OOTD/Review: Vintage Sweatshirt in Metallic Triangles in Philadelphia.

Hi, all!  Good Saturday night.  As some of you already know, I am married to a huge Saints fan and when he found out that they would be playing Philadelphia tonight against the Eagles in one of the four playoff games this weekend, he knew he would be making the trek.  Had this been an afternoon game, he would have headed up to Philly without us, but since it was a night game, he decided we should all make the visit.  Hmm.  I am a bit road-weary after having spent the last two full weeks in Mississippi and Louisiana, but I am always up for a trip, so I once again packed up our things, packed up the car, and traveled again.  :-) 

Since it is a very small visit, I only packed one pair of pants, two tops, one pair of boots (hello NE snow--Philly has so much more than we got back home), and the usual pjs/undergarments.  Both tops are new items, today's is the Vintage Sweatshirt in Metallic Triangles, while tomorrow's will be the Lace Peplum top.  Both are from J. Crew, which is a rarity these days, since I have all but sworn off most of their offerings, but if something piques my interest and goes way down in price, I may nibble here an there (which is what happened with both of these tops).

Okay, so the ootd portion is first followed by the review.

Missing from the photo is the mounds of snow directly in front of us at the "Please Touch" museum.  It was a whole lot of snow.

I feel so tall!

It's an Angus sized room.

Paging Dr. CW!

Paging Conductor CW, there is a incapacitated Rex on the floor in the back of the trolley!

Day: Saturday, January 4, 2014.

Where: Trip to Philadelphia and the Please Touch Children's Museum.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear) The whole outfit was very comfortable, the pieces being just tailored enough, yet still stretchy.  I dinged the outfit since I hate cold and I hate what the extra coat, hat, and gloves brings with it--extra stuff to carry (coat), extra bad hair days (hat), and the very real possibility of losing one (gloves). 

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Nah, not cool.  The sweatshirt is very cool, but it seriously has to be part of a much better look to really be cool.  Maybe one day, in the warm spring, with a pair of tailored shorts, a pair of lovely heeled wedge sandals, and a cute fedora.  Maybe then...

Anecdote from the Day:  My friend suggested the Please Touch museum.  It was $85 for us all to go in, which is wince-worthy since that is a lot of dough for a few hours.  BUT--it is (by far) the BEST children's museum we have visited, and we have been to quite a few (Richmond, Greensboro, Charleston, i.e.).  The Alice in Wonderland exhibit alone smacks the butts of the other museums, but there was so much more to it than just that exhibit.  If you have kids in their early years, trust me, make a visit to this museum if you can.

Oof, the hair!  Swimming the night prior, plus no blow dry, plus awful weather (read: hats) equals crazy hair!

This sweatshirt is lovely.  For a while J. Crew was issuing some awesome graphic tees (most noticeably in the 2008-2010 years), but now it seems to be designing some pretty awesome sweatshirts.  Now I *know* I can replicate this exact look with an off the rack sweatshirt and some gold and grey fabric paint, but I also *know* how long it would take to exactly line up the graphics and then precisely and carefully print them onto the surface (a long, long, long time).  So I chose for J. Crew to do it for me and at 30% off, I knew the amount of money spent was probably equal to my own time that would be spent doing this project on my own.

The foil printed triangles are beginning to show signs of wear at the bottom hem since that is very stretchy (made from a ribbed material), but it also makes the sweatshirt look a little more worn, and I kind of dig the well worn tee/sweats look when going for a more casual look.  I tend to look overdone and precise everyday, so a worn sweatshirt takes me away from my typical "Stepford" wife look that I know I can veer into far too easily.  That doesn't mean I condone the foil printing wigging out so early, since it means the design team forgot about that and it makes me concerned since it should be obvious that this kind of fabric printing will lend itself to that.  I personally would have only printed the triangles on the non-ribbed fabric (the main body), but that also means that the line of triangles is broken.  Anyhow, just something to watch for...

The size is great in the small.  I almost could get away with the xs, but lately I have found the xs to be running smaller than in prior years, which may mean the folks at the Crew are stepping away from the Vanity sizing wine they have been sipping.  (I am fine with that, btw, I was a size small in J. Crew back in HIGH SCHOOL--and I have not gained any weight in my torso in the XXX years since then.)

The shoulders are dropped, but not a big deal for me since I like having extra interest at the shoulder line as my shoulders are rather narrow.  If you do have broader shoulders, this may not work for you.

I think I like the vertical print since it visually elongates my torso, which runs short.  I have always like how women with longer torsos look and this sweatshirt gives me that look.  So yay for that.

Anyhow, that's enough.  Hope that helps someone out there!

Should be back tomorrow with the ootd and review of the Lace Peplum top.

Eleven Years. We Will Never Forget.

Source

Time will pass, but the day will always be remembered.  September 11, 2001. 

My post from the tenth anniversary.

Boden: Clearance Sale in Pennsylvania!

A HUGE thank you to LaurenPhD, who wrote me an e-mail to let me know that she had been invited to a clearance sale in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, next Saturday, December 3, 2011, from 10 am to 4 pm.  :)

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to go except that Pittsburgh is six hours away and would require an overnight stay.  LOL.  Add to that the fact that I am 5.5 months pregnant, I will just spread the good news and let all the wonderful readers of this blog know, just in case anyone CAN make it (and if you do, please e-mail me or report back, I would love to know what a Boden clearance sale is like!).

Have any of you been or are planning on attending?  

If you can't go, remember there is a 25% off all full-priced and promo items from Boden (excludes clearance, aw shucks) going on right now.  I have seen what can and will happen when Boden switches their site from regular to clearance, it is madness...some items are excluded (only to appear a few weeks later), some items sell out in mere minutes, and some items linger and linger.  If you know that an item that you want is looking like it could sell out quickly, I always advise to buy during a sale like this one, just in case.  (I plan to do this for a select few items, especially mini Boden which disappear the fastest in sale time.)

The link for that promo is below, which if you are on a mobile device, should help as it links you directly to Boden without having to switch to my main website to find it in the sidebar.
Boden 25% off plus Free Shipping and Returns!


P.S. I gained my 300th follower today! Woo! I can't believe it...seriously this is wonderful news. I promised myself that if I made it to 300 followers I would have a giveaway, so please do be on the watch for one in the next week or so. Yay!

The World Watched...

My blog focuses so much on frivolity on such a regular basis that I need to remind myself that since it is my blog I can take it to a more serious level.

I almost didn't write this post.  It feels so raw to even put these words in the computer, and it has been ten years.  I could write about it when it all happened, but now, in 2011, I feel my heart beating, my palms sweating, my eyes tearing up, I can feel the pain, adrenaline, and anxiety like it is happening now, even though I am just sitting in my lower level living room.

I never really talk about my past, I feel like you all know enough of me, you have seen me (for the good and the bad) for the past 2.5 years on a nearly daily basis.  I feel like I could go on being my sunny, pollyanna-ish self and you would all be none the wiser.  (I like to have a good game face.)

But it is disingenuous for me to not write about September 11, 2001.  It affected EVERYONE in this United States and throughout many nations in the world, and since I have a (small) voice, I would like to have a chance to send out my words through a post focused on prayer, remembrance, hope, family, and moving forward thoughtfully.

I worked in the House of Representatives on September 11, 2001.  I had gotten up super-early that morning to go to Brenner's Bakery so I could order my wedding cake (our wedding was October 13, 2001) and get on the road into DC before 8:30 am so I could start setting up for the Committee hearing we were set to have that morning (I was a clerk for the subcommittee on parks and public lands at that time).  On the drive, I was able to quickly drive to my building (and sadly see the Pentagon whole for one last time).  Hearing mornings were always crazy, all hands on deck taking care of witnesses, getting copies of agendas, bills, etc., in the right hands, setting up the dais for the members so they would have all their necessaries, from glasses of water, pens, their mikes working, etc.

The news was always on, no matter what.  Every TV always...even in December, right before Christmas.

The legislative counsel in our office said, "OMG, the World Trade Center, it's been hit by a plane."  We all just sat there, stupefied...is that possible, real?  Was it a small plane?  Who could be a pilot and not see a hulking, super-tall building and not be able to veer around it?

I called my dad and told him, he was also in wonder.  We figured the story was big, but something "they" could figure out and fix.

Then, while watching the coverage in the middle of getting papers together, we all saw it, the second plane.  United Airlines 175.  Into the second WTC building.

My heart dropped.  My throat closed.  I started shaking as I called my dad.

"They're coming, dad.  They are on their way.  DC is going to be next.  Somewhere HERE is next, dad." 

He, to his credit, tried to talk me down from the edge.  But I couldn't relax.  My youth was spent 2 miles from the Pentagon in Arlington at the height of the Cold War in the mid-80s.  I grew up with images of USSR pushing the proverbial button and "ground zero" (the middle open portion of the Pentagon) exploding into fragments, the nuclear blast reaching this city, its suburbs, and down to Richmond, and up to Baltimore.  It wasn't a "normal" fear of a ten-year old, but it was mine.  By 17, and the wall had come down, I relaxed.  It felt good.  But I always had that part of me hibernating.  (Studies say fears of youth are very strong and hard to get over, try as we might.)

"NO, DAD," I yelled, "it is happening...they are going to get us."  I was hyperventilating at this time.

No one knew what to do.  We knew we would have a moment of silence when the hearing started, but others in our building were like me, in flight mode.  Our building was across the street from the Capitol, and as a symbol of America, many of us felt we were next.  But some weren't sure there would be a "next."  I clearly was not the Pollyanna that day.

I tried, but I was having a hard time keeping my act together.

Then it was 9:37 am.  The corridor I had JUST driven down was a corridor used to fly a plane into our nation's symbol of defense.  And a gaping hole with a huge plume of smoke appeared.  We could see the plume from our office.

I LOST MY SHIT.

And then the calls started coming in, to every phone in the office.  My future mother-in-law called.  She was disconnected.  Mr. Dina (or Mr. Future Dina) called, I told him I didn't know what to do, through my crying.  My dad called, he said "get the hell out of there."

There was still talk of staying in the building, that this would be safest, but thankfully, those folks were quickly shut down, and we were all told to LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.  DO NOT GO TO YOUR CARS.  FIND SHELTER SOMEWHERE in the city, anywhere safe.

I grabbed two of the interns (God bless them, it was only their second day on the job and they were from UTAH!!!) and I took them with me to a co-worker's apartment ten blocks down from the Capitol building.  It wasn't far enough away, but I figured we would be safe enough.

The run (we ran) to the building was surreal.  Congressmen and congresswomen were urging us to go, be safe, find shelter.  My strongest memory from that day was when Grace Napolitano, a California congresswoman, kindly looked at us and said, "please go, be safe, take care of yourselves."  I still see her and hear her saying those words and always call upon that image when I need reassurance.  She may never know how appreciative I am for her kindness that day, but I am utterly grateful to her.

The day was spent praying, speaking, calling home, focusing on safety, and hoping that it would all be done.  I was told not to leave the city until I had word that the bridges were safe into Virginia, but we were able to get the (understandbly) shaken interns to the metro to go home.

Finally I got the word that the bridges were clear and that if folks left in DC needed to go home to Virginia, they could, but that no one would be permitted back in.  I thanked my co-worker for her generosity of sharing her apartment with us, and I got my car (one of the only ones left in the garage), and drove home.

Eeriness abounded on the drive.  I was one of maybe five cars on the highway (I was one of the last ones to leave the city...I erred on the side of caution when choosing when to hit the road).  It wasn't an exceptionally long drive, and on good traffic days, I could make it home in ten minutes, tops.  I did so that afternoon, but the drive past the smoldering hulk of the Pentagon made the trip seem twice as long.  The smell was horrific and acrid.  I cried again.  The tears still come, clearly, but I must have shed bucketfuls that day.

I made it home.  I found my loved ones, I know I was fortunate.  The anxiety, the fear, the tears, the adrenaline, it all was there, but so was all my hope, my love, my future.

Of course we all know the ending to the story.  Thousands dead in NYC.  Hundreds dead in DC.  Heroic men and women dead in Shanksville, PA.  All at the hands of hate.

I know people who lost that day.  I know of my dear friend whose husband was in the Pentagon, their young love full of thoughts of future babies, trips together, missions to accomplish...all lost in an instant because of angry insanity.

There were men and women, out to do their daily routines, who never made it home to their loved ones.  And their loved ones were left.

My friend, she had a brave face, but there was so much pain.  You could see the mental fortitude she exhibited every day she came to work.  She had a frame of jell-o, ready to collapse at a moment's notice, but a foundation of stone which held her up.  I was in awe of her strength.  I have since read that she is doing well for herself and focused on doing good in the world, and still, I stand in awe of her. 

There is so much to focus on tomorrow.

There is reflection.  The time to reflect on the events that transpired in those morning hours which forever will be part of the American story.

There is remembrance.  The time to remember all the men, women, and children whose time on earth was cut far too short.

There is hope.  The time to hope that through hindsight and focused foresight we can become a stronger nation of people from this day.

There is love.  The time to love and remember its powerful impact on our lives and the lives around ups.

There is family.  The time to spend with the people we need the most, the ones who know us and support us, through it all.

I will be spending the day with all these above.  Thank you for allowing me a moment of gravity on my blog.

Indiana, Plus Pennsylvania (or Part 2 of Our Insanely Long Vacation with Kids)!

First--if you missed part one of our journey (and I have a suspicion some of you did--I published on Sunday night--the dead hour of blog writing, evidently), please visit here...it highlights the beginning of our insanely long trip with kids (10 days, one car, two car seats, eight states) to North Carolina and Georgia.

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Second--here is a reminder of the polyvore from the first set, but to save energy and time, I consolidated them into one large set.

Third--and this is just pure laziness on my part, I did NOT make any separate polyvores for the individual outfits because I really wanted to concentrate on seeing my best friend Lynn (who I was visiting in Indiana and have not seen in two years) and not on playing grown up paper dolls (although it is a great time waster when trying to avoid real work--heehee)!


So on our first day in Indiana, I knew I wanted to be casual, comfortable, and yet, somewhat dressed up. What better than an Xhiliration sundress? I always have to wear a size large in Xhiliration (it is a juniors brand), although I could have *maybe* bought a medium. Whatever, it looks fine. BTW, these sandals are not in my polyvore because I bought them in Ann Taylor Loft in Tennessee, but decided to wear them on some of the later days of the trip. These sandals have a bee critter on the strap--just like J. Crew of old--so if J. Crew won't do it, I will buy from those who do!

BTW, doesn't my friend Lynn look BEAUTIFUL? And she is all natural in this photo! (Wait till you see her all dressed and made up for her wedding--GAH! Gorgeous!


The second day I decided to finally wear this Boden top that I got for a ridiculous amount on sale. I fell in love with the pattern way back in April but held off buying and it worked to my favor. :) Yay!

The shorts are from J. Crew, years ago, like spring 2006 or something. The shoes are the Pretty Laidy wedge sandal from Aerosoles (and may be the most versatile pair of sandals I own, they go with pretty much everything...and I paid 30 bucks or something like that...crazy).

I made this pose because I was teaching Lynn how to do the "Skinny" pose. HeidiG. says that I look skinniest (and most people do) when you swivel your hips to face the side and turn your upper body to the camera. It is true...not that I can do this pose every time...but it does work to slim me down. ;)


Okay, fast forward to the next day...we went to where Lynn's wedding was going to be a day early...have to have foresight with two small kids...and while waiting for everyone to arrive on Saturday, all four of us just kind of chilled in very rural Indiana (her wedding was a "bit" off the beaten track). I wore this outfit...I have felt bad for this sleeveless sweater for some time...I bought it last summer (2008) and I have worn it maybe twice. And, look, it is citron! What's wrong with me? Well, I apologized to it by wearing it the whole day before the wedding started! It is cashmere, but that real lightweight summerweight knit that they do so well...


You remember this dress? The one that I received so many positive responses to? Well, I didn't wear that one to Lynn's wedding, because I found this dress a month or so later. This Caspian blue is one of Lynn's favorite colors so I knew it was the PERFECT dress for her wedding. Don't worry, the gorgeous flamingo Delores dress will come out and play...I promise.

So this halter sangle dress is perfection...it has a tight bodice with an EXTREMELY flattering neckline plus the addition of a fairly full skirt (just in case you overeat at whatever occasion you wear it to) and pockets, you know what a sucker I am for pockets in dressy dresses! This is a size 8, btw, and by the time I wore the dress, it was a tad loose, but nothing obnoxious. (I love this dress so much that when they went on sale--I bought one in a size 6 in an olive green color...)


Here I am with the most beautiful bride ever, Lynn! And you astute ladies will notice, yep, that is a J. Crew wedding gown. :) (I wonder who encouraged her to look at jcrew.com?) If you are a potential bride-to-be, I highly recommend J. Crew...especially if you want to find a dress for under $500. BTW, my dress at my wedding was under $500 (but was not J. Crew--J. Crew was NOT doing wedding gowns back then)...and is very similar to the one Lynn picked out. I love some of the dresses for weddings that are REALLY expensive, but Lynn and I are of the same mold...why spend that much on a dress we will only wear once? (Although we have absolutely no problem with other people spending whatever they want...)

So you all know, I am making this stupid face because by the point this pic was taken, I had a few tipples of red wine...mmm...


Here is a close-up of Lynn...she looks amazing, right? Oh, and she made her necklace! (And the earrings I am wearing in the last photo...she made those, as well...so talented...)

(Maybe she will set up her very own etsy shop...think about it, Lynn...)


So now I am back to the basics. So basic, in fact, that this shot was taken at Target in Indiana. Woo-hoo! (I was going to be in the car all day, sue me...)

And now for a little injection of glamour...the Havona tank taken to casual comfort. I wore this on the last day of our vacation (we were in Pennsylvania at Fallingwater--Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic masterpiece--also the site of Rex's most insane breakdown yet--this cami stood up to a lot...therefore I can say if you are a mom...you can purchase it). I bought it in a size 8, and although a bit loose, it isn't too bad...whereas my lack of makeup? Slightly bad...but I will plead my case...I had just finished trying to stop Rex's meltdown (it didn't work)...

Okay, folks, that's it! Phew. I hope this was more fun for you to read than for me to create...I think I am done with the REALLY LONG posts for a little while. I am tired...