Winter Wardrobe: Day One.

Hi, everyone!

Don't have a ton of time tonight, not because I don't want to actually write a blog post but because I am back to teaching my elementary school fashion class again, which means a really early rise (must be at school well before 8 am) and a very early to bed.  :)

Winter Wardrobe was a blast today, but oh, my, I guess starting the class on a federal holiday means my numbers (and all the other classes numbers) were teeny-tiny.  I had 7 girls in my first class (of a total of 10, woah) and 11 girls in my second glass (of a total of 15).  In the past I have never had a class with less than 18 kids, so I was a bit stunned.  But (and those of you who are teachers totally get this) those lower numbers made for a lot of one on one time and fairly easy transitions and the world's best set of kids and ZERO discipline problems.

Anyhow, I am not sure I will be able to do much more than these posts this week (and the Boden Weekly Review Roundup), but if I find I am high on energy and time (not likely, lol), I will add more posts.

I call this my "OMG I have no idea what to wear on 2 hours of sleep and whilst pregnant getting ready for a fashion class that I teach...yawn" outfit.  Surprisingly, after hubby saw it, and confirmed that he liked it (did I add that Mr. Dina is sick on top of all of the prep work I have been doing?) , I felt a lot better about my sartorial skills.  Not my best outfit ever, but it worked for today.

Top: Old Navy Maternity, Size Small.  LOVE this stretchy 80s inspired top that I bought during CW's pregnancy.  Great color, too.
Jeans: Duo Maternity, Size Small Tall.  Still have to wear these with a support belt to keep them up (belly is more up and down than out which means the built in panel is too big), but I love the fact that J.C. Penny's maternity brand has tall jeans, which means I can wear heels.
Shoes: Merona Collection, Size 10.  These mod heels are lovely, and I definitely don't pull them out enough...but worked wonderfully with the top.
Scarf: Old Navy.

I would like to point out the whole outfit probably cost less than $100 total.  It felt good to have a head to toe pregnancy look that wasn't an extravagance.  So much maternity wear is insanely pricey.

Hands on hips.  This outfit was plenty warm enough for school, but wow, even with the down jacket I wore with it, I was freezing at recess.  (Aw, darn it, I guess the December of 60s had to give way to normal January temperatures eventually.)

I think Mr. Dina was up to no good when he captured me in my side belly pose next to the referee doing the same exact pose on the TV.  I get it...my belly is larger than a football official's.

My Favorites (From a Really LONG List)! by dinagideon featuring a leopard print tote bag

Before I go, I do want to show off my favorite pieces from 2011.  I created this Polyvore the other night...I am so glad I purchased these pieces, I anticipate they will be in my wardrobe for a long time...

I would eventually like to show off my favorite outfits from 2011, but it probably won't be for a bit...

Do you have any favorites from 2011 you would like to share???

Night, night, everyone!

Target Love, Merona/Missoni Style.

All, hi!

How has everyone's weekend been? Ours has been great, a bit tiring overall, but that seems to be status quo for me lately, huh. :)

We went to a restaurant called Texas de Brazil last night, and if any of you have been there, you will agree with me on one thing, that restaurant is like my blog name turned into an eating establishment. Holy freaking cow, what overabundance. I am not a huge eater, so I definitely didn't get my money's worth, but my son, oh, yes, the $5 it cost to feed him was definitely not wasted.  That outfit I will present tomorrow, and no, I did not wear an elastic waistband.  LOL.

Anyhow, I thought I would present you all with two recent outfits from the past week that include a Target item. I don't buy a ton from Target anymore, but I will say that I rarely get rid of a Target item, they wear well, and are usually distinctive enough that I want to keep wearing them.

This skirt you have seen before, here, and if memory serves correctly, you all have seen all of these pieces before.  :)  I don't have time to look up all the pieces to show when I last wore them, but I read somewhere recently that people love it when blog authors show how items can be worn in different ways and with different pieces.  I will try to get back into that, I had done it for a while, but for one reason or another, I stopped doing it.

(And so you know, I realize that the way I wore it last time is similar to this time, but ah, well, no big deal, I am sure I will blow you all away with my creativity at some other point in the future.)

Merona Collection Paisley Print Skirt, the pattern being a exact match for J. Crew's Coppelle Paisley Pattern.

Anthropologie Moth Paisley Gust Sweater Jacket.

J. Crew Sevigne Capri Sandals.

Open Sweater Jacket showing off the cute Goldfish Graphic Tee by J. Crew.  BTW, I love the sweater jacket both opened and closed, I am a fan of the draping both ways, each way doing something great for my outfit.

And no sweater jacket here.  It was a warm-ish day, but I knew that buildings can still run cold-ish, and I would prefer to be nice and warm no matter what.

BTW, I did own the dress, but now KDot does, and I think she rocks it way better than I ever did.  :)

Missoni for Target Girls. by dinagideon featuring j crew pants

Above is the polyvore of the next outfit.  You will notice that the top is actually a Missoni for Target GIRLS dress, which I bought in a size extra large (thank you non-gouging ebay seller for only marking it up $5) so I could use it as a tunic.

My hubby bought us tickets to an Elbow concert at the 9:30 club here in town and I knew I wanted to be comfy, but still kind of cool, hence the outfit.

BTW, you know how I know I am verging on old?  I have been going to the 9:30 club for EIGHTEEN years.  One of the first bands I saw there?  The Crash Test Dummies.  Yes, I loved all things Canada even back then.

What makes me feel even older?  I saw Blur at the Capitol Ballroom back when no one in the US knew who they were and there were {maybe} 100 people there?  Yes, that old.  Cripey.  And although the Capitol Ballroom was HUGE, they couldn't fill the space.  Definitely wouldn't happen today if Blur came back (although the Capitol Ballroom became Nation and then became an office building, sigh...).

Elbow was amazing.  Haven't heard of them?  Check this song out then...

Missoni for Target Girls Zig-Zag Sweater Dress (worn as a tunic).  It is definitely short.  Ladies over 5'1" have to wear this as a tunic.  It fits beautifully though, not too tight, with armholes that are more than wide enough for my arms.  Probably better to be a B cup or smaller if you want to wear it, but try it on to be sure.

J. Crew Painter Tee Boatneck Top.

J. Crew Signature Leggings.

Frye Ada Heels in Black.  Mint Condition was selling these for $22.  I think that is more than a fair price for these...all you Anthro ladies who love Frye?  I get it now.

Bloomingdale's Aqua Brand Multi-Strand Gold Necklace.

Bit dark this photo, but gives a good view of how all the pieces worked together.

Okay, that's it for tonight.  :)  I have a really neat outfit to show off tomorrow (yes, the one from the "let's go and gorge-a-thon" night).  I got inventive with the "top."  And no, it didn't have elastic, either.

Animal Print. Roar. (Or in this case more of a neigh.)

Hee.  My animal prints on display today are definitely not the fierce jungle cats that are all the rage this season (and every freaking fall, it seems, definitely not a trend if it keeps. coming. back. people.).  Instead I took a milder approach to animal prints and wore a zebra and a giraffe.  Ah, how sweet.

One more thing before I get onto the outfits.  I was definitely shaken and stirred by the earthquake yesterday.  Very scary, and definitely unexpected.  This article from the Washington Post explains why it happened and why this area's response of being *freaked out* was okay.  LOL.  Looks like we have a hundred years or so to go before another big one...

Zebra Time.  I wore this while teaching summer school a few weeks back.  I had been going for themed outfits (here, fishy, fishy AND floral explosion) but that day I was just not feeling it, so I brought out my inner Africa.

This is the Blakely dress in zebra print that was a big seller back when it came out.  I like it and I am glad I got it, but I only wear this once a year or so.  I think a zebra print dress is one of those items you can't really parade around all the time, very noticeable.  :)

The Cleo platform sandals, however, I wear constantly in the summer.  Very comfortable and great at lengthening the legs without having to resort to stilettos.  I also paired the dress with a hot pink leather skinny belt that also sees quite a bit of action from me (and does especially in this post).

Another view.  This outfit was supremely comfy.  The cotton is a nice weight for summer, not too heavy.  The dress can also be worn with a jacket or cardigan in spring or fall if you wanted it to transition.

You all are going to have to open this pic up.  Not only are we at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington (very near to where I grew up, in fact), but my hubby captured a plane coming in for a landing at National airport, AND my daughter is making the best face.  Plus, if you open the photo up you can see my outfit a bit better and the now closed (thanks, earthquake) Washington Monument.  (Don't worry it won't be closed forever...just a bit, or so says the National Park Service.)

The dress is a Merona Collection piece from 2009.  The cardigan is J. Crew from 2008.  The shoes are the awesome neon pink strapped Dani heels from 2010 and the belt, see outfit above. ;)  The sunglasses are the wonderful Cutler and Gross #0930.

Rex loves the Air Force Memorial.  He has been talking about seeing the "swords" since he was pretty darn tiny.  And even though we only live just down the road a bit, we had not found the time (ridiculous, I get it).  This place is great!  When I was a kid it was just a big ole hill that people went to see the fireworks every July 4th (in fact, they still do, alebit with less space available).

That night no one was there.  It was AWESOME.  CW and Rex could fully enjoy it.  If you open the pic, you can see her running along quite merrily...

Before you think I am all too tame with my zebra and giraffe prints, I did bite onto a few of the jungle cat pieces from this fall...I have recently purchased the Tippi sweater in leopard (love, so soft!) and from Boden I pre-ordered the Leopard Tote (still not here, sigh) and the Animal Bow Flatsbow flats in the army green leopard print.  I am even contemplating another small piece, but I am on the fence.  (A great coupon would help!  Of course it would!)

Speaking of Boden, if you have a review for me, I will be doing the Boden Weekly Review Roundup this evening, so if you could get me the reviews before 6 pm Eastern time, that would be fab! (dinagideon@aim.com) Thank you!

Also on the Boden front, I will be doing a HUGE back-to-school post tomorrow that not only showcases my back-to-school picks from Boden's fab Autumn 2011 line, but I will be sponsoring a really nice giveaway, so please do be on the lookout for that.  :)

Okay, all, talk soon.  BTW, besides the Boden posts I mentioned earlier, I have all those themed outfits to go.  Here are some upcoming theme days...floral explosion; here, fishy, fishy;  and print passion.  There may even be another theme day, still working on my backlog of ootds.  (Which is just supremely irritating that I have let it get this bad. LOL.)

Summer Sun-Dressing: Target Edition!

Hi! Today I give you another edition of my summer series on the very, truly awesome summer sundress...Target style.

I don't know what it is about this super-low cost retailer, but they can churn out some lovely summer sundresses. Every women's (and girl's) brand that they carry has some perfect options out there for those sultry, humid, sunny, and hot days we seem to have in superfluity (heehee) around here.

Let us begin!


Dress: Target's Merona Collection, Size 8. Bought last winter for a steal in the clearance section. I know it looks really nice on my shape, but I will be honest with you...it was a bit too clingy and because it was SO humid outside, I kind of felt uncomfortable. I wore this to church, but because my darling CW was pretty awful, I had to go outside with her and there you go...discomfort central. Maybe the early fall will be kinder to me when I wear this dress again.
Shoes: J. Crew Dani suede peep-toes, Size 9.5. The irish moss color is exactly the right hue to match the merona dress.
Necklace: A Chico's Find! :) (My one and only item from Chico's!) I have to say I normally bypass Chico's but a friend of mine was DYING in Palm Springs from the heat and she needed to find some shorts. They didn't really have anything for her, but they did have this necklace. It is a lovely layering piece and I know it will work with many of my wardrobe staples.

Baby is all blurry, look at that...most shots we take are with the flash, but this day it was all natural lighting, so the shutter just captured her slight little movement!

She is wearing all Target, too, btw.


Shot of just me for you to see the details a bit better (read: a bit less blurry).


Dress: Liberty of London for Target Girl's (!!!) Sundress, Size X-Large. I wear this mainly as a cover-up and as a lounge around the house kind of dress. It is amazingly comfy.
Shoes: J. Crew flip-flops. I am definitely addicted to J. Crew flip-flops...have them in almost every color, and I find that as a swim coach, I actually have a use for them beyond the summer. Size 10.

Baby CW is dancing a jig in her cute as a patchwork button Gymboree romper.

Yummy Sundresses! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

And because I have been the lamest Polyvore-er in these past few weeks, I present to you a Target special polyvore to make up for my absence.


Twinsies!
Dress: Liberty of London Martha Grace Halter Dress, Size Small. I bought this after seeing how pretty this print was in baby CW's romper. I find this style of dress is very comfortable and flowy, which was awesome on the day I wore it as it was about a thousand degrees outside. (And you think I am kidding...the thermometer in the car read 738 degrees...and we know that the car. never. lies.)
Shoes: Size 9.5 from Circa Joan and David. Love you, great walking shoes with a bit of edge for this SAHM.

CW is in the Martha Grace romper.

Scene from that day:
Lady: {Screaming from across the street.} OMG, that is QUITE possibly the CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTEST thing I have ever seen.
Me: {Trying to yell back, not very good at it.} I know, she (CW) looks so CUTE. I think I will keep her.
Lady: {Still screaming.} NO! I mean, yes, she is cute, but I meant your outfits. I DIE! SO CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE!
Me: {Laughing.} Oh! Well, thank you!

The mommy/baby matching outfits worked their precious power. Hahahaha, they will rule the world with their power!!! (Can you even imagine? The matching outfits going to the UN to try and bring peace to the world...LOL.)


Dress: Mossimo Girl's Dress, Size X-Large. Yes, I might be a bit crazy with my dipping into the girl's section, but at $15 a pop and a great return policy, I am not exactly being daring. I love this dress and found that the belt and shoes really helped turn this dress from being too sweet and young to being a bit more "developed." :)
Belt: J. Crew Elastic Blossoms Belt, Size small. Yes, please...this belt is perfection, exactly what my waist need when I want to emphasize it, but with the frayed and bleached black blossoms, it is very unique and special. When I put it with this sundress, I smiled. It made me that happy.
Shoes: Boden Snake-Print Sandals. Size 41. Nice, light, all leather shoes. If you miss the all-leather shoes that J. Crew used to offer (now only Collection shoes are all leather), then go to Boden. Every bit of them is leather from soles to uppers.


Okay. I am going to show what a geek I am here, so if you want to continue to think of dinagideon as cool and hip (snort, haha, lol), then don't continue reading.

I LOVED the show My Two Dads growing up, and as the single daughter of a single father, I totally identified with Staci Keanan's character (that is her in the pic above--taken in 2007). Last night I decided to do a "where are they now" google search for some of my most favorite characters from '80s sitcoms. And I stumbled upon Staci Keanan and all of her adorable-ness. She is still acting (awesome) and obviously has great taste. :) You have seen this dress before, remember? So, girl, you go with your bad self and keep enjoying these nice, inexpensive Target dresses. (If a Hollywood actress can get thee to Target to find dresses, the rest of us can, too!)

Thank you all for reading...and for writing back. I have read EVERY. SINGLE. COMMENT. you all have written over the past two days and I have to say that I am heart-warmed by your love and concern. I am still very early in this whole "let's fix Dina's head and heart thing," but knowing that I have an amazing support system is huge. (Tear.) ;)

When I get some time today I am going to write every. single. one. of you back. :)

These Target Finds Really Hit the Spot!

Bit over-tired today. Must be the crab apples my children have turned into--you know, when they are getting better is when their mood goes sour? What in the heck is up with that?

I love Target, and spend a lot of time in their Women's section (sometimes even their children's and junior's sections have finds but today's post is all for the misses). As you well know, I really LOVED the Liberty of London for Target line, and I also really heart the Merona Collection.

So today is really just a nice compilation of some (fairly) recent outfits where the main piece is a Target find. :) Enjoy!


Sizes:
Top: Size Medium. Preferred the larger size in the Pink Dunclare Print Halter.
Shorts: Size 8. J. Crew Stretch Summerweight Bermuda Shorts from last year.
Shoes: Size 9. J. Crew Driving Mocs.

Yes, it is another outfit where baby and I match. :) She is wearing the toddler girl's Pink Dunclare dress (they say it is purple, but no!). We actually were driving a long distance on our vacation (this was back in late April) and she was fine wearing this the entire time. My outfit was pretty comfy, too!


Agh. I LOVE this photo! :) So darn cute.


Sizes:
Dress: Size Small. I had bought a medium in the Sixty Halter Dress, but found that the small was the right fit. You can wear it on its own, but I felt like a cardigan, albeit a bright one, cut down on the print's jarring impact.
Cardigan: Size Small. J. Crew Jackie cardigan in light citron.
Flip-Flops: Size 10. J. Crew skinny flip-flops.
Bag: Beacon Tote. This is a great bag, as I highlighted yesterday in my Mommy Style Monday #5. It is big, though, so keep that in mind! :)

Wore this to an outing with the family a few weeks back. I usually have to "adjust" when I wear a halter dress (the straps bug me sometimes), but I didn't fuss at all that evening. Big thumbs-up, Target!


Sizes:
Top: Size Small. I am glad I got the Black Isis Print Tunic Top. It is incredibly comfortable. I also like that it is versatile, for winter and summer. I wanted to be careful with proportion, so I wore the top with shorter, fuller shorts, and kept the rest of the outfit simple.
Short: Size 10. J. Crew shorts from a long time ago.
Flip-Flops: Size 10. J. Crew skinny flip-flops. The teal color is a perfect match for the teal in the top.

I love how baby CW looks like she sees something dangerous, like she is ready to pounce and be my body-guard. LOL.

I wore this to go out with drewablank when we scored all those great finds at the outlet last Thursday!


Sizes:
Dress: Size 10. I bought this Merona Collection Pleated Sheath Dress in this size because all the reviews said to size up. Reviews are so helpful and I am glad the Target, Boden, and Anthropologie websites have them. Come on, J. Crew!
Shoes: Size 9.5. Banana Republic Nora Jeweled Flat, bought from the amazing Suzy aka Bichonluvr! :)

I got a compliment from my hubby on this outfit, very sweet, and then a compliment from my favorite coffee guy, I think the two of them are connected in their brain waves. The coffee guy said he liked it because it reminded him of June Cleaver--haha, a Mid-Century Mom! ;)


Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Medium. Was a bit cool that day, and the Haley foil-print cardigan fit the bill...very warm wool!

Baby is perfection in her matchy-match outfit, too.

Untitled by dinagideon featuring Liberty of London

Above is a polyvore with all the items (including baby's Dunclare dress) highlighted.

You all enjoy your day. Get thee to Target for some great finds! I am going to go collapse and maybe when I wake up I will finally comment back to you all (great comments lately and I thank you for that)!

October Catalog Inspired for a Crewcuts Fashion Show!!!

The lovely HeidiG. invited me and Baby CW (through her personal shopper) to a CREWCUTS fashion show on February 28, 2010. (This is last Sunday for all of you keeping count.) Yes, a CREWCUTS fashion show. Okay, say it on three...one, two, three...Aaaaaaah! :)

Of course I went. Baby CW is officially wearing size 2 or extra-small in crewcuts. Rex is already in the big boy size of 3 in pants and 4-5 in shirts (he is a BIG kid). I had to see what yummy fashions are being suggested for children this season!

BTW, if you ever have the chance to see a crewcuts fashion show, GO. The kids are just precious. Oh, and get this...the folks at Montgomery Mall saw baby CW (and darling E.--HeidiG.'s daughter) and were very interested in having them wear crewcuts in the NEXT fashion show. When I told them about Rex they nearly fell over...supposedly it is hard to get boys in these fashion shows. OMG. If both of my kids could be in the next crewcuts fashion show, I would be on cloud nine! How cute!

October Catalog Inspired... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Okay, I have wanted to wear this outfit that I created for this polyvore for AGES...but wanted the perfect occasion to wear it. Umm, crewcuts fashion show at J. Crew? Yep...I think we have found a winner!!!

Isn't the image of the pretty model from the October catalog just swoon-worthy? I love this catalog image...I feel like she gives us a glimpse of the former J. Crew, that of the Vanessa the Model J. Crew, you know, the amazing Paris Catalog J. Crew. Just a lovely, lovely photograph!

I switched the shoes from the Lulu Flats in the brown/orange color to the animal print Merona Collection flats at the last minute because of baby CW. Wait for it! (Okay, see the 2nd photo if you just can't wait.)


Sizes:
Top: Size Small. This is the sweet guava cashmere tee that I got on sale for a song. I was WAITING and WAITING for this color to go on sale just so I could recreate the catalog picture. Yes, I did kind of feel like a lame-o...
Skirt: Size 8. This is the blue skirt from last year (2008's) roll-out...called the wool double serge skirt. I had wanted the blue from this year's roll-out (the perfect pencil skirt), but waited way too long, and it sold out. Was okay...found this one on ebay and it fits BEAUTIFULLY!
Shoes: Size 9. Love these shoes and now I love them even more because...


Look at CW's leggings!!! And boots!!! And cute tunic top!!! I know...I just can't stand it, either.

Now you see why I HAD to wear these flats?

Baby's Sizes:
Top (Tunic--not the under-layer): Size 3. It is meant to be a top (this is a crewcuts top), but I bought it early and it started as a dress and now it is a tunic. Next year it will be a shirt!
Leggings: Size 18 months. From Gymboree...very cute stuff, even if a bit pricey.
Shoes: Size 4. She is about to outgrow them. I know...so sad. :(


And since HeidiG. was the reason we all got together, I knew I had to throw in a pic of the three of us (E., her daughter, took this pic...she did a great job, btw).

So, thank you, HeidiG. and E., and thank you, Montgomery Mall J. Crew...we had a FABULOUS day! :)

P.S. You know...I see HeidiG. a lot at J. Crew. When Rex and I went to J. Crew together the other day, he said, and I quote..."Where is Miss Heidi?" Haha. From the mouths of babes. :)

Subbing in Style! (Plus a Sweet Peek at a Free Johnnie B. Bag!)

Don't worry, everyone. I promise I wasn't sitting at home this weekend crying because I was told my hair needed to be fixed or because my mommy style doesn't mesh with what others think mommy style should be. (Nope, I was just out A LOT this weekend and nowhere near my computer.) You would be proud of me...I actually read all the comments from the last two posts, laughed a bit, reflected a bit, and was proud to say that I in no way, shape, or form was hurt or offended!!! I actually agree with the commenter that thinks I need to color my hair. You better believe I do!!! I CANNOT stand my winter hair. It is all pretty and shiny and blonde in the summer and then...WHOOMP...like a dark, deep shadow, my winter dark hair comes out like the night, slowly, but surely. If I never went out at all in the sun, my hair would naturally be a dark blonde/red combo, which is pretty, but since I do go outside (even in the winter), it never quite gets there. And since I don't anticipate becoming a housebound lady any time soon, I will just have to deal with this winter hair thing (and I have had this since I was in high school). I am going to the salon sometime this week...maybe I will have them do something! (BTW, when stylists see me their reaction is always to blonde me up more...so I think in real life I must appear lighter than I do in photos...does that make sense?)

In re: Mommy style and the little convo going on...I think each mom is entitled to be the best mom they can be...if that means stepping out in stiletto heels and bright red lipstick, then FANTASTIC. If it means wearing your hair in a bun and having a sports bra on all darn day, then GREAT!!! I am just showing you my version, and from what I read, many of you try to do the same in your lives, so bravo for all of us! (More power to us moms...it is an insanely difficult job but also insanely lovely...so whatever fashion we bring to it, then yay!) If you want to hear some of my takes on mommy style, I am *thinking* (very much thinking--not executing just yet) of doing a "Mommy Style Monday with My Superfluities," kind of an advice column on particular needs of moms and their styling questions...in particular my passions of postpartum wear that goes beyond frumpy, great maternity wear, and what the heck to wear when you want to step out but you have a crazy and wild toddler (or two or three). :) It is still in its (haha) infancy, so nothing yet, but I know that mommy style is personal, but is something to share!!! So instead of being divided, let us unite and show our corners of the world that we can look awesome, even when the most glamorous thing we do during the day is feed our children rainbow colored cereal.

Okay, enough of that! :)

I subbed twice last week, and because this was by far the most action my wardrobe had seen in a LONG while (thank you SO MUCH, SNOWSTORM(s))...I really went all out to bring it to subbing. Had I driven to school, I would have probably shown up in a tiara. (Just kidding, but I would have for sure worn a dress and heels.)

I walked home on both occasions, and the first outfit does not reflect that well...I changed shoes to get home. There was NO way I was wearing those flats on a two mile walk. The second outfit you see my walking shoes, so that outfit is more exercise-friendly from the start.

Subbing in Style! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This above is the polyvore for the first outfit. There is NO polyvore for the second outfit, because I am lazy. ;)


Sizes:
Top: Size small.
Cardigan: Size Medium.
Pants: Size 30 Tall. Umm, can I just tell you these are now officially my very favorite pair of jeans? These are the ankle-length (in tall--inseam of 30 inches) twilight wash toothpick jeans by J. Crew. I want J. Crew to always offer this inseam in this fit...my goodness, it is so flattering, and also very, very comfortable.
Shoes: Size 9.

By the way, I have worn a version of this outfit before. I guess I must have really liked it!

Baby CW looks darling here, but wait till you see the collage. Just wait for it!


Sizes:
Top: Size Medium. This is an Xhiliration microsequin tank in aqua. This is a juniors line, so the medium was my best bet.
Cardigan: Size Medium. I bought this dark aqua jackie from CDP for $25. What a great buy. You are the best CDP...if you want to sell any more of your jackies, you have a buyer. ;)
Pants: Size 10. Umm, SAGGY BRITCHES alert!!! I guess these Talbot's jeans are a bit big on me. Ooops. At least they were comfy! :P
Shoes: Size 10. By a company called Flurt, they are actually very lovely trainers that are lightweight and colorful.

So you know how CW always is in the pictures with me? Well, on Friday morning, she was having a mini-meltdown...and I was none the wiser, UNTIL I looked at the photos in Picasa. Before my very eyes, her meltdown unfolded. And being me, I turned it into a collage...because it is HILARIOUS. The WHOLE time we were taking photos of the teal sequined outfit, CW was having a temper tantrum...I thought she had just walked out of the kitchen to go play in her room. :) CRAZY!


She was fine. Please trust me on this. I wonder how I could turn this collage into a stop motion film?

Man, when she is fifteen, I think I might have to drag these images back out...she is normally all sweet as pie and agreeable...this is much more of a Rex-type thing to do!


Okay, almost done. Wanted to show you a pic of the free "Johnnie B." bag they are sending when you make your first johnnie b. order. I ordered a very lovely fitted tee (has a bird saying "moo" on it) in dark pink and this came with it. I think the bag may be worth more than the tee. This is a nicely made canvas bag...definitely puts the J. Crew canvas ones to shame...all tri-colored and fancy-looking with the Union Jack on it!

LOVE the tee, btw. Very soft, very nicely made. I ordered a medium, and I am glad I did. It would have been too small in a small. It is weird, but the 13-14 mini boden tops are sometimes too large, yet the medium in their junior's line is a close fit. Huh. I guess it just shows ya...follow the measurement guide over at Boden...has never led me astray!

Have a nice Monday. I will share more from this weekend tomorrow (including baby CW's first crewcuts fashion show)!

P.S. Cash from My Closet is updated, and so you know, all of the items in today's post are going to be consigned on Saturday...just a heads-up. :)

A Little Sultana to Brighten Your Day...and a Wee Little Rant About Rude People.

I have to make this quick and easy...I am in the midst of preparing clothing to be sent out for people who bought things last week from me on the exchange (thank you, all!)...had meant to do it yesterday, but in case you hadn't heard, we had over 6 inches of snow fall here. :P

Also, I have to get my next Cash from My Closet entry ready to go, AND (for all of you who have waited with bated breath) get my next post of Mid-Century Mom up and published (for a sneak peek, see the second photo for a glimpse of the outfit I wore).

Miss Sultana Can Brighten Your Day! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Okay, above is the outfit I wore on Thursday evening. I clearly love the Sultana jacket enough to wear it the VERY next night after purchasing it. No waiting in the closet for this bright and lovely mid-century inspired jacket. I guess that is one way to tell if the item you bought is a keeper, do you wear it right away? (Although if it is out of season, like shorts in winter, I guess that doesn't apply...)

We were just going to our friends' house to celebrate the birthday of one of them. I didn't need to go all crazy and dressed up, as this was a casual party, but I added a bit of "dressy" to the look. :)


Sizes:
Jacket: Size 6.
Tee: Size Medium.
Jeans: Size 10.
Shoes: Size 9. I guess even Merona Collection are suffering from vanity sizing. These are thin enough for my feet, but had I gotten the ten, they would have been far too long.

What is up with CW's stance? Maybe she is perfecting the "slumped over so no one sees just how short this skirt is" stance that so many J. Crew models have learned!


And now let's move to Friday.
Sizes:
Dress: Size 10. Jones New York, Macy's. I bought it after I had CW and it was so very very tight. Now it fits very well. My only issue is that the poly-blend does not lay well and wrinkles. That said, the shape is divine and that bit of lace at the collar is so beautiful. I feel very lady-like in this dress.
Heels: Size 10.

Baby is only wearing the outfit from the last night because she went to sleep in it...we changed her into another outfit shortly after this photo was taken. :)

I wore this to go to Rex's parent-teacher conference. It was okay, and the teachers must either really like me or really dislike me because we spent over an hour talking. I think it was that long because I am a teacher, too, so things like pedagogy and implementation got into our discussion (although we didn't actually use those words).

Then I went to Whole Foods and shopped. I put on a pair of flats in that same peacock blue color so I could be comfortable. Let me tell you something, though...in this day and age it doesn't matter how well-dressed you are, how lady-like you act, or how patient you are, you are still likely to p*ss someone off during grocery shopping. I am the type who will sit and wait for someone else to find what they are looking for and then I will move into their spot when they are done. I figure it is the right thing to do. Not ONCE, but TWICE, (and this part kills me), really OLD people chewed me out for not moving out of their way fast enough!!! Wow. I just hate to think it is THESE people who are representing my beloved Northern Virginia. So classy! Ugh. And to make it worse, I was only in their way because I refused to be rude to someone else and tell them they needed to move to make way for me. So my manners led to others' rudeness. How very ironic.

Okay, rant over. The whole purpose of me wearing this outfit was NOT for the conference (although I wouldn't have worn sweats) or for the shopping (I have done that already), but for the next chore on Mid-Century Mom's docket--unpacking the groceries. Post to be published either late tonight or early tomorrow morning!


It was REALLY really cold on Friday (still is, but the snow excuses me from having to step foot outside). This is what I wore to cover up.
Sizes:
Coat: Size 8. This is the Shipley Stadium Cloth Coat in Ivory. It is pretty and oh, so warm.

Preview for My Polyvore Pals!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Last thing, I am offering up two new items for the Cash from My Closet blog, and I am giving you all a sneak peek. Please note that the jacket does NOT have the button in the middle...that was in the photo from polyvore, and was not in any of the Aubrey jackets actually produced. Having said that, I really liked this jacket when it fit me. Now it is far too big in the shoulders for me to wear. I would say a size 10 could wear this no problem.

Have a great night all!

Reviews of the Tiered Vintage Fleur Top and the Mini Patent Campo Bag...

Anyone Want to Buy a Coat??? by dinagideon featuring J Crew

First off, some business: I have decided to add to my latest for sale offerings. These two coats could be yours. :) Check out my Cash from My Closet blog for more info.

Second, many thanks for all your positive comments about keeping my blog as is. That said, I have decided to at least incorporate some changes...more watermarks, review posts sticking to the business at hand, and personal posts more separate from the clothing-related posts (makes things more structured that way).

I really hated the thought of becoming fodder for those blogs whose only lease on life is to make fun of other bloggers. Hopefully that won't happen, but if it does, I AM ON RECORD (right now) saying how much I worked to avoid that from happening. ;)

Third, Ann commented on my last post that Boden's winter sale has begun! Yippee!!! Now...hmm...will what I want be around by the time I can start spending again???


Night Out to J. Crew... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Okay, here goes. The polyvore of this outfit is above.


Jacket: Berry-trim Astrid jacket from the J. Crew Outlet, this fall 2009, size 4, black. It is almost identical to the one that J. Crew sold last fall. I really don't know how they are different. Does anyone know how they are different???
Top: Vintage Fleur Top, J. Crew, Winter 2009, size 8. This is a lot like the tiered cami but has embroidered flowers on the hem of each tier. This top is made very well. I have only one complaint, and I will get to that in the last photo. It is a J. Crew Collection piece. It appears to be sold-out on-line, but there are always popbacks.
Jeans: Ancient pair of Levi's that I just love. Size 10.
Shoes: Merona Collection Pink Heels that I fell in love with and blogged about in this post.
Bag: Mini Patent Campo Bag in Coconut. This holds just the right amount...wallet, phone, little makeup bag, keys, a small bottle or sippy cup, and a small book or calendar. It fits over my shoulder nicely (as long as I don't have a winter coat on), and is a comfortable feel in my hands when I choose not to place it over my shoulder. I paid full-price, minus some discount or another (I always wait for a discount), but it is on sale now, so lucky ladies...it can be yours for a very good price. :)


Another view for you all. Note that the Tiered Vintage Fleur Top has a silk ribbon sash. CDP--I swear I put a watermark on this image...where did it go??? I tell ya, I think I do something and then it just disappears.


Here is the Vintage Fleur Top by itself. My only beef with this is that the middle tier kind of poofs out (you can't see it here because my arm is covering it)...which means that I will have to nip it in with some thread and needle...easy enough fix, but irksome, nonetheless. I like the top on its own, but in my opinion, looks really good with a more structured jacket.

Did anyone else review either of these pieces? If so, could you put your link in the comments? I would be very grateful!