Earlier this week, I was on Let’s Talk Live talking about playground- and wallet-friendly looks for moms. We featured everyday looks for busy moms on the go, tapping into some of our favorite trends of the season. Our segment got preempted so we were pretty rushed talking about the different looks.
I have gotten many emails, texts and calls about specific items. So, as a Mother’s Day gift to my fellow mamas, I wanted to do a blog post detailing the looks from the show and where to buy.
We were multitasking the day of the fitting (you feeling me mamas?). We had a site visit for our Vintage Meets New style workshop (have you signed up??) and asked our Virginia-based mamas — Victoria from The Mummy Chronicles and Angelica from Clarendon Moms - to meet us there to quickly try on their looks. Our last model, Ivette, could not make it because she is a school teacher. So, when I left Amalgamated, I drove over to her school in Arlington and we fit her in the school library! I can’t think of a more perfect way for us to get this segment done - moms making it work!
Mama Does Normcore
Frump-chic. Birkenstocks, Tevas, Adidas Slides. It’s a thing. And, actually, from a comfort standpoint, it’s great for moms. But here’s the million dollar question: How does a mom wear a trend that glorifies mom jeans when she’s been avoiding mom jeans like the plague ? Here are a few tips to get you mastering frump-chic — without actually looking frumpy.
1.) Whether you do Birks, slides, etc., try metallic ones for a bit more pizazz. For example, Victoria is wearing a pair of silver Dolce Vita’s here — they are not literally pool slides, but inspired by pool slides.
2.) Make sure the rest of your look feels relaxed, but not sloppy. For example, we did Gap essential leggings with a Zara tunic. The tunic has some sheer paneling for some added style, and the fit is not too oversize.
3.) Be sure to add that third piece. That third piece is the piece that makes any outfit you put on a look. It can be a blazer, a great shoe that pops, a statement necklace, etc. Here we added a patterned scarf from Violet Boutique in Adam’s Morgan. The grey in the scarf adds texture and ties in the silver of the slides.
4.) Add a classic piece to your look. We love a classic tote and a pop of red. Victoria’s looks is very casual and relaxed. The bag makes it feel smart and grownup.
Gap essential leggings, $29.99// Dolce Vita slides $60.00//Zara Tunic $22.95// Scarf from Violet $15//Zara tote $59.90
Mama Does Tomboy Chic
One of our favorite shoes of the past several seasons (just ask DC Style Factory Jenn Barger) is the skate shoe. This slip-on sneaker adds a little tomboyish fun and edge to any look — and they are COMFORTABLE. Angelica is sporting a Dolce Vita pair here. We decided to pair with boyfriend jeans (again, comfortable), a tank from Uniqlo (coming to Tyson’s next summer!) and a sleeeveless jersey moto jacket for a little structure. Again, we added certain elements that keep her look from feeling juvenile- the boyfriend jeans are not oversize or sloppy, but a slimmer fit; the moto jacket is simple and streamlined with not a lot of hardware or zippers; and the tote has a refined, classic style. Angelica loved her look so much, she ran out and purchased a pair of skate sneakers and sleeveless moto jacket of her own!
Dolce Vita skate shoes, $34.99//Levi’s boyfriend jeans $54//Uniqlo tank top $12.90//Halogen sleeveless jersey moto jacket $58//Cat-eye sunglasses from Violet Boutique in Adams Morgan.
Mama Does Midi
Ivette is wearing a trend that has really taken hold this spring/summer season — the midi skirt. This adorable stripe one is from Violet Boutique in Adam’s Morgan and a steal for $30! Not every mom is comfortable wearing a skirt to the park or running around with their kids, but as a mom of three myself, when that DC summer heat hits, I am in a skirt like this or a midi-jersey dress. Nothing keeps me cooler. There are couple things to keep in mind when you wear a midi — particularly when you are pairing it with flat sandals like Ivette:
1.) Select a sandal that is lower on the foot instead of one that ties around the ankle. This will give you more leg whereas the ankle strap can often break your leg line.
2.) Make sure your skirt sits a little higher up, rather than slouching down around your hips. This lengthens your leg line.
Coffee tank from Violet Boutique //Stripe midi skirt from Violet Boutique $30//Crossbody purse from Violet Boutique $54//Sandals from Everlane $80
I want to take a moment to thank all the badass mothers out there that I work with. Working with you is not only a pleasure , but an honor. To celebrate your special day, I’d like to offer a $25 discount to any mom (new and existing clients) that book a new appointment with me between now and June 30, 2015. Simply send an email to [email protected] with “Mother’s Day” in the subject line.
And in closing, may your Mother’s Day be filled with sleep…and sleep…and more sleep. xxx