Boden: Mid-Season Sale Time!

UPDATE!  (10/10/14): Boden has announced an extra 10% off your mid-season sale order by using this code G2B2 in your shopping bag.  Go forth and enjoy!  :-) 

I know that many of you discovered this sale yesterday, since the sale notice was emailed out (at least it was to my emails), but I know that sometimes we miss those things, so I figured it was definitely a good idea to make sure that the awesome readers of this blog knew about the sale, too.  (Just in case, of course!)  Thank you, as well, to Monica, of the great blog Colour Makes People, who let us know that the sale was up and running yesterday.  CC had also mentioned it in a post comment last week, so thank you to her, too!

I did put up the sidebar link to the sale yesterday morning, but that was all I could do since I was feeling pretty bad.  In fact, the me of yesterday almost wrote a blog post entitled "As Sick as an Underdog," since I was feeling like I needed to have a major pity party, but I was so sick and tired that I couldn't even get up the energy to write it.  :-)

Those of you who do care, I came down with a flu of some sort on Saturday (probably due to substituting Kindergarten last week) and I was very achy, with a fever, and chilled.  I still had it on Sunday.  Add that to the fact that I have another round of sewing to go for the next competition, and you have a very blue me.  I fortunately have enough time to sew up my entry (I know exactly what I am going to do), but since I am the only one left who hasn't won one of the weekly competitions yet, I am feeling very much overwhelmed and like an "underdog," so my proposed title for the post was at least sort of witty.  ;-)  Anyhow, who knows what will happen with this week, but I can tell you that even though I am feeling  better this morning, I am still feeling a bit like David battling Goliath.  And there is the inevitable, "why am I putting so much of myself on the line and getting so emotionally invested?"  Why can't I just be all robotic about it and realize that ultimately it is just a competition of sewing clothing and that whether I win anything doesn't matter, since I *like* what I am making, and that should be good enough, right?

Anyhow, thanks for reading my mini dramatic diary above. 

The BWRRs have a few items that may be in this mid-season sale, including the Amy dress, which I wore in this post.  That post also featured a giveaway, which I hopefully can pick the winner from today (obviously couldn't on Saturday or Sunday).  When I do know who has won, I will contact them and make a formal announcement here and at the FB page.

Okay, that's all for now.  Have a great morning!  Talk with you all soon!

OOTDs: Photographic Evidence.

Day: Tuesday, August 5, 2014.

Where: So mundane--Joann's to pick up fabric for the boys pjs and Harris Teeter to go grocery shopping.  I live the life, you all.

Ease of Wear: (3.75 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  By the end of the day, I can push this to a 4, but I always feel a bit exposed in shorter shorts.  I should probably just get over it already or stop wearing them, but to me, these muscle tees that I love wearing look best with a shorter silhouette on bottom, so there you go.  I guess I could just wear a skirt, but eh, three kids, you know?

I do want to include a quickie review of this tee, the photo stripe tank from J. Crew, since I have been wanting it since early July, and maybe there are a few of you out there who are eyeing it now that it is on super sale (I was able to buy mine for $21 plus shipping).  I had first seen it online and knew I wanted it, but at $45, I wasn't willing to do it, especially for a fairly simple/sheer tee.  I then got to the store and tried it on, but again, at $45, nuh uh.  So when it went down to $36 minus 40%, I was then willing, since $21 for this tank seemed reasonable enough to me. 

I tried it on in a small, and seeing that it was just loose enough to keep it casual, but not sloppy, I didn't bother with the extra-small.  I often buy extra-smalls in J. Crew tees, so bear that in mind.  I don't know that I would have liked the extra-small on me, it would have been too fitted for the look I wanted to achieve.

The tee is fairly sheer, but not anything indecent.  I love the graphic, it is well done and very pretty.

Cool Factor: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) I am definitely in love with this look and I felt cool today.

Anecdote from the Day:  If you are a long time reader (like from the very beginning) you will remember me posting about my HUGE crush on Don Henley* way back when I was in high school.  It was mad and redonk, but oh, my, he was my *everything.* 

*The link in that post is broken but it was for an ebay listing for a bag made from this Rolling Stone cover.

I also am from California (born there, spent multiple summers there as a kid).  I moved to VA as a young girl, but I always thought I would move to CA after high school.  I even applied to USC and Chapman, was accepted, but then decided not to go at the last minute.

So the mix of Don Henley/California Love gave me an great appreciation for all things west coast, especially the video for Boys of Summer.  I remember one summer spent listening to Boys of Summer non-stop and thinking of my future as Don Henley's wife under the setting sun on the beach, wearing our Ray-Bans with the swaying palm trees behind us.  (And, yes, our car would be the car from the video.)

Well obviously I stayed in VA, and I married someone else, but the tee reminds me so much of that time/obsession, that I am happy that I have it and can secretly remind myself of being the greatly deluded teenager I once was.  ;-)

Boys of Summer video here.

And just for kicks, California Love video here.

Day: Monday, August 4, 2014.

Where: Doctor appointment, uniform shopping, and Five Guys.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  The darling Paris tee from Forever 21 is really fun, but it is a touch short on the sides so I needed to make sure that I kept my cami tucked in so the line of the sides weren't ruined by it.  But, really, other than that, super comfortable.  The shorts are made by me (here), so clearly they probably fit me well.  ;-)

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Shorts may be a touch baggy, but a decent summer look.  I felt young. 

Anecdote from the Day:  Uniform shopping is such a bear.  We definitely knew that while we wouldn't have minded saving $25 on VA's tax free weekend to purchase the kids' uniforms for the year, we also know that place is an absolute madhouse on their slow days, so we chose to go the day after the tax-free weekend ended.  It was still super crowded, but tolerable.  And since all the kids were with us, we need all the help to keep us sane.  I cannot even imagine what the place looked like on Fri, Sat, and Sun.  Yikes.

Okay, that's it for now!  I hope all of you are doing well.

And since I am curious, and I rarely ask questions like this...who was your secret celebrity crush?  Was yours as odd as mine? 

OOTDs: Feeling Visible Where I Once Felt Invisible...

I am starting this outfits of the day post with a bit of a backstory so that I can properly explain why I chose these outfits to represent me for the Visible Monday (#130) linkup I am participating in with Not Dead Yet Style.  Basically to participate, a blogger must follow these guidelines (these are direct from Not Dead Yet Style):

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post. Please leave a comment, too, so we know you had a good time.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on the InLinkz button "Add Your Link". It should open a new page.
4. In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

So that is what I am going to do here, all four of the above.

But here is my backstory of "feeling visible where I once felt invisible."  I have been subbing at the school where my children go, and as many of you know, that is the same school I attended as a kid, too.  Here's the thing, I was a painfully awkward and shy young girl, due in part to who I am inherently, and due in part to the fact that I was being raised by a single dad.  I barely spoke to people, and when I did, it was to be the know-it-all who answered every single one of the teacher's questions.  I felt very uncomfortable around the kids my own age, instead preferring the company of younger kids (the kindergarteners and 1st-graders were so cute and sweet) and that of the teachers. 

I spent my days embarrassed by my circumstances...the messy uniform with not crisp pleats in the skirt...my tangled mop of wavy blonde hair that never was quite clean enough...the messy, weirdly shaped, and crooked teeth that only came out behind a smile every so often.  I dreaded being around my peers because every bit of me was up for inspection, and it always failed.  I still remember all the taunts thrown at me by every individual in the four years I was at the school.

So going back to the place where it all happened may seem highly suspect, but I assure you it is not.  As my PE teacher (she still teaches there!) said of me during my time there, "you didn't seem to care" regarding my treatment.  I corrected her later and said, "it wasn't that I didn't care, but that I couldn't care."  Regardless of my treatment by others and by myself (I hated me, too, often), I knew that the school itself fostered an environment where I became able to be the best me, in spite of all the various issues I had while there.  So I never once thought I would send my kids elsewhere.  But unlike my time there, I would make sure to ensure that my kids at least had a tiny bit of a leg up.  So I decided to not just be an alumnus, and not just a parent, but a part of the staff, too.

And since choosing that path, I have found such pleasure in the hallways and classrooms that once held both the keys to my successful future but also the skeletons of my sorry, pathetic past.  Now I walk in the school excited to be seen as me in my best form, happy to serve the needs of the students and the full-time staff, instead of being the *me* that *barely cares* because that is the most protective stance I can take.

And, yes, walking in there in a crisply pleated skirted dress feels pretty darn good, too. 

Day: Thursday, May 15, 2014.

Where: Substitute Teaching.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The Gingham Shirt Dress (see written review of the dress here if interested) held up well, and lol, the pleats did, too.  The dress may not have a lot of stretch the way my Riviera Shirtdress does, but it did have just enough through the crosswise fabric (the weave that runs parallel to the floor) to keep me comfortable.

The shoes are so pretty, but for all the pretty, by the end of the day, I was happy to take them off.

Cool Factor: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) This is a ridiculously cool outfit for subbing.  I received a lot of compliments on the dress and the shoes.  Going to get this one washed quick so I can wear it again as soon as possible.

Anecdote from the Day:  One of the kids asked if my sandals were real snakeskin.  They are from Target, so it is faux snakeskin, or fauxskin for short.
 

Day: Friday, May 16, 2014.

Where: Substitute Teaching, with a quick walk to Harris Teeter after the school day ended.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The Nancy dress is so comfortable, and the pencil skirt lining that I complained about in the original review (here) has stretched out a bit making the dress very comfortable.

The only thing that I had any issue with was the shoes, since my feet got wet in the monsoon-like conditions we had on the way into school, and they pinched a bit on my way back from Harris Teeter after school (my kids were in an after-school class so I had *just* enough time to walk there and back).

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) One of the teachers said I looked like I was ready for the beach.  I replied, "if only."   :-)

Anecdote from the Day:  You know when you run into someone where you don't normally see them and think, "oh, how do I know them, and from where?"  Yeah.  That happened to me at Harris Teeter when I saw one of the parents from the school with one of her kids that I hadn't met yet.  So I sort of was all confused, but quickly caught myself before I appeared too much like a lost little puppy.  She had also just had a baby, but barely looks like it (some women have all the luck, I tell ya!), so that threw me too.

Okay, that's it for tonight.  If you have a post you would like to link up with Not Dead Yet Style's Visible Monday post, definitely do so, I would love to see what other people publish.  Don't know that I will do this weekly, but will definitely try to do it at least every once in awhile.

P.S. In case you missed it, Boden started a diminishing discount today and I wrote more about it at this post.  Below I have placed a direct link to the sale for those of you that need one.

OOTDs: Florals and Mosaics.

First, before I get on with the ootds parade, I wanted to direct you to my FB page if you have an interest in seeing some of the Boden summer items on me in person.  I loved a lot of what I received, but I had *major* sizing issues with about half the order.  Sigh.  Anyhow, head on over to this page to see more on that.  Eventually these will all make it to the BWRR, but I want to remind you all that I often can update the facebook page more quickly than I can this blog, so go ahead and "like" the FB page if you want to get the things I do post in your feed.

Day: Saturday, April 4, 2014.

Where: Lunch with my dad and the kids and then to the Little League photo shoot.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) I made the pants so they are very comfortable, but let's be honest here, is anything *really* that comfortable when you are bloated?  (You know whatimean, right, ladies?)  For all of my bloatedness, I was better than I have been in the past, and I credit ohsosoft jersey and wool with keeping me happy in my skin.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) The pants are a great intro pattern (Simplicity 2061) if you have just started sewing knits and would like to try them out with a lot of hand holding.  I will eventually add my review over there, but I am a bit backlogged with that, too, so give it time.  I will say that while I know there are things I could have done better, I did manage well for my first knit pants pattern.  I've had them for a few months now, and although this was the first time they made their public debut, they have been worn about the house a few times. 

I like the styling here, and I love my hair.  I wish if it was going to go all wavy and curly, it would do it. just. like. this. every darn time.  I also upped the makeup because I had extra time on my hands and extra bags under my eyes.  (LOVE YOU, bloating, swak!)

Anecdote from the Day:  The wind was crazy on Saturday.  Although the temperatures said 60, it felt like 45 whenever the wind blew in.  I really should have worn a jacket.  I don't know how Rex survived in his little uniform (no jackets for the pictures).

Day: Sunday, April 6, 2014.

Where: Church.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Love this dress (you saw it here ready to go for the auction) so much.  I am so glad I have this in my closet with all its stretchy glory ready for me when I want to look good and feel good, too.  (Yeah, bloating day two continued.  Sigh.)

The Bella jacket in pink is exactly the right shade of pink to work with this dress, but it was a bit scratchy.  I was being sensitive, so you all know.  ;-)

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Love the styling from neck down, the Accessorize necklace and darling pink belt really worked nicely, as did the Bella jacket, the navy tights, and the wedge heels.  The neck up, though, was were I struggled.  I was sensitive, remember, and was all verklempt that I couldn't get my hair and makeup to cooperate.  My husband assured me I looked pretty, but you know, dramatic Dina kind of won out. 

Anecdote from the Day:  Rex had a visitor called Hoppy this weekend and he was able to take it everywhere he went, including church.  :-)  We are gonna miss Hoppy now that he is going back to his teacher. 

Day: Monday, April 7, 2014.

Where: Harris Teeter (surprise! not!) and the school run.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Bliss!  I may not be *as* bloated as the past two days, but I still am struggling (grr!), but this outfit was so comfortable.  These jersey tunics are beyond amazing and I really wish Boden would make more of them.  They seem to have gone the way of the Fun skirt and are not being issued anymore (wait, I lied, the Everyday Tunic seems to be similar in style and fabric).

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Decent casual look, and the Mia boots look so cute with the ensemble.  The scarf helps tone down the tunic a bit, too.  The hair, yay!  It is back to being obedient...

Anecdote from the Day:  Won't it ever warm up?  I am so cold and tired and ready for the warmth.  It was rainy and windy and raw today.  Sigh.  At least I was able to get some yummy food from HT (always get their freshly made sushi, their sushi chefs really know what they are doing!).

Okay, that's all for now.  You all have a good night, and stay warm if you are near here. 

OOTD: Aaron the Dog Got Fresh.

This photo was taken three nanoseconds after Aaron "got fresh."  Chortle.  Rex must know what happened based on that look he is giving me.*

*If you look closely, you can see I am taking my Roger Bernadina statue and covering up the "Roger Berna" part so it looks like I have a statue of Dina.  Yeah, I know...

Poor Aaron was near dead last in the mascots race, or he couldn't see past Abe's massive head, preventing him from realizing just how badly he was doing.

Even though he lost, Aaron still managed to find me in the crowd and give me a "knowing" look.  Kisses to you, too, Aaron.

Day: Saturday, August , 2013.

Where:  Potomac Nationals Game.  They used to be the Prince William Cannons, which is how I remember them from the game I went to when I was fourteen and snuck a few sips of beer from my dad's friend's cup.  Shh.  Don't tell anyone.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  It was made by me for me, but if you read about the construction of this romper/playsuit, you will know that by them time I finally finished it, I was a tiny bit tired, which made me feel less than super comfortable.  Now that it has been a week since I have finished sewing it, I would be willing to give it a 4.5, but wasn't ready that night to give it a higher score.

Plus it was stormy and rainy and kind of cool, and the bleachers were wet which meant that the fabric (and that of my underwear) got wet, too.  (I wonder if Aaron would have got fresh with me *after* my bottom was wet.)

Cool Factor: (2 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Haha.  It is a romper, made in a quilting cotton fabric.  I love it, but it's likely not that cool.  ;-)  Aaron liked it.  LOL.

Anecdote from the day:  If you haven't already guessed, Aaron "accidentally" felt my butt up right before Mr. Dina snapped the photo above.  Ha.  It was just the slightest amount of pressure from his paw on my bottom, but it was just enough for me to entitle the blog post "Aaron the Dog Got Fresh."  Mr. Dina swears Aaron did it on purpose, because he is a *...* after all.

Alrighty, that's all I got.  This weekend wasn't long enough, was it?

Be back tomorrow, looks like this week will have some wonderful surprises from Boden.  ;-)

Made by Me File/OOTD: High Waisted. (Vintage Simplicity 7688.)

Hi, all!  Happy Sunday!

Gonna do the ootd portion of the post first, then go into detail about sewing up the shorts.

Day: Thursday, May 2, 2013.

Where:  Preschool Run/Little Gym/Lunch with friends.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)   Since the shorts were crafted to fit my body exactly, and made from a nice soft stretchy cotton sateen, I was very comfortable all day.  Too bad my hip really hurt (more about that below in the anecdote section) because had I been feeling fine, this outfit would have been a 100% winner.

Cool Factor: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  High-waisted shorts had a resurgence last year in fashion, and likely are going to be present this summer as well.  I like the look, a lot, but because they have been done up in a pretty floral and not a distressed denim, they are not "cool," just lovely and pleasant.  And that works for me.  :)

I really liked the animal print bedazzled bow ballet flats from Boden with  the outfit, they worked perfectly with the outfit but have a teeny edge that allows them to be a bit unexpected.  Originally I had planned on sandals, but switched to the flats at the last minute.

Anecdote from the day:  (If you are really not into "wah-wah, woe is me," and that's fine, of course, you may want to skip this section.  LOL.  Trust me.)

I don't like being vulnerable here at my blog, but ever since May 2, I have been feeling really blue.  It all started on the evening of May 1 when my left hip felt like it had been wrenched out of place.  I have had issues with my hips since having the kids (the last few weeks of CW's pregnancy I had to use a cane my hips hurt that bad), but never enough to justify a visit to the doctor.  Honestly, I am just tired of having to be "fixed" all the time.  Fortunately I took some ibuprofen the night of the 2nd and was fine the next day, but it still zapped my energy and spirit to be in pain.

This "blue" period has absolutely nothing to do with my blog, my kids, or my family, in fact it is all on me, and my perception of how others perceive me out in the real world.  To put it mildly, I have been feeling like a misfit that no one likes. 

Every day I amble around, trying to keep my cool and a smile on my face, and in return I get doors slammed in my face (while holding the baby), pushed out of the way by strangers, tailgated by drivers who are angry that I am only going five miles above the speed limit, yelled at by administrators at my son's school because I was hoping to have Rex sit for two minutes in extended day so I could take CW to the bathroom (while holding Angus), and being snubbed by the other moms at pickup time when I go up to talk with them*.  Of course I am human and not a robot, so in all of these cases I have (as soon as I am alone) cried.  As soon as the tears stop flowing, I don't just brush it off and pick myself back up, either.  I wish I could, but honestly, it has been easier to face my bedspread and shut out the rest of the world.

From time to time I do meet other people in this area who are genuine and sweet and caring, but they are definitely few and far between.  I hate that where I am from is like this, full of "me first" people who are only looking out for number one and don't care who they step on to get there.  I think of the examples above there are only two instances where it wasn't a "me first" situation, the one with the school administrator (though she didn't have to scream at me, of course), and the one with the other moms (as much as it hurts to admit it, I am probably not cool enough, especially since I don't have the tight "lululemon butt" that they all have--I am not even kidding, btw, can bounce a quarter off those tight derrieres).

I realize I am not going anywhere, can't leave my home of thirty years and don't really think I should feel I have to in order to find kindness, but I do know that as I am aging, it is all starting to tire me out.  I just don't have the right stuff to ignore the a-holes and be okay with being treated like dirt because I am not fast enough, assertive enough, or cool enough.  Ugh.

*this happens only at Rex's school, the same place I went to as a kid, btw.  CW's preschool parents are super nice and friendly.  I am a little worried that it is going to be like this for the next thirteen years--Angus is going there, too.  I will probably figure it out soon enough, and find other moms who do like me for who I am, but it feels like I am invisible most days.  

/pity party

(BTW, those of you who read the above, and stuck through, thank you.  I just needed to get it off my chest.  I have a few good friends who know not everything is not rosy in my life, but in general, I have to hide my true feelings every day and a lot of this has been building inside of me.)

I have a stash of vintage patterns in my collection, some gifted to me and some found on ebay (so cheap, btw), and though I want to jump right into them, I want to make sure I can really sew before cutting into them.  That said, I knew that I could at least give Simplicity 7688 a try.  This 1968 pattern is pretty awesome, btw, since it has three lengths of shorts/pants in one package that can be customized to your height. It also has an insert on fitting for trousers, which is really valuable to me since I have the biggest problems with fit on my lower half.  With the assistance of that chart, btw, plus some internet searches (Colette has a great tutorial, too), I made these shorts and other pants exactly right for my legs/hips/crotch depth.

I had planned to make the "Jamaica shorts" length, but after examining what came with the pattern, I realized that was the one pattern that was not included (this happens with old patterns, pieces may go missing).  No biggie, though, since the short shorts were in there, and armed with my info on lengthening pants/shorts, I decided to turn the three inch inseam into a much preferable five inch inseam.

The only thing that ended up being a bit off for me was the waistband to crotch length.  I am tall, and though most of my height is in my lower half, after spending many hours figuring out what is going on with my body for perfect alterations, it turns out that I am shorter than I thought between my natural waist and crotch.  The next time I make this pattern, I will probably go ahead and cut it down to the "average" height length, while maintaining the five inch inseam.

To fix how high the waistband was going to be, I decided to fold down the waistband which meant that instead of being "grandpa-waisted," I would end up with a shorter (and less ridiculous) "high waist."

I didn't want to lose any length off the leg, so instead of hemming it like you normally should (folding under about 1/2 inch, then another 1/2 inch to get a 1" inseam), I decided to use some bias tape to face the hem.  Basically I attached the single fold tape to the front of the shorts, then folded it under and secured it in place.  A nice bonus is that if I ever decide to change up the shorts, I can flip the tape up, and voila, a different look.

Fwiw, I decided to wear the hem down that day.

Patterns back then were all one sized, and the one I used was for a 29" waist and 40" hips.  I was nervous the 40" would be too small, but it fit exactly right.  The 29" was a good call, just the right ease to keep these shorts super comfortable.

BTW, this pattern came together fast.  I cut, prepped, and sewed them all in one day.  My current pattern, though, has taken me so so long.  (Admittedly I have done a lot of extra things to the top, including underlining and facing all raw edges, but still, ugh.  At least I can finally say it is done, though!)

Okay, that's it.  Again, thank you all for bearing with me through this post.  I know most of the time I keep things light, but I felt like it would have been disengenious not to let you all know that I have been struggling emotionally.  :-P

Boden fans, today is the last day of the current "trim," which includes many current high summer items.  I am planning on grabbing the Harbour Island Dress, which if I am lucky will come in the mail from PA.  (Would love to wear that one soon!)  If you use the below coupon, you will receive an additional 15% off, which equals decent savings.


Have a great Sunday (or what's left of it)!

OOTDs: Casual Dressy. Or Just Dressy. Part One of Two.

Day: Sunday, January 27, 2013.

Where: Church.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  This outfit was so comfortable and just warm enough for the mild day. 

Cool Factor: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  The Duchamp print Astor jacket will always stay in my closet.  It may be a very bold and graphic design, but I find I love wearing it when I pull it out.  I always have to try and remember to keep the rest of the outfit fairly simple in order to let the jacket fully shine.  (I have worn it in a similar manner before here and here, though this is my favorite outfit yet.)

The necklace is the knots and pearls necklace from J. Crew that was on a really long backorder.  I am glad I held out for it since, like the duchamp jacket, it is a really neat twist on a classic.

Overall, I feel like this outfit is one of my coolest yet since I started the rating system (wrinkly Loft pants notwithstanding, of course).

Anecdote from the day: This was the day that if we attended 9:30 am mass with Rex, in his school uniform, he could then receive a coupon from his teacher for a "dress down" day later that week.  I used to LOVE dress down days as a kid, so I insisted we make this mass.

(I once got to high school, found out it was a dress down day, and returned home to get dressed properly.  I NEVER got in trouble at school, and was never late, but I so wanted to wear something "Jessie Spano" would have worn that I willingly came late to school that day.  My friend Lisa was actually mad at me for not staying true to my nerdy self and being okay with wearing the uniform when everyone else was dressed down.  Little did she know that I was going to have a personal style blog one day.  LOL.)

Day: Monday, February 11, 2013.

Where: Texas de Brazil for Mr. Dina's birthday dinner.

Ease of Wear: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  A very pretty outfit, yes, but not super comfortable.  Surprisingly, though, the mini Boden sequin ballet flats (size 39) were more comfortable than I expected, since it is technically a size down from the women's size I normally wear.  Now that mini Boden doesn't include shoes up to size 39, these will likely be the last pair I can purchase from that line.

My daughter loved me in the shoes, calling them my "Dorothy shoes."  She insisted on wearing hers, too (she has a similar pair from Target).

Cool Factor: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Well, not cool, but definitely feminine.

I do think I should get points for pulling out the embellished brown cardigan from Nine West, though, since it is over seven years old.  I was *this* close to giving it up when I realized that it would nicely pair with this skirt (which I last wore here, styled very differently).

Next time I may try a smaller necklace, since I think it competes too much with everything else going on in the outfit.

Anecdote from the day: Angus was so popular at Texas de Brazil.  I always lol when male servers fawn all over him, especially when they are under 25.  I don't know why I think young men don't like babies, but it is a stereotype I can't let go, no matter how many times they come up to me and pinch his cheeks, rough up his hair, or tickle his chin.  ;)

Mr. Dina loved his dinner, of course.  His idea of heaven is lots of meat served to you in superfluity (see that connection?). 

Day: Tuesday, February 5, 2013.

Where: Yummy Korean restaurant, Han Sung Oak.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) It is really not difficult to feel good in a warm sweater dress (cable knitted dress, review here).  The most uncomfortable part of the outfit was the pewter dusted knee boots from Anthropologie, which were still really comfortable.  :)

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  It has a slight boho vibe going on, so I will say it was more cool than not.

Anecdote from the day:  Our friend is an expert on Korea, and has even been in the national news because of his very particular niche intelligence.  Of course we always go to the Korean restaurant when he's around. 

I always love it when he speaks in Korean to the proprietors...they are more than slightly agog at this definitely not Korean, bearded, and bespectacled man speaking perfect Korean. 

Day: Wednesday, February 6, 2013.

Where: Room Parent Meeting at Rex's school.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Outside of the waistband being a touch too small, this outfit is very easy to wear.  I especially love how thick and warm the blue mesa sweater skirt is. 

The stacked strap heels are also really comfortable, considering how high they are.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  This is definitely a very "Anthro" outfit, and most likely only cool to other Anthro aficionados.  ;)

Anecdote from the day:  I love going to meetings at school for the room parents.  I feel weirdly anti-social, like I should be more outgoing, but can't be...I think I feel the strain of being in the cafeteria that I used to eat in* as a kid.

I think I will likely get over my anxieties since I clearly have many years of this ahead of me (by the time Angus graduates it will be...wait for it...2025, gulp), but for now, I will just keep dressing up and keep "keeping" to myself.

*and be tormented by NATALIE in--grrr, NATALIE.

Day: Wednesday, February 20, 2013.

Where: Nowhere!  Was dressed for a Winesday that didn't happen (sad face).

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Well it was very comfortable, these Boden sweater dresses are made for that.  It's a shame that I barely wore this outfit for more than a couple of hours then.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Not very cool, the shoes are really cool, and definitely help the outfit, but nothing especially cool overall.  This dress looks cooler here than it did the last time I wore it, though.

Anecdote from the day:  My brother had to cancel on me since he was sick. I was sad 'cause he was sick and because I really like Winesday.  I know I could go to Winesday myself, but it wouldn't be the same, ya know?

Okay, that's it for now.  :) Part two should be coming in the next few days.