Factory Tiered Lace Cami, Outfit Idea #2.

Hi, everyone. If I allowed myself to, I would so not post today, but I saw that the Factory Tiered Lace Cami is back on the Factory Site over at jcrew.com and I wanted to make sure you all realize that this cami is worth the money, if the idea of lots of lace and frill is your thang, you know? I obviously have worn it once already. I also have washed it in my machine on "hand wash," hung it to dry, and ironed the silk sash. I then went on to wear it for my "Fall Into Fashion" runway show that the girls of the classes held on the last day of intersession. (For reference, I wore a similar glitzy kind of top for the "Spring Into Style" runway show that was held last April--remember the Loft Gold Sequin Tank?)

Untitled by dinagideon featuring a merino wool cardigan

Above is the polyvore that shows the individual components of the outfit. This outfit was a hit, and people loved the lace cami, but the real winner? The freaking Miss Albright Anticipation Heels that I bought from Anthropologie a couple of months ago. Honestly, I am truly shocked by how versatile these fairly frilly and romantic pieces have been in my wardbrobe. I fully "anticipate" (chortle) wearing both pieces multiple times over the next few months!

Sizes:
Top: Size 4. Definitely go with your typical J. Crew cami size. Iron the sash, too, if you want more sleekness. The sash comes kind of rumpled and I found the ironing made the sash look special. For more on this cami, check out my first review of the top (you can find it by going to the first paragraph and clicking on the sentence that says "I obviously have worn this once already").
Cardigan: Size Small. Although I have the infinity cardigan in paradise blue in a size extra-small, I really would have preferred a small (still keeping the xs in the paradise blue, eh, why not?). So when given the opportunity to buy the black pine colorway in a small, I did. This color, btw, is really saturated and lovely...just the right shade of dark green. In some cases it could even act as a neutral.
Pants: Size Tall 6. These are the denim leggings that J. Crew made last spring. I may have been the only person who bought them. So you all know, they were very comfortable during the day AND during the drive to North Carolina after school.
Shoes: Size 9. These run wide. I went down a full-size from my Anthro shoe size and 1/2 size from my J. Crew size. I still think every. one. of. you. should. buy. these. Except my dad, for obvious reasons. ;)
Necklace: This is from Boden last winter. There were quite a few teachers who really liked it. One of them called it "funky," but considering her penchant for crazy European spectacles, I think she may have meant that as a compliment. Ha.

You all have a great day. Hope I get to see this cami on some of you in the near future!

What *Would* Emma Pillsbury Wear if She Taught a Fashion Class?

I stick to my convictions when I say I want someone to do something...for instance, in my "Fall Into Fashion" class that I taught over the past two weeks, I really emphasized using Inspiration Boards as a way of figuring out personal style. And even though my personal inspiration board does not include the lovely Emma Pillsbury character from the very fab show Glee, she would have made it onto my board if I had *just* a little bit more room.

But as anyone who knows me from Polyvore can attest, I am addicted to copying the style of the extremely slightly compulsive character played by the pretty Ms. Mays. I am also a big fan of the blog written by my good bloggie friend who carefully documents the comings and goings of our fave red-head and other fashion related questions surrounding this sophomore show (yes, I know they had one episode in the 2008-2009 season on Fox, but it was a preview). Heck, I am even on their blog roll (teehee!).

By the way, WWEPW has just celebrated its blog-o-versary...go on over to the blog and become a follower and wish my gifted friend some Congratulations!

So what kind of fashion "counselor" would I be if I didn't devote at least one day to emulating the style of our most sartorially blessed t.v. counselor? Exactly.

What *Would* Emma Pillsbury Wear if She Taught a Fashion Class? by dinagideon featuring j crew handbags

Above is the polyvore I created that shows that I already had exactly what I needed to "become" Miss Emma for the day. I realize that her skirt is the unagi skirt, but my perfect pencil is the same lovely plum. Yes, the cardi is the same exact Jackie Cardigan in dried orchid. The crystal devote necklace takes the place of Emma's ubiquitous cardi clips, but I think the effect is similar. And although I went for no belt, I injected extra color in the form of some fab spearmint shoes (the awesome Alessia peep-toes that I do also own in root and graphite--love!). Danielle has done a write-up on this outfit if you all want more info.

Here I am, in the classroom, with the outfit as I wore it the whole almost the whole day (I did unbutton the cardi at one point, not very Miss Emma, but definitely Miss Dina on an 80 degree day).

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size small. The dried orchid had been on sale. I think the Jackie cardigan is now back to full price in this color. J. Crew strikes me as a bit schizophrenic when it comes to pricing.
Top: Size Medium. This is a stretch button-down. It isn't the best fit as the bust is loose on me, but it is very comfortable, and in my closet of color and pattern, it is a blessing for when I need to rein myself in a bit (and no I don't mean with today's outfit, either, I don't think anyone would accuse Emma of being reserved in her clothing choices).
Skirt: Size 6. I find the fit in this to be a bit tight through the hips. That said, this year's 6 fits lovely through the hips. I definitely feel more comfy in this year's version. (I can still wear this one, I just have to wear the spanx.)
Shoes: Size 9.5. If you ever find the Alessia peep-toe heels in your size on ebay, you must buy them. They are amazing shoes, comfortable, pretty, and classic.

Makeup had come undone by this point. Only my mascara was going strong. Sigh. Humidity, wool, and no professional makeup artist following me around with my Arbonne makeup does make for a slightly "dewy" Miss Dina. LOL.

Here is a close-up of just the clothes.

And here I am, all unbuttoned. Felt slightly scandalous unfurling my button-down in this manner, but again, 80 degrees...

This is a photo from the wee hours of the morning before I left for school. Upon reviewing the photo, I decided I liked the outfit, but two changes had to be made. One--MUST unbutton top two and bottom two buttons in order to really channel Emma. Even she isn't that (chortle) buttoned up. (I do realize that she has all her cardigan buttons buttoned, but she appears less buttoned-up, make sense? LOL. Probably not...) Two--MUST let hair down. This slicked-back ponytail is much more scary German woman prison guard and less pretty, sweet, shy Emma Pillsbury.  Definitely don't want to be mistaken for Helga.  (You laugh, but it has happened.  Long story.)

You all have a great day. Please continue to find inspiration for your own style wherever you can. And remember, HAVE FUN! ;)

A Babergh Here, a Zoya There...

Hi, all! Happy Monday from a (slightly) overextended momma. As you know I have been teaching a fashion class to upper elementary kids the past two weeks, but what you may not have known is that I clearly sipped some crazy juice and decided that Friday was the ideal day to leave directly from school and travel to North Carolina with my family so we could visit friends AND see Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE in concert. We got back after midnight last night. I think, based on the past two weeks, I may need to take about 50 hours of sleep to recover. (In fact, it will definitely be "nap-nap" time after I write this blog post. Snooz.)

I will be showcasing my North Carolina outfits at some point soon (including IRL pics of the babies in all their Yo Gabba Gabba glory), but not today. Today is clearly a day meant for some Anthro. So here goes...

The Perfection Known as the Babergh Dress... by dinagideon featuring nine west shoes

I have made ONE polyvore since last Monday. One. That is sad...but at least it is a pretty set. Above is the outfit I wore to my Fall Into Fashion class last Thursday. We had dubbed Thursday our dress-up party day, and since we were invited to the "Planning Perfect Parties" class down the hall, I knew that this amazing cream-colored party dress would be exactly the right outfit!

Aah, the Babergh dress.

Sizes:
Dress: Size 6, Floreat (Anthropologie brand). I realize this is now sold out (in fact, I willingly paid full price--gulp--two days before this beauty sold out on-line), but just in case you all see it somewhere, it is helpful to know what size I took. I almost went with an 8, but couldn't as that size sold out super-fast. I was nervous the 6 wouldn't fit, but in the end every. measurement. was. EXACTLY. right. In fact, this is the dress that will keep me honest about maintaining my weight as it is right now. I forever want to be able to wear this incredibly feminine and romantic frock.

This dress has felt the LOVE from multiple bloggers...there are far too many to name, but I will link to Anjali, as she IS the blogger who put me over the edge in deciding to purchase it for myself. LOVE it on her...

Note: This is not a full-length shot as I was wearing quite possibly the worst pair of shoes to wear with the dress.  My hubby was the reason I even thought to take them off.  He saw me in them, gagged (how delicate, Mr. Dina), and said, "off now."  I looked at the photographic evidence...muttered quietly that he was right and moved on to find more appropriate footwear.  I hate it when he is right.  I thought I was the fashion blogger.  LOL.  :)

To make matters worse, I moved onto a better pair of shoes only to make the stupidest face ever. Agh. But...indulge me...take the bottom half and add it to the top half and I think you get the drift. I felt heavenly that day. The dress is pretty darn magical.

Sizes:
Dress: Size 8, Tabitha (not the amazing British blogger with legs that go on for miles but another Anthro brand). I had tried the Zoya dress on in a size 10 in the store, but in the end went with an 8 to better fit my top. The 8 fits okay through the hips, and I found that by the end of the day, the skirt had stretched out, so the 10 would have been a bit loosey-goosey.
Shoes: Size 9.5, Aerosoles. Yes, I said Aerosoles. These shoes were insanely popular amongst my Fashion proteges. :)
Necklace: Special Cuckoo Clock necklace that my dad and step-mom bought for me a few years ago from a fab jewelry designer known as Pade Vavra.  Yum.  Check it out close-up here.

I hope you all enjoyed my sojourn into Anthro this fine afternoon. God bless you all for continuing to read my (sadly) neglected blog. I think my return to regular blogging is in the works, so expect a bit more from me in the next few weeks! SWAK!

P.S. I loved all your comments on my homemade Liberty of London sundress. I do plan on continuing with my sewing and hope that you all will too, if that is your thing!!! Yay for being enterprising!

Oh, Yeah, It's All Mine.

Step One: Spy a cute dress pattern over the summer of 2008 in Wal-Mart in Georgia.  Buy it even though I have not a clue how to actually, well, sew. (I will list the name of the pattern, and a link--if I can find one--when I have a moment to scare up the actual pattern.) 

Step Two: Figure out that I have a GREAT reason to learn how to sew as I am, all at once, beginning to realize that clothing is REALLY REALLY expensive on a substitute teacher's salary, especially when your favorite fabric is the Liberty of London fabric, plus I should take up this hobby because it will give me an additional thing to teach my elementary school kids in my fashion class (see fifth and sixth pic for more on that).  Woo.  Two birds--One Stone.

Step Three: Discover purlsoho.com.  Uh, oh.  Must be very very choosy because even though at $35 a yard their stash of Liberty of London tana lawn is WAY less expensive than even one full-priced J. Crew Liberty Print Perfect shirt (and hello, they probably use 1 yard at most to make the darn shirts), the fabric is still a lot of money for something you have to be insanely careful with...

Get over my anxiety and settle on the beautiful Brown Flowers (also known as Mauvey in some Liberty of London circles) as my poison of choice.

Step Four: Oops.  I am going to have to actually make the dress.  I still don't sew.  Thank goodness for mothers-in-law and stepmoms.  God bless all you all.  With their help, I (in the past two months), have learned to cut a pattern, pin fabric to cut pattern pieces, cut fabric around pattern pieces, sew fabric pieces together, figure out exactly how to translate darts into actual real life necessities on a garment, attach a lining to the outer fabric, and teach me enough so that when left to my own devices, I CAN ACTUALLY SEW on a machine, and SEW a neckline so it fits me EXACTLY to my EXACT MEASUREMENTS.  Woo!  Rock on...

Sizes: Oh, wait.  I don't have a size as this dress is fitted to me.  Yeah.  Oh, yeah.  Feels good baby.  I will say I wear a size 00 Petite.  LOL. 

This dress has a shirred neckline, cap sleeves, and a wide contrast hem in a dark shirting fabric.  I used just around 1 and 1/4 yards for this dress.  Since I bought two yards, I will use the leftovers on a pretty little outfit for CW.  (Did you think I would do something else with my amazingly soft Liberty of London fabric???)

The back.

Yes, I did tie my hair back with some of the excess fabric.  :)

The side.  I look so pensive, eh? Either that or I spied some stain on the rug.  Hmm.

Close-up of the dress so you all can see the intricate details of the print.  This fabric is insanely soft and I kept adjusting the pleating of the shirring so I could touch the fabric.  Obviously I have other items in my Liberty of London fabric collection, but clearly, with me having (at least 1/2) made this myself, this particular item is giving me an especially good reason to be all giddy!

Here I am with my darling sweet stepmom at my fashion class today.  She IS the reason I finished this dress.  I may be able to claim this dress as mine, but without her constant help and supervision, I could never have made it on my own (sounds like a hairband song verse from the '80s, huh?).  She is holding a skirt that she was able to sew in the class today (she taught part of the day with me).  Her skirt that she will wear.  It is a cord fabric in an orange and green hue.  Man, I don't know.  Sometimes I want to scream to her..."AMANDA, BE MORE TALENTED."  ;)

Yeah, I just wanted to add this pic as I am standing next to my Fall Into Fashion poster.   Polyvore addicts, I am sure this poster makes you all proud.  And yes, that is my Inspired By Poster above it that I mentioned in a long ago Mommy Style Monday.  (Speaking of which, I guess today's post could count...after all, I am posting on something that stylish moms could try themselves and it is a Monday.  Hmm...)

I like this particular styling for when I want to go out.  The above pics you see the dress all loose.  If I belt it, the dress is far too short for school, however, it is just fine for a date.  ;)  No, I wouldn't wear flip-flops on the date.  Come on, now.

Only for polyvore, peeps.
















You all have a great night. Hope some of you venture into a challenge like this. I ended up discovering something I may. just. keep. up. (Yes, I actually have some additional yards of fabric lying around...shhh...just don't let it out that I may not be going to the Crew for anymore Liberty fixes.)

P.S. Look at this French lady's blog post on a blouse I assume she made from the same print. Gorg!

Falling Into Fashion...

Ooh, yes, I have been gone a while.  Oops.  I did literally FALL into fashion...that is the name of this autumn's intersession I am doing.  Remember Spring Into Style?  This is similar in feel...just a bit more geared to cold weather fashion.

I wanted so badly to stay on top of my blog and the *100 PERCENT AWESOME* comments you all gave me but life kinda had to take over.  Wait until next week...you all will get to see a project I have been working on that I am positively GLEE-full over.  I had to kind of push it last week to get most of it done on time for my class, and that definitely affected my ability to keep up with my best bloggie pals.  :P

Of course I still took my outfit of the day pics, so below are the ones from the past week...

Might as well start with today.

Sizes:
Dress: Size Small, Banana Republic from Fall 2004 (thank you, tag!).  I HEART this dress so much that if I could marry something inanimate it might have to be this dress.  I remember seeing it on a photographer's assistant in September 2004 and immediately desiring the dress so much that as soon as I got home, my computer fingers had bought the dress (not me, never me...always blame your purchases on computer fingers). Anyone have a polyvore link for me, btw, or should I just clip myself?  :)
FOUND IT ON EBAY, everyone!!!
Shoes: Size 9.5, Cole Haan Carma Peep-toes.  Yummy.  And parfait (ooh, French) with the wrap dress.
Necklace: J. Crew Ombre Pearl Cluster Necklace. 

Untitled by dinagideon featuring chino pants

Above is the polyvore of the outfit I wore yesterday.  The kids and the adults went wild for the Dani suede peep-toes.  I even had one ask me if I had worn them for Breast Cancer Awareness.  LOL.  I didn't, but I totally fell in love with the idea as soon as I heard it!!!  So, ladies, wear your pink!!!

Sizes:
Shirt: Size small, Vintage Bateau Top, J. Crew.  I still love mine.  You all still love yours?
Pants: Size 8.  Scout Chinos, J. Crew.  Yeah, they are good workhorse capris.  I do appreciate the pegged legs...I look just terrible in the capris which have a flared hem.  Yuck!
Shoes: Size 9.5.  Hot Pink strap equals Breast Cancer Awareness!  Wear your Danis if you want to represent for the "ladies."  ;)

Sizes:
Jacket: Size 6.  This is the Maryn Jacket from J. Crew's suiting collection that I got for around 50 dollars.  I like the look of it with the stripe top under...

It was fairly cool yesterday, so the Maryn was great when I had to take the kids out for recess.

You all who teach elementary, I give you all mad props.  There is so much going on all day long, I have no idea how you manage grading, planning, going to the potty, etc.  I felt middle school was demanding but we had a lot of planning time...in my day as a freaking fashion teacher (not exactly hard work, mind you) I am so beat...we get 20 minutes for a break and a 30 minute lunch.  At my middle school we received a 30 minute lunch AND 1.5 hours for planning.  Isn't it kind of nuts that I am more worn out teaching about style?  LOL.

Sizes: 
Dress: Size UK 12 Regular, or US 8 Regular.  Aaaah, the Boden Bubble Dress.  Since it was COLD and raining on Tuesday, I decided that I should theme all I wore "bubbles."
Shoes: Size 10.  Cleo Platform Sandals, J. Crew.  One of the little girls said she was going to steal them RIGHT. OFF. MY. FEET.  Yeah, okay, honey.  You do that.
Necklace: This is the Deco Necklace that J. Crew produced last spring.  It was a fab add-on to my outfit.  It truly appeared as if I had bubbles floating on my sternum.
Ring: Rachel by Rachel Roy Octopus Ring.  What a delightful bit of fluff to decorate my hands with...

Sizes:
Jacket: Size Small.  This is the J. Crew Downtown Field Jacket that is still the SAME price I paid for it LAST AUGUST 2009.  Guess everyone must love it.  It is the perfect jacket for those YUCKY, RAINY, CLOUDY, CHILLY days that fall and spring seem to have in spades.
Bag: Bonjour, Jericho Pursette in Seashore Beige.  This may be the best choice I have ever made to buy on sale.  I don't give two figs that this bag doesn't match my outfit, it literally is the most comfortable, easy-going bag I have ever owned.  (Even more than Vera Bradley.)  If I could get it in the other two colors, I would.  If you all see it on a pop-back, grab it...trust me.  The leather is super soft and the compartments are nicely sized...the only thing I can't fit in there is my HUGE Boden wallet, and really, that's okay.  I mean, really, do I use my WHOLE wallet every day? 

Okay, you all, starting to flag here, so I am going to be a bit brief on the next photos. (Oh, I know, I know...my blog is best in picture book format anyhow. LOL.)

This was my outfit for Monday when the monsoon that was the weather system moved into Virginia.  Cardigan, lovely, warm, bright, and cheerful merino in extra-small from Garnet Hill.  The necklace is a grey ribboned pearly bits necklace (in-store only, btw) that I am too tired to try and find in polyvore.  Please forgive.  :)  Oh, but the shoes.  These are some darling singin' in the rain shoes from Mod Cloth that were exactly what the doctor ordered when every inch of street has at least 16 inches of rain.  You can find them here if you are so inclined to follow in my (soggy) size 10 footsteps. 

Yes, this is a close-up of an outfit I wore on Saturday.  I just want you all to see the awesomeness that is this viridian colored vintage silk scarf.  I had someone (nicely and sweetly) ask for me to do a scarf-themed Mommy Style Monday, and since I am so unable to do my favorite kind of post, I thought I could throw a bone out there for you all.  :)  This puppy is on sale for less than $30, and is so soft and the colors so beautiful, I am honestly surprised it hasn't sold out.

Yeah, that is a side shot of my outfit so I can show you the Jericho pursette in full-on glory.  :)  See why I want it in all colors?

BTW, I do not care for the other incarnations in the Jericho line.  In fact, I kind of think they are really ugly.  (I am SO SO SO SO sorry if you love them.  I totally respect that, after all most of you respected me when I told you I love LOVE LOVE the Devote necklace.)

Last one.  Phew.  Wore this on Friday for the staff meeting.  The top is the merino boyfriend sweater in some blush color or another.  The pants are the zippered madras capris.  The shoes are the awesome, wonderful, gorgeous Anticipation heels from Miss Albright (Anthropologie) that will probably have the lowest cost per wear out of all of my shoes (well, excluding my flip-flops, natch).  Oh, and, yes, I am wearing four necklaces including the enamel elephant critter necklace from the outlet.  I am just that crazy.



You all have a great night.  I truly have NO idea when I will be back.  Sometime before 2011, I suppose.  ;)