360 West May 2012 : Page 25
PersonalStyle MO DE RN MOMS By Rachel S. Peters Photos by Jill Johnson Mom jeans. Whether they’re baggy-in-all-the-wrong-places; the passé light wash; or the frumpy, “practical” cut, you know them when you see them. But when did the word “mom” become synonymous with all things tragically unhip? All women of a certain age face the same problems with fit when looking for a great pair of jeans. But today’s stretch fabrics and smart cuts allow the wearer to accent the assets while hiding the flaws. Add to that fun-loving colors and a variety of silhouettes that let you stay true to your individual sense of style, and you have jeans that are chic, playful or even tailored enough to wear to the office. Here are three modern moms who each rock denim in their own special way. www.360westmagazine.com May 2012 25
Personal Style
Rachel S. Peters
Merianne Roth, 38, vice president of marketing and communications at the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau<br /> <br /> Style seems innate to Merianne Roth, who is no stranger to the world of fashion and design. The former director of brand marketing and publicity at JCPenney admits to having a taste for luxury labels and cites her go-to items as Marni and Diane von Furstenberg dresses; tailored jackets; and chic, simple black or white T-shirts. When it comes to denim, Merianne prefers the classics — Levi’s or Michael Kors in a straight or skinny leg and dark denim rinse. “Jeans and a tailored jacket are best for casual Fridays,” says Merianne. And while she loves being a career woman, she is quick to point out her most important role is being a mother to Truman, 6, and Grady, 3. “Family always comes first,” says Merianne. “The challenge is wanting to do everything but having to make daily choices to create an even work and life balance.”<br /> <br /> Rachel Zoe wide-legged jeans in a dark rinse, $150, Malouf’s. Stella McCartney double-breasted blazer in coral, $1,745, Neiman Marcus. Diane von Furstenberg “Imamu” silk floral blouse in lavender and purple, $210, Neiman Marcus. Cole Haan nude leather stacked wedge, $198, Malouf’s. Alexis Bittar Navajo-inspired Lucite cuff with steer, $452, Lane-Knight. Gold-tone and lemon resin drop earrings, $30, Maven (formerly Chiffoniers).<br /> <br /> MODERN MOMS<br /> <br /> Mom jeans. Whether they’re baggy-in-all-the-wrong-places; the passé light wash; or the frumpy, “practical” cut, you know them when you see them. But when did the word “mom” become synonymous with all things tragically unhip? All women of a certain age face the same problems with fit when looking for a great pair of jeans. But today’s stretch fabrics and smart cuts allow the wearer to accent the assets while hiding the flaws. Add to that fun-loving colors and a variety of silhouettes that let you stay true to your individual sense of style, and you have jeans that are chic, playful or even tailored enough to wear to the office. Here are three modern moms who each rock denim in their own special way.<br /> <br /> Kendal Smith Lake, 39, manager of communications at Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth<br /> <br /> When Kendal Smith Lake is not busy heading up the public relations department at The Modern, she’s hanging out with her 4-year-old son, Simon. “I love my job, but I want to spend as much time as I can with him,” says Kendal. “I kind of feel like I’m in a tug-of-war.” For the office, Kendal sticks to tailored pants, fitted jackets and kitten heels, but for weekends with family she loves Paige’s hip-slung boot-cut jean paired with a high heel (at a few inches over 5 feet, the petite Kendal says she will take any height she can get). Her favorite piece from the photo shoot was by far the plum J Brand jeans, which she chose over the traditional dark-wash denim during wardrobe fitting. “I love these so much, the fabric is so comfortable. I think I’m going to go buy them now.” Topped with a small-print top and a casual white blazer, with tall wedges, she’s looking pretty modern herself.<br /> <br /> J Brand Japanese luxe twill cigarette jean in plum, $168, Malouf’s. White linen blazer, $151, Maven. Rebecca Taylor floral cotton camisole, $195, Neiman Marcus. Tory Burch braided leather and cork wedge, $295, Malouf’s. Long beaded necklace, $32.50, J. Crew. Stacked brass bracelets with colored stones, $150 per set, Leddy’s Ranch at Sundance.<br /> <br /> Amy Williams, 43, makeup artist <br /> <br /> “I was in high school in the 1980s, and I love anything neon,” says Amy Williams, as she suits up in her hot pink skinny jeans and an equally bright lemon-yellow silk shirt. Makeup artist and mom to Harper, 5, and Spencer, 2, Amy is always adventurous in her sartorial pursuits and never shies away from color, even arriving at our shoot in a pair of bold turquoise jeans. “Clothes are about being fun. Makeup is about being fun,” she says. (See her work at www.makeupamyfw.com.) While she prefers a straight-leg AG jean because, as she puts it, “they are built for real women,” she has no preference as to wash and instead likes to try out jeans “in every color of the rainbow.” Amy derives her clothing tastes from her makeup style: clean, simple and bold. “I don’t like blinged-out jeans; I don’t like ruffl es. I’d rather accessorize with color. If I dress in neutrals, I get lost. Color brings me back to life.”<br /> <br /> Neon yellow silk Equipment blouse, $208, Neiman Marcus. Hot pink 7 For All Mankind skinny cropped jean, $158, The Lady Squire. Nude Manolo Blahnik leather stiletto, $595, Neiman Marcus. Gold-tone and magenta resin earrings, $25, Maven. Rachael Bartolacci gold and crystal bracelet, $245, Leddy’s Ranch at Sundance.
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