Review: J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Paisley OOTD.

Okay, yay! I am at part three of my three part review series. :) Yesterday I published reviews of the Hacking Jacket in Herringbone and the Winsome Dress in Blurry Rose.

Today I am focused on two items that are definitely available, so if you like them, they are available right now for an additional 25% off. (Again, this is how I got these pieces last time, during the 25% off all inclusive promo they were offering last month.)

Skirt: No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Paisley.  I have the one in orange and blue from this summer, and decided I loved that one enough to give this one a shot...but with one caveat, if the skirts were too similar in fabric and look, I would return this one.  Turns out they are different enough, obviously in coloring (this one reminds me of Mardi Gras), and in fabric.  This fabric is like a very heavy and soft cotton sateen, whereas the one from this summer was almost a textured cotton.  It is sort of funny that they issued the cotton sateen one in fall and the textured cotton in summer, especially in these colorways.  I think they should have issued this one during the summer and the summer one now, but since it wasn't my decision, there you go.

I am wearing the size 8.  Technically I could have gone with the 6, especially since the 8's waist is pretty loose, but honestly either way I am happy, it isn't exactly falling off of me in the 8.  But...if you have a smaller hip line compared to your waist, definitely size down. 

Top: Vintage Cotton Ballet Tee in fiesta purple.  I have items that can match the skirt, but this tee was so pretty and interesting looking, I took a chance on it.  WAY back in the 90s I owned a sweater from J. Crew in this color and I have very fond memories of wearing it, so I also was being a bit sentimental.  :)  This is the extra small, which is more than fine, loose enough to give the "relaxed" look, but not too loose.  It is really short, but since I am short torsoed, it hits at my high hip perfectly.  If you have a long torso, you may be out of luck, as I don't know that sizing up will help.

The jacket is from Anthropologie (Herringbone Sweater Jacket), the shoes are old school J. Crew (Alessia patent peep toe heels in spearmint--matches the spearmint in the skirt exactly), and the necklace is J. Crew (Knotted Mesh Necklace).

This shot gives you a better view of the top and jacket.

We went to our favorite gorge-o-fest place, aka Texas de Brazil.  I wore the skirt on purpose as a way to remind me to not go overboard.  I didn't, btw, stuck with the filet mignons and limited myself to one fried banana.  :)

Royal Paisley OOTD. by dinagideon featuring a studded clutch

Above is the polyvore.

So many people have done reviews of this skirt.  (As was the case with the winsome dress and the hacking jacket...great reviews!)  If you have a review of any of the three items, would you mind dropping your review link in the comments of the appropriate review?  Much thanks!!!

What *Would* Emma Pillsbury Wear if She Taught a Fashion Class?

I stick to my convictions when I say I want someone to do something...for instance, in my "Fall Into Fashion" class that I taught over the past two weeks, I really emphasized using Inspiration Boards as a way of figuring out personal style. And even though my personal inspiration board does not include the lovely Emma Pillsbury character from the very fab show Glee, she would have made it onto my board if I had *just* a little bit more room.

But as anyone who knows me from Polyvore can attest, I am addicted to copying the style of the extremely slightly compulsive character played by the pretty Ms. Mays. I am also a big fan of the blog written by my good bloggie friend who carefully documents the comings and goings of our fave red-head and other fashion related questions surrounding this sophomore show (yes, I know they had one episode in the 2008-2009 season on Fox, but it was a preview). Heck, I am even on their blog roll (teehee!).

By the way, WWEPW has just celebrated its blog-o-versary...go on over to the blog and become a follower and wish my gifted friend some Congratulations!

So what kind of fashion "counselor" would I be if I didn't devote at least one day to emulating the style of our most sartorially blessed t.v. counselor? Exactly.

What *Would* Emma Pillsbury Wear if She Taught a Fashion Class? by dinagideon featuring j crew handbags

Above is the polyvore I created that shows that I already had exactly what I needed to "become" Miss Emma for the day. I realize that her skirt is the unagi skirt, but my perfect pencil is the same lovely plum. Yes, the cardi is the same exact Jackie Cardigan in dried orchid. The crystal devote necklace takes the place of Emma's ubiquitous cardi clips, but I think the effect is similar. And although I went for no belt, I injected extra color in the form of some fab spearmint shoes (the awesome Alessia peep-toes that I do also own in root and graphite--love!). Danielle has done a write-up on this outfit if you all want more info.

Here I am, in the classroom, with the outfit as I wore it the whole almost the whole day (I did unbutton the cardi at one point, not very Miss Emma, but definitely Miss Dina on an 80 degree day).

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size small. The dried orchid had been on sale. I think the Jackie cardigan is now back to full price in this color. J. Crew strikes me as a bit schizophrenic when it comes to pricing.
Top: Size Medium. This is a stretch button-down. It isn't the best fit as the bust is loose on me, but it is very comfortable, and in my closet of color and pattern, it is a blessing for when I need to rein myself in a bit (and no I don't mean with today's outfit, either, I don't think anyone would accuse Emma of being reserved in her clothing choices).
Skirt: Size 6. I find the fit in this to be a bit tight through the hips. That said, this year's 6 fits lovely through the hips. I definitely feel more comfy in this year's version. (I can still wear this one, I just have to wear the spanx.)
Shoes: Size 9.5. If you ever find the Alessia peep-toe heels in your size on ebay, you must buy them. They are amazing shoes, comfortable, pretty, and classic.

Makeup had come undone by this point. Only my mascara was going strong. Sigh. Humidity, wool, and no professional makeup artist following me around with my Arbonne makeup does make for a slightly "dewy" Miss Dina. LOL.

Here is a close-up of just the clothes.

And here I am, all unbuttoned. Felt slightly scandalous unfurling my button-down in this manner, but again, 80 degrees...

This is a photo from the wee hours of the morning before I left for school. Upon reviewing the photo, I decided I liked the outfit, but two changes had to be made. One--MUST unbutton top two and bottom two buttons in order to really channel Emma. Even she isn't that (chortle) buttoned up. (I do realize that she has all her cardigan buttons buttoned, but she appears less buttoned-up, make sense? LOL. Probably not...) Two--MUST let hair down. This slicked-back ponytail is much more scary German woman prison guard and less pretty, sweet, shy Emma Pillsbury.  Definitely don't want to be mistaken for Helga.  (You laugh, but it has happened.  Long story.)

You all have a great day. Please continue to find inspiration for your own style wherever you can. And remember, HAVE FUN! ;)

Casual Sequins Times Two!!!

Hey, you all. Glad you enjoyed yesterday's preview of today's J. Crew roll-out of May 2010 items. :) I woke up all ready to go and may have spied a few items I just love...including the Liberty Floral Daze Cardigan (how pretty and I think even though it is similar to the Target print, the colors pop more on this one) and the pants and shorts in the orchid shadow color. That color is divine!

I have for you tonight two very recent outfits that are me to the core. Very sparkly, very fun, somewhat dressy, but still has a very distinct casual edge to it.


The first outfit was worn by me on Tuesday for a day with Rex. I knew it would be a busy, crazy day, but I still felt like dressing up a tiny bit, but I knew the day's activities meant I had to be comfy. Enter my newest purchases (actually one is REALLY OLD, but was on a waitlist forever), plus my standby black resin wash toothpick ankle jeans by J. Crew from this last winter.

Sizes:
Top: Jaspé sequined slouchy sweatshirt, Size small. I waited for this for over four months. I bought this on a super promo back in December and waited and waited and waited... The wait was worth it. This has a lovely combo of both cozy and special. BTW, you know I have sequin OCD and if sequins even look like they will come off, I freak out, right? These sequins are applied in a random pattern and in such a way that they are all stitched in a continuous line (if you look on the inside of the sweatshirt you can see this). The workmanship is there, and definitely deserves Collection status, in my opinion. I also love the scoop neckline, so flattering.
Pants: Size 31. These are good workhorse denim pants.
Shoes: Lux shimmerveil ballet flats, Size 9.5. I would NEVER have bought these at full price, or even the current sale price. They had been on promo for $198, and then came along the awesome 30% off sale items, and yep, these guys went down to a much more reasonable $130. These are all leather, and well made. The do run a bit tight, but I know since it is all leather, the shoes will kind of become one with my foot. By the end of the day, these felt way better to me than at the beginning. I personally love the shimmerveil leather, just a hint of shine, and a very soft feel. I have the shimmerveill charmed mini-bag and it is the same exact leather. I think they are Collection worthy (came in a silver box--woo!), but even still, the original price was CRAZY!

I guess CW was shy that morning. ;)


I wore the above outfit on my RUNWAY show day of my Spring Into Style class. I figured if the kids were going to be dressed very swank and pretty and strut confidently, then so must I.

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size small. This is the slub cotton v-neck long cardigan from January 2010's rollout? Anyhow, I remember this cardigan selling out pretty quick, I think if J. Crew prices things well and they are well-made, they will sell out.
Top: Size Petite Medium, which in Ann Taylor Loft world means a regular size small. Huh. Great top. I know a lot of you out there own it and love it...consider me a member of your club. No sequin OCD, btw, this top, like the jaspe above, has very secure sequins. Phew.
Pants: Size 30 Tall. I love LOVE these stretch toothpick ankle jeans in the twilight wash.
Shoes: Size 9.5. Love how the spearmint pops against the neutrals of the rest of the outfit.

The kids and staff at the school loved the outfit, but at first many, many people were all, "what is she wearing?" Then, seeing me on stage as the MC for the fashion show, little light bulbs went off. :)

Baby matches, too, all pretty in peacock.

Have a great night. Talk soon!

Tuesdays are Dress Days!

First up: A NEW commenting system, Disqus, has been enabled for all posts starting with today's. I will still have commenting on the old posts, but they will be through Blogger, and they will still have comment moderation. From what I have seen of the Disqus system on GingerSnap's blog, Chloe's blog, and Ashley's blog, I knew this was the direction that would work well for this blog. I like free thought, I love discussions, however...I do not really care for downright insulting comments. Sorry, I have feelings, and so does my family. Say what you want about this blog being public, blah, blah, blah...this is still my happy space (I love it most of the time), and I want it to stay happy. Disqus will allow me A LOT more control of how negative or not negative I choose this space to be. And as one of my favorite blog friends pointed out in a recent e-mail (she wants to remain private), the My Superfluities Blog is a lot more fun and delightful when a system of respect is there. I agree. So that is what I am doing by using Disqus, implementing some modicum of respect. Does that mean every comment has to be sunshiney and with rainbows? Heck no! I married a contrarian, for crying out loud. I can handle jibes and jokes and disagreements! And that is why I really fought to keep anonymous commenting for so long...I wanted you all to have your say. But lately, it has gotten out of hand. You have not seen the comments, because I have NOT PUBLISHED THEM. But they have been TERRIBLE. With Disqus, they may get published, but I will be able to have them flagged, etc. Plus you all can DIRECTLY answer a person if you want to discuss a point or counterpoint with them...

So enjoy this "happier, more decent" format of My Superfluities. :)

Okay, so Tuesdays are dress days...this is because I don't have baby CW with me and I am able to wear something that isn't conducive to nursing, in other words, dresses! I love dresses and relish any opportunity to wear them. In fact, the days I wear dresses I feel uplifted, even if everything else is kind of rotten (case in point--yesterday--God bless the little children and all, but boy, Rex was in a MOOD yesterday).

Simple, Easy Elegance... by dinagideon featuring Cole Haan shoes

So last Tuesday I wore this oldie, but goodie. Click on the polyvore to see info on the three pieces. Only the necklace is new. Speaking of the necklace, LOVE this one. Made by Urban Outfitters, I think it cost $15. It is a fun piece that is trendy, but at $15, is an expense that I can swallow.


Sizes:

Dress: Size UK 10, or US 6. This dress really is a nice bridge piece for the changing seasons, either from fall to winter or winter to spring. It is warm, but not too cloying. I wore it with tights the last time, but I did really like it bare-legged.
Heels: Size 10.5 Narrow.

Yesterday, I wore a dress that I was reminded of when reading Goldenmeans last week. There was an awesome post on Lil dresses (a brand that Anthropologie carries). I had just been going through my closet of "ooh, I can wear you again" clothing, and I found my beautiful silk Lil dress. Seeing her post reminded me I NEEDED to bring this dress out to play, and that I did...

Sizes:

Dress: Size 10. It is a bit loose, and long, but that's okay. A blue cami fixed that problem. Heels would have helped the length problem, but the below knee length doesn't really bother me too much, in fact, I felt a bit "mid-century mom" wearing this get-up. (I know, I know, my poor sad neglected little sister blog...) I bought this dress for a cruise Mr. Dina and I took in the spring of 2006. He said he would have even bought it for me, but I had already bought it for myself. How sweet! :)
Cardigan: Size Medium. Later in the day I did button it up and it added a bit of sophistication to the outfit. Belted it would have soared.
Shoes: Size 10.

The necklace is the Crystal Devote necklace, currently on promo of $100. That is a good price. I find this to be a fairly versatile necklace, even though on its own it seems a bit scary. I reviewed it here, and yesterday Bichonluvr did a post on it.

You all have a great day. Hopefully I can get back to more regular posting now that I feel more in control. ;)

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!

Citron on a Friday Strikes Again!!!

As you know last Friday I celebrated citron (to honor FFM's awesome post about the color). Well without really meaning to, here I am celebrating it again!!! (Although, truth be told...I love this color.)

I decided against creating a polyvore because I couldn't find the top and the sweater I wore is only in polyvore as a natural color, so I will just post pics of me...wooh!

The top is by a company called Miss Closet. I bought this at Need Supply down in Richmond, again on super sale. I bought a large, but it fits pretty well, almost feels like a tunic. From what I read, Miss Closet is a juniors' brand so that could explain why the large doesn't feel too large. The jeans are my beloved Seven for all mankind dojo's. I am a little worried that they are becoming too loose. (The one pitfall of weight-loss, pants that do look really nice become too loose...sigh.) The shoes are the joelle patent flats in spearmint, and the necklace is a green amber piece I got from the History Store (or something like that) back before I was married (2001).

My hair is wet. Honestly if I make it out of the house with everything I need and my hair is wet, I will live. Little accomplishments make me the most happy. Even though it was wet, it was completely dry by the time I got to school (yep, I walked again)!


Here is the outfit, but with the sweater/fancy sweatshirt. This is from J. Crew last winter (2007). I also own it in black, but the Miss Closet top does look very nice with this color!

By the way, I see a lot of J. Crew out in the world, but this sweater/sweatshirt is the one I most often see. I think it had a very broad appeal when they created it. And almost everyone I see in it looks really nice. Must be the universally flattering shawl-collar!

My next post is about my Seven Dojo jeans dilemma. Help me if you can!

Sporty Stylish in Spearmint, Black, White, and Green!

Yay! So even after that atrocity of an "outfit" yesterday (thanks to all you ladies who said it was fine, we all can have a day off), I managed to put something together that was a bit more fashion-forward.

I am walking today, so it had to be friendly to that, but I think this was an overall winner. I call it sporty stylish because it feels very "Colorado ski-woman" or something (can you tell I have never been skiing?). Link to this polyvore is here: http://www.polyvore.com/sporty_stylish_in_spearmint_green/set?id=6977713

The sweater is the lovely spearmint Eva cashmere sweater by J. Crew. Before you worry to much, I made sure to wear an undershirt to protect its fabric from my sweating. (Not the cami that is pictured, but a lightweight tee I bought from Kohl's a few years ago.) The pants are my faves, the matchstick cords in black from J. Crew this winter (2008). The vest is Kenneth Cole Reaction (bought off ebay). The shoes are Privo by Clarks (bought at TJMaxx) and are similar to the ones pictured in the polyvore set. The watch is fossil, but not the same exact one as in the set. The scarf is green, but by Benneton, and not what is in the set.

Joyce--I loved how you said in yesterday's comments that the outfit I wore wasn't too bad but that I was hard on it because I have an evolving style. I think you are right. I definitely feel that way--I just can't let myself slide in my appearance--and I don't think it is vanity. I think my desire stems out of multiple things, maybe I am a bit obsessive, maybe I need to prove my femininity (I was raised solely by my dad), or maybe I just need a project. Thank you for your astute comment.


Here it is without the vest. I am going to miss my hair being all sleek tomorrow. I have to wash it tonight, and I know I will have NO time to straighten it again for awhile. (Grades are due this week--interims, but still--PRESSURE.)


Vest on, ready to go! I have a Vera Bradley backpack I use when I walk...it is so pretty and colorful and fairly lightweight. It is the Medallion print (for those of you who care about Vera Bradley). I switch to the Petal Pink or Citrus for summer, and Peacock for spring (soon)!

Shimmery and Sophisticated in February!

This is my polyvore set of the outfit I wore to dinner last night (my hubby's bday dinner). It was WAY TOO WARM to wear the hat (almost 70 yesterday here in Alexandria) but I could definitely wear the rest. I have received two favorites from this outfit at the polyvore site, so people like it. Jim (hubby) liked it, too. Based upon how I felt when I wore it, I feel like this is the perfect dressy outfit without being overdressed. I will definitely wear this again!

Pants are matchstick cords, black, size 32 (yay...going down in size) regular, the shoes are the lovely joelle patent flats in spearmint, the blouse is the hammered silk tank in fog (grey/silver), the jacket is the peacock maggie, the necklace is the yellow glass beads with a bee closure (I think it's a bee), and I bought the beret in Belgium in 2000.

These items all fit well, and felt fantastic. I love J. Crew for the fabric they choose...the peacock maggie is soft, shimmery, with little flecks of color sewn into it. The other maggie I own is a great shape, and this jacket is a size smaller, so it fits nice and snug to the body (which is what I need in a dressy jacket).

Here is a link to the set: http://www.polyvore.com/shimmery_sophisticated_in_february/set?id=6443169


Jim did a great job taking this photo of me, but it may have helped that I spent some time putting on makeup and brushing my hair (ha)...I didn't even use the glow feature in picasa. :)

This gives a nice close-up of the jacket, tank, and necklace.



This is the outfit overall. I think it is flattering and slimming. Score!

I will post pics from dinner and give a review of the restaurant later...

Smart Casual on a Saturday!

Okay...so this outfit that I made in Polyvore is almost completely accurate to what I actually wore yesterday. They don't have my Sybil coat in burnished yellow, so I substituted the yellow lady day. It is close enough. This outfit is so comfortable...and sunny...and colorful. Only thing it wasn't enough? WARM. It was freaking freezing in Bethesda yesterday! The double cloth is great if it is in the upper 30s or 40s, but it was lower 30s and with a wind chill. BRRR! I did order the lady day in med. blue with thinsulate a few days ago (what a color and what a price...love the final sale when it works for your wardrobe), so I think that will become my go-to coat when it is sunny but very cold.

By the way, the shoes are awesome. They are the Joelle flats in bright spearmint. I love this color so much that I bought a pair of allesia flats in this color for my daughter when she gets older...not too matchy-match, but still sweet!

The scarf is different, too, but honestly, it doesn't matter!

Here is the link to the polyvore set:
http://www.polyvore.com/smart_casual_on_saturday/set?.mid=ecard&id=6235166

Here I am wearing it...at the end of our trip...it held up well. :)

What I wore on Saturday to church and dinner at Moe's...

So I decided it was too cold to wear anything but cashmere and a heavy pair of jeans to church on Saturday night. Well, yeah, then I became stupid and wore my Allesia peep-toes in Root, too. Hmm, footwear over sanity? Yup, this time anyway! The Ava cashmere sweater in light spearmint is too pretty. I love this color. I think the collar is awesome at framing necks and faces, and since I would rather highlight that than my hips, there you go...the jeans are my lee riders (wal-mart--12 dollars, gotta love value)...and the beautiful, fairly impractical) allesia peep-toes. Only downside to this outfit? I think the cashmere sweater is not fitted enough through the torso, so it made me look kinda weird through the waist (or it could be the way I am standing to pose for this photo). Well, whatever...I will wear it again...I love the entire outfit and since I don't think I look like dog doo (some of you may disagree), this will be a repeat outfit.

Oh, you vixen, ms. stormy tweed lille jacket. So pretty and seeming so appropriate for winter but you really are not, are you? It was so cold that night and this darling coat was a bit too light for my needs. The Ava cashmere sweater did very little to help, either. Sigh...at least you are as pretty as my peep-toes, maybe you can come out and play again when it is March and a little less brisk outside. (It was about 30 degrees F on Saturday night--cold here for us in VA.)

Since some of you look at my posts to see the individual items up close...well, here you go. Look at the lovely detailing. I would NEVER had paid full price for this coat, but on way reduced sale, I did not say "no." I love J. Crew Collection pieces and when I can score one, I am very pleased...