OOTDs: Four Recent.

UPDATE: Lisa, one of the commenters on this post in its original form mentioned you could use the $20 off the items in the "select" womenswear 20% off, which you can find here.  That's great!  So if you have been waiting for a fairly good deal, this is definitely it.  Thank you, Lisa!!!

Before I begin, I saw over at the Boden FB page that you could receive $20 off a $75 purchase (with free ship and returns), but it is only good until tonight.  Remember, these deals are only good on current season merchandise, not clearance items, so if you are drawn in by something from last fall/winter, it won't work.  Also, if you have a hankering for something about $115 or more, use the sidebar coupon here at the blog (also at the bottom of this post) instead since the 15% off is a better deal overall than the $20 off of a $75 purchase.  The code for the $20 off of $75 is J5V4, place that code in your shopping bag to ensure you receive that amount off.

(The above promo did expire, but the 20% off womenswear deal is still going.  It does end tonight, Wednesday, April 15, though.)

Onto some recent outfits.

Day: Sunday, April 13, 2014.

Where: Bethesda for lunch and an important haircut.

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The dress has tighter sleeves and since it has been a while since I have worn it (thanks a lot cold winter), I had forgotten that.  Eventually the cotton stretched a bit, but until that happened, my fairly thin arms felt like they were being strangled.


Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Pretty, yet conservative outfit.  Shabby Apple dresses always have sleeves and a longer length since they are made for Latter Day Saints (Mormons) who have requirements in dressing for modesty.  As a fairly conservative dresser, I appreciate this.  :-)  The shoes are very cool, I loved being able to let my toes see the sun again.

Anecdote from the Day:  Angus is getting so big (he just turned two on March 25!).  We finally decided his mullet had to go.  I love his wispy long hair so much, but he was often mistaken for a girl, so I gave in, even though he has this one tiny little curl in the back of the mullet that was darling (I kept that for his baby book, though).  In the end he looks beyond cute with his little man haircut. 

Day: Sunday, March 26, 2014.

Where: Winesday.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Yay for pants that feel decent on the body.  These pants are one of the few that I *don't* want to throw in a big pile of tinder and set on fire, especially since I have worn pants nearly every day for the past few months.  They have just a touch of spandex and they were made with a nice normal rise, nothing too short, but nothing too long, either.  The popover (French Print popover, still available from J. Crew in their sale section) is great in my normal size 4, so if you like it, go with your true size.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Cool mix of textures, colors, and print.  I am glad I tried the top with the sequined sweatshirt.  I wasn't sure if worked, but I ended up liking the look and will definitely try a similar look next winter.  I also felt like I looked younger in this outfit. 

Anecdote from the Day:  We hadn't gone to Winesday in forever, so I was relieved when it didn't snow, my brother didn't have a headache, or we had some commitment we couldn't get out of.  We hadn't gone in so long that we forgot our reusable wine glasses and had to buy another set.  (They are inexpensive, though, one dollar a glass!)

Day: Friday, April 4, 2014.

Where: Harris Teeter and the School Run.

Ease of Wear: (5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) This Johnnie b. Cosy Sweatshirt dress is so soft and warm, it is like I have on an old worn-in nightshirt, but just a whole lot more presentable.  Since I was grocery shopping, and running around town, it was nice to feel really good.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) The sweatshirt dress has a bit of sparkle and the scarf is unique, so even though I was technically "slumming" it, I think I looked good for a SAHM. 

Anecdote from the Day:  Yeah, I got nothing.  Just a usual taking care of the house, kids, and hubby kind of day.

 

Day: Tuesday, April 8, 2014.

Where: Bowling.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Leggings and easy shoes equal very comfortable.  The top ended up getting really wrinkly (you can see it in the second photo--I took these photos after bowling) and the way the top sat on my hips felt weird.  Overall a nice easy outfit.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) The mix of colors is fresh and cute, especially as our days are getting warmer and we are craving brightness however we can get it.  That said, it is still an outfit that features a peasant top and leggings, so ding ding (two points) down on the "cool" scale.

Anecdote from the Day:  I haven't gone to the bowling alley on the actual day of bowling in forever.  Again, like Winesday, something is always getting in the way, be it subbing, be it a sickness, or be it dang-blasted snow.  It was nice to see all my friends again.  Of course the rest of April I am out on all the Tuesdays.  Tomorrow I am chaperoning Rex's field trip, next Tuesday we are in Florida, and the Tuesday after I am subbing.  At least it won't be because of snow.  (IT BETTER NOT BE!)

Okay, that's all for now.  I really hope I am able to blog everyday this week, but I can't promise since life is really busy right now.  ;-)  I know you all understand.

OOTDs: A Lavish Farmyard.

Hi, all!

Hope everyone has had a lovely weekend.  Man, Sunday night can be a bit of a bummer knowing that Monday is around the corner.  (I know that I technically work from home, but I LOVE having Mr. Dina around to help with some of the parenting.)  ;)

Okay, so these two outfits are a bit funny.  I think I chose the wrong bottoms for both of the tops, but in the moment both tops felt great with the bottoms I chose.  Hindsight is always 20/20, right?

Anyhow, my future plan for the Lavish T-shirt is to wear it paired with a beautiful printed pencil skirt (and tucked in) and my plan for the Farmyard Fair Isle Sweater is to pair it with jeans (s-o-o-o-o boring but exactly what that wack-a-doo pattern needs).

I was bowling the day I wore these crazy pants.  In fact, most of the ladies who bowl with me and the guys who run the alley kept referencing my crazy pants.  I was able to procure a ball (for $25 down from $150) because the guy who helps with the alley thought of the ball when he saw my pants.  Who says fashion isn't beneficial?

(The ball is "damaged."  Which in bowling speak means that NADA is wrong with it...you think JCAs get their panties in a bunch over a hole in a tee?  You all should meet some of these bowlers.  Man, they have put the Cray in Crazy.  Of course I only made it worse by wearing the crazy pants around them.)

I think the outfit actually looks okay with the jacket over top, helps balance the print in the pants.

The jacket is awesome, btw.  An ebay seller from Southern VA must have found this at one of the clearance centers since it was a sample and a really great price for what it is (double faced cashmere--so so soft).

If I had to do this over again, I would wear full length pants that are bit more subdued.  Looking at this image, I think I look a bit "girl on stilts" here.  Crazy patterned stilts.  (I wore them last here and they look fine with that particular pairing.  I think these pants need to be left for summer-summer-summer-time.)

Lavish T-shirt.  I went back and forth over whether I liked this tee enough to buy it, even at a great mid-season sale price.  Even when I first received it, I was still on the fence.

I bought the size 6, which is my usual Boden size for tops, and it fits fine in the shoulders and waist.  The bust and waist are a bit big, while the hips are touch small.

I got around the hips being too small by tucking the hem under, which worked just fine, but from the back looks a bit *scrunched*, so I will be dragging out the sewing machine and re-hemming the top so it hits at my high hip and not my low hip, which should take care of the problem.

I really dig the color, a beautiful brown/grey.  I rarely can wear brown without looking horrid, so I appreciate the hues of brown I can wear.  The lovely (and very well done) embellishment at the neckline and shoulder detail is a bonus.

I love the cap sleeves, as it helps make my shoulders seem wider in relation to my hips (pear shapes, if you can find a tailor or you yourself can hem, consider this top for that reason alone).

Here is why I need to get out the sewing machine, once the hem is brought up the fabric will lay much better.

The fabric is viscose, and as I discussed in this post on the Westminster scoop tunic dress, it did wrinkle, but not obscenely so.

Farmyard Fair Isle Sweater.  This was a sweater that intrigued me for a couple of reasons.  One...it is almost ugly, like ugly sweaters that my hero Leslie Hall would wear.  Two...any chance for me to sort of be like Leslie Hall (in small doses, of course), I'll take it.  Three...fair isle is a big thing right now.  Four...I tried it on multiple times and kept hemming and hawing, should I get it?  I loved it, but couldn't decide, but reference number one and two for why I decided to love it for real.  Five...the pattern has kitty cats, and since Mr. Dina refuses to let us get cats until the kids are much, much, MUCH older, this is all I get for now.

I bought a small, which is one size up from my normal sweater size at J. Crew.  (I think it fits a bit short and a bit close, so I think if you like it, definitely size up unless you are tee-tiny.)

Oof.  This outfit looks like I am trying out to be an extra in any movie by John Hughes.  Can't you just see me in some Chicago suburb trying to figure out *what in the world my life is. GOING. TO. BE. and how in the world to catch the eye of THAT. CUTE. GUY. IN. 7th. PERIOD.*

CW looks really cute.

Looks better with the vest opened.  Next time I am ditching the rust colored capris and sticking with denim.  Boring but way less insane-looking.

Oh, and I will leave the pigtails in 7th period.  Or at least wait until I am wearing a sundress and flip-flops.

Gaw!  My baby.  Simply a gratuitous Angus photo for you all to smile at...

UPDATE: Monday 12/10/12. There is a new promo for 30% off selected styles, with free ship. If the items you want is not in the 30% promo, the code Q753 works for 25% off with free ship (more items included in that one, but check the 30% off first, just in case).

Just in time for Christmas! Three days only and limited quantities: take 30% off select items + free shipping at BodenUSA.com.

Lands' End fans, there is a couple day promo going on (until 12/11) that saves you 30% off your entire order.

Scenes from Miami!

Hey, all.  I was all, "ooh, I haven't published any of my photos from Miami on my blog...must get those done."  So I went into active mode today and got all the editing and junk done (after I waited with bated breath for the Boden sale to commence, of course, lol).  :)

I plan to publish the "Outfits from Miami" post tomorrow, but tonight I will bore entertain you with the more family/atmospheric photos from the trip we took in early June.

Most of the photos speak for themselves, so I will just add a few words below each to give you a teeny bit more info on where the photo was taken or what was going on.

Miami first day.  It was cloudy and stormy but we "weathered" it.  Groan.  :)

My bro downloaded a few films to my Kindle Fire.  Loss of hard drive space worth it for the priceless feeling of "OMG, he's isn't bothering the entire plane."  It's Finding Nemo if any of you want to know Rex's vice.

Aw.  He's yawning.  That's all I have to say about this photo.

CW looks so pretty here.  And Angus looks far too contented.  Doesn't he know he is on a cramped plane?

We found this cool arty stained glass window display in the Miami airport.  It was possibly the best thing about the Miami airport.

They look like they get along all the time, don't they?  Such con artists.

No words needed.

The lifeguard stands were brilliant...both in design and in hue.

Somehow he fell asleep, even without the aid of the bjorn.

CW has hints of future sassiness in this shot.

We actually saw this rainbow on the first day.  See clouds and storms are worth "weathering."  Groan, part two.

CW takes some great photos, but this is one of my all time favorites.

Target collaborated with this store to create some pretty cute items.  CW and I are wearing two of their collab pieces in the last few shots here in this post.

The best day for the beach was the second day, when the sun was bright and the water was clear.  Sadly days three and four did not afford such nice weather, sigh.

The water was calm enough that my scaredy cat kids had no problem frolicking and playing.  (I know, I am a swim coach, you would think my kids would be able to swim no problem.  You would be wrong.)  ;)

You all have seen this photo before, but I couldn't resist showing it again.  So freaking cute.  Gah!

I have a pic of me doing this pose at 16.  If only I could have my teenage jawline again, I would be set.

I have no idea how Rex did this.  Kids and their flexibility.  Scary.  This is at the Miami Marlins stadium, btw.

The Nationals gear was not superfluous.  They were actually playing that night.

After the game, the kids continued to play on the oversized letters that litter the outside of the stadium.

All parents should visit children's museums with their kids.  After all, how often can you say that you've been in the company of a giant pink snail?  Thought so. 

Rex should become a cop.  That means he will use his power for good.  Not evil.  ;)

Clearly I want to use my power for good, not evil, too.  Angus seems to agree.

 CW will use her power to help stuffed puppies regain their sight.

They had a baby room in the Miami Children's museum, too.  Rex, although five, seems to find the toys more than agreeable for his needs.  Angus was perfectly happy to share.

That night, I drank my 211th cocktail of the trip.  This was at Sushi Samba, which is on Lincoln Road.  I want to point out that they thought nothing of us bringing the kids in there to eat at 9:30 pm at night.  I suspect they thought we were from Europe.  Or they just thought we were crazy and are used to it...or something.  LOL.

Loved the decor of the restaurant.  Those lights above are ridiculously cool.  And likely expensive, which might explain why our meal cost so much.  (But it was SO good we said we would go back in a heartbeat.  After we save up for six months or so.)

The sign says: Virginia Oysters, Large, Meaty, Salty.  Ha.

Posing on Lincoln Ave.  I am just that cool.  Chortle.

I just liked this hotel.  Very South Beach, no?

On the last day we were able to spend the morning at the beach (so two days at the beach total), and again, utterly perfect.  Love this beach.  Wish we had one like this a bit closer to DC.

Darling.  I caught her, and she had no idea.  I hope she likes this photo when she gets older.  I used to bite my nails, too.  I have something like twenty photos like this in my baby photo album.

We were at Monkey Jungle, which is this preserve for all sorts of monkeys.  Anyhow, you could buy seeds and such and put them in the saucer thing CW is holding and the monkeys would come along and hoist it up so they could get the goods.  The kids were fans.  I just wanted to spread their whole bodies with antibacterial gel after each "feeding," but I let my OCD tendencies go for the afternoon.

Here we are near the monkey lagoon area.  We are both in the Webster for Target items I mentioned earlier. 

That monkey loved CW.  I think it wanted to hold hands with her.

Rex wore that Burger King crown hat the whole trip (he got it the day before).  I think he may have even worn it on the plane (it made it through TSA screening).

Last photo.  Gus's hair cracks me up here.

That's it.  I hope you enjoyed.  :)  Miami outfits tomorrow.  Have a great night!