Fall Fashion for Chic Mamas

I recently received an email from Lana, my chic, thirty-something cousin. Lana recently had a beautiful baby girl (she already has a tiny hearthrob of a son) and found that she was struggling to reclaim her pre-baby style. Of course, this is a dilemma I'm all too familiar with, so when she turned to me for fashion advice, she got a little more than she bargained for. Here's my take on hip mommy style, circa fall 2008. Keep in mind that all of these items can be found in any price range, from high-high to super low. These are just my personal faves!

I think the key is to find clothes that are practical but chic. This summer, I lived in some really fabulous dressier Bermuda shorts from Tory Burch, Catherine Malandrino and TIBI, paired with tops from Anthropologie. The tops were a little blousy, to hide the bulges that are still there, and they were basically nicer takes on a t-shirt, with cute prints and details like trim, belts, etc.
I love J. Crew right now. This summer, I bought the beige linen cuffed shorts with gold glitter polka dots, the Martinique jacket with raffia trim at the neckline, and a great orange cardigan jacket with gold buttons. They also have amazing jewelry.
I’ve also always been a big fan of BCBG. They have great classic separates with a twist, and their dresses are amazing.
I think the easiest way to go is to stock up on jersey dresses and separates from designers like Ella Moss, Rachel Pally, BCBG and even Juicy Couture. I love the cute jersey dresses they make. They wash well, don’t wrinkle, look great and are super comfortable – like wearing PJ’s. And depending on the style you buy, they are also figure-flattering. In the winter, pair a jersey dress with tights and a cute cardigan from Anthropologie, which has the best sweaters. Another favorite look of mine is snug sweaters with lots of pretty details worn with a great pair of easy pants. I just bought wide-leg sailor pants from Rachel Pally on sale at Shopbop. They’re a really comfy cotton knit – like an upgrade on the yoga pant. Wide leg or trouser style jeans with some stretch in them for comfort are also fabulous, as are corduroys, which are huge for fall. Around the house, I also like to wear really cute loungewear, including pieces from Lilly Pulitzer, Juicy, and Anthropologie. I just bought a gorgeous robe from Anthropologie that I plan to wear as a dress with my skinny, grayish jeans from Paige Premium Denim. Check out the robe:
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Essential pieces:

1. A chic hoodie. Yes, they do exist, and most of them are not velour. My favorites are yummy knits or cashmere. I just bought a hoodie very similar to this one, also at Anthroplogie. LINK
And I love this one: LINK

2. A great knit top, either short sleeved or long sleeved depending on the weather. I love knits because they are so easy. Just wash and wear. They don’t wrinkle easily and are very comfortable. The best basic tees are from Michael Stars, James Perse, Rebecca Beeson and Three Dots. For funkier or more memorable looks, check out my favorite place, Anthropologie. Love this one from Ella Moss: LINK

3. Wide leg cords, jeans or pants. There’s even a pair of decadent two layer cashmere pants on ShopBop right now from Brochu Walker. Very chic this season, and easy to wear. If you are still struggling with the horrors that pregnancy inflicts on your body (hee hee), wear these with a long tee or tunic and shorter jacket or hoodie. Love this look. It’s easy but pulled together.
These are the Rachel Pally ones that I just bought: LINK

Next I’m going to buy these cords from Notify. They are fabulous and will go with everything this fall. LINK

4. Skinny jeans, cords or leggings. If you’re comfortable with your legs, these are cute and really comfortable. I love them with tunics, and I love combining skinny jeans with a long sleeved, elongated tee and a short snug jacket. My favorite leggings are by Three Dots and my favorite skinny jeans are the Blue Heights cut from Paige Premium Denim. I get compliments every time I wear them! LINK

5. The jersey dress: Like I said, these are a must! Look for Ella Moss, James Perse, Rachel Pally… They are comfortable, versatile and very chic. This style from Rachel Pally is great:LINK

And this one from Ella Moss is very typical of her cute and comfy aesthetic:
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6. A fabulous cardigan. These are perfect for winter thrown on over whatever you’re wearing. This car coat from Vince even doubles as a sweater dress, and doesn’t pack on too much extra bulk: LINK

Like I said earlier, my favorite cardigans are from Anthropologie. I also love Moschino and Blumarine for the most gorgeous sweaters, but most of them are a little dressier. These are the ones I will be wearing this fall:
This one is gorgeous, and surprisingly versatile: LINK

And this one can be dressed up or down:
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For a dressier look, I'm obsessed with this one:
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7. Ballet flats. Most days, I trade in my trademark stilettos for a chic yet comfy pair of ballet flats. Flat boots are also hot for fall, and can be very versatile if you pick a great neutral style. A metallic shade goes with everything, so it’s a no-brainer. My favorite ballets are from Repetto (the French company that makes authentic dance shoes) and Tory Burch. Repettos are handmade so it’s hard to find a good selection, but in Canada (where Lana lives) Gravity Pope carries tons of them. I love the Demeter flats: LINK

And these from Tory Burch: LINK

8. A great wedge shoe is stylish and practical, since it offers a little more stability and comfort than most heels. Love this versatile style from Charles David:
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