Dina Lives Down on the Farm!!!

Red, White, Blue, and Black!!! by dinagideon featuring American Eagle Outfitters


Yee-haw! So I actually REALLY like this silly, stupid outfit I am wearing today...but yes, I fully realize that it kind of makes me look like a hayseed.

I wore it mainly for comfort (I am walking home in this heat and humidity), but I still wanted to be somewhat colorful. So out came this beauty (laughing as I write this):

The top is Liz Claiborne purchased from TJ Maxx in February. I have no idea when this was made, but I GUARANTEE Isaac Mizrahi had nothing to do with it, so I am guessing 2007 or 2008? I bought this top because I love the plaid in these colors, plus this cotton is SOOOO soft. The shape is basically shapeless, but eh, whatever, not only is it comfortable now, I can wear it if I ever get pregnant with #3!

The capris are the lovely roll-up capris from this post. They are just functional...although the color is very lovely, especially in real life.

The shoes are some Earth Vegan (no animal products at all) sandals that I bought off Amazon for a steal last year (I have never paid full price for my Earth shoes...ever).


Yep, for polyvore...although I do like the plaid top in my set. Although I doubt it would come in my size (that is, adult).

More to come...by the way, does anyone have any interest in a video of my daughter cracking up as she flings a balloon back and forth in front of her face? Mr. Dina and I of course LOVED it...but just asking you all if any of you would watch it?

Results of the White Tee Poll!

Where should a woman go to get a great white tee (not see-thru, substantial weight, well-made, etc.)?

J. Crew, of course... 22%

Gap struts its stuff for me... 16%

L.L. Bean puts out a darn good tee... 0% (so sad for your Maine institution...)

Love Old Navy! 9%

Land's End is the end of my search... 3%

Talbot's is the ticket! 1%

Ann Taylor show me the way... 3%

I just go to a Department Store for my basics! 1%

Other...I will divulge my secret in the comments for this poll's post... 41%

Wow...by a landslide...it was other. To see all the awesome ideas on where to find a great white tee, see this post. (Also in those comments is some VERY interesting info on the owner of American Apparel. WOW!)

I still stand by my Eddie Bauer tee. See here for pics.

Next up: What underwear should we wear for seamless, gorgeous, perfect outfits?

Next poll...still haven't decided. Probably will take one of HeidiG.'s ideas from this post.

Have a nice afternoon, everyone.

Target "Coppelle" Pencil Skirt!!!

This is not going to be my longest post ever...suffice it to say...work has been INSANITY today. We are end-of-year testing and EVERY single one of the computers that were in my classroom failed at one point or another. Multiple kids had to restart their tests. I am about to quit over how difficult it is to do something that should be so much easier. Ugh. I need wine. Stat.

If you have specific questions relating to this outfit, comment and I should be able to add my answer directly to the post (when I get home and get that wine, of course).

A couple of things to note:
This is the skirt from Gigiofca's post about Target copying the Coppelle design. I also bought the dress. I purchased them both from a Target in Richmond (I didn't stay in Richmond for the weekend but rather stopped by Richmond on our way back from Williamsburg--note--best Target ever located at the intersection of 295, Route 1, and I-95--basically the Atlee/Elmont exit off of 95 Southbound). I LOVE these pieces. They are extremely well-made. :)

The tee is the white tee I was talking about when I did the white tee post. I know technically it is off-white, but stark white tends to look kind of bad on me. It is an Eddie Bauer tee from a few years ago.

Please ignore the bandages on my feet. They are covering some awful blisters I got when running to school on Friday (I was "running" late...haha).



Target Coppelle Paisley Skirt for a Rainy Day!!! by dinagideon featuring FOSSIL watches

This is the Polyvore.


This is the outfit with no cardigan.

I bought the skirt in a size 10. This skirt definitely fits close to the body but it seems to be made for me. The waist fits exactly at my waist and is definitely narrower than the hips. And because this skirt has a flared A-line but yet still manages to be a pencil skirt, it fits my hips nicely, too. YAY! I personally love the fabric and the lining. The fabric is substantial and the craftsmanship is very detailed. There are even pockets that are separate from the lining but in no way are bulky. Best part--the pockets are deep enough that I can use them when I want to put my hands in my pockets (which I do a lot while teaching)!

I would say this skirt is true to size, but if you have a large waist to hip ratio (the opposite of me), you probably should size up. This seems to be made more for us pear-shaped ladies.


This is the outfit with a cardigan.

This cardigan was on super-sale at J. Crew and it is awesome. The color is persimmon and is a beautiful coral-orange. And LOOK--it perfectly matches the skirt! :) I call that fate!

You all have a great day!

New Poll! Let's Talk White Tees!!!

You can buy this one for a mere 50 dollars from here.

I had the suggestion made by Kristin (when commenting on this post) that I do a poll for the best white tee out there. Since I rarely wear white tees, I couldn't really supply her with much info. The best I can think is that I own an Eddie Bauer tee from a few years ago that qualifies under the needs that she has: not see-through and comfy. This tee, when I wear it, fits the bill (well, to a tee, heehee, couldn't not say it).

This is such an important topic that the NY Magazine did an article on it!!!

I am opening up the floor to your ideas. There is also a poll running so people can vote on where they have purchased their best white tee.

Please, if you have a comment on why it is your favorite, comment here. Especially comment if you put down that you have another place where you buy it (like how I got mine at Eddie Bauer).

By the way, this weekend at Target I saw a tee that could fit Kristin's needs. It was located in the athletic section of the women's department. It looked simple, substantial, and super-comfy!

Enjoy...hopefully we find what we are looking for...

I won't be commenting back on all the comments because I am in the midst of grading and figure that all you all can figure it out for yourselves. :) I know you all don't mind and I thank you for that....