Ain't No Mom Jeans

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

2012-05-22T21:30:00-06:00

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.

Miss Cassandra pulled together this little number out of entirely non-maternity items. Fabric (stretch jersey) and ruching is the key to making this look work for a day of play, arts and crafts, not to mention stretching into the third trimester. The top is absolute genius and couldn't be more perfect for a body in transition--the deep v-neckline draws attention to her gorgeous face while drawstring ruching on the sides adjusts the length, allowing for a growing babe.

Obviously, Miss Cassandra knows her colors (she's been teaching them long enough!), because this bright pop of magenta is perfect on her. I love how she pulled everything together with an on-trend, dramatic, and functional head scarf, that keeps her hair out of her face and off her neck in late May heat, to tie the look together. She says the scarf is of the long, skinny variety, simply wrapped several times around her head like a thick headband and knotted interestingly.

I've always wanted to pull off the head scarf, and haven't yet managed it, but Miss Cassandra is definitely tempting me to try again. . . (a post perhaps?). They make so much sense, especially for mamas-on-the-go, and such a yummy alternative to the ho-hum ponytail. I'm thinking I need a delish scarf to wind around pool-tangled hair + fab cover up + sunnies for my summer (Memorial Day weekend--I'm talking to you--I CAN'T. WAIT.) mom uniform.

In the meantime, here's some inspiration from FashionTag--I'm loving the London street style head scarf round up!

- M.

Our Readers Weigh-In! The Comfiest (and Most Stylish) Shoes For All-Day Exploring

2012-05-21T20:21:12-06:00

Back in February, we posted this Facebook question to our readers:

What are the shoes you reach for when you know you'll be walking around all day long? These would be the shoes you bring to explore a new city, or when you're out exploring your own city. Any thoughts?

And Mamas, you didn't let us down. Since the summer travel season is almost upon us (and a looong weekend just around the corner) we thought this would be the perfect time to reveal your picks for the most stylish and comfortable shoes for all-day toolin' around (in any climate). Each pair of shoes in this article has been rigorously tested -- by you.

Here's the list (starting with warm-weather picks and getting cooler....)

Birkenstocks!

Birkenstock Gizeh in bronze | Birkenstock Chania Gladiators

Birks get lots of love, here at Ain't No Mom Jeans. What can we say? We are children of the 90's. While M rocks her Birkenstock Gizeh's below, reader Elizabeth was the one who called attention to Birkenstock's newest style, the gladiator. Ooooo.

I've been coveting M's Gizeh's for years...after seeing how amazing they look with virtually all of her summer dresses and skirts. But in terms of all-day comfort...my brother once called his Birks "sex for the feet". 'Nuff said. These babies go the distance.

Teva's Mary Jane Pasas

Teva Mary Jane Pasas

While many readers identified a few sport or comfort sandals, my very favorites were Teva's Pasas, recommended by reader Sarah, over in Australia. Sarah writes:

I am wearing some green and grey Mary Jane style Tevas everywhere! Cycling, walking, swimming pool showers with my daughter. As a result I have a funny tan but they look very Prada - ish.

Love the mint and gray. Thanks, Sarah!

TOMS

TOMS Silver Morocco Classics

I can't even count the number of Mamas throwing out a vote for TOMS. But I get it - even without socks, my TOMS remain one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I own. And as Lane can attest: "Just spent two days pounding pavement in Tokyo with a toddler in the Ergo wearing my TOMS. My feet felt great!"

I'm embarrassed to admit how many pairs of TOMS that M and I own between the two of us...(and yes, M - I just threw you under the bus with me...)

Sperry TopSider Loafers

Sperry Original 2 Eye in Salt Washed Greige

Like TOMS, Sperry's are another shoe that are just as comfortable sans socks. It's amazing, really. I have worn mine all. day. long. And like Emily (our nanny) mentioned on Facebook, they "work with almost any outfit!" Yes. They do.

That's Em and her baby.

Cute Sneaks

We Mamas looove our sneakers. And when the offerings are this cute...why the heck not?

Converse 'dainty' in pink | Adidas Originals SL 72 in light ocean

Camper Imar | Nike Lady Cortez in yellow

Reader Brooke called our her pink Chucks specifically, calling them "comfy but a little cool." Exactly, Chick. Well said. And they are such classics - I picked mine up in Paris years ago. I know, right? But I had a shoe emergency (broken heel) and when I looked at all the cool French girls...they were all strolling around town in their Converse. When in Rome, I guess. Fast-forward a few years...and my Chucks are still feeling the love.

Reader Linda relies on her Campers: "They are not only super cute (and often quirky and colorful) but also very comfortable, wear well for years and are made by an ethical company that pays its workers well!" Love that.

Any many, many of you shared your love for the hard-core sneakers - especially Nikes. However, I've found that my 'cute' sneaks (like the Adidas or Nikes pictured above) are every bit as comfortable for all-day walking as my actual running shoes...but a whole lot cuter.

My next cute sneaker purchase? The Bensimons I wrote about here....

Frye Boots

Like sneakers, we Mamas love our Fryes. And I can personally attest to their comfort. I layer mine over SmartWool socks....ahhhh....and YES: My Fryes and I have pushed a stroller all over Denver. And while there are other high-quality boots that deliver on both comfort and style...Fryes are just so darn consistent. Regardless of style, Mamas rave about their Fryes. Even more amazing? Two of my Fryes are vintage...and still crazy-comfortable.

My current favorite Frye-obsessed Mama:

(Sarah, I'll bet you had no idea what you'd be in for when you sent us your reader question)

EL Naturalista Boots

Naya Quails in Porto

Only one Mama recommended a boot with a major heel, but Reader Kristen currently lives in Europe and walks everywhere. So for those Mamas looking for a gorgeous yet comfy heeled boot...I'd bet on Kristen's recommendation.

(isn't this a gorgeous photo?)

Danskos

Finally, an honorable mention must be given to Danksos. So many of you mentioned them as being your go-to shoe when serious walking was required....but from a style perspective, Danskos are fraught with error. However, when they nail it...it's good. Crazy-comfy and stylish. M's Dansko picks can be found here. And my Dansko picks here.

That's it, Mamas!! Our current list of comfy, yet crazy-stylin' shoes for all of your urban exploring adventures!

A HUGE thank you to all of the Mamas who left comments and especially to those of you who supplied pics! It is MUCH appreciated....

xo,

ps. I'd love to keep this article up-to-date...so if there are any must-haves that we've missed, feel free to send us a pic of yourself in your fav shoes at aintnomomjeans (at) gmail (dot) com. Also let us know how you've put them to the test!

Reader Question | Can This Boot-Obsessed Mama Wear Her Boots All Summer? (Without looking ridiculous)

2012-05-20T20:59:24-06:00

Reader Question:

I am writing in with a little style quandary that was inspired by your recent Style Rules for Moms part 1 – “if your bag is big and dark and leather, rethink the bag”.

It got my wheels turning, and made me realize I may be breaking a similar carnal sin - Wearing too wintery of a boot once the ice cream trucks are in full swing and the Hydrangea's start a-blooming. While I always pack away the non-negotiably winter boot (black, over-the-knee, etc) I have one pair I just can’t seem to let go of for a whole season. I invested in a pair of Fryes a few years ago, (specifically, the Carmen Harness Tall, in Brown), and ever since, I think I may be guilty of wearing these bad boys a little TOO often. I seldom put them away, even in the summer, and have been known to pair them with little sundresses (even though I suspect the “boots + sundress” look might be slightly too Lilith fair 1994 for me to pull off at nearly 35 years of age..)

Anywho, I LIVE for these boots. I wear them with EVERYTHING. In the attached pics, you will see them worn last April (when I was 8 months pregnant):

You will see the Frye Boots on the BEACH, in the sand, in MAY. Gasp! I KNOW.

See? I think I have a boot problem.

I have had my eye on ANOTHER version of the SAME boots, the Carmen Harness short, in a sand or buff color, in the hopes that maybe that would be a little more acceptable in the warmer months to come?

Is this terribly misguided? Am I boot blinded? Save me. Can I wear this kind of boot with a summery dress? I love the way the slouchy distressed boot adds balance to my 5’10, size ten footed, size 12-14 bod. And while I love the look of the shoes you posted last week, I fear the look might not work on my frame. I tried the Madewells Whistlestop sandal you featured, they don’t work for me. Not enough heel maybe, and I felt like they made my legs look stubby. I need a little more of a heel, or else I feel like I walk like Shrek.

- Sarah

Answer:

Sarah. I have been giggling over your email for the last few days. I LOVE it. I LOVE your style quandary and your phrase "boot blinded". I promise you will see that little gem again on this blog. (But Shrek? OMG - maybe if Shrek was a tall, gorgeous Mama with fab boots and a cute baby. Theeennnn maaaaybe I could see the resemblance.)

But let's chat about your potential boot blindness: You love your boots, you are comfortable in your boots (even in the warm summer weather, at the beach, etc), the boots are obviously fab....but can/should you wear them all summer?

Why not?

Here's the deal: Sarah, these boots, for now, seem to be your thing. And if you are totally comfortable and happy...then heck yeah! Rock 'em all summer. This is the kind of style diversity I love - it keeps us from all looking like clones.

To make your boots more summery, you are definitely on the right track. Personally, I think the boots + sundress look is a classic. I don't know if it's the Colorado/cowgirl influence or Lilith Fair (yup - you and I are the same age)...but I like it. A lot.

A few days after I received your email, a Sundance catalog came in the mail (IknowIknow). But GUESS WHAT THEY HAD? Yup: Boots. With sundresses. And shorts. Yee haw.

(photo credit: Sundancecatalog.com)

Anyone else surprised by how much they like these looks? Cute, right? And that maxi is too die for.

But Sarah, here's the thing: Your existing boots, although a darker color than the ones pictured, aren't that far off. I think the most important point here is the height. In the summer, a shorter boot looks much better. Observe:

(THE LESSON, Mamas: A lighter boot will almost always be more versatile. So choose carefully.)

Sarah, you could buy the same boot in the lighter color. You could. And I've done the buy-two-in-different-colors-because-the-perfection-is-not-to-be-matched game before. So I get it. HOWEVER. Each and every time I've bought another, uh, <insert fav item that is being worn daily> the minute the new (similar) item arrives...I'm over both of them. Totally. Over. Both.

It's like the magic has worn off. So proceed with caution.

If you are willing to branch out, just a teeny bit, I'm thinking that a boot reminiscent of Isabel Marant or Rachel Comey booties would work:

Isabel Marant suede ankle booties, $580 | Rachel Comey Huron boots, $420

I don't know how closely you follow trends, but the two above booties are hot. And have caused a whole rash of knock-offs. Steve Madden makes a pretty good one. So does DV. But I'm kinda partial to these:

Marta Crossover Boots, $168

Still boots. With a heel. But the shape, while pleasantly chunky, is a bit more modern, and the zippers are pretty rad. These would pair easily with shorts/sundresses/etc.

OR...if you want to get REALLY WILD AND CRAZY...remember M's shabootie discussion? I'm really loving these:

Chunky Heel Shootie Sandals - OMG! That's the name! Really! $160

The heel might be too high to be practical, but wow. Sundance. Who knew?

Sarah, if I were you, here's what I'd do:

Try your existing boots with some sundresses and shorts - they just might work.
Try on a few alternate boot styles (in a lighter color) and a few seriously cool shabooties. See how you feel pairing the new styles with your existing go-to outfits. They might just change the look altogether (in a good way), giving you more wardrobe diversity.

Once you've played around a bit, then make your decision. But really, there's no wrong answer. You have some fab boots, and you are looking at other fab boots. Trust your gut.

(And WOW. Can anyone use 'wardrobe diversity' and 'boot blindness' in the same sentence?)

xo,

ps. Wondering why this isn't Part 3 of our Summer Style Rules series? Yeah...it's not ready. In the last article, I'm attempting to clear up crop-pant confusion and Mamas: It is NOT easy. It is starting to feel like rocket science (which makes me laugh - forget missile warning systems - cropped pants are TRICKY. There's so many! With subtle differences! How to break it all down?? Ooooh...my head....) So I'm going to go home and raid my mother's closet - the woman could outfit a baseball team with all of her cropped pants.

Little Girls Swimwear (As Chosen by a Boy-Mom)

2012-05-17T18:42:46-06:00

I see this scenario play out a lot at the pool playground: the adult swim whistle blows. A collective cry of "awwww!" goes up from the kids as moms breathe a sigh of relief that they'll finally be able to get the babes out of the water to go home for nap, eat lunch or take a bathroom break. The remaining kids erupt onto the pool playground, where mayhem ensues, with little damp-dry people running, climbing and sliding to great delight.

Then I hear a weird screeching, which is invariably the sound of some swimsuit-clad little girl's bottom ripping down a hot slide. It probably feels something like your first bikini wax, and this is one of the many, many moments--though I obviously would have cherished a daughter (who wouldn't!?)--that I count myself lucky to have boys (three!).

The howling from the slide gets me thinking. Sure, girls clothing and swimwear is a lot cuter, but it is also, generally speaking, a lot less practical. Why, for example, do I see so few girls wearing rash guard t-shirts? Is their skin less prone to sun damage than my boys'? I know, I know, their mamas slather them in SPF 180, but doesn't that stuff wash off? Especially here, where we're a whole mile closer to the sun, I always feel better when my baby men are armed with SPF 50+ tops and hats, knowing they won't have freckled chests and shoulders while I've had a say in the matter. And what about bottoms on slides, not to mention unmentionables in baby swings? Seems like the chickies could use a little more coverage there, too, so. . .

With pools opening in the next week or two, I've put together this collection of girls swimwear for moms of who want a teensy bit more coverage for their tiny, yet fashion-forward, baby chicks.

Little Girls Swimwear 2012 by dynamama featuring block hats

T shirt
$34 - hannaandersson.com

Block hat
$22 - hannaandersson.com

Girls' stripe rash-guard top
$40 - jcrew.com

Girls' polka-dot tank
$40 - jcrew.com

Girls' Tugless Tank Swimsuit
$25 - landsend.com

Girls' Boardie Shorts
$39 - patagonia.com

Roxy Love Board Short Little Girls'
$36 - backcountry.com

Girls' Woven Seersucker Swim Shorts
$25 - landsend.com

Girls
$25 - landsend.com

Gymboree.com - Kids Swimwear, Girls Swimsuits and Girls Swimwear at...
$7.49 - gymboree.com

Girls' sun hat
$20 - jcrew.com

Salt Water Sandal By Hoy Shoes Sun-San - Sweetheart...
$35 - zappos.com

Harajuku Mini For Target Girls Checker Hat Black
$10 - target.com

Olukai Kids Ulala (Toddler/Youth)
$44 - zappos.com

Keen Kids Coronado Sandal (Toddler/Youth) at Zappos.com
$45 - zappos.com

Roxy Kids Pebbles (Infant/Toddler) at Zappos.com
$16 - zappos.com

What do you think, Mamas? Am I livin' in a boy bubble? Would your girls snub the boy-mom swimwear picks? At any rate, happy May. Popsicles and pool time are almost here! Can't wait can't wait can't wait!

- M.

How Did I Live Without This Backpack-Kid-Carrier? (A Kokopax Carrier Review and Giveaway)

2012-05-16T20:05:09-06:00

Mamas, you know those hiking backpacks? The big ones?

Hi, Dad.

Yeah. They are heavy. I bought this one (after trying on, like 10 others), simply because it was the only backpack I found that didn't make me feel like I was going to fall backwards, turtle-like (It's MEC, btw. WOOT WOOT Canada).

Notice, however, the date. Raines is juuuust over one. And he was in the 7th percentile for weight. 7th, Mamas. THE SEVENTH.

How much use do you think I've gotten out of that pack since? Yup - you guessed it: Nada. And certainly not with Pax. Not. Even. Once.

I could eat my brother for breakfast. 75%, baby. 75%.

I had pretty much abandoned back-pack use. The Ergo I love, and used it quite a bit with Pax...but in the last several months, the kid is just too big. Even with the Ergo on my back, I can only wear him for 20-30 minutes. And my beloved Belle baby carrier in leopard? Running errands (in and out of the car) only.

Which is too bad, because Pax loves to be carried. Like the big, 'ol baby he is. Sorry buddy - your Mum is just too small.

Enter the Kokopax carrier:

I asked to review this carrier for a travel tips article we have in the works. The literature stated that it conveniently fits into an airplane's overhead bin. Nice! But Mamas....this backpack has proved to be life-changing.

Seriously.

First of all, it's insanely lightweight. So even with Hefty Boy Pax, I never feel like I'm going to turtle over. That alone rocks my world.

But despite the smaller profile, it's still comfortable enough for snoozin':

And I love that it stands alone - even with the kiddo inside - making it super easy to get on/off.

Getting it off is so easy...he didn't even wake up.

Suddenly, I'm taking this thing everywhere. Late night walks on the boardwalk....

Checkin' out the view - he loves how high up he is

Toolin' around town....

And you can see how Pax solved the no-sun-canopy- problem. Stinker took my hat:

I'm wearing the Kokopax Original carrier in the Watson print. I chose the Waston pattern simply because it was interesting, yet subdued. Which means that, in a pinch, Mike will use it. But he's a modern, sensitive type of guy (who'll also carry my diaper bag - aka purse - if it gets too heavy), so, you know...maybe not for everyone.

I'm also really tough.

And Mamas? You know those days? Those teething/whiney/getting sick/super-clingy days? I wear this baby around the house. Like 24-7. The advantage with a backpack (over a front-carrier) is that I can cook. I chop onions, I stir stuff on the stove...all without worrying that Pax will try to "help". Why did NO ONE tell me this backpack tip with Raines? He was ALL ABOUT the constant-carry. Sheesh.

But the one adjustment I'd like to see Kokopax make is to add some kind of clip on the shoulder, so I could prevent my bag from sliding off. The Kokopax straps are thick (and comfortable)...but I do have a hard time keeping my diaper bag over my shoulder. (Obviously, this is minor compared to the fact that I'm actually getting dinner prepared before Mike comes home. Seriously, Mamas. He thinks I've been abducted.)

Want one?

To win a Kokopax Original Carrier (your choice of available patterns), enter one of the following ways:

1. Leave us a comment on Facebook, telling us where you'd wear your Kokopax

2. Leave us a comment below telling us the strangest place you've baby-worn (front carrier or backpack).

For Kokopax special promotions and new product announcements, follow Kokopax on Facebook. And be sure to check out their accessories - in addition to totes, they have hysterical (and cute) baby-sun-hats to match your Kokopax carrier. You can buy all Kokopax products on kokopax.com.

Good luck, Mamas!

xo,

Reading | Ain't No Mom Jeans on Mom.me

2012-05-15T22:58:59-06:00

The days have been busy here at ANMJ HQ, Mamas, and this blog has opened up some amazing opportunities! We're now writing articles and putting together galleries for Mom.me (mommy?), the newest (and best, besides ANMJ ; ) sanity break for moms.

Mom.me is produced by BermanBraun, the company responsible for magazine-like, glossy digital lunch break reveries à la Wonderwall.com (the cah-razy-good celeb news hot spot), and Glo.com. My fav current Glo gallery is a toss-up between The Hot List - 8 Steamy Page-Turners (I'm half way through 50 Shades of Grey and now realize that, with three babes four and under, a mama may need some inspiration from time-to-time), and the drool-worthy Great Escapes. (While Kasbah Bab Ourika may be a dream-come-true destination, the Postcard Inn at St. Pete's Beach in Florida seems a tantalizingly attainable getaway treat.)

We've created a bunch of content, but what's out there now includes How to Hide a Postpartum Pooch, Beauty Essentials for New (and Tired) Moms, and Handbags that Double as Diaper Bags.

We can't even begin to tell you how lucky and honored we feel to be included in a project like this. The level of sophistication and variety of content are a testament to how far the culture of moms has come in the past few years and we're proud to be a part of it. We hope you'll check it out!

- M.

Summer Style Rules For Moms - Part 2

2012-05-14T21:10:01-06:00

This article is the second in a multi-part series based on "rules" I've applied again and again when doing style consultations / closet clean-outs with moms....but updated for summer. See our Part 1 of our Summer Style Rules For Moms series here....

Mamas, I loved your comments on Part 1 of our Summer Style Rules series. But just to clear up some confusion: I don't actually wear denim skinny jeans all summer. I was just showing the different shoe/bag combos against a standard "momiform"...and was too cold that day for shorts.

Now feel free to give me grief about wearing a sweatshirt in the pic above. IknowIknow. But unless it's 90 degrees, this Mama is cold. (Exception: When pregnant. A little clue for future use.)

(But we still haven't decided on #3 or not. So you may never get to use the clue. Not sure why I feel the need to Spell Out My Childbearing Intentions here...perhaps because my husband and my mother read this blog? Sigh. I can hear your thoughts, "Who cares, S?" Ok, moving on....)

SUMMER STYLE RULES. FOR MOMS. YES. Here we go with the next two rules...

RULE TWO: Stylish Sunglasses = Stylish Mama

Wearing a pair of stylin' sunnies? You look cool. Period. We've talked about the power of It-Girl Sunnies before...and it really is amazing. It-Girl sunglasses can make even a pair of mom-jeans look...uh...ironic. (not really)

But the message here? Get yourself some crazy-awesome sunnies. And by crazy-awesome, we mean quality, Mamas. All the way. Aaaannd, of course, a full dose of style.

Our advice will be no surprise to longtime readers - you know where we stand on the quality-vs-quantity debate, and we've urged Mamas to consider cool sunglasses as an accessory-of-choice before.

But let me also add this to the mix:

Big 'ol sunnies with polarized lenses prevent you from squinting in the sun.

Me...not squinting.

(wearing, on S: J.Crew sweatshirt - similar here, Abercrombie & Fitch Classic Straight Destroyed denim, Salt Hathaway sunnies, Essie Turqs & Caicos Nail Polish on toes)

That's big, isn't it? I mean...no squinting has to equal no wrinkles, amiright? How else do we get wrinkles besides sun damage or squinting? (Don't tell me...gravity, shmavity.)

The downside, of course, is that polarized lenses are expensive. But we managed to round up eight fairly affordable pairs of oh-so-cool sunnies (all with polarized lenses), that will take any momiform up a few style notches...while preventing wrinkles (and, you know...saving your vision, blahblahblah):

Maui Jim Baby Beach, $275 | Maui Jim Sugar Beach, $159

Oliver Peoples Corie Coral Polarized sunglasses, $295 | Paul Smith Kismine Polarized, $300

Tory Burch Polarized Square Sunglasses, $185 | Salt Optics Hutton Polarized, $375

Oakley Sweet Spot in red, $110 | TOMS Kinshasa Polarized Sunglasses, $119

RULE THREE: Put a Hat On It

Are you sick of me harping on how cool hats are? OMG ME NEITHER!!

We first gave hats some love last summer, in our article Summer Hat Picks For Moms To Wear Now and Into Fall...and since then, M and I have been all hat-bananas. See all of our articles that include hats by clicking the Accessories - Hats category link.

But why hats? As a rule?

Here's the deal: Hats popped onto the hipster scene a few years ago. And instead of just making a brief appearance and then dying out...this trend is, if anything, coming on stronger. Perhaps the royal wedding buzz helped this trend along..but hats are now considered outfit basics, rather than a novelty item.

Here's why I love hats for moms:

No sleep? No shower? Greasy hair? HAT IT.

At the playground all day getting wrinkles? HAT, please.

Too poochy for the bikini and feeling dowdy in your one-piece? COOL HAT TO THE RESCUE.

Your bundle of joy spit-up in your hair as you headed out the door? Twist it all up and PUT A HAT ON IT. (Yes, speaking from experience here. Don't judge. The smell goes away...eventually. I'm pretty sure moderately sure no one else knew.)

But here's the thing, Mamas: Right now...all hats are cool!

Ok...maybe not all. Unless it's Derby Day...I'd avoid anything that looks too derbyish. As M so kindly demonstrates.

But seriously. Big hats, small hats, straw hats, uh....not straw hats (canvas, perhaps?). Whatever. Find a hat that you think looks cute. If it's not a fedora...who cares? You'll be pleasantly surprised to find that retailers are carrying a TON of hat options, so find one that best fits your gorgeous-mama face.

Like M's gorgeous-mama face in her not-a-derby-day hat

Also, remember my friend Sarah? Of the military-inspired hat? She's been trying to make the fedora work...but gave up when she found this fabulous little cloche hat....at Target.

(Sarah's wearing the Mossimo Cloche Hat with band at Target)

She's obviously sportin' her hat at the pool, but it would look just as cute with a maxi dress or toughened up with cut-off and shabooties*. (*shabooties - M's word for those crazy-sexy flat sandals that this mom street style chick was rocking)

Here are a few hats that I'm currently coveting...and they range from fedoras, boaters, bowlers, cadet hats, floppy hats and a pork pie hat (seriously the name). Prices from $9 - $128 (but most are under $50).

Fun Summer Hats by aintnomomjeans featuring a floppy sun hat

In terms of styling, I think summer hats look best with a simple tee and a pop of lipstick. Or copy M's look above and pair your hat with a cool tank and earrings. Stylish and fun...yet easy and effortless.

More "rules" next week....

xo,

Mom Street Style | Sara's Perfect Tot Soccer/Babywearing Outfit

2012-05-10T23:29:46-06:00

Mamas, meet Sara, a tres-fab L.A.-to-Denver re-lo, who was rocking a perfect iffy-spring-weather tot soccer/babywearing outfit at (gasp!) seven weeks postpartum. Yes, that seriously is a seven-week-old sweet baby girl nestled in that Ergo, and Sara is not only coherent at 10 AM, but she and her whole adorable family--her 2-1/2-year-old son and partner Israel, a music blogger (www.thecargoculte.com), were also in tow (check out their recent family portrait, taken at indie craft fair UNIQUE LA)--were the picture of family unit bliss at Denver's Wash Park this week.

It was a bit difficult to get all the deets and have an actual conversation as I was trying to pry my suddenly-velcro 2-1/2-year-old off of me, but we managed (to be fair, there was an incident of a rope--agility training for two-year-olds--being mistaken for a snake. L. is very literal). Sara pointed out that we were wearing the same J Brand skinnies (both cuffed with sneaker alternatives). She's wearing olive classic TOMS; a drapey, breastfeeding-friendly top from Old Navy; a camel ErgoBaby, and super-yummy Chloe sunnies (she confided she got a great deal on them on Gilt.com, or in my parlance Guilt.com--I recently unsubscribed. . . :).

Looking this put together on a weekday morning (seven weeks post baby to boot) is seriously impressive, but it also brings home that a mom uniform stocked with solid basics like great glasses, a fresh pair of TOMS and fab-fitting denim, (and a crazy-hot short hair style like Sara's) will always go the distance.

- M.

Reader Question | A Review of Saltwater Sandals For Moms

2012-05-09T17:00:00-06:00

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.....

Mothers Day Giveaway | Erica Sara Designs Generation Necklace

2012-05-08T15:37:33-06:00

UPDATE 5/10/11: Ashley Taylo, please email us--you're the winner of the Erica Sara Designs Generation Necklace. Happy Mothers Day!

Happy almost-Mothers Day, Mamas!

Erica Sara Designs, a NYC jewelry designer, has generously offered a giveaway for ANMJ readers: her stunning Generation Necklace, which is the most elegant twist I've seen on mom keepsake jewelry yet. With clean lines and an understated design, the Generation Necklace is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry you'll be proud to wear every day--on its own or layered with other pieces. With the names of generations of your loved ones engraved on it in a concentric circle, this graceful disc takes on an almost talismanic quality, keeping those who are dear to you close to your heart.

Be sure to check out Erica's other fetching designs, too. I'm smitten with the Initial Tag Necklace (I love the idea of five tags all together--one for each of my boys, including my first baby, Obi-wan the dog!). The Custom 3 Charm Necklace is perfect for Mothers Day, graduation, going off to college or just because--what a fab way to tell a special girl how amazing you think she is. Or, every day is a marathon for a mama, but the Run Like A Girl Necklace acknowledges the commitment it takes to go the distance with a beautiful, wear-able piece of jewelry.

Enter now to win an Erica Sara Designs Generation Necklace!
To enter to win a Generation Necklace, up to a $148 value, courtesy of Erica Sara Designs, "like" this post on the Ain’t No Mom Jeans FaceBook page and tell us why moms rock. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US. Winner will be chosen at random the evening of tomorrow, Wednesday, May 9th.

Full disclosure: this is not a paid or sponsored post. Ain’t No Mom Jeans has a strict policy of editorial integrity—we do not endorse or recommend anything we don’t truly adore.