OOTD: Baby Girl Graduates.

Day: Monday, June 10, 2013.

Where:  CW's Preschool Graduation.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) You all know I love my Barbados dress (first worn here), and I was more than happy to quickly wash it for my next "dressy" outing.

I had spied the adorable crewcuts version (sold out, but skirt still around) when the adult version came out, but I couldn't justify it for CW at the higher full price cost, but *the* moment it went down in price *and* there was a 30% off sale, I jumped at the opportunity for yet another mommy/mini sartorial moment.

The least comfortable part of my outfit is the shoes, since they pinch a tiny bit through the toes, but I love the way they add a fun neutral to the outfit without being boring old nude shoes.  ;-)

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)   Very pretty, and we all look so tropical that day (see this BWRR for what Mr. Dina and Rex were wearing).  Only tiny toodle (that would be Angus) was in something non-beachy that day.

No matter what, though, Caribbean cool does not equal fashion cool, so there is the justification for the "3" rating.

Anecdote from the day:  It seems like just a little while ago that Rex graduated (last photos in post) from the same preschool as CW.  I spent so much time at their school these past few years it is going to be really hard to adjust to the new and freer time schedule (well, maybe not, lol).  Angus will still be attending their school for baby classes, but it won't be anything quite so structured.  He isn't set to start preschool until 2015!

The best moment was seeing CW sing "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley with her classmates while wearing sunglasses.  It was adorable.

Okay, that's all for now.  You all have an amazing rest of your night!

Quick reminders...

1. Bloglovin' is going to be the only way to read your blogs if you depended on Google Reader to read them (and prefer reading them in the Google Reader format).  Google Reader is set to say bye-bye to its internet presence as soon as the clock strikes midnight, tonight, July 1, 2013.  I am on bloglovin' and I have noticed a huge upswing in followers over the past week.  I decided to import all my blogs to bloglovin' even though I only use the Blogger dashboard to read my blogs, since who knows if Google is going to keep that in the long run.  (Google gets rid of EVERYTHING--does anyone remember Google Catalogs?)

2. The Boden 40% off 40 items promo ends tomorrow night.  Just a reminder.  I wrote about it here at this post.

3. The Lands' End 40% off Customer Favorites promo is going on right now, too.  I will check into its expiration date for you all, since I can't recall it off the top of my head.

OOTDs: Five. So Bright.

Day: Sunday, June 2, 2013.

Where:  7000 kids' birthday parties followed by a trip to a Moroccan restaurant.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) This old school J. Crew dress (embossed cotton/seersucker fabric that they don't use anymore) is awesomely comfortable.  I especially love that it fits nicely through the bodice but is slightly flared at my hips.  :-)  One of the best pear-shape friendly dresses out there!

One point off because the Target shoes pinched a tiny bit (first time I had ever worn them).

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)   Well J. Crew has stepped away from the embossed cotton, so maybe that is a sign that it is no longer cool?  They did reissue my pineapple skirt, though, so maybe there is hope for the lovely embossed fabric in the future?

The necklace is my favorite bit, though, it was purchased at the Giant's Causeway in Ireland, and if you look closely, you can see that the shapes are taken from the natural stone steps you can see there.

Anecdote from the day:  We were invited to three separate parties for the kids that day.  Originally I was going to take Rex to the pool party for his *girlfriend*, then Mr. Dina would take him to Chuck E. Cheese's for another friend's party, then I would take CW to the SAME Chuck E. Cheese's for her friend's party later that afternoon.  Insane, right?

Thankfully, although sad for Rex, his two friends' parties were at the same time, so he had to choose.  He picked his girlfriend, lol.

The Moroccan food was delish.  Mmm.  Right before we got to the restaurant, it stormed like "woah."  (Hee, Joey Lawrence, hee.)  After the storm passed, and as we were walking to the restaurant from the car, we spied that rainbow you see in the third picture.  I love rainbows, so glad I grabbed the photo. 

 Day: Monday, June 3, 2013.

Where:  ???  I know that I was at home with the kids while I wrote the Boden preview picks post, but I know I wasn't wearing this outfit to stay at home.  I must have gone to dinner that night with Mr. Dina and the kids.  That seems right, but it's all fuzzy.  Must write these posts sooner.  ;-)

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The bodice of this Regatta dress is a bit large, and the shoulders stand off a bit from my shoulders, so I feel like I have to keep pulling the dress down.  After a while I got used to it, but in the beginning it bugged, so there's why I have the 3 there as a rating.

Cool Factor: (2 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Hmm.  Well those are really practical nude Cole Haan pumps and a white handbag combined with orange and white polka dots.  Not especially cool, rather pleasantly pretty, exactly right for my lifestyle, I suppose.

Anecdote from the day: Should have one and would have one if I had bothered to write a post on this outfit sooner.  I tell ya...

Day: Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

Where:  Winesday at Whole Foods.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) I dig dig dig this Target (girls!) maxi dress so much, especially how easy it is to wear.  Can't go wrong with a nicely fitted jersey dress in neon stripes with just the right amount of give to be comfortable.

The jeweled flip-flops were very floppy since I bought them before I had the kids when my feet were bigger (???), but it wasn't awful or anything, so only a half-point off for them.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Well, I think it is cool, but I suspect the hi-lo hem is "out" or on it's way out, and neon may have played itself "out," as well, but at the Whole Foods, where hemp clothing, Capitol Hill business suits, and Toms are king, I think I brought it that day! 

Anecdote from the day: I love Winesday so much.  This was a typical Winesday, with my brother in tow, and our favorite employees working.  Only sad thing was finding out that our favorite employee, L., was leaving to go to another Whole Foods in PA.  Boo!

Day: Saturday, June 15, 2013.

Where:  Rex's kindergarten teacher's wedding, followed by Father's Day Dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant.

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) I think this Lace Dress is a superstar, and it is very comfortable since it fits me to my curves (review here), but it is losing points because every. damn. time. I wear it, I snag a lacy bit on something.  Admittedly, my fault, but still...stop being so testy, pretty crocheted lace fabric.

(The one snag I had that day was pretty big, but thanks to the sewing shop ladies, I now know how to fix it.  It requires hand sewing, though.  So nice new machine will be useless for that one job.)

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Again, a dress in a bright color with shoes in a bright color and a light-colored handbag...I have a formula here, but not for "cool."

Anecdote from the day:  Oof, what a day.  I finished these pillows for his teacher's wedding present in the morning, visited the sewing shop to buy a new machine (now that I sew nearly daily, I think I have the actual justification for a machine that can do more, including embroidery and quilting--thank goodness for no interest financing), went to the wedding, then back to the sewing shop to tie up some loose ends, then to my dad's to cool down, and then to the Mexican restaurant to celebrate Father's Day. 

The last photo shows that my brother and I were enjoying ourselves WAY more than the rest of our family.  We blame the margaritas.

Day: Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

Where:  Winesday at Whole Foods.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) This Madewell dress was a postpartum purchase so I could have something loose and nursing-friendly after giving birth to Angus.  It has become even more comfortable as I have lost more baby weight, but not so loose that I look like I am in a sack (thank you, belt!).

Don't adore the fabric, since it is a bit cloying and a bit wrinkle-prone, but I will forgive the dress since I could probably take a red-eye flight in it and feel comfortable.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Hmm.  I think the scarf is tied poorly, should have wrapped it more and in a circle shape...this version makes me look like a flight attendant.

Anecdote from the day:  My hair was so curly that day!  I washed it but didn't immediately comb/brush it, rather I let it air dry and this, combined with the *awesome* (sarcasm) DC humidity created the waves you see.  I sort of dig it, but it was not planned.

Okay, that's it.  Not sure how many folks are reading blogs on a Friday night in June right before a holiday week, but maybe a few of you will peek in?

BTW, Lands' End has a new promo out, 40% off Customer Favorites.  Haven't had a look around, but I have included the link below, as well as in the sidebar.

OOTD/Review: Poppy Printed Mini and a Mini in Printed Poppy.

Hey, all!  Happy Tuesday.  :-)

Up first is the review, followed by the ootd portion.

Factory Printed Mini and Factory Printed Girls' Poet Blouse.  The skirt is a size 10 and the girls' blouse is a size 6-7.

Really glad I sized to the 10, even though I was told the skirt runs a bit big.  It *does* run a bit big, but even with me having the ability to wear this on my hips in the size 10 (would have had  to wear it at my waist in the 8), it is still really short on me.  Not anything scandalous, of course, but not exactly church friendly, either. 

It is made from a lovely cotton sateen in one of my favorite prints from last year (that made it onto a scarf, a bathing suit, and something else that escapes me now).  I didn't grab the scarf like I should have when I reviewed here at this post, but I did grab the bikini.  I still feel the baby weight, so I haven't pulled that one out (one day, I hope to, though).  I was thrilled to see the factory had re-issued it in both women and girls items, and with the original promo of 40% off, I decided that I could grab both my piece and CW's without feeling like I had broken the budget.

Some of you will hate the back zip, since it is prominent and exposed.  It didn't bother me, but since I have to wear the skirt so low, I have to cover up the waist of the skirt anyhow.

There appears to be about two inches of hem that could be let out, and if I end up gaining any weight in my mid-section, I will have to pull the hem down if I have to wear this baby at my waist.

CW's blouse I sized up on which gives her a bit of a romantic tunic look, but as she gets older it will be a plain ole blouse.  I love that girls can get away with this kind of styling, my boys at least can share clothes, so if I have to buy something for Rex that is true to size, I know Angus can one day wear it, too.

The blouse is a very sheer silk/cotton blend, definitely not tomboy friendly, just a word of warning.  The blouse is lined fully in a cotton, so no worries on modesty, but that lining is not going to make that silk/cotton any sturdier.

Day: Friday, June 21, 2013.

Where:  Seriously?  You all can figure it out, right?  Just in case you can't, we were at the new movie "Monsters University" with our two oldest.  Angus sat this one out, you know, 'cause I actually wanted to watch the movie and not spend the whole time wrangling him.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Very comfortable, especially since I didn't feel any pinching from the skirt.  Sizing up is a great idea if you want to be super comfortable.

I had my special lady friend visiting that day and honestly, most outfits feel awful when she comes.  I was spectacularly pleased with how good I felt, regardless of my condition.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  It is a very preppy look, pretty, but not cutting edge or trendy or super stylish.  That's fine with me.  My mini me gets a 4 out of 5, though.

Anecdote from the day:  Monsters University is a great film.  I saw Monsters, Inc. when it came out way back in the day (back when Mr. Dina and I were first together), and I remember wanting to have a little girl just like Boo when I had kids.  I have to say my little lady reminds me a lot of Boo, so I think I was blessed with my wish.

We are such fans of the Monsters that we own quite a few toys (remember, Mr. Dina collects action figures) and have been to the Monsters, Inc. ride at California Adventure.  (If you ever get a chance to go on that ride, it is awesome!)  We had wanted to see the movie the night before, since it came out on Thursday night, but we had to wait till my dad could take Angus.

Okay, that's it.

I am not going to do a post on this, but I did announce it on FB earlier today.  Boden is a having a 40% off 40 items promo right now.  There are some cute items in the sale, including the Sparkle Cotton Top, which I reviewed here. 

Have a great night! 

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Stripy Maxi and Rainbows.

Happy Monday, all.  I thought I would get the review roundup done today since I didn't get one done last week and because today is the last day to enjoy the 30% off everything sale going on right now (post on it here).

Since Boden is always promo happy towards the end of the seasons, there is likely another one in the pipeline, so even if you miss out on the 30% off everything sale, there will be something else before the big clearance sale.  (Although it may not be off everything, though.)

Before I get to the review roundup, I wanted to also let you all know that the Shabby Apple giveaway was a success, with 38 discrete entrants.  The winner was #25, Elisabeth.  She and I have connected, and I am very excited to get her the dress she wants!

Onto the roundup!

Regular Boden:

Stripy Maxi.  Size 6 Long.This was the right call for size since it fit nicely through the shoulders but had enough give through the hips.  I wish it was a touch longer, but beggars can't be choosers, I suppose.  I am happy enough that there is a long option.

If I had sized to the 8 long, the top would have been massive on me, since the size 6 long was a bit gapey in the front, meaning that I have to rethink what kind of bra I will wear with it the next time.

You'll have to forgive how tired I look in these photos, btw.  I took them at 7:30 am on Saturday morning, right before going to Rex's last teeball game of the season.  And as per usual, anytime I have to wake up early, Angus woke up demanding cuddling in the middle of the night. Sigh.  ;-)

That belt is sad, huh?  I think I am definitely going to switch it out for something more substantial.  Boden and their belts, they get everything else right, but not that.

I also have plans to wear this dress with a sheer lace top over it, don't know how it would look, but right now, in my mind's eye, looks kind of cool.  We'll see, though.

Proudly showing off my curves.

The cotton jersey is very thick, not the jersey they usually use, which is dense, but more flowy.  This jersey was more like a dressy tee-shirt.

This is a very casual dress, and is not really as appropriate for wearing out for nicer occasions.  Wearing it to a teeball game, the beach, or the amusement park, though, game on...


Stripy Maxi.  This model looks so thin in hers, gotta love models with their strong shoulders and wee wee hips.  Anyhow, she is in the pink version, and there is also a navy/white version. 

The small sizes are almost completely sold out.  Although I technically wear a smaller size, I have curves, so those of you that are blessed with a bit of the bedonkadonk or a bit of the "ladies," I say go for it, especially if you have a need for a casual, pretty, comfortable maxi dress in your closet.


Stripy Breton.  Joanna looks beautiful in hers, the lovely lemon color is perfection with her dark locks.  I especially love the way she paired it with crisp white trousers.


Drop Shoulder V-Neck Jumper.  Joanna had been eyeing it in the gold all season, and finally ordered it.  She looks fab in it.  Shame the gold is no longer available, but the mint definitely is...


Leather T-Bar Sandals.  I had been looking at these sandals wondering if I could make room in the closet for them for my summer wardrobe, and after seeing them on Avril, I have decided it is a yes (although I may wait for the clearance to fully commit).


Seville Dress.  Lauren PhD wrote a quick review for the blog at this post.  She says of this pretty jersey frock:

I got it in the ultramarine in the recent dress promo and it is to die for! They must have sized down for the model shot because it looks quite clingy on her. Not so! I'm slightly pear shaped with tummy issues and the dress miraculously hid all my lumps and bumps without the use of Spanx. It's so flattering, comfortable, and gorgeous that I really want one in another color, but I can't decide which.

mini Boden:

Tulip Dress.  I ordered CW this dress in the size 5-6 since I know how much she LOVES rainbows.  It was during the last 30% off promo (dresses, skirts, and shoes), so I paid the same price as it is now.   I would say that the $28 is a decent price, especially if your daughter wears her dresses over and over the way my darling girl does.  This dress is NOT jersey, like I thought it was, but it is a pretty lightweight woven cotton, so I am not disappointed.

The print is adorable, and as I suspected, CW loves her new dress (and the pockets, natch).

The fit is decent, bit big through the bodice, but the length and rest of the dress fits very nicely.


Tulip Dress.  None of the sizes are sold out, this dress is fully stocked, so you definitely can wait for clearance time, unless you need it sooner.

Okay, all, that's it for today.

Thank you to all my blog friends for participating in this review roundup.  :-)

Below you will find the direct link to the 30% off everything sale, and below that is a link to the coupon that will ensure you receive free shipping with your order (the 25% off does not stack with the 30% off, though).

Take 30% off everything at BodenUSA.com!

Sale and Giveaway Reminders!

Source

Evening, all!  :-)

Just wanted to remind everyone about a few things.

1. My Shabby Apple giveaway is ending tonight, so make sure to enter here at this post.  I can't wait to pick a winner!

2.  Even though I often am not able to let people know about Lands' End and Pure Collection sales, they will have them from time to time, and I do make sure to update my sidebar with the sale info/coupon links.

Rockstar Star Fish Rash Guard

Right now Lands' End is having a pretty decent sale on swimwear, all of it between 40 and 60% off.  We have some Lands' End swimwear in this house, and it is definitely well made and will last.  The kids swimwear is darling, especially the girls' rashguards, like this "star fish" version.  This sale ends on Tuesday night, June 25, 2013.

Luxe Linen Tee--Soft Mint

Pure Collection is having its end of season sale right now, with the majority of its offerings between 35%-60% off.  I love linen tees, and their version seems especially nice, not sheer, and in some lovely shades perfect for summer.

Jersey Maxi Dress

3.  Boden is having its 30% off everything sale right now, and as big Boden fans know, this is probably one of the last gasps before the big end of season clearance sale happens in a couple of weeks.  I can already see the selection dwindling down on quite a few items.  I was able to catch two popbacks on Friday, including one of the maxi dresses (I love love love their maxi dresses so much).

This sale ends tomorrow night, so grab what you think you should before the clearance time comes.  Remember, if an item has a whole set of rows/sizes/colors completely available, you probably can wait for a bigger discount.  The only snafu would be that during clearance shipping is not free (it goes up to $10 flat for every order made), so if there is only one item you are looking at buying in clearance, then you may not want to pay $10 flat for one item to ship.

Okay, thanks for coming on by, enjoy the giveaway and (sale) shopping!
Take 30% off everything at BodenUSA.com!