J. Crew Reviews: An Oona, a Tiered Ruffle or Two, and a Couplet!

So I asked myself, "what kind of post could I possibly do on Superbowl Sunday that would actually get people reading?"

Well it is clear that almost all people are watching the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers battle it out, and that's cool, but this post is for you, the non-Super Bowl viewer who like me is growing weary of watching Toddlers and Tiaras for the fifth time today (don't judge, CW loves the rhinestones and the talent portion--lol).

So enjoy a shot of "grey" (dresses):

J. Crew Wool Oona Herringbone Shift Dress, Size 8.  I had tried this on in the store in a size 6 and that dress was far too tight at the hips.  I *knew* that if I bought it, I would have to get an 8.  I also knew that the bust would be too large, but the design of this dress is meant to be loose overall, so the extra fabric in the cowl, shoulders, and bust aren't really that big of a deal.

And know what else isn't a big deal?  My lack of makeup.  ;)  Didn't feel like bringing the makeup and hair to my "photo shoot" this morning.  (If you want that, you Arbonne lovers, go a few photos down, I have a pic of me all glammed out--almost toddlers and tiaras territory!)

I LOVE the cowl on this dress, so chic.  The cap sleeves work nicely with my teeny shoulders and super-spaghetti arms.  I *almost* look balanced, top and bottom, hallelujah!

From the side you can see the zipper detail.  They hide pockets!  The length is decent enough, but may not be work appropriate without tights or hose.  :)

I belted it with a thin, sparkly belt and loved the look.  :)  I actually may always belt it, although it loses a bit of its cool "Mid-Century Mod" vibe.

FWIW, my dad doesn't like this dress as much as the next two because this one is more "frumpy."  LOL.  I said, "you mean it doesn't show off my legs...you mean because this could be worn to an office?"  He smiled and said, "yeah."  I think he wishes he worked in an office with Vegas showgirls.  Ha.  (He was over tonight to watch the Superbowl with Mr. Dina, btw, and I gave him a sneak peek to today's post.  He also "HATED"--his words, not mine--the Michelle Obama outfit.  I always love hearing my dad's opinion, we often don't agree, and we both live with the outcome of my fashion decisions, and have been since I was 7.)

P.S. Gigiofca didn't get the "feel" from the Oona, either. 

J. Crew Tiered Silk Ruffle Dress, Size Small.  I saw this on-line for a price that was UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE.  I ended up grabbing it during one of the 30% off promos and it was something like $35.  It was originally $148.  I think it probably came to folks, they tried it on, saw it was way too big and that the back of the dress was just black merino wool (the ruffles are only on the front), was really short, and just said "he%% no."  I probably would have at $148.  But I knew to size down by the time I bought it, I knew about the black merino wool back, and I knew how short it was, so I was fine with what I got.

I somehow lost the grosgrain ribbon that went with the dress, but I found a great solution (much like my red ribbon/rosette belt that I used with my Loft Lace Dress).

I paired the dress with a silk obi sash I had from a Banana Republic dress that got ruined by moths (thank goodness the belt was fine).  The cardigan is the sequin scarf cardi from last winter.  The tights are some pair of opaque black tights that I have had for years that have not snagged or run or anything (really exciting, right?)!  The shoes are the Prized Rose Peep Toes by Miss Albright (Anthropologie). 

So why did I need to get all glammed up in this dress?

And why did I have to wear super-sparkly makeup?

Because some beautiful Arbonne Consultants and I were in Vegas for a good time, and had a grand party to attend!  :)  Here I am with two of my favorite Arbonne consultants, we had gone to eat at one of the yummy restaurants in the MGM Grand (last year, for instance, I went to Craft Steak--yum!).

After dinner we were able to see Kevin Costner's band, Modern West, play his version of country rock (at least that is what I assume it was, sure sounded a lot like the Eagles a la 1973).

P.S. Here are some other reviews of this tiered silk ruffle dress, DaniBP, and Jessie. 

J. Crew Collection Couplet Shimmer Dress (also known as Aurelia on Net-A-Porter), Size 8.  This was yet another dress I had to size for my hips.  The tank is REALLY loose.  I will most likely have to take the sides in to make it a bit more fitted.  I don't mind this look, I just know I would feel a bit "exposed" wearing it this loose.  FWIW, my dad liked this dress the best.  :)

Here the dress is belted, and I prefer the dress this way.  That said, the belting does make it shorter, so bear that in mind.  I would probably only wear this in public if I was wearing tights and I had taken in the tank.  (Which I can do with my sewing machine!!!)

Not a huge gain in length, but maybe a 1/2 inch?  I say go unbelted if you need the length, otherwise, stick with belted, as it gives the weird elastic waistband a bit of an anchor.

The top is very pretty, and worth taking in, and not returning.  The bugle/seed beads are well-secured and the shade of beading is just perfection with the soft silk tank.  The skirt is made from a soft wool, like a 120s wool, but I am probably wrong about that.

P.S. Found one review, but of the plain top, non-shimmer version, on AudreyBella.

You all have a great night.  I hope I saved some of you from the Superbowl, if that was your desire.  If not, it is good to see you this Monday morning.  ;)

Yay for Bling and Makeup. (Seriously!)

LOL.  I am tired and that was the best I could do for a title.  :)

And before I begin, can I just count the ways I love the people who read my blog?  You all are the best!  I have had such fun over the past few months writing and putting up pictures, and regardless of how frivolous or serious (umm, heart surgery, anyone?), the posts have been met with lots of great comments and questions.  You all make writing this blog tons of fun.  Thank you!

Bring the Bling...and Makeup. by dinagideon featuring glass jewelry

Okay onto the outfit.  Above is the polyvore of the outfit I wore to dinner out with my Arbonne team while I was in Vegas.  I just wanted to wear something fun and sassy that would also be comfy (yeah, it was that time of the month--oh, joy). The top and skirt are identical, but the shoes and earrings are different.  Having said that I love this combo and I will try this at some other point.

The skirt is the lovely, just sparkly enough stardust pencil skirt (in copper) from the Holiday 2009 season.  They came out with a nearly identical pencil skirt this fall.  I also *had* owned this in silver, which I wore last New Year's Eve (12/31/09), but I sold it when I discovered I had enough light grey/silver pencil skirts in my closet (I mean, I love overabundance, clearly, but even I have limits).  This skirt is a size 8.  The cashmere short-sleeve tee is a size extra-small in he heather agate color.  Here's whats bugging me about the color name.  Do you realize that agate now is a beautiful teal-ish green color?  Last fall, the heather agate is this color, a luscious light orange/brown.  Huh.  Weird-oes over at J. Crew been smoking something.  LOL.  The earrings are from J. Crew, but I never saw them on-line.  (Possible in-store only?)  The shoes are similar to a pair of J. Crew sandals I own, but are actually from Kohls.

Another view.

From the side.

I had fun with my makeup that trip.  I just LOVE being able to play with my face, and often, at home, I get by with some SPF, a touch of lip gloss, mascara, and powder.  But really being able to bring the bling in both the outfit and my face?  Awesome.  I still missed my kids though.  (Yes, there were many texts and phone calls made over that three day trip.)

You all have a great night.  SWAK!

Boden: Sequin Spot Top Review!

Although I want to move forward and only review newer items from Boden, there are still a few of this lovely, LOVELY top available at Boden, and I would not be doing my job as the #1 US fan of Boden if I didn't let you amazing ladies know about this top.


You should be able to click right on this link to see the item and its availability, but if you are having issues, use my Boden coupon link at the side and search "sequin spot." Sadly, as this is a sale item, there is no way to use the 15% off coupon, but I am here to tell you, the $52 price tag is very reasonable for what you are receiving.

Even though you can *barely* see the spots in the photo of Vanessa, they are there, in shades of yellow, teal, and silver.  On my oyster version, it has sequined spots of copper, grey, and sage green. 

I am at the hotel in Las Vegas, where I was at an Arbonne Training Conference (we were very lucky to get a suite at the Signature Towers at the MGM Grand--almost wanted to stay there forever, it was that nice).  I needed "business casual" that was also a bit sassy, so this was my look for day two.

The outfit consists of the Sequin Spot Top, a pair of Denim Minnies (the version in grey), and the Anticipation heels by Miss Albright.

The Sequin Spot Top is a size 6 (or UK 10), so it runs true to size.  I looked carefully at the measurements on-line, and was glad I went with the 6, perfect through the bust and the hips. 

The top is pure, heavy silk.  The feel is very luxurious.  If this was made by J. Crew, it would for sure be part of the J. Crew Collection.  I don't know why I expected the silk to be less nice, but I did.  When I got this top  in the mail, all boudoir silk from the 50s with perfectly, well-placed sequins, I was immediately smitten. 

I think it may be lined in silk, but don't take my word on that...it could just be really nice poly-blend that feels silky.

And--it looks good by itself AND layered.  SWAK to you, Johnnie.  :)

 From the side.  I look like a mannequin with my arms like that.  I could scare small children with that pose.

You can see from this view, though, that the spots continue to the back.

Here it is layered with the Cashmere Cody Cardigan in the cobblestone colorway, size small.

I hope some of you will consider this top.  I would buy another except I am broke.  So I will live vicariously through you all instead.  LOL.  (Hint, hint, I LOVE the grey/black version, and the teal version.)  :)

Later today, a Mommy Style Look at Boden Maternity (yay!).

Momma Plus Baby CW (and No Boys) Equals Good Times in VEGAS!!!

Hi, Everyone!!! Baby CW and I are in Vegas!!! WHOO! (Which is why I have barely been around in blog-land...we are returning home on the red eye tonight...)

My friend wanted some company while she attended a conference here, so I was MORE than willing to come along. Only caveat was that I had to bring Baby. My friend was all, "the more the merrier," so here we are enjoying 70 degree weather and lots of sunshine. I even was able to eat a meal at Craft Steak (Baby slept the entire time--miracles do happen, people).

I have to get going, so I will leave you with the outfit I wore the first full day we spent in Vegas, which was Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Sizes and Info:
Top: Crewcuts, Kids Hands helping Haiti tee, Size 14. Very comfy and nicely sized. Many of you should be able to buy this tee, especially if you find the adult Haiti tee too large.
Shorts: J. Crew, Sunburst Shorts (I think), Size 10. I always size up in the shorter J. Crew shorts...these inseams are scandalous on a taller person if you get the "right" size.
Shoes: J. Crew, Neon Melon Skinny Flip-Flops, Size 9.
Necklace: Bloomingdale's, Aqua Multi-Strand Gold Necklace. I sadly returned a Fiona Paxton necklace I had bought (as I just could not justify the cost right now), but I saw this pretty for a lot less money. If I ever see it on-line, I will post a link. The saleslady said the Aqua line is a Bloomie's only line, and they make some very nice items for reasonable prices. :)

Don't worry...Baby woke up eventually. She saw at least a bit of Vegas that day!

Talk soon, all. Remember, my giveaway ends tomorrow night!