Ok, my own style is Euro-American classically trendy, and influenced by several countries and states I’ve lived in.
I guess you could call me a Colorado Mom at the moment, even though I don’t know if I qualify for any other reason but my current home address in the Rocky Mountains.
The style in the South-West Colorado is outdoorsy, combined with hints of good old hippiness. Comfortable, practical, and no-show-off.
The jewelry is semi-precious stones, made by local artists, the shoes are something you can wear for hikes.
Moms drive 4×4 station wagons, and drop their kids off at school wearing bicycle outfits – on route for a mountain ride.
Moms in Durango demonstrate for war and Wal-mart, and happily shop for their organic milk at the several natural food stores in town, rather than in large chain stores. Nursing two-year-olds is common, and so is babywearing. Moms drink chai tea and are happy to pay 5$ for a PB & J sandwich, when it’s made of organic peanutbutter.
Here are some must haves for Colorado Moms in my neighbourhood.
1. PrAna Eden Tunic, 50$
Certified organic cotton, hippie flower embroidery and soft cotton – perfect to pair with a long skirt or training pants.
2. Patagonia Valley Sweatpants, 65$.
“Ultra-comfortable climbing and bouldering bottoms” – all where I climb is on my office chair to reach out stuff on the top shelf, but many Colorado Moms do need these pants for actual climbing experiences…
3. Handbag is most likely made out of recycled materials, or a hyper-functional diaper-bag. One popular diaperbag is Petunia Pickle Bottom’s original series bags, 158$.
4. Crocs, 35$
I don’t understand this fashion. Now shoot me.
Crocs are meant for beach or gardening, and I could probably find more stylish options for both. Please keep them in your backyards. I don’t care how fashionable they are, I still can honestly say, I do not like them, and the Jibbitz – the little decoratuons for your Crocs- do not make them look any better to me.
But in my corners, they are probably the number one shoes among moms and their kids. Even pre-schoolers ask for them with their name.
5. Mom’s wheels
The most popular Mom car by far is the Subaru Outback, starting at 21,995$, and I think the appeal is the four-wheel-drive for a very little money and the company’s environmental commitment. School parking lots are also good places for spotting hybrids like Nissan Altima, and I’m not the only Volvo-mom either – there is a whole bunch of us among all the Subaru-moms.
The baby drives in a McLaren, 225$ or in a jogging stroller like Baby Jogger Independence, 750$.
6. Colorado Kids
There are no ruffles and frills, no baseball or preppy styles. Comfort, fun and practical clothes, and prints with skateboards, skis, snowboard, bikes and mountains are in. Spyder ski jacket is a must have and Crocs of course.
Mass apparel doesn’t do well here, after all the closest GAP is three hours away. But Moms like ordering from Land’s End or L.L.Bean.
Here is one cute pick that I know will be seen in the Colorado pre-schools this fall, Kiwi Industries’ Mountain sweater.
Conclusion: Colorado Mom spends her money on practicality, environmentally conscious products and baby gear that lasts. She doesn’t show off with a designer handbag, or a luxury car, but with expensive outdoor gear.
ablondeblogger
I will NEVER wear crocs EVER! :)
mopsy from lifenut.com/blog
I live in Colorado, too. The style definately depends on where you live in our wonderful state, of course. I love the things you listed, especially the kids’ clothing. So cute.
I Hate Crocs. Sneaking that in.
I live in the Denver metro area, where things are a bit more trendy and women do like to have the latest handbags and shoes. Not me, but I am surrounded by them.
The uniform: Blonde ponytails or brunette bobs. Big, dinner plate sized sunglasses. Yoga pants.
Capris are OUT, yet I wear them sometimes because I can’t betray my inner dork.
dcrmom
Interesting! Ours are very different. I’m gonna put one of these up today or tomorrow! :-)
Mama Luxe
Fun post. I like the Tunic, but I never look good in loose hanging stuff.
I never got the crocs either, but I am working on a post about the Mary Jane style and I must admit I am tempted. Once I have it up, I’ll let you know and you can come tell me what you think!
Stacey
Katja, these are gorgeous. And I think it sounds like a grand place to live. However, the PB&J–that’s pretty darn steep for me! xoxo
Adventures In Babywearing
I love your post! I am working on mine for tomorrow!
Steph
s a n s k u :)
I agree about crocs. I don’t understand their appeal either. Except that they are cheap. Wouldn’t your feet sweat like crazy in them? Yuck.
One weird style thing I’ve noticed here is that some people wear flip-flops to church. Some of them are fancier but I’ve seen plain ones too. I don’t get that trend either.
Here in Edmonton, AB, Canada you see pretty much everything. We have people from all around the world and it’s not uncommon to see women in veils or sari’s, or oriental manga/anime style girls. I can’t say there’s one specific style. Everything seems to go. Most kids I see are dressed comfy and casual.
There’s my two cents. :)
Heather
Wow–around here all you see is jeans, capris, and t-shirts or sweatshirts. Sigh. I usually look VERY odd in comparison because I like my style and stick with it. This is fun–I think if I get some time I will do one for midWestern PA. Too busy tonight.
MorningSong
What a great idea! I will get to work on this and see what I can come up with!!
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls
Wow, other than the crocs, that’s nothing like here! It sounds very cool though. I’ll have to scope out the trends around here. :)
Marissa Fischer
Super fun idea, can wait to hear from other moms about their area trends
pinks & blues girls
I always thought Colorado would be a cool place to live, and this just confirms it. What cool style. I love “outdoorsy .”
The Pinks & Blues Girls will work on the Rhode Island mom trends and post on our blog!!
Jane, P&B Girls