I have Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind to thank for this post.
As we were chatting about blogging at Alt Summit this past January, I mentioned to Erin how much I enjoyed the Secrets of Stylish Moms series on Say Yes. Suddenly, as if her ears were burning, Liz Stanley (i.e., one of my blogging heroes), walked past us! Erin called her over and graciously made an introduction, effectively putting the wheels in motion for my own Secrets of Stylish Moms feature, which went up on Say Yes yesterday.
To say I’m humbled to be featured among such fashion-forward mothers like Erin (she’s everywhere!), Angela, and Bridgette is an understatement. I’m flabbergasted, really.
Although I had to laugh when I read the interview with Jen of The Effortless Chic from two weeks ago. She was also wearing a denim on denim outfit! For a hot second, I worried that I might be accused of copying her style, but Megan Tsang took the photos for my feature on a chilly morning in early March about two weeks prior. I guess my Secrets of Stylish Moms post simply reinforces the idea of chambray shirt and jeans as the perfect momiform.
(Although I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to feeling slightly bummed by the comments suggesting my outfit was somewhat uninspiring because it was — coincidentally, remember! — so similar to Jen’s. But I get it. They were a lot alike.)
On the plus side, being featured on Say Yes gave me a reason to work with Meg, an amazingly talented photographer (I swear she made me look better than I do in real life!). It also offered me the opportunity to ruminate on my personal style. Trying to define it for myself is something I’ve struggled with for a long time.
Generally, I favor simpler silhouettes, and I veer more casual than dressy, although I still like to look put together. But am I preppy? Bohemian? Trendy? A little bit of everything?
The interview also gave me the chance to name drop some of my favorite clothing, accessory brands, and makeup: MZ Wallace. Jamie Feinstein Design. Diorshow. Paige Denim.
Plus, I was asked to reveal my celebrity style icon! The actress I picked (well, one of the two) can pull off bold colors, big patterns, and unusual silhouettes. She somehow always looks chic without looking like she’s trying too hard. Can you guess who she is?
I hope you’ll hop over to Say Yes to read the entire interview. And I’d love to hear your thoughts on my fashion philosophy. Do we have a similar style? What is your go-to mom uniform?
(photo by Megan Tsang)
Alyssa from The Sparkly Life
Congrats on the Say Yes feature! That is SO amazing!! And i am dying over the photos. They–and you!–look incredible!!
PJ
Thank you so much! Taking a cue from you and your beautiful outfit posts.
Ashley Aikele
Thank you so much for letting us feature you! Don’t worry about the comments. You have great style and as a mother myself I can say that a chambray top IS a mothers uniform. It’s just the WAY it is.
PJ
You’re so right, Ashley. Guess what I’m wearing as I type this reply… Haha!
EA
I have an Asa, too! Great name and great interview.
PJ
Hooray for Asas! And thanks for stopping by and saying hello!
Esther
Found you on Say Yes! Shoot me an email – I live in Arlington and we are here to stay after over a decade in the Navy, with four kids. I would love to take you to coffee and welcome you to the neighborhood! I am still getting to know my way around but I have a few suggestions for fun spots to drink coffee and eat a yummy lunch!!
PJ
Esther, that is so kind of you! It would be fun to meet up in DC. Would you like to shoot me an email? (PJ at AGirlNamedPJ dot com)
Sara
Congrats on the Say Yes feature! I wish I could pull off that look but short and curvy just don’t work with that style. 🙂
PJ
Thanks, Sara! Though I’d argue that a chambray shirt and jeans could work for short and curvy ladies. It’s all about proportions!
Brie
In Canada, we call this the Canadian Tuxedo (denim on denim)! It’s very popular look 😉 I’m still nursing too, but I prefer shirts I can pull up (with a tank underneath that can pull down) as opposed to button-ups, although I like the ombre pattern on the one you’re wearing!
PJ
I’ve heard of the Canadian Tuxedo! When I was nursing more frequently, I mostly wore nursing tanks under sweaters or cardigans. I didn’t have the patience for all of the buttoning and unbuttoning! I don’t mind as much now that Asa isn’t nursing as often.
Thanks for your comment!
Rachel
Just yesterday, I was meeting a colleague by our coffee bar who I haven’t met before. So I told her how to spot me – I’m wearing low black booties, dark denim pants, a chambray shirt and a headband. She came over wearing the same – except her booties were brown and no headband.
You look awesome in these photos as does Asa. So long story short – you are wearing what real, every day women are wearing!
PJ
Thank you from me and Asa!