My Favorite "Momwear"

A key style moment came when I realized I just don't have closet space for pants that only feel good when I've been running every day and eating salads. I need things that magically fit, and look okay, within a several-pound range. I also have more or less lost patience for dryclean-only pants. Once in a blue moon, sure. But not day to day.

Nine days out of 10, I grab jeans. I am a Levi's girl. Flirted a bit with fancier types, but the bottom line is I feel most comfortabe in the brand I wore as a kid. Only now instead of bell-bottoms and my kid brother's hand-me-down 501s, I wear 504s:

Pretty! And under 10 bucks from Forever 21.

Bangle bracelets come in endless colors and styles to wear in any quantity and combination. I've amassed quite a collection of beaded, stretchy ones in addition to the more traditional type. Forever 21, while not much of a source for age-appropriate "momwear" clothing, is a cheap-jewelry paradise, with tons of cute bangle sets well under $10. So you can build your own collection.

For every pair of Toms shoes you purchase, the company gives a pair to a child in need. And you get to feel like you're wearing your slippers outside :)

Alas, I don't own these classic Frye boots, but I have amassed a small collection in my ongoing hunt for The Perfect Boot. Scrawny calves, like mine, or very athletic ones can make this a challenge. But it's so worth it. Boots are the best.

For the really hot days, I need ease and good "ventilation"! I wait until summer sales in July-August and pick up cute dresses for cheap, like the one above from Urban Outfitters. (It's a bit shorter than I normally favor, but not obscene, and okay with flats. Plus the neckline is super flattering.) I wash sundresses in large lingerie bags with our other laundry and wear 'em into the ground. Skip the trendy hems (bubble, asymmetrical, etc.) and wear your dresses for years. You can always trend them up with reasonable versions of whatever shoes and jewelry are in vogue. Some sundresses even look good for fall with tights and a little cardigan.

One of my all-time style heros is '60s French pop singer Francoise Hardy. Jeans and a sweater, a cute little jacket and some boots...a look even frenzied moms can love, don't you think?

(image: Rex Features)