Ireland: The Outfits!

Today's post will be *so much* shorter than yesterday's monster post of visual imagery of the beautiful countryside, my kids, my friends, and lots of crazy frivolity.  Today is all about the outfits.

I have recently joined pinterest, and I noticed that before I pinned my own outfits, my blog's photos were being pinned here and there, and quite a few of them are outfit of the day photos, which is awesome.  :-)  So I delved a little further and discovered that my polyvore sets were really popular on pinterest, and of all my polyvore sets, the packing sets are the most popular.  Well, okay then, if that's what the people want, I'll provide.  So at the end of the post I will include a polyvore set I've entitled "Ireland Packing Polyvore" for anyone who wants to pin it for any future packing ideas they need.

I will keep the comments brief, letting the outfits speak for themselves, but if I have something to say, I'll definitely mention it...

On my right is the lovely Avril, who wrote up our night out in Belfast here at this blog post.

Even though Belfast was on our second full day in Ireland, I wanted to publish this outfit first since it is a look that I don't normally wear, and I was glad I had challenged myself to try it out.  And because great minds think alike, I love that Avril wore almost the same outfit.  ;-)

This look is from my first full day in Ireland, when we enjoyed all the sights of Dublin.

Wore this ensemble to Giant's Causeway.  I knew there would be a lot of trekking, but also a lot of driving, so I wanted something that would do well in both circumstances.  I *may* have switched to my uber comfy Pure Collection tie-waisted trousers for the ride down to Kilkenney (that is a whole lot of Ireland between the two), but I honestly can't remember.  I have to drive, btw, since I have experience driving on the left hand side of the road and Mr. Dina doesn't.  You would think that by now, and with all the traveling we do together, he would have learned, but nope, he makes me take the wheel in any country who drives opposite us here in the States.  (Since I hate driving, I figure that means I will just have less of it to do in general if that's his plan, lol.)

Worn to trek all over Kilkenny on our third full day in Ireland.

The last photo shows the effect of too much mead on a good woman's soul.  :-)  This was our fourth full day in Ireland, and was from when we were at Bunratty.

There was a fifth full day of traveling, but that was the day that Mr. Dina was very ill, so we didn't do much beyond checking out of Bunratty and driving to Dublin.  Then the kids and I went to dinner, without Mr. Dina.  If I recall, I wore the comfy Boden leggings with the Boden sweater.

Ireland Packing Polyvore by dinagideon featuring wrap boots

I feel like I chose well for this trip.  The boots may seem a big extravagance when airlines limit just how much luggage a family can take, but with all of my undergarments, tights, and socks packed into them, there was plenty of room left over.  I don't regret bringing any of these items, and as you can see from the right hand side, many of the items were worn multiple times.  The items on the left packed well and didn't wrinkle, so I can highly recommend any sort of item like that for any packing you may have like this in the future.  Because it was Ireland in the early spring, I made sure to pack woolen items for warmth and layering, but also packed a lightweight down coat to ensure that it wouldn't weigh me (or my luggage) down, but still keep me warm, AND not wrinkle.  Surprisingly I needed the sunglasses nearly daily, not a drop of rain fell while we were there.  It was pretty stunning how bright Ireland was!

Okay, that's it for now.  Thank you all for your sweet comments over the last few posts.  My darling Angus is really sick with the stomach flu, and just on the mend, so most of my time over the past day has been to tending him, but I definitely have plans to go back and comment to all of your nice thoughts! 

Pure Collection/Lands' End Sales!

Pure Collection had started their big fall/winter sale last month, but since things got crazy 'round these parts, I wasn't able to spend much time on it, other than publishing a few of my picks from the sale at this post (it also includes some of my favorites from Lands' End and Boden).

I read this morning that Pure had further reduced some of their items, so I thought I would go have a snoop around and if there were any truly excellent deals, I thought I would publish them here.  (There definitely are, btw.)

I have a free ship code, btw, it is AW12RY, and it makes enough of a difference that I figured you all would appreciate it.  The code does expire on January 13, so take note so that you don't miss out.

Best Deals:

Wool Crepe Woven T-Shirt. This one was a pick from my last Pure post, but now this one is $20, all colors. It is officially the least expensive thing in the sale. Wow. If you were eyeing it, this price, along with free ship, really can't be beat.

Lace Shell top. I love this, and kept salivating over it, but now that it is $39, I couldn't say no anymore. I can't imagine I am alone in my feeling. Right?  Someone else out there must be all in love with the lace shell top, too!

Regent Bowling Bag. I have my aubergine bag that I saved up for-freaking ever, but if you want a similar hued bag that is just as lovely and made just as well, this might be the cheapest way to get one. It was originally $398, and it is now an astounding $119. That is insane. Like the woven t-shirt above, I think they have decided to sell some of these items at cost.

Savile Handbag. This is such a pretty, classic, structured bag. Full price at $348, it seems reasonable. At $138 (tan) and $139 (black), we have a contender for best priced bag ever. Well, except for the Regent Bowling bag above, of course. :)

Here is a direct link to Pure Collection for those of you on a mobile device.


Lands' End always has great deals, simply because they are well-priced to begin with...but right now they are offering 30% off with free ship on any orders totaling $75 or more.  I do have plans to grab some Lands' End tights (they are wonderful!) along with some kids items (they have Rex's uniform items, thank goodness).  This sale ends in five days, on January 15 (if I am doing the math right).

The link to the sale is below for those of you on a mobile device.

Blakeley Riding Boots. It is no secret I am a fan of these boots, especially the lovely hazelnut color. I last wore them here. I got mine on super sale, and I think I did well, since there full price seems decent for what you receive.

I am sure I have more that I would recommend from Lands' End, but I am running out of time to complete this post, so I will hopefully have some more picks before the promo ends.  

If you all have any picks from either line, do let us know!  Thank you!  And enjoy your (sale) shopping... :)

OOTD: Hotchpotch, Blakeley, and a Toggle Coat.

Happy Friday night, all!

I saw that today came and went and no Spring 2013 new arrivals at Boden, but I am sure that they will be coming soon.  The new arrivals always have been dropped on Fridays in the past, but this past year or so has been a bit different overall over in Boden-land, so I am not 100% surprised that the new arrivals didn't drop today.

Anyhow, I have been trying to find my way back to normal after a nice week and a half off of school runs and errands, etc.  It's been fine, but as you all have seen here on my blog over the past five months, the dinagideon household is in constant motion.  ;)

On New Year's Day we headed out to Bethesda as a family to grab some sushi and allow Mr. Dina to grab his comics from his favorite comic shop for 20% off (they have that sale twice a year--like all of us clothing aficionados, the comic aficionados have their "OMG, must buy all my comics TODAY" moments, too). 

I needed to be warm since it was definitely frigid that day, but because I was feeling a bit lazy, I also knew I wanted something easy to put on and something easy and comfortable to wear.  I also wanted to grab something old from my closet that I hadn't worn for a while, which seems contradictory for the start of a new year, but, eh, it's been so long since I wore this dress that it *felt* new.

Dress was last seen here (way way back when).  I definitely prefer this styling to my initial styling.  I think this dress is too short for me to wear with heels, but we all learn from our past, it's trying to remember it in the future that's hard.

The Blakeley Riding Boots are so great.  I am beyond thrilled that I decided to give these lighter colored boots a chance.  I am trying to wear them as much as possible before our warm spring comes, since that usually means I put away boots in off-season storage.

This stadium cloth toggle coat is from the winter of 2007.  I didn't buy it back when it was available, since I had a few extra pounds on me from Rex's pregnancy and birth, and then when I decided I needed a navy coat, it was all gone.  So I bought the double cloth Carlin coat in navy instead.  And then I got bored of that one (plus the collar wasn't working for me), so I sold it.  Last winter I needed no new coats (warm winter plus Angus pregnancy--no thank you to outerwear), so I didn't even bother looking for a replacement navy coat.

And then I saw it--the toggle coat in navy--and for a decent price.  I bit, and haven't looked back.  It is much better on my frame than the Carlin AND it is super warm.  This is a size 6, so true to size (just in case you want to find one for yourself).  It also came in yellow as you can see on the lovely Vanessa here in this shot from the Scotland catalog.

The only thing about these toggles is that they do all have to be done up or not done up at all.  If only one or two are buttoned, it looks silly (even if you can't really tell from the previous photo).

Anyhow, that's it for the night.  Really should hit the hay asap.

Tell me, though...what old item in your closet are you looking forward to wearing?  Is it truly old (sitting in your closet for way too long) or is it "new" old (old but new to you)?

Have a great evening, all!

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.  ;)

Winter Wardrobe: Day Four and Day Five.

Hi, everyone!  :)  I hope everyone is having a fab weekend.  I am recovering from my week of teaching the girls.  It is ridiculous that I need to recover, but by Friday I could tell my pregnant body was not taking the constant up and down and running around as well as I had hoped.  I think it would have been easier had I, upon returning home, not had young kids to take care of, but I know that is what I signed up for.  LOL.  Mr. Dina has been great, though, letting me sleep more and in general just allowing me to take my time and relax.  (Yay!)

Okay, so I totally am smooshing day four and five together, but for a good reason.  One, I don't want to bother with two posts and two, I sort of was disappointed by day four's look, so I want to start with a more positive note, which is my look for day five.

My day four look appears okay in the photos, but trust me when I say it wasn't exactly pregnancy friendly.  By the end of the day I was actually in pain.  I suffered for fashion.  Chortle.

Day five was far more pregnant friendly AND it was high fashion enough and comfortable enough to allow me to make it through the crazy that runway day entails.

So we will start there, okay?

I totally love this look.  It isn't necessarily "me," but the elements came together to become a definite "me" look.  The dress is the stunning Stella Dress, which I did a review of here (and if you use in conjunction with my current sidebar coupon you can get sent to you with free ship--no 15% off sale items, but free ship and returns nonetheless).  I was super glad that I had this dress in the house because the dress I had intended to wear, the Anthropologie Flickering Slip Dress did not do up at the bustline.  Turns out Gus riding so high has messed up the measurement of my underbust, so instead of that being my smallest measurement, it is now an inch bigger and means that the baby doll frocks won't work until he decides to "drop."  I am stoked that it fit over the belly, but if I can't do the zipper all the way up, it ain't happening for school.  ;)  Next year, though, you had better believe I am going to wear it.

The boots are the Charley Shearling Wedge boots.  Really, these are sort of insane for me to own, but the unusual look combined with wedge heels and the added warmth of shearling drew me in.  The 30% off deal I got when purchasing them also helped, to be honest.  Worth it at the 30% off, not so much at the full price.  Those of you who read this blog post know that I had initial issues doing up the back of the boot (where the zipper is).  I am glad to report that after wearing them multiple hours on Friday, they do up perfectly, and have stretched exactly to the right size.

The necklace is a Diana P. original.  I reviewed the handmade piece in this blog post.  The colors worked exactly right with the dress.

Dress is a size 8, one up from my typical Boden "stretchy" dresses sizing.  This is a Limited Edition piece and I have noticed that vanity sizing is non-existent in this line.

The boots are a size 9.5, which is my exact size in J. Crew shoes.  Remember if you need extended calves on your boots, these will probably not work for you unless you take them to a cobbler and have him or her stretch the calves for you.

Closer look at the boots.  The bit of ankle wrinkling only happened here.  When I wear them with leggings or skinny jeans or tights, this doesn't happen.  Weird, right?  It doesn't look bad to me, it almost seems intentionally worn that way. 

I rarely wear boots with dresses, but I am glad I did that day.  The boots held up well, looked chic, and were pretty darn comfortable.  I also loved being able to pet the suede of the boot.  Super soft.

Winter Wardrobe: Day Five. by dinagideon featuring wedge heels

Above is the polyvore of this outfit.

Now onto the fashion folly of the fertile.

At this point of the day, the outfit felt okay.  The pieces fit okay (not great, but bear in mind this is non-maternity, just like the stella dress)...but by the end of the day I was feeling every inch of this outfit.  It was wearing this outfit that convinced me that unless it is a non-maternity piece that is flowy (like the Stella dress), I need to shelve it and just bring on all the maternity pieces I own.  (I am 28 weeks, not a bad idea at this point.  LOL.)

Dress: J. Crew Factory Madeline Dress in hot pink.  This was a wonderful dress in fall 2008 that the factory stores replicated in 2009.  I was super-excited to find it at Mint Condition, our local consignment shop.  I also am psyched because if it fits at 7 months pregnant in a size 8, it will for sure fit at not pregnant.  ;)

Shoes: J. Crew Coralie Patterned Heels.  Um, ow.  Ow.  By the end of the day not only did the dress feel wrong, but these shoes WERE KILLING me.  They are a 9.5 and fit, but the toe box is not especially pliant, so I have a feeling others probably have the same experience.  Misery loves company.  ;)

Turtleneck: J. Crew Tissue Turtleneck, Size Medium (few years old version).  Best part of the outfit, hands down.

Tights: Assets, Size 3.  Also fairly comfortable.

Front view.  I look forward to trying this look next winter.  It is really pretty on, especially with the heels...just not right now, ya know?

The ruffles on this dress are awesome.  The factory recently re-issued this and called it the Emeline dress.  I own that in the heather elm color, but in the size 6.  The size 6 fit in early pregnancy, but honestly, I look forward to wearing this with a much smaller waistline.  The last time I wore the Emeline, I did the same thing, black turtleneck and black tights, but with black heels.  I didn't grab photos that day.

Winter Wardrobe: Day Four. by dinagideon featuring mini handbags

The polyvore is above.

Okay, all that's it for my week as a fashion teacher.  It was a lot of fun, and recovery has been fantastic.  ;)

Later today or tonight I will publish a post with my picks from Boden's spring line that I hadn't noticed the first time Boden sent out their spring preview.  Lots to love!

Talk soon!