Mommy Style Monday #27: Third Trimester Files: I Can Still Wear Dresses!

Note: Rather than bother with individually archiving the end of my third trimester outfits, I am going to do two separate Mommy Style Mondays highlighting my two "basic" outfits of the day. This week will be on how dresses are a SAVING grace for anyone "blessed" with a MASSIVE HUGE BABY BELLY (which is usually most pregnant ladies). Next week will be on how to do "stylish casual" during the last few difficult weeks when every part of your body is aching.

I also believe that many of my early postpartum outfits will also be part of the Mommy Style Monday series, however, I do intend to have at least a few of them be separate outfit of the day posts.

I have written on both of these subjects before in Mommy Style Mondays...here is one on dressing your bump, here is one on when you start to show, and here is one on how to dress either a first trimester belly OR a diminishing belly in the postpartum period.

Also, if you are interested, in the very first few months of this blog, say between January of 2009 till around May of 2009, I was still very much losing my baby weight from CW. My postpartum period this time is MUCH different (which I will probably get into at some point in the future in another post), and I sincerely doubt I will be in postpartum clothing in a few months. I did start this blog as a way to help emphasize fun fashion and style for all mommas, regardless of weight or shape, and even though I don't think what happened with CW will happen post-Angus, I do stand proud of my desire to work with what I had post-CW, EVEN if my style and fashion sense has changed since then. ;)

Okay, SO...here goes...what to do with that BIG OLE BABY BELLY in the last few weeks, when literally nothing else fits, even the "maternity" clothing that fit at 35 weeks?

I am so pregnant here, I believe this was one week before I gave birth to Gus.  You can even see my "popped" belly button. 

No matter what I put on, everything fit extremely poorly.  I was only able to wear super stretchy fabrics that gave over the belly but also could be fitted enough to fit my smaller bustline and shoulders.

This is a Motherhood Maternity dress that I lived in during CW and Rex's pregnancies.  Until the last weeks of my pregnancy with Gus, I couldn't wear this dress as it was too big (overall I only gained thirty two pounds with Gus, with CW, I gained forty, and with Rex, I gained fifty). 

But MAN was I ever grateful to have this dress in the circulation, it felt good.  Like G-O-O-O-O-O-O-D good.  The stretch jersey fabric is super soft and the yummy bias cut skirt helped keep airflow on my legs.  (It was hot that day.)

Sunglasses: Target.
Shoes: Bensimon with Liberty Print Fabric.
Necklace: J. Crew.

I also appreciate how the cap sleeves and v-neck help draw the eye to the neckline and face rather than the belly.

CW is precious here.  She insisted on the hat.  ;)

This is yet another dress that I wore constantly with Rex and CW.  However, like I said with the above outfit, it was too large (especially in the neckline and shoulders) for most of this pregnancy.

I guess I am advising you, if you have the tendency to a very large bump, to invest in one or two "one size larger" dresses for the very end of your pregnancy.  Even if they lay dormant for months at least you will have something that you can feel decent in, pretty in, and be more than glad to put on because it gives you room to breathe and lots of comfort.

The dress is another Motherhood Maternity, in a size medium (typically wear a small with them).  I love the fabric, liberty-esque without being Liberty (yikes on those prices for a dress worn a few times in total).

Earrings and Shoes: J. Crew.

I wore this to one of my last doctor's appointments, may have been my very last one in fact.  I kind of really dig this photo.  I have only a handful of me truly appreciating the bump, but this one shows how much that I like being pregnant, even with all the hassle and hurt.

I adore this dress as it does fit regardless of point of pregnancy.  I can wear it earlier on (as I did here) or later on, as I am doing above.  The smocked top of this dress really works, especially if you have a pear shape...it will always work with a smaller upper body no matter what your lower half wants to do.
Dress: Pea in the Pod.
Bag: Anthropologie.
Shoes: J. Crew.
Bracelet: J. Crew necklace made into a bracelet, see next photo.  (Plus an additional traditional J. Crew bracelet and my Tiffany's Chain Link Bracelet.)
Earrings: J. Crew.

The red "bracelet" is the necklace (in-store only) wrapped three times around my wrist.

Rarely do I wear my glasses when dressing up, but I couldn't manage the contacts and makeup and accessories and dress.  Ya know.  Exhaustion and all.

About two weeks prior to giving birth, Mr. Dina and the fam and I went to a Thai restaurant together, and I loved the opportunity to get a little more dressy, yet even I realized there was no way in heck it would include heels, any sort of true tailoring or structure, or heavy accessories.

This dress is non-maternity from Garnet Hill.  Here and there I will buy a piece of two from Garnet Hill.  I had worn this once last fall (it never made it to the blog, though), and I wanted to see how far its stretchy jersey fabric would go.  (Turns out a whole lot.)

Jacket: J. Crew.  Wore it once before in the pregnancy, here.
Shoes: Target.
Earrings: J. Crew Factory.

When I am not pregnant, this dress features a very full skirt, which is great for my larger hips and bottom.  While pregnant, that volume easily accommodates the belly.  I HIGHLY recommend buying jersey dresses from non-maternity lines if you don't have a ton of money for a maternity wardrobe.  (And stretchy leggings--again from a non-maternity line...)

If you must (and I get that, I have been there, you all should have seen my wardrobe budget during my first job, everyone on three, say it, Chadwicks!) only buy things that can work before, during, and after pregnancy, do the jersey dress and leggings route, you can get a ton of wear and very little tear (these are sturdy fabrics) from these staple items.

I love the jeweled neckline.  This is sweet and elegant, without being especially fussy.

I popped the tie-fabric collar for a bit of fun.  By then end of the meal, it was down.  I only slightly cared.

I did a review of the necklace here, so if you read that review, you have seen the outfit before, but for some of you this is new.

This is a size medium Liz Lange for Target dress that I bought a while back.  It was huge on me, but because I have done this whole being pregnant thing two other times, I knew the dress would work for reals at the end.  And it did become a godsend.  I am not one to say this often, but black is certainly slimming.  (Well, kind of.)

Necklace: Boden.
Shoes: J. Crew.  (CW wants a pair of her own glitter golden flats.  One day...I suppose.)

Okay, that's all! 

My quick takeaways:

1. Dresses are a wonderful option at the end as they allow for freedom of movement and will easily accommodate a larger belly, even if the rest of you hasn't gotten larger. 

2. Always seek out jersey fabrics, as they allow for the MOST flexibility between a smaller upper or lower half and a very large waistline.  (At one point my belly measured 42 inches and my bustline was 35 inches.  Jersey fabric was, hands down, the most comfortable of all the fabrics.)

3. Look outside the maternity stores.  If there is a store whose jersey dresses work for you (my faves are J. Crew, Boden, and Garnet Hill), seek them out in longer lengths and with fuller skirts.  Chances are they will fit you the entire time you are pregnant and flatter you.

4. Have one or two maternity dresses that are one size bigger than your traditional maternity size.  (This is truly key if your belly gets abnormally big compared to the rest of you.  If this is your first pregnancy it is hard to tell what your body is likely to do, but by two and three, you should have an idea.)

5. Know that you don't have to try so hard at the end.  If you only throw on a dress, some lip gloss, a cute bracelet, and some adorable ballet flats, you are giving 110%.  It is HARD to lug the weight around, it is DIFFICULT to feel pretty, and it is a time when every. single. person. gets it.  No one wants you to work harder than you need to...if the heels and statement necklaces bug you at the end, well, yeah, give them up.  In a few months, you totally will be back to enjoying your whole wardrobe.  Promise.  :)

Any other tips from moms who have been there?  

OOTD: Bit of Green.

Happy Belated Saint Patrick's Day, all! No Angus born on St. Patty's Day, so there you go...and no baby boy born on my daughter's half birthday, either (that would be 3.5, today, fwiw). That's fine. I am holding out for him to be born on time on the 29th or in the perfect world of a Rush fan, being born on 3/21/12. This date means nothing to you unless you really love Rush, as their album 2112 would always be part of his bday.  (Although would that mean I would have to name him Geddy?)

Not holding my breath, though. LOL. :)

Onto a bit of green! I love the color and am more than happy to wear as much green as possible on the actual day and during the week leading up to it in bits and pieces. Unfortunately, I am literally limited to the 6 or so pieces of clothing that still fit, and that means I have only two real items that will work. All good, though.

The first outfit is from the day the kids celebrated the world of shamrocks and rainbows and all things Irish--Tuesday.  (Thursday, the other day they go to preschool, they celebrated with a "leprechaun" party, in which their classrooms were destroyed by the antics of those Irish mischief makers.  CW was really irritated by them.  Hee.)

Dress: Pea in the Pod.  The ombre effect includes a deep green at the hem becoming a light tan color at the top.  You all have seen this dress before (of course...easy to do with a limited wardrobe).
Shoes: Boden.  These are the green animal bow flats from the fall.
Scarf: J. Crew.
Sunglasses: Target.

Mr. Dina was with me--he took the photo which is the only way I would ever pose like this in public--he took me to the doctor that day.  He really wanted to make sure that the doctor was comfortable with my due date, he is SURE that I should be giving birth earlier based on how big my tummy has become.  It turns out I just brew the children big.  Nice and hearty, like a Guinness.

Close up the dress, scarf, and sunglasses.  I do really love this dress!

Yeah, this is from St. Patrick's Day, just in case you were color blind (it's possible!!!).  CW is in a lime green splendor and I am in shades of dark olive.

Cardigan: Macy's Charter Club.
Top: Merona Maternity.  I wore this top with another very similar outfit a few weeks ago.
Shorts: Motherhood Maternity.  It was HOT that day.  I ended up, by the time we made it to the supermarket, not wearing the cardigan.  (BTW, at the supermarket a non-pregnant person parked in the expectant mother's spot. Le sigh.  Wasn't much I could do beyond giving them the side eye, but grrr!)
Shoes: J. Crew.
Necklace: Boden Semi Precious Pendant. This is a preview of this pendant, which I have better photos of for next week's Boden Weekly Review roundup. It is on backorder in both colors, I can see why. I think it is a keeper, and for the price, well worth it.

CW is in a selection of Carter's, Hanna Anderson, and Miss Trish of Capri for Target.  Her "purse" is an old one of mine.  She has a lot of my old purses.  And she carries them with her, without anything in them.  I think she just thinks they look good and that they add to her outfit.  She doesn't actually understand their utility yet.  ;)

My hair is in pigtails because it was so flipping hot...I would have melted if I had left it down.

Okay, so before I go, I had such a great day today!  Some of my blog friends invited me to one of the coolest restaurants in DC, America Eats Tavern (formerly Cafe Atlantico), for a Gus baby shower.  How sweet!  There will be more on today in an upcoming post, but I had to show off this adorable cupcake packaging that Summer (of the blog Sumsunshine) created for the party.  She had told the lovely folks at Georgetown Cupcake to package it for a boy's baby shower, but they must have not got the message, as we ended up with pink, but Summer swooped in and got the blue ribbon, blue safety pin, and "it's a boy" pendant on the package to show that I am having a little man and not a little lady.


Thank you so much, ladies.  It really was an amazing day!!!  

You all have a great night! 

OOTDs: Countdown Commences!

Well, with only 2.5 weeks to go until my scheduled c-section, I can definitely start the countdown. (Thank God, btw, I am a little bit worn out...the extra 30 pounds, yeah, I feel them every time I attempt to you know, do normal things like stand or walk.) ;)

I have here a few outfits that I have worn recently, almost all of them repeats from earlier this pregnancy. I don't even bother with "real" clothing outside of cardigans/jackets, shoes, and accessories anymore.

So you all know...the MOMENT I walk in my door after doing my day's events (preschool run, doctor's appointments, grocery store runs, etc.)...I go to my dresser, pull out my most comfy sweat pants, most comfy tee shirt, and change. It's nuts. I am definitely all about easy wear when I am behind closed doors. Even better is when the easy wear is made from terry cloth, such a sucker I am for soft fabrics.

Worn to a doctor's appointment two weeks ago.  You all recently saw this dress in this post.

It was super warm that day, probably about 70?

Dress: Merona Maternity.
Shoes: J. Crew Classic Printed Ballet Flats.  These are the ones with the adorable apple print (called orchard, I believe).  The normal size I wear, 9.5, was perfect.  One thing to note...the print is on an ivory background, which got a bit of dirt on it from my first wear out.  It doesn't really get to me, because I can live with cleaning them and/or accepting that they will get stained with my lifestyle, but if you tend to freak out over that, only wear them inside.  I bought them with the 20% off (recent promo).  I do not think they are worth full price.

Yes, it got to 70 that day, yet I thought that I would need this lightweight Pea in the Pod trench (bought during Rex's pregnancy).  Nope.  I wore it a grand total of twenty minutes.  I did wear it last night and wore it constantly during Rex's pregnancy, so it does get wear, just not as much as I expected during this time.

Having said that, I have worn this trench whilst not pregnant.  It's cut is fairly workable, with a tighter fitted bodice and a slight a-line shape to the bottom.  I often pull it out when I need a dressier trench for going out to dinner, etc.  It has light metallic threading throughout, giving it a bit of a dressy look.

I should have just worn pjs, I was so tired and uncomfortable that day.  Since I couldn't (preschool run day), I just dealt and wore my most comfy "going outside" clothes.

Top: Liz Lange for Target.  Super soft.  For those of you that watch Desperate Housewives, Julie, Susan's daughter who is pregnant, recently wore this top.  Good to know that they bargain shop, too.  :)
Leggings: J. Crew.
Shoes: J. Crew Dreamweaver in cobalt and tan.

Dance class and dentist day.  My dentist was mad at me.  My gums were a mess.  Oops.  ;)  At least he didn't say I needed a root canal, although he did tell me that I need to have my wisdom teeth extracted.  (Sigh.)

Cardigan: J. Crew Factory, Spring 2008.  This was a cotton cardi re-issue of a medallion print from Spring 2007 that was really really pretty.
Top: Merona Maternity.  I recently wore the green version here, in a very similar outfit.  At least I am predictable.
Pants: Duo Maternity.
Shoes: Lauren by Ralph Lauren driving mocs I have had forever.

I felt great that day, but the pants slipped a bit as the belly band sits below the belly instead of on the belly.

Target shades.  I love the colors of the cardigan and top, very saturated and lovely.

Preschool run day.  My hubby took the kids that morning, and I went and got them in the afternoon.  It was nice to take my time getting ready for the day.  Another gorgeous day, highs last Thursday were in the mid-70s.  Amazing.

Dress: Boden Maternity, Breezy Jersey Dress.  You saw this one recently, too.  (Definitely a bit more dressed up, though.)
Shoes: J. Crew Jacquard Ballet Flats.
Sunglasses: Target.

I straightened my bangs that day but decided to let the rest of my hair wave up a bit.

We went to church last night and then dinner.  I don't know if you can tell, but I am beat down here.  LOL.  I mean I literally had to be rolled out of bed in order to get the move on to get ready to go out.  Pathetic, really. 

Top: Liz Lange for Target.  I wore it a while back, when I was able to see Gus in 3D.
Pants: Mimi Maternity.
Shoes: Naturalizer Bates Booties.
Earrings: Eiffel Tower earrings from the actual Eiffel Tower.  (There is a reason I am wearing them.)

CW has on the cutest outfit, btw.  I definitely expended more energy on getting her ready than myself. 

CW's outfit:

Top: crewcuts Paris stripe tee.  Love this tee, very sweet.  crewcuts does a great job with adorable graphic tees, and unlike past incarnations, this one seems well made and of a substantial cotton.  Plus it has an Eiffel Tower graphic (like my earrings!).
Pants: Target. 
Shoes: Target.
Scarf: My "free" Marie Claire France scarf that I wore with this outfit last.  She specifically requested to wear this scarf.

I got my bangs trimmed yesterday.  I was able to get them trimmed for a grand total of ten dollars.  Thanks to all you ladies who spoke up and let me know that this was an option for between "big" haircuts.  :)

Okay, that's it.  You all have a wonderful Sunday.  I will.  I plan on doing very little.  ;)

A Ton of Pea in the Pod Coming Your Way.

Yeah, let's just keep the "theme" posts going since I clearly am unable to post outfit of the day posts in any sort of timely manner.  :)  (And I can't even blame this pregnancy for this, have been doing this since nearly the day this blog was born.  Whatever.  Seems to work for me.)

Okay, there are so many outfits to highlight, so let's just begin...

Quickly, though, the main thing that ties all these outfits together is that they were purchased from either Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity (now defunct part of the company), or Motherhood Maternity.  These three (now two) maternity outlets are sort of the American woman's dream mall store to turn to upon learning there is a bun in the oven.  I like them, but really had no choice of other brands six years ago when I was pregnant with Rex.  It was only after Rex and into the pregnancies of CW and Gus that there really were more options for those of us not in NYC and all the chic maternity boutiques.  (There was Liz Lange for Target, but again, not every mall has a Target, so for a great majority of women, these three are literally it.  And for every Pea in the Pod, there are far more Motherhood's, as the Motherhood Maternity is the least expensive option of the three.)

And to that end I say "thank goodness" for the newer offshoots of bigger brands, like the Loft Maternity, Boden Maternity, and the Gap Maternity.  Yes, you have to buy all those on-line, but now that the vast majority of the US is connected on-line, suddenly women can look beyond the two biggies. 

(Although I will say if you are in a bigger city the Gap may have a maternity section at your local baby Gap, the one here in NOVA is located at Fair Oaks.  This is LITERALLY the only shopping I do at the Gap anymore, btw.)

Okay...quick merchandise history lesson done...17 photos to go (!)...

Outfit #1:

Top: Pea in the Pod, Erge Burnout Top.  This is a size small and runs really long.  I think I bought it when pregnant with CW.

No head, slightly different view.  Besides the top, only the pants are Maternity, by Duo.  These are a recent acquisition, bought at another mall store that hasn't forgotten us pregnant ladies, J.C. Penney.  (Although I think women forget about them as an option, especially when there is one of the "big" two at their local.)

Non-Maternity:

Cardigan: J. Crew Merino V-Neck from 2009, Size Medium.  I haven't pulled this cardi out in a long time, but it was perfection with the tee.
Boots: Madewell Suede Hightower boots, Size 9.5.  I waited and waited for these to come down in price...bought them on Monday when they went down to around $100 with the 30% discount.  (They still are on sale and all sizes are available.)  I really like the look of these and find them to be super comfortable.  Be warned, they are a pull-on type of boot and the shaft of the boot runs narrow and short.  These are in no way knee high on me...if they were the thinner part of the shaft would hit at my knee and fit perfectly.  This, however, is more about me, I have freakishly long calves and all boots are like this on me.  They do have an extended size, but those are much much more expensive, so only buy those if you are sure you need them.
Necklace: J. Crew Bubble Necklace in Papaya.  I have already done a review here.  Love this necklace.  Way more versatile than I thought it would be.

This outfit was worn on Thursday night for a Thai dinner out with the family.  Amazingly, Mr. Dina and my dad offered to both drop the kids off at preschool and pick them up from preschool (respectively), so I was able to spend the entire day asleep or resting.  I have been sleeping really poorly lately (major leg and hip pain owing to the weight of Gus), so I desperately needed a day off.  :) 

After I had gotten enough rest, I totally had a spa bath and full make-up session.  It felt wonderful.  I even did Heidi braids (can't see them here).  LOL.

Outfit #2:

This is from early December, by the way, and from this point forwards all of the outfits are in chronological order, so there should be some belly growth, too.  :)

Dress: Motherhood Maternity, Size Small.  This is one of those dresses that are meant to be worn with a top under it, and I usually pair a button down with them, however...all of my pregnancy button downs are HUGE on me (even now, not just back then in December).  I anticipate being able to pull them out soon, but they look ridiculous on me currently.
Top: J. Crew striped tissue turtleneck tee, Size Extra-Small.  This is from the fall and I bought it for around $9 on sale.  Definitely does not fit now but in December fit just fine over the belly.  I think J. Crew's tops are ridiculously oversized...
Tights: Assets.
Shoes: Clarks Artisan.  Yummy!

My belly is so teeny there.  I love it.

Kids really wanted to be in this shot, btw.  They come running now.  I think they like posing with the belly, honestly.


Outfit #3:

I wore this on a date with Mr. Dina to sushi (not all sushi is off the table during pregnancy...as long as the salmon is frozen before they thaw it, salmon sushi is okay...as is uni--sea urchin--just so you all know).  We also went to a movie.  The dress wasn't the best for the movie, but I wasn't insanely uncomfortable, either.

Dress: Pea in the Pod, Size Medium.  This is a really short, silk, Asian-inspired dress.  I am glad I have it, but I definitely will sell this one upon not being pregnant.  I am going to sell a lot, but this one definitely.  I think I have gotten enough wear out of it.  I believe I bought this one with Rex.
Cardigan: Anthropologie, Decorating Committee Cardigan, Size medium.  This is such a fun cardi, love having it, even if I only get to wear it once a year or so.
Tights: Assets again.
Shoes: Ancient pair of Sam and Libby Heels.  I can tell they are ancient because they have that big chunky heel that was popular in the late 90s and early 00s.  I definitely take care of my shoes, but really, I should just purge some of these.  (I have started the process, btw, now onto the Goodwill.)

I love how sweet Rex looks here.  Such a cutie.

Another belly shot and another cutie pie pic from my first-born.

I publish this because I like the face I am making.  Really, I do.  LOL.

Outfit #4:

We were headed to Bethesda on New's Years Day, so I put on a fairly summery frock (paired it with a short khaki jacket--not seen).  It was warm-ish here that day (in the 50s), so I felt comfortable.  You all have seen this dress before, here in this picture.  I was pregnant (more fully pregnant--around 32 weeks, btw) with CW in that shot.

Dress: Pea in the Pod, Size Small.  Love the print and the cotton fabric.  I actually can get away with this one as a sundress non-pregnant, but haven't yet tried it.  Maybe I will this summer and then sell it.
Tights: I don't remember, but these have been around for a while...
Shoes: J. Crew Metropolitan Suede Ankle Boots, Size 9.5.  I have had these forever, too.  They get more comfortable the more I wear them.  They were really painful the first time I wore them out.

Hand on hips.  The top is smocked and has a high neck, so is really hard to pair with a cardigan.  It really is best on warmer days with sandals.

No belly shot, but you can see me cradling it here.

Outfit #5:

I promise you will see my head.  The first two you don't, but trust me, the faces I was making were just plain stupid and not even in a "cute" way.

Dress: Mimi Maternity, Size Small.  Honestly, this company of the three "big" ones was my favorite.  They ran a bit edgier, and were less expensive than Pea in the Pod.  Also, Motherhood runs really big, so often there size extra-small tops were too big on me.  Mimi was just the right fit.  Clearly they weren't the right fit for everyone else, though.  Sad!  This is a poly-blend and is darn comfy. 

CW is holding Rex's Saints pillow pet.  This was a Sunday that they were going to play in one of their playoff games.  Unfortunately for my favorite Saints cheerleader (she has a cutie pie toddler cheerleader outfit), they are done for the season.  (Mr. Dina is the most sad, obviously.  I am sad, too, as if they had made it to the Superbowl I could have visited one of my best friends in the whole world, who happens to live fairly close to Indianapolis.)

We were headed to church that day, btw.

The rest of the outfit is non-maternity.

Jacket: J. Crew Velvet Bella Jacket in Leaf Green, Size 4.  Definitely not doing up in the front, but still "fits" in the shoulders.
Tights: Assets.
Shoes: Madewell, Handbook Pumps, Size 9.5.  Oh, man, the first day I wore these (not here, fwiw), I almost keeled over from the pain.  However, now that I have worn them a bit more, they are more comfortable.  They are really cute, though, and worth the work.  They have sold out--except size 9--on Madewell, but they are worth the sale price (I got it with around 30% off extra) of around $90.  They also have a chunky heel (like the Sam & Libby pumps in the Asian dress outfit), but a much more modern cone shape.

There's my head making a fairly non-stupid face.  :)  Glasses can bring out the crazy face in me, not sure why, but when I take photos with my glasses, I often look silly.

Outfit #6:

We were headed out to dinner as a family, again.  (But remember, this post covers two whole months, so we don't go out that much.  Promise.  Hand on heart.  I make a mean casserole, fwiw.)

Dress: Pea in the Pod, Size small.  I bought this while pregnant with CW.  I have a very distinct memory of wearing this on the first day back to school two weeks before I gave birth to her.  I definitely did not have to wear it with tights, fur-lined boots, and a long cardigan.  It was cold the night I wore this.
Cardigan: J. Crew Soft Tee Cardigan, Size Small.  This is such a cozy cardi, wrinkles like crazy, but often just the perfect topper.
Tights: George (Wal-Mart), Size 3.  THE SADNESS.  After my LONG LONG run (sorry for the pun, btw) with no tights getting holes, etc., these awesome pair of tights bit the dust.  But not because the tights suck.  It was the boots fault!  As much as I love these boots, the zipper did catch on the tights as I was taking the boots off.  Having said that, I am thrilled to report that the boots fit perfectly now.  You can read more on that saga here.
Boots: J. Crew, Charley Shearling Wedge Boots, Size 9.5.  ON SALE.  RIGHT NOW.  They were 30% off extra yesterday, but will likely make it to the next 30% off again.  I (shh) re-bought as I am WELL within the 60 day return policy.  I didn't pay a ton for them initially (had received a 30% off), but um, $125 versus $275?  Yep, I will re-buy and return.  Since I rarely do this, I feel like I can get away with it this time (and you all do it, too, I know you do...you all admit it constantly over at the mothership).  :)

I did a review of the boots here.

Haha, look at Rex in that photo.  Love the look.

Rex perked up when I took off the cardigan.

For those of you following my story on the Rex front (was having issues with discipline in December), it is all coming around.  The book "The Explosive Child" has been a godsend.  Seriously.  I can't say that it will always be wonderful and he still gives us issues, but with the emphasis being on working with Rex to learn how to better communicate what he is feeling, there has been a major mood shift in the house.  (And school!  And out and about!)  It takes time and a WHOLE lot of patience and understanding and loss of pride on my part, but omg, so worth it.

Okay, you all made it to the end.  If I had "virtual" star stickers to give out, I would hand one to each of you.  LOL.

I promise...the next theme posts won't be as involved.  I just waited far too long to get around to these.  ;)

Mommy Style Monday #3--Fashionable Maternity Wear for Those Last (and REALLY HARD) Weeks of Pregnancy...

I have a real soft spot for all women who are in their last five weeks of pregnancy. I am that woman who will run ahead to open the doors for them, give up my seat, ask them if they need water, etc., etc. I am like this because I remember JUST. HOW. HARD. it is to be pregnant those last five weeks. Unless you are some sort of exceptional super-hero pregnant lady, you will have any number of issues...varicose veins (and not just on your legs), swollen limbs, hip wrenching "OMG, I can't walk" pain, and to make it all the worse, all of those "oh, look how cute your belly looks in that top" clothing now make you and your belly look like you are dying to be in a Spice Girls video from 1996. ;)

So, I commend you, ladies of 35-40 weeks. You are carrying a burden (no matter how blessed, it is still a burden of many, MANY pounds) and the whole world does seem out to get you. Why are there so few elevators and why are they always located on the a$$-end of the mall? Why do teenage boys and girls feel it is okay to slam the door on you at Panera, can they not see you ginormous belly?

Here is my solution...treat yourself. I did, happily, with both of my pregnancies, and God bless Mr. Dina, each time he was more than willing to pay for the treats. And of course since I run a blog (usually) geared towards fashion my treats were obviously in cotton, silk, or linen. :) LOL.

I know that money is tight for all, and I am in NO WAY suggesting that anyone go out and buy maternity wear specially made for Heidi Klum, no I am simply recommending that you take your sweet patooty and your special package out to the mall (or the on-line mall) and find some pieces that will work for you RIGHT NOW...between 35 and 40 weeks. Since most pregnant ladies do outgrow their "I thought this would fit the entire pregnancy" maternity clothing right at the end, and because if you are anything like me, you have a tendency to fall into fits of rage over it all, just a couple of extra pieces of clothes, as frivolous as it really is (5 weeks of wear, maybe?) can do a whole lot for the expectant mom's soul.

So please do enjoy these polyvores...they have some BEAUTIFUL options that are current and in style, and if you buy the right size, will make you feel like the wonderful person you are. (And you are wonderful...helping a life into this world is an amazing calling!)

Mommy Style Monday #3--Yummy Pregnancy Options for the Last Weeks of Pregnancy! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

This first polyvore showcases options from Belly Dance Maternity. If you click on the polyvore, and then the individual pieces, you will get info on each of them. I chose three dresses (don't these women look sleek and sophisticated?), two tops (LOVE LOVE LOVE the asymmetrical top), and two bottoms (yum on the nod to my fave look from 1987--skirt with leggings).

Mommy Style Monday #3: Options for the Last Weeks of Pregnancy! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

The second polyvore showcases Lilac Maternity's line. I had never heard of this company until an awesome reader of this blog, Christy, told me all about it. She was 100% right, they have some really neat pieces, and if you are being a bit frugal, Lilac Maternity is right up your alley as most of the pieces they sell are for both a full belly and no belly (or a small one--heehee). LOVE the maxi dress, SWOON!


Above is a pic of Mr. Dina, Rex, and me at a friend's wedding in the Summer of 2008. I was about one month away from the end of pregnancy, and it was hot, I was bloated, and pretty tired of it all. I took my own advice before we left and splurged on me and lil (LITTLE but felt BIG) CW with this beautiful smocked halter dress from a Pea in the Pod (very ridiculous their prices, but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet). I even managed to wear that dress AFTER I gave birth, it lent itself to that just based on its flattering shape. :)

You all have a great Tuesday. :) I hope to have some outfit posts up soon, and my Arbonne giveaway soon.

P.S. Check this blog out: Ain't No Mom Jeans. I used this blog as a stepping off stone for a lot of my research and I love this blog. Definitely get over there...a lot of fun and really sound advice for all of us with a few rugrats running around (even if they are still brewing). :)

P.P.S. I officially finished writing this post at 11:50 p.m. on Monday, May 3rd. That counts, right? ;)