Looking Cool in Carpool

Sep 05 2007 by Sara Lacey

9/5/2007

Cars to Help You Look Good on the Red Carpet

By: Sara Lacey and Kristin Varela

The carpool lane is no different than the red carpet, really. All you need to make it a perfect match is a bunch of photographers to complement the snarky commentators — er, other moms. We must confess to being way too judgmental about the woman at preschool who brings her daughter to school in pajamas. No, it's not the little girl in her loungewear, it's the mom. Isn't ours a world where we should be more understanding about a compatriot's situation? If a mom's at preschool in her jammies, more power to her. At least she got there on time, which is certainly more than we can say.

So how can a modern mom convey all her coolness in the carpool lane — jammies or not? Read on, friends, Mother Proof is here to help (without Joan Rivers, thank God). Try to view this as more of a runway (dare we say driveway) show and less as the Golden Globes on E!

Here are our top five picks for cars to help you look cool in the carpool lane. Yes, it's completely subjective, but that's half the fun of it.

  •  If you're a mom who values the environment — and believes the best way to send a message to the man is with your wallet — you're probably already considering a hybrid. The most politically vocal hybrid out there is the Toyota Prius, but crunchy-inclined moms with slightly bigger broods may want to consider the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, as the new 2008 model has certainly upped the family-friendly factor. It's not quite as outspoken as the Prius, but the Highlander still makes a statement: The environment is important to me, but I won't go so far as to drive a home-conversion-kit-modified biodeisel Mercedes on dirty cooking oil from the local taco joint. Dreadlocks not included. (Scenario based upon a real mom who shall remain nameless.)

  •  Fashionista moms who want to go incognito on a budget will love the Mazda CX-7. Filled with sleek design details inside and out (leather seats with faux croc suede detailing, for starters), the CX-7 can transfer seamlessly from the morning carpool to cocktail hour — as long as you vacuum out the goldfish crackers in back. Ski weekend with the family? The all-wheel-drive Mazda can handle it with style.

  •  Even deeper incognito is the mother who chooses the Mini Cooper. The polar opposite of the typical mom-mobile, the Mini has tons of style and power to match. Half the fun of owning a Mini is custom-designing the one you want, and zipping through carpool like you're in "The Italian Job" is a delight. Once the kids are booster-seat age and older, the logistics of a two-door are much less of a hassle. What statement will you make in a Mini? "Yes, my whole family's in here, and we're having a freakin' good time!" Seriously, don't knock it till you try it.

  •  If you're a mom who likes to roll in a luxury SUV without the bulk (or sucky fuel economy) of an Escalade or Navigator, look to the Lincoln MKX to pamper you. The quiet ride, panoramic sunroof and comfortable seats will make you swoon, and endless accessories like funky metallic Dark Amethyst paint, wood trim and heated/ventilated seats make you feel put together and appropriately cool no matter where you go. Also, the swanky grille and nice tail end separate you from the other moms out there. As they say, "The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize!"

  •  If you're a mom of many — or if you just love wearing your mom badge with pride — check out the Honda Odyssey. Just because it's a minivan doesn't mean it can't be hot, hot, hot. Update your minivan's looks with some tinted windows, matching running boards and nice wheels to give yourself a perky lift — still talking about cars, here — to carpool and field trips. You can wear your pajamas in this baby or don your velour Juicy Couture from Nordstrom Rack, knowing we're all secretly jealous you've got it so good. Please, just leave off the window sticker of the stick-figure mom, dad, kids and pets. You really don't have to rub it in.

Looking cool means looking put together (whatever your style) and ready for anything; crises roll off your back, you are unflappable, relaxed and calm � and if you happen to turn heads, all the better. With so many new car choices for modern moms (or updates to old classics), we can all have a little more cool in our lives. Personally, we�ll take all the extra helpings we can get!

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