Summary of the first SV Moms Fashion Poll

We had some interesting feedback from our first Silicon Valley Moms Blog Fashion Poll. Here is a summary, but please feel free to add more of your opinions in our comments section. We will be looking for answers to these questions. Our first step was to talk to Nordstroms to get a preview of their fall fashion trends for active moms.

1. Overall comments on fashions for moms:

• Can a clothing manufacturer PLEASE listen to moms’ criteria and get us some better child-rearing clothes?
• It is infinitely difficult to merge fashion with child-rearing clothes. Currently a fashion black hole.
• What I need is a Mom Uniform -- a couple pairs of jeans that fit well and aren't too trendy, some fun tops (again that fit well and don't show boobs when bending over!), some cool and comfortable shoes and a few accessories. Please tell us, what are the Mom Must Haves for fall?
• It’s so hard to look good, but not too good...trendy but not too trendy...find cute tops that do not reveal too much. I find that I like to invent my own styles that work- with basics like black, grey and white- t-shirts, with different sweaters- and fun shoes. Shoes are forgiving if you are bloated...I refuse to listen to what "they" say i must have- yes, wardrobes need updating, but be true to what you like, and what you feel best in.
• Here is the only fashion rule you need to remember: If you wore it the first time it was popular, you can't wear it again.
• I don’t think fashion trends are designed for moms, they seem so impractical and fussy at times.

2. Colors:

• If the hot fall trend color is “black ", what about all the other neutral colors? I have lots of brown left over from last fall’s “brown is black” trend.
• Black - So glad to hear that black is the new black. I just hope it's the same old black that's already in my closet and not some funky, expensive, new black.
• No white, ever.
• Some like white because you can bleach it!

3. Shoes:

• I *need* to know all about the shoe trends. Do I still wear skirts in the winter with boots? My black boots are beat to hell, so I'm guessing it's time to throw them out for something new - but I need to know what's new. And I need new ideas for the boring trouser - mine are looking a little worn.
• I love boots, but what I really *need* are shoes that can be applied (and removed) while standing, and preferably without putting down the Toddler (because she'll run away and I'll never get out the door on time). I'll probably stick to slide-in sandals until the weather gets so cold that my toes turn blue.
• I need shoes that look good but still allow me to chase after my kids.

4. Fit:

• Tops that are fitted, but not too clingy and don't have boob-baring necklines when you bend over for the 100th time to pick your child up at the park.
• And the boob issue is true - N is always saying to me "when you bend over, i can see everything." And I'm not wearing a revealing neck line either.
• Jeans or pants (with stretch) that you can sit on the floor and play with your child without a peep show.
• Something with clean, modern lines.
• Something to hide my mom buldges.
• Voluminous Sleeves are definitely a mixed bag; some of them remind me of Batman.

5. What pieces:

• Sets of tops that coordinate so you can strip down in a hot park and put something back on when it gets cooler. This might be specific to California's micro-climates.
• I'm happy that denim skirts are "back" because in my wardrobe, they never left.
• Pencil Skirts - Will probably score big with working mamas. Makes me want to sign up for a part-time gig somewhere.
• Leggings - I'm fine with leggings as long as they're covered by something that resembles a skirt or dress. Otherwise they should probably stay in the gym.
• Over 35? Forget the leggings.
• "Skinny Jeans"? If you ever had to get horizontal on the bed, suck in your stomach and grab the zipper pull with pliers so you could shimmy into your Calvin Klein’s or Gloria Vanderbilt’s. Consider this your hall pass.
• Skinny Pants - Generally not flattering on me - they make my legs look like drumsticks. Yuck. Bring back the bootcut for those of us with hips. I actually did find a pair that fit just perfectly (hard for me) but haven't figured out what else to wear with them. Suggestions, anyone?
• Day Dresses - Wow, the Tocca dresses are really cute, but I think they'll have to wait until Date Night (but then are they still day dresses?).
• Jeans - The staple of the mommy uniform, if there's such a thing. My hair guy was telling me that the new Levi's are hot (at least on him?). BTW, how are we doing on the quest for the perfect pair?
• Skirts, I don’t wear skirts because I don’t like to wear shoes that go with shirts because then my back gets tired.

6. Fabrics/Wear & Tear (with kids, its more of the “tear” if you wear):

• Fabrics and cuts that are machine-washable and that last and last, since, let's face it, when you get a good outfit going you want to wear it again and again just to skip the whole, "what shirt should I wear with these pants" thing each day.
• Sweaters that don't pill or get stretched out from holding children all day. That rules out some wools and cottons, so a cotton-silk blend might work here.
• Finally, style that doesn't scream "too style-ey" at the park but wouldn't call you out as a dumpy mom if you get the chance to go to dinner after putting the kids to bed.
• Stuff that goes to the dry cleaner stays there for a good three weeks, so unless I own quadruple of every thing I love, it's either dirty or at the cleaners.