OOTD: Attempting Dressy.

Even if all I feel like wearing is pjs and sweatpants, I know that in the end if I put effort into my outfit, I will enjoy my day more, so as long as I am out and about, I at least give it a try. (Although I admit to a full on sweatpants/hoodie outfit when I visited urgent care during my nasal infection mess...I am not crazy!)

But...even if I choose not to wear pjs or sweats in public doesn't mean that I won't find the most crazy comfy and soft outfit possible to wear instead. That's my secret for the last three months of pregnancy. As much as I really REALLY want to wear my kick-butt maternity jeans and high heels, I can't bring myself to even attempt it. Oh, and so you know, with CW's pregnancy, I totally started this comfy dressing like really early, sometime around 24 weeks. (I was preggers with her in the summer, though...definitely the worst time to be pregnant...hands down.)

This outfit is insanely comfy.  And yes for that.  :)  It also made me feel slightly stylish, which I need now that a 30 pound basketball has firmly attached itself to my waistline.

Dress: Boden Jersey Maxi Dress. 
Shoes: Madewell Handbook Pump.  I only recommend these heels (or heels like this) in late pregnancy.  The cone shaped heel is substantial and there is a platform making the overall footbed more secure than a stiletto type.

PSA: Do not wear any shoe that hurts, especially if it hurts because of feet swelling, definitely not worth it.  Ballet flats or slight wedges are adorable, and if you have to buy one pair of black flats in a larger size, just for pregnancy, that's okay.  I had to for Rex, but after I gave birth, my feet returned to normal.  *I have not had that swelling since.  They think my swelling with Rex was preeclampsia, which also may have contributed to his early birth and emergency c-section.  So even though swelling is not usually a big deal, don't ignore it, either.*

Purse: J. Crew Mini Patent Campo Bag.
Necklace: J. Crew Mini Orbit Necklace.  It's on sale!  :)
Sunglasses: J. Crew A.R. Trapp.

If you read my Boden Weekly Review Roundup, you already saw this image.  But I do know that a lot of you only come over for ootd posts, so it's not a repeat to you!

I actually kind of like this image.  I didn't realize the self-timer was going to go off that quickly, and it caught me kind of walking, lol.  It does allow you all to see the shape of the Handbook pump.  :)

BTW, this dress is a double layer fabric and super soft.  It is like wearing a nightgown, just a fitted, fancier version of a nightgown you can wear out to lunch with the family (which we were about to do).

Close up of the makeup, hair, necklace, and dress print.  I had fun playing with the colors that day, especially on the eyes (which I rarely put a lot of effort into).  This outfit, fwiw, was from the weekend before last, so I had not yet gotten my bangs trimmed (did that on this last Saturday).

Attempting Dressy. 30 Pound Basketball Notwithstanding. by dinagideon featuring patent handbags

Polyvore of the outfit is above.

Okay, that's all...I hope you all have a great evening.

P.S. I read over at Boden's facebook page that there will be a big, exciting announcement tomorrow morning.  Most commenters are of the mindset there will be a "catch of the day" or "mid-season" sale, but there are a few who just think a new line will be rolled out.  I personally think it will be a "catch of the day" sort of deal, which in Boden land usually mean 30-35% off of certain items each day.  This is usually a big deal, and so when I figure it out (and get home from my doctor's appointment tomorrow), I will do a blog post on it.  :)  (Or do a blog post on the non-event, if the naysayers are right!)

Another Day, Another Dauphine (Jacket)...

In the annals of blog-writing, this will certainly not be my most scintillating, however, because I am in a rush this morning (yes, it is 5:30 am), this will be one of my shortest! :)

I am off to the Virginia Historical Society today to view a leck-chore (lecture for those of you not schooled in the Richmond accent) and because my dad is a bit of a nut, we are taking the train to get there and back. It will take twice the time as the car would, but hey, at least we can drink wine at lunch thereafter. ;)

BTW, the title of this post is for HeidiG. who clearly LOVED my last post's title of "These Target Finds Really Hit the Spot." Gotta love a little pun action, eh?

Another Day, Another Dauphine (Jacket)! by dinagideon featuring J Crew bags

Above is a polyvore of an outfit worn a couple of weeks ago. I am only bothering to show it because every other day or so someone over on the Mothership will ask what to wear with the Dauphine jacket. So here is another way I have found to wear it. I still prefer the first way I wore it, but since I have to be practical when taking Rex to preschool (Alecias and running around after him--not so much).


Sizes:
Jacket: Size 2. Still some Dauphine jackets available!
Tee: Size Small. This is the Spray Art Tee. I think this is well made and lovely. I have no idea why it hasn't been snatched up. (Oh, yeah, because J. Crew tees have a bad rep. Don't worry, this one is a good one, ladies.)
Pants: Size 6. These are the faded denim Minnies. Very comfy. Unlike the denim minnies, where you have to size up, these denim Minnies you should be in your normal minnie size (i.e. size down from your normal J. Crew pants size). Oof, my goodness...the head spins.
Shoes: Size 10. Cole-Haan has an UBER clearance store RIGHT across the hall from the J. Crew outlet at Potomac Mills. Can we just spell H-E-A-V-E-N? ;)


This is a sneak peek of some jewelry that I will be highlighting tomorrow in a special post over here at My Superfluities. Lucky me, I get to meet some incredibly talented people. Ruth Barzel is a lovely lady that I know through coaching swimming. Turns out that we are two peas in a pod when it comes to fashion (in other words, Ruth is a definite JCA). Except, get this, because I show up for swim coaching in (gulp) sweats and a swimsuit, Ruth had NO IDEA that I was all into fashion and accessories, or that I even had a blog (well, okay, I totally get that--I am not exactly Dooce, am I?).

Well one day we got to talking and it turns out that Ruth is amazing jewelry designer. Look at the GORGEOUS "rebel" oxidized silver chain bracelet that she made. Umm, Fenton Fallon for J. Crew? You have some serious competition.

For those of you looking for something a bit simpler, Ruth has you covered. More on her other designs tomorrow, but if you want a quick sneak peek, take a gander here. :)

P.S. Because you all are SO FAB, Ruth says that we can have a discount of 15% by putting the code "super" during checkout. All her designs come packaged in an elegant box, AND there is always free shipping (yay!).

Talk soon. Wish me luck on our trip today!

Wear Yellow for Chelsea King Today!!!

Modestly Styled, Modestly Me is a FANTASTIC blog run by Debye. Debye lives in Southern California and her niece was a good friend of Chelsea King, a sweet, vibrant teenage girl whose young life ended far too soon. As a way of honoring Chelsea's spirit, Debye put out the call for all of us to wear yellow for Chelsea today.

To read more about why we are all doing this, please visit Modestly Styled, Modestly Me for more information.

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Above is the polyvore of the outfit I am wearing. I found the top on Anthropologie this morning by googling its name and then clipping the item to polyvore. To get to this point, though, required some doing. I tried all variations in google--"One September (this is the name of the brand of the top), Anthropologie, Chevron (it is a chevron pattern)." Then "One September, Anthropologie, September 2008." No luck! Then, "Catalog, Anthropologie, September 2008." This led to the Anthropologie Addict blog with all the catalog links still working (awesome), which led to the Anthropologie site with all the catalogs still there, which led to me discovering this top was from the JULY 2008 catalog, which led me to the name of the top (Toraya Top), which I then put in google, which led me BACK to the Anthropologie site, which I then clipped, and voila...I have the top for all polyvore sets! YAY!


Sizes:
Top: Size Small.
Pants: Size 30S. Love my Amore Wash Jeans! Yummy and so comfy!
Shoes: Size 10. Don't worry, I am not walking home in them. I have some really ugly Earth shoes that I will wear to walk home.

I am planning on doing another post today, but let's see if I can accomplish it while subbing! :)

The Glimmer Mist Tissue Tee Goes Out with a Boyfriend...

Hi, all! I am kind of worn out tonight (read: really tired), so I will be brief in summing up my outfit of the day...

A Little Sparkle for a Casual Day! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Above is the polyvore. It is true, I have now worn either sequins or embellishments three times in a row. I guess I am on a one-woman mission to show the world that you can be sparkly and casual, all at the same time. Plus, it allows me to "justify" buying the ridiculous tees that J. Crew over-charges for. :)

Okay, so technically the glimmer mist tissue tee is no longer available, but it is such a lovely tee, that if it pops back, run, do not walk, to the checkout. I ended up getting it for far less than it cost originally (I believe it was $135), and that is good, because even me, Miss "I love nearly everything J. Crew makes" realized that was a dear price for a tissue tee and some pretty detailing. But since it is no longer that insane price, I believe it is a worthwhile investment. Based upon how I felt while wearing it today (and yes, I was out with the kids), I know I will wear it often...in the winter under a cardi and in the summer on its own.

The boyfriend cardi by Boden is from last fall and is delightful. It is not too long (hello, Forever cardigan) yet it is just the right length and fit to qualify as "borrowed from the boys." I bought it in yellow, but I believe it was available in a variety of colors. I definitely got it on sale, and get this (Boden's customer service is awesome, part 321), USPS LOST the original package it was in, and Boden went ahead and sent a replacement, no issues or problems, whatsoever. :) Love ya, Johnnie and co.

And finally, the Amore wash toothpicks? Well, the name says it all. It is love. I am 100% amazed at how perfectly these fit. Just the right amount of stretch to make them skinny jeans, yet in no way do they suck in and hurt while wearing them (I am looking at you, Matchsticks from postpartum days). Only one thing I wish? That the Amore's ankle length came in talls, like the twilight wash. I know it seems silly, but 28 inch inseam is not ankle on me. 30 inch is ankle on me, and while I don't think either inseam length looks bad on me, I feel the 30 will stand the test of time better. But until these puppies are deemed "dated," I will happily wear them!


Okay enough chatter from me (I thought I was supposed to be "brief").

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size UK 12, or US 8 (I believe). I may have ordered a UK 10, US 6, but I am too tired to go and check. Sue me. :)
Tee: Size Small.
Jeans: Size 30.
Shoes: Size 10.

And would you look at that? Both kids are in the pic!!! Miracles never cease. I actually love baby's pose. I sort of think she looks like me in this pic.


Close up of the tee, cardigan, and the lovely gold and crystal cluster bracelet.

You all have a great night. Sleep well. :)

P.S. The dress from yesterday was the pinwale cord Linda dress (rust color) from the Fall of 2007. I vaguely remember seeing it in Real Simple magazine (in the wool version) and swooning over it. When it went on sale in the late fall, I jumped on it. However, I couldn't wear it...was way too snug for almost TWO whole years. I am now at the point where it fits well (bit loose in the waist, but that is why I belted it). I guess good things are worth waiting for!

A Little Sultana to Brighten Your Day...and a Wee Little Rant About Rude People.

I have to make this quick and easy...I am in the midst of preparing clothing to be sent out for people who bought things last week from me on the exchange (thank you, all!)...had meant to do it yesterday, but in case you hadn't heard, we had over 6 inches of snow fall here. :P

Also, I have to get my next Cash from My Closet entry ready to go, AND (for all of you who have waited with bated breath) get my next post of Mid-Century Mom up and published (for a sneak peek, see the second photo for a glimpse of the outfit I wore).

Miss Sultana Can Brighten Your Day! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Okay, above is the outfit I wore on Thursday evening. I clearly love the Sultana jacket enough to wear it the VERY next night after purchasing it. No waiting in the closet for this bright and lovely mid-century inspired jacket. I guess that is one way to tell if the item you bought is a keeper, do you wear it right away? (Although if it is out of season, like shorts in winter, I guess that doesn't apply...)

We were just going to our friends' house to celebrate the birthday of one of them. I didn't need to go all crazy and dressed up, as this was a casual party, but I added a bit of "dressy" to the look. :)


Sizes:
Jacket: Size 6.
Tee: Size Medium.
Jeans: Size 10.
Shoes: Size 9. I guess even Merona Collection are suffering from vanity sizing. These are thin enough for my feet, but had I gotten the ten, they would have been far too long.

What is up with CW's stance? Maybe she is perfecting the "slumped over so no one sees just how short this skirt is" stance that so many J. Crew models have learned!


And now let's move to Friday.
Sizes:
Dress: Size 10. Jones New York, Macy's. I bought it after I had CW and it was so very very tight. Now it fits very well. My only issue is that the poly-blend does not lay well and wrinkles. That said, the shape is divine and that bit of lace at the collar is so beautiful. I feel very lady-like in this dress.
Heels: Size 10.

Baby is only wearing the outfit from the last night because she went to sleep in it...we changed her into another outfit shortly after this photo was taken. :)

I wore this to go to Rex's parent-teacher conference. It was okay, and the teachers must either really like me or really dislike me because we spent over an hour talking. I think it was that long because I am a teacher, too, so things like pedagogy and implementation got into our discussion (although we didn't actually use those words).

Then I went to Whole Foods and shopped. I put on a pair of flats in that same peacock blue color so I could be comfortable. Let me tell you something, though...in this day and age it doesn't matter how well-dressed you are, how lady-like you act, or how patient you are, you are still likely to p*ss someone off during grocery shopping. I am the type who will sit and wait for someone else to find what they are looking for and then I will move into their spot when they are done. I figure it is the right thing to do. Not ONCE, but TWICE, (and this part kills me), really OLD people chewed me out for not moving out of their way fast enough!!! Wow. I just hate to think it is THESE people who are representing my beloved Northern Virginia. So classy! Ugh. And to make it worse, I was only in their way because I refused to be rude to someone else and tell them they needed to move to make way for me. So my manners led to others' rudeness. How very ironic.

Okay, rant over. The whole purpose of me wearing this outfit was NOT for the conference (although I wouldn't have worn sweats) or for the shopping (I have done that already), but for the next chore on Mid-Century Mom's docket--unpacking the groceries. Post to be published either late tonight or early tomorrow morning!


It was REALLY really cold on Friday (still is, but the snow excuses me from having to step foot outside). This is what I wore to cover up.
Sizes:
Coat: Size 8. This is the Shipley Stadium Cloth Coat in Ivory. It is pretty and oh, so warm.

Preview for My Polyvore Pals!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Last thing, I am offering up two new items for the Cash from My Closet blog, and I am giving you all a sneak peek. Please note that the jacket does NOT have the button in the middle...that was in the photo from polyvore, and was not in any of the Aubrey jackets actually produced. Having said that, I really liked this jacket when it fit me. Now it is far too big in the shoulders for me to wear. I would say a size 10 could wear this no problem.

Have a great night all!

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!!!

Two Outfits of the Day (Featuring Boden's Velvet Coat, Giraffe Print Shoes, J. Crew's Tuxedo Scout Chinos, and a Microsequin Cardigan)!!!

Going to do some reviews later today (which will include pics of how I plan on styling the Carly dress), so I don't want to spend a ton of time on this post, but I do like both of these outfits. I finally am wearing something more interesting than yoga pants (I have been sick--turns out the migraine was actually a virus--blegh).

Tuxedo Chinos and a Bit of Peacock Blue by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore of what I wore last night. The velvet coat is substantial enough to keep the chill out. It was still REALLY cold. People around here are not used to temps in the teens. BRRRRR.

If you like any of these items, you should be able to click through the polyvore to the place where you can buy them/find out more about them.


Sizes:
Sweater: Size Small.
Pants: Size 8. (I so wanted these...and was STALKING the web until they popped back in my size and for 20 bucks--even got a % off...woohoo.) They are basically a scout chino, but with a fun grosgrain ribbon attached to the side of the pants, giving it a "tuxedo feel."
Shoes: Size 40. (Or a 9.) I was insanely in love with these shoes, but Boden's shoes RUN HUGE. I should wear a 42, or a 10, but I read they ran large, so I bought a 41 (or a 9.5). Those were TOO HUGE--especially width wise, so I ordered a 40. CRAZY. But the 40's fit is lovely, and these are all leather, including the soles. BTW, the 41 I bought was $100, but I had to return them, and by the time I bought the 40, the price had dropped to $60!!! YAY!
Bag: Large Patent Campo. Another item I have been stalking, love the mini campo in coconut, so I knew the large would be lovely, too, but COULD NOT and WOULD NOT pay full price. Well, it went on sale and had 20% off, so I bought the slate. This is a very large bag (see the next photo). I definitely think this bag is only for those of us that are tall and/or have a need for a bag this big (i.e. moms on the go). Just so happens I am both. :)


Sizes:
Coat: UK 12 (or US 8). There was some warning or another that this coat ran small, so I went ahead and got my "normal" size. It is fine, a bit loose, but I can wear a sweater under it. A UK 10 would have been more fitted. There are plenty of these left at Boden, I believe they are even on ridiculous sale now. Like "cheap cheap," if you will.



Pink and Brown for a SAHM by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Polyvore of today's outfit is above. I was SUPPOSED to go out to meet HeidiG. at Tysons, but NO...not only did my car have issues, but in this part of Fairfax County, that is the FORGOTTEN part of Fairfax County, we still have ice on our roads from the light snow we got last night. Guess I am house-bound again. Grrrrrr. :P

So now I get to be sparkly at home. Woo! SAHM sparkly!


Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Medium. I wanted the fit to be a bit loose, giving it a boyfriend look. You will see this crop up later today (this is one of the elements to my ruffled Carly dress outfit). I really like the microsequins. It isn't overly obnoxious, like a light dusting of sparkle. :) The color in the pic is accurate. Suzy reviewed it here.
Top: Size Small. I wore it here last.
Pants: Size 30S.
Shoes: Size 9.5.

Sorry the photo is a bit blurry...hard to take them of myself.

Talk to you all later today!

A Sweet Pastel Day Plus a Look at the Stardust Pencil Skirt (Copper)!!!

Seems like I am on a roll with this whole "sparkly, sequin" look thing I have been doing these past few days. It is either a product of: a) there are a lot of sequin/sparkly things for sale out there, b) it is around the holidays and I am buying into the festive look 100%, or c) (most likely reason) I am just splashing out as a way of rebelling my stay-at-home mom status (I don't get out much). :)

First up is my review of the stardust pencil skirt in copper. I also happen to own the gunmetal version. Yes, I love this skirt, and yes, I plan on making it work for me outside of the "festive" part of the year...I can see wearing this skirt all year...wintertime with tights and a sweater, springtime with flats and a long-sleeved tee, summertime with a tank and sandals, and falltime with a tee, jacket, and a pair of nice-looking Keds (or some type of pretty tennis shoes). Anyone who owns this skirt want to join me in my quest?

BTW, my on-line personal shopper helped me find the gunmetal in both an 8 and a 10. The 8 fit better, so I sold the 10. Then the copper showed up as a popback on-line in a 8, and since that was the color I wanted the most, I jumped on it! :)

I have provided the link above, just in case any of you are looking for a popback yourself.


The 10 was longer on me, but that was because the 10's waist basically was 4 inches too big, so it sat at my hip. The 8's waist is only 1.5 inches too large, and the hips fit better, so in the end I sacrificed length for a better fit.

I like this look that I am wearing, Tortoise Ballet Flats (9.5) and the Cashmere Tunic in that mint green color from last spring (small). I think the mint color is a nice, complementary color for the copper of the skirt (basically a brown/red combo).

The skirt's fabric is well-made. None of my usual palpitations over whether the sequins have to be babied by me, they are sewn on very tightly. The sequins are adhered to a lace-y type material, and under it is a opaque slip that feels nice to the skin.

Any questions? Ask in the comments. If you have reviewed this skirt, could you mention it, as well. I know that gigiofca, nojcrewinjapan, and summerilla have reviewed it, but I am 100% sure others have!!!


Here is what I am wearing today, as a full-fledged stay at home mom. I am not going anywhere today, at all. Not even tonight. I just felt like bringing it a bit, you know? I like the way this came together. I think the pink overdyed denim (30 Short) looks nice with both the tortoise patent flats and the mint green tunic. I wore these jeans last here.

Oh, and these pants, while not the most comfortable in the world, are still more comfortable than last night's pants. :)

Have a great day, everyone.

Shopping Times Two...Outfits, That Is!!!

Time to play catch-up (again)!!!

These two outfits are from December 23rd (PM shopping at Potomac Mills Mall) and December 22nd (PM shopping at Pentagon City Mall). The outfits are not in date order because I like the December 23rd outfit and photos better, so I choose to show them off first. ;)

Grey and Yellow Equals Shopping Perfection... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Polyvore for outfit #1. I wore the Winnie coat, but since you all saw it here already, I chose not to take a photo of the outfit with the coat. It looked good, I promise.


Love this shot because CW looks so sweet here. The cardi is laying weird, but I chose to publish this photo because of the cuteness on display. ;) The outfit was more than comfortable for shopping. Only issue I had was feeling a bit overdressed amongst the young teens of Potomac Mills mall. I never feel overdressed at Pentagon City or Montgomery Mall or Tyson's...but Potomac Mills, I see a whole lot of really baggy jeans, Ed Hardy tees, and backwards caps. And that's just the girls...heehee. BTW, no J. Crew at that mall...

Sizes:
Cardigan: Medium.
Top: Medium.
Pants: Size 8.
Shoes: Size 10.


Here is the cardi with last season's sequined cashmere tank. Just a bit of sparkle there on the collar. Note that CW is coming up from the playroom with a puzzle. (Just snuck into the picture...)

Peacock Blue and Denim by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This next polyvore is from outfit #2, worn on December 22nd to Pentagon City. Probably should have worn this outfit to Potomac Mills instead. Less dressy and fussy, but oh, well. ;)

Button-down is not the same as in the polyvore. The one I am wearing is from Eddie Bauer a long time ago. The rest of the polyvore is accurate.


This was the best photo of the bunch. I wasn't in the greatest mood when taking these photos, and since you can read my feelings from my face, when I am in a bad mood it ALWAYS shows in pictures. Ergh...I really wish I could be one of those poker-face kind of people. It would be nice to have an air of mystery.

Outfit was comfy enough. Love the peacock blues (vintage forest, whatever).

Can I ask a question of all of you who own the Cashmere V-Neck Henley? Do any of you think there is a button too many on this sweater? All the catalog images make it look like there is less buttons than in real life. I personally think the top button is superfluous (yes, I realize I normally like superfluity), but here it is bordering on obnoxious, like button overload!!!

Sizes:
Sweater: Size Small.
Top: Size 8.
Jeans: Size 30.
Shoes: Size 9.5.

Have a great day. More outfits, etc. to be published later. Plus, Mid-Century Mom tells me a new post may be in the future, too. Oh, and Cash from My Closet will have items on it that will only be there for five days. After five days these items will most likely vanish to the wonderful consignment shop Mint Condition if there are no takers. :) (I have an appointment there on December 31st...seems like an appropriate thing to do on the very last day of the year.)

Reviews of the Tiered Vintage Fleur Top and the Mini Patent Campo Bag...

Anyone Want to Buy a Coat??? by dinagideon featuring J Crew

First off, some business: I have decided to add to my latest for sale offerings. These two coats could be yours. :) Check out my Cash from My Closet blog for more info.

Second, many thanks for all your positive comments about keeping my blog as is. That said, I have decided to at least incorporate some changes...more watermarks, review posts sticking to the business at hand, and personal posts more separate from the clothing-related posts (makes things more structured that way).

I really hated the thought of becoming fodder for those blogs whose only lease on life is to make fun of other bloggers. Hopefully that won't happen, but if it does, I AM ON RECORD (right now) saying how much I worked to avoid that from happening. ;)

Third, Ann commented on my last post that Boden's winter sale has begun! Yippee!!! Now...hmm...will what I want be around by the time I can start spending again???


Night Out to J. Crew... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Okay, here goes. The polyvore of this outfit is above.


Jacket: Berry-trim Astrid jacket from the J. Crew Outlet, this fall 2009, size 4, black. It is almost identical to the one that J. Crew sold last fall. I really don't know how they are different. Does anyone know how they are different???
Top: Vintage Fleur Top, J. Crew, Winter 2009, size 8. This is a lot like the tiered cami but has embroidered flowers on the hem of each tier. This top is made very well. I have only one complaint, and I will get to that in the last photo. It is a J. Crew Collection piece. It appears to be sold-out on-line, but there are always popbacks.
Jeans: Ancient pair of Levi's that I just love. Size 10.
Shoes: Merona Collection Pink Heels that I fell in love with and blogged about in this post.
Bag: Mini Patent Campo Bag in Coconut. This holds just the right amount...wallet, phone, little makeup bag, keys, a small bottle or sippy cup, and a small book or calendar. It fits over my shoulder nicely (as long as I don't have a winter coat on), and is a comfortable feel in my hands when I choose not to place it over my shoulder. I paid full-price, minus some discount or another (I always wait for a discount), but it is on sale now, so lucky ladies...it can be yours for a very good price. :)


Another view for you all. Note that the Tiered Vintage Fleur Top has a silk ribbon sash. CDP--I swear I put a watermark on this image...where did it go??? I tell ya, I think I do something and then it just disappears.


Here is the Vintage Fleur Top by itself. My only beef with this is that the middle tier kind of poofs out (you can't see it here because my arm is covering it)...which means that I will have to nip it in with some thread and needle...easy enough fix, but irksome, nonetheless. I like the top on its own, but in my opinion, looks really good with a more structured jacket.

Did anyone else review either of these pieces? If so, could you put your link in the comments? I would be very grateful!

Let's Take a Boden Break...Merino Ruffle Tunic or Hotchpotch Shirt, Anyone???

I know so many of you are disappointed with today's Cyber Monday offerings at J. Crew (20% off sweaters only--and only those they chose--feh...), I thought it might make some of you happy to see a non-J. Crew centered post. So I dipped into my (significant) backlog and pulled out two Boden offerings. Now, I don't think Boden has any Cyber Monday offerings at all, but they are British, so maybe they don't ever do that! (Also, Boden seems to offer a % off at all times, and they ALWAYS have free shipping and returns, so they probably don't have to have a Cyber Monday deal.)

BTW, Ann Taylor has 40% off your entire purchase and Ann Taylor Loft has 30% off your entire purchase. Those are % off that seem pretty darn special to me!!!

Merino Ruffle Tunic=AWESOME! by dinagideon featuring FOSSIL watches

Outfit #1's polyvore is above. It includes the Merino Ruffle Tunic that is currently sold out in this print in almost all sizes. That is too bad, because this is an AWESOME item. I bought it over the summer without really being sure that this would be the tunic for me, but having had such good luck with this other Boden tunic, I decided to take the leap. And the leap proved to be the correct move. I felt like it fit me exactly as it looked on the model in the catalog (which is rare in these days of pinning, etc.). I even wrote my first (and so far only) review of it for Boden! (It received 5 out of 5 stars...)


Here it is on me. Size UK 10, which is exactly the right length and fit. Now, on me at 5'8", it is far too short to be a dress, but if you are petite (say 5'3" or shorter), you could wear this as a dress.

The only thing that concerns me is that the print is so Partridge family of the 1970s that it will be out of style very soon. But I have been fearing this for years, and I am still able to wear some of the crazier prints in my closet that I probably shouldn't stress too much about it. :)

A Little More Hotchpotch Love!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore for outfit #2. The Hotchpotch Shirt is probably not for everyone, but unlike the merino ruffle tunic, it is still available in all colors and all sizes. I think the shape of the shirt and the colorways it is offered in make it less of a "all-star" the way the tunic is, but if you find yourself drawn to it, I would recommend it. I personally love the sort of vintage feel of this shirt as it is unlike anything else I own (and reminds me of something that my dad or mom might have worn in the mid-70s).


Here it is on me. To counter its sort of roomy fit (I ordered it in a UK 12), I went ahead and paired it with tight matchstick jeans and a pair of the Alessia peep-toe heels in root. I also wore my hair back, as this kept the look a bit more modern.


I wanted to show you the rear shot because the matchsticks are such a great pair of jeans. I love them and feel that if they can look this good on my rear, then they can look awesome on everyone else (I have always had issues making my rear look fantastic). I also wanted to show you the preciousness that is CW. Too cute!

Photoshop and Its Perils... by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

Oh, and take a look at the polyvore above. While taking a gander at the offerings over at Ann Taylor today, I found this image. The people who photoshop for these websites have serious issues. It is frightening what they did to this model's hips. Seriously. The editors need to get glasses, or a grip, or both. MAN!

Have a nice rest of your Cyber Monday. Happy Shopping!

Boden Hotchpotch Dress Love!

I have some sort of cold or virus. Yuck. It is so bad that Mr. Dina was willing to take Rex to preschool and take care of CW this morning.

I am feeling *slightly* better...less aches, etc., but you can bet your bottom dollar that as soon as Rex goes down for his afternoon nap, I will be in my lovely bed taking another nap, too. My cold may make me all flushed looking and my hair is a fright, but at least I don't have any under-eye bags from not getting enough sleep. :)

This is an outfit I wore subbing two or three weeks ago. Boden does Hotchpotch prints every season, and it basically means that they take two discordant prints in a similar fabric and mesh them together in one seamless outfit. I have seen them take more than two print to make a hotchpotch item, but I tend to only buy the ones in two prints...the visual overload of three or more is a bit jarring.

Another thing about their hotchpotch items is that the prints are either in complementary colors (like yellow with purple or orange with blue) or they are in similar color schemes (which is what this hotchpotch dress is in--navy, green, and ivory).

Untitled by dinagideon featuring Cole Haan shoes

Items in this set:
Bodenusa.com dress, $138
Cole Haan shoes, $150

As you can see from the polyvore, the main print is a navy, green, and ivory ivy print which is enhanced (in my opinion) with a bib and shoulder and elbow fabric of navy and white small floral print.

The shoes are my beloved navy patent Cole-Haans. I love you, Cole-Haan patent pumps, and once momma starts to feel better will definitely show you off again...promise. :)

Here is the dress on me. I bought a 12 regular (which is an 8 regular here). I usually buy regulars in the dresses from Boden because I prefer the top half stay shorter and the length is usually fine. However, that said, I could have gone with a 10 long, but such is life. And now I believe all sizes are getting close to being sold out or are on a very long backorder. If your size is available, I say go for it. Here is the link to this dress on-line (I don't think the polyvore link is working).

Also, all but one of my items are still available for sale over at Cash from my Closet (the citron felted wool skirt has a potential buyer). :)

Have a great day, all!

September 20, 2009--A Day of Celebration (Baby Baptism and Birthday Party)!!!

Yes, I know this is almost two months late (well, more like a month and a half, but still, a crazy amount of time), but I have to throw my blog friends a bone who like to look at more than me in my clothing (which I also realize are my family and close friends, however, they turn out daily for that quick peek of CW and Rex, so I need to take care of them, too)!

Don't worry, my sweet blog friends into clothing, I plan on doing the J. Crew clearance center post, but I am going to create a polyvore for that, and it is still in planning phase, so give me a few hours! :)

That said, this post still has some clothing in it (how could it not)...



Untitled by dinagideon featuring Theory

And here is the polyvore of the outfit that I wore and my sweet daughter wore on her birthday party/baptism day.

Yes, she was baptized one year and two days after she was born. For Catholics, this is almost unheard of, but we had some "paperwork" issues regarding her Godparents, so it took awhile to get it all together. Thank goodness, though, we worked it out, and in the eyes of the church, she is completely free of original sin. :) (I like this...you wouldn't believe how much time and energy I expended worrying about her poor soul her first year of life...can you tell I am a worrier by nature?)


Back to the outfit. All the info on the pieces is in the polyvore. I bought the Theory dress on super-sale in a size 8. It is GORGEOUS, isn't it??? Turns out many companies make items in Liberty Print fabric. (Yay!!!) And yep, those are my delicious Cole-Haan peep toes. I love them so much I bought them in an olive green color recently (a little smaller, but still very comfy and well-made).


Hey, would you look there? No, that is not a Tartine cardigan from J. Crew last year. Nope, it is the outlet version of the Tartine/Jackie cardigan in the prettiest shade of peacock blue. I have no idea if they still are selling this cardigan at the outlet, but I bought it in a medium for those of you who are curious. BTW, the cardi really did make the party (sorry, couldn't stop myself)...


Now, onto the part of the post for all my kids' admirers. :)

Look at baby CW there, with her adoring Uncle Peter. Can you stand it? Is there anything more precious than a little baby with big owl eyes in a bonnet? On three, 1, 2, 3, "Aaaaaahhhhh...."


Bit blurry, this photo, but so sweet. Love it. Tweaked it a bit in Picasa, but only for the effects...


There's my girl. She is wearing a Baptism gown that Rex also wore. Hopefully this one can be passed down through generations of kids. The one my brother and I wore has sadly been lost...


From left to right...Uncle Peter (Godfather), Me (Mommy), Mr. Dina (hiding...as usual), CW (baby girl), and Amanda (Grandma and Godmother). We are at the point in which CW has been baptized (if you look close you will see her head is wet from the holy water).


Now, it is time to party! And what is better than an ice-cream cake decorated with Yo Gabba Gabba figurines? (BTW, baby CW and Rex went as Foofah--pink figurine, and Brobee--green figurine, for Halloween, and yes, they were very cute, of course...)


Here I am lighting the candle (#1) for her cake. Yes, CW is wearing a "birthday princess" crown on her head and a "It's fun to be one" tee-shirt.

BTW, CW totally wore her Jacadi Liberty Print dress you see in the polyvore above, but (and I know, shocker), we totally forgot to take a photo of her in it. Don't worry, it is a very long dress and very loose on her right now, so I suspect strongly that it will come out to be seen another day, and for another picture. :)


Sorry for how badly exposed this is (dad, take your finger off the flash when taking photos), but still a very sweet image. This is right before things got messy (you mothers and fathers out there know what is coming)...


What kind of one-year old's birthday party doesn't have some sort of hilarity involving a very messy face from placing their head into the cake itself. CW did sort of a "dip head, lick ice cream cake, lift head, stare at her admirers, repeat, repeat" motion for about twenty minutes. This photo is from about halfway through the process. If you think this is bad, you should have seen Rex at his first birthday party. That boy knows how to get messy. :)

Have a nice day, you will hear again from me fairly soon!