Animal Print. Roar. (Or in this case more of a neigh.)

Hee.  My animal prints on display today are definitely not the fierce jungle cats that are all the rage this season (and every freaking fall, it seems, definitely not a trend if it keeps. coming. back. people.).  Instead I took a milder approach to animal prints and wore a zebra and a giraffe.  Ah, how sweet.

One more thing before I get onto the outfits.  I was definitely shaken and stirred by the earthquake yesterday.  Very scary, and definitely unexpected.  This article from the Washington Post explains why it happened and why this area's response of being *freaked out* was okay.  LOL.  Looks like we have a hundred years or so to go before another big one...

Zebra Time.  I wore this while teaching summer school a few weeks back.  I had been going for themed outfits (here, fishy, fishy AND floral explosion) but that day I was just not feeling it, so I brought out my inner Africa.

This is the Blakely dress in zebra print that was a big seller back when it came out.  I like it and I am glad I got it, but I only wear this once a year or so.  I think a zebra print dress is one of those items you can't really parade around all the time, very noticeable.  :)

The Cleo platform sandals, however, I wear constantly in the summer.  Very comfortable and great at lengthening the legs without having to resort to stilettos.  I also paired the dress with a hot pink leather skinny belt that also sees quite a bit of action from me (and does especially in this post).

Another view.  This outfit was supremely comfy.  The cotton is a nice weight for summer, not too heavy.  The dress can also be worn with a jacket or cardigan in spring or fall if you wanted it to transition.

You all are going to have to open this pic up.  Not only are we at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington (very near to where I grew up, in fact), but my hubby captured a plane coming in for a landing at National airport, AND my daughter is making the best face.  Plus, if you open the photo up you can see my outfit a bit better and the now closed (thanks, earthquake) Washington Monument.  (Don't worry it won't be closed forever...just a bit, or so says the National Park Service.)

The dress is a Merona Collection piece from 2009.  The cardigan is J. Crew from 2008.  The shoes are the awesome neon pink strapped Dani heels from 2010 and the belt, see outfit above. ;)  The sunglasses are the wonderful Cutler and Gross #0930.

Rex loves the Air Force Memorial.  He has been talking about seeing the "swords" since he was pretty darn tiny.  And even though we only live just down the road a bit, we had not found the time (ridiculous, I get it).  This place is great!  When I was a kid it was just a big ole hill that people went to see the fireworks every July 4th (in fact, they still do, alebit with less space available).

That night no one was there.  It was AWESOME.  CW and Rex could fully enjoy it.  If you open the pic, you can see her running along quite merrily...

Before you think I am all too tame with my zebra and giraffe prints, I did bite onto a few of the jungle cat pieces from this fall...I have recently purchased the Tippi sweater in leopard (love, so soft!) and from Boden I pre-ordered the Leopard Tote (still not here, sigh) and the Animal Bow Flatsbow flats in the army green leopard print.  I am even contemplating another small piece, but I am on the fence.  (A great coupon would help!  Of course it would!)

Speaking of Boden, if you have a review for me, I will be doing the Boden Weekly Review Roundup this evening, so if you could get me the reviews before 6 pm Eastern time, that would be fab! (dinagideon@aim.com) Thank you!

Also on the Boden front, I will be doing a HUGE back-to-school post tomorrow that not only showcases my back-to-school picks from Boden's fab Autumn 2011 line, but I will be sponsoring a really nice giveaway, so please do be on the lookout for that.  :)

Okay, all, talk soon.  BTW, besides the Boden posts I mentioned earlier, I have all those themed outfits to go.  Here are some upcoming theme days...floral explosion; here, fishy, fishy;  and print passion.  There may even be another theme day, still working on my backlog of ootds.  (Which is just supremely irritating that I have let it get this bad. LOL.)

J. Crew: Teddie Dress Review.

You all.  This is Friday night, and unless you all are stuck indoors because you have 1) toddlers, 2) a wicked storm outside, or 3) both, I really hope I don't hear from any of you until tomorrow.  :)

I received the Teddie Dress today in the mail (and a confirmation e-mail that my long-awaited pre-order that I saved. all. summer. for. was ordered--woo!), so I wanted to get this review done as soon as possible.

There will be two camps for this dress.  The first camp is gonna swoon and fall all over themselves to get it.  The second camp will hate it for many reasons (all of which are valid, btw) and want to "throw it in the trash."

LOL--an aside, whenever Rex doesn't like something he says, and I quote, "that thing I hate is going in the trash, Momma."  Things that have gone in the trash include various tv shows, some of my J. Crew boxes (the hatred!), and some of his sister's toys.  

I am in the first camp, but only because I am not looking at this dress as anything more than a fun date, brunch or party dress.  If you are looking to wear this to work it probably won't work for you unless you take the hem out if you are tall (there is about two inches allowance in my dress) or you are under 5'4".

Teddie Dress Yum. by dinagideon featuring mid heel pumps

Above is a polyvore with an awesome image of the dress at a Russian ballet practice (THANK YOU SUZY for posting the pics on your blog).  Those girls are so cute.  And her dress, while nice on her, is definitely short.  (As it is on me.)

And on me, front view.  I added a tortoise belt (J. Crew Fall 2009?) and the Coralie Printed Heels in Turquoise Paisley (J. Crew Spring 2009?).  I would change this up in "real life" with the patent heels you see in the polyvore.

Teddie Dress Pros: Love the double-faced wool crepe, has a slight texture to it and doesn't seem itchy at all.  The dress is lined through the body and skirt, but not the sleeves which doesn't bother me.  The color, decadent red is insanely luxurious looking.  I have NO makeup on, I am wearing glasses, and I am wearing a bun but I felt like I could go out just like this and feel ready for anything.  That's the power of red, I suppose.

Teddie Dress Cons: Some of you may be turned off that the sleeves aren't lined.  I also imagine that the color might be too much for some of you.  The shoulders also just fit me in the size 6.  I have very thin shoulders, so I would definitely recommend sizing up if you are more blessed up top.  The hips on this are in a tulip shape, so those of us pear shapes have lucked out.  Many of you will also be irritated by how short this is, I am 5'8" and it is at least four inches above the knee.  (But remember, it has a bit of a hem allowance if that is how you roll--like towards the tailor.)

I included this shot because it shows that movement and mobility is fine, as long as you get the right size.  The wool and lining seems to stretch a bit, I didn't think I was imagining it.  It felt good.  Sitting was no problem either, but the pouf out front from the tulip shape will be present when you sit unless you sit. just. right.

Back view with what I actually like, the exposed zipper.  I think it looks cool.  But I understand completely why so many of you are turned off.  I just plan on owning it and not really worrying about how others react to its presence.  ;)  Plus the vast majority of the time I am facing people not having my back turned on them, lol.  And in teaching maybe it is possible that the kids will be all "ooh, look at that big zipper, maybe we should give more respect to ms. dinagideon."  Ha, right.

Side view.  The tulip shape is very obvious here.  I don't mind the pouf, but my stomach area is not my problem area, so take that for what it's worth.

Anyone else get their Teddie Dress today?  I am curious to see how others like theirs, and if anyone has seen the other two colors in real life.

You all have a great night!

Boden: Textured Cotton Skirt, Review and an Outfit.

For all the readers who say that these reviews are terrible for their pocketbook have a good friend in me.  LOL.  After creating and reading my own Boden Weekly Review Roundups, I have admittedly purchased an item or two, including today's lovely, the Textured Cotton Skirt in the fudge colorway.

So thank you, lovely ladies of my favorite Boden blogs, you all convinced me that this skirt was worth it.  And I will probably convince a few of you myself.  ;)

Don't forget to apply a coupon to this skirt purchase, if you take the plunge.  Right now, the diminishing discount offer is still at 25% off, so that gives this skirt a pretty decent price for what it is.

Emma Pillsbury Inspired Boden! by dinagideon featuring a sweater cardigan

Above is the polyvore of the outfit I wore today.  It was a typical SAHM kind of day, with the addition of an additional child, aka as my grandpa.  (Who knew that 83 year old men could be as demanding as 4 year old boys?  Laugh.  Love ya, grandpa!)

Turns out this outfit was perfect for my day.  The look was polished, a bit Emma Pillsbury inspired (or says Mr. Dina), and exceedingly comfortable.  I don't even kid when I say that...I literally felt better than I do in many of my pants and shorts outfits.  The heels were even okay, as the chunky heel on the cinema t-straps (J. Crew, Spring 2009) are more of a stable surface for walking (which I did a ton of, btw).

On me, full outfit. 

Quick overview of the pieces...the featherweight cotton bling-bling cardigan is a size small, and I love how the teal pops nicely against the brown in the skirt (I picked this color in the skirt so I could *pop* colors against it, btw)...the factory teagan ruffle popover is a size 4 and I glad I re-bought this in the factory version as the original I had was too big...the textured cotton skirt is a size US 8 Long or UK 12 Long and I love it...and the cinema t-straps are a size 10.

The outfit looks quite lovely without the cardigan, and I have a few plans for more sensational, sophisticated summer outfits that will star this skirt.  ;)

It does have pockets, and I found that I was placing my hands in them all day.  Pockets aren't necessary, but a really nice addition. 

The length is fab, I always buy longs in Boden and I wish other companies would offer skirts in longs, too.  I don't have to buy longs in dresses or tops, but I am very tall in my legs and find the extra fabric in pants and skirts very helpful.

From the side.  This skirt is a TULIP shape, so fair warning.  I don't mind this and personally find this modified pencil shape very comfortable and flattering, but I can see why the teeny little poof at the upper hip area could annoy others.

Is it poof or pouf?  Brain fart!  ;)

BTW, the cotton/linen blend didn't wrinkle too terribly, but it did stretch out a bit.  I *could* have gone with a 6 Long, but I am fine with the size I got.  It's all good.  

From the back.  This photo really shows how long this skirt is and shows how the popover looks from the back.

I had the original teagan popover, which had ruffles made from a combo of silk and cotton.  The factory version is all cotton.  Here's the thing...although I would love to own the original in my exact right size, this factory version fills the void well, and looks nicely polished and professional with so many bottoms.  I highly recommend it if you can find it on ebay, or as a popback on jcrew.com (which I doubt would happen).


Above is the link to the Boden's website.  This will show the other colors, size availability, and measurements.  Remember to click through my diminishing discount link to make sure you get 25% off.  (Or whatever coupon I have running in my sidebar if you are accessing this review in the future!)

You all have a fab day.  If you have a Boden review you would like to share with me for tomorrow's review roundup, e-mail me at dinagideon@aim.com.  Thanks!!!

Spring Into Style: Day Four 2011.

Spring Into Style: Day Four 2011. by dinagideon featuring a two button blazer
Totally inspired by Anna Torv today...I love how she combines super professional styles with a sort of casual and polished made up face and hair on the show Fringe.

Since I rarely have a reason to get all dressed up like a business person, when I found out we were to see some VIPs here at this school today, I knew I had to dust off my Super 120s two-button jacket and city-fit bootcut pants. 

The tee I am wearing with it is a "spirit" tee for the school, definitely not optional, but I bought it in a child's size large so it would be more fitted like a regular blouse and it would fit under the jacket.  In the end I enjoyed how it all came together, but I definitely don't look like "normal" me.  LOL.

I bought this suit for $50 total.  It was bought at "Rugged Wearhouse" which carries J. Crew sometimes for some wonderful prices.  It is sort of like Ross or TJ Maxx...  BTW, you know what was wrong with the $230 jacket?  It was missing a button.  Which was in the pocket.  And was sewed on for free by my tailor (no, I wasn't sewing back then).  I bought the jacket, size 4, for $30.  Pants were $20.

FWIW, I turned the professional me into a professional model so the girls could get a fashion lesson in business wear. :) I think they were more impressed by my Rugged Wearhouse story than by why we should all own suits when we get to be adults.

Talk with you all soon.

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Includes a New Summer Arrival, the Printed Tunic!

Ooh, sorry for how belated this post is! :P I love going back to teaching (especially when it is a fashion class for uber-excited tweens), but wow...I am T-I-R-E-D. LOL. These first pics of me in the cute as a button printed tunic are of me after my nap earlier this afternoon. I am so tired I am taking a nap, like a toddler.

Okay onto the business of the roundup...remember if you want to see it close-up on me, click on the photos of me wearing them.  If you want to see them on my blog friends, click on the link to their website.  If you want to see measurements, other colors, and sizes, click on the photo of the item as photographed by Boden.  There is a 15% off maternity coupon in the sidebar of this blog that is still working.  There is no minimum for that coupon, so if you have a low tolerance for higher minimums on coupons, this coupon is probably your best bet.  I hope it still works for a while...

Printed Tunic on me in the jade champagne spot pattern.  I fell for this way back when this was in preview, and now that it has arrived, I am even more smitten.

It is clearly safe to say I am obsessed with Boden tunics.  It seems that they always fit me exactly as I need them to, which I can't say about some of their other items like the the dresses and the pants (okay, trousers all you British visitors, lol).

This is a size US 6 or UK 10.  I usually wear a size US 6 in their tunics, so this is tts.

The tunic is made from a stretchy blended cotton.  It does hug through the bottom half, but in a way I know is flattering and not unfortunate.

It has a small tie belt, which I like, but I can 100% see belting it with a wide belt, especially if I am trying to get an 80s vibe (the spot patterns look very 80s in my opinion, and the florals sort of scream 70s).

From the back.  I think the blousier top and nipped in waist helps make my hips look a wee bit smaller, which for this "Miss Pear" is much appreciated.  SWAK, Johnnie B.

Okay, this is short without the leggings, but I kind of like it this way better!  Definitely for the dog days of August.

I may try the tunic with skinny jeans on Friday for the Spring Into Style class.  I can see the girls going gaga for this look.

This is a close-up of the print, the spots are actually a navy, not black, but even so, the tunic looks more than fine with black leggings.


Printed Tunic. Also available in the above floral in two colorways and the spot pattern in a grey version (yum!).


Textured Jersey Tee. On Louise in the Blush Stencil and the Wave Stencil Pattern.


Essential Short Sleeve Scoop Neck. In green on both Suburban Mom and Louise.


Favourite Crew Neck Cardigan. On Suburban Mom in the Sapling Melange (a green) color.


Printed Cotton Skirt. As seen on Suburban Mom in the multi-color floral print.


Swishy Cotton Skirt. As seen on Suburban Mom in the blue floral print. 

Notch Neck Shift on me in the Ruby Peony colorway.  Yes, those are some crazy old school pointed toe green leather flats from J. Crew circa 2005!  ;)  Still have them and still love them.

I know, I know, I already own this in the sailor terrazzo colorway, but honestly, they only share a shape in common, and since I LUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRVVVVE the shape, I knew I had to get one that was a bit different. 

And I totally wore this dress, one whole day after I received it.  I had an Arbonne party I was the consultant for and I really wanted a perfect, professional, yet cheery dress for the occasion.  This dress fit the bill exactly.  :)

Hand on hip.  Those shoes look really REALLY pointy.  They look less scary "wicked witch of the west/great grand wizard of oz" in real life.  Ha.  ;)


Notch Neck Shift. I don't really don't know why the ruby peony is not selling fast, but it is really very lovely in real life!

Okay, you all...if I missed one of your reviews, please drop me a line or put it in the comments!!!  Thank you for giving the roundup a visit!

Spring Into Style: Day Three 2011.

Spring Into Style: Day Three 2011. by dinagideon featuring grey shoes
Sort of a casual dressed up teacher look.

IRL on me.  Bad, bad lighting in this here school. Yikes!  LOL.  Only thing that is new is that Gypsy Top by Boden.  The rest is pretty old J. Crew, from 2008 and 2009.  The shoes are Tahari and they are perfect for that sort of "professional" look I so rarely have to worry about actually creating.  :)

My girl, Lisa, of Respect the Shoes, has a similar look in her ootd post.  Great minds and all.  ;)

Speaking of great minds (or not), mine is mush.  Expect a Boden Weekly Review Roundup later today, but know there is a small chance I may miss your review...if I do, forgive me and know that I will fix up my act as soon as possible! 

The 15% off Boden Maternity coupon (sidebar of blog) is still working.  Woo! There are 15% off and 20% off e-mails circulating, but they all require a minimum, with 15% it is $150 purchase and with 20% it is $200 purchase.

Talk soon, all.

J. Crew Paris Catalog Inspiration #1--Pinwale Cord Linda Dress in Red.

In my neverending quest to own and look like every single page in the Paris Catalog (September 2007 J. Crew), I decided to have a mini love-in with the catalog a few weeks ago.  I literally wore an inspired look from the catalog for a couple of days spread over two weeks.  I have done this before.  I probably have a sickness.  LOL.  Here are some past attempts: Library Doll Dress #1, Library Doll Dress #2, Bella #1, and Sophie Peacoat Sweater #1. 

Today is inspired by the above image of the incredibly gorgeous Edda in the Pinwale Cord Linda Dress.  This is from the non-Paris portion of the catalog, so it gets way less play than the rest of the catalog.  Here's the thing, though.  The way this portion of the catalog was styled was SPOT ON.  I plan on exhibiting some of the styles from Edda's part of the catalog at some point because I think many of you will agree that the very classic looks on display are still very versatile and viable today.

I actually fell in love with the dress because of Real Simple magazine.  In their August 2007 issue, they showed this dress in the Italian wool version as a nice simple work dress for hiding lumps and bumps.  I had JUST had Rex (so tiny in August 2007--miss that time!) so I was very much lumpy and/or bumpy. 

I went on-line, saw the Italian wool version and then I saw the pinwale cord version in Bright Rust, and was sold (plus it was cheaper).

Bought it in a size 10.  Still wear the size 10, even though a 6 would probably fit better.  I just belt it now.  (See photos below.)

It also came in this pretty brown version which is the perfect shade for this model.  I also love how they did her hair, very cute with the scarf.

And in real life.  Isn't this warm red so beautiful?  I belted it with an Anthro belt and wore a pair of Cole Haan nude heels.  Just enough, no need for anything more.


I have worn this dress once before but I didn't know what it was called at the time.  :)

So why did I need to look professional and made up?  Because I had an Arbonne party for my good blog friend Drewablank!  I wanted to make sure that I put my best face and outfit forward I could. 

We had a fab time, and yes, that is Summerilla of Sum Sunshine.  I love this photo.  We all look so happy!  (We had a great time...the smiles are very real!)

This is what my display of Arbonne Essentials, RE9 Travel Set, makeup, and Revelage looked like.  It was a lot of fun mixing up shakes and fizzy drinks and such for the ladies.  The protein shake was a big hit, but that may have had something to with drewablank's abilities with my blender.  ;)

And finally, my display of literature from Arbonne.  I can't have everything they make at my house, so these pamphlets and catalogs help my clients see what all is out there.

In the next few days you will see a Bella inspired outfit #gabizzilion (I have worn my Bellas constantly this winter, so I won't be showing them all off, lol), and a Wool Jersey Shift Dress inspired outfit.

Quickly, on a totally off-topic note...go to my Boden Buy and Sell if you at all wanted to get the Showstopping Knitted Jacket, but either balked at the cost (completely understand that) or you missed it before it sold out.  There is a UK seller over at ebay.co.uk who has listed one with an INSANELY low starting bid.  All the info you need on the seller, etc., is over at that post.

Also, Boden babes, today is the last day to get 15% off and free shipping and returns over at Boden.  That link is on my sidebar if you need to access that coupon.  Tomorrow it reverts to the {normal} 10% off with free shipping and returns.

On a more on-topic note (as today's post was about an outfit I wore to an Arbonne party), my Arbonne goody bag with any $75 and more purchase ends in one week.  Just a reminder...you can check out the details by clicking on the photo of the goody bag contents or here to go directly to my website.

You all have a fab day!