Thursday, August 13, 2009

For Two Days of Summer School, I Wore the Pants...

Wooh! Let's hear it for two posts in one day. (I may not post tomorrow, I have to go to Richmond, so I may be making up for my absence early...)

So I know that when you think of summer, you don't think of pants. But I mixed it up anyhow because that is me, Miss Crazy! I have two outfits in this post and they have the whole "pants" thing in common.

If you have questions on these items, ask in the comments, and I will get to answer you...pinky swear.


Here is the polyvore of outfit #1.


And here is outfit #1 on me! I know this looks like it belongs in the fall, but honestly, as long as I took the cardi off for the walk (this is a nice, brand-spanking new one that HeidiG. personally inspected for me and it has no holes and the pattern lines up...score), this outfit isn't that oppressive for July heat. The Saturday pants are especially lightweight...very nice for the heat. The pants are a size 10 and fit very nicely. An 8 would have been too tight in the hips.


Here is the polyvore of outfit #2.


And here it is on me...I think I look young in this outfit. I really, really like it! :) I wore the red and blue version of this cardigan way back when, and loved it so much that I got it in another shade.

This outfit was also summer-friendly, as long as I didn't wear the cardigan on my walk to school.
By the way, the top is not J. Crew, it is actually Ann Taylor Loft from a long time ago. The denim is Old Navy and is a bit big, but I don't mind...they still work for me (although hopefully not for much longer...come on, last ten pounds...).

You all have a great rest of this Thursday!

63 comments:

Kathy said...

The second outfit is adorable and yes, you do look young it it!

Anonymous said...

These outfits are horrendous. What are you thinking? The proportions, colors, fit are all wrong on almost all counts. Is this a blog about fashion?

dinagideon said...

Kathy: Thanks! :)

Anon.: Nope. You can go find a blog about fashion. I like to write about what I wear, but the title of the blog is "My Superfluities," which is a blog about things in overabundance in my life. And I am sure you would say in response, A blog about all the bad clothes I have in overabundance in my life. :)

So kindly don't return. If you don't like my clothes, I don't see why you would come on over to visit...that is kind of weird.

Have a great night, all.

Patina said...

dina, i have the wallpaper cardigan and love it to pieces. it's it the cutest cardigan and oh so perfect for out hot, humid summers. I am so sorry to read such a hurtful comment on your blog. I am glad that you've had time to start blogging again and i hope you will continue to share your wonderful pictures, stories and shopping experiences with us

Summerilla said...

I love all your outfits because your beauty and fabulous personality shine in all of them!

Anonymous said...

Dina, you look gorgeous!

Kat said...

I still haven't worn my wallpaper cardigan, but after seeing it on both you and Patina, I'm going to have to bust it out!

And that person is just plain mean. I think the best part about the outfits that you posted is that you look SO HAPPY in them. Continue to wear what you want, Dina, and continue to smile while doing it!

grape squishee said...

I've been following your blog for awhile but have never posted. I wanted to let you know that I find your blog very uplifting and fun and I enjoy seeing how you put outfits together. You always look happy! Please don't stop posting because of one meanie!

Shann said...

Dina_please ignore anon aka ahole @8:08. What kind of person gets a kick out of saying such things?!
You always look great!! I love your outfits and your sweet personality
((sending you a hug))

Drewablank said...

Hey, lady! You always look radiant and happy, and you inspire me to be so every time you post. :) I'm with the other ladies, especially Kat - it really is the best part of your outfit posts - that beautiful smile and the joy you see so plainly in your face in your photographs.

Anon @ 8:08 - Like Dina said, you always have a choice in NOT going to this blog, like you always have a choice in NOT to be hurtful to others. If this blog is not your cup of tea, then go somewhere else. I'm sure there are plenty of sites (with just the right "proportions, colors, fit") that would make you happy.

Slastena said...

Dina, I second all well-wishers and positive thinkers. What a horrendous thing to say to someone on that anon's part. You really don't even have to explain yourself to the likes of the Anon at 8:08pm , just delete the comment and continue forward with positive and cheerful attitude.
Love your style, your spirit, and your shining personality!
Hugs(many, many)!!!

Slastena said...

Dina, I second all well-wishers and positive thinkers. What a horrendous thing to say to someone on that anon's part. You really don't even have to explain yourself to the likes of the Anon at 8:08pm , just delete the comment and continue forward with positive and cheerful attitude.
Love your style, your spirit, and your shining personality!
Hugs(many, many)!!!

GingerSnap said...

I just wanted to respond to your latest post about quitting blogging. Please don't quit! Yes, that anon was a bitch, yes she sucks, yes she is evil...but she is just one person. And honestly, who cares what she thinks?!?! We LOVE you and we are interested in not only what you have to say but also in what you choose to wear. We read your blog because we like you and your style. Please don't let one mean person interfere with your blogging!

I know from personal experience (I have had MANY mean anon comments) that it hurts and does make you second-guess things, but don't. Keep doing what you're doing because you have a whole group of people out here who are rooting for you and who love you just the way you are!

kendra said...

Dina, you look great! I love reading your blog, esp the JCrew reviews & seeing how you put your outfits together. Anyone who would take the time to write the above comment is rude, mean-spirited, and wasting their time.

I hope you continue to write and share your superfluities!

prince snow farm said...

Dina, we love you! You are free spirited, fashion forward, and an awesome mom. Please do not let one ding dong spoil our and your fun. Cowards always post anonymously!

Donna said...

Dina, I dont post much but I looove reading your blog, it's one of my daily go-tos. Please dont stop! I love that you are just a normal girl that loves clothes, like all of us! I seeing your combinations and you have definitely inspired outfits for me! Please dont stop!

p.s. I LOVE that second striped sweater, so cute.

nobelle said...

Dina,
So it seems that there is a bunch of bitter people out there. I had a bad experience when I sold a book, and I understand how disturbing is to read nasty comments like those.
Luckily for us, you are not one of those people. I enjoy reading your blog (even if I do not post) because you are a very cheerful character, and that is contagious! You write with enthusiasm about what you like (whether clothes, children, family or school) and you are always kind in your comments (even when you disagree).

Anonymous said...

I love your posts! I like your quirky and fun fashion sense! I like how sometimes you wear very classic outfits and sometimes you wear outfits that are fun. Isn't that what fashion is all about, experimenting and trying different things when it suits your personality. I say keep up the good work! Anon at 8:08 can suck it! :)

Julia said...

Dina, I absolutely love your blog! I really hope you do not quit sharing your thoughts with us forever :( I happen to like your outfits, you are always dressed in cheerful colors and looking very happy! Honestly, you are an inspiration to me because I often get stuck in just wearing neutrals and blending in. I'm very sorry that you got such a rude and nasty comment, I hope you'll come back to blogging. ♥ Julia

Kristin said...

I too am going to comment here because you turned off the comments on the other post. Please keep blogging. Please keep blogging about what you wear! I love seeing your IRL pictures. You are a beautiful woman who is absolutely radiant. Peace and blessings to you and your family.

dinagideon said...

Okay. I have had a bath, spent some time with the kids, and had a glass of wine. I feel a bit better.

I try so hard to be the best possible me...and other perfectionists out there will get this...criticism, esp. when it isn't constructive or polite...can be terrible to a person who is fragile enough because their innate personality is to try and please people.

I will take a break for a little bit. Heck, I may come back as early as Saturday, but it will be a few days (at least) for me to do another clothing-centered post.

I have been contemplating doing a post on a subject that some of you may have heard me mention before...how a little girl without a mother can go on to become a truly feminine woman...I am one of the only people I know who can tell this story.

And because of my unique upbringing, I KNOW that is why I get so bent out of shape by these awful words that some troll wrote to make them feel better. If you couple my perfectionist tendencies with my lack of a feminine role model and put words like "horrendous...color, fit, fashion wrong on all counts..." well then it is going to break the heart of someone who still really isn't sure she is doing it right. I have never, ever really known if I make myself look good enough...I put on makeup, do my hair, style my clothes, attempt to make my kids look good, but never ever really knowing if I am actually doing it right. (Because that is what your mom is supposed to teach you...)

Okay, this is emo enough. I rarely cry and I have managed to make myself cry. Good Lord.

And I know that there is a sector of the internet world that says if you put yourself out there you should expect awful behavior from others...and if you can't handle it...don't put yourself out there.

But you know what? I have to put myself out there...what if a teenage girl who doesn't have a mother looks to me to be her inspiration for my wacky fashion sense? What if some woman is about to give up on trying for kids because she is done with her infertility battle and then she sees Rex and CW and reads about my struggles and decides to soldier on?

I can't quit. I will still get upset by rude and trying comments, but this is my little corner of the world that I love and I want to continue to exist in it.

And most importantly...I have met and cyber-met some of the most amazing people in the world from this blog. I love and respect all of you...from those who choose to "show" who you are to those who prefer to stay "hidden."

God bless you all...and (so freaking corny, but I just have to say it) I'll be back...

Anonymous said...

Oh Noooo..... Please don't quit! I love your blog!!!

I am a thin skinned perfectionist, and I know how frustrating it is for a comment to stick and stay around too long....long after another person would have laughed, or shrugged it off.

I've worked over the years to emulate Men in this regard, as they seem to shrug this stuff off easily. It has worked--it gets easier.

By the way, I think you are so beautiful. You remind me of the actress Karen Grasle when she was on Little House on The Prairie. You have a perfect oval shaped head--great bone structure. I hope that makes you feel better, because it's true!

dinagideon said...

OMG, Anon at 11:57 pm. I am about to start crying. I LOVE Karen Grasle, she is the actress who played Caroline, the mom, and that is who I named Baby CW after. CW stands for Caroline Wealthy, and I always, always loved the mom on the show (she was perfection to me) so I knew my first little girl would be named after her. Thank you. Thank you.

Now I really should go to bed. I mean it can't be too good for me to stay up late! I have a household to run!

Jayna Wallace said...

I feel like I'm a little late to this party, but I look forward to your blog posts every day! You always have such a positive outlook, and your ability to wear color inspires me (truly!) -- I only have navy and black (and some gray) in my own wardrobe, and seeing your outfits makes me think I could mix it up if I really wanted to. I'm still working on that... :) I hope you're able to come back full force sooner than later - you've got a LOT of dedicated fans. :)

Ann said...

Dina,
I love both of these outfits...probably because I have many of the pieces (Saturday pants and wallpaper cardi--never thought of pairing these but looks great and I will now!--and the Boden cardi too). Your outfit ideas inspire me to "shop my closet" in new ways, and I look forward to seeing more whenever you are ready. :-)

Kathy said...

I think people forget that these blogs that we care about are the extension of the person writing it. It is not just random stuff put on the interntet for all to read but people, their feeling, likes and dislikes. People on the internet should treat each other as they would in person. Out in the real world, the likely-hood that a person would come up to another and completely cut them down over what they may be wearing is very slim. It is a very cowardly thing to do to post such a mean comment in such a hidden way. As I have always taught my children...treat others as you want to be treated yourself!

Anonymous said...

I am also a little late to this conversation, I am a first time poster but I have been reading your posts and I enjoy hearing about your outfits and adventures.

Don't give the power to this anon and quit posting because of this comment. This is what the anon wants.

cmf221 said...

Please ignore that mean, ignorant person. You are always so cute and sweet. And I love the Boden sweater, btw!

AppGal said...

If you want me to, I will find anon @ 8:08 and beat her up. Well, I'm not very violent, so if I found her I'd probably say in a very small voice, "you're really mean" and maybe flick her on the wrist and run away. BUT I WOULD DO THAT FOR YOU!!!! You are such an inspiration for positive, love-filled living. I would feel the same way if I received a similar comment. Just remember that for every one mean spirited person, you have hundreds of people who appreciated and love everything about you and this blog!!! Keep smiling! :)

ashley said...

Hi Dina! I'm also late to read this post but I totally know the feeling. It hurts. It took me a while to get over it even if it was only a few words.

Just wanted to let you know that I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing your daily outfits. You always have great pieces with fun colors and I love that about your style! It's like mine too! :) You're a great blogger and friend! Take a breather for a while but make sure you come back! Because we'll all miss you! TGIF! Enjoy your weekend too!

tm said...

anon 8:08pm, ooh that was catty and unnecessary. I can't believe someone would hate on Dina, she is so sweet!

Anonymous said...

Dina, I love to read your blog, love to see your outfits, love to see your adorable kiddies. I love everything about you. Your spirit DOES shine through! I wish I was lucky enough to be your friend, we need more people like you in this world. You wear the cutest outfits, and I find myself copying them when I'm lucky enough to own what you do. You turned me on to Boden, never heard of them before you.

So keep doing what you're doing! You're amazing!!
:::HUGS:::

Meli said...

there are so many people that have to tear others down to feel good about themselves. don't let her/him bring you down with her. We love you for your positive, cheerful attitude and we love seeing your kids!

Anonymous said...

Dina,

I too love your blog. I love your happy attitude. Yours is one of the handful of blogs that I check every day. Be encourage!! Blessings to you.

Tiffany said...

I, too, am late to this convo, but I just wanted to say that I adore this blog! Dina, your outfits are wonderful and I love how you experiment with color and patterns. You put yourself out there to show the rest of us how successful (or unsuccessful) different looks can be, and that is incredibly brave! In reading your blog, you have inspired me to be more experimental with clothes and to step beyond my comfort zone with colors (ex. I just purchased the Cotton Cady Alexa dress in light chartreuse! totally different than my typical black and pink!). Unfortunately, there are just folks out there that are so sad, lonely, or just plain ugly (attitude, not appearance) that the only way they can make themselves feel better is to bring others down. I think your response to them is, bar none, the classiest way you could respond to someone who is so unfortunately ick.

Unknown said...

Oh my friend, please do not stop this blog. I look forward to your posts. You are lovely. Your positive energy and radiance is much needed in this world.

Jordyn said...

Dina: I stopped by to tell you I gave you an award on my blog and then I read all of these comments...so I too am late to the convo...but let me just say, your colorful outfits have inspired me to take more "risks" with color in my wardrobe...I'm a neutral girl at heart. I love reading about your daily life and seeing pics of your adorable kids. I think that you are a great role model for your own daughter and you should be proud of your blog, and your unique, fun style!

Anonymous said...

I LUVEEE your blog! Your writing, your wit, your positivity, your caring and kindness you show other people, and your outfits!
Sorry the Anon. commment upset you...

jmpb said...

Dina - you rock! anon @ 808 - you suck. I don't post very often but I do visit your blog everyday and love seeing your warm, shining smile, adorable outfits and precious children! I understand your need to take a break but please don't stay away too long, we would miss you too much! Hugs to you!

Drewablank said...

Yay for all this blog-lovin'! I love it! :)

I just wanted to leave a note that I was wearing my citron Casa Rossa jacket yesterday and thought of you. I dared not be sad everytime I glanced upon the bright color. ;)

Christina said...

Love the yellow/green combo. So cute. I would have never paired that together. You have a great eye! And don't listen to the Anonymous comment. They have no idea what their talking about it and if they did they wouldn't be commenting anonymously.

Jcrewcrazy said...

Hi Dina - I stop by daily and love to see your smiling face in your beautiful outfits! As for that Anon - frankly, F'em! Cheer up!

Beth said...

Hey girl...I just sent you an email.

I worry about this same thing. I would be upset too....but like all the other girls said...KEEP going, don't let the anon poop head ruin your very fun blog. I visit EVERY day!! Where would I go?.... What would I do?
I need you to help me put my clothes together!! I also enjoy all the comments from the other girls....you have some wonderful followers!

Have a GREAT day Dina!

(Poo to the anon!..Just plain mean and stupid.)

Anonymous said...

Just another comment....personally I would not even comment on any neg. comment like that...you are wasting too much of that energy on someone who is probably "getting off" on all this negative attention he or she is getting...

PrettyBallerina said...

Hi Dina, here is another positive comment, and look how much you got for a one tiny and impersonal negative. I would like to express more but alas my English does not let me ;) But just imagine that me, a girl from Ukraine (you probably even dont know what the country is that) check your blog quite often and get inspired. I like your Polyvore sets as well. And it's not only your great outfits but also the kind of person you are - very open and radiant. Keep on!

kristin said...

I Love the Boden cardigan on you! It looks great and the colors are awesome!

I always look forward to your posts! I have learned a lot from you and your great outfits! Love your blog!

Unknown said...

First timer here - just wanted to echo the sentiments of those who urge you to keep at it!

Love(!) your blog, which has become my daily fix of Crewlade. Adore your parade of outfits and pix of the precious kids. Please, do not hang up your boots...for the sake of my sanity. lol. Otherwise they win.

Best,
jjc/anon

HeidiG said...

Oh honey, I had no idea - I am at the river, was dumb enough to leave at home the cord that I use to hook my phone to the laptop to get to the internet, so I am using my parents' laptop for work - had to download my work desktop to do it. I actually pulled up my blog for a minute to show my dad the latest Lucy pic and....THIS!! I am so sorry about this! Sending you a million hugs, plus a nice large glass (or bottle) of vinho verde. I have always loved that you have your own style and you are true to yourself. You have the most radiant smile in the world.

Regarding the outfits - so glad we got you a good WP cardi! And while that outfit works for summer, I also think it would be fantastic for those hot September/October days when you are craving fall clothes but it's 85 degrees outside.

What can I say about the striped cardi outfit? OMG, YOU BEACH BUM!!! You got the attitude and the free-loving spirit to go with it! So fun. :)

Love you lots, honey, wish I were there.

Melissa@AllThingsSimplified said...

Oh Dina! I was absolutely SHOCKED to stop by and read all that has happened! I hope you are feeling much better today and that you will continue to blog. I know from experience about the nastiness and rude comments some people will make. I also know firsthand how extremely hurtful and disheartening it can be. I can tell you are such a fun and loving woman just from your posts and comments. I'm also sure there are many people in your *real* life that love, adore, and appreciate you! Please...as hard as it is, try not to let it get you down for too long. You are special, unique, and beautiful, both on the inside and outside! Big Hugs!!! :)

Petunia said...

Please do not pay any attention to the the nasty anonymous comments! Just immediately delete them!
None of us claim to be fashionistas OR models OR socialites. We are just normal people who enjoy having a little fun with our wardrobes.

I would LOVE to see a photo of the anonymous commenters. LOVE! Oh, yeah--that would be hysterical!

Please don't stop blogging! :)

Suzy said...

Oh Dina! I sent you a private message on PV, didn't know that this section would still accept comments....I love you! I love your blog! I love your smiles and your confidence! I love your outfits! You have inspired me in so many ways. You have mentioned your weight loss over time in your blog - which I am also working on myself following several bad health years (long story, will save for my blog one day). You teach too, and dress similarly. We just have to pray and feel sorry for that poor individual who has had something go wrong in their life that makes them feel they must pass hatefulness on to others.

I hope we see you back soon! And I'm still hoping to meet you very soon! Take care!

Amy said...

Dina, I just wanted to echo everyone else...please don't let one mean person stop you from posting or make you second guess yourself! I seriously think there are people out there who visit blogs JUST to be mean...it makes them feel better about themselves or something. You are beautiful and I LOVE your outfits! I hope you are feeling better!

Tippy said...

Goodness, Dina, I do hope you come back--and soon! You are truly a rare source of positive energy especially on blogs and that's what so many of us look forward to. You are definitely an inspiration in many ways so please don't stop blogging. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to your next post--hopefully sooner than later!!

xo

Tippy

Joyce said...

Out of solidarity for you I wore my citron cardigan today. I wouldn't even have it in my closet today if not for you giving me the courage to wear it. Poo on anon 8:08. One of my greatest gifts in attending the JCA event was meeting you. I knew then you are the real deal. Stand strong!

Patina said...

i came back to check on you. i am glad that you read our comments. we love you, miss you and are going to whip that anon's a.... i am not a nasty person, but she took me to a new level. she's an evil coward

Beth said...

Checking in....

Need outfit help....lost....helpless...need you back.
Need the smile...need the happy children posts.

ugg.

*sigh*

Don't leave us!

JC said...

I'm late to the party too! I read your blog weekly, but never have commented. I LOVE it! It is so great to find other mothers who have the same postpartum wardrobe challenges and successes. I will keep coming back for more! Oh, and please continue to post things about BODEN. I've just started ordering from them and I am in LOVE! :) Keep up the good work! xo!

Maggie said...

Just discovered your blog and love it. Don't let mean people get you down. I'm so sorry you had this unpleasant experience. Looking forward to your next post.

MC said...

Don't stop blogging because of one spineless idiot! I can't stand people (posters) who hide behind an anon because they know what they are posting is ridiculous.

You are being you and keep it that way! If you let the idiot keep you away, she wins!

dinagideon said...

Wow. Oh, wow. I am simply stunned by the outpouring of love and care you all have given my wounded self.

I spent the weekend licking my wounds, and hearing my dad and my hubby say "get over it..." enough that I was COMPLETELY ready to get back in the blogging game today.

I read every word you all said, and I am taking it to heart. From now on people who come on over here as trolls and have nothing constructive to say (just an incredibly negative and worthless comment--after all, it wasn't like anon at 8:08 gave me any good advice) will be call Willfah after an ex-roomie of mine who was an actual troll.

So, to 8:08: Willfah, what's up? Why you knocking on this door? I stopped being your roomie years ago because you are a freak of nature who spends way too much time watching the X-files and eating pasta. Plus, if you are gonna rag on my outfits...why not tell me how to fix them? I though you said you were a member of Mensa. Hmm...

Okay, ladies (and gents)...let's get out the citron and CELEBRATE...Willfah has left the blog...wooo!

Anonymous said...

Haha, I am a huge X-Files fan, love pasta, and love your blog. Dana Scully is one of the only female characters on Tv that was portrayed realistically, ie: she didn't wear super tight, cleavage revealing outfits, and stilettos every day to work as she chased criminals. I hope your evil roommate didn't the X-Files for you,lol.

dinagideon said...

Anon at 5:34 pm:

Haha. That is funny...shh...don't tell willfah this but I like the s-files and pasta, too. ;)

dinagideon said...

Agh! Not s-files...x-files...I need a nap. :)