Boden: Riviera Shirt Dress Styled.

Hi, all!  Happy Tuesday!

Yesterday I saw my little guy (or not so little guy) Rex graduate from preschool yesterday (tear).  I have been mentally preparing for this for a while, so there were no real tears, but I am still overwhelmed by the emotion of seeing all of them grow up.  Heck, Angus is barely three months old and I just look at his pudgy body and I think, "wasn't he just a skinny little long baby like yesterday?"

I was always that sensitive child, you know, the one who would cry if someone look cross-eyed at her, so I suppose it is no surprise that things like my children growing up would bring out the sentimental momma in me.  (Which does not bode well--at all--when they go off to college.  I think the empty nest syndrome was named in honor of folks just like me.)

Anyhow, on Friday last week I had to bring Rex to his new school (my alma mater, btw) to be tested for kindergarten entrance (well, not tested..."evaluated").  He did great, as expected, because they evaluated his academic abilities.  Had they evaluated teamwork/patience/social niceties, he may have been in a world of hurt.  My boy is still pure id.  Sigh.

Since my old school is really conservative (it is tied to the church we go to every Sunday), I figured short shorts and a tank would probably not be looked upon kindly...so I went ahead and pulled out a dress that has only recently been fitting me, the Boden Riviera Shirt Dress.  Bonus?  The colors match the school's colors, blue and white.

You don't really need to do too much to make this dress "styled," as that pattern is really really busy (and may be too much for anyone who is petite), but the red Andie bag (J. Crew), the bronze strappy sandals (Aerosoles, like a million years old), and the statement earrings (J. Crew) seemed to be the right amount of accessorizing.

I went ahead and bought the size 6 regular back before I had Gus, so even though I knew the shape would eventually work for me, I was sort of surprised that this was the dress that took me the longest to fit into.  Turns out that even if the fabric is stretchy (made from a stretch cotton blend), if the dress is a button down, the buttons will gape wherever the fit isn't perfect.  For me, the bust and waist area was gaping (very unusual as I generally have problems in my lower half), but I have a feeling the postpartum "girls" and waist just needed some time before things settled down.

This has an exceptionally full skirt, so if you are a pear shape, you will be stoked, and can likely go with your smaller dress size.  If you are an apple or inverse triangle shape, then you will likely have to go with your larger dress size, but the skirt may become too voluminous at that size.

I hadn't realized this but the skirt is a bit longer in the back than the front.  I think it is a really pretty, lady-like shape, but may be a bit too retro for you if you would prefer your vintage to stay vintage and your modern to stay modern.  This dress could have easily been sold in the 1950s as is, although the fabric would have been straight up cotton, as opposed to the stretchy version Johnnie has offered us this season (and next--they have new colors in the Boden Preview, too!).

Close up of CW and me on Friday.  The earrings were just the right amount of sparkle, as any necklace and/or bracelet would have looked wrong with this dress.

CW is wearing baby Boden's Printed Applique Dress.

Riviera Shirt Dress.  You all, if you are really really really tall, go ahead and order the long version, but keep in mind that it will be a whole lot of dress.  I normally wear regular sized dresses, but I do that because my torso is so short, and often find that hemlines on the dresses are a bit shorter than they appear on the models.  This dress is still plenty long in the regular version, so I know the length will be insanely long in the long version.  Sadly there are no petites (but the fall version there are petites--yay!).

Okay, I will re-mention this in tomorrow's Boden Weekly Review Roundup, but I wanted you all to see this today just in case you have some summer/spring items on your radar...

Boden is trying to entice us...

Over the weekend A WHOLE LOT of the items in the line went from being 15% off (which is my coupon offer in the side bar) to 30% off.  I was blown away.  Almost all Limited Edition items are at 30% off, and a smattering of regular items at that percentage off.  Everything else is between 15% off to 25% off, and as long as you have free shipping and returns (which you can get with my sidebar link--also at the bottom of this post), you are looking at some decent savings.

Here is my caveat--if your item is COMPLETELY 100% in stock, you might be able to hold off till clearance time and receive a better price.  If your item is pretty darn decently stocked, but some of the other sizes and colors are sold out/low stock, then you may want to think about getting it now, as the one you are looking out may be quick to sell out during clearance time.  If your item is low stock now, or is sold out and pop backs, you should buy it right now as it likely won't be around at clearance time (and likely won't even have that great of a sale price, anyhow, as Johnnie only deeply discounts things that aren't really moving).

Hope that helps you all!  :)

Here is a link for 15% off and free ship/returns (but for many of the items you will get more than 15% off):


Have a great Tuesday!

Campo: One Year. One Dress. Two Outfits.

Hey, all!  Happy Friday.   Hope your area is blessed with 70s and sunny!  We are definitely loving the dappling sunshine and warmth after the (near) month of grey and rain and wind. 

So in reference to the HAPPY that this weather brings me, I am finally getting around to posting an outfit that I wore in the summer of 2010.  Yes, 2010.  The outfit was *meant* to be part of a Mid-Century Mom blog post (she visited the dentist!), but I lost my focus and energy for that blog (it is still there, but she is dormant for a while, hear she plans to come back, with pics in the dentist chair, natch).

And because I felt bad over not writing the blog post, I just put the outfit to the back burner.  LOL.

But I am not crazy and love the Campo de Fiore Ballerina Dress, so I wore it again last week, and since it has literally been almost a year since I last wore it, I figured the time was right to finally publish the outfit from last summer.

I know many of you own this dress, so here is how I styled it--twice.  Obviously I style more towards whimsy and mid-century and colorful, and these two are no exception.  :)  I think I need to challenge myself and wear it in the winter with only dark neutrals, like I tend to do with the sweater dress of this same print.

First up, the version from last week.  I wanted the dress to become a skirt, so I layered the cashmere shell over the dress and belted it with an aqua satin skinny belt.  I also paired a pair of wedge gladiator sandals with the outfit to keep it from looking too twee.

I also added a stella and dot necklace (from the children's line--it is actually CW's!) to finish off the look.

Dress: J. Crew Campo de Fiore Ballerina Dress, Size 6, found on ebay for a decent enough price.  I think they pop up, but infrequently.  Size for your bust as the hips are full.
Top: J. Crew Cashmere Shell, Size Extra-Small.
Belt: J. Crew Satin Skinny Belt, Size Small.
Shoes: Aerosoles Bora Bora Wedge Sandals.

I also tried it unbelted.  I prefer how it looks belted in real life, but I think in photographs it looks better unbelted...which seems weird.

I spent the day as a SAHM doing the preschool run with a visit with other moms to the coffee shop.  Very comfortable overall.  :)

Campo So Pretty. by dinagideon featuring j crew jewelry

Above is the polvore of how I wore it last year.  Note I used the Bora Bora sandals in this version, but in real life they DID not read mid-century mom so I nixed them in favor of ivory ballet flats.

Much more expected, likely, with the Jackie cardigan and hair bow.  This was long enough ago that Rex still liked to pose with me!  :)

Cardigan: J. Crew Jackie Cardigan, Aqua, Size Medium.  Bought from a JCA, and I LOVE it.
Belt: J. Crew Silver Skinny Belt, Size Small.
Shoes: J. Crew Collection Luxe Tweed Ballet Flats, Size 9.5.

I look forward to seeing if I can make this dress work with dark neutrals.  :)

Oh--next summer--I think I might just try wearing it on its own with just a simple pair of sandals.  How novel. 

Talk soon, all!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! by dinagideon featuring leather pumps
We spent our Easter with Milly! :)

The moment I saw these dresses in the Spring Preview over at MillyNY, I was sure that I had found the Easter best for at least half of the family. I pre-ordered them, and while I gave both CW and I a sneak peek into how they would fit, I didn't actually let us wear them out until Easter actually came. 

On us, very early this morning.  No way were we going to go to the 9:30 mass.  I am done with the popular Christmas and Easter masses (it is really hard for the kids because all these people show up for mass only on Christmas and Easter and my kids act like crazy people because they aren't used to being smooshed by humanity when normally they have a WHOLE THREE ROWS to themselves).  No, sir, no how.  It is 8 am mass for all future C&E masses in the future.  Yes, Mr. Dina just LOVES that I put my foot down on that one.  LOL.  Can you tell he isn't quite the morning person that I am?  (Yes, that is a deep, dark secret of mine, I am *that* person that jumps out of bed with a jaunty hello and how are you doing...CW is our morning bird toddler...not Rex, never Rex.)

CW is in the 4T size, while I am wearing my TTS 8 in Milly (this dress is called the Colette Sheath Dress, which I gather is what they call any variety of dresses in this shape...last fall they had a tweed version of this exact dress).  I can never wear smaller in Milly, unless it is cut wider in the hip.  This dress is fitted throughout, with the exception of my bust...where as per usual, I might could have done with a little something something.

It has POCKETS!

I felt very January Jones in this outfit, especially with the gorgeous Cole Haan Carma Peep Toes in botanical green.  Hello, 1964!

And the back zipper takes 1964 into 2011.

From the side.  I like that this sheath is a bit longer than other Milly dresses, which can be a tad short.

I love family photos like this.  I couldn't exactly expect Uncle Peter (in the red shirt) to hold hands with Amanda (my stepmom), but it would have been really cool if he had.  LOL. 

Notice how CW's dress has a sash that ties in the back.  Aww.  :)

Ubiquitous makeup shot...not a ton on today.  Don't really feel like competing with the print. 

This is Rex hunting for eggs.  He is totally onto Mr. Dina.  We said, "Rex isn't it great that the Easter Bunny laid eggs back here?"  And he was all cool and suspicious and said right back, "No, Daddy, you put these eggs out here, you are the Easter Bunny."  CW has no problem believing that the Easter Bunny visited, even if that Bunny has a really groovy beard and is slightly grey-ing. 

Love it.  Easter Sunday is absolutely one of my favorite days of the year.  And this year is one of the best--you know it is like 88 degrees out there right now???

I sort of look like I am micro-managing his hunt, don't I? 

Love this.  Everyone smile now!!! :)

Mr. Dina (aka Bearded, Grey-ing Easter Bunny) with CW.  So cute!  :)

BTW, the last five photos were "fixed" by saturating the color, then going to Picasa's Picnik site and further "fixing" them with Film Grain and Cross Process.  I highly recommend both Picasa and Picnik if you want to have fun with your photos but don't have the time or energy to use a Holga or DSLR, etc.

Okay that is probably it for now.  :)

Sneak Peek:  I am going to be offering a free RE9 Advanced Cellular Renewal Masque with every $75 plus purchase made over at my Arbonne website starting tomorrow (expires Friday, April 29, 2011).  Be on the lookout if you want to take me up on this offer.

P.S. Those of you (mainly my lovely Canadian readers, it seems) who want to know more about my fun times at the Rush concert (plus outfits, of course) will need to wait, but I promise, the pics will be coming soon.  (I did have an amazing time.  Those guys really truly rock. every. single. time. I. have. seen. them.)

Spring Into Style: Day Eight 2011.

Spring Into Style: Day Eight 2011. by dinagideon featuring choker jewelry
Yes, I wore this in real life to school to teach a fashion class. Well, okay not the pearls and earrings, but it still looked fab. :) I felt under the weather, but man, sequins can brighten any day!  I guess that is a good lesson to learn...you can feel gross, but feel great. 

The beret was my nod to "Crazy Hat and Hair" day. Yes, my version of crazy hat is to wear a beret so I can look 1950s Paris. LOL.

Full on Paris in the 1950s Little Black Dress Look.  Beret is authentic and from Europe, have had it for over ten years and love it!  Dress is the Felice Dress from J. Crew back in 2007???  It is the quintessential LBD, the silk taffeta version, anyhow.  The jacket is obviously the Showstopping Knitted Jacket by Boden's Limited Edition that I have gone on and on about since it came out on February 11, 2011.  :)  The heels are also Boden and are possibly my fave pair of black pumps.

I look kind of out of it, and I have to admit that "lady time," even when mixed with "ladylike" is a hard combo.  But I am definitely trying to have a game face, which probably would have been more appropriate for my Jersey Day look yesterday.  Such is life.

On its own the Felice dress is a bit plain, but imagine it with those pearls and the bow earrings.  So very polished!

No beret, but I still feel like I am channeling at least a "Mid-Century Mom/Teacher."  (Yes, Mid-Century Mom fans--I got pics of me teaching today in this outfit.  Smile.)

Showstopping Knitted Jacket. Still crazy expensive, but if you are ever interested, here is a dedicated link (click the photo) to check on its availability (which comes and goes, sometimes it is completely sold out, other days it will show some sizes have stock).

Have a great day. The Boden Weekly Review Roundup is going to be HUGE tonight, so it may be late in coming, but be on the lookout for it...

Talk soon. :)

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!

Boden Spring 2010 is UP AND READY!!! (Plus a Little Anthro Help, Please?)

Just sitting here in our gorgeous sundresses waiting for April to come.

Run, do not walk, on over to Boden...their Spring Stuff is up and ready to be enjoyed, ogled over, and dreamed about. UPDATE: I clicked on over to Boden USA just now (9:40 am Sat Morning, EST), and there is a 10% off with free shipping and returns offer. I will probably wait, unless I see something I really want dips into the "pink" low quantities category. It still helps a bit, so if you want something now, this could be just the incentive you need!!! Also, please note that all sizes are in US sizes now, I guess to help make some of the guess work a little easier.

Oh, and because I am a freak and can move from talking about Boden to Anthropologie in the same darn post, I am going to post a polyvore I just created. I saw this GORGEOUS cardigan in the local Anthropologie a few weeks back and I totally regret not getting it...see I was really mad at Anthro for not refunding me money in a timely manner, so I went to the local to return one of the items I had purchased just to "show them." And of course as I was walking out I saw the cardigan and swooned. But I HELD strong, which must count for something. Regardless, this cardigan is like the PERFECT mid-century Mom kind of cardigan, is it not?

Any help ladies? I am going back to Tyson's on Monday, and I plan on calling them on Sunday to see if they have it, but I can't call and ask them to hold it for three days straight. That said, I would be willing to call stores and call them to have them ship it to me. Isn't that strange? I just feel like paying shipping from Tyson's would be ridiculous.

I would also be very willing to buy one from a blog friend, of course. EUC is just fine. :)

Untitled by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

Have a sweet night, all. ;)

Boden's Ruched Waist Shift Dress in Real Life and My Inspiration!!!

I teased you all a bit on Friday, showing off a hint of this outfit, but not really showing it off. I figured you all needed the coat review more. But then I received a couple of comments that made me realize that some of you really appreciate my Boden reviews, too. So here you are...the Boden Ruched Waist Shift Dress!!!

Boden Ruched Waist Shift Dress Goes Out for the Evening! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

The polyvore is above. I also wore a headband by J. Crew, but couldn't figure out how to make it work in the polyvore, so I just left it out. :)


Dress: Boden, Ruched Waist Shift Dress, Size UK 12R (went with my hip size--go with your bigger measurement, be it hips, waist, or bust...this is a form-fitting dress), Charcoal Vintage Bouquet, Fall 2009. Currently on sale for $89.00.
Tights: DKNY, Control Top Fishnet Stockings, M/T size, Black. (Bought from TJ Maxx.)
Shoes: The long-dead, but much-missed company, Parade of Shoes, Mary Janes (Nadine style), Size 10, Black.
Headband: J. Crew, Satin Ribbon Headband, Olive, Fall 2009 (retail only).

I only ever buy Regular dresses from Boden. The talls are REALLY long in the torso, and since I have a short torso, the regular dresses are a better fit. I always wear the Tall or Long length in their pants and skirts, though.

This dress is very nice...it has a soft fabric with the prettiest retro print. It also has a lining that is smooth and stretchy. The whole night I felt very "turned out," but never uncomfortable. Even when folding the laundry for my Mid-Century Mom project, I felt pretty good.

I do have one warning. The shoulder part is a bit tight, even on my slight shoulders. I would recommend that if you have broader shoulders, size up one so that you don't feel constricted.


I KNEW I wanted this dress when I saw it in the catalog. SWOON. Edda is one of my all-time favorite models, and she looked SO pretty here. The image was for the bag of all things, so I couldn't find this pic on their site, so I just photographed it to post here. I literally replicated this image (except the heels, I thought Mary Janes looked sweeter).

You all have a fantastic afternoon. I am going to wear another Boden outfit today, so be looking for that post tonight. :)

A Blushed Tweed Pencil Skirt for a Thanksgiving Feast!!!

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew
Although I didn't win (or come in 2nd or 3rd) the Polyvore contest for the best Thanksgiving outfit, I still LOVED the entry I created...and true to form, I actually wore said outfit on Thanksgiving. Since I was combining the look I created with my other blog's function (Mid-Century Mom), I needed to have a very ladylike, retro look that day.

I wore this outfit because I wanted to look nice, of course, but also because I would be attempting to set the table and make some soup while in this get-up. Nowadays many folks do all the chores, etc., in their casual gear (sweats and the like), but for the mid-century mom that wasn't an option. So that is what I did on Thanksgiving, I got dressed BEFORE I started my chores. By the time dinner was served, I was very comfy in my dressy outfit and found that because of the more "restrained" feel of the pencil skirt, I didn't eat nearly as much as I normally would have (by the way, I LOST five pounds while on vacation...maybe there is something to the whole dress up to eat thing...).

Anyhow, check out the results of my experiment "Mid-Century Mom Sets the Table."


And here is the outfit before the chores set in. Yes, I am by the Christmas tree, and yes, that is an ACTUAL buck-head behind me. While there, Mr. Dina's uncle "bagged" an 11-point buck. (Not my words...) So you know, an 11-point refers to how many points there are on the antlers.

Mr. Dina, although he grew up around hunting, doesn't hunt himself. It is kind of like Rex not enjoying swimming. I know, shocking.

This outfit was awesome to wear. The skirt is especially pretty and lovely. I bought a six, and it is perfect in fit, maybe a wee bit too big in the waist. The nubby texture of the tweed is very soft...I kept wanting to pet the fabric. I resisted because that would have looked weird. The swiss-dot top was a huge hit with my sister-in-law who really wants one. I would have just given her mine (the 10 I bought is far too large now), but the 10 is far too large for her, too. Anyone have a 6 they want to trade with me for??? :)

The skirt can be purchased here. It is still for sale, and still full price (but there is that whole 25% off thing this weekend...). I would say stay true to size or if you have a small waist, size down.


Here is the outfit, sans cardigan.

You all have a lovely weekend. I will certainly try to enjoy mine, too. Maybe I can even post once more...we'll see!

Quick and Easy Mini-Review of the Sequin Tiered Ruffle Tissue Tank...

Hi, and hello! Sorry for the time away. As some of you know, I published a post over at Mid-Century Mom this weekend, but that is not my whole reason for being away. We are getting ready for Thanksgiving here in our household, and between packing to go see relatives (I spend way too much time at polyvore creating sets--God bless you, creators of polyvore, you have an activity I can do while nursing--and this has made my packing WAY easier), looking up recipes I may want to make while down there, and taking care of my ever-restless children, blogging has taken a backseat.

I did decide to try and be a bit more up-to-date with this post. We took these pics last night for two reasons...one, I wanted to see if this outfit would work while down visiting his relatives, and two, I wanted to review it for you all.

As far as I can tell, there haven't been a ton of reviews of this tank because it is very similar to the rolling ruffles tank, seen on me here, but it does have more bling, AND I took a smaller size, so I feel this tank needs a separate review.

CDP did a mini-review of it in one of her polyvores.


Yes, I am barefoot (but not pregnant). :) This is the tank under the very gorgeous evening primrose cardi. I like the way the whole outfit looks. The pants are surplus chinos in grey (am I the only person who has to size up in these?). I am planning on wearing the outfit with a pair of low-heeled mary janes in black.

So, the tank. I ordered an extra-small, which is one size smaller than the rolling ruffles I bought over the summer. I am glad I did. The extra-small is short enough on the body that it doesn't come to my mid- or low-hip which means that I don't have to wear a larger size to make up for my larger than average hip size. This hits at the high hip, which for my body type, is perfection. Plus, with the ruffles, I DO NOT need extra emphasis on my lower half. (But I do need it on my upper-half, haha.)

I purchased it when they were having the special pricing over the weekend of $39.50. I had free shipping in my account, so I just paid the taxes and it came straight to my door. AWESOME for us stay-at-home mom types. I decided on this mid-grey color because I have a lighter rolling ruffles (champagne) and a darker rolling ruffles (charcoal) already, and feel they are such good layering pieces that I could definitely make use of one more. Plus, this one has sequins. SEQUINS. I normally detest sequins because they make me over-OCD...in other words, I have to make sure all the sequins line up exactly with the one next to it, and it drives me crazy to wear sequins because that is all I can think about when wearing them, "Are they even with each other?" But this only has a smattering of sequins which make them so lovely, and they are placed in such a way that I don't need to worry if they all line up.


And here is a close-up of the ruffles and the sequins. I probably will not wear this tank on its own. I feel like it is a bit untethered by itself and can look kinda funky. Mr. Dina doesn't even like the tank under the cardi, so he would probably have a cardiac arrest if I wore it by itself. ;) I know...men.

You can find the loveliness here...and at the 20% off till midnight (TONIGHT 11/18/2009), it is still only $39.50!

This One's for You, English Tea...Or How I Wore the Goldwyn Dress in the Fall!

I was just over at English Tea when I saw that she had purchased the incredibly beautiful J. Crew Collection Goldwyn Dress for a mere 20 dollars and some change. Good for you, girl. Nice!

I did not purchase my Goldwyn Dress for 20 dollars, but I did purchase it for 80, which is more than half off its original price. When I saw it in the May 2009 catalog, styled very simply with jeweled sandals, I was sold. Except that I wasn't. I could not justify the 185 dollars it cost, no matter how darn cute. But when it went to 99 dollars plus 20% off, I jumped right in. I was torn between a size 6 or 8. In the end (and this is how it works out sometimes), only a regular size 8 was left.

And it worked out just fine. I could maybe nip it in at the waist and shorten the straps, but in general, it looks perfectly nice on me in this size.

I wore it for our (8th) anniversary on October 13, 2009 (yes, I am one month late...figures). I also took pics of me wearing this, while doing the dishes (putting the dishes in the dishwasher) for my blog, Mid-Century Mom, but those aren't quite ready yet (but when they are...they will be funny)! (Hey, all I finally published the post!!! 11/15/09.)

J. Crew's Goldwyn Dress on a Date by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore of the outfit. I wore navy Cole-Haans because they are kinda (said quietly so the kids won't hear) sexy, but I think next time I will wear something a bit "strappier." In my defense, it was sorta chilly out that night...but I feel like the navy is too harsh of a contrast for me to wear these pumps (regardless of how sexy).


Here it is without the cardigan. The navy pumps look pretty good here. LOVE pockets on a girly girl dress...so special.


Here is the whole outfit, belt, cardigan and all. Just no purse. The purse sat out of the pic. Next time, definitely going with a clutch. :) LOL. It is so hard to go anywhere with a clutch anymore, kids and all their little things (yes, I know, I was on a date) don't fit in clutches.

The contrast in the color of the photos is from the lighting. In the first photo, only the ambient light plus the flash were used. The second photo has extra lighting from the lamps, etc. plus the lighting, so the second photo is "warmer." The first probably shows the color of the dress more accurately.

I plan to respond to the comments from yesterday's posts later today!!! Seems blazers are my good friends. I like Ms. Eden and Mr. Schoolboy a lot more now. ;)