A blazer…with sneakers. It’s definitely a different kind of combo, but I’ve been wanting to try it out for myself since it started popping up all over the internetz (a whiiiile back. I am a bit late with the trends sometimes. Sorry. I’m a mom). There’s something about the two together that’s so polished and feminine, yet so…tomboy-ish and cool. All at the same time. Um, hello. Basically, my favorite kind of outfit.
The Look:
Also, if Sincerely Jules wore it, chances are I’ll be up for wearing it…or at least giving it a go (she’s my girl crush…second to T. Swift, of course). I mean, the girl knows how to put things together that you would never think to put together. I LOVE IT.
I wasn’t about to go running out to find a linen blazer and cheetah print Nikes like Jule’s. Nope. I used what I have, which is a blazer (that’s a bit on the dressy side) and my pair of New Balance sneaks that I ran in all last Summer. When it comes to trends that come and go, I believe in working with what you’ve got.
My only concern with this whole outfit was that the blazer might be too much, because…a) I’m a mom – I don’t want to feel constricted as I am wrangling my babes b) blazers usually dress-up an outfit…and that’s not what I’m going for. I want easy, breezy. c) will I actually look cool or like someone that kind of gave up halfway through getting dressed?
These are real, important things to be concerned about, gals.
So.
Does it Work?
There’s only one way to find out and that’s to test it out, so I did. I wore the combo out one morning while Mads was at school. Baby boy and I ran some errands around town…
This one get’s an A- from me. Would I wear it every day? No. Would I wear it if I knew my kids would be eating anything with red sauce within 100 feet of me? No. However, I would wear it again for a morning out at the mall, running errands or one of those magical times on a weekend that I get out alone. It felt good. I felt totally put together…and I only had a tee, jeans and sneakers on underneath! All it took was for me to throw on a blazer and BAM. Athlete meets chic model. Let’s call it Athlechic…which makes no sense, but it sounded cool when I was typing it, so I’m going with it.
How-to:
1. keep it casual and cool – the blazer should be the only “dressy” item in the ensemble. For example, wear jeans or denim shorts and a tee on under. Of course, the sneakers are important. I’ve seen this ensemble with Converse, New Balance, Nike, Puma, Supergas, etcetera. Whatever you have that resembles a sneaker, try it!
2. go with a more loose fitting blazer, rather than a fitted one. This is very important, in my opinion. No mom wants to deal with feeling constricted and claustrophobic as they run around getting kids in and out of carseats, picking them up, putting them down and picking them back up again.
That’s really it.
Just so you know, Anthony was next to me in his stroller…having a tantrum, stretching his arms out to me as if to say, “how dare you sit 5 feet away from me?! who are yoooou? You are NOT my mother!!!”. Just living the flossy flossy blogger life over here.
wearing
blazer: White House Black Market, second-hand find via Twice. ASOS is carrying a linen blazer right now that is a great transitional piece. My own blazer is a tad bit too dressy, but it’s all I had to work with…so rock what you got! That’s my motto.
top: You Go Glen Coco sleeveless tee. Target had these super awesome Mean Girls tops…and this one is my favorite, by far. I can’t find it on their site anymore :(maybe in-store?), but here’s a similar option on Amazon.
jeans: J. Crew toothpick jean, Blacksmith wash.
sneakers: New Balance WL501. Super comfy and supportive. I also like the NB 574 style.
bag: Kate Spade satchel I scored at the outlet store. The Cedar Street Hayden is very similar…and the Cedar Street Maise is also a beaut.
shades: Tommy Hilifiger, Marshalls find. I don’t buy TH usually, but when you find a deal, you find a deal…and I love them. I like to check-out ASOS for affordable sunglasses.
baby: Anty boy, designer…made just for me. Sorry. You won’t be able to find another like it. Althooooough, I’ve heard you can make your own. 😉
Soooo…who’s up for the challenge? Can you make a blazer and sneaks totally work for you? You go Glenn Coco. Please do share your results on Instagram. You can even use the #myeverydayedit hashtag to join in on our Everyday Style fun. It’s a party you don’t want to miss. B.Y.O.B. Bring your own baby…or beer?
Cheers,
Cams
photos: Brandon Brown Photography
