Penny Goffman is a Greenwich Mom of two (her daughter Jolie is 10 and her son Jaden is 7), as well as the founder of fashion & lifestyle brands Jolie Gotique & That Penny Life. This stylish mama is always out and about, whether it’s styling events at places like Alice & Olivia, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdales, supporting fellow mompreneurs through her work as the local community manager for the Westchester/CT region of HeyMama, or fitting in a workout. We caught up with her to get the deets on her “effortlessly chic” style, her go-to pieces and more:
Can you share a bit about your “effortlessly chic” style?
I like to feel put together, but comfort is important as a working mom. There are many ways to take simple pieces and spice them up.
Love that! Has your style changed since becoming a mom?
I became a mom almost eleven years ago and interestingly my “mom style” has evolved over time. In the early mom years my style staples needed to be all comfort, machine washable, plus breast-feeding accessible. As my children began to spend more of their days in school and I launched my business, my style needs evolved. Comfort is still essential but without the threat of spit up, I’m able to dress in more interesting fabrics and patterns. My closet is also better curated, opting for quality pieces over quantity.
Would you please share a few details about your typical mom uniform?
My favorite go-to mom uniform is denim, tee, blazer, belt with two pairs of shoes in the car to change between, including kitten heels and sneakers!
Why are these your go-to pieces?
Denim and a tee is a quick and comfortable out the door look any mom can wear to the park, school pick up or on the soccer field. As a working mama, I also need to consider meetings, clients and events throughout the day—that’s where the blazer comes in. I always have one on hand to throw on. It adds the effortlessly chic touch that I spoke about earlier and completes the outfit. Plus it adds warmth on a cool day. Shoe selection is also important. On a typical day I am often juggling career and kids schedules. I like to switch between pumps for work and sneakers with the kids. It’s easy enough to keep in the car and changes the outfit in just the right ways—plus you don’t want to be stuck on the soccer field with heels!
True! What are your specific mom must-haves?
A Blazer
Veronica Beard is classic and a go-to.
Tees
I’m biased but Jolie Gotique has a great selection of casual & dressed up tees to wear alone or layered under a blazer! A few of my favorites are by Generation Love.
Denim
I’m a huge fan of AG denim. Part of the reason is because I’m short and they sell ankle length jeans that don’t require shortening! These skinny angle jeans come in many different washes!
Belt
Love this basic and simple one by Lovers & Friends.
Sneakers & Pumps
Pumps add a little pop of color with your pump likes these bluish beauties. Schutz makes stylish and comfortable shoes at an affordable cost.
Then switch it up in the car without anyone knowing when you walk back out with these comfy sneakers. Golden Goose makes fun sneakers but they are really pricey. Instead I like the brand Superga which makes a great platform sneaker for us shorties!
Any favorite brands?
Hard question because I shop from a large variety of brands! I love Generation Love, Helmut Lang, Rag & Bone, L’agence, Cinq a Sept and Equipment.
What are your favorite shops in town for clothing shopping?
I love intermix for a good splurge and Zara for a stylish piece without the fuss.
What are your favorite shops online for clothing shopping?
Joliegotique.com of course!
Besides shopping my own online boutique, my go-tos include shopbop, revolve, & Bloomingdales has great sales!
Do you have any bloggers/influencers who inspire you?
I love following mom influencers because I can relate to them! Some are in the fashion space and others are in wellness or fitness.
Some of my favorites include: Arielle Charnas, Tanya Zuckerbot, Amy Guzzi and Nina Clarke.
