Discovering a Different Kind of Chic

Jane Alexander, a suburban mom who traded in her stilletos for flats without sacrificing style when she moved from the city, will write a new column for Larchmont-Mamaroneck Patch focused on lifestyle, fashion and local businesses.

I may have told you, but I love fashion. I love the way it feels to slide on a new pair of shoes or slither into a new pair of pants and feel like I just changed my whole person for the day.

Now this love affair with fashion has a very different shall we call it "fashion challenge." They are properly strapped into the back seat of my car (I hope), they often have something sticky on their hands that will find it's way to any white surface and they just have no appreciation for a four-inch stiletto or platform, so my tastes have, shall we say...evolved.

Don't get me wrong, I can still appreciate that Angelina Jolie's leg has its own zip code, fishtail hems are the new silhouette du jour and midriff-baring tops are making a comeback - it's just that there is no place for this in my day-to-day life now (and trust me, my exposed midriff has no place in my day-to-day life now).

BUT, I still do get joy out of finding and putting things together that place me right in between having rolled out of bed and primping for hours to leave the house. That sweet spot called "put together." You can feel great, walk a little taller, but still run down your child who will shoot like a bat out of hell toward the playground when he sees the slide is free.

I put together a few of my fav, easy, everyday "I am a hip mama" styles from Larchmont store Love by Bella Fiora to whet your mid-winter suburban appetite. And, to entice you further, mention Playgrounds, Pinot and Kale and they will give you an extra 20 percent off all full price merchandise, now until Feb. 28 - enjoy!