Back in my single city-girl days, I wouldn't be caught out in anything less than the perfectly coordinated, "oh look what I just threw on" casually stylish outfit. Picking up dry cleaning, grocery shopping, dropping off mail...you never knew when you might run into a potential date. The number of "going out tops" I had was endless!!!
Well now that I'm a mommy, I haven't suddenly turned in my designer denim for sweatpants and baggy jeans. Okay, I have banished the high heels to evenings out only but I did replace them with a cute and comfy pair of metallic Nike trainers for running around during the day. So what exactly is my hip mama uniform?
Denim: I am a denim junkie! The only problem is finding the right fit. I am a mere 5'2" and most designer denim comes with an obnoxiously long inseam. Luckily, a few brands have launched petite sizes which makes life a whole lot easier. I have a couple of pairs I love by Paige Premium Denim, the Laurel Canyon and the Midnite Rocker. My absolute favorite pair of the moment though is the J Brand low rise skinny which has only a 29" inseam so they are perfect to wear with flats or tuck into boots. Tip: J Brand sizes run small and I had to buy a size larger than usual.
T-shirt: I was introduced to LA Made T's at Urbanity, a stylish consignment shop in my neighborhood that also has a great selection of new basics. These T's are soft, pre-washed and come in a nice range of seasonal colors but the best thing about them is that they are VERY forgiving around the midsection. Revolve Clothing has a nice selection online. The shift tunic tee and long cap sleeve tee are my favorites.
Outerwear layer: Here in the Bay Area, we are never without an extra layering piece. Pick your favorite - a cozy cardigan, stylish sweatshirt, tailored blazer or a fitted fleece jacket. I'm currently sporting a great black blazer that I picked up at last month's Nordstrom Sale. It's fitted and tailored but made of sweatshirt material so it's perfect for foggy mornings.
Statement handbag: I splurged on the Balenciaga Arena Giant Brief at Barneys when I visited New York this past summer. I can't say enough about how much I adore this bag...it's big enough to hold my essentials, including the odd Barbie or sippy cup my youngest is toting around but it's not overbearing or too wide. Definitely a great investment and dresses up whatever I am wearing.
The rest: Flats or stylish tennies, my favorite white gold hoop earrings, vintage Rolex to keep me on schedule and of course, my handy dandy iPhone.
