OOTD/Review/Made by Me: Knotted and Beaded and Crocheted.

Day: Monday, February 16, 2015.

Where:  Star's Beads in Vienna for a class on crocheted wire beaded jewelry.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Dang boots had to be worn since it was supposed to snow up to eight inches (with it starting while I was in class), so I had to wear them for traction and safety.  The pants have a boot cut but were not super wide, so the pants got a teeny bit bunched at the top of the cuff of the boots.  Oh, well.  Could have looked worse, just wish I could have figured something else out (I was a bit time crunched, though).

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) Meh.  The sweater deserves a cute skirt and ballet flats.  On the plus side, the merino wool/cotton blend kept me warm enough.

Anecdote of the Day:  My friend, A., from high school, invited me to come with her to a class on how to make crocheted wire jewelry.  I am always willing to give something crafty a try, so I said sure.  A. LOVES making jewelry, and is really good at it, so I knew if I screwed up, she could hold my hand a bit.  I can crochet, I didn't even realize it until I was watching a knitting video and they showed the crochet stitch, and I was all, OH THAT'S SO EASY!  LOL.  For the longest time I thought crocheting was harder than knitting.  Anyhow, it was an awesome time, and I loved being able to see my friend and make something really pretty at the same time (photos are at the bottom of this post).

French Knot Sweater.  Size 6.  At least Boden's knitwear is pretty much consistently true to size.  I usually buy a size 6 and all three sweaters I have shown off this weekend (Rainbow Knit here and Tilly here) are this size.

The fit on this one is a touch more fitted, but it is meant to be.  It is not tight-feeling, even with the cami layered underneath, though.  There is a nice amount of recovery in the wool blend that it fits and hugs properly without either stretching out or feeling to constricting.

That said, I do think the fabric is a bit thin, and in the white you can see everything below, so be choosy with your undergarments.  I wore a white cami, but if I had plans to tuck it in, I would wear a nude one.  It also shows bulges from the straps, so I need to invest in a cami with bralette that is also seamless (I am sure that won't be too difficult, chortle).

The length is nice, hits at the high hips.  The sleeves are three-quarters, which on me equals just a bit below the elbow.  They are never the proper length on me.  (Darned monkey arms.)

The French knots are hand tied, from what I can tell, and are a bit delicate, but nothing major.  The consistency of the knots is off, though, see that yellow up there, OFF!  I am just persnickety enough to be slightly bothered by it, but the beta blockers I take (for migraines!) must be helping because I don't care if I can't see it.  ;-)  The rows are very straight, so I will hand it to them on the *level* (slaps knee).

I would say to be careful with the tufted underknot on the wrong side of the fabric, though, and definitely hand wash or hand wash cycle on the machine.

And lay flat to dry, of course!


French Knot Sweater.  The sizes and colors are fully stocked.  Though the 20% off knitwear and outerwear ends tonight, you would be fine to wait if you need to wait for a better deal.

20% Off Outerwear and Knitwear ends at 11:59 pm tonight:
20% Off All Knitwear, Coats, Jackets and Skiwear, Plus Free Shipping When You Spend Over $49

Crocheted Wire Necklace with Pink, Pearl, and Grey Beads.  I am just so excited by this necklace.  It was much easier to do than I thought it was going to be, and am glad I took the time to go to the class today.  I have hopes to make one again in the future.  (But with all my sewing and knitting to do, this will be lower on the totem pole.)

I chose the colors of ivory/grey/pink to match the dress you all saw on Valentine's Day over at Fabric Mart's blog.  My friend, A., had most of these beads in her bead stash (I only bought the smoky grey ones, example of one is front center).

Okay, that's all for now!  Have a great night! 

Review: Merino Strata Cardigan Plus Some SAHM Outfits...

Hi, all! I am going from all sparkly to all plain Jane with this post's outfits. :) LOL. No, no, not plain Jane, just a whole lot less "special."

There has been some talk about the Merino Strata Cardigan from J. Crew, and since I own it and have worn it, I figured a review was in order. In addition, I am showing three recent stay at home mom outfits, including today's which features the strata cardigan.

SAHM: A Little Bit of Roar... by dinagideon featuring cluster jewelry

Above is the polyvore of the outfit I wore today. All today had on tap was a visit to the mall to return the Lisette Lace Shift dress (it's SHORT!--maybe on super sale--but not at the price I got it--even if it included 25% off), and to do a price adjustment on the Lisette Lace Shell (which I bought on Monday night at fp, minus the educator discount--now it is $59.99!). I won't even bother talking about going to J. Crew except to say that Sofia who works at Pentagon City is really, really sweet to my very terribly behaved children (CW!).

This is a close-up of the top half of the outfit.

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Extra-Small.  I really do love this cardigan.  I know it has received some negative reviews out there, but I find it quite feminine and flattering.  I couldn't wear the Maya cardigan, though, made me look really thick in the waist, so maybe the people who don't like this cardi are the ones who wore the Maya well.  The ruffling is higher than the Maya, so maybe I should be cinching higher when looking to flatter my upper body.  The pose I am doing shows how the buttons work, they are actually snaps that can gape when you pull out from the pose, as I am doing here with my hand on the hip.  That said, you really can't see the gaping from the front or the other side, so as long as you have a tank on under, you should be fine.

Love the seaweed color.  Just the right shade of green/blue.

The merino is nice, as well, similar to other merino cardigans I have from J. Crew.

Top: I have reviewed this already...go to this post for more info.

Here is the outfit on me, full length.  I think these jeans are so comfy, but honestly, I need to retire a few pairs that are just too baggy and saggy.  Comfort for me comes when I wear a size too big in my pants, but it looks terrible in photos.  Sigh.  I guess that is why I like the Minnies so much...they are fitted, but so very comfortable.

Close up of my jewelry and the color of the cardigan.

The jewelry is the Northern Lights necklace (which I know FFM LOVES!) and the factory cluster earrings.  There is a reason FFM loves this necklace...it is classic, beautiful, sparkly, and just the right amount of bling for a multitude of outfits.  Definitely can be dressed up or dressed down.  The earrings are seriously one of my TOP ten pieces of jewelry from J. Crew...and they are from the factory!!!  These are well-made and for those of you lacking silver-toned bling in your wardrobe, these little earrings might suit all your pewter dangly needs.

About a week ago it was NASTY and cold and rainy outside, and I figured this gingham sundrine flannel shirtdress would fit the bill in keeping me warm, and comfy cozy.  Adding the tights and booties helped me keep my figure from being all chopped up (I know the leggings look in my review post wasn't super-flattering--LOL).

This is the ultimate SAHM outfit.  The flannel cleans easily and the softness is nice for the kids when they want to snuggle with you (CW loves being carried--all 31 pounds of her--yikes).

Speaking of CW--SO CUTE, and BIG.  Remember when she was this small?

This is a SAHM outfit that Mr. Dina loved...he said I reminded him of a colorful, sassy, preppy girl.  That is his favorite kind of girl, I think.  :)

The jacket is an ebay win from a few weeks ago.  It is from Fall 2006, with wool from Robert Noble of Scotland (the Fiona has the same kind of wool).  The details on this jacket are pretty remarkable...they include a tie-repp lining under the collar (for popping!), an embroidered crest-looking thing on the interior of the placket, leather buttons, an adjustable waist, and contrast lining.  I think this may be a 6, but there was no tag, it had been cut out.  The shirt is the Liberty floral daze perfect shirt from last summer.  I purchased this in a size 4.  It is a lot of color, so I decided that the dark pewter Jackie shell would be the perfect solution to blinding all those who saw me that day.  I bough the Jackie shell in an x-small.  The jeans are another comfy pair (read: over-sized).  They look a bit less baggy because they are straight-legged, but still, I think retirement may be around the corner for these Levi's.  The shoes are some rain shoes from Mod Cloth.

Close-up of the upper half of the outfit.  Sorry about the blurriness.  I love my hair like this.  I wish it looked like this EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  I didn't even try to get it to look like this...just the perfect combo of brushing, shampooing,and great weather (no humidity).

Have a great Friday afternoon.  You all stop working as early as you can, whatever your work may be...SAHM, pilot, Army General, whatever.

CW's Stella and Dot Children's Jewelry Party is Starting TODAY!

Hi, everyone! I am so excited to share with you an opportunity to celebrate CW's 2nd birthday by joining us in a week long Children's Jewelry Party with Stella and Dot!

CW is such a girly-girl, but sadly has very few baubles to show for it. I find that we get her all the sweet little dresses and shoes and hair bands but we completely neglect her jewels. LOL. I know that she doesn't really need jewelry, but then I saw what my great bloggie friend, Rachel had on offer with her SAHM business, Stella and Dot. How did I miss this? The Stella and Dot company is fab, a direct sales company like Arbonne, that does costume jewelry very similar to styles you all have seen before by J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Fiona Paxton.

When I found out that Rachel was doing a direct sales business like I was, I immediately told her I was going to have a party with her AND that I wanted it to benefit my little girl on her birthday! So tonight we are going to have the physical party, to which I have invited all sorts of local moms and their daughters, but Rachel and I decided to take it one step further by extending the sale to all of you who read My Superfluities. I know the only way you can order from Stella and Dot is through a rep like Rachel, so I am thrilled that you all can satisfy your needs with this week long party! (And no, you don't have to buy children's jewelry, but that is my goal as hostess.)


CW has so many pretty hair accessories but is so lacking in her bling. She is starting to eye my Fiona Paxton and I am a little concerned.


This is the mini-Charlotte necklace. It looks like a piece for a full-grown lady, but this is made specifically for our little minis (and I am not talking about skirts)!


Ooh, the girliness continues with the Gracie headband and barrettes...the floral attachments are meant to be switched out and you can attach the florals to necklaces if you (or your mini) choose!


This is pure old school J. Crew. Except it's not. Yum. This colorburst enamel cuff bracelet is not meant for the kids. :)


I think I own this. Oh, yes, it is called the tangled treasure necklace by J. Crew. Oh, wait, no--this is Stella and Dot's more versatile option, the Audrey Cluster Necklace. Good for you, Stella and Dot! I should have waited. LOL.


Now, I saw this and said, FIONA PAXTON, when did you start branching out? Nope. This is Stella and Dot being fashion forward with the Nolita Necklace. Awesome.

As you know, my fixation with jewels is pretty legendary. After all, I fell in love with the Crystal Devote necklace even when the rest of the world was crying foul! Heehee.

(But I also know I am not alone...my jewelry posts are always the most read...so there must be some love out there and this party is for you fab, bejeweled ladies!)

How do you join the party:

1. Go to this link.

2. Look for the link at the top of the page that says "Can't Make it to a Show? Find Your Hostess."

3. When the pop-up box appears, put Dina in the box that says first name and Gideon in the box that says Last Name.

4. After that, you are all ready to shop. :) Please do enjoy!

I cannot wait until this party is done so I can show you all the awesome lovelies that I got for CW's birthday!

Thank you all, and have a great, sparkly DAY!

Review of the Ruffles and Roses Tank and the Pearl Pebble Ring!!!

Ooh, I have like four moments to myself because I am subbing today!!! Just enough time to publish this post if I only give you the basics!!!

So, do me a favor, if you have reviewed either of these items on your blog, would you mind leaving me your info so I can later put them into my post???

Onward I go...

Ruffles and Roses!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Items in this set:
J Crew top, $43
J Crew sweater, $148
J Crew pants, $40
J Crew flats, $145
J Crew tote bag, $298

Here is the polyvore of the outfit I wore with the (wonderful) ruffle and roses tank and the (gorgeous) pearl pebble ring.


I think I wore this the day after I bought the tank. That is my new test of whether I am allowed to keep something I buy from J. Crew or Boden. If I don't wear it in the first month of purchase, it has to go back. This does two things, it allows me to really think about whether or not I want the item enough to wear it that soon, and it also keeps me from spending the money because I cannot justify spending money on something I *may* wear in the future. It seems to be working!

I love this tank. It is black, and the ruffles and roses get lost in this first pic, but look how nicely it layers in this outfit. I felt like I looked good, but also felt good as every piece of this outfit is made from some nice material. The ruffles and roses tank is made from the tissue material so it is nice and soft!!! I bought a small, which fits very well (I often have to get x-small in the tissue tops). It does seem to be a bit steep at $42.50 but I believe that if you wear it enough, then it is worth the money. I suspect I will get a lot of use from this in all seasons, so I felt like at least this color was worth it.

There are more colors and sizes at jcrew.com.


Here is a close-up of the tank without the cardi. You can see the "ruffles and roses" better here. See how nice this could look with a summer skirt or shorts??? I suspect I might get another color for summer when they go on steep discount (and yes, I will remember my "wear it by one month rule).


Onto the Pearl Pebble Ring. I bought it for $25, I believe. This is a size medium which means I can wear it on my index or middle finger. I wore it on the index with this outfit.

The gold color is a rose-gold color, which is a pretty, muted color, and matches well to the little pearl pebbles.

I honestly think for the price, I got a deal. I think even at $55 this is a nice ring and of a good value (its original price). I do not see it for sale at jcrew.com. I think it has sold-out and I am not surprised.


Close-up of the ring from the front. Dresses up my hand. Love it! (Although, and I get this, costume jewelry is not for everyone...)

P.S. Mid-Century Mom is updated and so is Cash from My Closet!

Greys and Greens!!! (Or outfit I wore on March 16, 2009!)

Greys and Greens!!! - by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

OH MY GOODNESS! I made it work...I now know how to post my pic straight from polyvore. CELEBRATE!!! Whoo!

Okay, so even though this is green and grey, I actually wore this yesterday, March 16th. I GO NUTS for green on March 17th, and this year was no exception (and yes, I will post it).

Although you have seen me in a lot of other colors, one of my all time favorite colors is green, but I do tend to wear them when it's warmer outside. I am not quite sure why. Hmm.

Well, here goes. The top is a cashmere beaded shell from J. Crew this fall (2008). The pants are the checked pattern university pants from J. Crew this fall (2008). The peacoat is not the one represented in polyvore, it is a deeper green version from Tulle. I bought it on deep discount from Need Supply in Richmond. The bracelet is a J. Crew resin version that I bought in mint green this winter (2008). This bracelet reminds me of my grandmother's costume jewelry...and I really love that sort of mid-century style of costume jewelry. I wore these same pumps (Merona Collection at Target) but in pink. These are the pumps I was waxing poetically about on Saturday night. Swoon!


Okay...I am totally hamming it up for the camera...please ignore or laugh out loud or whatever to my facial expression.

One thing to note about this outfit...these pants are a size 12...I am wearing a 10 now so this is an instance where if you are planning on buying these type of pants, definitely size up. They are very comfortable now, but if I had tried wearing them when I was a 12 for sure, they would have been WAY TOO TIGHT!

This top is so precious and warm and soft and dressy. I received a lot of compliments from the kids. The neckline is so nice, no need to wear a necklace!

And the shoes. Oh, the shoes. They really give this outfit a little extra something something...


Here is the outfit with the peacoat. What a nice, well-fitting coat this is...love the structured, almost regal air of it.


Ah, yes...the shoes. That white piping, the saturated bubble-gum pink, the metal button detail, swoon. Oh, the uppers are leather. Shocking. For 30 bucks, that is a good deal. You know J. Crew would sell the same shoes for five times that amount...

Have a nice St. Patrick's Day!