On my mind

Hello everyone and happy Monday from San Francisco!

I arrived last night for a conference that starts tomorrow. I was so jet-lagged last night that I almost felt like I did not know where I was. What was I thinking coming to the West Coast from Europe? Right, work. This is the most important conference of the year for my discipline, and the only time I missed it (it was in Detroit, of all places) I regretted it deeply. I am about to hit town to stretch my legs after yesterday's long trip, but before I do so I'd like to share a few things that have been on my mind this week:

Our first blogiversary. On April 25, Fashion for the Rest of Us turned one. I thanked all my readers then, but I'd like to take a moment now to thank my first and greatest supporter: my husband, who always listens to my all my ideas and gives me wonderful advice. This project would not exist without his constant support and encouragement. Thanks babe!

Motherhood and style. This is a defining issue for Fashion for the Rest of Us, so I have been thinking about it a lot in occasion of our blogiversary. I was actually able to begin a series of interviews on the topic with the help of Jane Potrykus, the mom blogger behind Simple+Pretty (if you missed it, check it out here). Stay tuned for more!

Mother's Day. I cannot believe Mother's Day is in a less than two weeks! If you have not figured out what would you like for this occasion, Lynn Harris has a few, funny suggestions.

Tracy Reese for Anthropologie. I hope there is an Anthropologie store nearby that sells this collection. Want. Every. Single. Item.

D&G last collection. Did you know that D&G, Dolce & Gabbana cheaper and younger line, has signed its last collection ever? It is obvious that Stefano Dolce and Domenico Gabbana are retiring it in style though...

The YSL Arty Ring. I have never been a big fan of these rings, but after looking at the versions worn by some of my favorite style bloggers in this article, I am lusting over the turquoise one.

Crazy fashion

Hello everyone! Do you remember what I wrote about pajama pants for spring?

Since then, pajama pants have been popping up everywhere. Teen Vogue even indicated that they maybe the new prom dress code. Then today I read the ultimate pajama pants reports on The Stir. Do you know that in one unspecified public school in the US the dress code rules state that "pajamas are not to be worn" by PARENTS who drop off their kids, or the child has to find "another means of transportation to school"?

Now, if you purchased those pajama pants from Celine SS12 collection, you cannot even show them off to the other moms at your kids' school. Bummer.

P.S. More crazy fashion here.

Photo: Stella McCartney SS12 runway.

Do you dress like a mom?

Hello everyone! Are you having a good week?

I am still in "blogiversary" mood. I thus thought it was particularly coincidental that today Mommish published an article about the appropriate, or not, dress code for moms. The one mom reporting, who defines her style to be "boho chic", indicates how women who wear matching jackets and skirts, nylons, and perfectly sprayed hair, scream "mother" to her. Yet, the same mom also writes that "it's still enviable that they can find the time and effort to want to look like they are going to a party instead of hearing a presentation on how maple syrup is made by a third-grade class."  I was reminded about what I wrote on repelling men and moms, and I realized the importance of culture for defining what represents a mother's dress code. According to the Italian dress code I was raised to, you should never wear sweatpants, at any age -- not just when you become a mom. Flip flops are another big no-no. I have also always worn nylons, and I do not own any pair of regular cotton socks (I borrow my husband's if I am going to the gym).

If "clothes are so psychological, they're like a second skin," as Penny Lovell recently told the New York Times, what are the other issues we discuss when motherhood and style are concerned? I did some research, and here is what I found.

• What elements of your style were you willing to give up when you were pregnant? Pregnant women are often afraid of nail polish or dyeing their hair (I was one of them), but a mom says no.

• At least a few times I wished kids' clothing would come in my size (I am looking at you, DVF for GAP Kids collection). In fact, just yesterday I tried on a pair of girls' white Ray-bans and cursed the fact they were too small for my head. Would you wear kids' clothing? If so, the New York Times reports that you may not be the only one.

• Daughters are not keen in imitating their mothers' style, but the opposite is not the case, Livescience reports. Although here I agree with Jane Potrykus of Simple+Pretty, whom I just interviewed, that you should never be caught dressing like your teen daughter, I think things are different when you are a bit older. Just yesterday I was looking at the beautiful picture of Jane Aldrige and her mother on Sea of Shoes and I thought: I wish to be that mom at her age! And what to say about the inspiration behind Comptoir des Cotonniers, la mere, la fille et la mode?

• Are you too old to wear cut-off shorts? A young mom thinks so, and I agree (even when the shorts are not cut-off).

• What is your opinion on The Fashionable Mom's Show recently held at New York Fashion Week? Should moms have a special fashion show, or does it forces us into yet another style code? Shana Cohen thinks so.

P.S. Don't you just love the Vogue's vintage cover above? It would make a perfect Mother's Day gift (order from Condé Nast).

How has motherhood changed my style: Jane Potrykus

Hello everyone! As I had announced earlier today, to celebrate our first "blogiversary" I'm beginning a series of interviews with influential mom bloggers. The topic: how has motherhood changed their personal style (a defining issue for Fashion for the Rest of Us, as you may remember from this post).

Jane Potrykus is the blogger behind Simple+Pretty. Her wonderful posts are curated to fit a "utilitarian luxe aesthetic", and I think that "minimalism" is the word that could best define her style. We share many favorite designers, such as Christian Dior and his "no-nonsense elegance", The Row's "uber sophistication", as well as ACNE, Lanvin, and Celine. When I asked her, she indicated that this Madewell look "pretty much sums up my look". I am honored to begin this interview series with her answers. Thank you Jane!

---

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

A: I live in suburban Chicago with my husband and 14-year-old son. I love to travel (but hate to fly: weird, I know), live for fashion, and have become (more than) a bit of a foodie.


Q: As you know, I'm very interested about fashion and style. I feel that motherhood has fundamentally changed the way I relate myself to both these concepts, and I am always curious to hear about other moms' opinions about this issue. Do you feel that motherhood has changed your style? In what way?

A: I would say that motherhood had more of an impact on my style once my son was older. The transition has been slow and subtle. But at this point, let's just say that there are no low-rise jeans in my closet.


Q: Do you have a mom uniform? How does it change, if at all, in different contexts (such as going to work rather than to a playdate), and across seasons?

A: I have a uniform: in the fall/winter, it's jeans with a tshirt + cardigan. in the spring/summer, it's shorts with a tee + cardigan. Of course, I have skirts + dresses + fun accessories, which I'll pull out for lunches or shopping or travel, but for most events, like carpool or going to my son's baseball and soccer games, the uniform is perfect.


Q: Do you have a fashion mom icon? Who do you think is the greatest inspiration for your sense of style?

A: I don't really have a fashion mom icon, but for terms of style, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy defined classic minimalism for me.
A good sense of my style is evident through my pinterest picks, http://pinterest.com/janep/fashion/


Q: What do you feel is the biggest challenge for moms who want to be fashionable and have a great style?

A: Dressing too young. Nothing more tragic than trying to wear the same styles that your teenagers do.


Q: Who is your favourite mom blogger? What kind of blogs do you like the most?

A: My favorite blogs transport me to places I miss, (California/Boston/London/Charleston) or evoke emotion through beautiful photography. Regular reads include Peter Bagi's sprk, Everyday Musings, on bluepoolroad, the blue hour (I was consumed with it while Brian Ferry was living in London), the Kinfolk Magazine blog, and always, 3191 Miles Apart.

---

P.S. I'd love to know how motherhood has changed your style as well! If you'd like to share your story, please do not hesitate to send me a message.

It's a blogiversary!

Hello everyone and happy blogiversary to us! Did you know that Fashion for the Rest of Us turns one today?

I actually cannot believe one hear has already gone by. I started blogging on the eve of my sabbatical leave. I made the time to grow my passion for fashion by talking about it with other thirty-something moms like me, the "rest of us" as I call them. I am so proud about what I have accomplished, and so grateful for all people who have been following us!

I recently read the results of small study that indicates how new moms who blog are happier than those who do not. I can totally relate to this result. I started blogging at the end of a difficult year for my work, which coincided with the stress related to our long-distance move to Europe. Blogging not only has kept me sane through it all, but has become what I look most forward to every day (even, and perhaps especially, when I am too busy to actually post). In addition, I have discovered other mom bloggers, wonderful women who have enriched me tremendously as a woman and as a mom.

In occasion of our blogiversary, I have a few surprises for you. First, an interview with Jane Potrykus of Simple + Pretty, which I'll post in a little while today. More reportages about motherhood and personal style will follow in the next few days. I have also started a board on Pinterest to collect all cool images that relate to a blogiversary (I could not choose, you know?). Finally, I am working on redoing the website, so stay tuned...


Photo: Savour the senses.

Are you into canvas bags?

Hello everyone! Do you own a canvas bag?

I admit it: I am still hung up on Celine's luggage tote. On my recent outing downtown for Milan Design Week, I saw on display the version in canvas and black leather. As you may remember, I have been obsessed with mixed media bags for spring. Since I thought that this Celine bag must have been cheaper that the all-leather version, I entertained for a second the idea of getting over both these obsessions of mine and purchasing it. Wasn't I naive. The Celine canvas and leather luggage tote costs more than the all-leather version. Which was not the only disconcerting thing about it. See, I find that canvas bag are tricky, because canvas can look cheap and get worn out easily. In case of the Celine luggage tote, I thought that it was piling a bit already in the new model on display. "Cheaper" options in canvas that I covet are this Proenza Schouler PS1 canvas and leather tote (the SS12 version of a big favorite of mine for FW11 as you may remember from this post; available at Net-a-Porter) and also this Chloé messenger bag (available at Yoox). Yet I wonder: is it worth it spending such an amount of money for something that is not even leather?

Wouldn't you know that in such a small town...

Hello everyone and happy Monday!

We spent the weekend at the countryside and on Saturday we went on an exploration tour of the neighbouring Val Trebbia (according to Ernest Hemigway, the most beautiful valley in the world). First, we stopped at the nearby town of Pianello Val Tidone. I am always amazed about the beauty, the history and the shopping opportunities of small Italian towns such as this one (do yo remember our beach outing in December?). Wouldn't you know that I made it home with this great t-shirt and a pair of vintage Chanel glasses, the latter from Oggetti Smarriti ("Lost things"), one of my favorite vintage stores ever?

We also got to admire the real fossil of a giant watersnake's jaw and other unique finds in the back store of the local dry-cleaner. Finally we discovered the newly established (in 2006) archeological park of Travo, which was our last stop of the day. It was really an amazing day.

One of those weeks

Hello everyone and happy Earth's Day! Did you have a good week?

I had one of those weeks where I had little energy to do much. I felt a bit like Tracey Clark in this post: I have written several posts in my head, and I have actually put on paper at least a few. Yet I did not manage to finish them off and post them... Until today! Hence, now you can catch up with what I have been brooding on lately (in this post) as well as my report on Milan Design Week (here and here). Enjoy!

P.S. Do you know that the first anniversary of my blog is in just a few days? Stay tuned for a lot of surprises this week...


Photo: A Stay at home working mom's tale.

Furniture and fashion, part 2

Hello everyone! Are you ready for the conclusion of my report on Milan Design Week?

After attending the Notte Bianca on Tuesday, today I went to check out the fair's installations in centre city. I am so glad I did! Proofs of the quintessential alliance between furniture and fashion we're everywhere. Artworks and fashion were displayed alongside each other in the windows of almost every store in center city, such as Pollini and Marella.

Milan's flagship department store, La Rinascente, dedicated one floor to the event. And who knew that Kartell now produces footwear? I need these Acne-looking rain boots!

In the afternoon, before our departure to the countryside, I even squeezed in a trip to the Triennale Design Museum with my son. Although I thought the Lego exhibition was going to be the focus of his attention, as you can see his favorite installation was a quie different one :-)  Mine was the one by Belgium is Design, especially these two desks that would fit wonderfully in my office in Montreal...

Furniture and fashion, part 1

Hello everyone! Have you ever been to a design fair?

Milan Design Week started today. I had not really considered attending it (perhaps just checking out a couple of my favorite stores), until the husband of my mother-of-two best friend mentioned how big and multidimensional the event is. He really picked my curiosity when he indicated it has become a bigger event than Milan Fashion Week, so that today I was looking forward to attend the first night in via Tortona ("notte bianca" or white night as it is called). The best part of it is that I reconnected with another childhood friend of mine, who is a talented artist and interior designer, and was able to go with her.

Via Tortona is a narrow cobblestone street in the back of the Porta Genova train station. It is not a glamorous spot by any means, with small bars and grocery stores. Yet somehow it has become customary for business owners to rent out their store space to exhibitors of Milan Fashion Week with installations that are funky and avant-garde (like this miniature piano that one could find unannounced laying on the ground). If you think that it is all about furniture and stuff (as I did) you would be wrong. Fashion design is interwoven with multiple strands of the event, often in unexpected ways (like in the installation promoting hand dryers below). I am hooked! On Friday, I am planning on checking out centre city and the Triennale Design Museum for more.

On my mind

Hello everyone! Did you have a good weekend?

We spent it in Milan under the rain, and kept ourselves busy with a playdate and a trip to the Natural History Museum. Yet the highlight of the weekend was that my husband ran the Milan Marathon. We were all so proud of him!

These are the other things that have been on my mind this week:

Getting back into the routine. Because of my son's sickness and our travels, we have been without a routine since... I do not even remember when! It was so wonderful to bring him to school on Wednesday, after the Easter break, and go to work. Crazy what can make us happy sometimes :-)

Amazon gets into fashion. Yes, you read it right, and you know what? I love it! 

(more about this new venture in this post)

Cat-eye sunglasses (especially these ones by Dior Eyewear), and mixed-media and 

color-block bags for Spring.

Milan Design Week, which starts on Tuesday. We got a glimpse of it in the installation 

being put up at the Natural History Museum, and I'm looking forward to see more!

Problem solved!

Hello everyone! What did you do to celebrate the end of the workweek?

We broke with our routine and went out for dinner with my mother-of-two best friend and her husband. Since she is so stylish, yesterday morning I was a bit anxious about what to wear for the occasion. Then I went out for lunch and I solved my problem! Curious to know how?

Well, everyday on my way to the office, I have been passing in the car a store I wanted to check out: Bahama Mama. I had read a couple of articles about it (including this one from Vogue), and they had intrigued me by describing it as a bar, nail salon, and vintage retailer. Yesterday I thought, why not? So I discovered my new favourite store. I like everything there. The interior design, the mix of new and old, the displays of vintage accessories and clothes, and the coffee is one of the best in town. I have never been into vintage, but I could not walk out empty-handed. I bought a wonderful silk pussy bow blouse to wear for our dinner out (pictured above in the dressing room) and another little something for my mom (sorry I cannot spoil the surprise!). I will go back for a pedicure and take more pictures to share with you, so stay tuned!

P.S. Incidentally, I should say that I (but not my wallet, for sure) will miss the ease of stumbling upon wonderful shopping streets such as the one where Bahama Mama is located. Even the toy store next to it had me drooling over its amazing toy wood designs and kids' room accessories! (yes, I considered redecorating my son's room with a pirate theme just to be able to buy all their merchandise...)

Oh my Bella Falabella

Hello everyone! Do you like Stella McCartney's handbags?

I love pretty much everything designed by Stella McCartney, but I have always thought that her bags are a ripoff, considering they are not even leather. Yet, while searching for the perfect yellow bag (since... ever!), the yellow faux-python Falabella (pictured above) has been on top of my Spring wishlist. I actually went to the store with the idea of buying it right before our trip to London (it seemed just fitting!), and I realized it was another obsession I had to let go (like the one for Celine's bags). Do not take me wrong, I still love the bag and its price is, surprisingly enough, among the lowest for a designer handbag. Yet I do not like how the bag loses its shape once you put inside a few things -- and my requirements are high on this point: wallet, keys, iPhone, iPad, compact camera (perhaps also my more professional camera), kids' stuff, other bits and pieces. Hence, no purchase. I am back searching for the perfect yellow bag...

The going out issue

Hello everyone ! What would you wear to a kids-free dinner out with friends?

I ask because this evening, if everything goes well, my husband and I are going out for aperitivo and dinner (living the life, uh?) with my mother-of-two best friend and her hubby. You may remember her from this post and this post, and thus you understand my position.

The last time we went out with them, I do not remember what I wore, but I certainly remember what she wore: jeans (probably designer), blue shirt and cozy embellished sweater by Brunello Cucinelli, and Chanel bag. It was the most understated, and yet classiest, look ever.

Any advice will be appreciated...

Crazy fashion

"The appointment of Mr. Simons closes the loop on an interesting merry-go-round of designers
at major Parisian fashion houses in recent months. " (BoF; Photo: Mademoiselle Robot)

Hello everyone! Did you hear the latest news from the fashion world?

Let me bring you up to speed. It's official: Raf Simons is headed to Dior, to fill the shoes of its former designer, John Galliano, who was fired last year for his anti-semitic remarks [1]. This is the latest twist in a plot that has been developing for thirteen months and has created a crazy whirlwind of gossip and speculations in the fashion industry [2]. Raf Simons had had to leave Jil Sander to... well, Jil Sander, who for whatever reason had been ousted from her own label a few years back [3]. Raf Simons had also been thought to be the natural replacement of Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent, but that job had gone to former Dior-Homme creative director Hadi Slimane. (Kris Van Assche seems to have taken over his job there).

Should you care about it all? It is likely that none of these relocations on the fashion industry's chessboard will bring Dior any closer to most women's price-range. I am the kind of fashion geek who likes to read about this stuff though, and I am looking forward to see which direction these big labels will now take. After all, remember what Phoebe Philo has done to Celine? (A new style species, the "Philophiles", has arisen, it seems).

Even if it does not interest you, toss this info at the next momster who tries to meangirl you -- you will gain her respect. And wait for it: there are rumors that Stefano Pilati, formerly at Yves Saint Laurent, is headed to Armani...

P.S. More crazy fashion here.

Sources:
1. Christian Dior looks to Raf Simons, BoF, April 9, 2012.
2. Colin's Column | Designer Hokey Pokey, BoF, March 13, 2012.
3. Autumn/Winter 2012 | The season that was, BoF, March 13, 2012.

Mad about Madewell

Hello everyone! Do you know Madewell, J Crew's sister store?

In the past week or so, I keep reading about it everywhere, whether it is reminiscing about a stripe shirt from last summer now sold out (Urban Chiqueness), loving every single page of its latest catalogue (Simple Lovely), or the inspiring choppy locks of its models (A Cup of Jo).

I may have been living on Mars, but I did not know much about it before then. I had to check it out! (Allright, it is my first day at the office and I am having a hard time getting back into my routine, so you gotta cut me some slack here...) Let me tell you, I am obsessed with pretty much everything. (I even manage to add an "Obsessions" tab to the right sidebar, do you like it?)

Hold on... Why is this sweater sold out in my size? (Gulp) Why is this striped tee on back order until the end of May?? (Double gulp) Well, at least I can buy this friend bracelets for all my gals and order immediately this backpack. Thank goodness.