Spring Essentials on a Budget

[Anonymous]

Normally I love the advent of warm weather, but this year after realizing that all my warm weather clothes are from the Maternity section, I'm a bit depressed. Much as I'd like to, I can't do anything terribly chic; I have a 2.5 y/o and a 1.5 y/o that keep me hopping from sun up to sundown. My style was always casual; sometimes it leaned towards the bohoish end of the spectrum (think broomstick skirts with a *romantic* top), but if I were jeans-and-tee-shirting it up I flirted with goth and punk (Chuck Taylors or work boots in shades to match my ironic gamer grrl tees). Its a shame I'm too old to goth it up anymore since, thanks to being pregnant or nursing non stop for the past 3.5 years, I had to shave my head to stop my hair falling out.

I already have some nice jeans, and running shoes. Other than that, I'm starting from scratch. I have no idea what to get to build a My-Mommy-is-NOT-a-square wardrobe. I just know that I'm tired of looking shabbily enough to be mistaken for the nanny.

[Anonymous]

one thing I want to get for spring is a cute wrap dress. I have a 4 and 2 year old so we are on the go a lot. Something I can just throw on and still look cute and put together. Athleta has some cute stuff in their catalog.

[Anonymous]

I happen to love cruising the clothes at Target. Not too expensive, wear OK, and trendier than my "normal". Find some tops that appeal to you that match pants and skirts you already own (or pick up a few bottoms, too). Cargo pants are still in and sound like they might fit your personality; pair them with a more "romantic" top and you'll be totally on trend.

Old Navy is about the same price point and also has a lot of casual clothes.

If you can pull off the maxi-dress look (I cannot), that seems like it would be a great option for a mom-on-the-go. Forgiving, comfy, allows for bending over with overexposure of your bum.

Chic and stylish do not exclude affordable and casual.

Wish I knew of a web site to recommend with inspirational outfits, but I'm coming up blank.

[Anonymous]

I would try Ann Taylor Loft, Gap, Old Navy, H&M, and Nordstrom.

Target's Liberty of London collection (started in stores Sunday) has some great dresses - I got two adorable dresses that are long enough to work for me with two little kids - and they're washable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Normally I love the advent of warm weather, but this year after realizing that all my warm weather clothes are from the Maternity section, I'm a bit depressed. Much as I'd like to, I can't do anything terribly chic; I have a 2.5 y/o and a 1.5 y/o that keep me hopping from sun up to sundown. My style was always casual; sometimes it leaned towards the bohoish end of the spectrum (think broomstick skirts with a *romantic* top), but if I were jeans-and-tee-shirting it up I flirted with goth and punk (Chuck Taylors or work boots in shades to match my ironic gamer grrl tees). Its a shame I'm too old to goth it up anymore since, thanks to being pregnant or nursing non stop for the past 3.5 years, I had to shave my head to stop my hair falling out.

I already have some nice jeans, and running shoes. Other than that, I'm starting from scratch. I have no idea what to get to build a My-Mommy-is-NOT-a-square wardrobe. I just know that I'm tired of looking shabbily enough to be mistaken for the nanny.

sigh.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all for the suggestions. I live at Boutique Target so they were definately on my list of places to hit along with Old Navy. I didn't know there was an H&M around here. Now that the kids are asleep I'm gonna surf around and see if I can find some inspiration.

I don't think I can pull off the maxi-dress look. I was always pear shaped, but post-baby I think my ass has its own gravity well now. Stinks because I really like them, but I'd prolly look like a circus tent in them.

And to 16.57 I know I know. I have nothing against nannies. But. I live in a high nanny density neighborhood, and they dress kind of...... matronly. Add on to that the fact that my biracial kids look like little clones of DH right down to being very light skinned and I've had a few occasions were playground moms have tried to cover up going *ooooh those are HER kids. oops*. I suppose that's my little hang up and I'm working on it. One of those ways is to stop dressing in shapeless stuff that's leftover from pregnancy or stolen from DH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all for the suggestions. I live at Boutique Target so they were definately on my list of places to hit along with Old Navy. I didn't know there was an H&M around here. Now that the kids are asleep I'm gonna surf around and see if I can find some inspiration.

I don't think I can pull off the maxi-dress look. I was always pear shaped, but post-baby I think my ass has its own gravity well now. Stinks because I really like them, but I'd prolly look like a circus tent in them.

And to 16.57 I know I know. I have nothing against nannies. But. I live in a high nanny density neighborhood, and they dress kind of...... matronly. Add on to that the fact that my biracial kids look like little clones of DH right down to being very light skinned and I've had a few occasions were playground moms have tried to cover up going *ooooh those are HER kids. oops*. I suppose that's my little hang up and I'm working on it. One of those ways is to stop dressing in shapeless stuff that's leftover from pregnancy or stolen from DH.

Not 16.57, but I still think it was a shitty thing to say. Just rude, no matter what your "hang ups" are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Normally I love the advent of warm weather, but this year after realizing that all my warm weather clothes are from the Maternity section, I'm a bit depressed. Much as I'd like to, I can't do anything terribly chic; I have a 2.5 y/o and a 1.5 y/o that keep me hopping from sun up to sundown. My style was always casual; sometimes it leaned towards the bohoish end of the spectrum (think broomstick skirts with a *romantic* top), but if I were jeans-and-tee-shirting it up I flirted with goth and punk (Chuck Taylors or work boots in shades to match my ironic gamer grrl tees). Its a shame I'm too old to goth it up anymore since, thanks to being pregnant or nursing non stop for the past 3.5 years, I had to shave my head to stop my hair falling out.

I already have some nice jeans, and running shoes. Other than that, I'm starting from scratch. I have no idea what to get to build a My-Mommy-is-NOT-a-square wardrobe. I just know that I'm tired of looking shabbily enough to be mistaken for the nanny.

sigh.

Wow, that's quite unbelievable! And such an incorrect sweeping generalization. Our nanny is always presented WAY better than me!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Normally I love the advent of warm weather, but this year after realizing that all my warm weather clothes are from the Maternity section, I'm a bit depressed. Much as I'd like to, I can't do anything terribly chic; I have a 2.5 y/o and a 1.5 y/o that keep me hopping from sun up to sundown. My style was always casual; sometimes it leaned towards the bohoish end of the spectrum (think broomstick skirts with a *romantic* top), but if I were jeans-and-tee-shirting it up I flirted with goth and punk (Chuck Taylors or work boots in shades to match my ironic gamer grrl tees). Its a shame I'm too old to goth it up anymore since, thanks to being pregnant or nursing non stop for the past 3.5 years, I had to shave my head to stop my hair falling out.

I already have some nice jeans, and running shoes. Other than that, I'm starting from scratch. I have no idea what to get to build a My-Mommy-is-NOT-a-square wardrobe. I just know that I'm tired of looking shabbily enough to be mistaken for the nanny.

sigh.

Wow, that's quite unbelievable! And such an incorrect sweeping generalization. Our nanny is always presented WAY better than me!!

Well I'm glad for and envious of your nanny then.

And I'm sorry if I offended you but its the truth. I'm 31. They're all older than me, they're all very nice, and yet none of them dress like they're trying to give Katie Holmes a run for her money. Neither do I. I've set up playdates with women on my local listserv and then shown up only to realize we'd exchanged Hi's before and be told *Oh you weren't who I was expecting.* I gave her points for being diplomatic about it.

[Anonymous]

No matter how you justify it, it was still rude.

[Anonymous]

Oh well then. I'll just be rude.

[Anonymous]

Target really does have some cute stuff now. Their tissue t-shirts are great and I think they are $8 now! They're thin and fit well -- do that with a pair of jeans, some cute flats or sandals, and some fun jewelry, and you are all set.

[Anonymous]

I AM a nanny interesting enough people mistake me for the mother! Hmm. Yes, I dress that well! But seriously, OP get over yourself! Oh, I also nanny in North Arlington if that matters!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Normally I love the advent of warm weather, but this year after realizing that all my warm weather clothes are from the Maternity section, I'm a bit depressed. Much as I'd like to, I can't do anything terribly chic; I have a 2.5 y/o and a 1.5 y/o that keep me hopping from sun up to sundown. My style was always casual; sometimes it leaned towards the bohoish end of the spectrum (think broomstick skirts with a *romantic* top), but if I were jeans-and-tee-shirting it up I flirted with goth and punk (Chuck Taylors or work boots in shades to match my ironic gamer grrl tees). Its a shame I'm too old to goth it up anymore since, thanks to being pregnant or nursing non stop for the past 3.5 years, I had to shave my head to stop my hair falling out.

I already have some nice jeans, and running shoes. Other than that, I'm starting from scratch. I have no idea what to get to build a My-Mommy-is-NOT-a-square wardrobe. I just know that I'm tired of looking shabbily enough to be mistaken for the nanny.

sigh.

Wow, that's quite unbelievable! And such an incorrect sweeping generalization. Our nanny is always presented WAY better than me!!

Well I'm glad for and envious of your nanny then.

Hey, you sound like a cool mom. I like someone outside the mold. Because the mold, is well, kind of moldy. I think you might find some stuff at H and M and Old Navy. What about some cargo capris and a great tshirt and sporty ballet flats or some such thing? Messenger bags sounds about your speed. Check out some Japanese brands on line. Jeans and a cool top are always good. Add a unique piece (a summer weight scarf, an unusual coat, a great vintage bracelet). You don't sound like the capri pants, ballet flats and Jcrew tshirt type-- and why should you be-- ? Be yourself, get some things that fit you well and go for it. Somehow I am picturing you in a great wrap dress with a tank underneath and some rockin boots (fryes? motorcycle?)

And I'm sorry if I offended you but its the truth. I'm 31. They're all older than me, they're all very nice, and yet none of them dress like they're trying to give Katie Holmes a run for her money. Neither do I. I've set up playdates with women on my local listserv and then shown up only to realize we'd exchanged Hi's before and be told *Oh you weren't who I was expecting.* I gave her points for being diplomatic about it.

[Anonymous]

Well again I'm glad for you. And again, I'm envious. I wish that I could afford a nanny as awesome as you AND that I was as sharp a dresser too boot!

And no, I live in Bethesda.