Cute mommy spring/summer clothes thread

[elephantmeg]

I thought we could start a thread for spring/summer. I am a fashion inept person who would like to rehabilitate :) Last couple unpregnant summers I had trouble with having clothes that were too nice to play in and then clothes that were play-friendly but not fit to be seen out in public in!

ie reconciling this outfit (eddie bauer all the way I think-still have the skirt-shirt got something on it that I couldn't get out)
http://www.megley.com/photos/trips/rbeach06b/PICT2252.JPG.html
with this one (shirt that I got in 2000 at a museum in France and wear to the gym complete with stains and shorts from somewhere that I've had forever)
http://www.megley.com/photos/trips/pa2007/PICT6372.JPG.html

what do you wear? I had a lot of trouble camping-we take the most pics there cause DH is around while we're playing and he likes to take pics but if I dress up too much then I end up mud covered and if I don't then I look hideous in all the pics!

I'm also looking for cute clothes for very casual church going that I can chase 2 kids in and that DD won't pull the front off to try to find milkies (lol).

So feel free to post suggestions or just what you are looking at wearing this year!

[MontrealMum]

I am a clotheshorse, I will admit, but for my days at home and running after DS I prefer things that are easily washable, but still look put-together. That means I favor things like Eddie Bauer/Gap with some JCrew thrown in for a bit more style and flash. I also really like my HA survivor jackets and lululemon hoodies/jackets for that casual mom look with nice jeans. The JCrew perfect T is wonderful under so many things and is nice and long so that it stays tucked in!

Merrells, Keens, Eccos & Clarks all make nice cute but comfy shoes to pair with this. Although I do have a pair of gold leather nikes that are pretty great too :)

For a more formal work/church look I tend toward more JCrew, with some Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. Some Club Monaco as well.

I have lots of other stuff too ;), but that's the basic outline of what I go towards.

[niccig]

I'm trying to spend a little more time on my clothes. I actually have some nice things (thanks to DH who is the one with style). So I would suggest pulling everything out of your closet and then seeing how you can mix things around.

What I like to wear are cargo pants/longer shorts/cropped pants with t-shirts or shirts. But I don't wear typical style t-shirt as it clings too much. There's lots of cute t-shirts with pin tucks etc that look a little more stylish and don't cling. I also have a few skirts that I mix in. I do wear jeans a lot, but in summer it's too hot, so that's where I have cargoes etc. Shoes are comfortable sandals or sport mary janes. For camping, I would wear cargoes and t-shirt, hoodie and sneakers.

[niccig]

I'm trying to spend a little more time on my clothes. I actually have some nice things (thanks to DH who is the one with style). So I would suggest pulling everything out of your closet and then seeing how you can mix things around.

What I like to wear are cargo pants/longer shorts/cropped pants with t-shirts or shirts. But I don't wear typical style t-shirt as it clings too much. There's lots of cute t-shirts with pin tucks etc that look a little more stylish and don't cling. I also have a few skirts that I mix in. I do wear jeans a lot, but in summer it's too hot, so that's where I have cargoes etc. Shoes are comfortable sandals or sport mary janes. For camping, I would wear cargoes and t-shirt, hoodie and sneakers.

ETA. I found this at Nordstrom. You can create looks. This is kind of what I'm trying to go for this summer. I can play with DS, I can go to the mall, I can have lunch with DH etc. I'm comfortable, which is a must for me. http://www.nordstrom.com/C/6022514/0~2377475~6022513~6022514 (http://www.nordstrom.com/C/6022514/0%7E2377475%7E6022513%7E6022514) I put in the cargoes, the white screen tee and the orange cardigan.

I would pair it with comfortable sandals like http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/49677023/c/186097.html The strap at the back will mean I can run after DS easily. I could also swap out the t-shirt for a darker colour, wear a pair of keen sandals or my sneakers, and have a cotton hoodie instead of the cardigan, and I'm ready for bike riding at the beach or more dirty activities.

HTH. I'm fashion inept, but I'm learning. I get in ruts easily though. I am trying to get out of the baggy jeans, freebie t-shirt from walkathons and grey fleece jacket that I've pretty much worn for the winter...I do have nicer clothes that are just as practical, but I couldn't be bothered. Well, I want to bother now, and spend some time on me.

[MontrealMum]

I figured I should post some links to pics too:

Here is an example of a slightly more pulled together look that I might wear (tho I would not pay that price for the top!): henly and khakis (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/jcrewcashmere/PRDOVR~12526/12526.jsp) I would also do a similar fitted top or sweater with dark jeans.

this is from the perfit-fit line that I really like: perfect fit henley (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/knitstees/perfectfittees/PRDOVR~97760/97760.jsp) they also do a regular longsleeve and short sleeve version as well as a scoopneck.

these are very flattering and versatile khakis and they go on sale a lot! favorite fit chino (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/pants/chino/PRDOVR~95397/95397.jsp)

I am a big fan of hoodies and might do this type of look in the warmer weather: survivor jacket with gauchos (http://www.hannaandersson.com/style.asp?from=SC%7C7%7C4%7C32%7C54%7C5%7C%7C&simg=32927_U34)

I absolutely despise wearing button-up shirts with collars, but I have about 7-8 of these shirts in different sizes and colors (tho not this non-iron version) because the fitted style makes it really flattering and that little bit of lycra means you can actually move: fitted BR shirt (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5039&vid=1&pid=627546&scid=627546042)

BR has lots of really cute but comfy looking tops right now; some are more dressy, some more casual.

I tend to go for A-line skirts because I have bigger hips - usually they are broader at the hem than this one, but I like it because it's sexy/dressy w/o being a pencil which can be hard for me to wear: sleek A-line (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17052&vid=1&pid=619419&scid=619419002) I would wear it with anything from a nicer fitted T, to a cashmere sweater, twinset, or fitted cardigan.

For a true dressy occasion, I have a dress similar to this one (mine doesn't have a bow) which I feel comfortable throwing on quickly and still know I look appropriate: cotton bow dress (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/dresses/knitdresses/PRDOVR~13611/13611.jsp)
I also have quite a few shirtwaists/wrap styles, tho mine are mostly cotton: taffeta wrap dress (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/dresses/weddingsparties/PRDOVR~99838/99838.jsp)
I hope that helps! I can't wait to have the time to get out there and see what's in the stores for spring.

ETA: I am a shoeaholic, but for everyday and chasing after DS I tend toward things like these: Merrell Mary Jane (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2974156/0~2376778~2372808~6015204~6015243?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6015243&P=1) Privo Mary Jane (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3007188/0~2376778~2372808~6015204~6015243?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6015243&P=1) For a dressier look I would do ballet flats or loafers - I have a pair of Tod's that I got at the Rack for a steal.

[firsttimemama]

so far for summer I've bought 3 jersey knit skirts (all 3 at target) and a pair of cargo pants that can roll up to capris (also target). I hate wearing shorts. But, last summer my baby didn't move and before then I didn't have a babe :) so I don't know how practical it is going to be for me to continue to live in skirts. Maybe I'll just be flashing people a lot ;)

Oh I forgot I bought denim & khaki capris at gap outlet.

I really want a maxi skirt and/or dress but haven't found any I love yet

Does anyone want to link me to their "live in" shoe for summer? Maybe something that could go w/skirts AND capris? is there such a thing? I don't want to spend a lot of $ but I'm going to need something beyond my wardrobe of not-very-supportive flip flops and a couple old pairs of sandals

[firsttimemama]

i forgot I have my eye on the tiered cotton skirt at AT Loft , it's really cute I think

[love_a_latte]

For a true dressy occasion, I have a dress similar to this one (mine doesn't have a bow) which I feel comfortable throwing on quickly and still know I look appropriate: cotton bow dress (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/dresses/knitdresses/PRDOVR~13611/13611.jsp)

(That is a quote from MontrealMum, I just messed up the quote box somehow :))

Oh, I like that one. Right up my (imaginary) alley. This is a great thread, as I too am working on refreshing my wardrobe. The weight from DS is almost gone, and me-oh-my do I need some new clothes.
I'll be watching to see what other great outfits people come up with.

[niccig]

this is from the perfit-fit line that I really like: perfect fit henley (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/knitstees/perfectfittees/PRDOVR%7E97760/97760.jsp) they also do a regular longsleeve and short sleeve version as well as a scoopneck.

these are very flattering and versatile khakis and they go on sale a lot! favorite fit chino (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/pants/chino/PRDOVR%7E95397/95397.jsp)

I absolutely despise wearing button-up shirts with collars, but I have about 7-8 of these shirts in different sizes and colors (tho not this non-iron version) because the fitted style makes it really flattering and that little bit of lycra means you can actually move: fitted BR shirt (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5039&vid=1&pid=627546&scid=627546042)

I tend to go for A-line skirts because I have bigger hips - usually they are broader at the hem than this one, but I like it because it's sexy/dressy w/o being a pencil which can be hard for me to wear: sleek A-line (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17052&vid=1&pid=619419&scid=619419002) I would wear it with anything from a nicer fitted T, to a cashmere sweater, twinset, or fitted cardigan.

For a true dressy occasion, I have a dress similar to this one (mine doesn't have a bow) which I feel comfortable throwing on quickly and still know I look appropriate: cotton bow dress (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/dresses/knitdresses/PRDOVR%7E13611/13611.jsp)

I'm going to have look at these shirts. I hate button up shirts too, so if you like this style, I'll try it. Same with the skirt. I only wear a-line, and some years you can't find it at all. So if this one works for me, I'll get it now. I do like that dress, but not the bow. I'm not a bow person, wonder if you can take it off???

To the OP, I like to have plain tailored bottom half whether pants/shorts/skirt. Because of my hips, I can have trouble finding pants/skirts that work, so I grab them when I can. Shopping for tops is much easier, and I have more tops than bottoms. For the top, I like a t-shirt or shirt that is a little different. I like things I see at Anthroplogie, but I can't afford all of that. But I look around and try to find something similar.

[Melaine]

I really need to bookmark this thread. I've felt very tempted to call What Not To Wear and report myself over the last few years. No matter what I do, I cannot escape the college look (and not in a good way), and I am such a cheap-o that I cannot seem to find any clothing that I like in my price range, or at least nothing that will last more than one season. In highschool, I really felt comfortable with my style but HELLO it hasn't changed since.

[MontrealMum]

I really liked those sandals you linked to Nicci! My go-to pair died last year and I spent the final month of summer looking for another pair with absolutely no luck. I think I'm going to try and find them up here so I can try them on.

I don't get why JCrew put that bow on that dress either. I have basically the exact same thing (in green) w/o, and it's just a nice classic A-line that's nicely fitted with flattering darts through the bust. They've been doing the same style in different colors and fabrics for years - why stick a bow on the stomach? The best part is that the front is actually cut high enough to not have to worry about showing cleavage - which is kinda good for church.

The best thing about that BR fitted shirt is that even when I was at a 14/16 (because of the bfing) it was still a very flattering look.

Sadly, (though not for our bank account!) I will probably not be doing much spring/summer shopping for myself as I am now back in the size that the bulk of my wardrobe is in, and it all feels like new since I haven't worn it in 3+ years. So I am enjoying a vicarious shopping thrill through all of you :) I might just get one or two things though...I have my 20th reunion this year.

[firsttimemama]

I tend to buy clothes that will only last one season or two (except maybe dresses/dressy occasion stuff)

I have a hard time spending money on clothes for myself

[elephantmeg]

wow, these are great suggestions! I'll have to go check out some local stores and look around :)

[elephantmeg]

ETA. I found this at Nordstrom. You can create looks. This is kind of what I'm trying to go for this summer. I can play with DS, I can go to the mall, I can have lunch with DH etc. I'm comfortable, which is a must for me. http://www.nordstrom.com/C/6022514/0~2377475~6022513~6022514 (http://www.nordstrom.com/C/6022514/0%7E2377475%7E6022513%7E6022514) I put in the cargoes, the white screen tee and the orange cardigan.

I would pair it with comfortable sandals like http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/49677023/c/186097.html The strap at the back will mean I can run after DS easily. I could also swap out the t-shirt for a darker colour, wear a pair of keen sandals or my sneakers, and have a cotton hoodie instead of the cardigan, and I'm ready for bike riding at the beach or more dirty activities.

HTH. I'm fashion inept, but I'm learning. I get in ruts easily though. I am trying to get out of the baggy jeans, freebie t-shirt from walkathons and grey fleece jacket that I've pretty much worn for the winter...I do have nicer clothes that are just as practical, but I couldn't be bothered. Well, I want to bother now, and spend some time on me.

thanks for the Nordie link. That's cool!

[elephantmeg]

I am a clotheshorse, I will admit, but for my days at home and running after DS I prefer things that are easily washable, but still look put-together. That means I favor things like Eddie Bauer/Gap with some JCrew thrown in for a bit more style and flash. I also really like my HA survivor jackets and lululemon hoodies/jackets for that casual mom look with nice jeans. The JCrew perfect T is wonderful under so many things and is nice and long so that it stays tucked in!

Merrells, Keens, Eccos & Clarks all make nice cute but comfy shoes to pair with this. Although I do have a pair of gold leather nikes that are pretty great too :)

For a more formal work/church look I tend toward more JCrew, with some Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. Some Club Monaco as well.

I have lots of other stuff too ;), but that's the basic outline of what I go towards.

so many great suggestions! I had a good time looking through those websites

[elephantmeg]

i forgot I have my eye on the tiered cotton skirt at AT Loft , it's really cute I think

oh.my.gosh. I had never looked at AT loft. wow. There's one about 45 min away, I may need to take a field trip soon. I've never been to one.

I think these are cute too

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=16305&N=1200261&categoryId=206&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_206&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Sunset%20Orange&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18540&defaultColorNameFromCrosell=Deep%20Blue#ATLtop

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=17181&N=1200260&categoryId=204&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_204&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Blood%20Orange&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

[elephantmeg]

I figured I should post some links to pics too:

Here is an example of a slightly more pulled together look that I might wear (tho I would not pay that price for the top!): henly and khakis (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/jcrewcashmere/PRDOVR~12526/12526.jsp) I would also do a similar fitted top or sweater with dark jeans.

this is from the perfit-fit line that I really like: perfect fit henley (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/knitstees/perfectfittees/PRDOVR~97760/97760.jsp) they also do a regular longsleeve and short sleeve version as well as a scoopneck.

these are very flattering and versatile khakis and they go on sale a lot! favorite fit chino (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/pants/chino/PRDOVR~95397/95397.jsp)

I am a big fan of hoodies and might do this type of look in the warmer weather: survivor jacket with gauchos (http://www.hannaandersson.com/style.asp?from=SC%7C7%7C4%7C32%7C54%7C5%7C%7C&simg=32927_U34)

I absolutely despise wearing button-up shirts with collars, but I have about 7-8 of these shirts in different sizes and colors (tho not this non-iron version) because the fitted style makes it really flattering and that little bit of lycra means you can actually move: fitted BR shirt (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5039&vid=1&pid=627546&scid=627546042)

BR has lots of really cute but comfy looking tops right now; some are more dressy, some more casual.

I tend to go for A-line skirts because I have bigger hips - usually they are broader at the hem than this one, but I like it because it's sexy/dressy w/o being a pencil which can be hard for me to wear: sleek A-line (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17052&vid=1&pid=619419&scid=619419002) I would wear it with anything from a nicer fitted T, to a cashmere sweater, twinset, or fitted cardigan.

For a true dressy occasion, I have a dress similar to this one (mine doesn't have a bow) which I feel comfortable throwing on quickly and still know I look appropriate: cotton bow dress (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/dresses/knitdresses/PRDOVR~13611/13611.jsp)
I also have quite a few shirtwaists/wrap styles, tho mine are mostly cotton: taffeta wrap dress (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/dresses/weddingsparties/PRDOVR~99838/99838.jsp)
I hope that helps! I can't wait to have the time to get out there and see what's in the stores for spring.

ETA: I am a shoeaholic, but for everyday and chasing after DS I tend toward things like these: Merrell Mary Jane (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2974156/0~2376778~2372808~6015204~6015243?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6015243&P=1) Privo Mary Jane (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3007188/0~2376778~2372808~6015204~6015243?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6015243&P=1) For a dressier look I would do ballet flats or loafers - I have a pair of Tod's that I got at the Rack for a steal.

wow, thanks for all the details! :)

[niccig]

oh.my.gosh. I had never looked at AT loft. wow. There's one about 45 min away, I may need to take a field trip soon. I've never been to one.

I think these are cute too

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=16305&N=1200261&categoryId=206&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_206&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Sunset%20Orange&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18540&defaultColorNameFromCrosell=Deep%20Blue#ATLtop

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=17181&N=1200260&categoryId=204&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_204&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Blood%20Orange&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

That's the kind of t-shirt I was talking about. It has some nice detailing around the neck and it's not a form fitting cut. I also like things with a print. I was in ATL the other day and saw some nice things that I'll wait to hit the sales rack. A friend when to H&M and got a really nice blue and white tunic that looked great over jeans. H&M is cheaper, it may not last as long, but I don't mind that for a few pieces, and it's a good way to start building a new wardrobe when you don't have a lot of $$.

[niccig]

I really liked those sandals you linked to Nicci! My go-to pair died last year and I spent the final month of summer looking for another pair with absolutely no luck. I think I'm going to try and find them up here so I can try them on.

I don't get why JCrew put that bow on that dress either. I have basically the exact same thing (in green) w/o, and it's just a nice classic A-line that's nicely fitted with flattering darts through the bust. They've been doing the same style in different colors and fabrics for years - why stick a bow on the stomach? The best part is that the front is actually cut high enough to not have to worry about showing cleavage - which is kinda good for church.

The best thing about that BR fitted shirt is that even when I was at a 14/16 (because of the bfing) it was still a very flattering look.

Sadly, (though not for our bank account!) I will probably not be doing much spring/summer shopping for myself as I am now back in the size that the bulk of my wardrobe is in, and it all feels like new since I haven't worn it in 3+ years. So I am enjoying a vicarious shopping thrill through all of you :) I might just get one or two things though...I have my 20th reunion this year.

I like those sandals, and I like these UGGs http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3001147/0~2376780~6009391~6012477~6012480~6012745?origin=c ategory&pbo=3001147 I have a white skirt that I've never really worn as I don't have the right shoes for it. So I need a sandal that would work. But I don't think I can buy UGG, when I was a kid in Australia UGGs were slippers and you wouldn't be caught dead wearing them outside the house. Of course, they weren't as nice as these UGGs.

Clarks opened a store at our mall. I got these http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/49677058/c/585.html With dark wash jeans, a cute shirt or sweater, these shoes just made me feel a little better dressed. I wore them all day F and Tu and I did a bit of walking. There was a little rubbing on the toes but no blisters.

I also got these - http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/49676761/c/25688.html it's a pewter colour and I think they'll go with a lot of clothes and they're prety comfortable too.

[Melaine]

I really like some of these, guys! I've been looking at J. Jill, but then I wandered over to ATL, and saw this:
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=20609&Nr=AND(CAT_SALE_FLAG%3aY)&pCategoryId=270&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_273&N=1200057&Nty=1&categoryId=273&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Ivory&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

[Melaine]

oh.my.gosh. I had never looked at AT loft. wow. There's one about 45 min away, I may need to take a field trip soon. I've never been to one.

I think these are cute too

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=16305&N=1200261&categoryId=206&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_206&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Sunset%20Orange&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18540&defaultColorNameFromCrosell=Deep%20Blue#ATLtop

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=17181&N=1200260&categoryId=204&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_204&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Blood%20Orange&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

I really like those shirts. I actually think the shirt I am wearing is the older version of that shirt, and it is one of my favorites. (It is ATL, but I picked it up at Rugged Wearhouse).