The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Casual Outfit Ideas for Moms on the Go: Day at the Zoo


Fashion isn't a priority at the zoo (although you must admit the leopard has an incredibly stylish coat), but feeling comfortable and confident is always a good thing. Here are some simple pieces which can help you achieve precisely that: Start with your favorite straight legs jeans in a dark wash. Add a striped cotton tee in dark colors with a high neckline. Things get messy at the zoo, and you'll be bending over a lot to pick up teensy tots so they can see the giraffes. Then add your one investment: Quality shoes, in this case, a brilliant red pair of stylish yet sensible mocs by MICHAEL Michael Kors. At $98, they're not cheap but you'll be on your feet a lot and these will match any neutral outfit so the cost per wear will make it all worthwhile. My favorite part of this look has to be the colorful and durable madras tote from L.L. Bean that will easily fit your Siggs, sesame sticks and other essentials—and it's just $19. Finishing touches include yellow sunglasses and a cute belt, both from Old Navy.

Like the look? Click the image above for details on all the items shown.


Comments
cute pick!
#1 anh (Homepage) on 2009-05-14 16:23 (Reply)
you are on a roll today BB - really great picks - I am trying to decide which one I want to copy. :-)
Shoes are hard for me to find and buy so i love the suggestions.
Okay - I have some followup questions for you.....

1. have you run across any straight leg or skinny jeans for "curvier figures?" I wear a size 8 but have hips are skinny jeans/straight legs not a good option? is there something else that would work.
2. do you have other suggestions for the yellow/grey top on Jenn in the other post - KMart seems to be running low.
3. I think I am going to buy some leggings - how/where can I find them so they don't looke too teenager-like or cheap.
Thanks you are the greatest
rachel
#2 Rachel on 2009-05-14 17:06 (Reply)
Faithful reader here! :-)

Hey Rachel,
BB will probably shed some light on the skinnies for curvy ladies also, but I'm also a little curvy in the hips and I find that straight leg jeans can kind of give the same illusion of a skinny jean without being as severe. Am I making sense? I like Gap's straight leg jeans (not the "curvy" style though - contradictory, I know) I still wear skinnies and I like them but a straight leg is a similar good option. :-)
#2.1 Kari on 2009-05-14 17:52 (Reply)
Thanks for the advice - Kari - I took it and bought some straight leg from GAP - I also tried some staight-skinnys and forever 21 and liked those too. I own some curvy straights from the Gap outlet and really never Loved them so I got what you were saying.
Thanks for the advice.
#2.1.1 Rachel on 2009-05-17 07:16 (Reply)
1. Try PZIJeans.com, I've heard only good things. And as Kari said, boot cut or straight leg jeans are slimming and suitable for most figures.
2. Try Kohl's, the ELLE collection has some similar style tops, such as this: http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/brandswomen/elle/PRD~458697/ELLE+Smocked+Brushstroke+Tank.jsp (pair with a yellow cardi)
3. Check the hosiery section at any department store where you'll find solid black ankle-length leggings in soft, stretchy opaque fabrics (ie. not transparent), some with support tops, too, if you'd like. I like DKNY, under $20/pair.

=)
#2.2 The Budget Babe on 2009-05-15 11:20 (Reply)
I love this look. Simply, but yet chic. This look would go well for the office on casual Fridays.
#2.2.1 Christina (Homepage) on 2009-05-15 12:56 (Reply)
I love a madras print on clothing, but it's super cute on the tote! And the red loafers are so great. I would wear them with a stripped top for a nautical/Parisian look.
#3 DiscountDiva (Homepage) on 2009-05-14 18:34 (Reply)
such a cute outfit..for anyone on the go :-)
#4 Nonie on 2009-05-14 19:28 (Reply)
We have two totes from ll bean- they have the best durable totes for not alot of money and you can get them monogrammed- I used one as a beach tote, another as a diaper bag- and now a "restaurant" bag full of books/ crayons for when we take the munchkin out!
#5 Real Style Real people (Homepage) on 2009-05-15 07:12 (Reply)
This is such a great post. It's wonderful to to note that some "mommies" who don't work want to look just as stylish and fashionable as those who do. Thanks for the outfit idea.
#6 Christy Johnson on 2009-05-15 17:26 (Reply)
Loving the posters tips on skinny jeans for (slightly) hippy ladies.
Especially important for the moms!
#7 Stina on 2009-05-18 09:37 (Reply)
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