for $118) because I love how these are not quite cowboy...but are kinda cowboy? But cooler than cowboy. Man, I might be over-thinking this one.

BTW, thanks for the feedback on the awkward mom shorts. I'll keep messing around with longer lengths, but those babies are going back to being rolled short-shorts.

MWAH!

My Summer Mom-Uniform Edit

2013-05-21T19:58:29-06:00

Awkward Mom shorts. That's my summer momiform edit.

No, not really.

(wearing: tee...belt c/o Lucky Brand...shorts - old, but here's the same style in brown...sandals -awesomely comfortable...bracelets - old Chan Luu but here's my new fav and Lindsay Bloom gold bangles...backpack)

I've been playing around with different lengths of shorts...but the jury is still out, Mamas. I'm not sure I love this mid-length. I'll probably go back to rolling them up.

Anyway, my summer momiform (heck, my year-round momiform) consists of some kind of tee (give or take sleeves, depending on the season) plus denim. Like I mentioned last year in our Summer Style Rules article, I primarily rely on a cool shoe + bag combo to keep things interesting in the summer months. (If you missed it, my 2013 sandal picks are here...and bags picks are coming soon!)

But I have two accessory additions to the summer momiform this year: patterned belts and statement sunglasses.

I've been amassing a little collection of belts-found-on-sale. J.Crew is great for this...but in-store only. For some reason, their online selection isn't that great.

(wearing: silk cami...jacket c/o TMRDNL...J.Crew belt - similar...Madewell shorts (go up a size) - in a darker color...wedges -similar)

Also? Lucky Brand for cool, embroidered belts. Their selection seriously blows me away. They were kind enough to send me one...I picked size medium to wear low on my hips, but in retrospect, I should've gone down to a small.

I love pairing boho belts with something preppy, like stripes.

(wearing: striped shirt...jeans...belt c/o Lucky Brand...flats)

See how a cool belt makes the whole outfit more interesting? Yet...it's one of those tricks that doesn't feel overly fussy. (A belt around the waist, however, can drive me crazy. This? This I can do.)

Also? Sunglasses.

(wearing: tee...J.Crew belt - similar...sunnies - similar...jeans... shoes)

While I'm typically not a fan of the matchy-matchy....I kinda love it with statement sunnies. I guess if the overall vibe is funky enough, the matchy-matchy just looks cool. At least that's what I'm telling myself.

And one more pic, just because it's all kinds of awesome.

OMG kids. They really make everything better.

xo,

Trend Alert: Rashguards

2013-05-15T19:27:17-06:00

Years ago my dear friend Sarah came to visit. She was pregnant - uncomfortably so. We thought hitting the pool might be soothing...except Sarah was not happy with her one bikini. Her pregnant boobs were busting out of the top, and she was unhappy with something regarding her stomach (the dark line, maybe? Stretch marks?)....but it seemed silly to run out and buy a new swimsuit. Yet...the pool was one of those extra-warm ones, with a lazy river and tubes and waterslides, and it beckoned. So I dug through the closet and unearthed Mike's old rashguard from a few surfing trips eons ago. His rashguard was big enough to fit over Sarah's belly, yet in true rashguard fashion, fit everywhere else. (Magic stretch, those rashguards.)

But the cool thing? Not only was Sarah comfortable, but when the rashguard was paired with a little string bikini bottom, she looked...sexy. Like sporty and flirty and all adorably pregnant. Sadly, we don't have a single pic (adorbs or not, can you blame her, Mamas?)...but to this day rashguards remind me of Sarah.

And rashguards are seriously rockin' right now. Not only can you find the usual suspects from the surf brands, but even mainstream retailers are getting in on the game. The result? Rashguards with serious style. I still like them best with a skimpy little bikini bottom, but their sporty-yet-sexy vibe works with a variety of bottoms....and beats the heck out of a dowdy swimdress.

Besides, I'm pretty serious about water play, and rashguards are just the thing for fearless rough-housing. Yesssssss!

1. Tommy Bahama Colorblock Rashguard, $78

Love the quirky color-block twist

2. J. Crew Colorblock Sun Shirt, $78

This is rashguard perfection, right here. Shown with this top and bottom.

3. J.Crew Colorblock Short Sleeve Tank, $98

This is like a rashguard made into a vintage-inspired swimsuit. Whatever it you call it (suit? rashguard?), I like it.

4. J.Crew Striped Rashguard, $78

Because we don't have enough striped tops, amiright? And OMG: Lands' End also has a striped one just like this, for $39. Shown with this top and foldover bikini bottom.

5. VPL Tape Vent Rashguard, $185

I love the sophisticated color scheme, and how this one looks like an actual shirt.

6. Dakine Best Wishes Rashguard, $40

Like a Hawaiian shirt, but so freaking cool. Also in short sleeve. Shown with this top and bottom.

7. Basta Surf Rashguard Top, $195

Love the contrast neckline and zipper, and the crazy-stripe pattern is the coolest.

8. Athleta Zanzibar Rashguard, $54

The other color options available on Athleta strike me as a bit much, but the white is right-on. Shown with this top and bottom.

9. Roxy Rocker Rashguard, $46

Love the looser cut, and the boat-neckline.

As I mentioned, rashguards do have magic stretch, so I find that I'm happiest when I've gone up a size (or two!).

Yay for Summer!

(photo credit: Lands End!)

xo,

Styling a Comfy Printed Maxi Three Ways (Reader Q)

2013-05-13T20:46:13-06:00

Reader Question:

Hello,

I am so glad I came across your blog via the Rookie Moms site. I need this fashion kick in the butt to get out of my yoga pants. I feel I often find great pieces and then get them home and don't know what to do with them. Case in point, I just ordered this skirt and am super excited about it, but am I limited to a white tank? If you could give me another recommendation, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Jenn

Answer:

I took one look at this skirt, Jenn, and immediately contacted the designer (via Etsy, love that!).

It's on-trend, gorgeous, yet as comfy as sweatpants. You should be super-excited about it! Nice. Pick. Ms. Krista over at Satin Stitch Designs was kind enough to send a skirt over to me so I could style it up here. (And psst! Each is custom made, so no hemming required. That is much appreciated by this short Mama.)

Jenn, since you are writing in looking for ideas, I'll skip over the obvious stuff like the white tank you already mentioned, or a black tee, or chambray shirt, or even a denim jacket...right? I mean...any of those would be fabulous with this skirt, but since you took the trouble to write in, let me see if I can do something a bit more interesting. Here we go.

Long Knits + Sneaks

No matter how short you are, long skinny layers on top of long skinny layers almost always works. And it doesn't have to be a sweater - a long, drapy tank would work just as well. The key is nailing the proportion (which depends on body type). Jenn, you mentioned you were tall, so knock yourself out on this one.

I am un-tall. So I go with a shortish longer sweater.

And if you were ever wondering what the most awkwardly worded sentence in the history of English language would look like...there you have it. You are welcome.

(wearing: Stylemint sweater - similar on sale for $17!...skirt...shoes)

With a Baseball Tee

R's t-ball started last week. Welllllll.....more accurately it started roughly a month ago, but I forgot about it until last week. Thankfully, they let him join late. This is where I start reminding myself of my other good mom qualities....

So baseball has been on my brain. And I've been wearing my baseball tee with all kinds of fancy-pants bottoms...like this chevron striped maxi skirt! I loved the playfulness of this pairing.

(wearing: Stylemint tee - similar lust worthy or stoopid cheap ..skirt...shoes...bag)

A superhero never hurts either. Incidentally, we now own FOUR of those damn shirts.

I wore this to happy hour at St. James pub in Ardmore (good, but too expensive). Gosh, look at how tired I am here. This Spring has just about done me in. But Baseball tees! Yes. Perfect with any skirt.

With Mixed Prints

Any time I can make a cute outfit out of pieces that - when you boil it all down - feel like t-shirts and sweatpants...that's outfit perfection right there. One of my fav tricks (besides the baseball tee above) is to mix prints. It always looks more sophisticated than it deserves, yet is quirky enough to feel effortless, rather than fussy.

Have you tried the whole pattern mixing trick yet? When I'm playing around with mixed prints, I find that the following never fails me:

Pair straight lines with curvy lines
Keep one color in common

Uh...that's it. As long as I'm doing both of those, it almost always works. And curvy lines can be just about any pattern: dots, florals, paisley, etc. And straight lines can be stripes, chevron, plaid. Make sense?

(wearing: Stylemint tee - similar...skirt...shoes...bag - similar)

Jenn, I hope this helps! Thank you so much for writing in with your fab find!

xo,

Mom Street Style: Katie and Batman Rock The Playground

2013-05-07T20:49:48-06:00

Mama's there's so much to love about Katie, I don't even know where to begin. Those sunnies? Her backpack? BATMAN???

And let's not forget those shoes.

We ran into Katie at Clark Park. She was there trying to run Batman before his nap. We were doing the same with Superman. As one would suspect, the superheros sized each other up, then decided to join forces.

But I think Pax was jealous of Batman's mask. Which I get - I was dying for Katie's sunnies. Which, it turns out, are a kid's pair from H&M. Genius!

Katie is wearing a combo of thrift/Old Navy (love that), her scarf is handmade by an Etsy seller I couldn't find (this one has a similar vibe), and her backpack? It was a gift, so she doesn't know! I KNOW! Luckily, the shopping enabler thinks that this backpack is a dead ringer and that this one is pretty close.

And once I start referring to myself in third person it means it's time for bed. Katie, it was a pleasure meeting you! Thank you for being such a good sport!

xo,

Thoughtful, Simple, Easy - My Gift Picks For Mother's Day

2013-05-06T20:54:41-06:00

Since I do the majority of planning and gift buying in the family, Mother's Day sometimes feels....overwrought. I'd rather skip the brunch crowds, skip the garden teas and just stick to something low-key. Something easy. Something...and this is the key...that doesn't require my involvement to plan.

You know?

Wake me up late with some coffee and a pastry, and maybe a little handmade something from the kids. (I already gave Mike this box from Kiwi Crate to make it easy). But I'm not gonna lie: I do want a little token of appreciation from my husband. It doesn't have to be big or expensive...just...thoughtful.

So here are my gift picks for Mother's Day...whether you are looking for a little token of appreciation for your own mum, or ideas to send to your hubs.

FIRST ROW:

1. Linen Beach Blanket, $48

I started using Aden+Anais linen swaddling wraps for the boy's towels, and I'll never go back to terry. Linen absorbs water, drys quickly, and fits into a beach bag so much easier. I'd love to add to a big 'ol family blanket for the beach.

2. Hepcat Shades, $55 at Madewell

Did I mention that I was featured in Glam Canada's roundup of Moms? So freaking cool. Anyway, like I told them, high on my wish list are cool sunnies. Madewell's Hepcat are my current favs - the apricot would look gorgeous with a tan, but paleface moi should go for the mint.

3. Linen Tote, $134 from Independent Reign on Etsy

I'm dying over this gorgeous bag. Perfect color, perfect shape.

SECOND ROW:

4. Leaves Cuff, $65

Remember when reader Desiree commented that she styles her black maxi dress with wooden jewelry in the summer? Yeah - this would be perfect.

5. MoMA Sky Umbrella, $42

I know I've mentioned this before...but it's still my very favorite umbrella. And I accidentally lost my last one...soooo....Mike?

6. Butterfly Kite, $17

I really love to fly kites, but I'm sick to death of flying the assortment of frogs/planes/crap that the boys like. Mama wants a pretty kite. I actually think this would be an amazingly perfect Mother's day - going to the beach to fly kites. Into the Wind actually sells kites in assortments of three to save some money...and OOO!! This assortment has my butterfly, a jet, and a easy triangle flyer for the littlest one. It's like it was made for us.

THIRD ROW:

7. Stainless Steel Ice Cubes, $19

For all of you Sav Blanc drinkers. [smirk] The Easter Bunny snuck these little babies into my Easter Basket this year, and I LOVE them. They make my happy on a nightly basis.

8. Silicone Wine Glasses, $20

Sadly, these bad boys are out of stock. But they will be back by the end of May (you can sign up to be notified), and I would be happy with an IOU for Mother's Day. Because OMG picnic perfection, right???

9. Table in a Bag, $50

Mike and I bought this 13 years ago. It is AWESOME. It's awesome for picnics in the park, for backyard lounging, and even for entertaining city kids on a balcony. Incidentally, after 13 years of use, we now need a new one.

LAST ROW:

10. Cami and Panty Set, $59

Gosh I love this sweet little set from Luvahuva. So pretty. (Organic cotton, too!)

11. Chocolate Croissants, Set of 15, $40

Have you ever tried these? Williams-Sonoma overnight ships these to you, frozen. You store them in your freezer, and when you are ready to eat, you put them on a baking sheet to let them rise overnight. In the morning, pop them in the oven and voila! The best chocolate croissants I've had outside of Paris.

12. Blooming Sound Smartphone Amplifier, $25

In order to play music - properly - in our house, it involves something like 24 different remotes and 2387497 button pushes and 9820985792348283 swears words emitted by me as I attempt to wield said remotes and push buttons. So when Mike's not home, I usually just play music on my phone. The boys and I currently rock out using a little lego speaker I got for free at a bank...but this gorgeous Bloom amplifier would KILL IT.

Also, if you missed it, we have a no-clutter gift guide for every stage of motherhood.

Happy Mother's Day, Mamas!!

xoxo

And Mamas: A huge, huge, HUGE thank you for all of your thoughts and comments on the MILF campaign. I am blown away by your support, your words of wisdom, and your respectful commentary. Words cannot express how honored I feel that women like you actually take the time to read this blog. MWAH!

Thoughts From America's MILF (Snort)

2013-05-03T22:27:58-06:00

So it's a weird thing, seeing yourself splashed all over Google. Especially when the headlines accompanying your pictures are so condemning: "MILF-Themed Ad Sparks Anger" appears next to a favorite picture of my boys and me. "Please, think of the Children" snarks above a picture of Pax and me sharing a sweet moment. Or my favorite: "MILF Campaign Has Many a Panty in a Bunch". At least that headline took some creative thought. Wherever I looked, there we were: Huffington Post, Uk Daily Mail, ABC News, Yahoo, Jezebel and on and on and on. It was...dizzying. As the story broke, Mike and I watched it spread throughout the internet in amazement. "Whoa, Babe" Mike said. "You're like...America's MILF."

Then we cracked up at the ridiculousness of it all.

A few weeks ago, True & Co asked if I wanted to participate in their upcoming Mother's Day Campaign. This campaign was aimed at moms and would encourage them to get a proper bra fitting. The campaign would use the MILF acronym. In this case, MILF stood for "Mom I'd Like to Fit". True & Co had sent along mock-ups of how the campaign would look, asked if I'd submit a photo or two and do a short interview. I thought it was great. I know firsthand what a difference a well-fitting bra can make, and I found the twist on the MILF acronym funny. (Any longtime reader of Ain't No Mom Jeans will know that we never take ourselves too seriously.) At no point did I ever imagine that this lighthearted campaign would come under fire.

So imagine my surprise on Wednesday morning when I found myself in the middle of a controversy. It was surreal, to say the least. Especially over something so obviously silly. It's the MILF acronym, for crying out loud! How can anyone take it seriously? Its origins were from the movie AMERICAN PIE. But as the scorn and condemnation spread, I started to wonder. Did I miss something here? Was this a bad choice?

So I thought about it. And here's the thing...or rather, here's MY thing: I'm totally OK with the MILF acronym. Both True & Co's new one, obviously, but also the original MILF acronym. Yes, it is vulgar, but at the end of the day, it's just a crass way to say that someone is attractive. Wait - not someone, but a mom. It's a crass way of saying that a mom is attractive. And so...who cares? I don't get all bent out of shape if I hear someone described as a "hot babe", and frankly, I'm no stranger to the F-word myself, so MILF really doesn't faze me.

But there was something about the backlash that I found very, very troubling. Many of the negative comments focused on the fact that children were involved. Some commenters called our MILF-stamped pictures "creepy" while The Ethical Admin stated outright: "I just find that including their kids in the picture is kind of icky."

Ummm...why?

Any sane person realizes that the MILF acronym is not related to the child, OBVIOUSLY, so what exactly is "icky" about a mom being seen as a sexual object? Are we not allowed? Once we have children - BAM - we are relegated to being sexless frumps? Is that it? Or maybe Moms can have sex, but only for procreation-related purposes and then we had better NOT enjoy it, dammit. STAY IN THE BACK OF THE CAVE, WOMAN! THE BACK!

Adweek cleared up my confusion: "Even if you are sex positive and proud of your smoking-hot MILF status, you probably don't want to involve the kids." Oh, I see. Moms are allowed to be "sex-positive" - thank you for that, Adweek - but not when we're actually being moms. Because there is nothing sexy about our lame, everyday mom-lives. The only way to be sexy, in this culture, is to put on our f*ck-me shoes and short skirts and go tripping around a pole. And no mother in her right mind would want her children exposed to that. "Think of the children!" Adweek cries.

It's sad that our sexual stereotypes are so narrow that people are uncomfortable with a women being sexy and being a mom at the same time. Especially since sexiness is more than just physical attractiveness.

I can't help but wonder...how would a DILF campaign go down? If, for example, some pant retailer decided to do a "Dad I'd Love to Fit" campaign and asked everyone to submit photos of Dads in time for Father's Day...what then? Would there be some huge backlash calling the campaign "naughty" or "shameful"? Would people complain that it was "icky" to see attractive guys pictured with their kids?

Yeah. I'd hit that.

Probs not. As I recall, the Guy-Pushing-Stroller-To-Pickup-Chicks routine is pretty standard in movies and sitcoms.

Regardless of what the media claims, I don't find True & Co's campaign to be shameful or disrespectful. It's this idea that moms can't be - or shouldn't be - sexual beings that is the real crying shame.

xo,

Shopping: My Favorite Everyday Summer Dresses

2013-05-02T14:39:06-06:00

Mamas! I obviously have summer shopping on the brain. First sandals, now dresses. But in my defense, some dresses are 20% off this weekend at Piperlime (use promo code DRESS), so it's a good time to be looking. Here are thirteen of my favs (and most are either nursing friendly, pooch-hiding, or both.)

1. Free People Striped Uniearthen Dress, $128

Well. If ever there was an earth-mother dress, it would be called the "Uniearthen". GOOD GOD. So drink, eat, dance around the fire....your pooch will be well-hidden. The back is really low, so if the earth mother (aka you) must nourish her children, she may just shimmy-shimmy one strap down. (You'll want a cute nursing bra, though - it'll show in the back.)

2. Ella Moss Striped Maxi Dress, $198

So often maxi dresses verge on being empire-waisted, and that silhouette is death for pooch-hiding. BUT! See the extra panel of fabric running down the front of this dress? Genius.

3. VIva Vena Tie-Front Maxi Dress, $88

This bad-boy has two ties to ensure a good fit. And all of that stuff (ties, pattern, etc.) is perfect for pooch-hiding...even on a curvy mama.

4. Viva Vena Strappy Trapeze Dress, $98

Yup. Perfect.

TOP ROW

1. Hive and Honey Double Layer Knit Maxi, $69

Love the color. The fabric is model, so the neckline would easily stretch down for nursing. Death on a pooch, though.

2. Cut 25 Shirred Gown, $225

The most comfortable evening dress ever. Eat away. It's also model, so would be a glamourous twist on your everyday maxi.

3. Line and Dot Pleated Trapeze Dress, $119

I've had my eye on this baby for a while. "Trapeze" is music to my ears. This will be a serious pooch-hider, no Spanx required.

MIDDLE ROW

4. Riller and Fount Draped Front Mini Dress, $143

To nurse, I'd size up. The cowl neckline will pull down easily (it's model as well - sense a theme) and all of the crazy draping will help to hide the pooch. It's the standard tank dress, but way cooler, and made just for new moms. This dress would rock on curvier figures as well.

5. Soft Joie Craven Dress, $118

No, I take that back. THIS is the dress for new moms. Soft Joie is one of my favorite lines.

6. Isabel Lu Denim Dress, $92

Such a sweet silhouette made so cool in denim. Those buttons snap close, so you can rip them open (like Superman) to nurse. Dun-DAH!!

BOTTOM ROW

7. Young, Fab and Broke Jojo Maxi, $211

So slinky...and so sexy. Nursing mamas, layer this over a nursing cami (or just a cute nursing bra if you dare)...poochy mamas? Get it big enough to wear the rope low on your hips, and let the excess fabric hide the pooch.

8. LA Made Belted Wrap Maxi, $121

These long, column dresses are so glam for everyday. Love the wrap for a nursing mama.

9. Velvet By Graham and Spencer Slub Maxi Dress, $108

I tried this one on last year. It's just flowy enough to hide a small pooch and just low enough to be nursing-friendly. Why didn't I buy it? Hunh. I don't know either. (I suspect it had something to do with the fact that I was SUPPOSED to be shopping for bridesmaid dresses.)

Piperlime's promo code DRESS is good on selected* dress purchases until 5/4.

Happy shopping!

xo,

*ugh. I originally missed this fine print. Boo.

Reader Q | Liberty Print Styling - Not Too Sweet, Please

2013-04-30T21:07:19-06:00

Reader Question:

Hi,
I'm a new reader and instant fan of your blog :). I have a suggestion for a style challenge I'd like to see on your blog! Liberty prints are all over this spring, and while I love them as a print, I just can't seem to figure out how to style them so they don't look too sweet. Your style has such an edge I think you would know how to do it.

best,
Cortney

Answer:

Cortney - I totally get this. Liberty prints are pretty fabulous, but can easily skew too preppy or sweet. So....challenge accepted! Keep reading for how I'm styling liberty prints this season....

Mix It Up

I love Liberty florals mixed with other prints (stripes are the easiest). The pattern mixing keeps the vibe funky and eclectic, rather than straight-up preppy. Bright sunnies also help.

(wearing: striped shirt...liberty print pattern - or similar style shirt...jeans...sunnies - similar...boots...bag)

Tomboy Floral

This outfit is simple, but the faded skinnies and sneakers lend a tomboy vibe to preppy florals. Oddly enough, this one was my husband's favorite.

(wearing: liberty print pattern - or similar style shirt...jeans...shoes)

Toughen It Up

Liberty prints are a natural pairing for anything moto or rocker inspired. Think faux-leather, coated denim, moto jackets or boots. I can't get enough of this preppy-goes-bad-@ss vibe.

(wearing: liberty print pattern - or similar style shirt...shorts - similar...wedges - similar)

Incidentally, this is what I wore last Friday night. I've started this thing where every Friday night I put on a Big Girl Outfit - including heels!! - because VOILA! It's Friday! And I never really get to wear heels. So even Fridays where we're just hanging out at home (grilling if we're lucky), in and amongst the mess...I'm all dressed to the nines. Yup: the neighbors think I'm nuts.

But I'm totally OK with that.

Does anyone else do this? I realize that it's only one small step away from the 50's housewife, "brush your hair and put on lipstick before your husband comes home"...but man. It makes Friday nights feel like a party.

Anyway....Cortney, I hope this helped!! Is anyone else rocking the Liberty prints this Spring? Any other tips for Cortney?

xoxo,

Shopping: 15 Flat Summer Sandals That Are Both Cute AND Comfy

2013-04-29T18:02:11-06:00

Mamas!! We had a random 80 degree day a week(ish) ago. I know!!! It was fabulous. Raines amused himself with the hose outside (God, five year olds are easy) while I snuggled Pax down for a nap. You know those really restful naps? The lazy summer kind, where the windows are wide open, the sunlight pours in, and you can hear the bees buzzing and smell summer with every breath?

Yes. That.

Sadly, the next day was back to the rain/50 degrees/blah/dreariness that has defined this Spring. But I smelled it, Mamas. Summer is coming.*

*Draugelis family motto, right up there with Army of Lovers.

Since there are very few ways that I can stand to "accessorize" in summer (quotes are intentional - I barely accessorize in summer)...sandals make up a key part of my summer momiform. My summer sandals must be cute and comfy, and extra points for an element of cool. Here are fifteen of my current favorites. (I really couldn't narrow it down!)

The Nudes

1. Wanted Acapulco in Tan, $49

The slight gold accents are like jewelry for your feet: subtle, yet pretty.

2. Birkenstock Cairo in Toffee, $90

Hello, darlings. You've been missed. Welcome home.

3. Madewell Whistlestop Sandal, $138

I bought these last year, and they are shockingly comfortable for a sandal with very little footbed padding. I have worn these walking around Philly with the kids. They make my outfit. You can see them in action here.

4. Naya Helena Sandal, $120

This sandal comes in three ever-so-slightly different shades of nude. Now that's dedication to the shade! [slow clap....clap....clap] Also? One of the reviewers called these a "great walking shoe". BAM.

5. French Connection Vicky Sandal, $115

Soft and gorgeous and nude. Yesssss. (My husband's three favorite things.)

Zee Coloures

6. Salt Water Sandals for Women, $40ish

The navy ones seem to have disappeared off the internets, except for the manufacturer's link above. However, if you'd rather have any other color (red, yellow, silver, perhaps?), then Zappos has a good selection. I bought a red pair last summer (here's the full review) and love them still.

7. Lucky Brand Covela, $69

Mint? And silver? With a cork bottom? I'm in.

8. Kork-Ease Yvette, $135

I'm kind of a sucker for a good ankle-wrap strap. And the navy here is gorgeous. But if you still aren't convinced, they also come in tan. I'm talking to you, you wild and crazy tan-loving Mama!

9. Madewell Hole-Punch Sandal, $90

So cute, so sweet, so comfy. Seriously - the footbed is nice and padded. LOVE THESE. (Yup, tan also. For the same wild and crazy bunch.)

10. Ted Baker Ballena Sandal, $150

What could be wrong with a neon strap, mirrored toe, and padded footbed? Answer: NOTHING.

The Embellished

11. Minnetonka Ibiza Sandal, $55

I'm cheating! I featured this last year! But it's still good. And now comes in three different colors and I love them all.

12. Clarks Indira Rue Sandal, $80

What the heck, Clarks? These unassuming little comfort sandals in teal snake are awesome. I'll bet you never expected to see those words together....

13. Pikolinos Alcudia blah blah blah blah, $200

These sandals are stoopid expensive, and have a bizarre name that I didn't feel like typing out. Pikolinos, please rename these to something easier (may I recommend 'the Shana'?) but otherwise don't change a thing. These are my heart-beat-fast sandals. These are the sandals that will - instantly - make any outfit. Forever more. For any situation. Cost per wear? Uh...can we do it?

14. TOMS Oahu Strappy Wedge, $69

Ok, so, I realize that these aren't flat. BUT! BUTBUT! They are so comfortable, that they deserve a place amongst the heros of comfort sandals. A VOILA!! Here they are.

15. Zigi Girl Adorable Sandal, $50

Calling the wide-footed! One reviewer described herself as having a "WIDE foot and somewhat disproportionately fat feet (sigh)". However, she found that these "fit perfectly if not a tad on the wide side." Ah ha!

There you have it. The sandals that have been haunting my dreams. Which pair(s) are haunting yours?

MUAH!!!

ps. This write-up has been brought to you courtesy of a looong day of unexpected potty training and glasses (plural!!) of Sav Blanc. BOOYA