Sassy Single Mom Style: Favorite spring-to-summer tops

Sassy Single Mom is a new feature to help mamas, especially those doing raising kids all or mostly alone, to feel good, look fabulous and be mindful of budget -- because sometimes a killer pair of wedge heels, some good-ass jeans, a scrumptious snack or quick tip on how to get more sleep can take you from surviving to sashaying.

Here in Chicago, we jump from wooly-sweatered May days to spaghetti-strapped summer days. There's not lots of in between. On one gorgeous, 80-degree break from the rain and muck last week, I embraced all the happiness of summer by purchasing a few new tops that I can layer under little jackets and floaty cardigans now and strip down to when the temperature gets back to a happy place (hopefully, soon).

The Steal

First, I purchased this little henley tee from Old Navy. I'm picky about their clothes, simply because I've found some inconsistencies in sizing and durability in the past. But once I realized this top fit me in a small, I put all that aside (what size inconsistencies?). It's a gauzy, soft cotton but not too clingy. I love the way it lays, perfectly framing a big, chunky necklace or tucking under another layer without being bulky or obtrusive. I chose a crisp white color (here, it's shown in Palomino, which is six dollars cheaper on sale -- score!) and paired it with dark jeans and my red, red shoes. I'll be wearing it with little skirts and, if I'm feeling brave, tie shorts this summer. It's $14.94, and I may be going back for the same style in a few more colors.

A Bit More Spendy

I love that there are sequins dotting bags, espadrilles, and even cardigans for spring and summer. I'm also not afraid to totally overdo it when it comes to shine, which is why I am wearing my gold petal-sequin tank more now than when I got it about a year-and-a-half ago. Mine is from LOFT but this one is almost identical. From Calvin Klein, it comes in the loveliest soft pink and this strangely named olivine for $79. Do a little search to find one that best fits your curves, budget and hot date-lifestyle. I'm wearing mine these days with a skinny red patent belt and (oh yes, again) my red patent shoes, topped with the cropped brown leather jacket I got at the same time. The belt fits at the hip so there's a bit more shape to the tank but I'm not afraid to rock it with some tight old jeans for that effect either.

An Investment

I really wish this photo did this silk dolman-sleeve top justice. From CAbi - the Tupperware-party way to sell a line of clothes to wine-drinking ladies running around in their bras and skinny jeans like it's 1995 during sorority rush week -- this Gypsy top is $118. But I have to tell you, loves, it looks fabulous on, draping the girls just so and tucking in at the hips so that no suck-in, Spanx-like tanks are required. It's more than I'd normally spend on a top, but given the shiraz-a-flowin', it's a good thing my credit card left in the shape it did. I'll be dressing this up for a night out to dinner and pairing it with jeans (oooh, maybe even the daring white ones) and heels for days when I want to step up the jeggings uniform.

What sassy little tops are you loving this spring?

Comments

[charlene]

Honestly, mama, I've rediscovered the sassiness and (sessiness) of a scooped fitted white t-shirt. My favorite is from the Gap. Looks good alone or with a bright cardigan.

Have not dared to try the flowy, longer blouses like the CABi one. I always worry they will make me look bigger. But perhaps just haven't found the right style?