OOTDs: Short. Summer. Hair.

Before I start the ootd post, I received the PURE collection catalog in the mail yesterday.  Although I don't buy a ton from them, I do buy from them when I need a good, high quality basic in a luscious, high quality fabric.  I wear these tie-waisted tapered trousers all the time (that is why I have three pairs--they are in heavy rotation) and their super-soft cashmere keeps me nice and warm in winter (for example, the turtleneck here and the snood here--second outfit).  Anyhow, the catalog featured some beautiful items, and since I forgot to do a spring/summer 2014 look, I figured better late than never by at least getting the fall 2014 rollout off to a good start.  The catalog only featured a 15% off code, but upon checking the affiliate program, I realized I had access to a 25% off code for the blog, so I immediately put that in the sidebar (third or fourth item down on the right hand side).  For those of you who want to see my few picks and stick it out to the end of this post, I have also placed the coupon at the bottom of the post.

Okay, onto the outfits!

Day: Thursday, August 21, 2014.

Where: Hair Cuttery for a haircut and La Madeline for dinner.

Ease of Wear: (5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The Boden Santorini dress (here on sale, my original review here), once again, was exceedingly comfortable to wear.  I wanted something that would make me feel good and also look good, and this dress did both.

Cool Factor: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Love this look, maybe I will try it with a different belt next time. 

Love that CW is so self-assured, look at all those colors/prints/textures.  :-)

Anecdote from the day:  After finding out that I had lost the baby, I knew that I needed some time to do something to make me feel better.  Since CW was heading back to school, and my hair was getting long and heavy, I knew that a visit to the hairdresser and a dinner out to La Madeline was exactly what the doctor ordered.  My dad came along, too, and because he is awesome, even threw in a visit to the local Sweet Frog for a yummy frozen yogurt dessert. 

Day: Monday, August 25, 2014.

Where: Harris Teeter to do some shopping.  Of course.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I ordered the Delancey Slouch Trousers (from Madewell, here) in a size 10 thinking they would fit, but I maybe could have gotten away with the size 8 since the pants are a bit loose.  I am fine with the 10, though, they are really comfortable in the bigger size.

The Linen Piscine Muscle tee (from Madewell) is also quite large and loose in the size I ordered (one up from my J. Crew xs size), but again, doesn't look too bad a bit bigger, and again, very comfy.

The Slide sightseer sandals from Madewell (notice a theme, lol) are my favorite part of the outfit, though.  They are really cool and very easy to wear.  They didn't have the 9.5 available, but that was fine since the 10 I ordered fit perfectly out of the box.  I guess that means you should size up 1/2 size.  ;-)

Cool Factor: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  This is definitely a cool outfit.  The slightly bushy take on the shorter bob (didn't blowdry it that morning) combined with the sunglasses help up the cool, too.  Definitely not polished, but sometimes I don't need to be, right?

Anecdote from the day: A neighbor stopped by who speaks Spanish fluently.  She also speaks French and upon seeing my shirt exclaimed, "oh, you want to go to the pool, huh?"  So while J. Crew apparently screws up their French tees, Madewell doesn't.  Well at least this time.  ;-)

I had gone to the pool that day, so I could reassure her that the dream came true.

Okay, as promised here are the five picks I found from the PURE collection catalog, and below the picks is the coupon for 25% off with free shipping.

Ankle Length Trousers (here).  Since I love my tie-waisted trousers so much, I figure that these have to be a good pair of pants, too.  They are made from a stretch twill and I kind of dig the zip detail on the front of the pant at the hem.

Wool Pencil Skirt (here).  A pencil skirt is a pencil skirt is a pencil skirt, but they have one in a GORGEOUS turquoise color (above on the model).  If you love wool pencil skirts and pretty colors at a pretty good price, this one is probably gonna make you squeal.

Silk Abstract Print Tunic (here).  This is one of the only printed items in their catalog, but what a stunner it is.  And made from silk, too, yum.

Cashmere Blend Coat (here).  This is a wonderful example of what PURE does best, the classic item made very well in a high quality material.  The navy color will be timeless, and unless you don't stay the same size, you could potentially have this one in your closet for years and not ever need to get rid of it.

Luxury Cashmere Textured Sweater (here). Okay, this one costs as much as the coat above, but can't you just imagine yourself on the coldest of days putting this on and being all toasty and warm?  Yeah, tell me I am not alone in dreaming of wearing something like this when it is just awful outside.  If cashmere didn't exist, I would probably have to move to Miami since I just hate hate hate cold weather.  Warm soft wool makes winter tolerable.  But just barely.

Alrighty, take a poke around if you feel like it, and report back if you see something you just love.  Hopefully my budget allows for something from them before too long (probably not the textured sweater, though, sadly).

OOTD: Maternity That Isn't.

I am trying something new with my ootd posts.  The review posts will stay the same, as will any "family photo" type posts.  I just find that because I am naturally inclined to constant talking here at the blog, my ootd posts are being put on the back burner because I can't find enough time in the day to post, since I know that writing and publishing ootd posts can take between thirty minutes and an hour.  That's fine if it is a Boden Weekly Review Roundup, but not so cool if it is a post that (by its very nature) should be brief.  I hope this new type of writing the posts helps me be more timely in publishing ootd posts.

Day: New Year's Eve Day, 12/31/12.

Where: Grocery Shopping @ Harris Teeter with all three kids and my stepmom.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The cozy Boden Cashmere Wrap* (currently part of the clearance section) is so lovely and warm, utterly right for the slightly windy and cool day.  The silk top is from my maternity days with Angus (first seen here and then here).  Because of the way it was designed and made, the top easily fits into my non-maternity wardrobe, since it looks like the empire waist seaming was intentional, and not like it is a maternity top.   The Loft pants are the Zoe fit, so they are very straight, but the stretch fabric fit fine over my hips.  I still need to lose about five pounds before the pants are utterly perfect, though.

*Did a review of the Cashmere Wrap here.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Well, the earrings help give this outfit an edge, and the retro velvet purse/clutch is distinctive, but the rest of the outfit is very safe and easy.  That said, maybe the fact that the maternity top is French helps a tiny bit?  LOL.

Anecdote from the day:  Let's just say I am very happy that I rarely have to go to the grocery store with all three kids.  Although there is one buggy with three seats, it was heavy and because the seat belts didn't work in the "kids seating" portion (the baby's one did, though), Rex and CW were able to escape their seats at will.  And of course everyone and their brother was shopping that day, so there were lots of near misses with other carts.  Fortunately, about halfway through the trip, my stepmom stepped in and took Rex with her to get a few food items.  :)

Okay, that's it!  Any of you former pregnant ladies use maternity clothing as an intentional part of your non-pregnant wardrobe?

P.S. Little birdies (everywhere, FB, e-mail, etc.) have let me know that there may be a drop of the new Spring line at Boden tomorrow morning.  You better believe I will let you all know when that happens.  I just looked over there, so you know, and there are "internal errors" aplenty.  I believe the process has begun.  

P.P.S. New BWRR tomorrow--lots of great reviews, etc., from my blog friends, so I will have something to deliver in the BWRR.  ;)

P.P.P.S.  (LOL, last one, promise.) Post took twenty minutes to write.  Woo!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Boden Review: Pigeon et Étoiles.

Bonne Nuit!

In tonight's Boden reviews, I take a look at two Johnnie b. items, including one with a wee plump man bird named Le Pigeon, which is why my post's title is in French.

(And for those who don't speak French--I am one of them, btw, just know a few words--étoiles are stars which references the second item, the pretty cardigan with lots of them in a foil print on grey cotton.)

There he is, looking a lot like a man I met at Chartres Cathedral last year.

CC, one of the best blog friends here at My Superfluities, pointed out the sparkly graphic t-shirt to me back when it debuted.  I hadn't even noticed it, but was super excited when CC suggested it. 
'
I knew as soon as I was able to get a good enough code for Boden, I would definitely be purchasing this gorgeous chartreuse tee embellished with Monsier Pigeon and his sequined beret.

Sparkly Graphic T-Shirt.  My issue with this tee was I was unsure of sizing.  It had been since last season that I had purchased a Johnnie b. item, when they were still using alpha sizing (I was a medium top in the alpha sizing).  Now they have age-sizing, with the lowest 8 years and the highest 15-16 years.  They say the sizes correlate to XS-L (the 15-16 would be the L), but I found it hard to believe that my former size equaled a size 13-14.

I should have known better.  Although I am fine with this tee being less fitted than my tees of the past, it is fairly loose through the shoulders and through the waist.  And since I can't tumble dry this to shrink it AND it is sold out in all but the tiniest sizes, I am going to live with it not being as slim fit as they describe in its copy.  :)

I look forward to wearing this "put a bird on it" shirt with a pencil skirt and heels.  This is a great critter and I think I will be on the receiving end of many "I love that tee" comments.

Pretty Cardigan.  I also took this in a 15-16 and I am glad I did.  The 13-14 would have fit, but I appreciate that I can completely button it up and not worry about gaping.  At all.

The cotton is super soft (100%, btw) and the foil printed stars are nicely printed, deeply, and without me worrying that they will flake off with wear and wash.

Opened over the Le Pigeon tee.  I can see wearing the two together, with a smart pair of skinny jeans and boots, and of course, because I don't do irony, a beret on top of my head.

This face is made because even me, Miss Monkey Arms, think the sleeves might be a bit ridiculously long.  ;)



Sparkly Graphic T-Shirt and Pretty Cardigan.  The t-shirt is less sold out than the cardigan in grey, but there are popbacks sometimes.  Don't hold your breath for the star cardigan, though.   If I do see it, I will try to make an announcement on my facebook page.  :)

Okay, that's it!  Have any of you ordered any gems from the Johnnie b. line that you would like to share?  Any experiences with the new sizing?

Talk with you tomorrow, when I do reviews/ootds with the Swishy Jersey Skirt.

Boden: Riviera Shirt Dress...Sexy?

Seriously pretty, but sexy?  Hmm.  I guess if you are French, maybe?

I have changed things up here at My Superfluities, and I promise the change does actually have something to do with Boden's super "sexy" Riviera Shirt Dress, but more on that in a mo.

I changed the blog background color (white, which I have discovered I prefer as a background, makes the text easier to read), the text font (needed to update from Times New Roman, you all, get all internet savvy), and the blog list (so many dead end links from the old one, yikes).  I also changed the header from me wearing a sassy gold J. Crew skirt, striped tank, and sunglasses to one where I am wearing the subject of this blog post, the fall 2012 version of the Riviera Shirt Dress.

I do plan on reviewing the current version of this dress, but I am going to do that when I have more time, for now I want to see if you agree with the French National Assembly, do you think this dress deserves wolf whistles?  If so, then you are in good company.

To see more on what I am talking about, check out The Sun's (UK) coverage of the French Housing Minister, Cecile Duflot, being subjected to cat calls and loud yells as she wore this during a recent speech in Paris.

I think Ms. Duflot does look incredibly lovely and it wonderfully suits her figure, but sexy?  I don't know.  Here in the US, this would be a dress that men would say, "you look so nice," but not so much, "oh, baby, I am taking you home!"

In all fairness, my brother and my husband both approved of the dress as I wore it in the header photo, but more on a "I like the way the dress looks on you," not in a "hubba hubba" way.  (That would have been especially disturbing coming from my bro.  Blah!  LOL.)

I have this dress in the same colorway as the Housing Minister (can't resist this shape!), and I wore it in this blog post, when I was going to my son's CATHOLIC school.  I think it is quite funny that what I considered quite modest for the visit was most definitely not by a bunch of French men.  ;)

Thoughts?

On "Target" with Maternity Stripes.

Oh, man.  I couldn't stop myself with that title.  LOL.  Most of you pregnant ladies (or have been pregnant ladies) will know this, but for those of you not aware...besides supplying the United States with easily accessible cheap fashion (Missoni, Liberty of London, etc.), really cheap and cute children's clothing (Circo, Gwen Stefani's new line, etc.), and endless supplies of groceries and adorable homewares that break after a season, Target also supplies pregnant ladies with their own line of clothing, Liz Lange for Target. 

So get it?  On "Target?"  Okay, I'll stop now.

Anyhow, I loved this outfit and plan to exactly replicate it at least once more this pregnancy and then, even though (God willing!) I will have a smaller torso and belly area, I will totally do the look again after pregnancy with the sweater as a tunic.  That is how much I heart this striped sweater/free French scarf/Hue leggings/Target Ballet flats combo.

I was doing the preschool run last week and had bought the sweater as a way of perking myself up (Target is really good at perking me up, anyone else?)...by the end of the trip I felt yards better.

I knew it was true love because the next time I went to preschool I wore the sweater, a mere two days later.  (I rarely let anything I really love wait that long to be worn...)

Anyhow, the sweater does have stripes and as Mr. Dina so kindly pointed out, "it makes you look REALLY pregnant," in the end, I am REALLY pregnant, so happily me and my ginormous Gus belly made our way through the day.

Sweater: Liz Lange for Target, Size Small.  Liz Lange for Target can run big, so definitely try it on before purchasing if you can.  This is one of the few tops I own from her line that isn't an x-small.

Leggings: Hue, Size Medium (I think?).  Bought from Anthro, these are just a nice staple to have.  These seem pretty big as I could hitch them up over my belly, which I can't do with my other leggings (I have to wear them below the belly).

Scarf: Gotta Love The European Magazine Freebie Giveaway...Lolita Lempicka Poly Square Scarf.  A score that I found in the November issue of French Marie Claire.  CW has actually worn it too.  :)

Back when, way back when, in the late '90s, this style scarf was all the rage and I still have all my small square scarves from then...I would really like this style to make a comeback, love the look and instantly dresses an outfit up.  I like big scarves, but wow, they are a tad overwhelming with some outfits.  This one was the exact right size for this look.

Shoes: Mossimo Venda Flats, Size 9.5.  Adorable shoes that "spoke" to me on the day of the sad preschool run/ Target makes me happy day.  They were $25, but I had a $25 gift card (thanks, Dad!), so they were FREE!  LOL.

Close-up of the scarf and sweater.

Oh, yeah.  Definitely the stripes enhance the baby belly.  But look at the cute embellishments on the Venda flats.  Darling!

A Target Striped Score! by dinagideon featuring liz lange maternity

Above is the polyvore.  :)

You all have a great night.  This momma-to-be has some 30 Rock to enjoy.  Yay DVR. 

Spring Into Style: Day Eight 2011.

Spring Into Style: Day Eight 2011. by dinagideon featuring choker jewelry
Yes, I wore this in real life to school to teach a fashion class. Well, okay not the pearls and earrings, but it still looked fab. :) I felt under the weather, but man, sequins can brighten any day!  I guess that is a good lesson to learn...you can feel gross, but feel great. 

The beret was my nod to "Crazy Hat and Hair" day. Yes, my version of crazy hat is to wear a beret so I can look 1950s Paris. LOL.

Full on Paris in the 1950s Little Black Dress Look.  Beret is authentic and from Europe, have had it for over ten years and love it!  Dress is the Felice Dress from J. Crew back in 2007???  It is the quintessential LBD, the silk taffeta version, anyhow.  The jacket is obviously the Showstopping Knitted Jacket by Boden's Limited Edition that I have gone on and on about since it came out on February 11, 2011.  :)  The heels are also Boden and are possibly my fave pair of black pumps.

I look kind of out of it, and I have to admit that "lady time," even when mixed with "ladylike" is a hard combo.  But I am definitely trying to have a game face, which probably would have been more appropriate for my Jersey Day look yesterday.  Such is life.

On its own the Felice dress is a bit plain, but imagine it with those pearls and the bow earrings.  So very polished!

No beret, but I still feel like I am channeling at least a "Mid-Century Mom/Teacher."  (Yes, Mid-Century Mom fans--I got pics of me teaching today in this outfit.  Smile.)

Showstopping Knitted Jacket. Still crazy expensive, but if you are ever interested, here is a dedicated link (click the photo) to check on its availability (which comes and goes, sometimes it is completely sold out, other days it will show some sizes have stock).

Have a great day. The Boden Weekly Review Roundup is going to be HUGE tonight, so it may be late in coming, but be on the lookout for it...

Talk soon. :)

My Beautiful Pink, Green, and Brown Outfit...Friday the 13th Evening Out with the JCAs of DC!!!

So all of us fabulous JCAs of the DC area got together to watch Confessions of a Shopaholic on Friday night. One of the things we promised to do was get dolled up in our finest J. Crew duds. We looked so nice!!! I saw a Lexington jacket, the gorgeous orange/white houndstooth Greta coat, a yellow herringbone ecole jacket, and much more. I decided to wear my Maggie jacket in camel (not shown in these pics), my Fresco cardigan, my Teagan blouse in ivory (camisole definitely needed with this shirt), my lovely Dojos by 7FAM, my patent belt in root, and my patent Allesia heels in root. I think the outfit pulled together quite nicely. I love the overall feel I get from this outfit...I feel vaguely French and while casual, it has a dressy undertone.

The cardigan, for those of you who wondered how it fit, if it stretches, and how the color looks on me can see all three answers here...it fits well when it stretches out a bit, which it does (thank goodness), and I believe paired with the ivory top looks nice with my fairly light (not quite Casper the friendly ghost but almost that pale) complexion. I do have dark blonde hair so I couldn't answer how it looks with lighter hair until this summer when the sun has had its lightening effect on my coif!


Here is a close-up of the print next to my skin. I believe pairing this print with a solid is the only way I can wear this print properly. The print by itself would be to close to my complexion to work 100%. That's okay! I would never wear it by itself, anyway!

I did purchase this print in the silk tank, but again, I will pair that with other solids, like my cardigans and jackets...

Oh, and those of you who were concerned with the print not matching up when this is buttoned can see it doesn't really stand out at all!!!