OOTDs: Bring on the Jacket. And the Eiffel Tower Earrings. And Rush.

Hi, Ladies!  (And Gents, if you all are out there!)

How has your weekend been?  It s really pretty here in VA, so we have been soaking up all the glorious weather by moving non-stop from one activity to another.  Pluses?  The activities are tremendous amount of fun, and hopefully the memories of these fab activities will linger in our kids' minds.  Minuses?  Well, our kids are young and weekend full of activities equals less sleep for the little ones, which means there is just a *tiny* bit of crabbiness from them.  ;)

Today I decided to get two outfits from the recent weeks done, and tie them together because both outfits feature a jacket as a major part of the outfit.

First up is the outfit from yesterday, one that features the J. Crew Lexington Jacket in ivory and citron from the Fall of 2007.  (Featured in this catalog image from September 2007.)

Started off the day in this whole ensemble, but by about 1 pm it was too hot, and sadly the Lexington had to be put away.  At least I was able to have a few hours with this beauty completing my look.

If you open the image, you can see the information on the individual pieces.  The shoes are the wonderful Lena wedges which I have worn many times already this summer, but just couldn't make it look 100% right with the outfits, since the wedges were too "statement-y" for the more delicate looks I wore them with...(outfit 1 here, outfit 2 here, and outfit 3 here).  I finally feel like I have hit the right note by wearing them with the capris. 

Since I had an Eiffel Tower on my tee, I knew the Eiffel Tower earrings had to be pulled out.  Not every fashion moment has to be subtle, right?  ;)

No jacket and posing with my "ooh, it's the Eiffel Tower, Momma" baby girl.

I have now worn these Pure Collection pants twice.  They are so freaking comfortable but still look like proper trousers.  I saw them in the summer sale for something like $30 and thought, "eh, why not?"  Glad I gave them a shot.

For those of you who want more info on Pure Collection, I plan on doing my reviews in the next day or two.  Tomorrow starts a big ten-day sale for them (they are approaching their tenth anniversary on October 10), so I figured it would be very appropriate to schedule my first Pure Collection reviews around then. Until then, if you want to take a look around, here is a link: Pure Collection - 25% Off.

Yesterday's activities included a Rex tee-ball game, a lunch out, a visit to a movie theater to see "Hotel Transylvania," and church (the Bishop was there and blessed Rex and Angus!).  I knew I had to have something that could go to all events, be nursing friendly, and layered for either heat or cold.

The above picture was taken right after I threw in the towel on the jacket (temps had gone up to near 80 with full sun).

The Jacket. The Eiffel Tower. by dinagideon featuring forever 21

Above is the polyvore of the outfit.

So I was going to just publish the outfit photos from yesterday but then I remembered it has been a full three weeks since I went to the Rush concert (yes, that Rush, not Big Time or Limbaugh, bite your tongue, people).  And since this outfit featured both a jacket and the Eiffel Tower Earrings, I figured I would just go with it.

I liked my makeup and hair that day, but was very disappointed in my eye bags.  SLEEP.  I need more SLEEP.  (Thanks, Angus.)  ;)

The jacket is from Target.  I had briefly considered getting one of these jackets from either J. Crew or Boden when they had them in their lines, but I am so glad I waited.  I think this one is $25?  And it is super comfy and soft, too, so I think I chose the best one for me.

Look at the size of that beer.  I have never had a 24 ounce beer in a can.  I felt classy.  Yeah.  Classy is the right word.  Ha.

There's my concert tee from the last time I went to a Rush concert.  I was willing to buy another concert tee, but this time the women's tees were all very unfortunate looking.  I know Rush is not a girl's kind of band, but come on, there is at least a handful of us that enjoy their music AND enjoy dressing up.

Look at Geddy, up there on stage.  I think he totally appreciated my tee and my beer. 

After the concert, parking lot.  Mr. Dina and I were walking to the car and I got catcalled at...lol.  I haven't been catcalled in YEARS, and the first time it happens to me is in front of my husband.

Okay, all, have a great night.  Are any of you able to wear and enjoy your blazers and jackets yet?

Mommy Style Monday #25: I Can Use That While Pregnant. Score!

Hi, all!  Welcome to Mommy Style Monday #25!  Before I begin, I want to use the natural segue that the number 25 gives me to remind you all that I am running a Boden $25 gift card giveaway.  :)  The info and more appear at my last post (scroll to the bottom if you want to just enter and be done, lol).

Okay, back to the bid-ness of being an expectant momma.  I LOVE love maternity clothing, don't get me wrong, but (and I can't be alone here) I will often find myself salivating over beautiful bits of clothing that are most definitely not maternity clothing whilst pregnant.  I often just walk away (unless it is something I am sure I can wear after I give birth), but in the case of certain kinds of tops and dresses, I know I can make them work, even when really "full" of child, the way I am and have been for a month or so AND will be for another three months (yeek!).

I had the chance to find and wear two non-maternity pieces right around Christmas.  The one caveat with both is that both were fairly inexpensive for what they were.  I am not about to spend hundreds of dollars on a designer Milly dress while I am unsure of where my waistline used to be located.  Milly can wait (unless I find her at a consignment shop).

Exhibit A: Nanette Lepore Silk Tunic Blouse with Purple Floral Pattern, Size 4.  Size 4!  The key to this top is that it is very blousy by nature.  Even on my body with belly, it flowed nicely over the bump and fit just fine through the shoulders and bust.  That is important...only buy flowy if it fits your shoulders and bust.  I have MANY maternity tops and non-maternity flowy tops that look really bad on me BECAUSE THEY DON'T FIT ANY PART of me except my belly.  For the best look during your fecund times, always fit your non-expanding parts first and then judge if they will work with your growing waistline.

This top was only $60 at Mint Condition.  It is a steep price, but for Nannette Lepore, I have read that is a decent discount.  This top was in perfect shape, I am not even sure the person wore it before they consigned it.  :)  The top will also work non-pregnant, and I do look forward to wearing it in the future as well.

We were off to have Christmas Eve dinner with my dad and stepmom, so Rex is wearing red and green, in the form of Boden's tee with a drumming owl.  LOL. 

Mr. Dina said I wasn't nearly festive enough in grey and purple.  Whatever.  Purple is so a Christmas color, if you're Catholic.

From the side.  I think Rex is introducing his stuffed pillow thing to my bump.  "Hello, Gus."

You can see how well this top accommodates the belly, in fact, I think I will be able to wear it for a month or two longer.  It is unlikely the last month it will fit, but I will try!  (Anyway I can wear gorgeous, yummy, soft silk, I will try!)

I added a grey blazer (also found at Mint Condition, J. Crew Herringbone Ryder Jacket, Size 6, I also own a red version).  The reason I bought the grey blazer?  (Well, besides the fact that I have one and LURRVE it?)  The popped collar has a purple tie repp backing that exactly matches the top.  ;)

The pants are from France (Pomkin) and the shoes are from Anthro (Plenty by Tracy Reese Felt Almond).

CW is in a custom made gingerbread dress with  her "tiger leggings."  Hee.

Close-up of the fabric.  Yum.  So touchable.  The necklace is from J. Crew, circa early 2008.  Mr. Dina HATES this necklace.  I still own it.  Obviously I care what Mr. Dina thinks.  ;)

Totally not important to the gist of this post, but OMG, isn't the stocking that my parents made for little Gus ADORABLE?  So teeny!

Exhibit B: Target Exhiliration Navy Blue Sequined Blouson Top, Size Small.  I saw this when out shopping with CW one night and was drawn to it, like the momma-to-be magpie that I am.  This top was also only $20 and perfect for fun nights out where you want be casual but kind of want to bring the bling, too, ya know?  I figured I could wear it, but I KNEW it would be far too short with my belly hanging out like some sort of classless Hollywood wannabe momma-to-be (I shouldn't judge, I know).  So I needed a solution.  Well, further back in the store, I spied the exact same shade maternity tank in the Liz Lange for Target section.  Hmm...like a hamster running on its wheel, my creaky pregnant brain started to go in overdrive.

Yes, this is how I made it work.  I put the longer fitted tank under the spangled ridiculousness that is the Xhiliration top and it completely worked.  In fact, I wore this to a New Year's Eve party with other moms and moms-to-be, and it was really fun to share how I crafted this maternity top.  And for a relatively low cost too.  (The tank was only $12!)

Anyone want to guess what CW is looking at?  I have not a clue.

I adore this shot.  LOVE!  :)

The pants I am wearing are the ubiquitous Duo Maternity (J.C. Penney), whose line has definitely helped me get through all three pregnancies with relative ease.  The shoes are the Satin Ballet Flats from J. Crew a few years ago.  The necklace and headband are also J. Crew, but for all my polyvore hunting are in-store only pieces (headband a few years ago and necklace this Christmas).

CW is in a collection of Wal-Mart and Target.  She loves silver and black together.  That's my little fashionista!

Hands on hips.  And tongue on upper lip.  ;)

Okay, that's all for tonight!  Remember, pregnant ladies, go out there and think a bit outside the "pregnant clothing only" box.  Just remember fit the shoulders and bust, then belly.  Also, too short?  Think layers.  Easy!

Night, night!

Little Bit of Liberty Love...

Hi, and a happy Monday to all!

Last week J. Crew introduced quite a few lovely Liberty Print items in their March rollout.  I am sure you are all surprised when I say "love," right? 

I want it all, but in reality will probably just grab one or two pieces, if they are in stock long enough for me to grab them (budget, budget, budget, sigh...).  I especially love the look of the shirtdress (still in stock in my size, phew) and the oxford shoes or the flats.

But let me be real for a mo.  I mean, if you click the label Liberty Print Fabric at the bottom of this post you will see I have quite a few beautiful liberty print items.  I love me some Liberty of London Liberty Art!  The tana lawn is my fave, and most of the items I have are from their line of lovely silky cotton. 

In fact, even before the rollout happened, I had worn the fabric TWICE in the past two weeks.  And then to celebrate J. Crew's continued collaboration with this textile company, I pulled out a third item from my wardrobe on Friday (which for your info is the first outfit I am showing off).  :)

These are all stay-at-home mom outfits.  I love wearing these pieces because they allow me to feel put together and polished *without* sacrificing comfort.

Friday:
Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan, wild mushroom color, size small.  I thought I didn't have the right colors to match this almost rosy brown color in my closet, but it works really well with bright, saturated pink.  Yum.
Shirt: Liberty Print Button Down, bright pink mod floral, size 6.  I have no idea when this shirt was rolled out, but I am guessing 2006-2008?  Anyone know?  I bought this off ebay for $20, the seller didn't know it was a liberty print, but another seller had the same one for sale and had it listed as liberty, so I knew it was...
Pants: Summerweight Chinos, Navy, size 10. Old School J. Crew.
Shoes: Yummy Xhiliration pointy toe flats that I wear all the time.  Love these so much I MADE my stepmom buy a pair for herself. 

Thursday (same day as rollout, planned the outfit before the actual rollout, though!):
Jacket: Cord Bella, J. Crew Outlet, Tan color.  This has a similar look to the herringbone bella in the camel color, but is a lighter weight cord fabric.  I have two outlet bellas, this one and a wool azalea version.  I far prefer the wool azalea version (which you will see soon enough irl), but this cord version is great for more casual outfits.  This is a size 4.  I think I got this for $20 off ebay?
Shirt: Liberty Print ruffle front button down, size 8.  This is from Fall 2009.  This one sold out pretty fast, if I recall.  A lot of liberty print blouses from previous years had the extra bits that made them special, like this ruffle front.  The Suzannah blouse (which I just got in the olive version off ebay for a song--from the Paris catalog--Vanessa wears it with the argyle dress) had really pretty ruffling at the collar, the placket, and the sleeve openings.  I think too many ruffles is something J. Crew has had a problem with, but I don't believe what they did with the Liberty Print blouses was anything that would put them in a 12-step program.  LOL.
Jeans: IT! Jeans, Size 30.  Sparkly butt pockets are my best friend forever.  LOVE these jeans. 
Shoes: Porto Driving Mocs, Pale Oak, Size 9.

Side view.  I popped the collar on the blouse because it laid better that way.  When it was just normal, the line of the whole neckline looked weird.

Bella close up and buttoned up.

I wore this sometime in the past two weeks, but I don't remember the exact day.  I do remember that it was WARM that day, nearing 70, which is awesome.  We normally have a few "winter warm" days every month in winter, but this winter we have not, which has been just awful.  No snow, at all.  Just really cold COLD weather.  So glad those days are in the past!  Woo!

Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan, Pale Yellow (maybe spring daisy?), size small.  Again with the Jackie cardigan...great lightweight cardi that comes in every. freaking. color of the rainbow so your whole wardrobe can be "Jackie-ized."  I only have four jackies.  From what I hear, though, there are women who have dozens and dozens of Jackies.  Are you one of them?  Admit it in the comments!  ;)
Tank: Some Ann Taylor foil printed tank that my mother-in-law got for a really insanely good price at a re-sale store (like TJ Maxx, etc.), size extra-small.
Skirt: Daisy Day Skirt, size 2 (!!!).  I still love this skirt that I bought last year.  I still can't believe how large it ran.  I will most likely NEVER wear a size 2 in a J. Crew bottom ever again.  This liberty print is NOT a classic print, it was a seasonal print.  Many of their seasonal prints end up in J. Crew items.  If you ever need to know if what you are interested in is a classic print or seasonal, send me an e-mail.  I sort of have an obsession with the prints, so I can usually quickly identify a print for you.  For instance, the dress I made for myself was a CLASSIC print, so it will forever be available from the Liberty of London department store (or places like Purl Soho).  Sometimes seasonal prints become classic prints, but this daisy day is not one of them, from what I recall.
Shoes: Bensimon Elastic Sneaker.  Size 40.  Vanilla.  Seriously one of the best buys I have made yet for my shoe collection.  Very versatile. 

From the side.  I struggled with the hem of the tank.  In the end, I tucked it in, but I prefer this look, but more flattering to the skirt length. 

I hope you all are having a wonderful Monday.  For those of you that have not seen it, I added a link to info on how to receive a free gift bag full of Arbonne goodies with a $75 plus purchase made at my Arbonne web site.  For more info, click on the photo of the giveaway bag contents at the top of the sidebar.  :)  Thank you!

P.S. Have any of you purchased any of the new Liberty of London items from J. Crew this spring? 

Summer Sun-Dressing: Target Edition!

Hi! Today I give you another edition of my summer series on the very, truly awesome summer sundress...Target style.

I don't know what it is about this super-low cost retailer, but they can churn out some lovely summer sundresses. Every women's (and girl's) brand that they carry has some perfect options out there for those sultry, humid, sunny, and hot days we seem to have in superfluity (heehee) around here.

Let us begin!


Dress: Target's Merona Collection, Size 8. Bought last winter for a steal in the clearance section. I know it looks really nice on my shape, but I will be honest with you...it was a bit too clingy and because it was SO humid outside, I kind of felt uncomfortable. I wore this to church, but because my darling CW was pretty awful, I had to go outside with her and there you go...discomfort central. Maybe the early fall will be kinder to me when I wear this dress again.
Shoes: J. Crew Dani suede peep-toes, Size 9.5. The irish moss color is exactly the right hue to match the merona dress.
Necklace: A Chico's Find! :) (My one and only item from Chico's!) I have to say I normally bypass Chico's but a friend of mine was DYING in Palm Springs from the heat and she needed to find some shorts. They didn't really have anything for her, but they did have this necklace. It is a lovely layering piece and I know it will work with many of my wardrobe staples.

Baby is all blurry, look at that...most shots we take are with the flash, but this day it was all natural lighting, so the shutter just captured her slight little movement!

She is wearing all Target, too, btw.


Shot of just me for you to see the details a bit better (read: a bit less blurry).


Dress: Liberty of London for Target Girl's (!!!) Sundress, Size X-Large. I wear this mainly as a cover-up and as a lounge around the house kind of dress. It is amazingly comfy.
Shoes: J. Crew flip-flops. I am definitely addicted to J. Crew flip-flops...have them in almost every color, and I find that as a swim coach, I actually have a use for them beyond the summer. Size 10.

Baby CW is dancing a jig in her cute as a patchwork button Gymboree romper.

Yummy Sundresses! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

And because I have been the lamest Polyvore-er in these past few weeks, I present to you a Target special polyvore to make up for my absence.


Twinsies!
Dress: Liberty of London Martha Grace Halter Dress, Size Small. I bought this after seeing how pretty this print was in baby CW's romper. I find this style of dress is very comfortable and flowy, which was awesome on the day I wore it as it was about a thousand degrees outside. (And you think I am kidding...the thermometer in the car read 738 degrees...and we know that the car. never. lies.)
Shoes: Size 9.5 from Circa Joan and David. Love you, great walking shoes with a bit of edge for this SAHM.

CW is in the Martha Grace romper.

Scene from that day:
Lady: {Screaming from across the street.} OMG, that is QUITE possibly the CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTEST thing I have ever seen.
Me: {Trying to yell back, not very good at it.} I know, she (CW) looks so CUTE. I think I will keep her.
Lady: {Still screaming.} NO! I mean, yes, she is cute, but I meant your outfits. I DIE! SO CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE!
Me: {Laughing.} Oh! Well, thank you!

The mommy/baby matching outfits worked their precious power. Hahahaha, they will rule the world with their power!!! (Can you even imagine? The matching outfits going to the UN to try and bring peace to the world...LOL.)


Dress: Mossimo Girl's Dress, Size X-Large. Yes, I might be a bit crazy with my dipping into the girl's section, but at $15 a pop and a great return policy, I am not exactly being daring. I love this dress and found that the belt and shoes really helped turn this dress from being too sweet and young to being a bit more "developed." :)
Belt: J. Crew Elastic Blossoms Belt, Size small. Yes, please...this belt is perfection, exactly what my waist need when I want to emphasize it, but with the frayed and bleached black blossoms, it is very unique and special. When I put it with this sundress, I smiled. It made me that happy.
Shoes: Boden Snake-Print Sandals. Size 41. Nice, light, all leather shoes. If you miss the all-leather shoes that J. Crew used to offer (now only Collection shoes are all leather), then go to Boden. Every bit of them is leather from soles to uppers.


Okay. I am going to show what a geek I am here, so if you want to continue to think of dinagideon as cool and hip (snort, haha, lol), then don't continue reading.

I LOVED the show My Two Dads growing up, and as the single daughter of a single father, I totally identified with Staci Keanan's character (that is her in the pic above--taken in 2007). Last night I decided to do a "where are they now" google search for some of my most favorite characters from '80s sitcoms. And I stumbled upon Staci Keanan and all of her adorable-ness. She is still acting (awesome) and obviously has great taste. :) You have seen this dress before, remember? So, girl, you go with your bad self and keep enjoying these nice, inexpensive Target dresses. (If a Hollywood actress can get thee to Target to find dresses, the rest of us can, too!)

Thank you all for reading...and for writing back. I have read EVERY. SINGLE. COMMENT. you all have written over the past two days and I have to say that I am heart-warmed by your love and concern. I am still very early in this whole "let's fix Dina's head and heart thing," but knowing that I have an amazing support system is huge. (Tear.) ;)

When I get some time today I am going to write every. single. one. of you back. :)

To Celebrate My Birthday, I Give You a Celebration of the Sundress!

I thought I was old last year. Yeah, no. This year I feel even older. So, yay, birthdays! LOL. ;) (Happy Canada Day, you all, btw.) (Oh, and happy birthday to my fellow July 1 birthday gals, Gigiofca and Betsy! Can we be blog triplets?)

So rather than focus on me getting older, I am going to focus on one of my very favorite clothing items--the ever awesome summer sundress. I must own a bazillion sundresses, and with good reason, I wear them nearly. every. single. day. during the summer. Who can blame me when it is a million degrees outside with some insane humidity level? Plus, and this may shock some of you, sundresses are cooler than shorts and a tank. :)

I give you Part One of the Sundress Extravaganza (love that word). Part two, three, four, and more are upcoming.


Sundress #1: Target Girls Section, Liberty of London for Target, Size XL. My uncle was shocked when I told him this was a girls dress. No one batted an eye at me wearing this. I am telling you all, head to the girls section of Target for fun (and cheap) sundresses. :)

Let's Celebrate the Sundress! by dinagideon featuring Nine West shoes

Polyvore of number 2 is above. :) (Had it in the draft section, figured I should just publish it...even if the rest of these sundress outfits don't have polyvore!)


Sundress #2: Boden, Pretty Cotton Dress, Size UK 12 or US 8. On sale, you all! :) Wore it with some pretty Nine West nude peep-toes and the sea urchin bib necklace.


Sundress #3: J. Crew, Pique Shirred Dress (or something like that), Size Medium. A perennial fave of mine...I wear it constantly during the summer. Also, how fab is it that I can wear it regardless of how much I weigh?

Oh, and hello, look at baby CW doing her pose exactly like me...Agh!


Sundress #4: Target Girls Section, Xhiliration Tank Dress, Size XL. I had bought baby the dress she is wearing in Las Vegas for her 18-month birthday, and get this--her dress cost SIGNIFICANTLY more money than the one I am wearing. BTW, this dress is so comfortable. We are both wearing matching sandals from the Miss Trish of Capri for Target 2010 season. These were the only sandals that fit me this year. The rest were FAR TOO LARGE. (The width was too wide for my foot.) (P.S. I have an extra pair of size 9 if anyone wants to buy them from me.)


Sundress #5: J. Crew, Ruffled Hem Jersey Dress, Size small. Another fave of mine, I just LOVE the caspian blue color from last year (this year's abyss blue is very similar). Dressed this up with the Lola for J. Crew raffia hat and the Cleo Platform Sandals.

You all have a fab day, and if you are also born on July 1, I celebrate you, too! Cheers!

Tweed Dauphine and Alecia Suede Heels Review plus Zebra and Teal Sparkle!

Hi! I am back! Yay! Travelling was great, but it really limits my ability to keep up with my blogs. Pretty much the whole month of April we were off places, so it is nice to be back and in my (somewhat) relaxed SAHM mode. :)

Up today...two reviews and two outfits of the day.


This is both an outfit of the day and the reviews.

Sizes:
Jacket: Tweed Dauphine Jacket, Size 2 (!!!). Wow. This J. Crew Collection jacket runs large. I even checked with the sales assistant and she says that the jacket fits me exactly like it fit the model in the catalog, so that made me feel both good and outraged, all at the same time. Admittedly I am smaller on top than bottom, but wowza, you really petite women are probably completely sized out of this jacket. It is a beauty, too. (See next photo for a close-up.)
Top: Size small. This is the linen-cotton tiered tank that came in one moment and the next was out (probably because it went on 20% off and is a really nice tank). I bought it in the light purple which goes very nicely with the jacket and the pants.
Pants: Size 8. These are the infamous silk-linen pants from the holiday season that it seems very few of us liked. Even I was unsure UNTIL I wore them. Golly they are comfy...and shiny...which makes me feel like the are sweats but a little dressier, and really what could a SAHM want more? :)
Shoes: Alecia Suede Platform Peep-Toes, Size 9.5. A bit tight, these, but I am glad I got this size as I KNOW they are going to stretch out. I love these...and feel that they are worth the price WITH a discount of some sort. I got them in the February 30% off your whole purchase promo, which is way more reasonable of a price to me. (Speaking of, when is the next one???) I love the zipper detail at the back, plus the whole "I am now nearly 6 feet tall" thing.

For what its worth, my hubby hated this outfit. I have enough confidence now to laugh at him. He was wearing white tennis shoes, an oversized tee, and light-wash loose fit jeans when he said this to me. I just pointed to his shoes and said, "you are giving me fashion advice wearing those???" ;)


Here is the Dauphine close-up. The price on-line is EXCELLENT, with the current extra 20% off sale items. At 160 dollars, I thought I GOT a steal...turns out, no, those of you who waited until now got the BEST deal, so BRAVO!



Zebra and Teal Sparkle! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Up next is today's outfit. I felt a bit iffy about the combo of zebra stripes and teal sparkles, but, eh, you only live once.

By the way, I visited the Lynchburg Clearance Center in Wyndhurst (the second of two clearance centers in Lynchburg, VA) on Tuesday and found these pants for $30! Down from $170, these may be my FAVORITE pants ever. They are the Collection Minnies, in the grey stretch wool and I just about died when I put them on, they were that comfy and sleek. Yay!!! (Oh, and my 15% educator discount was applied, which made it more like $27. It made the sewing of the ripped seam--tiny, by the way--feel like nothing!)


And here it is on me. Yes, my hubby had a hey-day with this one, too. He said I was a "dancing queen." Haha, real funny. But, then he said, "no, that's okay, I actually really love this outfit." And then he winked, all rico suave-like. Hmm, okay.

Then the coffee guy was all, "ooh, sparkly!" I guess guys like sparkle. Good to know. :)

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size small. Love me some zebra-print. Yum!
Top: Size Medium.
Pants: Size 6. YAY!
Shoes: Size 10.

You all have a great, sparkly day!

Subbing in Style! (Plus a Sweet Peek at a Free Johnnie B. Bag!)

Don't worry, everyone. I promise I wasn't sitting at home this weekend crying because I was told my hair needed to be fixed or because my mommy style doesn't mesh with what others think mommy style should be. (Nope, I was just out A LOT this weekend and nowhere near my computer.) You would be proud of me...I actually read all the comments from the last two posts, laughed a bit, reflected a bit, and was proud to say that I in no way, shape, or form was hurt or offended!!! I actually agree with the commenter that thinks I need to color my hair. You better believe I do!!! I CANNOT stand my winter hair. It is all pretty and shiny and blonde in the summer and then...WHOOMP...like a dark, deep shadow, my winter dark hair comes out like the night, slowly, but surely. If I never went out at all in the sun, my hair would naturally be a dark blonde/red combo, which is pretty, but since I do go outside (even in the winter), it never quite gets there. And since I don't anticipate becoming a housebound lady any time soon, I will just have to deal with this winter hair thing (and I have had this since I was in high school). I am going to the salon sometime this week...maybe I will have them do something! (BTW, when stylists see me their reaction is always to blonde me up more...so I think in real life I must appear lighter than I do in photos...does that make sense?)

In re: Mommy style and the little convo going on...I think each mom is entitled to be the best mom they can be...if that means stepping out in stiletto heels and bright red lipstick, then FANTASTIC. If it means wearing your hair in a bun and having a sports bra on all darn day, then GREAT!!! I am just showing you my version, and from what I read, many of you try to do the same in your lives, so bravo for all of us! (More power to us moms...it is an insanely difficult job but also insanely lovely...so whatever fashion we bring to it, then yay!) If you want to hear some of my takes on mommy style, I am *thinking* (very much thinking--not executing just yet) of doing a "Mommy Style Monday with My Superfluities," kind of an advice column on particular needs of moms and their styling questions...in particular my passions of postpartum wear that goes beyond frumpy, great maternity wear, and what the heck to wear when you want to step out but you have a crazy and wild toddler (or two or three). :) It is still in its (haha) infancy, so nothing yet, but I know that mommy style is personal, but is something to share!!! So instead of being divided, let us unite and show our corners of the world that we can look awesome, even when the most glamorous thing we do during the day is feed our children rainbow colored cereal.

Okay, enough of that! :)

I subbed twice last week, and because this was by far the most action my wardrobe had seen in a LONG while (thank you SO MUCH, SNOWSTORM(s))...I really went all out to bring it to subbing. Had I driven to school, I would have probably shown up in a tiara. (Just kidding, but I would have for sure worn a dress and heels.)

I walked home on both occasions, and the first outfit does not reflect that well...I changed shoes to get home. There was NO way I was wearing those flats on a two mile walk. The second outfit you see my walking shoes, so that outfit is more exercise-friendly from the start.

Subbing in Style! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This above is the polyvore for the first outfit. There is NO polyvore for the second outfit, because I am lazy. ;)


Sizes:
Top: Size small.
Cardigan: Size Medium.
Pants: Size 30 Tall. Umm, can I just tell you these are now officially my very favorite pair of jeans? These are the ankle-length (in tall--inseam of 30 inches) twilight wash toothpick jeans by J. Crew. I want J. Crew to always offer this inseam in this fit...my goodness, it is so flattering, and also very, very comfortable.
Shoes: Size 9.

By the way, I have worn a version of this outfit before. I guess I must have really liked it!

Baby CW looks darling here, but wait till you see the collage. Just wait for it!


Sizes:
Top: Size Medium. This is an Xhiliration microsequin tank in aqua. This is a juniors line, so the medium was my best bet.
Cardigan: Size Medium. I bought this dark aqua jackie from CDP for $25. What a great buy. You are the best CDP...if you want to sell any more of your jackies, you have a buyer. ;)
Pants: Size 10. Umm, SAGGY BRITCHES alert!!! I guess these Talbot's jeans are a bit big on me. Ooops. At least they were comfy! :P
Shoes: Size 10. By a company called Flurt, they are actually very lovely trainers that are lightweight and colorful.

So you know how CW always is in the pictures with me? Well, on Friday morning, she was having a mini-meltdown...and I was none the wiser, UNTIL I looked at the photos in Picasa. Before my very eyes, her meltdown unfolded. And being me, I turned it into a collage...because it is HILARIOUS. The WHOLE time we were taking photos of the teal sequined outfit, CW was having a temper tantrum...I thought she had just walked out of the kitchen to go play in her room. :) CRAZY!


She was fine. Please trust me on this. I wonder how I could turn this collage into a stop motion film?

Man, when she is fifteen, I think I might have to drag these images back out...she is normally all sweet as pie and agreeable...this is much more of a Rex-type thing to do!


Okay, almost done. Wanted to show you a pic of the free "Johnnie B." bag they are sending when you make your first johnnie b. order. I ordered a very lovely fitted tee (has a bird saying "moo" on it) in dark pink and this came with it. I think the bag may be worth more than the tee. This is a nicely made canvas bag...definitely puts the J. Crew canvas ones to shame...all tri-colored and fancy-looking with the Union Jack on it!

LOVE the tee, btw. Very soft, very nicely made. I ordered a medium, and I am glad I did. It would have been too small in a small. It is weird, but the 13-14 mini boden tops are sometimes too large, yet the medium in their junior's line is a close fit. Huh. I guess it just shows ya...follow the measurement guide over at Boden...has never led me astray!

Have a nice Monday. I will share more from this weekend tomorrow (including baby CW's first crewcuts fashion show)!

P.S. Cash from My Closet is updated, and so you know, all of the items in today's post are going to be consigned on Saturday...just a heads-up. :)