|
by Jamie Siebrase
It’s
hard to be hip when there are more Huggies in your
purse than lip gloss.

WHEN YOU’RE DRESSING THREE, your own togs may get short shrift far too often.Local mom Jamie Siebrase (shown with sons Jon, left and Brian) gathered some great ideas from local retailers to help counteract the winter wardrobe blues. Photo: Ben Siebrase
This year, I cancelled dozens of
hair appointments and discovered that, given opportunity and adequate neglect,
a uni-brow will emerge. Time is fleeting, true, but
there’s always time for fashion. I’ve hounded local establishments for simple
ideas that will keep you looking good through the holidays.
The Layered Look: “It’s all about
layering,” says Charlotte Elich, owner of 5 Green
Boxes, 1596 S. Pearl St. Elich likes Chalet.
“Many new moms come in and buy this line. Pieces can be worn loose if you’re
newly postpartum, then belted as baby weight disappears.” Starting at $56. For
store information, visit 5greenboxes.com or
dial 303-282-5481.
To achieve the look, Susan Hamilton,
co-owner of Gracie’s, 1511 S. Pearl St., suggests starting with leggings
or trendier coated and colored denim (try Just Jeans or Flying Monkey). Tuck
into boot, add long-sleeved Splendid tee, top with
sweater, finish with scarf, and voilà. Get a pulled-together look by mixing
high- and low-priced garments. For store information, visit graciesonsouthpearl.com or dial 303-698-2229.
Sheer Comfort: Any mom knows chasing
a toddler or cheering at your teenager’s game is a sporting
event demanding performance wear. Three Dots, a brand co-owner Leigh
Smith carriers at Unity, 1455 S. Pearl St., is comfortable and stylish.
Bonus: if you’re expecting, the organic line stretches as baby grows. For store
information, visit unityboutique.com or
dial 720-570-5076.
“Boyfriend-style sweaters are huge this
season,” adds Judy Pavlich, GM at Pine Creek
Clothing, 1099 S. Gaylord St. This casual trend is especially well-suited for newly postpartum mommas. For store
information, visit pinecreekclothing.com or
dial 303-733-4848.
According to Consuelo Diaz, sales associate
at Adornments, 2826 E. 3rd Ave., dresses are making a comeback. Long
maxis are ideal for all things mom: crouching, chasing, diaper changing. Diaz likes
Johnny Was; Cutloose is a moderately-priced
alternative. For store information, visit adornmentsdenver.com
or dial 303-321-7992.
High Profile, Low Maintenance Colors:
“It’s all about pairing those ‘it’ colors,” says Josh Heinel,
manager at Common Threads, 1575 S. Pearl St. Combinations of navy and
black or oxblood and burgundy were huge on runways. Economy-minded mommas can
save moolah perusing Common Threads’ racks. For store
information, visit commonthreadsdenver.com
or dial 720-379-4598.
“Plums, grays, and taupes
are also popular,” reports Hamilton. Adds Pavlich:
“Black is a classic stand-in.” Dark hues are great news for moms because they
camouflage stains. Beyond 9, 231 Milwaukee St., carries EMU Australia
oversized cardigans in all these hot colors. Caring for the Merino wool,
anti-wrinkle, machine washable pieces is a snap. For store information, dial
303-955-6601.
Polish with Accessories: Accessories
add character to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Says Paige Jackman,
owner of PJ’s Boutique, 1509 S. Pearl St., “Adding one
accessory – statement jewelry, a belt or scarf – can make a whole
outfit.” For store information, visit pjsboutique.net
or dial 303-777-8912.
Scarves are a practical tool for embellishing threads. “When you add a
scarf, you take up 10 degrees in body temperature,” Hamilton explains. Elich notes several of her wider scarves double as
cover-ups ideal for public breastfeeding. And, with a little know-how (or quick
Google search), longer scarves convert into carriers. 5 Green Boxes carries
scarves ranging from $20 to $122; Gracie’s scarves start at $28. If you’re
feeling bold, make a statement with a cozy wool newsboy hat from Go Go Chapeaux, 290 Columbine St. For store information,
visit gogochapeaux.com or dial
303-377-3555.
Mask unsavory odors with a one-of-a-kind
scent from Wish, 1071 S. Gaylord St. The store carries two lines: Lollia and Tokyo Milk. Both made-in-the-U.S.A. products are
all-natural, which means that precious newborn you’re
toting in the Ergo won’t be exposed to chemicals. For store information, visit wishdenver.com or dial 303-722-2900.
Something for Dad: Who says dads
don’t want to look good while pushing the Bob? “Flannels and hoodies are
perfect for dads who want to be comfortable, warm, and stylish,” says Smith.
Unity carries hip menswear. The store is entirely eco-friendly; social
responsibility is not only great for our Mother Earth, but also an important
lesson to teach children.
Next time you’re shopping, grab some gear
from one of our fine local businesses. If your days of parenting are anything
like mine, you deserve a treat. |