OOTDs: RIP Ugly Sweater and Other Lost Outfits of 2013.

Good Saturday night!  So looking through my photo albums on my computer tonight, I realized there were a staggering number of ootd photos from 2013 that never saw the light of day on the blog.  Some of the outfits, well, meh, but some of these I really did want to show off.  Now that it is *embarrassingly* nearly six months after these were taken, I figured showing them off late at night on a beautiful Saturday in May may lessen my embarrassment a touch.  Not much, but maybe some of you will be viewing these after having had a drink or two and will be all, "eh, she got 'em up!"

You saw a bunch of the ootds from NYC (this was from late November 2013) mixed in with other posts (mainly J. Crew and Boden review posts).  This was actually my favorite shot from the entire trip, I thought my stepmom did a great job of taking the photo.  Anyhow, most of that outfit is Anthropologie and J. Crew, with some Target shoes thrown in for comfort.

I believe I wore this outfit subbing one of the days last year.  The Boden Sarah dress will always be one of my favorites, and the extra length on this one makes it very Catholic school appropriate.

I can't even tell you what we were doing that day, but I will tell you CW dressed herself entirely, and it appears we were both happy with our choice of hot pink clothing.

CW had some event at her school we needed to go to, and I really wanted to wear my cord deer and birdie printed shirt dress (Southward Stop, thank you Lou!) from Anthropologie I had bought off a blog friend.  Of course it was insanely cold that day, but I scoffed at real outerwear instead choosing to suffer with a thinner plaid J. Crew jacket.  The snood and ugly Target gloves helped, but not really.  I learned my lesson after winter decided to continuously laugh in my face this year by never going away.  My coats haven't ever seen this much action.

This here is another 2013 subbing ensemble.  I LOVE this Nanette Lepore top so much.  I last wore it pregnant.  I can't say I notice a huge difference in fit between the two times.  Hmm.  :-)

I did wear a big old Boden coat, gloves, hat, and a scarf, but that photo turned out really bad.  So, yeah, just imagine it.

RIP Ugly Sweater.  RIP.  Thanks, Mr. Dina for putting my beloved ugly farmyard fair isle sweater from J. Crew in the dryer on hot heat.  The sweater now is at home in CW's closet, seeing as she is the only one small enough to wear it.  Sadness. Sob!

Let's end here, with one of my favorite ootds from last year.  Very festive (worn to see the kids get their photo taken with Santa), yet chic enough to work in the non-Christmas season.  Love that Bella coat, and for all my super moaning over the awful cold and snow this last winter, it did mean my pretties that hide away for nine months of the year did get to help elevate my outfits for a few months more than usual.

Okay, that's it.  If you are drinking, have a sip for me, pretty please.  ;-)

OOTDs: Jacket Weather.

So I started this blog post back in early December and because life, you know, gets in the way sometimes, I completely forgot it was in my queue of posts to be published.  Eeps.  Oh, well.  Since it was so long ago, I will just focus on the outfits and not even bother with extraneous info.  LOL.  Works for me since it is Friday and I am pretty beat.  Long flipping week here.  (Which I know every single one of you out there reading this is feeling, too.)

Day: Thursday, November 7, 2013.

Where: Angus's Little Gym class.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Such a fun easy outfit.  This is easily one of my favorites from 2013.  I love the Target top, especially, even though it is a woven rayon, and I know it will shrink, it is still awesome.  I did get it for NOTHING (okay not nothing, but maybe 3 or 4 dollars on clearance) and I did buy it in a size up from "my tts Target" size, so even if it does shrink eventually, I won't be all, "wahwahwah."

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) Pretty decently cool, in my world.

Day: Friday, November 8, 2013.

Where: My dad's birthday lunch.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  It's another awesome Target shirt!  Again, bought for nothing, but this time in my size.  I saw another lady wearing it a few months later and it looked really cute on her, so I was glad I had purchased it when I did.  It is super soft, btw.

The shoes are the Embellished Ballet Flats from Boden (review here) and are on clearance.  They have held up well and are very comfortable.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) I look vaguely uncomfortable in these photos, lol.  Not an especially cool look, but maybe a bonus point for attempting to mix plaid and tribal prints and not completely looking like a clown?  ;-)

Day: Sunday, November 17, 2013.

Where: Birthday party for one of Rex's classmates at the National Zoo.

Ease of Wear: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I didn't think that the boots I was wearing were going to kill my feet, but oof, by the end of the day at the Zoo, my poor feet were so on fire.  They are really cute booties by Matt Bernson, but not really the best for all day walking festivities.

And even though the rest of the winter was really cold, ugh, that day in November was super mild.  I ended up having to take off my Military Wool jacket ( here on clearance at Boden) since it was too warm to wear it.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) My shirt matches my daughter's dress.  That automatically makes it uncool.  But my daughter is pretty cool for a five-year old.  She dressed herself that morning and insisted (STRONGLY) that I wear the matching tee.  Hmm...

Okay, you all have a great rest of your Friday!!!  Relax and rest up if you can!

OOTDs: Coat Weather.

Well look at that, it's Thursday, it's been for-freaking-ever since my last post, today it was in the 70s (!!!), so let's do an ootd post featuring coats.  Why not?

Before I start I wanted to let you all know two things--

1. Boden started another promo today, possibly their last *real* promo before the clearance time comes.  Basically, everything is at least 25% off, with 40 favourites at 40% off.  Included in the 40 are the embellished ballet flats, which I did a review of here.  Anyhow, decent prices for most of the items, and if you had been eyeing something in the 40 favourites, this may be a great time to grab them, especially if you are in the United States and need the items to arrive before Christmas.

2. This post may be my last one for another few days since I am going completely under at an oral surgeon's office to have all four of my wisdom teeth extracted.  Stories of this procedure by my friends range from "oh, I was out of it for a few days" to "I recovered a month later" followed by some horror story about some awful side effect.  Eep.  Since I barely do well with pain, I am anticipating the worst but hoping for the best.  Wish me luck!

Okay, onto the outfits!

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Day: Wednesday, November 13, 2013.

Where: I did something in the morning but can't remember, however I am 100% certain that I went to Winesday in the second outfit!

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear--for both outfits.)  For all of the sort of fussiness, especially in that second outfit, I was most comfortable, all day.  Big thumbs up for both outfits and plan to try looks like both of these again. 

Some of you have seen the second outfit already, I posted reviews of the Heeled Brogue and the Smithfield Wool Skirt here at this Boden Weekly Review Roundup.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) I felt great.  I wish I could bring it like this every day, but can't.  I'll settle for being happy when it all comes together so well, even if it isn't daily!

Anecdote from the Day:  Should have one, right?  Don't though, but I definitely remember having a great day!

Day: Thursday, November 14, 2013.

Where: Angus's Little Gym class.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  It was comfortable, but those darn shoes fit kind of oddly.  They are very wide throughout except for the part where the toes meet the feet, where they are kind of tight.  I think I've worn them with socks in the past, so I haven't noticed, but at the Little Gym, participants are expected to have bare feet.  Want to give them away, but my friend didn't even take them since she noticed the same thing.  Hum.

Those capri pants are vexing to me.  They fit great, but you can see the downward frown smiles from my crotch which means that either the waist is too big or the rise is too long on the front.  It could be a combo of both.  Whatever.  It's less noticeable with the coat on, but I am bothered enough by it to maybe consider getting rid of them, too, which stinks because I really like the color a lot.

Cool Factor: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) Hmm.  Not terribly cool, but the colors sure are yummy.

Anecdote from the Day:  Wow.  Yet another "it was a good day but can't remember much from it" kind of day.  LOL.

Day: Sunday, November 24, 2013.

Where: Church.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Well this merino sweater dress from Boden (last fall 2012) is delicious and warm, as is the Ingrid Coat (currently 25% off--if you can catch a popback--review here, btw).  It was SO COLD that day, and windy, too.  And of course we had to be in church the whole time, both Mr. Dina and me since Mr. Dina was officially announcing to the bishop that he wants to be Catholic, so that meant that Angus couldn't just roam around outside with one of us, and even if he could roam with us, we would have to roam with him in the basement.  (My dad happily took him, though, and roamed with him instead.  Thank goodness!)

Cool Factor: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) I think I failed with the shoes.  Later that night I switched to my Frye heeled boots (see them here), and I think it looked way better.  But maybe the fact I attempted a lighter colored heeled sandal with tights gives a couple points for creativity? Maybe???

Anecdote from the Day:  We rarely go to Sunday morning mass, instead choosing to go to Saturday evening or Sunday late afternoon mass instead.  The kids did not, up till this point, know about the donuts that they serve after mass in the basement.  (I knew about it when we were kids, but that is because my dad is a sucker, ha.)  Now that they know, I think we are sunk.  It's probably okay since more of their school friends go to the morning masses and it may be better for us since we can bribe them with donuts for every mass they attend that they exhibit good behavior.  (Speaking of good behavior--this mass was redonk--nearly one hour and twenty minutes--and there was no peep from either Rex or CW.  I nearly fell over from shock and awe.)

Okay that's it for now.  You all have a great night!

Below is the current promo link for Boden:

OOTD/Review: Textured Silk Blouse and Mardi Gras Colors.

Review is first followed by the outfit of the day since the top is on sale for at least a few more hours (it is part of the universal 30% off party clothing promo going on right now that I briefly mentioned at the bottom of yesterday's post).  The promo could go longer, but I haven't received word on when the party clothing promo will end, so I just bank on it possibly ending each evening, and if it is still there the next morning, well, yay!

Textured Silk Blouse.  As of this morning, the UK site was all out of this top in the green color, but the US site still has at least a few in the low stock category.  The discrepencies in stock aren't just on this item, either.  The Metallic Top is almost all sold out on the US side, but the UK side has plenty still available.  Since there are no reviews for it on our side, and the reviews aren't that favorable on the UK side, I am going to get this Shimmer tee from Madewell instead.  Bonus--it is a bit cheaper, and with the 25% off code going strong (along with free shipping), I am more willing to take a chance on that one.  Plus if it doesn't work out I will know super fast since Madewell has its warehouse here in VA and I typically get items from them within a few days of ordering.  Then I can watch for popbacks of the Metallic top, if need be.

Anyhow, the silk blouse is amazing.  LOVE the color, love the style, love the feel of the light as air silk chiffon and the slightly spongy silk "dots."

I chose to buy a size 6, and it fits wonderfully.  The 4 would have been fine in the waist and arms and length, but a titch too small in the shoulders and the hips.  The 8 would have been very large on my frame, and also way too long.

It is quite sheer, but if you own at least one cami, you will be fine.  I am wearing a light green cami under it, and it looks presentable.  I could have worn a nude cami, but the slight bit of color coming through appealed to me for this look.

The top tucked in well to my tights, which meant that even though I was running around after Angus and helping to set up for CW's Thanksgiving "Corn Feast," I didn't have any wardrobe mishaps.

The color is very Christmas, but if you also celebrate Mardi Gras, this is the exact shade of green used in the festivities.  The color was very nice with this paisley skirt of mine from J. Crew.  I could wear this on Mardi Gras next year and fit right in (and may do so depending on how little my brain is working that morning).

You can see from this shot *my* issue with the top, but it is only applicable to me, since my stupid back measurement is super short and my bottom is so big.  The top would have to be about three inches shorter in back for me not to have this happen.  But again, not necessarily going to be a concern for most of you.

Detail of the shirt.  I wouldn't go into a sandpaper factory with this puppy on, but it wasn't especially prone to snags, so don't stress about buying it if that is your concern.


Textured Silk Blouse.  Selling out, and very popular.  The 30% off is a great deal, so I say go for it.

Day: Tuesday, November 19, 2013.

Where: CW's Kindergarten Corn Feast.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Could have been more comfortable, but for what it is (a fairly dressy outfit), this felt pretty great on...and was easy to more around in and still look decent.

The stinking tights kept riding down, though, ugh.  I think I have to wear skirts with really slippery linings to keep that from happening.  I am currently trying to line all my items I am sewing in slippery fabric because I know how annoying not having that can be.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) I kind of look like a lady who lunches.  Not super cool, but nice enough, I suppose.

Anecdote from the Day:  In addition to the Corn feast that morning, darling girl lost her very first tooth that night.  What a big day for her!

Okay, that's it for now.  I hope everyone is staying happy and healthy.  :-)

OOTDs: Puff Sleeves and Pelicans.

Day: Sunday, October 13, 2013.

Where: Anniversary lunch at Oyamel and a trip to the Corcoran Art Museum, one of the only things that is still open while the government is shut down. 

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Well, we walked quite a bit and the whole outfit held up well to the slight drizzle and wind that overtook the area this weekend.  There was a bit of wrinkling on the dress, but that comes after sitting for a bit, so no biggie.  The Heeled Loafer was very comfortable, and having added the inserts to make them fit just a bit better (original review here) was a blessing in disguise since they provided extra cushioning for our long walk.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) I think this dress, a Paul & Joe pelican printed silk frock that I got for a great price on sale last year from Net-a-Porter, was styled much cooler when I wore in New York City last April.  It still looked very pretty for my date with my husband and our son (lol, there's a date companion), but not as chic.  Mr. Dina liked it, though, especially since he went to college at Tulane in New Orleans, and pelicans are big down in Louisiana.  (They recently renamed the New Orleans basketball team the "Pelicans.")

Anecdote from the Day:  We were married 12 years ago.  Gracious.  :-)

That dress gave me a bit of a heartache since I had always planned to wear it out for our anniversary lunch.  I thought I had hung it up after we came home from NYC in April, but after searching three separate closets (I have some off season storage), I couldn't find it anywhere.  Then I had the horrible thought that I had cleaned it at the dry cleaners and had left it there, but couldn't for the life of me remember leaving it there.  Then Mr. Dina suggested gently looking for it in the suitcase since it was possible I left it in there.  I just scoffed, tears ready to be shed over the loss of my pretty pretty dress, and looked there.  And he was right, there it was all nestled so in a garment bag in the front pocket of the suitcase.  :-)

Day: Saturday, October 12, 2013.

Where: G Street Fabrics for a class on how to work with vinyl, leather, and other "difficult" fabrics. 

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) I like the outfit, but I guess I take a bit of an issue with the thinness of the Johnnie b. Harem Pants (there is a size 13-14 left, I took these in a 15-16) since I feel like they should be made from a bit thicker of a fabric if they are going to be for bottoms.  That said, they are really meant more for summer, so I can see the thinking behind the decision.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) I love the outfit all done up with the trench coat and the bag, but the outfit without those two pieces is a bit meh.

Anecdote from the Day:  I love the G Street fabrics $2.97 remnant table SO much.  They have the most gorgeous fabrics shipped down from the fabric stores in New York all the time.  When I was there for that class, I grabbed a lovely poly (which I normally detest, but figure this one can be lined to take away some of the potential static that comes with it) in a sage green color with dandelions blowing in the wind.  There was also some yummy knit cottons, perfect for continuing how to figure out how to sew up my own tee-shirts.  (I made one already, and it turned out okay.)

Day: Saturday, April 20, 2013.

Where: Day out in NYC with my little lady--going to see Cinderella (Broadway show) and dinner out with our good friends, Marietta and her husband, A. 

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Besides the shoes, I did great walking all around NYC, since given the preference, I would rather walk than take the subway.  CW did great, too, but she was just four when we went, so by the time we were walking on the Upper East Side to meet Marietta, she was a little (maybe a lot) bit tired. 

I did end up changing right before my walk to the restaurant, but only into a pair of pants and a lace tee (didn't get a photo of that outfit), so the shoes stayed on my feet.  I will know better for next time.  ;-)

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) This is one of my favorite outfits ever.  I think I prefer the dress unbelted and tied up at the neck with the self-belt.  The Draycott Coat is fine, but maybe I will try another topper the next time I wear this out and about.

Anecdote from the Day:  Poor CW, the first scene of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella included a scary forest scene and she kind of freaked out.  I knew that the rest of the musical would be all flowers, rainbows, and happy sunshine, but of course she didn't.  It took a lot of convincing (quietly, of course) to assure her that the rest of the musical would be fine and she would really enjoy herself since she was ready to bolt.  :-P

And it was fine, she was positively swooning over Cinderella by the end of the show.

Okay, that's it for today!  I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday.

BTW, I am taking all these skirts to the consignment shop tomorrow (well, the ones not sold), so if you wanted one of them, let me know today.  :-)