The Poopsie Collective

Maternity Wardrobe on a Budget

Written by BROOKE

Pregnancy. Round four. Yep, four pregnancies in less than 6 years. And they all had different requirements when it came to clothes. 

Pregnancies 1 and 2 (first, our twins who passed away, second Zach)—I was working full time. This meant slacks, blouses, dresses and skirts. I couldn’t be that teacher who wore the same outfit every three days. I felt my only option was to hit up the maternity store and buy lots of boring and frumpy looking clothes. Ugly.

Pregnancy 3 (Brady)—I wasn’t working outside the home then. Thought I would survive on sweats but realized that gets depressing quickly. I got great hand-me-downs from a friend and bought a few decent pairs of jeans. I also tried shopping outside the maternity department and layering—two things that saved me. Layering helps with the fact that my hips get as big as my belly. Shopping outside the maternity department gave me so many more options and more clothes for that dreaded 4th trimester when none of my normal clothes will fit yet, but when wearing maternity clothes invites that awful question, “when is your baby due?” And sadly, the answer is, “he was born 3 weeks ago.” 

Pregnancy 4 (now)—I thought that I had enough clothes from Brady’s pregnancy to get by. But we’re in completely different seasons and truthfully, I was shocked at how out of style those clothes are three years later. I’m no fashionista either so for me to say they’re out of style means they are bad. I was actually embarrassed to wear my old maternity jeans to the mall to buy new ones! 

I thought I just might splurge a little this pregnancy. I went to the high-end maternity store and bought a $200 pair of jeans. “I want to feel GOOD,” I reasoned. “I need to look CUTE,” I justified. Then I got home and calculated how many hours of tutoring it would take to pay for those jeans. And how often I would wear them being pregnant mostly over the summer. And how at 16 weeks I wasn’t even half as big as I was going to get and the chance of those super tight, skinny jeans fitting me in another 15-20 weeks was slim to none. (And if you have any comments about me wearing maternity clothes at 16 weeks you can call me back after you’ve been pregnant four times.)

My accountant husband has worn off on me and I returned the expensive jeans. I decided there was no reason I couldn’t put together a cute, cheap, updated wardrobe on a budget. In fact, I was pretty sure I could take back those $200 jeans and get myself most of the items I needed for the same amount of money. 

Here’s what is floating my boat this round…

Maxi Skirts

Does it get any more comfortable? Nope. I bought one that was maternity with a roll over top but the rest have been cheapies from the non-maternity section. Paired with a tee and contrasting colored cardigan it looks super cute and I know these are one thing I’ll actually wear after the baby is born. I think I might even have to jump back on the jean jacket bandwagon because this skirt would look so cute with one.

Jeans

My maternity jeans were in desperate need of updating. I haven’t ordered these mint ones yet because I’m nervous about how big they’ll make my thighs look but I’m kind of drooling over them. ASOS is new to me but they have a lot of trendy cute options and the prices are really reasonable. 

I was also really happy when I returned my designer maternity jeans and bought these ones from Old Navy. Although I haven’t loved their jeans in the past, these are actually cute, comfortable and super cheap! If I have to size up at the end I won’t even feel bad buying another pair. They have that stretchy panel which I love and I find to be the only kind that doesn’t have to be yanked up all day long. 

For the Gym

It is sort of sad and shocking how few options there are for working out during pregnancy. But I have found some good options with non-maternity clothes. I wanted workout leggings that were fitted all the way down instead of flared out since I spin and the flares always get caught in the bike. These GAP body fit the bill and with the roll over waist I know they’ll last the whole time. I got them on sale for $20 and at that price, I picked up a pair in my size and a size up for later on. 

I also got some blousy workout tanks from Old Navy but they don’t have them on the website right now. I have to say that ON is doing a great job at knocking off the higher-end workout clothes lately. Their stuff is adorable, comfortable and so cheap. 

Tops

So far, my non-maternity tops are all still fitting. Thanks to this year’s long lengths and blousy styles I’m hoping they’ll last for a while. This Old Navy top is especially flattering on my not-too-huge-yet belly. I saw it in the store they had several more colors than online.

I also have a poncho style top I love, like this one from Loft.

And all my open and flowy cardigans look great over a tighter top. 

So, there you have it! I took back those $200 jeans and haven’t looked back. I think I’ll save the expensive jeans for a losing all the baby weight celebration. 

Making Sure I’m Me…a Mom…and Also Well-Dressed

Written by GWEN 

Last week my Mister expressed concern to me that I may be unhappy or depressed. His biggest indicator: that I haven’t been shopping in a while.

Challenge extended?

Challenge accepted.

After a MAJOR shopping spree last Friday, I did begin to reflect on what he could be talking about. Besides the lack of shopping, he said I seemed to wear the same clothes quite a bit, and I snapped at him a lot. I didn’t seem as easy-going as I usually am and perhaps I had lost my passion…for fashion. (Yikes…sorry.)

At the time, all I could shout was, “IT’S A CHANGE IN SEASON!”  Sounds like a lame excuse, but I can’t wear summer clothes at the mo’ and I can’t wear my winter wardrobe anymore. You tell me what I’m supposed to wear in this season they supposedly call “spring” in London. Oh. AND, I have a toddler. Who eats with three spoons at once and enjoys flinging things at me or on the floor, but mainly on my white shirts. So yeah, I don’t like to wear my Sunday best when I’m taking care of Izzy.

Oops. Was that me snapping? Like I said, I have a toddler. Sometimes I snap.

Seriously though, I have thought about this a lot over the last week and have come up with the following conclusion. I hardly ever relax anymore. I am always rushing or worrying about Izzy. I’m always feeling responsible for someone else, or trying not to get fired by my new CEO. I snap because I really don’t have time to complete a sentence or fully iterate my thoughts. My life is like one big game of charades. Most of the time I can only conjur up every other word I’m looking for, which results in a lot of wild gesticulations and mild bruising. If my team members can’t figure out what I’m trying to convey in a timely manner, well that’s THEIR fault. And quite frustrating for me.

As for my love for fashion, I used to try my clothes on for hours. Putting together outfits, accessorizing, taking pics and sending them to friends. I still manage to do this from time to time, but more often than not I’m late for work and throw on a go-to outfit that I know will look good. And if it’s an Izzy day, suddenly he has pooped, there’s someone buzzing at the door and the phone is ringing, so I wind up throwing on the same outfit from the day before or the weekend.

I’m actually glad my Mister brought this up because it gave me a chance to reflect. I’m not unhappy. I’m not depressed. I do need to relax a bit more and find some time for myself to make sure I’m still ME. And if that means going to COS and trying on every item in the store on my day off, well so be it.

Trying on an outfit! Don’t worry - I chose different shoes!

Guilty Or Not Guilty: The Sentence of a Working Mom

Written by GWEN

When I was first starting out in PR, I worked for an amazing fashion house and had an AMAZING boss! She was gorgeous, successful and had a beautiful family with two daughters. But I remember my colleagues sometimes telling me how guilty my boss said she felt for working so much and being away from her kids. At the time, I didn’t really understand. I thought it was simple. She had a great job and a loving family—what’s to feel guilty about?

About ten years later, I finally get it. I love my job and feel incredibly lucky that my company has allowed me to come back three days a week. Most of the time, it feels like the perfect balance. I get to go to work and have adult conversations (plus some silly ones obvi), feel like I’m achieving something, and still have the rest of the week to spend with Izzy and make sure he gets some mommy attention. Other times I feel like I want to be at work more. I want to be able to control everything that goes on in my department, and I want to get EVEN more done—things that I just can’t do in only three days. BUT, I feel terrible for leaving Izzy and could never give up those days with him. I would feel too guilty leaving him 5 days a week, even though I know millions of women do it all the time. 

Of course there isn’t a right or wrong answer and I know it’s up to me to do what I’m most comfortable with and what I think is best for Izzy. All I know is, I feel guilty for leaving him and guilty for not being at work more. Which, then leads to other questions and concerns. I worry that leaving him with a nanny will mold his personality to hers, not mine. OR that he should be in daycare rather than with his nanny.

Obviously, for now, I am choosing to stick with what I’m doing. Too many questions…it’s giving me a headache. So far, no major injuries or emotional scarring to report. Best not to rock the boat!

The Mum Tum

Written by GWEN

I’ve never had a flat stomach. It’s just not the way I’m built. I mean I can see my feet, and most of the time my hoo-ha, unless I’ve been out for a celebratory meal or something, if you know what I mean. No? 

ANYWAY, I’ve learned to hide this, handicap if you will, pretty well.  Because otherwise I’m a pretty small person, proportionally. I’ve been told I have nice long legs and a tight little toosh. (By the way, apparently this shape is known in magazines like Glamour as “The Apple”. I know, I don’t get it either.) So I accentuate my good areas. You know, I work a lot of A-line or tent dresses. Kaftans, blouses. Nothing tight. Ever. I guess my body has molded my fashion sense and taste in a way, and I’m okay with that. Every now and then I wish I could sport a belt, show a little waist line—especially when high-waisted jeans were in—but it’s fine. I get by and still manage to look pretty put together if you ask me.

When I was prego, it was quite liberating to let it all hang out. I actually did wear tight tops for the first time in my life. It was OK to have a belly and I was proud to show it off.

Me about to pop in probably the tightest shirt I’ve ever owned!

Then, once I had Izzy, I went back to my normal figure pretty quickly. (Isn’t figure such a retro word??) That is to say, I still had a little belly, but everything else was pretty good. And when I was breast feeding and chasing around Izzy every day, I was pretty skinny. Still had a pooch mind you, but not bad. 

Almost three months have passed now since I stopped breast feeding and I’m looking a little worse for wear these days. I hide it well, and like I said, I’m certainly not fat, but the tum is BACK. And better than ever. It’s a little bigger than I would like and I understand at some point I am going to have to cut down on the dessert and pork belly dinners. Not in winter though. Don’t be ridiculous. 

I have been feeling a little bad about myself lately, though, and here’s what didn’t help… I ran into a fellow mom friend yesterday at a playcentre. I looked pretty cute, wearing jeans, boots and a navy silky kaftany-type top. I hadn’t seen my friend in a while, and after we had chatted for a few minutes, I must have leaned a certain way, which prompted, “OH! Is that a little bump you’re hiding under there?” 

“NOOO!!!!” I shouted without thinking.

She turned bright red and apologized profusely. I mean, I wasn’t really upset, it takes a lot to offend me. 

And to be fair, the real answer to her question is, “Yes. Since 2001.”

Celebrity Styling Advice for Mamas: Interview with Taylor Jacobson

written by STEPHANIE

“Your baby’s arm feels like a dildo,” Taylor Jacobson confessed, shocked and a little embarrassed. Taylor isn’t like anyone you’ve ever met before. Her physical presence is notable, sure. She is petite, thin as can be, and all lashes framed by white blonde hair. But that’s just a small part of her equation. The sh*t that comes out of her mouth is f*cking fantastic. When she met my daughter, before finding similarities between her appendages and sex toys, she literally said, “ew.” The thought of a tiny person throwing up on her without notice, then pissing and sh*tting themselves, was too much. But she showered us with a wardrobe of BabyGap anyway and dressed me for a black tie event. She patiently offered gown after gown to accommodate my giant, nursing breasts. To say the girl has a heart of gold is putting it lightly.

She sat down with us and shared her genius styling advice for the Moms of America. But honestly, the Women of America should take notes as well… the girl is good. 

Poopsie Collective: What pieces should every woman/mom have in her wardrobe this spring?

Taylor Jacobson: Every woman should own a great blazer, a LBD (little black dress), and a black pump. Blazers go with everything. You can dress it up or down. The LBD is seasonless. You can always repeat it with different accessories. Also, a great statement nacklace, a fun pump, bright colored clutch. And black pumps never go out of style. They are classic and chic. Invest in a good pair!

TJ: A mistake that lots of women and men make is over styling. You never want to look like a collage. Keep it to one trend, and remember that less is more!

TJ: SPANX IT!!!!! I live for them. No one is perfect and they smooth out every line. Trust me, no one walks the redcarpet without them. 

TJ: Accessories!! Clutches, shoes, and jewels are easy ways to update your look. Aldo and Steve Madden make super chic and affordable shoes and clutches that work for all occasions. BCBG Generation makes fabulous, trendy, faux jewels. Look for statement cocktail rings, layering necklaces and cuffs. 

TJ: I’m working on a new reality show called ‘LA Style (wt)’. It follows the new generation of fashion stylists in LA. It will be airing on Oxygen later this year. 

TJ: I love the excitement of the ever changing world of fashion. I love when my clients rock it on the red carpet. And everything inspires me, from art to people, and places, and movies… life!

Taylor was raised on the mean streets of Beverly Hills, and has worked tirelessly styling for films, shoots and celebrity red carpet events. She is probably best known for her work as Rachel Zoe’s right hand on Bravo’s ‘The Rachel Zoe Project’. She has an impeccable work ethic and is known for being a perfectionist on the job. She headlines the new show, ‘LA Style (wt)’ on Oxygen, which airs later this year. 

Many thanks to Taylor, from the PC team, for taking time to chat with us. You’re a rock star!

Shop Happy

Congratulations to our 3 lucky winners (you know who you are), who will each get to treat their feet to a gorgeous pair of shoes and bisous from shoe designer by day and our fashion hero by night, Jordana Silver. 

Great news for them, but equally great news for all of you! Jordana is offering readers of The Poopsie Collective 25% OFF her amazing products! But hurry up, offer only lasts through Wednesday, January 25th! We may still be learning about motherhood but you can be damn sure we know a great pair of shoes and a fabulous deal when we see one.

All you have to do is visit jordanasilver.com and enter promotional code POOPSIE at checkout. Happy feet + happy readers = happiest bloggers.

Love, The Poopsie Collective team

Last Day to Win Free Shoes!

We know, we know, you are busy. Work, babies, blah blah blah. But a few quick clicks could land you a pair of FREE SHOES! We may not know much, but we know a gorgeous pair of shoes when we see one, and we certainly know a good use of our limited free time. GO FOR IT!

We promise, your feet won’t be sorry.

Cleaning up toys is way better when your feet look hot…

All you have to do is “like” the Poopsie Collective AND Jordana Silver fan pages on Facebook and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win!. And don’t forget to follow Poopsie Collective on Twitter. Click HERE to learn more!

Erica, her bisous, and The Bachelor… Mommy’s guilty pleasures: fab footwear and crappy TV. 

The Only Shoe You Will Ever Need

Jordana Silver’s sapphire blue eyes sparkle with enthusiasm as she describes her next collection of bisous. Bisous, meaning kisses in French, are one part of her brilliant plan to take over your closet. The other part are ridiculously comfortable and versatile basic black flats. Her passion and charisma are infectious. Her laugh is contagious. Spend a few minutes with her and you will be singing the praises of her shoe line from the top of every mountain, and wondering what you stepped out your front door in before.

Brooke is wearing the Oversized Bow bisous in limited edition Rose Gold.

Jordana took a break from her daily craziness to chat with Poopsie about what inspires her and why every mother in America a few bisous.

Name: Jordana Silver
Age: 32
Occupation: Shoe and Bisous Designer
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Current Residence: New York, NY
Worst Job: Receptionist
Best Job: My current job: what can be better than doing what you love everyday?!
What did you dream of being as a little girl: I dreamed of becoming the next Bette Midler.  I just adored her growing up and still do.  I can still do a mean Otto Tisling from Beaches. Unfortunately I could never carry a tune so my dream was short lived.
What makes you feel proud: That I am living out my professional dream.  I wanted to make sure I did not live with regret.  I wanted to make sure 30 years from now I did not wake up asking myself why I never tried.  I feel really proud to know that I saw this idea through wherever it may go.
What can you absolutely NOT live without: Affection!  Hugs are such a little gesture with such a big reward.  Everyone should hug more.
What always makes you laugh: Everything.  I sometimes am like a laugh machine.  I often crack myself up over nothing.
Who is the first person you call when you have news to share: My pops!  I refer to him affectionately as Julio (his name is Julius). 
Who is the first person you call when you need advice: I would say I seek different advice from different people.  I have an amazing group of friends who all possess different skills  They are my sounding board and advice givers.
What’s the most useful piece of advice you were given: To keep rolling.  My father always tells me that you just need to keep moving forward.  If a problem arises, I simply find the best solution.  There is no point dwelling.  That is a poor use of energy and time.  Finding a solution always makes me feel better too.
What has driven you forward it your career: Determination and hard work.  I have always had big dreams and knew I had to work hard to make them a reality.
How did you first conceive concept or Jordana Silver shoes and bisous:  I was traveling a lot for my corporate sales position and while visiting accounts/stores across the country I would sneak away to the shoe departments to take a peak of the different selections.  I noticed everything I coveted and craved was completely outside my budget and when I did buy, I bought black and basic because they are the most versatile.  I felt unsatisfied by my purchases.  I wanted great design!  I wanted quality!  I wanted to have fun with my shoes!
Moms typically look for products that blend fashion with function. How do your shoes help them achieve this goal: My shoes could not be more perfect for moms.  You have one pair of shoes you can wear an infinite amount of ways.  They are super comfortable, space savers, and easy on your bank book while staying on trend.  What could be better?!
Now for the important question, who is your celebrity crush: Ryan Gosling.  What can I say?  He is Canadian and so dreamy! 

A sincere and heartfelt ‘thank you’ goes out to Jordana Silver for her generous contriubtion to The Poopsie Collective.
xoxo,
The Poopsie Collective Team

4 Days Left to Win!

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FREE SHOES! 

Only 4 days left to treat your feet and win your very own Jordana Silver shoes!

All you have to do is “like” the Poopsie Collective AND Jordana Silver fan pages on Facebook or follow Poopsie Collective on Twitter and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win! Click HERE to learn more!

Treat Your Feet! A Poopsie Collective Giveaway!

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FREE SHOES!

It’s not always easy being a woman, and it’s definitely not always easy being a mom. Don’t believe us? Just read our many posts about childbirth, tantrums, vomit cleanup, and our poop-tastic voyages to toddler-ville. 

A mom’s #1 job is to take care of others, but we think it’s about time us moms take care of ourselves too. It’s time to treat ourselves, or at least our feet, to something special. 

Say hello to Jordana Silver. She’s our hero, and not just ‘cause she’s giving us free shoes to GIVE TO YOU. Nope, she also happens to be a genius with an eye for style that’s as functional as it is fabulous. She’s come up with a luxury shoe and accessory concept for the modern woman (and modern mom).  With the base of a ballet flat, a signature wardrobe must have (especially when chasing a kid around), the shoes are customized with a collection of unique bisous (or shoe clips).  Bisous in French means kiss and these bisous kiss your shoes.

For Valentines Day, she’s created a new collection of bisous; think sweethearts, bon-bons, friendship charms, bows and (obviously) roses. And the best part is WE’RE GIVING AWAY FREE SHOES TO YOU! That’s right, 3 lucky Poopsie fans will get to treat their feet to snazzy new shoes plus bisous of their choice! Just try to keep them poop/puke-free.

All you have to do is “like” the Poopsie Collective AND Jordana Silver fan pages on Facebook, or follow Poopsie Collective on Twitter and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win!

Get clicking folks!  Only 5 days to go… Love, the Poopsie team.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Jordana Silver & Poopsie Collective Sweepstakes. Sponsored by The Poopsie Collective. Enter by selecting “Like” on The Poopsie Collective and Jordana Silver fan pages on Facebook.com or by following Poopsie Collective on Twitter, beginning January 16, 2012 at 12:01 AM (ET) through January 20, 2012 at 11:59 PM (ET). Three (3) grand-prize winners will receive a pair of Jordana Silver shoes, including 2 sets of bisous, plus a pair of bisous of their choice (ARV $200). Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. Must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or District of Columbia.

Life Savers (Part I of a Poopsie Collective Series)

Written by ERICA

Life can be messy. It can be complicated, chaotic, and often times pretty f-ing stressful. Well life as a mom is all of that…smothered in poop. So having a few tricks up your sleeve to help you deal with the chaos is crucial. In celebration of 2012 and starting the New Year off right, the Poopsie team is sharing our must-have items. Our kids have lovies/pacifiers/security blankets, and us moms have our own Life Savers.

To kick if off, here are some things I absolutely cannot live without:

Caffeine

More specifically, Dunkin Donuts black coffee. It used to be hot, but now that I’m in sunny/humid Miami it’s iced. My need for speed – er I mean coffee - is not new; even pre-baby (hell even in Middle School) my head would be on the verge of exploding before my first sip of Joe. But it’s become increasingly crucial now that I am responsible for another human being. I literally cannot start my day without a cup. And during the days when Owen gets sick or pops a new tooth, it’s very very large cup.

Baby Jogger Console

I used to love bags. LOVE. These days my closet is a disgrace full of dry cleaning plastic wrap and summer dresses, which apparently residents of Miami do not wear in the winter even though it’s 80 degrees out. (Clearly I’m in the middle of a mom-life wardrobe crisis.) But amidst the mismatched shoeboxes and piles of dirty laundry there is a collection of beautiful, lonely handbags that I miss dearly. Because instead of whipping out my stylish woven leather tote, I toss all of my crap in my Baby Jogger Stroller Console. This thing holds everything. My wallet, my phone, keys, water/coffee, a snack, my sunglasses, and some gum. And anything that doesn’t fit in the console fits in the massive Uppababy stroller basket (bless you Uppababy gods). I miss my purses every day, but that Baby Jogger console has changed my life.

Lululemon Pants

Remember when I ranted that leggings are not pants. And then I confessed that to me, as a new mom, they totally are? And remember when I admitted I’m having a wardrobe catastrophe? Well, in the interim while I try to find my Miami style, I would be lost without Lululemon leggings. They went from being my gym pants to my comfy travel pants to my everyday go-to bottoms. I’m not arguing they are exactly fashionable, but when they spend most of the day being spit up on or covered in sweat/poop/toddler food, do they really need to be?  Don’t answer that…

Hair Pins

I didn’t think I’d be dealing with bald spots and hair loss until I was at least, like, 70. And by then who cares, hair loss is the least of your problems. But as pretty much anyone who has seen me or spoken to me (or read the Poopsie or had a kid of their own) now knows, I lost a LOT of hair after Owen. And it’s still growing in. So I depend on bobby pins and headbands to make my “bangs” look even close to presentable. These rubber pins from Ricky’s NYC are my favorites… somehow they NEVER come lose. Even when Owen tries to pull them out.

Seltzer Water

I’m hooked. Bubbly water is so much more refreshing than plain old water, and yet it’s water all the same. I pretty much always have a bottle in tow, and when I’m home we whip up a fresh batch with our Soda Stream (one of AJ’s better impulse purchases).  Aside from the fact that the dog goes nutso when she hears the fizzing sound, it’s a total life saver.

Pee in Your Pants Videos (yes that’s a category)

As a new mom it’s so easy to get in the habit of only watching baby videos or Nickelodeon. I mean if it weren’t for Dora the Explorer and Owen’s bouncy seat I would probably never have time to take a dump. But finding funny videos that are NFB (not for babies) is equally a must. I have some go-to favorites that I pretty much watch on repeat when I crave a laugh: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (parts 1 and 2), Besties X Besties (watch all of them, they are GENIUS) and Stefon from SNL’s Weekend Update. Watch them all and thank me later.

But He Needs Them!

Written by ERICA

I’ve always had a thing for fashion. More specifically clothes, and shoes, and bags, and, well, everything. And I’ve always been a decisive shopper. I’m not the type to purchase an item, take it home, let it sit in the bag for weeks, only to decide I don’t really need/like it, return it, and then save the store credit for months until I can spend that one credit on three different items on sale (eh hem, Mom). Nope, not me. I see something I like, I buy it, I take it home, I wear it that day, and I never look back. Or at least, I did.

This was all before Owen. Before I would spend my days potentially getting puked on (I’m writing this after having been vomited on three times in one hour) and before I spent all of my time crouched on a floor or in a play tent or running around a park. Unfortunately, comfort is key these days, and fashion doesn’t have much of a place in my life. Note: I said much; fashion doesn’t have MUCH of a place, not NO place. So if you think this means I don’t want to go shopping AJ…you’re WRONG.

Anyway, where was I? Oh right, I love fashion, but I don’t have as MUCH of a need for it these days. But guess who does? I’ll give you some hints: he’s cute, he’s small, he’s got delicious cheeks, he just turned one, and he is an AWESOME dresser. That’s right kids; I’ve generously decided to temporarily forego my own wardrobe and pass on my shopping skills to my son.

At the ripe age of 2 months, Owen rocked a sun hat, faux aviators, Little Marc Jacobs cargo shorts, and genuine Sperry boat shoes. Ka-BOOM.

I know, I know. Kids grow fast. Too fast. You buy them one thing, and they’re too big for it the next week. You buy something bigger, they can’t wear it for a month, and then they’re too big for it the next week. I’ve heard that tune, and I don’t care. My son is going to be well dressed and nothing, not even his growing thunder thighs, can stop me. 

And here’s the real problem (yes, I have a problem and I’m not ashamed to admit it). I see something cute, and I can’t say no to Owen. I hold up the adorablely mini puffy vest (or polo shirt, or jeggings, or converse) and I know it’s not a necessary purchase, but then I say to myself and the woman shopping next to me and the sales lady, “But he needs it!” and hand her my credit card. Don’t get me wrong; I am a smart shopper. I buy things on sale. I save all those stupid emails that give you free shipping or 20% off or whatever daily deal is out there. I am Jewish after all. And I do have my limits. One time I saw an amazing Bonpoint hoodie sweater that cost more than most of my nice tops and I had to force myself out of the store. But it was REALLY hard. 

Did you know that virtually everything is cuter when it’s tiny? You could take the ugliest eff-ing puke-colored, tacky plaid shirt and make it mini and I’d probably buy it. Actually, that already happened, and Owen looked AWESOME.

I’m trying to be better about my shopping. Currently Owen’s drawers are full and unless something is a really good deal and I can get it in a really big size for down the road, I pass. But the truth is, seeing Owen look adorable makes me smile. Sure, he’d look like a cutiepants in anything (or nothing, have you seen a baby crawling around in just a diaper? IT’S PRECIOUS!). But it makes me feel happy and stylish when he looks happy and stylish. Even if I happen to look like a bit of a slob that day. There, my shopping is justified.

And I sense a pattern developing here. Owen’s wardrobe is just the beginning of things I will give up for myself in order for him to look/feel/be better. That’s what being a parent is all about, so I better get used to it.

Plus, I just saw this amazing pair of Tiny TOMS that are making my ovaries explode, and he really needs them!

Polo shirt, check. Popped collar, double check. Cutoff jean shorts (only attractive on a dude at 10 months old), check mate.

Leggings are Not Pants (or Are They?)

Written by ERICA

Unless you are attending/teaching an aerobics class circa 1980, spandex are NOT kosher work attire.

As a baby-free working girl in the big city I was VERY conscious of the latest fashions. I worked in marketing for a magazine, which was headquartered in a supes intimidating and impressive building. I spent every day in an office where fashion editors, stylists and icons walked the halls looking like supermodels (oh yeah, there were models too). Talk about a confidence booster (not), try having a beautiful model with zero body fat, flawless skin and legs for days stand next to your 5’1” frame and make fun of your Edward Cullen collage. Yeah, that happened. (And yes, I had an Edward Cullen collage, and no I am not 12 years old.)

Anyway, every day was an opportunity to look stylish. Luckily my sister works in fashion and passes on her discount to moi, so stocking up on cute clothes was a dream. I think (I think) I found a way to be fashionable and appropriate. But I can’t say that for everyone else. There were a few styles that I saw that I could never really get used to. For example, (and I can actually see a few of you nodding your heads in agreement as you read this) leggings are NOT pants. People would show up to work wearing spandex and t-shirts. I don’t care if you put your spandex with booties, or if you pair those “pants” with a silk shirt (which, by the way, is just wrong). They are STILL not pants. Unless you work at a gym or you’re a professional athlete, leggings are NOT pants and are NOT for work. I could go on for days about this, but I’ll stop with this one last rant: if you can see your vagina lips and butt crack through your pants, they are too tight for anything, and are DEFINITELY too tight for work.

Ok, back on track. So yeah, that was my mantra in the working world. Cute, appropriate, stylish, sophisticated. No leggings. They’re not pants. Got it. But now I’m a mom. I don’t go to meetings. I don’t do presentations. I don’t walk the halls with models and businesswomen. I don’t break bread with clients. I sit in my apartment. I get covered in poop/puke/insert bodily fluid here. I rarely have time to shower. I quickly dust on some blush and if I have time apply mascara. On a really good day, I shave my legs.

So what the F does a poop-covered mom wear to be fashionable and appropriate? Are you ready for this? I wear LEGGINGS. AS PANTS. But wait. WAIT! Let me explain.

I hate doing laundry. HATE. So if I know for a fact that I will a) get puked on and b) will hopefully find time to squeeze in some marathon training later in the day (amen for my jogging stroller) then why would I ever waste my time and laundry $$ on a clean, stylish outfit? Right? Right. In my defense, I only sport the stretch pants a few days a week and I ALWAYS make sure my crotchal region is properly covered. No camel toes in this hood, yo.

So I guess the bottom line is that I’ve started to re-think my fashion philosophy. But all I’ve really decided is this: leggings truly are NOT pants. They’re just not. But I’m OK wearing non-pants most days. And they are still NOT appropriate for work, unless, of course, your job is to be a stay at home mom who is also training for the marathon. And then they are juuuuuust perfect.

To Heel or Not to Heel

written by GWEN

THE Vanessa Bruno flats. I probably should have taken the bandaids off first.

In the UK women get a year off for maternity leave. Of course you don’t have to take the full 12 months, but, I mean, let’s not kid ourselves.

I am now eight months in and have been perfectly content with my time off. That is until a few weeks ago, when my company called and asked if I would be interested in doing a freelance project for them. Tentatively, I went in for an initial meeting and three hours later returned, with a slightly bigger boob, to a smiling baby with Nanny London. Yes. That is her real name. I decided maybe a little work wouldn’t be sooo bad. Something to do to feel productive (I’ll ignore the obvious joke here), a little time away from Izzy in a good way and some extra shopping moola, might be just what I needed. The next day I was on a plane to NYC (for vacay), but agreed once I was there to take a few meetings with some magazine editors and get the ball rolling.

That first meeting in London felt surprisingly natural and not as difficult as I thought it might to snap back into PR worky mode. BUT, dressing up to go into Hearst and Conde Nast Publishing houses in New York was a totally different story. I found myself wondering, am I still cool enough to do this… ignoring the obvious question, was I ever cool enough to do this.

Getting on the wrong subway, winding up too far east and too far north right off the bat didn’t exactly instill confidence. What, am I new? As I walked into Hearst I was happy with my outfit (no baby belly in sight), but instantly second-guessed my decision to wear flats. The reception area was overflowing with 5-inch heels and upon arrival at the security desk, I was forced to stand next to two 8-foot tall girls.

Next stop, the elevators with no buttons inside. A security guard programmed in the floor I was going to before I even got in. So, now I was feeling short, ridiculously out of touch and desperately trying to resist the urge to show Izzy’s picture to everyone I met.  And what do you know? A 9-foot tall model gets in with me.

“I love your shoes!”

Compliment from the amazon? Nailed it.

“Oh thanks. It feels so funny getting in an elevator and not pressing any buttons, doesn’t it?”

She giggled and agreed with me.

Made giant laugh. Check, please!

I walked into my meeting confidently only to receive yet another compliment on my shoes,  and one for my bag. You can never go wrong with Chanel.

Wavered slightly when I reached into said bag and pulled out the Holiday Inn pen I grabbed at my parent’s apartment – thanks, Mom. By my third meeting I felt back in the game. And as the editor asked about Izzy, I proudly whipped out my iphone and showed her only 1 of the 998 pictures I have of him. Obviously she was smitten.

Moral of this story? There are probably a few: I can have a baby and still feel fulfilled with a career? Confidence is key? Never second guess myself – mainly my fashion sense? Blah blah blah… For me it was really that I’ve still got it, and well, those Vanessa Bruno flats were clearly a very, very smart purchase.