"You know what I really want? A cool mother uniform that involves style and durability. One that I can have six of, in different colors and prints, and it's refreshing every time. This is my request for a post."
I've been wracking my brain over this. I want to find things for Elisabeth that are comfortable, but also make her feel stylish (while not being too trendy). The kinds of items that she can just throw on, but that are a step up from a hoodie and sneakers. And I don't want her to have to spend a billion dollars on these clothes.
In addition to the items pictured above (straight-leg jeans, a comfortable, summery peasant blouse, a soft cardigan, the perfect flats), here's what I think she needs (I am not sure I can fulfill the "refreshing" part—sorry Elis!):
1. A versatile mid-length skirt
This button front one from Boden ($68) is crisp
and preppy, but it also reminds me of something
French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg wore in
I'm Not There. The A-line cut is roomy and
flattering to wider hips and you could
wear this with lots of different types of tops
and comfortable summer shoes. It also comes
in a dark denim and various colored khakis.
Other options:
Gap, $23 (I like it light brown heather)
Banana Republic, $69 (comes in white, brown and blue)
2. Flattering, non-boring, non-belly-flab revealing tees
I personally like t-shirts extra-long, with a little
detail—if not they can feel boring. This one
from Alternative Apparel ($32) has a scoop neck
and great little flutter sleeves to cover up upper-arm
stuff. The company also sells tons of tighter options,
organic cotton shirts and tees with stripes.
3. A throw-it-on jersey dress that looks chic, but
feels as comfortable as a nightgown
There comes a point in the summer when all I want
to wear is dresses. And while I love my polyester vintage
styles, cotton jersey is really the ideal warm-weather fabric.
The only downfall to this long, airy American Apparel dress
($39, comes in 7 colors) is the criss-cross back. But listen,
if your bra straps are pretty enough you can let them show,
Carrie Bradshaw-style, or you could also layer a bright tank
underneath. If this whole situation makes you mad, you can
try the excellent styles at Old Navy.
4. Comfy/funky (maybe you'd call them ugly?) summer sandals
Even though they're weird, when I first came across the German orthopedic sandals Worishofer ($50) three years ago, I thought they were basically the
awesomest thing ever—and I bought three pair. Then, last year, they became
really, REALLY popular in New York and I felt like I should try to find another perfect
summer shoe. But you know what, who cares? These are the best sandals
I've ever had. They're a little old lady from the 50s, but in a fun way. You can
get them in a million colors and styles, they don't cost a ton, they really last
and they look great with almost anything (in a casual way, they're not like, the
best evening shoes).
Earlier:
Gap classic jeans protect mom assets
Challenge! Finding a going out top that'll fit big boobs
Attire for parents who love spreadsheets and meetings