OOTD: Hibiscus Floral Birthday Muumuu Maxidress.

Before I write up the blog post, I wanted to let you all know that I looked at Boden's site a couple weeks back and saw they had put up a new affiliate program as one we could apply to, so of course I decided to go ahead and do so, thinking there still might be a chance that my blog isn't big enough to be part of their new program.  However, yesterday I received word that I was accepted, which is good news!  :-)  I see they have similar systems in place as the old program, so when the time is right I will have coupons in the sidebar, etc.  So yay!  Right now the big summer sale is going on, so the sidebar links are to that, but once the regular season starts up, I will switch them out to the coupon links. 

Now to go and dust off my Boden Weekly Review Roundup boots again.  ;-)

Day: Sunday, July 5, 2015.

Where: BBQ Birthday Party.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I bought the Hibiscus Floral Maxidress from J. Crew in November (so well after I could reasonably wear it outside) for a very good price.  Initially my thought was to take it and use all the yardage for something, maybe a shorter dress for myself and a dress for CW.  But then I tried it on back in May and asked all my Instagram friends if I should keep it as is, and most said to not cut into it and wear it as is.  So I did, and I am glad I did.  I *might* bring the straps up a touch since they run low and I know they are meant to hit higher, but otherwise, I love the fit, length, etc.

Outfit Details:  Dress, J. Crew; Necklace, J. Crew; Sandals, (can't see them, but I am wearing them, lol) Target here; Sunglasses, Anthropologie.

Anecdote of the Day:  It was a very yucky 4th here in the MD/DC/VA area.  All muggy, humid, buggy, and a bit rainy.  I was worried for the 5th, but upon waking I saw all the pretty skies and less awful weather, and breathed a sigh of relief.  Most of my friends and family were able to make it, and it was a great time.  Just perfection.  I even was able to share blowing out my candles with two girls who have their birthdays right near mine or on mine. 

Sadly, my great aunt passed away later that day (we were expecting it, though, unfortunately), and she was more like a grandmother to me than a great aunt.  She *is* the reason I love bright colors and prints, since she was the one who insisted I stop wearing so many drab colors back when I was nineteen.  Her funeral is this weekend in CA, so I will be heading that way on Thursday to say goodbye to her.  :-(

INSTAGRAM of the outfit HERE.

Okay, that's it for now.  Hope your Tuesday is amazing!

J. Crew Review: Ink Dip Popover, Corduroy Shorts, and Abstract Floral Scarf.

You all...I actually wore part of this outfit today.  I know for the more savvy outfit of the day bloggers, this likely happens on the day of the actual outfit being worn, but I haven't been that good about it since, oh, about the very beginning of this blog (way back in '09!).

However, I have been good about putting the outfits up every day over at my Facebook page, so definitely check it out if you prefer more real-time posting of ootds.

Anyhow, I decided I would just go for it and publish the outfit because it is review day over at J. Crew Aficionada, and I wanted to make sure I could have this post ready before the day ends, so my JCA friends could have a look at three J. Crew pieces, especially since two of them are on sale.

Onto the reviews and then the actual outfit worn:

Ink Dip Popover, Neon Persimmon, Size 4.
Corduroy Shorts, Pale Turquoise, Size 10 8 (just checked--oops!).
Abstract Floral Scarf, In Store Only (as far as I can tell).

I am planning on clipping this image for polyvore because the scarf has no image on line and I really want to make these outfits into polyvore sets.  :)

When I tried this outfit on in the store (all three of the pieces reviewed where bought at a real store), I wasn't sure if I could get away with the scarf and the shorts and the shirt, but I kind of ended up digging it.  I know not everyone would go all nuts for the bright on bright on floral, but I figured since color is my thing, I should just go for it and stop over-analyzing it.

The scarf is really beautiful IRL.  I really want the skirt but figure that it will go on sale...and I can't even wear it right now since it is a bazillion degrees outside.  Heck, I was even beginning to overheat in this ensemble, and it was only 80 or so when I put this on.

The scarf is wool and very lightweight, but very long and full (many tying possibilities).

I am surprised this scarf is a fall item, but since I wore this outfit last fall, I clearly don't care if my seasons don't really line up.

Info on the pieces in this photo.  I plan to wear this outfit, as it looks here, but in the early fall, when our highs top out at 70 or so.  I sort of feel like this is a "California cool" fall look (but can also be worn in spring, more appropriately, too, lol).

Detail of the color of the top and the scarf.  This is a fairly true representation of the hues, although the top is a bit brighter.

The ink dip popover is really a great item to have in the closet.  It is really light cotton, which is fab if you live in a humid area, since it can keep you nice and cool.  The top can be dressed up for fall and winter and spring, though, with longer pants and skirts, and with a jacket over top.

I was able to nurse easily enough by undoing all the buttons, so if you are a nursing momma, big thumbs up.

The sleeves are nice and long, but I preferred them rolled up today (it got to the mid-90s).  Warning...this does wrinkle easily, so bear that in mind.

This fits true to size for my J. Crew perfect shirt size, so if you know that, you will know what size to get.

This top's color is NOT timid.  It is quite bright, but if you dig neon, this will be right up your alley.

This is my 90 degree version of the outfit.  I added the Sperry boat shoes (got them at the Catholic school uniform shop!) to tone down the look (like what I did in the 70 degree outfit by adding the light colored Greta suede wedges).

The shorts are really well made, a nice cord fabric, and my favorite part, a very subtle elastic waistband in back.

These shorts remind me a lot of shorts my Opi (grandpa in German) and Uncle Tom wore to take us surfing in California when I was a kid (yes, I learned how to surf as a little girl).  So I wear this outfit with some sentiment.  ;)

I always buy size 10 in J. Crew shorter shorts, I need the extra bit at the waistband so I can pull the shorts lower so the inseam isn't so super short. (So it turns out I didn't buy a size 10...must be the elastic waistband that allowed me to pull it a bit lower.)  I wish J. Crew had longer inseams on their novelty shorts, wouldn't that be wonderful, tall ladies?

Okay, that's all.  If any of you have a review of any of these items, would you mind dropping them in the comments?

Have a great Tuesday!

OOTD: Bright Orange Madewell and the Os.

We are a split decision family here in our house, but only during any Nats vs. Orioles games.  (When they play each other it is called the Battle of the Beltways, although we could call it Momma against everyone else.)

So why would I, a native of Northern Virginia be adamant in rooting for the Orioles over the Nationals, when the Nationals are our "home" team?

Well, if you know anything about baseball, DC did not have a team for many years between the 70s and the early 00s.  We had a football team, a basketball team, and even a hockey team, yet no baseball.

We had exactly one team we could root for and they were not so conveniently located an hour north in Baltimore (well it was an hour in 1997, the last time we went to B'more--for this Rush concert--it took us 2.5 hours to get there).  It didn't matter...if you were a fan of the boys of summer (fave Don Henley song, btw), you needed to head up 95/295 to see them playing in Charm City.  My fave boy of summer was always BJ Surhoff (showing my age there, lol).

One day my hubby came home and announced that Montreal was losing their team and they were coming to DC.  I was stoked but also a bit bewildered.  Would I forget my team?  Would I not root for them any longer?

Well, in most cases, yes, I do root for the new home team of the Nationals, but like most folks who grew up between Richmond and Baltimore in the 70s, 80s and 90s, when the Os play the Nats, the Os win out purely because of nostalgia.

They play each other a few times a year and I always pull out my Os hat and don some bright orange to let the world know my allegiance.  My hubby tolerates it, but only because I let him dress the kids up in Nationals gear.  (He did not grow up here.  Which I have no problem reminding him when he gets lost on his way anywhere in this area without me--the streets here are "challenging" to put it mildly.)

We were stopped a lot by folks, mainly other Os fans giving me a thumbs up and asking why the baby on my chest had a Nats cap on...it was fun, and it was nice to have a heated "frivolous" rivalry in the house.

My beloved Orioles?  They lost.  Sigh.  (Yeah, Mr. Dina, Rex, CW, and even darling Angus totally rubbed it in my face.)

I was not super heartbroken, though, had it been any other team going against the Nats I would have been cheerful at the win. 

I was inspired to wear this outfit not only because the shorts are the exact right shade of orange, but also because Madewell sent out an e-mail with items from the beach shack a while ago that paired these shorts with a hot pink top.  I so loved the look that I immediately purchased the shorts along with a bright pink v-neck that was on sale (the one in the e-mail was too pricey).

I plan to show off that image in my inspired by Madewell post that is upcoming, but until then, I will give you all a sneak peek at the bottom of this post.

Sunglasses: Anthropologie Gramercy Shades.
Tee: Madewell V-Neck Pocket Tee.
Shorts: Madewell Seashell Eyelet Shorts, size medium. (They fit true to size.)
Scarf: Anthropologie Noon Glow Loop.
Shoes: Bensimon with Liberty Fabric.

My hubby really likes me in braided pigtails.  I sort of thought he would outgrow that, you know seeing as I am no longer 18, but every time I wear them, he says, "I love you in pigtails."  Whatever.  :)

The wacky bird is the best mascot, btw.  It is rare to see actual orioles in these parts, so if I ever saw one in real life, I would probably be surprised that it isn't a big fat black bird with a grinning orange beak.  :)

This was Angus's second game as a Nats fan, and because he faced outward, he definitely was a favorite of many of the people at the game.  I think my favorite part is his fisherman sandals, so cute!

This was the image I was inspired by.  I also have the red sunglasses, again because it was less expensive than the ones I had been eyeing at J. Crew (a near $75 difference, btw!).

Okay that's it!

Do you have any family fun rivalries?  It could be anything...political, tv shows, etc.  Do tell!

ROYGBIV: Orange. Doesn't Rhyme with Anything.

Well, I guess I could technically have put in half of the outfits from the last ROYGBIV post because really what is the color modern red? Truly looks red in the near dark, but in actual light is a really good friend of orange. Probably best described as a "RORANGE" kind of color, little red, little orange. Whatever, I still love it, they could call it poopy doo creamsicle and I would still wear it.

I have two outfits for this post, but I already published one of them, so I will just link back to that post rather than re-posting.  *Because I am lazy.*

The photo has the info, but I will mention some bits about the pieces.

The sweater was really popular in blog land, but I seemed to keep missing it at its really good sale price, and since I knew other people were getting it for almost half off of the original price made me irritable (or it could have been the end of the pregnancy hormones which was when I bought it), I chose to wait until it was the price I knew I could have it at.  Of course I had to wait for a popback, but one morning, very early, I found the boatneck popover in my size and in the orange (TRUE orange) color.  Yay for patience and a being just a little bit crazy.

The rest of the outfit is old, old, old.  Just in case you all didn't realize it, I actually re-wear a ton of my clothes.  It may seem that I have new pretty shiny things all the time, but that is because I just like to show off the new and pretty.  :)  In fact, I rarely buy new pants or shorts.  Eh, just can't feel the love for most of those because most of those just give me sadness...when you can't fit into pants because your thighs are too big, it sort of makes wanting to get new pairs in favor of your old not really a great idea.  Dresses?  Tops?  They seem to fit fine, so I get more of those. 

Okay, rant done.  Don't know why I felt I needed to talk about it, I just did.  Do you have any piece of clothing that gives you sadness because you find it hard to work on your body?  I am really curious.  I sometimes feel alone in my frustration with my body.  Probably because I spend most of my time talking to my husband (he who is super thin and can wear anything) and my toddlers (they don't care if something doesn't fit, always amazes me).  Also do you buy certain types of clothes because they always seem to fit, regardless of other issues you may have with the rest of your body?

That necklace, the scattered glass necklace, is easily my most worn piece of jewelry.  LOVE.  J. Crew should remake that necklace for those of you who missed out on it initially.

I don't think I would ever do a pixie cut, but I am not overwhelmingly disgusted by my face with a short look.  (There is a bun in the back...was a preschool run day, so it made my life easier to have it up.)

End of the preschool run.  My hair and my sweater were still in decent shape.  The jeans were about to fall off, but they stretch out a LOT.  I love them, but I think I need to go to my non-postpartum pair (I have them in size 30, too, these 32s are for after I have the bebes).

This was the first time I had let Gus ride forward in the Bjorn, he loved it.  Mr. Dina says that it looks like he is a vestigial appendage of mine, like a third arm or an extra finger.  LOL.  I guess.  (Such a freaking weirdo, that's my hubby!)

Mr. Roy G. Biv presents Orange. by dinagideon featuring j crew handbags

Above is the polyvore of this outfit.

Okay, so this post has the other orange outfit.  That said, it did have an indigo piece, so I would have still been confused on which post to include it in, so I guess it is good I published it early so I wouldn't break my brain.  ;)

You all have a great day.  Talk with you soon!

The Blue Cardigan Times Two.

Happy end of the weekend, you all!

Right before Angus was born, I was able to go to the Fair Oaks J. Crew and spend some alone time just enjoying shopping with no kids around (well, sort of, lol, Gus *was* there).  I had seen the space dyed cardigan on line in the gorgeous blue/purple hue and although I wasn't sure it was me, it was always in the back of my head to look for it when out and about.  Well, I lucked out because it was at the Fair Oaks store, in my size, and on sale.  Yes, it was my "I am about to have a kid" present to myself.  And since he's a boy, the blue was perfect.  ;)

I wore it a few times postpartum around the house but the above outfit was its first official outing, to CW's dance class (if my memory serves me, it's been a few weeks since I wore it).

All the info on the pieces of the outfit are in the photo.  My favorite part of this outfit is my hair and the bag, which is a freebie from Clinique (Milly/Clinique often partner to create these giveaway bags and I like to use them as clutches).

The top has a ditzy floral pattern, the cardigan has the slight stripe to it, and the bag is a larger floral, but since the color scheme is similar the patterns ended up "going" together.

Later that night, we went to Potomac Mills as a family, and because (you all are gonna love this) my belly started to hurt, I switched from my tighter fitting cords to a much nicer looser fitting pair of loft pants in a cotton sateen.  God bless the roomier fit of Loft pants!

I wore the crewcuts top because Girlfriend (nickname for CW) said she wanted to match momma.  Since I know she won't be up for this much longer, I will just go with it for now. 

I made this face as Angus was staring at me (I was doing peekaboo or some such), and of course Mr. Dina was snapping the photo at the same moment.  Whatever.  It just shows that I can do other faces besides *smile* *half-smile* and *look pensive*. 

The sandals are a new Madewell purchase, the Crisscross Boardwalk Sandal.  I took a size 9 (they only have half sizes).  I really like the look and found them to be very comfortable for walking.  The ankle strap is a bit of a bugger, but only because I am not of fan of bending over and fiddling with buckles and such.  But the sandals are worth the extra effort.

BTW, CW's jacket is vintage Levi's from the 70s, this one was owned by Mr. Dina's sister.  Rex owns the one that Mr. Dina wore.

Okay that's it.  :)  I anticipate working on the Boden sale post soon (the extra 30% off select spring styles that I mentioned in the last post) and some other ootd posts.  One day I will eventually be back to normal posting!  One. day.

Have a great night!

Here Fishy Fishy!

Yay for fun theme days!  :)

Before I show of the "under the sea" outfits, I wanted to remind everyone (not just my Boden fanatic friends) that I am hosting a really great giveaway for some very pretty sparkly scarves from Boden.  Please enter here.  Would love to top out near 50-75 entrants, if possible!

Okay, so this first outfit includes the very popular "school of fish" skirt from J. Crew back in 2006...I spent far too much on ebay for this (ugh), but when I received it, I saw that this skirt is so unique and special, it was okay to make this one of my only ebay splurges.  (I usually try to do bargain hunting on ebay, only treasured items am I willing to pay more for.)  The second outfit is a mix of Anthro and J. Crew and includes a pretty aqua and coral print top and cute little starfish earrings.

The skirt is a size 6, which is fine, but I would have preferred the 8, but c'est la vie...it fits and looks decent.  Plus that adorable print?  Agh!  Love it!

The tee is awesome.  I have literally worn it over and over and over since I bought it back in the winter of 2007.  In fact I wear it so much that I bought the silver/grey version from ebay for $7, I really do find these neutral striped tops go with so many of my printed skirts and pants.

The necklace is the sparkle flower necklace, perfect little bit of bling, not too much, but just enough to add interest to the neckline.

I decided to wear it with the most comfy platform sandals, from Aerosoles a few years ago.

I was teaching the book "Swimmy" at school and really loved the message of "together we are stronger."  This skirt is a very nice little visual reminder of that.  :)

From behind.  I would love to have this skirt in a navy version, too, just like there is a navy version of this print in a dress.

Here Fishy Fishy! by dinagideon featuring clutch handbags

Above is the polyvore of this outfit.

I wore this outfit on the day we were driving from GA to southern VA.  (This was way back in late July, btw.)  I love this Coil Flower Tank from Anthropologie.  It doesn't really read floral, in fact I see the gorgeous red corals of the seabed, but whatever.  The shorts are J. Crew from a few years back, as are the cherry blossom lucaya espadrilles.  The earrings are not Elsa Peretti as are shown in the polyvore, but rather from Stella and Dot.  I found this outfit perfection for driving all day long.  Very comfortable and kept me cool (very important)!

Do you all see coral or florals?  LOL.  You can also see the earrings a bit closer here, as well.

Starfish and Corals. by dinagideon featuring a floral tank

Above is the polyvore of this outfit!

Okay, all, have a great Friday.

Oh, and although this is a fun "under the sea" day, I really truly hope that we don't end up "under water" with this ridiculous storm heading our way!  ;)

dinagideon only looks likes she rides horses...

One of my favorite labels I use on this blog is called "dinagideon only looks like she rides horses." :) Living in Virginia, it is definitely respectable to have the "horsey" look. LOL.

I don't do it often, but when I do, it just works. (Which is definitely not the case when I try the Elaine Benis look, so sad...)

The first look I wore on one of my preschool runs, and the second is a look wore one weekend day about a month ago. The second look is more edgy "dinagideon only looks like she rides horses," whereas the first definitely has The Plains, VA written all over it.

Jacket: J. Crew Outlet (Factory), Herringbone Ecole with button (rather than hook/eye closure like the original), size 6, bright orange.  Love this jacket, and don't know why I haven't brought it out to play more...
Top: J. Crew, Watercolor Floral Rosette Top, Size 4 (?).  Bought from a fab JCA and I haven't looked back.  Hadn't thought of putting it with orange, but it worked out well, so I will definitely be doing this look again.  :)
Jeans: J. Crew, Toothpick Amore Wash Jeans, Size 30 (I think...they are upstairs and I don't want to look, kinda lazy...). 
Boots: J. Crew, Britten Tall Flat Boots, Brownstone, Size 9.5.  I also own these in a size 10 (again, fab JCA sale), but in the short flat.  Turns out the 10 is far too big, so if you would like to buy my short version in the 10, I will sell them for $115 shipped.  Just e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com.  I am glad the tall version worked out, I LOVE the style of these boots.  :)  Very equestrian...

Love that CW chose to pose with me that day.  She really got into it (wait till you see the next two)...

CW shows how she can smile R-E-A-L BIG!

And I can show how the jacket looks opened.  Woo.

And a final kick.  Squee!

Edgy Horsey... by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

Above is the polyvore of my second "I love to ride" outfits...

Jacket: Herringbone Sweater Jacket, Anthropologie, Size Small.  I LOVED this in the Anthro catalog ALL the way back in August.  The darn jacket NEVER seemed to go on sale.  And then it did.  Oh, and the catalog image of this jacket?  Yeah, the model is totally riding horses.  Teehee.
Top: Glimmer Mist Tissue Tee, J. Crew Collection, Size Small.  Love that I have this lightweight, sparkly, soft tee in my closet.
Pants: Leggings, J. Crew, Size Medium.  These are fab leggings.  They are nice and long, stretchy, soft, and exceedingly comfy.  You could size down, but I am wary of sizing down due to my "horse-riding" thighs.  Ha.
Boots: Miller Short Moto Boots, Size 9.5.  Again, big fan of these and they help edge up my typical SAHM look.  Thank goodness. 
Belt: Elastic Blossoms Belt, J. Crew, Size Small. 

From the side.  I highly suggest that if you are on the fence with this jacket, and you have a shorter torso, to go for it.  I have heard the waistline is a bit high, but for me, that is no bother...helps elongate my upper body, which it desperately needs. 

Okay, that's it!  I hope you all are having a fab Sunday night.  It certainly was beautiful here in VA...perfect for horseback riding.  LOL.

P.S. I have added one element to the sidebar of my blog, which will only be there until March 11 (Friday), 2011.  I remember back when I shopped at the department stores for my cosmetics and skin care that I used to *LOVE* it when they had free giveaway bags with a purchase.  In fact, whenever I saw one, I would FIND something to buy just so I could get the gift bag.  :)  Now that I am in the business of selling skin care and cosmetics, I am trying the same thing.  It was fun putting this giveaway together, and I love seeing where my own imagination is taking me with my business.  If you would like more info on how to receive the gift bag, click on the photo of the giveaway bag contents (very top of the sidebar).  Thanks for looking!  :)

Paisley Gust Sweater Jacket. How Appropriate.

Take a VERY windy Monday, add an outfit, and you have this post.

I had been waiting for the right day to wear the Paisley Gust Sweater Jacket (that I basically got for free--check this post out for more on that), but I just hadn't gotten around to it. Then my brother offers to come over and go with me and the kids to sushi and the mall, so I decided that was a great reason to get out this gorgeous orange conconction by Moth (Anthropologie).

"Gust"-y Day! by dinagideon featuring leather flats shoes

Winds that day? Nearing gusts of 50 MPH. This sweater jacket, combined with the Molded and Melded Tee, a pair of glazed pecan cords, a cute pair of Kerrington leather ballet flats, and a super-warm Stadium cloth Winnie coat (not shown, btw)? Totally took on the ferocious front. :)

From the side.  I figure you all must know how much I adore this sweater jacket, but just in case you don't, I have provided photographic proof.  :)

Sweater Jacket is a size small.  This is a stretchy cotton blend with just the right sort of drape that can be worn multiple ways (see below photos for more on that).  The molded and melded tee (which seems to be the #1 choice of Anthro devotees this year) is a size extra-small.  The cords are a size 30 short, and the Kerrington Ballet Flats in orange (popback score for less than 40 smackers) are a size 9.5.

Paisley Gust sweater jacket opened.  You can see the moto styling best here.  I believe this came in white, as well, but I have not seen it in that color.

Full-length front.  Wish I had added a statement necklace, but I wanted to get out and about and wasn't super concerned with accessories that day.

Sweater Jacket closed.

Up later today...a three part saga on my Christmas Eve outfit.  It actually was less dramatic than I made it out to be (tears definitely included), but since it seemed big at the time, this debacle is worthy of three separate posts.  (That night, btw, is the closest to bat-sh*t crazy as I get.  LOL.)

Marseilles Floral Cami and the Liberty Tulip Mania Perfect Shirt...IRL with Shorts.

CALLING all Stylish Moms or anyone that knows a Stylish Mom! Nominees, please!!! :)

Pretty Marseilles! by dinagideon featuring j crew shoes

Above is the polyvore of the summer outfit I created for the Marseilles Floral Cami. I fell in LOVE with the print and as difficult as I found it to fit (as others did, I believe, including gigiofca who tried on the other version), the print was worth making it work (Tim Gunn, you are rubbing off on me!). I wore this when one of my fave blogggie pals, drewablank, and her sis came over to my house for a playdate (drewablank's sis has kids the. same. exact. age. as mine...awesome). It was humid and muggy that day, so the light silk of the cami was perfection!


I think this pose might draft me into the army if I am not careful. Recruiters, stay away. I am not really interested.

Sizes:
Top: Size 4. The 6 was far too big everywhere but the hips, but in the end, I wanted a slimmer silhouette and went with the 4. I am not going to lie...the cami bugs when you are trying to figure out how to get the bottom hem to lay right, but in the end if it is close enough, it is more than okay (for all you OCD people out there--I know what it's like!). P.S. I always wanted to name one of my daughters Chloe Marseilles. One of my awful ex-boyfriends made so much fun of me, I quickly lost that drive and desire. Jerk.
Shorts: Size 8. You know, the 5 inch inseam chino shorts they ALWAYS have at J. Crew...good thing they keep some of the basics around.
Shoes: Size 10. These are from Summer 2009, and I LOVE them. So pretty and sparkly.


Yes, our family has bought into the pillowpets craze. CW and Rex love their pillow pets. Really.

Sizes:
Top: Size 4. I am such a fan of the Liberty Print fabric, are any of you really surprised that I bit on this button-down? I love tulips, and this particular print is just the right size, not too big and not too little. I have tried layering this with a jackie shell (even though the jackie shell I bought is too big) and it works nicely. Will look great in the fall with the shell, a pair of jeans, cute ballet flats, and a bright lady day coat. P.S. Anyone have a charcoal jackie in a size small that they want to swap for a charcoal jackie in a size medium? Merci!
Shorts: Size 8. SO GLAD I bought the store out of all colors of the stretch summerweight bermuda shorts last year. Even though they are all a bit large on me now, I don't give a hoot. This year's bermuda shorts are a JOKE. I am *this* close to returning the orchid shadow, even though the color is sublime. They are pretty bad, no stretch, wrinkly, wonky waistband. Ugh.
Shoes: Size 9. Yummy neon flip-flops. :)

Baby CW is proof that cuteness reigns supreme. Love her version of my outfit...crewcuts elephant print top and a pair of Target bright pink shorts. She is even putting her hand on her hip. Work it!

You all have a great night. Thank you for all of your time, I am glad that I have so many awesome followers (225! Thanks, Tabitha!).

A Meh Day...(However It Was Brightened by the Sunshine Peonies Perfect Shirt and Stained Glass Drop Earrings).

You all ever had an ugh day? Or a meh day? Well that was me today. I fear I am just not gonna bring it fashion-wise today as much as I normally try to. Sigh. 'Tis life!

I feel like I did try to try to bring it today, but in the end, I was harder on myself than you all will probably be (well, maybe...)!

I am kind of feeling irritated, tired, fussy, antsy, blegh, etc. Sort of like Rex feels when he hasn't slept or eaten enough. Great, I am a three-year old toddler. Except I have great clothing. Heh.

Okay, 'nuff said! :) Onto the few bright spots of my day!

I FINALLY got the packages that had been sent from J. Crew over a week or so ago (some of my packages were almost three weeks late). I appreciate UPS, but by the time the packages came, I was kind of chomping at the bit to get them. :) They did all arrive, and in perfect condition...so BRAVO, UPS. BRAVO.

In the packages were two items that I will (quickly) review tonight for you...the Sunshine Peonies Perfect Shirt and the Stained Glass Drop Earrings. For perspective on when I wore them (not sure if that is even important, but still), the Sunshine Peonies was worn at night, and the Stained Glass Drop Earrings were this morning.


Sunshine Peonies Perfect Shirt--Yes, this is the button-down sister to the much talked about Sunshine Peonies Pencil Skirt. Yes, I have pre-ordered the skirt. With as much yellow and orange as I have in my wardrobe (plus my penchant for any print that is Liberty-esque in feel--and yes, I know, know, know, am very excited by Liberty for Target), I kind of feel that this Sunshine Peonies print will be a perfect addition to my spring wardrobe (or heck, even late winter wardrobe).

I took an 8 and that is my typical perfect shirt size. I could have sized to a 6, but I like knowing that if it (God forbid) ends up in the dryer, it will still fit me nicely.

The fabric is soft and thin-ish, but most perfect shirts are a bit on the whisper weight category (better for layering, I suppose).

I wore this with the Blush Pink Sateen Blazer from last spring. The blazer didn't photograph as well as I would have liked, so I am leaving those pics out, but it is a lovely combo. It could also be paired with hot pink, all yellows, all oranges, and lighter purples.

By the way, look at Miss CW coming up from behind. Didn't even realize she had done that until I was cropping the photo. Showed Mr. Dina and we both just cracked up. :)

I guess she really likes taking photos with me...she literally came running when she saw what we were doing!


Speaking of enjoying taking photos, I hammed it up for the last photo. I felt like if I felt terrible, the least I could do was try to bolster my confidence a bit with a silly shot. It actually *sort of* worked. LOL.

Sizes:
Pants: 30 short.
Shoes: Size 10.


Okay, see these lovely earrings? (They are different from the ones I wore with the Sunshine Peonies Perfect shirt.) They are called the Stained Glass Drop Earrings and are quite lovely. Quite lovely in a long, kind of heavy, yeah, I will only wear these for a few hours at a time lovely. They fill a whole in my jewelry collection...I have a bunch of silver long earrings, but very few golden-toned long earrings. These are the metallic blush color, but come in other lovely colors, as well.

I didn't show my face because it was one of those mornings (you know, it started bad and stayed kind of bad). :)


Oh, and here is what I wore this morning. Yes, I am one of those people who wakes UP REALLY EARLY to go to the very first Ash Wednesday mass. Part of the reason I go to the early mass is because I am (typically) more of a morning person, but also because now that I have the kids (who only go to Sunday mass), I need to go to mass at the time when Mr. Dina is still at home and can care for them while I am away.

I didn't crop my head because I had ashes on my forehead (I actually am really proud of the ashes) but because I did not take one. single. photo. with my eyes OPEN. After the fourth try, I just gave up.

CW had her eyes open...fer cute!

Sizes:
Dress: Size Medium. It is by INC (Macy's brand) and gigiofca has it in yellow. Not only do we share a birthday, we share a love for pretty dresses. :)
Shoes: Size 9.5.

You all have a great night.

P.S. I am doing "things" for Lent, including doing good, and giving up things, but that is between me and God, and I am sure you all understand why I am not sharing my intentions with you! ;)

Flattering Knitted Dress (Boden)--Perfect for a Winter Party!!!

I am continuing to try and post every single day the outfit I wear so I don't end up showing off outfits from months past. Starting tomorrow (Monday), I will begin to post two outfits a day (the day's outfit plus one from the past). I should be able to catch up again completely by the end of the month.

I hope I can publish my Mid-Century Mom tonight, but I am feeling pressed with family time (which is okay, that is the best kind of overextended you can have) and with getting my latest for sale stuff together for my Cash from My Closet, so it may be tomorrow before the latest Mid-Century Mom post gets published.

Flattering Knitted Dress for a Party!!! by dinagideon featuring Forever21 accessories

The polyvore for today's outfit is above. We were heading to a party today for a little girl turning 5...but it was NASTY outside, you know, 45 degrees and raining REALLY hard. So I knew I had to put something really warm, yet festive on...and this is what I found. The Boden dress is nice and toasty. I highly recommend it. I would say go up one size from your normal size because it is a sweater dress, so I am wearing a UK 12R in it. It is kind of clingly.

Right now it is sold-out at Boden, but I have a feeling that after the holidays there may be some returns, so ladies, I am telling you...December 26 or 27, expect to see some popbacks over there. Also, an anonymous commenter pointed out that if you go to the UK site, you can still see the reviews for the products, very helpful indeed. I haven't really examined the UK site to see what is over there (the prices send me into shock...so expensive to me if you do the exchange rate), but it is worth a look. Boden has done this before...the reviews will disappear for a few weeks when the items first go on sale and then reappear!!! It is bizarre.


Dress: Boden, Flattering Knitted Dress, Navy, Size UK 12R, Fall 2009.
Tights: Merona, Tights, Grey, Size M/T (I think), Winter 2009.
Shoes: Aerosoles, Patent Flats, Grey, Size 10, ???.
Necklace: J. Crew, Sparkly Necklace, Grey with Ribbon (Retail Only), Fall 2009.

Have a nice night...talk with you all tomorrow.