Speaking of Hot...

Okay, well Blogger has a new style of making posts, so if something looks off to you, let me know and I will change it up. I guess the new editor probably makes it easier on us, the authors, but there is always a huge learning curve. LOL.

So, today it topped out at 94 here. That means that the DC area has seen 65 days of 90+ weather all summer. That's pretty impressive. I guess 2010 gets to be our year of crazy, mind-blowing hyperbole. Remember this???

Today, to honor our continued humidity and heat, I wanted to show you two more outfits from another hot and crazy humid place...Orlando.

Speaking of Hot... by dinagideon featuring a wrap sandal

Above is the polyvore of an outfit I wore to see a really good friend of mine, Mari, her hubby Tim, and their son Mason. Mason is CW's boyfriend (or so says Mari and me), so we had to bring it. She wore the same top as I did (crewcuts, awesome!) and a similar style bottom. Wait till you see it in real life...

Yes, she does appear to be reading here.  We are just that talented as parents. LOL.

Sizes: 
Top: Crewcuts, Graphic Tee with Octopus, Size 12.  This was before they had size 14.  I just did the old tug, tug, tug on the hem and it was stretched out enough to work on me.  Yay.  Plus, tucked in the skirt, it seemed just right.
Skirt: J. Crew Collection, Daisy Day Skirt, Size 2.  Love, love, love this skirt.  I can't get over how often I pull this out for a quick, fun day.
Shoes: Cole Haan, Size 10.  Again, love ya, Cole Haan.

CW and her boyfriend connected.  I think it was the outfit.  Crewcuts top, Circo (Target) shorts, and Circo (Target) sandals (they are sparkly!).

Son, you will wear that size shoe someday.  At this rate, probably when you are 9.

Boden's Lilly-esque tunic was most definitely at home at the Florida seashore.

Sizes: 
Tunic: Boden, Printed Tunic, Size UK 10, US 6.  Being this is a linen, I knew it would stretch out by the end of the day.  I am very glad I went with the 6 and not the 8.  This was the perfect cover-up for our day at Canaveral National Seashore (go there, I insist...it is insanely beautiful and not crowded).
Shoes: Merell, Size 9.  Old, but incredibly durable sandals.

Beautiful You, Beautiful Glow Set

Today I sent out my THIRD (!!!) Arbonne specials e-mail to my Arbonne client list.  If you would like to be on this list, drop me an e-mail at dinagideon@myarbonne.com or leave me a comment saying so.  This month, my clients have received an e-mail from me alerting them about my sale on selected sets and items.  Above is the Beautiful You, Beautiful Glow set (click on link below pic to go to the description directly from Arbonne's website) that I am offering at 20% off its normal price (and its normal price is a savings off of buying these items individually).  You must place the order through me as the Arbonne site is not offering this deal.  (That is why I love having my own business, I get to make up some of the rules.)  :)

I truly appreciate all the incredible support you all have given this stay at home mom.  I have really enjoyed the challenge of starting this business, and the best part is that I can be with my kids while doing the vast majority of the work that goes into being an independent consultant with Arbonne.

You all have a fabulous afternoon.  :)  Talk with you tomorrow.

The Long and Short of It...

Hi, all. Are you prepared for a pretty long review of a lot of goodies from J. Crew and Boden? I hope so. In addition to the reviews, I have four photos of me with some outfits from the past month or so that involve wearing a skirt. Hence the title of the post...the long and short of it. (I know, groan...)

The Long and Short of It! by dinagideon featuring v neck tops

Above is the polyvore of the pieces that I will be reviewing in the first part of my post. From what I can tell the cardigans are insanely popular, while the skirts may be "hidden" loves.


Sizes:
Cardigan: J. Crew Infinity Cardigan, Paradise Blue, Size Extra-Small. HeidiG. and I were shopping a while ago and we saw this in the store, only one left, at 69.99, so she HIGHLY recommended I try it on. I wanted a small, but she said that the small would swamp my shoulders. I guess she is right, but there is no way this puppy is being buttoned at my hips, then. LOL. I would say size up if you have broader shoulders and you need extra room in the sleeves. I have small shoulders and pretty thin arms, so this size worked for me.
Skirt: J. Crew Dolce Tweed Mini, Size 10. I fell in LOVE with this around a month ago at the store and bought it as soon as I could get a discount. I sized up to a 10 because I wanted to wear it lower so that it would pass the "sit-down" test (see photos below). The fabric is so beautiful and the texture has a nice feel. I definitely believe sizing up is the only option, unless you are VERY petite.


Passes the "crossing my legs at the ankle sit-down" test. Won't be crossing my legs unless I am wearing tights. LOL.


Length finishes at mid-thigh.

See it on Ema for another look. Umm, thank you, Ema, for having this ready for me today! (Very little searching required. Yay!)


Sizes:
Cardigan: J. Crew Dream V-Neck Cardigan, Heathered Nordic Blue, Size small. This fits well, may have been able to go with an extra-small, but the small will be great for layering. The color is incredibly luscious, may be one of my favorites ever, and that is saying something. I can't tell you about pilling as I have only worn it for this picture, but the color is worth the time spent with the fuzz-buster.
Skirt: Boden Upbeat Wool Mini, Size UK 12 Long, or US 8 Long. This is such a fun skirt...nice length, pretty colors, neat pattern. The shape is a tulip/pencil and is very flattering. The only beef I had with it was the first one I received had a bum zipper and I had to send it back. So far I have had no problems with the new one. (Crosses fingers.)


I felt very shiny and bright...a bit like a candle, really.

This was an outfit I wore a few weeks ago to hang out with some friends at a playdate. The girls loved the skirt. :)

Sizes:
Top: Anthropologie, Bordurette Tank, Size small. This has bits of sequins and lace and is very frilly...very Anthro.
Skirt: J. Crew Outlet, Wallpaper Mini, Size 8. I blogged about it a while back and have finally gotten around to wearing it. :)
Shoes: J. Crew, Size 10.


How very "Southern Preppy" of you, dinagideon.

That is a Liberty Print fabric on the skirt. I also own the jacket and the shirt. I am a sucker for a lovely print! :)

Sizes:
Top: J. Crew, Size Medium.
Skirt: J. Crew, Size 10 (?).
Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft, Size 9.


Nature clearly calls for a little bling...

Wore this to a fun little "nature" party for a friend of CW's. Yeah, it isn't really "natural," but eh. It was comfortable, though!

Sizes:
Top: J. Crew, Size extra-small.
Skirt: Boden, Size UK 14 Long, US 10 Long.
Necklace: Fiona Paxton Silver Harley. Yum.


Preschool Run in a Pencil Skirt!

And finally, today's outfit!

Sizes:
Top: J. Crew outlet, Size 8. This abstract rose print Victoria cami is getting a bit big (the bust and armholes are baggy) but I still love it!
Skirt: J. Crew, Size 6. Stretch Double Serge Pencil Skirt, Mink Color. Size down in this skirt. Trust me.
Shoes: Cole Haan, Size 10.

You all have a great day!

P.S. I have NOT received my "Mickey" card. I pre-order collection items, I go to the store at least twice a month, and I buy at least a few items (including crewcuts) at sale prices each month. If I don't get it, I'll live (clearly) but I hope that makes some of you who didn't receive it feel better. At this point I would be surprised if it shows up at my house! :)

Mommy Style Monday #11--Disney Edition!

A few weeks back one of my commenters mentioned a need to know what to pack for a trip to Disney, as she would be going with her children in the future. She was specific in that she really wanted to know what to pack for the parks to stay comfortable but also be stylish. I confessed that the best I do when I travel to Disney is a variation of pretty preppy and not some of my more involved ensembles, but I think we all know that is okay!

So here I am to show you my idea of a perfect wardrobe for going to the amusement parks with your families....a little comfort, a little color, a little sass, and a little bit of fun.

Keys to the perfect wardrobe:

1. Comfort: So very important, especially if your travels involve Florida or California in the middle of summer. We are such Disney-freaks that we have been there many, many times over the years (me...over 35 times to almost all of the Disneys, including Tokyo!) in all sorts of weather. This summer we went three times, once to Disneyland, once to Epcot, and once to the Animal Kingdom. All were hot, and the ones in Florida were extremely humid. You must remember to wear breathable clothing that is light and reflective. You must bring proper (yet always fun) accessories like a hat, great walking shoes, and sunglasses. You must not wear clothing that is too tight (we saw a shorts-wedgie on some lady and it look like it HURT) and you must not wear most man-made fibers...these two nots will make you miserable. These comfort rules also extend to your family...don't forget them!

2. Color: If you are limited to what you are wearing because you HAVE to be comfortable, then express your fashion sense in your color...be it patterns, blocking, or matchy-match hues. I am so much more a fashionista in the middle of winter when I can play around with layering, lots of heavy jewelry, and extra makeup. There is no way I can do that while knowing that my whole day will include walking many miles, sweating, and carrying exhausted little ones. So I go all "southern preppy" and pull out bright greens, pinks, yellows, and plaids to show off my style. Knowing that I am not wearing a loose tee and cargo shorts and a pair of really worn-in tennis shoes helps me feel like "me" even when I can't wear my statement necklaces. LOL.

3. Sass: This is what helped my casual go cool. The A.R. Trapp for J. Crew troubadour sunglasses and the Lola for J. Crew raffia hat really did go the distance to giving me a bit of an edge. I definitely was the only mom in the parks wearing a straw fedora and I kind of liked it! Plus my kids and husband could always find me. (That is actually a great tip--wear something "you" and let your kids know to LOOK FOR THAT...in a crowded park that could be their savior.)

4. Fun: Just remember to have it. And you will be more likely to have it if you are feeling great about yourself. :)


Hats, check. Color, check. Feeling good in my comfortable cotton? Yep. (Wore this one to Epcot...)


See what I mean about exhausted little ones? And lookie there, my outfit still looks crisp-ish. (This was nearing the end of our day at Epcot.)


I was not over-heated in this v-neck. It is a linen blend and it really was great at shielding my shoulders from the overbearing sun. (Yes, do not forget to apply the SPF!)


But it did get really hot at one point, so I did sling it over my shoulders, very prep from the '80s. I did match the tank to the sweater. Oh, yeah...good J. Crew and their matchy colors. (What is the deal with this character, btw? Is it a gorilla? Baby CW loved her. Mr. Dina says Rosie O'Donnell voiced this character and could. not. believe. I let CW pose with her...yeah, like I care one way or another.)


I am not doing this pose on purpose...this is the ultimate in a candid shot. However, you can see the sunglasses are serving me well, all mid-sentence like.

You all have a great night. Moms who have been nominated (either by someone else or themselves) as a Stylish Mom, please expect an e-mail with questions sometime this week. :)

P.S. Check out this post for more on packing for a vacation.

Look at That...#2!!!

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, my baby girl CW is 2 today! Yay! We had a fab day...we went to another friend's birthday first thing this morning, then we had CW's birthday party, then we put on a fab tutu and pranced around the room like a real girly-girl, and then we collapsed from all the excitement.

Two years has flown by...do you all remember when she was this small?


Prance, prance, prance. Perfection.


A lovely, yummy ice cream cake. The world must have aligned well with the stars...the entire cake was eaten by everyone at the party, and no one went hungry!

I love you, CW. Happy Birthday, pretty girl.

CW's Stella and Dot Children's Jewelry Party is Starting TODAY!

Hi, everyone! I am so excited to share with you an opportunity to celebrate CW's 2nd birthday by joining us in a week long Children's Jewelry Party with Stella and Dot!

CW is such a girly-girl, but sadly has very few baubles to show for it. I find that we get her all the sweet little dresses and shoes and hair bands but we completely neglect her jewels. LOL. I know that she doesn't really need jewelry, but then I saw what my great bloggie friend, Rachel had on offer with her SAHM business, Stella and Dot. How did I miss this? The Stella and Dot company is fab, a direct sales company like Arbonne, that does costume jewelry very similar to styles you all have seen before by J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Fiona Paxton.

When I found out that Rachel was doing a direct sales business like I was, I immediately told her I was going to have a party with her AND that I wanted it to benefit my little girl on her birthday! So tonight we are going to have the physical party, to which I have invited all sorts of local moms and their daughters, but Rachel and I decided to take it one step further by extending the sale to all of you who read My Superfluities. I know the only way you can order from Stella and Dot is through a rep like Rachel, so I am thrilled that you all can satisfy your needs with this week long party! (And no, you don't have to buy children's jewelry, but that is my goal as hostess.)


CW has so many pretty hair accessories but is so lacking in her bling. She is starting to eye my Fiona Paxton and I am a little concerned.


This is the mini-Charlotte necklace. It looks like a piece for a full-grown lady, but this is made specifically for our little minis (and I am not talking about skirts)!


Ooh, the girliness continues with the Gracie headband and barrettes...the floral attachments are meant to be switched out and you can attach the florals to necklaces if you (or your mini) choose!


This is pure old school J. Crew. Except it's not. Yum. This colorburst enamel cuff bracelet is not meant for the kids. :)


I think I own this. Oh, yes, it is called the tangled treasure necklace by J. Crew. Oh, wait, no--this is Stella and Dot's more versatile option, the Audrey Cluster Necklace. Good for you, Stella and Dot! I should have waited. LOL.


Now, I saw this and said, FIONA PAXTON, when did you start branching out? Nope. This is Stella and Dot being fashion forward with the Nolita Necklace. Awesome.

As you know, my fixation with jewels is pretty legendary. After all, I fell in love with the Crystal Devote necklace even when the rest of the world was crying foul! Heehee.

(But I also know I am not alone...my jewelry posts are always the most read...so there must be some love out there and this party is for you fab, bejeweled ladies!)

How do you join the party:

1. Go to this link.

2. Look for the link at the top of the page that says "Can't Make it to a Show? Find Your Hostess."

3. When the pop-up box appears, put Dina in the box that says first name and Gideon in the box that says Last Name.

4. After that, you are all ready to shop. :) Please do enjoy!

I cannot wait until this party is done so I can show you all the awesome lovelies that I got for CW's birthday!

Thank you all, and have a great, sparkly DAY!

Boden Time!

Ugh. Woke up with a migraine. Boo. But yay for one thing...until this morning I had made it a (near) record of 12 WHOLE days of no migraines at all. I do believe that the recipe of extra vitamins, eating better, taking that lovely little baby aspirin, and not exercising so intensely (!!!) has helped me feel better. But, BAM, like that, I am reminded that I still have a hole in my heart. Ugh.

Had to take Rex to preschool, too, for his first day. I felt like maybe I shouldn't go, but against my better judgment, I took my migraine medication (which sometimes works and sometimes doesn't--guess what today was?) and drove. Halfway through driving, my fingers were tingling and I kind of was freaked out. I drove VERY carefully to Rex's school and then after dropping him off (so cute, see bottom photo), I realized I needed to at least get my fingers back to full function before driving, so I chilled at a local coffee shop for about an hour. Still wasn't 100% at the end, but at least I wasn't all weird feeling, you know?

Yes, Mr. Dina is not letting me do that again, so you all know. :)


But I wore Boden, so it must all be good, right? Just ignore the flip-flops, please. Pretend they are a fab pair of sandals. :)

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size UK 10, US 6. This cardi is way more useful than I ever expected it to be. Its shorter length and lovely color work so well with so many of my dresses. It is like the Jenna cardigan, but short-sleeved and cotton/linen. Yum!
Dress: Size UK 12, US 8 Regular. This is the fun dress from summer 2009. I was tempted by a few of the fun dresses this summer but I have to stop myself from accumulating more dresses. Seriously, I have a HUGE dress addiction and I have a HUGE problem parting with my dresses. I have in my closet dresses from 15 years ago that are in perfect shape because I am such a OCD freak about caring for my dresses (which means, btw, if you do buy a dress from me, you KNOW it will be in fab shape...lol). This fun dress is a great shape, and I adore the floral pattern on the bottom.
Shoes: Size 10. Seriously this is a problem. I was so out of it, I forgot to change out of my house flip-flops. THESE ARE THE FLIP-FLOPS I NEVER LET ANYONE SEE, and look at that, YOU ALL SEE THEM! Ha. Guess my secret is out. These 10 dollar flip-flops have the price per wear of like 1 cent now. Yeah, I know, pretty sad. :P


Hand on the hip, and CW all turned around. Heehee.


As one of my best friends from high school quipped when he saw this pic of Rex, "He's working the backpack AND the lunch bag. That kid is ready for school!"

Night, night, all. For those of you interested in CW's Stella and Dot Children's Jewelry Party, I will be posting on that tomorrow, so keep your eyes peeled for that link. (Oh, and you don't have to order just children's jewelry...all orders will be happily processed...we are just trying to get CW some fab "little" jewelry for her upcoming birthday!) :)

Olive Green and Neon Pink!

Hi! We are back from vacation, and it was amazing, of course. :) Thank you all for your sweet comments and e-mails over the last week. I may have been out of touch...Disney will do that to you...but it was nice to come back and see such pleasant things in my inbox!

I am going to make this short and sweet today. You know how it goes when you get back from travel, lots of unpacking (ugh), cleaning (double ugh), and structure-setting (triple ugh) to do. Plus, CW's bday is soon (SATURDAY!) and I am preparing for her birthday party AND a Stella & Dot Children's Jewelry party I am having for her (I will give you all info on that soon--you all can help get her some fab jewelry if you purchase some for yourself), so I am a teeny bit over-extended. (Plus, add Arbonne to the mix, and all of a sudden I have two full-time jobs...lol.)

Olive Green and Neon Pink! by dinagideon featuring j crew handbags

I went out with my bloggie-friend Rachel today to Pentagon City (she is my local Stella and Dot rep) and we both needed to peek into J. Crew, me for a return, and she for the 20% off sweaters deal they are running now. I needed to feel dressed up, but not so much that I couldn't wrangle my rugrats. Above is what I wore...


Sizes:
Dress: Silk Cargo Dress, J. Crew, Size 6. Yummy. I am glad I got to wear it again before summer is gone.
Shirt: Stripe Sequin Boatneck Tee, J. Crew Collection, Size Extra-Small. I bought this early on and I am finally wearing it. I say size down if you can...it runs large. I like it layered with the cargo dress, very pretty preppy meets downtown. I think they did this combo in the May catalog with the tan version of the dress. It appealed to me then...and in real life, it is appealing, too.
Shoes: Piera Ballet Flats, J. Crew Collection, Size 10. I normally wear a 9.5, but chanced the 10. They are a *squidge* too wide in the heel, but not anything that bothers me. I LOVE the neon pink trim. So very cool. I definitely think I will get a lot of wear from these. :)


Couldn't resist showing CW off. She snuck into the pic as she wanted to pose too. :)

Have a lovely afternoon, all!