How do you feel about really stylish moms?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not talking about "DC" stylish a la Tory Burch or South Moon Under or fresh from some Tyson's shopping spree! Like, obviously not from around here or been here long super chic style. There's a mother I see at my DC's school who's style is just really, really chic and I don't think she's actually more than 4 or 5 years younger than me (I am 35, so she's late 20s or early 30s) but without the kid walking along next to her she could easily look like she stepped out of one of those New York Fashion Week street snaps I always see on Pinterest!! Granted, I think they just moved here from LA and I think they are international.... honestly, I see her and I think to myself, I am wearing all J.Crew and I hate myself!

The only person I know that dresses like that really does buy her clothes overseas (on business trips), and although she is low key, she is very wealthy. (And her clothes, although low key are expensive).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not talking about "DC" stylish a la Tory Burch or South Moon Under or fresh from some Tyson's shopping spree! Like, obviously not from around here or been here long super chic style. There's a mother I see at my DC's school who's style is just really, really chic and I don't think she's actually more than 4 or 5 years younger than me (I am 35, so she's late 20s or early 30s) but without the kid walking along next to her she could easily look like she stepped out of one of those New York Fashion Week street snaps I always see on Pinterest!! Granted, I think they just moved here from LA and I think they are international.... honestly, I see her and I think to myself, I am wearing all J.Crew and I hate myself!

I think two things...

1) She hasn't lived in the area very long

and

2) "what a fuckin' idiot." - seriously, if a women moves to DC and can't pick up that this isn't a town for high fashion than she must be dumb as rocks. It's DC. You aren't going anywhere cool, hip or interesting nor is anyone else. DC is not a fashion town. It is a tiny city bordered by suburbs.

Agree. Being "stylish" whatever that means signals you don't know what you're doing here. This is place where brains and connections and what you can do, not how you look matters.

I disagree. I like people who are comfortable in their own skin and true to themselves in any environment. They are who they are, and they're not trying to pretend to be someone else for the singular purpose of impressing others or even fitting in.

So yes, I agree DC isn't a "fashion town." But I don't expect someone to check her sense of style or her interest in fashion at the door. If that's who she is and what she enjoys, I think it's great.

However, if she's adopting high style fashion in an effort to impress others here in DC, then yes, I totally agree that that would be a mistake. First, because it's inauthentic and silly -- a "costume" in the truest sense. But also because it's likely to fail miserably for all the reasons you all describe above. Fashion is not the currency people value here.

I think if you look sloppy you have to prove yourself 10 times more. Sloppy looks make me think you do sloppy work. If you are so smart why is it so hard to put on a decent outfit?

Different poster here. We have a professional not-so-casual office environment (by choice, it seems) for my employees. If someone dresses over the top, with all of the highest name brands, it looks terribly awkward. Even thought their salary is high, I prefer they show some common sense and invest it wisely. Spending it on clothes is definitely not spending it wisely. Unless you work for Vogue, you should really reconsider where your money goes, no matter how much you have, or want to have.

[Anonymous]

You actually tell your employees how to spend their money?

[Anonymous]

Saw a mommy at the field with Chloe bag and I still think about it... I think 'd have to be very wealthy to be comfortable carrying that bag to the soccer field...
Probably says more about me than her.

[Anonymous]

Oh, I don't know. I'm a bit older and I like when people are who they are. One of my friends is very stylish. We look funny together because she is always well dressed, hair in place and made up while I'm in t-shirt, jeans and flats. But, we are close friends and are who we are.

At the end of the day, that is what's important.

[Anonymous]

I admire them because they carve out time for themselves in order to look good, which I'm sure makes them feel good about themselves. I know I should spend more time pulling myself together, I'm always rushed when I get ready and then avoid seeing anyone in the grocery store because my hair is a mess, lame outfit, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Saw a mommy at the field with Chloe bag and I still think about it... I think 'd have to be very wealthy to be comfortable carrying that bag to the soccer field...
Probably says more about me than her.

I think there is a difference between owning really expensive designer pieces and great style. Great style can be done on a budget. Money is just money.

[Anonymous]

If you're skinny, most anything looks good.

[Anonymous]

I love them! My cousin is like this - tall, super thin, beautiful, rich, in her 40s, and dresses like the NYC fashion goddess she is. I went up to see her a couple of years ago and she was in leather pants and 4" Manolos and it made me happy to see that she's still who she always has been, even after 2 kids.

My dentist in Arlington (prob the same age) is also like this - she has I think 5 kids and I swear, the last time I saw her she was in a magenta satin sheath and some very serious, gorgeous, and expensive heels. Long hair, full makeup. Her outfit cost more than my whole closet - and I think she's fabulous. I'm much more casual and can't imagine ever having the budget, the body, the style, or frankly the interest in doing myself up like that every day, but man, do I ever admire it. To each her own!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I see a really stylish mom, I assume she likes clothes and enjoys putting outfits together. Different people have different interests. I assume clothes are one of hers.

If her style is really original or special, I sometimes wonder if she has a visual arts or fashion background. That would be well beyond my background (and the background of my close friends), so it's interesting to me.

+1. Exactly.

[Anonymous]

I think style, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. There are many women who I would consider stylish based on their taste that others would not. Anyway, I agree with the pp's who say be who you are. If your style is leather pants, and stiletto booties, go for it and have fun. If your style is more classic, go for it and have fun.

I don't agree with the posters who say that this is ugly Hollywood and how dare you take the time to dress fashionable. That you won't be considered smart or driven or trustworthy. I believe it is the opposite. When I meet a polished woman for the first time, I think that because she takes the time to take care of herself, she will take the time to take care of whatever task I give her. Until she proves me wrong, this will be my impression.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love them! My cousin is like this - tall, super thin, beautiful, rich, in her 40s, and dresses like the NYC fashion goddess she is. I went up to see her a couple of years ago and she was in leather pants and 4" Manolos and it made me happy to see that she's still who she always has been, even after 2 kids.

My dentist in Arlington (prob the same age) is also like this - she has I think 5 kids and I swear, the last time I saw her she was in a magenta satin sheath and some very serious, gorgeous, and expensive heels. Long hair, full makeup. Her outfit cost more than my whole closet - and I think she's fabulous. I'm much more casual and can't imagine ever having the budget, the body, the style, or frankly the interest in doing myself up like that every day, but man, do I ever admire it. To each her own!

yay this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Honestly, since you asked, I think she has a shopping problem, and way too much time on her hands. Also, she is preoccupied with appearances, as opposed to presenting the realistic truth.

Its fine to look nice, but overboard is overboard. This is ugly hollywood, for crying out loud.

+1000. I think she is trying too hard and doesn't know how to handle washington. Or she is a mid-level worker and not a power player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh, I don't know. I'm a bit older and I like when people are who they are. One of my friends is very stylish. We look funny together because she is always well dressed, hair in place and made up while I'm in t-shirt, jeans and flats. But, we are close friends and are who we are.

At the end of the day, that is what's important.

I have a friend like this too.
I'm the typical size 6/8 mom in Jcrew and Gap and Athleta.
She is model thin, tall, gorgeous and wears all designer brands, mostly in black.
Her clothing is cut beautifully and fits her so well.

We look nothing alike but get along like sisters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Honestly, since you asked, I think she has a shopping problem, and way too much time on her hands. Also, she is preoccupied with appearances, as opposed to presenting the realistic truth.

Its fine to look nice, but overboard is overboard. This is ugly hollywood, for crying out loud.

+1000. I think she is trying too hard and doesn't know how to handle washington. Or she is a mid-level worker and not a power player.

Wow jealousy is not stylish