Mama Threads

Classic Alert: Old Navy Jersey Dress

Jersey dresses are just about the most perfect outfits for summer.  They wash and dry.  They don't require ironing.  They are cool in the heat.  They can be worn to the playground and to date night.  I really love the ones from Velvet but they are just a little too pricey for my mama pocketbook.  Imagine my delight when Old Navy came out with a version that is a dead ringer for the more expensive designer -- and only $19.50.  Jump on it now - Old Navy always sells out of these classic styles quickly!

Fall Layers: Cocoon Shrug Cardigans

One of my favorite looks of the fall is layering this short shrug cardigan over a simple top.  It's got a classic line that looks very modern!  Check out this one from Express for just $24.50.  Banana Republic has a version but sizes are extremely limited.  Also, make sure to visit your local Old Navy for a great one - it's sold out on the website but a near perfect knock-off of some of the fall runway styles!

Get A Deal: Cute Cords for $36

The Limited is offering 40% off all pants, skirts and jackets right now through 9/20.  No code needed.  One of my favorites are these cords for $35.70 (reg $59.50).  They are part of the 917 fit which offers a slim waist but curvy hips and thighs.  I also like that they have a bit of spandex for stretch.  They come in five colors but I am thinking about gray (trying to get out of the jeans rut!).

Must Have: The Perfect Jeans

I demand a lot from my jeans.  I want them to make me look good AND be comfortable.  I just recently came across Levi's 512 Perfectly Slimming Jeans. The rise hits just below the belly button so they make your tummy flatter (and they also include a special tummy flattening panel) with a slim fit through the waist and hips to avoid the dreaded mom jeans look. Plus they can include a little bit of spandex which makes all the difference for comfort.  What more can a stylish mama ask for?  Did I mention they cost less than $50?

Shopping Tip: These have a cult following.  For a low cost option, make sure to search ebay. 

Get Comfy: Tunic Sweater + Leggings

I started to switch over my closet this weekend, putting away my summer dresses and pulling out some pants.  I found my black leggings from last spring and was reminded of how comfy they can be and yet so very stylish.  Pair them with a tunic sweater like this one from Kohl's (on sale for $24.50) and be up to the minute in style and also be at your most comfortable! Check out Whitney Port's similar style here - this outfit is a good mom friendly twist on the look!

Closet Freakout: Long Sleeve Chambray Shirt for Fall

The weather has cooled down into the 70s here in New York, and I had a closet freakout this morning.  I stared into the depths of my wardrobe and realized I have absolutely nothing to wear for Fall.  I have cute summer dresses or some lovely sweaters for winter, but I must have gone naked last year (I was in a haze of two young kids and may have worn my jammies everyday!).  So I jumped on the computer during nap time and did a little shopping for transitional clothing.  My favorite find is this chambray shirt from Obey at Karmaloop.  I can roll the sleeves up or wear them down and layer a cami under as it gets cooler.  Plus it just looks comfy yet casually chic! 

Shopping Tip: Use code AS33085 in the rep line to get 20% off your order.

Get A Deal: Ralph Lauren's Classic Cable Knit Sweater for $29.99

Just ignore the pouting teenager and focus on the classic cable knit sweater with the pretty button shoulder detailing.  This sweater regularly retails for $69.50 but is on sale for just $29.99 - with $5 flat rate shipping.  It's from Rugby.com, a Ralph Lauren brand aimed at teens and the Abercrombie and Fitch crowd.  It's a great way to get a good deal by shopping teen stores for classic pieces at pocket friendly prices!

Fall Shopping: Transitional Sweater

I love looking through all the must have lists for fall.  As a mommy, some of them don't make a lot of sense (pointy high heel boots: I could never catch my toddler in these!), but some are great: like this chunky cardigan with 3/4 sleeves.  It will make an easy transition sweater as the days cool down and the neck provides lots of interesting looks!

Shopping Tip: Ruche.com provides a lot of detail on fit so you can easily figure out the best size for you - something that is super important to me in online shopping since returns are a huge pain!

Sleek Stripes! Stylish Drape Tee in Comfy Modal

I love clothes that are comfortable but stylish with a unique design aspect.  I particularly like this Drape Tee from Comfy USA that has a simple, modern cut with a unique drape that makes for an eye catching top.  It's made from modal that is a green fabric that is soft and smooth -- and stain resistant! It's also long enough that I know my tummy won't peek out the bottom. 

Shopping Tip: Description says it has a generous cut - something to keep in mind when picking your size.

Buying Tip: Code L12A94W will get you free shipping at check out.

Going Out! One Hot Dress With Many Looks

In recent years, a fun dress hit the racks that lets the wearer arrange the straps for many different looks.  The first ones I saw in the store were over $300, but this one from Lulu's is just $46!  Unlike the sarong you bought on vacation and the clerk convinced you could be worn as a dress, top, cover up, etc but you just tied it around your waist because you couldn't replicate a single thing outside of the dressing room -- this dress is easy!  Check out the pics on the website for different looks, and I promise these can be easily replicated in your own home.  Now, this is a going-out-to-dinner dress and not a take-the-kids-to-the-park dress but the flexibility to make it look like several outfits all for just $46 may make it easier to justify!