Ten Years!

Above: Recent OOTDs.  Boden Penny Jersey Dress, Boden Sweater and Mimi Velvet Skirt, and Made by Me Burnout Velvet Dress (with a pair of Boden Julia Heels).

Hi, all!

First photo of me on the blog.  That's CW, aged four months.

Happy January 15, 2019.  For those of you who've been with me a long time, you may remember that I started this blog on January 15, 2009.  And I kept it up for a long time without many pauses.  Until I stopped.  So happy 10 to me?  Or not?  But either way, it's been ten years, and I felt compelled to at least do ONE blog post on my ten year blog birthday.

I'm still doing my same old, same old, just doing most of it away from the blog.

What's the same:

Almost all Boden, of course.

1. I still own, in overabundance, a lot of Boden.  It is definitely been trimmed down, but their tall sizing really suits my frame, and works for my lifestyle, so I stick with it.  It has gone slightly down hill in comparison with my older Boden pieces (from 2004!), but they are not, in any way, shape, or form, as fast fashion as some companies are today (read: they still line items, add buttons and proper zips, and use higher end fabrics).

Outside Middendorf's, in Manchac, LA, in December.

2. I still am very much into my kids, in fact, that may be the #1 contributor to why I don't blog at all anymore.  I have so many things I must do with them that I come home from work and their activities and fall into bed!  Rex is now almost 12 (!!!), CW is 10, and Angus is 6.  Rex is really into Boy Scouts, baseball, and his video games.  CW is into acting (she's in her first ever community theater play as I write this), swimming, singing, her friends, and playing the piano and flute.  Angus loves bowling, soccer, baseball, swimming, and being social.  I remember a few years into my blog that another blog friend would only sporadically blog and she mentioned how tough her four kids made it for her to blog.  I didn't fully get it as mine were so small (and one wasn't born), but I fully appreciate it now.  The fact she blogged at all has me in awe!

Munich, Germany April 2018.

3. I still travel all over the world, and I love it.  I wish I could do that 100% of the time, but for now, I'll take it as I can.

4. I still am a History teacher, teaching the same stuff I used to teach when I started the blog way back when!

5. I may only publish to Instagram sporadically, but I do, so still keep in touch with me there.

6. I also still publish posts at the Fabric Mart Fabricista blog.  They've kept me all these years, and I still enjoy it.  The dress up there on the far right is my latest make, which you can read about here.

What's different:

1. I definitely wear more than Boden, but not just J. Crew.  I branch out way more than I used to, and find myself gravitating towards looser, more casual clothing than ever.  Part of that may have to do with my wearing more formal clothing for work and wanting to let loose when not working.

2. I am a big fan of subscription boxes.  This was not my style initially, but since starting the first one back in December of last year (2017) (Lookfantastic beauty box), I have since gone on to grab a whole bunch, and definitely look forward to my boxes.  It's actually curbed my spending overall, as I find having them come in satisfies my need for "new," and unless I really need something, I hold off.  For the most part these boxes are a set price and the retail value is much higher, and that ends up being satisfying, as well.  I have found lots of cool beauty, homeware, and clothing this way, and while I may pull back some, the desire for surprises keeps me intrigued.   I ended up spending very little on Christmas this year.  A whole bunch of my presents came from the boxes, especially for my female relatives and friends, since there would be things in each that I knew they would love more that I did.  (One of my friends is into essential oils, so I gave her some essential oil items I received.  Another friend really likes makeup, and there were some palettes that were too dark for me, so she received those.)

A cute top from Golden Tote, and a beanie from some subscription box.

I don't do many clothing boxes as I am too picky, but I give it up to Golden Tote for really getting my style and shape.  They personally reach out to me if they have questions, and I have received a few items that don't work (usually because the hips are too small on me), but in general, lots of winners.

3. I teach at a Catholic school, the one I went to.  My kids go there, and that's awesome.  I love seeing them.  They seem to be okay with it.  I give them credit for putting up with my being there all the time.  Rex is the most bothered, but even he is just kind of, "oh, mom, leave me alone."  Chuckle.  I even catch him smiling at me from time to time.

4.  I was really sad last year.  Like the entire 2017-2018 school year.  No one knew.  I think I hid it well.  It was a tough year, and I felt like no one liked me.  I had friends, but I fell into some dark, sad places some days.  I questioned it all...was I a good teacher, was I a good mother, why do I even bother, why do none of the people I like email/call/text me back, why does everyone else have friends, etc., etc.  I still don't know many of the answers, but because I decided I needed a thicker skin, I decided the answers didn't matter, and that I should just be all, "who cares, I'll figure it out."  Thankfully this year is 1100% better.

5. I gained ten pounds last year thanks to my sadness.  I am working to lose the weight, but it is really hard being a certain size and not being that size anymore.  Of course it all went to my hips and butt.  LOL.  Thank goodness so many of my clothes are loose skirted dresses.  :-)

Here forward:

Will I blog?  I don't know.  I'm not sure people read fashion/shopping blogs anymore.  I do know they read blogs that deal with subscription boxes and sewing, so I may just transition to that, and only mention what I am wearing in captions, and focus my ootd stuff to instagram.

There is also the possibility I may just move to youtube, as well.  I mean there is no way on planet earth I would ever be popular on that kind of platform, but I have seen women with similar backgrounds and lifestyles do okay there, and I have filmed myself to see if I can do it, and I am not as shrill or offensive sounding as I thought I might be.  I may give it a shot.  Who knows?  The unboxing and beauty videos are fun to watch and some of the ladies on youtube are pretty awesome.  We'll see.

I like this photo.  I shot it while a passenger in the car, lol.  I feel like this shows that I am doing well.  I am not sure I could have taken a photo like this last year, and am so glad I am doing better.  :-)

I hope all of you are well.  I am doing well.  I miss everyone.  Reach out to me if you feel so inclined.  I am still at dinagideon AT aim DOT come.

Let me know how you're doing in the comments, if you'd like.

Boden: Extra 10% Off Clearance Ends Tonight! And Many Reviews!

Hi, all!  I announced the extra 10% off sale earlier this week at my blog's Facebook page, and included a few photos, but figured I should probably publish a post with a whole bunch of reviews before the sale ends.  🙂

Anyhow, tonight this extra percentage off ends, and to enjoy it, you'll have to use the code NS19.  I've used it a few times, mainly for items I've needed a price drop on before biting. I am definitely interested in what you all have purchased, so leave a comment with your favorites from the sale!

Okay, onto the reviews!

Lola Skirt, size 8 petite.  I wanted this print so bad that I was willing to try as many items with it on it.  I initially purchased this skirt, but after trying it on, I thought the waist was too wee, so I contemplated sending it back.  After trying it on again a few weeks later, I realized though it was snugger than my usual skirts, it was wearable and cuter than I initially felt.  So this was the winner of the conversational beach print wars.  The length is FAB in the petite.  I wanted it to end at my knee, and the other length would have been too long for what I was looking for (the regular, in fact, would have ended three inches below my knee, which is not what I wanted at all).

Regular is all that is available in this print, and while it will be a whole lot of print to wear that long on your body, I know a lot of you could make it work, so don't let "Miss Tall wearing a petite length" scare you away.  I really love fuller length skirts ending right at or just below my knee.

Short Sleeve Breton, size 8.  The breton that Boden made is the one in the top photo (it is also below in the photo where I wear the floral shorts).  This one I size up from my usual 6 because I find the Breton style long and more fitted than other tops they make.  To be fair, Boden is the one company I most often wear an 8-10 in, whereas J. Crew I tend to wear smaller sizes (except in pants, drat my pear shape).  This fits well, and I just love the multi-colors.  I have so many bottoms that work with this particular top that I have already worn and washed it a ton.  Definitely worth the price paid (it isn't in the clearance).

It is a thinner fabric than the thicker Breton they often make, but for summer in Virginia, that suits me just fine.

Vienne Mid-Heel, size 40.5.  I rarely wear heels anymore, mainly because the higher heels I had in the past don't work with my current work environment (the standing all day makes that nearly impossible, and I get cranky wearing them, I don't know how I wore them in the past to work).  But for special occasions, I will wear them (but I will bring flat sandals to change into if needed, and I did with these, lol).  That said, for heels, they are comfortable enough.  The heel height is 2.5", so not super high, and the balance is decent, so I didn't feel like I would topple.  The size was great in the 40.5.  I wear between a 40-41 (a 9.5 in J. Crew), and this felt snug without being too tight.  The color is so pretty, as well.  (BTW, the Vienne's are in the top photo.)

Blackberry Dress, size 8 regular.  I ordered this one size up from the Blackberry dress I have from a prior season.  Though the six still fits, I wanted a bit more room in the hips and the eight gave me that.  This dress is almost identical to the ones of the past, so see the prior review for more info on it.  I do have to say this sunglasses print is so special.  Sadly this one is out of stock, but you can watch for popbacks.  

Marion Jersey Tunic, size 8.  This print reminds me so much of Boden from five to ten years ago, it is nice to see a return to brighter colors and unique, abstract patterns.  I also enjoy the return of a tunic that is not just meant for the beach or pool.  I wore this one to school one day and with leggings and the sandals were perfectly appropriate for my job.  I chose the 8 as I didn't want anything clinging to closely to my bottom, but I think I could have done the 6 and been fine.  It is made from the super stretchy rayon/spandex mix, so the 8 is a touch loose, especially in my bust area.  But it does look fine and really feels like super soft pajamas.  

Everyday Sandals, size 40.  This is a Johnnie b. item and were a hit at school (I've worn them a few times).  The price is very good for what you receive, and are very comfortable.  The 40 was almost too short, but all my toes fit right up to the footbed's edge, so just made it.  The 41 would have been way too wide, since the size 40 feel a bit loose.  (I really wish Boden would make narrow width shoes.)  These are the rose gold color.  

Celeste Silk Dress, size 8.  Oh how I desired this dress after seeing it debut with the Boden Icons a few months ago.  I initially was wary of purchasing since Boden didn't publish garment measurements (WHY? WHY?), and my bottom means I am often a 10 instead of an 8 in dresses.  And with this being silk, I knew the stretch would be minimal at best.

So I held off.  And by some luck, I ended up seeing it at a lower price point (10%, so not a ton, but now you can get an extra 10% off that price) in a size 8, so with thought that I would return it, I went ahead and gave it a go.

Well, it fits in the size 8.  It isn't even so fitted that I have wiggle around, and though it looks like the dress fits well, I do feel like a nice high dose of slinky spanx may make for a more confident me in it.  I do believe the 10, while looser through the hips, will lose the silhouette that makes it so special and pretty, so I will let it shine in the smaller size.

Short Sleeve Breton, size 8.  See above for more info on the Breton.

Eleana Woven Sandal, size 40.  These sandals weren't even on my radar until I found the want for a pair of navy sandals.  I have two pairs, and they are both heeled, and old.  So it's time.  But there are very few navy sandals out there.  I think the reason they weren't on my radar, or anyone else's for that matter, is because I am thinking they didn't use the sandals in any catalog shot.  They used them by themselves, but not with outfits on models.

They are very comfortable, and the 40 is nice and snug on my narrow foot, but again, like with the Everyday Sandal above, I would prefer a longer length of the 41.  That said, my toes are cozy and not falling off, so it works.

I think the reason the sandals weren't used was because of the line it creates, it does look a bit clunky, and though I have longer legs, they do get cut a bit because of the thicker ankle strap.  For my height, it's fine, but if you don't have longer legs, you may want to consider wearing them with pants or a maxi skirt/dress.  (Or not, it's only if you care about that sort of thing!)

CW wears the Summer Hotchpotch Dress, size 9-10.

Caterina Embroidered Slingback, size 41.  These shoes are precious.  And they actually match a few things in my wardrobe.  Though they have a pretty low rating, it is sort of surprising how sold out they are.  Evidently enough people made them work.  I did go up to a 41 after reading the reviews, but sizing up to a 42 would have made them way too wide and long.  I think they must be too narrow for some, but with my feet, that is what I need, so I was thrilled.  The slingback means they are not especially secure, but they did stay on the back of my foot well enough.  I spent the entire day in Richmond museums, so I would say they were foot friendly enough for that!

CW wears the Summer Applique Dress, size 9-10.

Phoebe Jersey Dress, size 6 regular.  I loved my navy bird version so much that I went ahead and went a bit shorter with the green.  They end up looking like two different dresses!  But the review I did for the navy holds true for the green, so go ahead and read that for more info.  :-)

Ruth Jersey Dress, size 8 regular.  I initially purchased this a size 6 long, and it was too long, and too fitted.  It looked very va-va-va-voom, but I will rely on dresses like the Celeste for that, not dresses like this that I want to wear to school.  This one fits so much better.  The only slight quibble I have is with the lining on the front.  It can get caught "up" so it ends up sticking out of the neckline and I have to pull the lining all the way down to get it to hide away again.  The back is not lined, fwiw.

The fabric is very stretchy and comfortable, and super soft.

Iris Ottoman Dress, size 8 long.  This looks so professional on me.  I really do rely on prints to carry me through my workday so the items I own that are more subdued or solid-colored are a bit jarring to see.  But I do need things that are more mature so these options are a good choice.  I am not a suit girl, so this will do.  The pockets are not as prominent as they appear on the Boden model, so if that's a concern for you, I will take that fear away.  I have hips, ladies, and they sit just fine, and don't make me any hippier than usual.  LOL.  

Martha Top, size 8.  I purchased this in a six, but found the hips to be too tight and the length too long, so I went ahead and grabbed the eight to feel more comfortable.  It is much better in this size.  My original review is here.

Okay, that's it for now.  I hope you have been enjoying summer so far.  I have, and really wish summer could last all year.  (I should just move to Florida, lol.)

The extra 10% off clearance sale ends tonight, don't forget!!!  Remember to use NS19 to receive that extra amount off.

Boden: Phoebe Jersey Dress.

Hey, all.  Well, there are about three hours left in the 25% off diminishing discount over at Boden, so I knew I'd better get this one last review in before it ends (west coast people, you all have around 6 hours left!).

Before I do the review, I had a few comments over the past few days who were wondering what the Boden Preview 20% off code is...and it is AP7X and it expires on May 18, 2017.

Also, I did a written review for the Phoebe Jersey dress way back when, so you may want to check that one out in addition to the review I am writing here tonight.

Phoebe Jersey Dress.  Size 6 Long.  I am glad that I have this in this size.  Though I would have been happier with it being a touch shorter, it really isn't as frumpy as I thought it was initially.  I did order the green vine version in the regular, and it does hit right above the knee, which makes it a bit less conservative, but still long enough to wear to school.  The size 6 is a good fit, nowhere too fitted, but definitely not too loose.  The 8 would have been too loose for what I was looking for in this dress.

The pockets are wonderful, super deep for whatever comes your way (including acorns found by Angus and placed in there quietly at some point during today--I see him from time to time in the hallways--definitely a benefit of teaching at the same school as your kids).

As I mentioned in my original written review, this fabric is lovely, a nice stretchy cotton slub jersey that is comfortable, but in no way stretches out during the day.

These shoes are the Joanna flats, and I believe they must be all sold out.  I can only find a pair or two for sale over at the Boden UK site, and nothing at the US site.  I like them, and hope they can bring flats out like this again.  I love patent leather for our rainy days, and don't feel like enough retailers carry them.

The necklace is the Lena Longline necklace (in gold) and I really like it.  It reminds me a lot of the Scattered Glass necklace from J. Crew.  Now it's not the same exact look, but it a long necklace with variation in bead size, and in a neutral color, so it serves a similar purpose.

Back and the side show it works fine on my curvy lower half/smaller upper half.  I am beginning to think I should just move onto exclusively buying stretch fabrics.  LOL.  No, but still...stretchy is so wonderful!

Okay, that's it for awhile.  This weekend is set to be crazy (we have our school auction and I am wearing this handmade dress to it), and I am not sure when I'll be back (likely later this month).  But I definitely will be at instagram until I get back here, so check that out if you want to keep in touch.

Okay, less than three hours now left to receive the 25% off (use code 5N3R)!

Boden: Marina Jersey Dress Review.

Hey, all!  Had a long day yesterday, and as soon as I got home I went to sleep, so I figured I would post twice today.

Yesterday I wore the Marina Jersey dress to school and Winesday, and it is such a pretty little dress.  Today I'll finally get the chance to wear the Phoebe Jersey dress.  (I've wanted to wear this but the weather was not compatible for most of March, but today it will be 80 and sunny, exactly right!)

I wrote three posts (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday) this week in conjunction with the diminishing discount going on right now at Boden.  It does end tonight, hence the reason I will post now and later today.  :-)

I also hope to respond to all the comments that have been left (many which have questions), so if all goes well I can do that later today.

Marina Jersey Dress.  Size 6 Regular.  I went with my regular jersey dress size, but went with the shorter regular length since the long is at around 42 inches, which falls below my knee, and which is a length that would be a bit too dowdy on me, especially in this silhouette and print.

The print is very pretty, but from far away it looks like a floral ditsy print, and it isn't until you get closer you see how interesting and detailed it is.

I like the shape, especially the cap sleeves.  The one thing that would be a great addition would be pockets, but they weren't added.  Oh, well.  Maybe if they bring it back, they can think about that in the next version of this dress.

The morning I took this it was a bit overcast and the greens of the trees were very bright, so the colors of this shot are off.  I color corrected as much as possible, but the whole photo seems a bit "verdant."

The green sheen of the photo is worst here.  Wowza!   Anyhow, the side view shows how full the skirt is, without being too twirly.  It is a perfect dress for anyone who teaches or needs to look dressy while staying comfortable.  The fabric is a viscose/elastane jersey, so it is soft and stretchy.  The bodice is lined in a solid colored viscose/elastane jersey as well, so it is not see through and will hold up well to wear and tear.

Here is the print, taken by me away from spring green forest.  You can see the print is a delicate daisy print with littler white florals behind the yellow ones.  The background is grey and a super dark grey.

Close up you can see the details a bit better.  The waist is positioned where mine is, so pretty high, but since the jersey stretches in multiple directions, if you are a bit longer in the torso, it should still stretch to work for you as well.  The waist pleating is the one fault I can find with this dress.  I think a plain dart would have worked better here.  The pleats are small enough to not be an interesting detail, and large enough to be noticed.  Hmm.

Okay, this dress is in stock in the long lengths, but from what I can see the regular lengths are sold out or in low stock status.

Last day!  Remember to use code 5N3R to receive the 25% off.

Boden: 7/8 Pants Review.

Hi, all!  It's day three of my five day review post-a-thon (or so I hope).  :-)

Yesterday I review the Classic Shirt here, and the day before I reviewed the Terese Jersey Dress here.

As you likely know now, there is a 25% off all current season items over at Boden, so I figured this is the best time to used reserve energies and review as much as possible.

(Yay for early quarter less pressure to get grades done asap.)

Richmond 7/8 Pants.  Size 10 Long.  Yes, I am the person who saw this floral explosion and was all, "oooooooh."  LOL.  I know I am not alone because at school today, the after school enrichment teacher said, "I WANT THOSE PANTS."  YAY!  My kin are around!

Anyhow, I didn't choose them because the name is Richmond, either (favorite city on the whole planet).  I genuinely love this cut, especially in the shorts.  I tried the pants last year in a gorgeous teal green color, but the 8 was too tight, and the 10 way too loose.  I am pleased to report the 10 this year fits perfectly, and though the waist is a bit big, it isn't so big I can't wear them.

The 7/8 length is such BS, though.  They say it has a 29" inseam in the long, and that on me is at upper ankle length, so not full length, but in no way is that 7/8.  I would say if you are 6 feet tall, it would be 7/8.  Lou, my blog friend I met in London while I was there, tried these on and decided she needed a petite to get the 7/8 length.  I agree, and would need a regular if I wanted 7/8 length.  I don't want 7/8 length, so I am cool with these being this long.

I needed to wear a tee today because we were having Greek Day at school and I had to wear a large piece of white fabric over the outfit (like this) and I was told I would get warm.  I did, so glad I wore the tee.  I do want to see it with a short-sleeved summer sweater in a navy or dark blue shade.

Side view shows it fits my curves nicely.  I would highly recommend this to other pear shapes.  I think the waist could potentially be too tight on an apple shape, and the hip portion too big.

I think I will try it in a solid.  Maybe the brighter green?

There are a lot of colors here in this crazy pattern, so it does make matching easy.  I worked well with the J. Crew jacket I own in blue.

The pencil skirt may be a better option for those of you liking the print but not as willing to show it off to the extreme that I do.  LOL.  I am assuming there are at least a few others like me out there, but I totally get this is not for everyone.  :-)

Talk with you all tomorrow!

Remember to use the code 5N3R to receive the 25% off.

Boden: The Classic Shirt Review.

Hi, all!

I think I might be able to do this, publish a few days in a row.  Woo.  Which means I won't be back till July after this run.  LOL.  I kid.

I made the promise above last night in this post.  I decided that with the diminishing discount on, it seemed sensible to do reviews when the savings are actually pretty decent (currently 25% off).

Anyhow, I wore the beach conversational print the Classic Shirt today, and it did what I wanted it to, it helped to lift my spirits on this awful rainy day (and it was the first day back to school, ugh).

The Classic Shirt.  Size 8 Petite.  I really love this print, but my track record with Boden blouses and shirts (not tees) is not that great, with me having to return as often as I keep.  This version, though, is a 100% keep (and it has more to do with fit than the print).  It is a stretchy cotton with darting in the back, and a bit of shaping through the sides.

It is exactly the right length for my torso, which is actually a petite (I am longest through my legs).  I probably could have purchased the 6 petite, but I love how this fits just right through the hips, and a touch of roominess in the shoulders and bust is nothing that bothers me.

I decided on this print after really hating how the Josephine dress fit me, but wanting that print so badly.  (I had purchased the Lola Skirt, and initially thought it didn't fit right, so I thought I would return it, but oops, it actually fits right, I must have had a bad day when I tried it on...never a great idea!)  This print is true to color as what you see at Boden, a very pretty mix of teal, red, pink, and yellow.

So now I have a skirt in the blue version of this print, and this shirt in the white version, but as I have told the world (too many times to count), I am definitely a print girl.  :-)

From the side you can see it fits nicely through the hip area, without being too loose or too tight.  The only thing I wish would be different is the length of the sleeves.  Though I may have a petite torso, my arms are super long.  Oh, well.

And the back view.  This shirt can be tucked into a skirt or pants, but they have to be high-waisted for that to happen.  I'll try it with a skirt tucked in next time I wear it.  These pair of pants have too low of a rise (on me at least) to tuck this shirt in.

The outfit as a whole from today.  I wish J. Crew would reissue these turner pants. They are my jam.  Boo.  But I digress...

Okay, I hope you all had a great Monday, I'll be back with more tomorrow.

Remember to use the code 5N3R to receive the 25% off.

Boden: Terese Jersey Dress Review, Diminishing Discount Sale, and Fall Preview 2017!

Hi, all!  Happy Sunday.  :-)

I received a postcard in the mail when I returned home that announced that Boden was going to start a diminishing discount sale today (as did many of you, including Keilexendra, thanks for the tip in last post's comment section).  From today until Thursday, Boden has 25% off all current season items.  After that, it reduces to 20% off, and finally tapering off to 10% off.  You do need to use the code 5N3R.  There is a link to it in the sidebar, as well as the bottom of this post.

I have plans (hopefully not best laid and gone to waste) to publish daily until Thursday with reviews of items I have purchased but have not reviewed.  I always wear all my Boden items immediately (or when the weather becomes appropriate to wear them), and can get them onto Instagram easily enough, but doing any sort of in-depth reviews, well, meh, life happens and it gets pushed down.

Before I do the review, I also received an email telling me that I could order from the Fall Preview 2017.  I plan to do a picks post (as per usual), but since the 20% off code doesn't expire until mid-May, I'll do the picks post a bit later on.  :-)

Today's review will be for the Terese Jersey Dress, which I bought when Boden had the last big sale (the one where we could take the additional % off, I wrote about it here).  I was attracted to it, but wasn't sure what it was I liked about it.  It probably is the color more than the print, but after wearing it today, I definitely am glad I purchased it.

Terese Jersey Dress.  Size 8 regular.  I decided to go for an 8 (one size up from what I normally wear in their jersey dresses) and in the regular length (I normally wear long in their dresses).  I know that the lyocell fabric is very clingy and I just prefer it not be insanely skin tight (just fitted, thankyouverymuch).

I was having issues editing these photos this morning. I think the combo of the deep pink/red of the dress and the light green of the trees meant my camera's white balance was thrown off.  I tried my best, but I think this photo is the best at showing the colors of the dress the best, but be aware that the flowers are mint green and light blue and that is not showing at all in these photos.

I love the length of this dress.  It would have been three inches longer in the long, and I don't think I would like the dress that long.

I do also really like the detail at the waist, it really nips everything there, so if you like details like that, you will definitely appreciate the way they do it here.

This is a dress that shows off your curves, so buyer beware if you prefer a looser fit, especially from the back.  This is only balanced looking on me because the sleeves are longer, so it fools the eye into thinking the top half of my body even comes close to matching my lower half (the bane of the pear shape, ugh).

This dress is sold out in some of the sizes in the blue colorway, and some of the pink/red sizes are in backorder status.

One of the reviews mentioned how nice it would be to have this in some solid colors, and I definitely agree.  I'd love this in a green, red, or teal.

Okay, that's it for today.  I think I may wear the Classic Shirt (I purchased the beach conversational one) or my Richmond 7/8 pant (I bought those in the crazy floral colorway).  It's meant to be raining and raw both Monday and Tuesday, and both of these will keep me warm and also allow me to feel sunny and colorful, even if the weather here doesn't agree.  :-/

Remember to use the code 5N3R to receive the 25% off until Thursday.