Hi Jade, you were one of the first Substacks I subscribed to! I'm soing an interview series on Creative Parents for Substack! l'd love to interview you if you had time / interested? ❤️ My email is hello@emmakatewilson.net
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking. Dm me if interested in a recommendation swap — we’re growing fast!
I can’t wait to do this! I live in a suburban area, and the dress code is incredibly casual and rife with athleisure but in a purely functional, not styled way. My family has plans to go to our local food truck night tomorrow and I almost always see cool fits there. Ready to take notes!
Please take notes! I think it’s also important to acknowledge that athleisure can be super comfortable and functional but if you don’t enjoy wearing it then don’t. Find an equally as comfortable uniform.
I live in an area full of chic women, and like you, I’m constantly sourcing inspiration. It’s always interesting when women wear something different, unexpected or well loved. But here’s a personal observation I feel I can share amongst like-minds here: is it just me, or does anyone else feel like this “cool mom” concept is a bit dare I say.. exhausting? Don’t get me wrong; I make an effort every day to look good (for my own pleasure and mental health), but I’ve also never felt so much attention on this topic (maybe it’s just my algorithm?). I swear it was easier to get dressed for work or even a date back in the day! Does anyone feel the same? I’m totally here for women dressing for empowerment, for joy, for the season of life they’re in, I’m here for inspiration always! But I have to admit to feeling overwhelmed at times. Anyway maybe that’s just me (and my algorithm). Just wasn’t sure if I was alone in this feeling x
I think IG has made it seem like everyone is dressed up all the time. Even at home everyone is wearing cashmere (apparently). The truth is there are days and seasons especially in early motherhood when sleep is the only priority! We’re so afraid of getting it wrong. I hope to bring some element of reality to what I share and I often share on my IG stories what I am wearing that day and sometimes it is tights and socks and slides and it is not great but I don’t care. That’s life! Sometimes we are really on and sometimes weren’t not and what we wear does make us a better person at the end of the day they are clothes.
Yes I completely understand this. I can't tell if I just care about it more, or if it's that feeling pulled together is just harder in this stage of life, or if the things that used to feel easy to wear either no longer fit; or aren't suitable for this lifestyle, or that trends are moving so fast and I'm grappling with that, or that I don't have the disposable income I once had so I'm thinking more about what I'm buying...
But I also think that the return of long-form content has given the topic of 'cool mum' style more of a spotlight too, which I'm fully here for but also adds to the sense of overwhelm and pressure.
Agree there is pressure! Well it feels like there is pressure. Pressure to find our personal style and to have that personal style loved by others. To look like we stepped right out of a content shoot. I find joy in clothes. Maybe it’s because it’s something I can control? Social media has changed everything I think! So much to discuss here. Thank you Amy and Sarah for your insight! I know exactly what you mean by the pressure of getting dressed and “cool mum” culture.
I definitely think there’s something in the autonomy we have over our image, in a world where we don’t otherwise have much autonomy. This is an important factor!
You know what else I was thinking about in the car as well… the reason why so many mums are craving a uniform (myself included) is because of decision fatigue. Well at least it is true for me. I don’t want to think about what to wear so I throw on items I love without thinking aesthetically if they look good or not.
I do also feel a lot better this postpartum than I did the first time. Though the first time my son was 6 months and we went into Covid lockdowns so that changed the trajectory for everyone and everything.
LOVED this Jade! I moved from Sydney’s inner west to my very small rural hometown in mid-2023 to have my first baby. And after my mat leave was up, left my creative ad agency job to wfh for myself. So not only have I experienced the ‘omg I’m a mum now, who am I and what do I even wear?!’ confusion, but it was massively compounded by the metro to rural move where everything I would have worn previously made me stick out like a sore thumb (leather miniskirts are not it in small towns, nor are crisp, sharp blazers - not mention they aren’t exactly wfh or baby friendly). I don’t have any fashion-y friends here and the general style vibe is very, very different, but there are definitely well-dressed women all over the place if we just look for them! In the mean time, I’m taking small steps to reclaiming my style in my new context and trying to care less about what everyone else is doing (like gingham drop waist dresses with boots are genuinely a really cute “country” look that I love on others, but I’ll never not feel like I’m wearing a tablecloth), and looking for finishing touches to elevate practical basics.
PS. Long live that white Zara skort. It was a true hero in the early 2010’s fashion/creative girl wardrobe.
It is funny, growing up it was so embarrassing to be seem in the same outfit as someone else, now it feels we are so motivated to wear and buy what everyone else is. There’s definitely something in feeling confused. I think it’s just because being mum, in the first instance, feels so new and so are our bodies. We don’t know what we like to wear and have never really had to think too practically about it before. Yep! I feel you with the informs. I use to really care and didn’t want to look different but now I just focus on what I enjoy wearing, even if it is just to the park!
Love this piece Jade - I’m obsessed with people watching, and looking for inspiration in everyday places. There are so many innately stylish people out there, and I loved reading how you observed and took notes to consider and apply in your own wardrobe in your own way. I always wonder what other people are thinking! (I’m also feeling moderately cooler learning that whole milk is a thing!)
We make up stories which is SO fun but sometimes it is so simple isn't it? Sometimes it's not the outift as a whole but one well-crafted piece, or "happy' item or something you know they have worn for years catches your eye.
P.S. I knew you were a whole milk drinker. You have further cemented this theory!
Love this!! it all resonated so deeply. Fashion moms are everywhere!! and so grateful to SS for connecting the moms who can spot Celine sunnies from across the park amongst the sea of lulus. Thanks for the read ♥️♥️♥️
Jade! This was so replete with inspiration not just from the looks you pulled together but from the bigger picture of soaking in style ideas around us on the daily. I loved every bit!! Happy pink all day everyday 🩷
Ok I’m blushing and smiling through this whole post because I’ve be quietly (but not chill-y) obsessing over your reading/ looks. So thrilled to know you are reading me, in return!! This kind of post is MY FAVORITE; IRL inspiration > everything else.
Thanks @Kelly Williams i really love just reading about other women and mums and style and all the gritty bits in between. Thank you for your support, means a lot! X
Hi Jade, you were one of the first Substacks I subscribed to! I'm soing an interview series on Creative Parents for Substack! l'd love to interview you if you had time / interested? ❤️ My email is hello@emmakatewilson.net
I loved this! Could you possibly tell me where the denim jacket is from? Thank you! Xx
This one is Toteme: https://rstyle.me/+np73x_decqDz7UREueL_oA
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking. Dm me if interested in a recommendation swap — we’re growing fast!
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com
I am also always looking for the plasticana clogs in Aus! One day 🥲
There are a couple of Melbourne stockists. It sadly sold out! I will keep you in the loop X
I’ve linked a couple of clogs I’ve found on Depop on the chat 💬 https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/c8798825-0698-443b-8d8f-dd5eb8d1494a?r=18ibnt&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=share
https://open.substack.com/pub/emiliapetrarca/p/the-creator-of-plasticana-shoes-is?r=1k9rn&utm_medium=ios serendipity ! this piece is very charming ☺️
https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/c8798825-0698-443b-8d8f-dd5eb8d1494a?r=18ibnt&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=share
Oh yes please!! 🙏
I can’t wait to do this! I live in a suburban area, and the dress code is incredibly casual and rife with athleisure but in a purely functional, not styled way. My family has plans to go to our local food truck night tomorrow and I almost always see cool fits there. Ready to take notes!
Please take notes! I think it’s also important to acknowledge that athleisure can be super comfortable and functional but if you don’t enjoy wearing it then don’t. Find an equally as comfortable uniform.
PPS does anyone own those La Tribe mules? They look great.
I don’t but I own a few pairs of their shoes and they are very comfortable! I will report back because they are currently sitting in my cart ha
Loved this one so much! It reminded me that I used to make little notes about excellent outfits I saw (pre-screenshot days). I'm bringing it back!
PS also thrilled that my coffee order is fashionable 😂
I wish my stomach could handle whole milk
I live in an area full of chic women, and like you, I’m constantly sourcing inspiration. It’s always interesting when women wear something different, unexpected or well loved. But here’s a personal observation I feel I can share amongst like-minds here: is it just me, or does anyone else feel like this “cool mom” concept is a bit dare I say.. exhausting? Don’t get me wrong; I make an effort every day to look good (for my own pleasure and mental health), but I’ve also never felt so much attention on this topic (maybe it’s just my algorithm?). I swear it was easier to get dressed for work or even a date back in the day! Does anyone feel the same? I’m totally here for women dressing for empowerment, for joy, for the season of life they’re in, I’m here for inspiration always! But I have to admit to feeling overwhelmed at times. Anyway maybe that’s just me (and my algorithm). Just wasn’t sure if I was alone in this feeling x
I think IG has made it seem like everyone is dressed up all the time. Even at home everyone is wearing cashmere (apparently). The truth is there are days and seasons especially in early motherhood when sleep is the only priority! We’re so afraid of getting it wrong. I hope to bring some element of reality to what I share and I often share on my IG stories what I am wearing that day and sometimes it is tights and socks and slides and it is not great but I don’t care. That’s life! Sometimes we are really on and sometimes weren’t not and what we wear does make us a better person at the end of the day they are clothes.
Yes I completely understand this. I can't tell if I just care about it more, or if it's that feeling pulled together is just harder in this stage of life, or if the things that used to feel easy to wear either no longer fit; or aren't suitable for this lifestyle, or that trends are moving so fast and I'm grappling with that, or that I don't have the disposable income I once had so I'm thinking more about what I'm buying...
But I also think that the return of long-form content has given the topic of 'cool mum' style more of a spotlight too, which I'm fully here for but also adds to the sense of overwhelm and pressure.
Agree there is pressure! Well it feels like there is pressure. Pressure to find our personal style and to have that personal style loved by others. To look like we stepped right out of a content shoot. I find joy in clothes. Maybe it’s because it’s something I can control? Social media has changed everything I think! So much to discuss here. Thank you Amy and Sarah for your insight! I know exactly what you mean by the pressure of getting dressed and “cool mum” culture.
I definitely think there’s something in the autonomy we have over our image, in a world where we don’t otherwise have much autonomy. This is an important factor!
You know what else I was thinking about in the car as well… the reason why so many mums are craving a uniform (myself included) is because of decision fatigue. Well at least it is true for me. I don’t want to think about what to wear so I throw on items I love without thinking aesthetically if they look good or not.
I do also feel a lot better this postpartum than I did the first time. Though the first time my son was 6 months and we went into Covid lockdowns so that changed the trajectory for everyone and everything.
LOVED this Jade! I moved from Sydney’s inner west to my very small rural hometown in mid-2023 to have my first baby. And after my mat leave was up, left my creative ad agency job to wfh for myself. So not only have I experienced the ‘omg I’m a mum now, who am I and what do I even wear?!’ confusion, but it was massively compounded by the metro to rural move where everything I would have worn previously made me stick out like a sore thumb (leather miniskirts are not it in small towns, nor are crisp, sharp blazers - not mention they aren’t exactly wfh or baby friendly). I don’t have any fashion-y friends here and the general style vibe is very, very different, but there are definitely well-dressed women all over the place if we just look for them! In the mean time, I’m taking small steps to reclaiming my style in my new context and trying to care less about what everyone else is doing (like gingham drop waist dresses with boots are genuinely a really cute “country” look that I love on others, but I’ll never not feel like I’m wearing a tablecloth), and looking for finishing touches to elevate practical basics.
PS. Long live that white Zara skort. It was a true hero in the early 2010’s fashion/creative girl wardrobe.
It is funny, growing up it was so embarrassing to be seem in the same outfit as someone else, now it feels we are so motivated to wear and buy what everyone else is. There’s definitely something in feeling confused. I think it’s just because being mum, in the first instance, feels so new and so are our bodies. We don’t know what we like to wear and have never really had to think too practically about it before. Yep! I feel you with the informs. I use to really care and didn’t want to look different but now I just focus on what I enjoy wearing, even if it is just to the park!
P.s. the skort 😂😂😂 LONG LIVE
Love this piece Jade - I’m obsessed with people watching, and looking for inspiration in everyday places. There are so many innately stylish people out there, and I loved reading how you observed and took notes to consider and apply in your own wardrobe in your own way. I always wonder what other people are thinking! (I’m also feeling moderately cooler learning that whole milk is a thing!)
We make up stories which is SO fun but sometimes it is so simple isn't it? Sometimes it's not the outift as a whole but one well-crafted piece, or "happy' item or something you know they have worn for years catches your eye.
P.S. I knew you were a whole milk drinker. You have further cemented this theory!
This is so spot on - it is so often that one piece that speaks to you!
Love this!! it all resonated so deeply. Fashion moms are everywhere!! and so grateful to SS for connecting the moms who can spot Celine sunnies from across the park amongst the sea of lulus. Thanks for the read ♥️♥️♥️
We are 🥹
Yes, so fun, love the real-life details and interiority. Inspiring while I consider a move from a more urban area to a small town for my baby✨
Jade! This was so replete with inspiration not just from the looks you pulled together but from the bigger picture of soaking in style ideas around us on the daily. I loved every bit!! Happy pink all day everyday 🩷
Whole milk forever!!!!! Xx
This makes me giggle so much hahaha. I wish I was a whole milk drinker!
Ok I’m blushing and smiling through this whole post because I’ve be quietly (but not chill-y) obsessing over your reading/ looks. So thrilled to know you are reading me, in return!! This kind of post is MY FAVORITE; IRL inspiration > everything else.
Thanks @Kelly Williams i really love just reading about other women and mums and style and all the gritty bits in between. Thank you for your support, means a lot! X
Girl, we are in it together.