Factory Tiered Lace Cami, Outfit Idea #2.

Hi, everyone. If I allowed myself to, I would so not post today, but I saw that the Factory Tiered Lace Cami is back on the Factory Site over at jcrew.com and I wanted to make sure you all realize that this cami is worth the money, if the idea of lots of lace and frill is your thang, you know? I obviously have worn it once already. I also have washed it in my machine on "hand wash," hung it to dry, and ironed the silk sash. I then went on to wear it for my "Fall Into Fashion" runway show that the girls of the classes held on the last day of intersession. (For reference, I wore a similar glitzy kind of top for the "Spring Into Style" runway show that was held last April--remember the Loft Gold Sequin Tank?)

Untitled by dinagideon featuring a merino wool cardigan

Above is the polyvore that shows the individual components of the outfit. This outfit was a hit, and people loved the lace cami, but the real winner? The freaking Miss Albright Anticipation Heels that I bought from Anthropologie a couple of months ago. Honestly, I am truly shocked by how versatile these fairly frilly and romantic pieces have been in my wardbrobe. I fully "anticipate" (chortle) wearing both pieces multiple times over the next few months!

Sizes:
Top: Size 4. Definitely go with your typical J. Crew cami size. Iron the sash, too, if you want more sleekness. The sash comes kind of rumpled and I found the ironing made the sash look special. For more on this cami, check out my first review of the top (you can find it by going to the first paragraph and clicking on the sentence that says "I obviously have worn this once already").
Cardigan: Size Small. Although I have the infinity cardigan in paradise blue in a size extra-small, I really would have preferred a small (still keeping the xs in the paradise blue, eh, why not?). So when given the opportunity to buy the black pine colorway in a small, I did. This color, btw, is really saturated and lovely...just the right shade of dark green. In some cases it could even act as a neutral.
Pants: Size Tall 6. These are the denim leggings that J. Crew made last spring. I may have been the only person who bought them. So you all know, they were very comfortable during the day AND during the drive to North Carolina after school.
Shoes: Size 9. These run wide. I went down a full-size from my Anthro shoe size and 1/2 size from my J. Crew size. I still think every. one. of. you. should. buy. these. Except my dad, for obvious reasons. ;)
Necklace: This is from Boden last winter. There were quite a few teachers who really liked it. One of them called it "funky," but considering her penchant for crazy European spectacles, I think she may have meant that as a compliment. Ha.

You all have a great day. Hope I get to see this cami on some of you in the near future!

A New Venture, a Giveaway, and a Party with Peonies (Print, That Is)...

Hi, everyone!

I have been planning this post FOREVER, but I have been a teensy-weensy bit busy and what was supposed to have been published a few weeks ago is finally getting to see the light of day! YAY!

I have been mulling over my course of action for the next few years, and realized as much as I love subbing and teaching, they are sporadic and don't 100% allow us the flexibility that we need in a family full of toddlers. And since there is some talk between Mr. Dina and me about the possibility of future rugrats (just the talking stage, promise), I may be out of the traditional working world for a while to come. :)

For years, my dear friend Holly has sold me Arbonne, and for years I happily bought wonderful creams, elixirs, facial washes, makeup, etc. at full price from her and went on with my life as very much over-taxed mom and full time teacher.

And then this year as a SAHM hit me. And as much as I love it, and am willing to take the financial hit that comes with losing a NOVA teacher's salary, it does make me want to look and see what is out there in the world for a hard worker who is eager and responsible, but in the most family-friendly environment possible. Enter Holly...all those years she sat watching me buy and enjoy and look good using Arbonne's products...every once in a blue moon she would mention that I could join her team and help her sell the products. Problem is, I am not the best sales person (even with all my years of retail). She was very understanding and let it go. Then this year happened, and I thought, wait a second...I can do this. I do not expect to ever get as far as Holly has, but with her mentoring and help, I hope to at least start something beautiful with this new venture.

Since I have started this blog, many of you have mentioned my "glow." It always makes me laugh because that is always the code word for "pregnant." ;) In reality, it is from a long partnership with my skin and Arbonne. My favorite skin cream ever is from their Revelage line and I have to say, as someone with Rosacea and sun damage (especially on my hands), this line of products has turned my skin around. I truly give credit where credit is due. (I also want to point out that I do wear a little makeup, but rarely is it ever heavy or caked on...in fact, I would say that 90% of the photos you see of me I am wearing little more than powder, a touch of gloss, and mascara.)

It got to the point where Holly was all, "Dina, get on it...I know that we can make this work...between your blog, our friendship, and how much fun we have together, I can see this being a very good thing for you as a SAHM." So I jumped on in...

And to celebrate this, I am hosting a giveaway...

Above is the photo of the three items you will receive if you win! This is a set of items from Arbonne's Seasource Spa Detox line. I happen to love and use this line a lot. I am a HUGE bath person, and what initially got me into Arbonne was the Seasource Detox Spa Purifying Sea Soak. I take one packet, once a week and just soak for thirty minutes of bliss. (Mr. Dina ALWAYS lets me have that time!) After, I definitely apply some of this yummy cream, as it is super-hydrating and lasts a LONG time (I suffer from parched skin, and this cream helps with keeping my skin supple).

What you will receive if you win:
1. FULL-SIZE SeaSource Detox Spa Re-Mineralizing Body Lotion 24H.
2. Bath Pillow (inflatable).
3. One Packet of the Seasource Detox Spa Purifying Sea Soak.

To ENTER:
Leave a comment on this post, with your name. Don't worry about e-mail, as Disqus gives that to me. I will keep the giveaway open for a week and announce the winner next Wednesday, May 12th, 2010.

If you have troubles using Disqus, please e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com and I will personally enter you using my Disqus account. :)


Above is the photo from our Blog Business Bash that I held at my home on April 17. Holly is the very pregnant one. :) She said she wanted to make it through this party before giving birth. She held off and had her lovely, gorgeous son Max on April 26th. Congratulations, Holly, and thanks for making this day such a good time.

Don't you love that Drewablank and I are BOTH wearing the sunshine peonies cardigan? I wore it specifically because she said she wanted this cardi, and I thought I could let her see mine. When she walked in the door, I fell on the floor laughing. :) Only JCAs got it (Holly and Dori--she's is the beautiful one in purple--sort of chuckled, but drewablank and I were DYING). UPDATE: LOL. I forgot to mention sizes when I published this morning. I am wearing a small cardigan, an extra-small sequined tank, a size 8 double serge cotton pencil skirt, and size 9 flip-flops! :)

Okay, so before I go, I want to mention a few more things:

1. I am still 100% focused on My Superfluities being about fashion, kids, SAHM stuff, etc. I will be doing "Arbonne Afternoons" (love alliteration) every week or so. This will be a time when I highlight one product I use and love. I will only ever recommend something that I personally have tried.
2. If you ever have any questions about Arbonne, please e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT come. I will be quick and prompt. If I don't know an answer to something, I will let you know, and I will speak with Holly and get back to you as soon as I can.
3. Once you decide you would like to give Arbonne a go, I will send out samples to you. Again, e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com, and I will take good care of you and your skin. :) I definitely suggest using the samples BEFORE ordering from Arbonne, especially if you have never used Arbonne before. That is why I am here, to help you out, and I want only the best for you and your skin!
4. The right side of my blog, at the very top, under the darling picture of my kids (my banner shot), is a bling-y button that is my Arbonne shop on-line button. The instructions are pretty easy, but just in case, here they are: 1. Click on the bling-y button. 2. Scroll to "Sponsor's ID" Space... 3. Enter 18107967. Fill Your Cart. 4. Enjoy Shopping!!!

Okay, post done. I am glad I was able to explain to you my new business, and I hope that you will consider supporting me, if you can! :) THANK YOU!

P.S. I just noticed I have 200 followers. WOO! Yay! Thank you, thank you, thank you! UPDATE: Oh, the sadness. I *had* 200 followers, but sometime between the publishing of this post and coming home, I lost one. Ah, well, c'est la vie. Will celebrate 200 at some other point! ;)

Blushed Tweed Pencil Skirt and a Frances on a Friday!!!

First, before I go into my tale of debauchery (not really, but it felt like that to me), I want to remind you that I have a list of links on my sidebar to "Help Haiti." I have received extra links to add, so keep looking, and if you can help in any way possible, I thank you!

Second, I have one of my Polyvore sets in a contest over at the very fab blog "What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear?" Emma Pillsbury is the guidance counselor over at the show Glee who is very likely to show up for work in pencil skirts and frilly blouses, i.e. the very epitome of lady-like. Since Emma is a character who reminds me a bit of my alter-ego (very much neglected of late...sigh) Mid-Century Mom, it was obvious that I needed to send a few of my polyvores over to this other blog to be in the game of "What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear?" Well, sadly for my polyvore set, it is against a set with a skirt that has a bow. And if you know Emma Pillsbury you know she loves herself a good bow!!! So head on over and vote in this fun contest, better yet, become a follower of that blog so you can join in future frivolity (including the time in the future when my set won't go down in flames...it's actually okay, I think the other set is REALLY EMMA)!!!

Blushed Tweed and a Frances on a Friday! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Onto my outfit (and debauchery) from last night. In this post I said I would wear the blushed tweed pencil skirt for Chanel Fashionista and the Frances Cami for Debye on Friday. And that is exactly what I did. I had a ladies night out, so I wanted to splash out, even though all I would be doing is chilling with some of Mr. Dina's co-workers and wives of Mr. Dina's co-workers (who are all amazing ladies, and when told of this blog, and of all the other awesome JCA/Boden centered blogs, were very,very intrigued). Regardless, I was insanely excited to go out in this outfit. And what made this outfit even more fun? Wearing it while drinking really great red wine. Thank you, Megan, awesome tasting South African wine. (And thank you, Miss Leigh, for providing us a perfect place to drink said wine!) (And by now you have guessed why I didn't post this last night, right??? I was definitely a bit "drunk" Dina. Mr. Dina was kind enough to drive me there and back...)

The polyvore is accurate. I even will do a tiny, itsy-bitsy review of the tangled treasure bracelet (which is in final sale and is the reason I bought it).


Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Medium.
Top: Size Petite 8.
Skirt: Size 6.
Belt: Size Small-Medium.
Shoes: Size 10.

I like the play on proportion...with the tight pencil skirt, the shorter ruffly cami, and the l-o-n-g forever cardigan. It feels feminine, but not too over the top. I think heels would have been too much, as well. The flats feel better for a ladies night out at a house. :)


Here is my little lady. She did not have a ladies night out, but her shoes are very cute, no?

The tangled treasure bracelet is not nearly as scary in real life as you would imagine it would be. Based on the photos on jcrew.com (which I can't find because it appears sold-out; if the pics come back, I will update this post). I was a bit nervous, but figured I could work it somehow. The dangly bits are definitely "dangly," but I love the beads and mix of chains and pearls. I have also ordered the tangled treasure necklace (hello 30% off final sale--awesome), and have a feeling I will love it, but I imagine that will be a harder sell than the bracelet. I love a great statement necklace, but the tangled treasure necklace may be too much for 98% of JCAs out there.


My action shot. HeidiG. mentioned to me that it is hard to pose with an open cardigan, and she is right, so I looked on-line and saw that in all the photos of models wearing an open cardigan, they had one hand on their hip holding back part of the placket on one side of the cardigan. I think this flatters a woman's shape nicely. I may have to do more of these "action shots" in the future.

Ta-Ta, all. Tomorrow is the Campo dress (equals success--black looked GREAT under it) and maybe some Boden try-ons??? We'll see!!!

Review of the Shimmerveil Charmed Mini-Bag...Plus What I Really Wear When It is Nasty Outside!!!

The sister of this bag has so many fans, including yours truly, but I have not gotten her sister yet. (Soon, darn it, soon, your "sold out" status does not stop my desire!) Reviewed by nojcrewinjapan and shannon, you can see why I am so interested in it.

Here is the thing, though. I wear a lot of bright colors and paler neutrals. In all honesty, the tweed sister would only come out to play every so often. That is why when faced with the prospect of 30% off all items at J. Crew, I went for the Shimmerveil Charmed Mini-Bag...it just suited my life more.

When all was said and done, I got this beautiful, feminine, chic bag for about 135 dollars (it normally costs 198 dollars).

It is currently sold-out, but be like me...hold strong, popbacks happen all the time.


Here is what I saw when I opened the dustbag (of course it has a dustbag, however mini it may be). Oh, swoon. This may be the most lady-like purse I own. Then I touched it...the leather is so SOFT and special.

And the chain? Extremely substantial, yet in no way masculine. The charms? Full of (well, and pardon the pun) charm. ;)

The clasp does its job well and with only the barest "hint" of a click. If a mouse made clicks, this is what it would sound like. However tiny the click, the holding power is "STRONG" and there is no coming undone once clicked shut.

This is a well-made bag, and barring the canvas interior (why not a beautiful printed lining, like the lovely watercolor leopard print), is worth every penny...even at full price.

Now can you see why I want to own both sisters??? :)


The dustbag home of my pretty.


My pretty all open and saying "hello." Or because thees ees zee Franch bag, "bonjour."

Pretty, pretty, special little charms. I think you alone make the bag. :)

Ignore the mirror. It needs a good cleaning...I know. Many little hands play on you every single day...

On one shoulder, the bag comes right to hip length. The chain keeps the bag on quite nicely. The chain makes the bag heavier, but nothing too dramatic. There is not a lot of room but I can put a few credit cards, an id or two, lip gloss, powder, my cell phone, some cash, and my keys. But since this bag is the bag equivalent of the Paris Catalog, I won't quibble that it can't hold more.

And I am now moving onto the non-charming, non-pretty portion of today's post...what I really wear when it is nasty outside, specifically when I need to go to the grocery store because we are out of everything, but there is no way to drive there because our street is an icy/slushy mess, so I need to walk there (thank goodness we live 3/4 mile from a grocery store, a Starbucks (yum), a bank, and a CVS).

I have warned you...if you continue on and want to be a willfah (my own name for trolls who leave negative, non-constructive comments) know that I will be mad. :) Just kidding. But I am still warning you.


Hat: From Anthropologie a million years ago.
Sweater: Old Navy from a million years ago.
Turtleneck: From J. Crew a million years ago.
Pants: Nike MEN'S track pants from a million years ago.
Boots: Payless Rain Boots from a million years ago.
Coat: (not-pictured) From L.L. Bean a million years ago.

Like you expected me to wear my nice clothing in the slush? Pa-sha. Not even.

Baby CW stayed home. Only I braved the elements.

At least this outfit isn't as bad as this one from March. Heehee.

Have a great day...coming later, a review of the watercolor leopard dress (it sure is pretty)!!!

Golden Roses Cardigan and the Wool Pleated-Silk Chimera Jacket...Two Lovely Additions to My Wardrobe...

Guys, a semi-miracle has happened today...I am actually posting pictures and a polyvore of the outfit I wore TODAY! (I still have a backlog of photos from other outfits, but if I can post a set of two outfits a day for the next month or so, I should get caught up. YAY!)

Golden Roses on a Cardigan??? by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This is the polyvore of today's outfit. It includes a very lovely J. Crew Outlet piece, the Golden Roses Cardigan. I love this print, and am glad that the outlet is offering pieces like this up to the consumer. I bought it this weekend from the Lancaster outlet, in Pennsylvania. The saleslady said this was a particularly good seller. She was probably right, as there were only a few left. I also purchased a few necklaces and the Hayworth Giraffe cami. You know what I spent most of my (my husband's) money on? Crewcuts outlet stuff...OMG, this store was like the motherload. I bought the most darling jacket for CW that just so happens to match one of my coats...cannot wait to wear them together (yes, I am a big ole nerd like that). It is her Christmas gift, so you all will have to wait to see it. Rex got some goodies, but they are also Christmas gifts...

The rest of the polyvore is self-explanatory. Only beef I have? The tissue turtleneck has a falling-apart hem...ergh. I only have worn it once. I paid 9 bucks, so I am not going to complain much, but if I had paid full-price, I would be spitting mad.


Cardigan: J. Crew Outlet, size medium, winter 2009.
Turtleneck: J. Crew, size medium, winter 2008.
Cords: J. Crew, size 31 short, winter 2008.
Necklace: J. Crew, Magnolia-leaf, spring 2009.
Shoes: Aerosoles, Grey Patent Flats, size 10, ??? (got on clearance).

My pants, if you look closely, have water all over the bottom of the right leg...I accidentally turned on the spigot outside of the house and water came gushing out. Mr. Dina thought it was so funny...ha ha. :P


CDP--Where do my watermarks go??? Oh, well. Here is a close-up of the cardigan. This is a Mr. Dina special shot...take a photo when I am walking towards the camera. Blegh.


I took this at the coffee shop I was at with CW this morning. My computer can take photos. I took this shot for Mr. Dina to show him how cute CW looked. Mr. Dina agreed she looks PRECIOUS. I also met 3-Penny Princess for coffee...it was a lot of fun to see her and catch up...she is SO busy!!! I am glad she found a moment to just hang out...those moments are good for the soul. :)

Lady-Like Meets Office Party! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

The second outfit is from about a week ago...I went to an office party for Mr. Dina's work...it was all fancy-schmancy, so I knew I had to bring it. The Wool Pleated-Silk Chimera Jacket was the perfect addition to the dress I wore...


Jacket: J. Crew, Wool Pleated-Silk Chimera Jacket, Dusty Blossom, Size 4, Fall 2009.
Dress: J. Crew, Cecelia Silk Dress, Deep Atlantic (or something like that), Size 10, Winter 2008.
Necklace: J. Crew, Crystal and Pearl Pastiche Necklace, Pink Frost, Winter 2009.
Bracelet: J. Crew, Gold and Crystal Cluster Bracelet (I think), Fall 2009.
Shoes: Coach, Gold, Size 10, way back when...a long time ago.


The Chimera Jacket is made well, and the color and fabric is divine. One caveat...I bought two...one was at 150 minus a discount, and then one week later, I bought the second one for 99 dollars. I am SO glad I ordered two. The first one was a wreck. The pleating was all wrong on one side and barely tacked down. The second one (this one) was perfect. When I went to return the original Chimera, the ladies at the store were very concerned and put it in the defect pile right away (it so happened that one of the SAs was wearing the grey version, and hers was perfect, so she knew that my jacket was in BAD shape). There is a two-clasp closure to the front of this jacket, but on this night, I only used one of them (I think the bottom one).

I cannot wait to try this jacket with a tee and some jeans...the whole feminine with casual grunge look that is quite popular now. Obviously when I wore it for this evening out, I was going for more of a mid-80s Moonlighting look (although Mr. Dina says I would have had to been in soft focus...haha...so funny, Mr. Dina).

Check this jacket out on gigiofca, LizPoms, OneFashionistaDiva, and jillian, inc.


The Cecelia dress is such a beautiful creation. I know it is meant as an upscale bridesmaid look, but it works so well in the DC area as a party look...we tend to have more conservative, fancy events when we have parties.

I bought the ten, and it was lovely...just enough wiggle room to allow me to eat, drink, and be merry.

And you all be merry, too. :) Have a great Tuesday.

Golly, I hate this wedding dress...

Oh, J. Crew...you of the pretty people and pretty things. How could you have screwed up so badly? In one word, this dress is atrocious...

Yes, I would like to look like a frilly lady from the 1910's. Oh, yes, indeedy! I should have one of those frilly umbrellas that they sell at Disneyland that you can personalize, too (they look like this dress, but in umbrella form).

If you have seen the show little britain, there is a character who always runs around saying, "But I'm a lady," even though she is clearly a man. She is the sort of character who would LOVE this dress. This is the dress that character would wear if she was getting married. If you still want to see this dress on-line, look here: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WeddingParties/womens/forthebride/PRDOVR~11835/11835.jsp

Can I suggest another dress instead? And one that isn't almost 3,000 dollars?

This one is only 400 dollars and is sleek, classic, and sweet. The "I'm a lady" character wouldn't touch this dress with a hundred foot pole. Find it here: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WeddingParties/womens/forthebride/PRDOVR~96230/96230.jsp