How do you feel about really stylish moms?

[Anonymous]

Pp is right. Dc is NOT a fashion town. It's not that I'm uber stylish. It's that you all are making it easy for me to look extra stylish!

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

I work at home in my sweats, but I like to make an effort to dress up at pick up (not so much at drop off!) because I notice I get a lot more friendly attention from other parents when I do. I also notice I have more confidence to approach parents when I do make an effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love to see them! I used to be super stylish when I WOH. I've been WAH for 7 years now and I just don't do it up unless I'm going out or having people over. I sit alone in my home office--only venturing out to hit the gym or pick kids up from school.

Comfort is it--but when I'm going somewhere I rock it!

Stylish moms give me ideas and inspiration. I am not intimated by them.

+1

[Anonymous]

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.

You both seem to have some unresolved anger and insecurity issues. Remind me of the angry women on the WOHM v/s SAHM threads and the ones on the recent hand me downs thread.

Perhaps you should focus more on your job or connections or bob cut and not so much on passing judgement on those that don't fit your glorified D.C. mold.

Didn't see the sign entering D.C. that you must conform to ugly attire to reside here. But maybe you can use your connections to get that law passed to make yourself feel less ugly.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately I don't see too many stylish moms right now. Mostly homeschool moms since I'm homeschooling this year- next year back to public school in Howard County- can't wait. There I would see stylish moms every so often. When I do see one I try not to stare but I kind of want to "study" her. I like to feel good in what I'm wearing and that usually means a little effort- but so worth it to feel nice all day. I completely agree about cleaning out your closet and having only good clothes that fit well. I think it's time to do that for myself.

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

PP here, it's the same concept as to why overweight people are discriminated against. It's not fair or just but it happens.

[Anonymous]

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.

[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?

This is so true!

[Anonymous]

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.

it might be how YOU conduct your life, but some people dress to impress themselves, not to fit in with everyone else. Some women feel good when they look good. Don't spend so much time trying to fit in, it will make you more miserable (than you already are).

[Anonymous]

Hmm, sounds like some of the frumpy, unattractive DC women are very, very threatened by a stylish woman. Very interesting. I know plenty of stylish, smart, connected women in this town. They must blow your minds. Sorry frumps, one need not be ugly to be smart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP, just browsing your recommendations ...
9 to 5 chic, I see a white jacket, very high heels .... not really mommy friendly

Depending on the age of them mom's kids I would agree with you on that. But you're not always in mommy mode are you? If you are meeting a friend for coffee sans kids, if you're going out to run your day-to-day errands while the kids are at school, or if you're going out with your spouse and friends, why would you need an outfit at that time that is "mommy friendly"? Just because I am a mom doesn't mean my entire closet is full of only things that I would wear while with my children, nor does it always mean that I am dressed in a way that works for running, playing, and getting messy if my kids aren't with me and I won't be doing any of the above while in the outfit.

DO moms really think at that level? WHen I go out, I'm thinking, is it raining (want to wear shoes with socks) and will I be walking a lot (will put on comfy shoes).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you all are missing out. Here's the thing. I've been on both ends...being less than fashionable...and being fashionable. I need to be more fashionable for my job. People treat you differently...trust me. And guess what, it takes me LESS time now to get ready in the morning than it did before. You know why??? Because I've gotten rid of all the ugly clothes in my closet. I cleaned it out. I only have things that go with other things (not that they all go together) and that fit me well. Everything else is out. If you are organized you can dress fashionably and get dressed in less time.

I used to sit in front of my closet, not be able to see anything, and then just grab stuff that didn't work well together to just have clothes on my body. I felt disheveled and I didn't like to feel that way. Now that my closet is more organized I can get dressed in about 5 minutes because I already know what works together. I do the same for weekend clothes now too and I can be super comfortable at the part but still be put together. Its really not that hard.

I agree. I used to be "invisible" b/c older and not as slim as I would like. Became more fashionable and my life is much easier. People are so much nicer and I get a lot of compliments. But I am not walking around in $4K worth of clothes -- just not an oversized T and yoga pants.