Playground Chic Look of the Week
Nothing like another mom complimenting my daughter’s oufit to spice up my grocery store malaise. It must have been the third time I was in Trader Joe’s that week, this time with just my threenager. “Where did you get her dress, I’d love one for my daughter?” the mom sans kids with two gallons of milk asked. “The Gap, last fall- Portobello Road Collection- I was obsessed because I love leopard and probably purchased every piece.”
Wait, she was a mom. She looked so cute, like Playground Chic cute. She was rocking the colorblock: blue top, on white jeans, on turquoise suede t-strap wedges. Bold and daring- a mom in white jeans. Plus I was kinda drooling over her accessories- Chloe sunglasses, Louis Vuitton purse. And, I loved her layered necklaces- the pre requisite kids initial necklace, with a blingey long bauble and tassel. I love love love layering necklaces and bracelets, almost as much as I love leopard. Like I always say, more is more is more is better.
I asked to photograph her and she was up for it. I love how she never put down her two gallons of milk!
Here’s Kate and our interview…………………………………………………………….
Neighborhood: Mission. We live in a building that has been in my husband’s family since it was built in the 1920’s. We luckily bought it last year.
Top: Ambiance
Jeans: Gap 1969. They are sooo old but clean up well with bleach. Coincidentally, I just saw Jonathan Adler in an interview saying that he wears Gap white 1969 jeans everyday, so they must be fantastic, right?
Agreed!
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
Necklaces: I have on a couple of Tiffany & Co. gold charms on my short necklaces with the required initials of my kids, as well as a long Rachel Zoe necklace.
Sunglasses: Chloe
Bag: The thin purse strap on my shoulder is a jumbo Louis Vuitton Tote. It is such a bad idea to put 2 gallons of milk into it and walk up a couple of flights of stairs. Definitely better used before having children. As are white jeans.
Ha! I bet she was thinking ahead. Wet milk gallons and dirty Trader Joe’s floors don’t mix well with Louis! And that is why she never put down the milk.
Do you usually put a lot or a little thought into your outfit and why?: YES, I usually put a lot of thought into what I wear. Not so much this outfit. I had to run errands downtown (shop) so a bit of thought was put into it…being colder and a bit of walking would be expected. If I’m going out, I definitely put a lot of thought into it. I’m already planning outfits for things going on in two months from now. I’m a little obsessed that way.
How do you describe your style?: My style is 43 year old lady with an (almost) 2 year old and 3 & ½ year old who still tries to look pulled together somewhat.
Where do you shop?: Ambiance, internet, H&M (which also led to the tote bag mark on my shoulder that day).
What’s your favorite Playground?: Depends on the day. 24th St. and York Playground is right by our place. It’s got water shooting from the ground on a hot day and it’s tiny, so that’s a plus when the kids are so young. Dolores Park is great, but not when I’m by myself. It’s way too big to keep track of two little ones. I like Franklin Square, but there’s absolutely no shade so that has to be avoided on certain days. I also like Parque Ninos Unidos on 23rd & Folsom, as well as Precita Playground.
It always amazes me when I interview people for this that frequent the same Playgrounds that the kids and I do and I haven’t seen them before!
What do you feel nudey patooty at the Playground with out?: I have to have my iPhone at the Playground. Sorry, it’s not just for texting. I’ve taken tons of photos and videos of the kids.
Best thing you’ve lost at a playground?: Maybe my composure? I haven’t lost anything important. I can only think of a few sand toys.
Have you ever forgotten a kid anywhere?: I haven’t forgotten a kid yet. Do not ask my husband that same question.
Ooohhh, finally found someone who know’s someone who has forgotten one of their kids.
Too bad this is blurry when I blew it up. Disclaimer- I am not a professional photographer, but I’m sure that’s obvious!
Grossest thing one of your kids has put in their mouth at the Playground?: I think the grossest thing is their fingers. Yuck. I try not to be the obsessive parent with the anti-bacterial squeeze soap. However, I’m pretty militant about them washing their hands as soon as we get home.
Biggest Playground pet peeve?: People talking loudly to other people or loudly on their phones. I have heard so many personal conversations and even avoid Noe Valley Playground because of an annoying dad whose poor kid gets ignored while he catches up with friends on the phone. He’s from the east coast, is out of work and was in a car accident. I’ve never spoken to him.
Wow that’s a lot of info- he must speak really loud or you are a really good eaves dropper!
Any advice for a first timer hitting the Playground for the first time?: No, I feel like a rookie myself most of the time. Wear sunscreen.
Thanks Kate. I’ll see you at the Playground looking Playground Chic!
Keep it Curly,
D