OOTDs: Little Birdies and Sketched Trees. And a Cloche.

Day: Thursday, January 10, 2013.

Where: Preschool and Little Gym.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) 3. Felt great, but the belt was not made for Little Gym activities, so I ended up having to take that off to participate fully.  :)

The Signature merino cardigan by Garnet Hill is wonderful, nice and soft, and perfectly sized (this is a small).  They have had this particular cardigan for years, and they always go on deep sale (this is how I got mine).  The current line has some cute prints, especially the scenic one of a European village.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) 3. Well, not especially chic, but the mixed patterns and matched colorways are pleasant enough.  And somehow the pointed toe flats that J. Crew made way back in 2006 are coming back in style.  I guess that goes to show...take care of your stuff and eventually you will be able to wear it again (even if it is a bit tongue in cheek like my "Hammer don't hurt 'em" pants from New Year's Eve). 

Anecdote from the day:  I usually bowl on Thursdays, but had to pre-bowl that week.  I took Angus to his little gym class and to my favorite coffee shop.  And that's it.  Very easy, relaxed day.  I wish they all could be like that!

Day: Friday, January 11, 2013.
Where: Hanging out with my girl Monica and her husband.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) 4. So relaxed and easy to wear.

The Printed Silk Blouse has little birdies all over it.  I originally reviewed this back in October.  It is now on clearance for $82, which is probably as low as it is going to go (Pure only deeply discounts things that are clearly not selling).  This shirt is so lovely and pretty, and I hope to wear it more "dressy" the next time I pull it out, since I don't think the minnies did it justice.  (Those minnies are so big...everywhere.  I thought the 8 long would be perfect, but I should have bought the 6 long, since they are horribly baggy, especially through the calves.  Ah, well, live and learn.)

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) 2. The poor little birdies are sad because this is sort of a pathetic outfit.  :-P  I really think had I put on a pair of more fitted pants (or gone the opposite direction and worn a pair of trouser jeans) this would have been a better look.  I also think, though I adore my cloche, a better choice for my head was possible, like my other favorite, the beret.

Anecdote from the day:  I loved being able to see Monica twice that week (the first time was at Whole Foods Wines-day).  That day we just hung out at my house and ate yummy Krispy Kreme donuts and drank some delicious Nespresso.  After we went to grab Rex from school and before the pickup ate at the KFC right next door.  I hadn't been in that KFC since I was 15, BEFORE it became KFC (it was Kentucky Fried Chicken way back then, lol).

Okay, that's it for this morning.  I have the Boden Weekly Review Roundup planned for posting tonight, with a big emphasis on clearance items (though there are a handful of new arrival reviews).  If you have any reviews for me (written or photos or on your blog) and you think I may miss them, would you mind e-mailing me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com?

Have a great Friday!

OOTD/Review: Tresco Floral.

Hi, all!  Big shocker here, but I decided to preorder the Liberty perfect shirt in tresco floral.  I saw the glorious bright multi-colored flowered tana lawn bit of perfection in the spring lookbook in the fall and immediately contacted my personal shopper.  Since then, she has informed me of all the pieces it will come in (the shirt, obviously, a clutch, a beautiful scarf, and a boy's bow tie).  I said "no" to the bow tie, but happily saved up for the other pieces.

I received this shirt yesterday and decided that I couldn't wait to wear it, especially since now it is so very cold and frigid in the DC area.  What better to perk up one's spirit than a summer's garden?

First up in the post will be the ootd portion, followed by the review.  I figured the review will help those of you interested in it, since I have a feeling it will go "live" on J. Crew tomorrow (I think new arrivals are slated for tomorrow).

Day: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 (today!).

Where: Whole Foods Wines-day.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) 4. The outfit wore exactly as I expected, very easily.  :)  The tana lawn of the shirt is a very smooth, silky cotton that feels nice on the skin.  The sateen pants are just stretchy enough to be comfortable, while the merino cardigan is a bit oversized, making for a nice loose fit.  The only bit of the outfit that was a bit uncomfortable are the macalister high-heel boots, which are still being "worn in" by me.  Eventually they will feel more comfortable, but the break-in period is taking a while longer than I expected.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) 3. Looks like I am a happy, pleasant SAHM.  Not cool, but not horribly uncool either.


I do realize that had I taken the shirt and added a long, pink and white leather floral skirt, a pair of ditsy floral heels, and a darling little floral clutch, I would be way cooler, but considering I am who I am, and that it isn't 80 degrees outside, I will be fine with my ensemble as is.

Anecdote from the day:  You're not imagining it, my hair is darker.  I suffer from summer blonde hair, which is what happens when your natural hair color is in the blonde/light brown range naturally.  The sun bleaches my hair to a very light blonde in the mid-summer only to grow out and become its natural, darker self in winter.  I tire of trying to maintain summer color, so today I grabbed the Natural Instincts demi-permanent (lasts around four weeks, give or take) color in dark blonde, and while it is a bit shocking compared to what I am used to, it is the color it is supposed to be (maybe a touch cooler than "normal," since I have more gold overall, but it's close enough--so no complaints).  :)

Mr. Dina sort of hates it.  I just looked at him and said, "you hate my natural hair?"  MEAN! 

I also reminded him that by May it would start to get bleached again, and he could celebrate its return with all sorts of merriment and a big party, if he so desires.

Review: I chose to get the size 4 after working with my PS.  I always buy a size 4 in the perfect shirts, but always want to make sure before I buy them, especially if it is an investment like the Liberty shirts are.

It fits great, and in my opinion, a titch bigger than the Leo Scarlet one from this fall.

The colors are insane, and the detail is wonderful.  It is obvious that this print is very special, maybe even more so than my most favorite Liberty print ever (last worn here).  I am not ready to say this is my most favorite Liberty print ever, but I am thinking it is very close to it. 

Of course it is A WHOLE LOT of look, and not for the shy of color or print.  I don't know, you probably are a Liberty print kind of person or you are not, ya know?  I don't much care for houndstooth, but I love the way it looks on others.

Okay, that's all for now.  Anyone else have this one and can comment on it?

P.S. I picked my four winners for the giveaway earlier today.  I have heard from three of the winners and hope to hear from the fourth soon, so check out to see if you won.  :)

P.P.S Those of you who commented on the piano lesson from H-E-double hockey sticks, I appreciate all of your advice.  Eventually I will comment back, but until then, know that I am thinking about what we will do, and I am strongly thinking about getting another teacher.  Thanks again!

Giveaway Winners!

Hello, and good morning.

A big thank you to everyone who entered the four gift card giveaway for my fourth year blog-o-versary!

After all was said and done, I received 57 discrete entries in the giveaway (60 total comments, with three comments being additional information being posted by a person who had already entered).

Without further discussion, our winners are: Beki, Throughthehaze, Kristy, and Tracy O.  Ladies, I will e-mail later today if I haven't heard from you, but if you get a chance, my e-mail is dinagideon AT aim DOT com and you can send me your details (and which gift card you would like).  Looking forward to helping you all get your wish list items!

Beki is #34, and she likes the J. Crew Stadium Cloth cocoon coat.

Throughthehaze is # 36 and likes the Petrified Wood Bookends by Anthropologie.

Kristy is #23 and likes the Cashmere Hoody from Boden.

Tracy O. is #3 and likes the Ballerinas by Boden.

OOTDs: Sequins, Morning, Noon, and Night.

Day: Wednesday, January 9, 2013.

Where: Whole Foods Wines-day, Anthropologie, and La Madeleine in Old Town Alexandria.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) 4. Outside of a bit of scratchiness in the skirt from the sequins, this outfit was very comfortable.  The tights were a touch too big, so that wasn't awesome, but they stayed up, so whatever.

Glitter flats?  Pretty and easy to wear.  Love!

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) 4. I think wearing the combo of bright blue with a gold base works.  And since I am not in France, the beret looks okay cool.  LOL.  ;)  (At least I think it does.)

Anecdote from the day:  I was able to see a good blog friend of mine, Monica.  She used to live in Maryland, but moved all the way across the country last year.  Amazingly, we have seen each other multiple times since her move, so I guess 3000 miles is really not that big of a deal.

Also, we went to the Anthropologie in Old Town that night and I found the Goldspun Paisley Dress for $39.  Yahoo!  Monica found it, hung all alone, in my size. It was meant to be. (I like it best belted and with a black cardigan.) :)

Day: Monday, January 14, 2013.

Where:  Rex's first piano lesson.  More on that frivolity in a moment.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) 3. It felt easy at first, and actually would have continued to feel easy, but because of the nature of the piano lesson, I ended up having to carry Angus for half of the time, which isn't super easy in a sequined top.  It's my bad for choosing this outfit, but it is rare for me to have to hold Angus all the time, he usually prefers to toddle around and explore. 

I wore this cardigan way way back when, and I really like it.  I far prefer it styled like this though.

I also was able to bring out my most favorite pair of jeans, they finally fit again.  I still have some baby weight to lose, but these jeans prove I am almost there (woo!).

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  3.  This cardigan was probably cool when it came out in the Fall of 2009, but since then, I am sure it has fallen out of favor, regardless of the Marc Jacobs label.  The jeans, though, will always be cool.  (Again, at least in my mind.)

Anecdote from the day:  The piano teacher, bless her heart, was a bit *confused.*  It made for a very interesting "hour" with Rex, CW, and Angus.  Basically, you walk into the lesson, put your name on a list (Rex's), and wait for your turn.  With five to seven kids in the class, each kid should get 10-15 minutes with the teacher at the piano.  The first child (who also goes to Rex's school) got 25 minutes, and the next kid got 20 (and the book that was supposed to be used by all the beginners).  The next child had the book, so that kid got 15.  Are you doing the math?  That's three kids in 60 minutes.  There are still 3 kids to go, along with the *next* lesson's kids coming in, plus some random family whose kid wasn't signed up for the lessons, but wanted to sign up for lessons.  That random kid got five minutes.  We still haven't gotten to the last three kids, and it is now 5:10 pm.  (That is 70 minutes after we showed up.) 

Rex was a champ and sat there and waited patiently, CW did okay, but poor Angus, because we were in a music room with lots of breakable instruments was struggling.  Sigh.


Eventually she saw to seeing Rex, but because the book had been given to another kid, Rex didn't even get to sit at the piano.  The whole time he kept looking at me and saying, "I get to play the piano, right?"  And I, thinking it's gonna happen said, "of course, honey, thank you for being patient."


So when she saw us she told us what book to get and that she looked forward to seeing him at the next lesson.  If this happens again, though, regardless of her sweet personality, I will probably drop the class.  Would you do the same?  Just curious...

Day: Tuesday, January 15, 2013.

Where:  Little Gym with Angus in the AM, and El Paso Cafe in Arlington for my brother's birthday.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) 4. This outfit felt good.  I am really glad I chose to size up by two whole sizes in the Neiman Marcus/Target Tracy Reese blouse.  I had originally thought I would buy it in the size small, but when I tried that on in the store, it was too tight in my hips.  And really expensive for what it was.  But by waiting until the VERY END of the life of the collaboration (I bought it on Saturday night, 1/13/13), I was able to try on all the sizes and get it for $20.  (I also grabbed the Marc Jacobs pewter clutch for $20.)

This was the large, and it is large overall, but nicely skims over my hips, so I can wear it as a tunic.

The jeans are a wonderful stretch denim material, and the Naturalizer flats are made for making lives as easy as possible.

(BTW, the first photo up there is from me trying the outfit out the night before.  I guess I was so traumatized by the piano lesson I had to do something to calm down.  That means making outfits and seeing how they look in real life.  Ha.)

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) 2.5.  No lies, I don't know that any part of this outfit was that cool...even if the name on the shirt is Tracy Reese and the name on the pants is Michael Kors.  The colors of the outfit are currently "in," but I am not sure that I am wearing this outfit the way the cool blogger girls are, so there's that.  But those girls probably don't have a Little Gym class to attend, so let's call it even.  ;)

The sombrero definitely helped up the chic factor. 

Anecdote from the day:  The sweet, earth mother teacher at the Little Gym class LOVED my sequin blouse.  Other people kept feeling it up, all day long.

The dinner was fabulous, and halfway through dinner, my brother decided to give me his phone, and because I am me, I went to his facebook page and wrote "Peter is hot," as him.  So he basically looked like he wrote that himself.  Hahahahaha. 

A few years ago, I got hold of my dad's facebook account and wrote as him on Peter's page, "Peter, I have always loved you most.  Your sister, Dina, drives me crazy.  It is no secret to everyone that you are my favorite."  LOL.  Peter sniffed me out pretty quickly, sadly...within mere minutes he outed me as the real author.  Dang.  Practical jokes are no fun.  ;)

Okay, that's it for tonight.  Don't forget, tomorrow is the last day to enter my big four year blog-o-versary giveaway!

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Jessie Spano Edition.

Hi, everyone!

It seems our Boden Spring 2013 packages are slowly coming in...surprisingly, I am receiving my pre-orders with quite a bit of haste, but the couple of clearance orders I made at the end of December are still nowhere to be found.  In fact, if the one package doesn't arrive on Tuesday, I will e-mail Boden and ask them, "yo, yo, wat up?"

How have you all been finding the shipping for the new arrivals?  Have they been quick to come or on the slow boat?

I will be starting up the "normal" BWRR schedule next week, with the new arrivals first in the order for the post, with any clearance items at the bottom.  So even if you want to send me reviews that are from the clearance section, please do, as I definitely will use them.

Also, before we get started, many of you will recognize the outfit I am wearing in this post because you all saw it at my facebook page two days ago.  I had a blog friend comment that she was interested in the off-duty sweatshirt, and I told her that I was wearing it that. very. day., and would put a photo of it on facebook if I couldn't do the review roundup that day.  Well, as it is (so very often), I couldn't get the blog post done as my children's schedules are pure madness, but I was able to take a smart phone photo and upload it to facebook.  Anyhow, the long and short of it is that if you want some early previews and early info, "like" the facebook page, since it is updated more often than my blog.

(And remember, anyone who "likes" my facebook page, follows me on blogger/google friend connect, or on blog lovin' can enter my gift card giveaway for my blog's 4th blog-o-versary!)

Regular Boden:

Off Duty Sweatshirt and Long Leggings.

I purchased this in a size 6, which is my usual Boden top size.  I probably should have gone with a size 4 since this top runs very large.  Having said that, I am not going to return it because I kind of dig it a bit large, since it allows me to wear it with the Johnnie b. long leggings.  (It covers my bottom very well, thank you very much.)

The long leggings are a size 15-16, which corresponds to a size large in the old Johnnie b. sizing.  The fit great, but are a bit loose in the elastic waistband.  However, since I have swimmer thighs (read: large) the 15-16 is the right size since the size down would be too freaking tight.

If you have slender thighs, you can definitely size down.

From the back.  See how long that sweatshirt is?  If I were to buy another color (which I won't, unless it is 10 dollars--for that price, the blue would be a lovely addition to my wardrobe), I would buy the four and wear it with regular pants and denim.

The color is a tad more purple/mauvey than it appears on-line.  Right now this poor (yet lovely) sweatshirt has a ONE STAR (of five stars) rating for being poorly represented in color and size.  I agree that the color is misrepresented, and that the size is large, but I wouldn't give it one star, in fact, I will probably go on there and give it four stars today because I think this sweatshirt deserves more love than that.  :)  (BTW, I almost never leave reviews there because I do this.  Can you even imagine if I did that, too...I would have literally. no. life.)

The sweatshirt is super cozy, with a soft terry lining, and deep kangaroo pockets (they are cotton).

The leggings are made from a cotton/elastane blend, so a bit different feeling than what my other leggings feel like (they usually have spandex in the blend).  They are not as stretchy, but in no way uncomfortable.

The ditsy floral print, btw, is why I named this blog review roundup the Jessie Spano edition.  My brother and I were out running around that day and he definitely agreed that my outfit was channeling our favorite overachiever from Saved by the Bell.  ;)

It was really chilly that day so I threw on the cashmere purl-stitch snood from J. Crew.  This one FINALLY went on deep sale (with an additional 30% off), so I grabbed it.  I have to say, I can see why the cost was so high initially, this baby is well made, very thick, super soft, and very large.  I was shocked at how big it was when I took it out of the package.  (I am also over the moon that I got it at such a great price!)

It is so warm, that if the day has the right sort of temperature, I could just wear the snood with an outfit like above and be fine.

But the day wasn't warm, so I threw on the very thick (almost stadium cloth thick) reefer I bought from Boden a few years ago.  The Velvet Trim Coat is a different style, but appears to be of a similar weight and has the darling velvet detailing that my reefer has, plus it is on super sale right now.

Off Duty Sweatshirt and Long Leggings.  The off-duty sweatshirt is on backorder in the color I am wearing, but the other shades are all still available.

Right now the long leggings are on super sale, with an additional 15% applied (as long as you use the sidebar coupon or the one at the very bottom of this post).  At $12, it is easy to justify, if you will wear them.

(Note on the images, normally these take you directly to the Boden site because they are affiliate links, but the affiliate program has not uploaded the spring items.  Once they do, I will start using them, but until then, click on the name of the item to go to its item page.)

Leather Folded Clutch.  Joanna loves hers so very much, that she has it in both sunset and driftwood. :)  I believe Johnnie has done well, incorporating a line of beautifully hued clutches in his accessories line for women. 

Adelaide Dress.  See it on the beautiful Louise here. I love how she winterized it and will do the same for mine.

I have the pewter version, which I love, but need to add a warning...I thought the spots were going to be cream, but in reality it is a light yellow, almost the same shade as this cardigan.  I am not returning it, but if I didn't like that color, I would be pretty ticked (not enough to give it one star, but I would send it back right away).  The dress also runs a bit large, and I should have bought the size 6 long.  However, I don't mind it a little loose, since it gives my hips breathing room, but I do know that the 6 long would have been just fine.  ;)

Okay, that's all!  Talk with you all later on this long weekend.  

Below you will find the link for 15% off and free shipping.  Don't forget, it also takes 15% off all the weekly 20% off offers--like these for womenswear--and these for mini Boden and Johnnie b..  (The weekly offers end tonight, with a new crop on offer tomorrow morning.)

Boden: Summer 2013 Preview Ready to Go!

Hello, all!  Thank you to both Louise and CC who let me know this morning that Boden's Summer Preview is all ready.  I don't know if I am ready to view it, since the spring line just dropped, but that may be me speaking from a harried state of mind (thanks, kids!).

Anyhow, the brief look I already took this morning was promising.  I saw a lot of very lovely styles that are continuing the more modern aesthetic that Boden has been employing over the last few seasons.  Of course, it wouldn't be Boden without beautiful bright colors and patterns, so there is plenty of that to go around, just a *bit* more subdued than they were a few years ago.

I should have some time to do a picks post, but it won't be until early next week at the earliest.  Until then would you all mind having a look-see and letting me know your personal favorites?  Thank you!

The code, btw, for 20% off with free ship and returns is PRV3.  Enjoy (preview) shopping!

Giveaway: Celebrate. Good Times. Come On!

I recognize that a photo of Johnnie Boden in a bathrobe would probably be more fitting for my blog's fourth "blog-o-versary," but I figured most of you would prefer this gif of DJ Lance Rock doing his thang on Yo Gabba Gabba instead.

Okay.  So this is year number four.  Wow.  This blog baby of mine is as old as my daughter.

I have lots that I want to write about, everything from gratitude and appreciation for those of you who read this little corner of the internet daily to my near daily amazement that this is what I ended up doing (even partially) with my life.  If you had asked me at twenty (the height of my "I don't care how I look, only how smart I am" period of my life) if I would have ever had anything at all to do with fashion, I would have snarkily laughed in your face.  I am glad I found my way out of my know-it-all self and stopped taking it. all. so. seriously.

(I was that stick in the mud girl in college that sneered at people when they dared to be louder than a titmouse in the library.  Yeah, I was not especially pleasant.)

It has been interesting to see where these years have taken me, my blog, and my family.

I feel so happy and chill right now.  I think in the beginning, I didn't allow myself to just enjoy the process of this blog and let the overwhelming, nagging voice in my head that kept saying, "what in the world are *you* doing writing a personal style blog," take over far too often.  Now that I have four years gone, I don't even hear that voice anymore, I just think, "I have a personal style blog."  It's just a bit of fun and fluff that I do nearly every day and for the foreseeable future, anticipate continuing!

(But even with the fluff, thanks to this blog and all you great readers and your suggestions, I found out that my debilitating migraines were in fact mini-strokes caused by a hole in my heart.  So in some truly awesome bit of serendipity, I needed this blog to help me fix me.)

Anyhow, as per usual, I just had to go on and on...

ONTO THE GIVEAWAY!

Since it is four years, I have FOUR gift cards to give away to four followers of this blog (one per follower, lol, let's be clear).

1. Each gift card will be for $25.

2. The gift card can be from these stores: Boden, J. Crew, Madewell, and Anthropologie. 

3. Although I mainly have American readers, I have a definite set of followers from Canada, the UK, and throughout Europe.  You all are welcome to enter, but clearly you will be unable to receive the Madewell gift card.  I can work out the arrangement of getting you a gift card (same value, just in your currency) from the other three somehow.  But please do enter!  I have a strong feeling a lot of my high view numbers on the Boden posts are from non-US people.  :)

4. The giveaway will be closing on January 22, 2013 at 11:59 Eastern Time.  I will announce the winner on January 23, 2013.

5. To enter, make sure you follow this blog either at Facebook, at Bloglovin', or through Blogger.

6. Comment directly below this post with a link to your favorite item at one of these four stores.  (If you can't make the link work, you could also just say the name of the store and the name of the item.)  Also make sure to tell me how you follow this blog.

You all are the best, and I cannot wait to give out these four gift cards to the lucky winners!

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR A GREAT FOUR YEARS!  Here's to a {few} more...