OOTDs: Four Recent.

UPDATE: Lisa, one of the commenters on this post in its original form mentioned you could use the $20 off the items in the "select" womenswear 20% off, which you can find here.  That's great!  So if you have been waiting for a fairly good deal, this is definitely it.  Thank you, Lisa!!!

Before I begin, I saw over at the Boden FB page that you could receive $20 off a $75 purchase (with free ship and returns), but it is only good until tonight.  Remember, these deals are only good on current season merchandise, not clearance items, so if you are drawn in by something from last fall/winter, it won't work.  Also, if you have a hankering for something about $115 or more, use the sidebar coupon here at the blog (also at the bottom of this post) instead since the 15% off is a better deal overall than the $20 off of a $75 purchase.  The code for the $20 off of $75 is J5V4, place that code in your shopping bag to ensure you receive that amount off.

(The above promo did expire, but the 20% off womenswear deal is still going.  It does end tonight, Wednesday, April 15, though.)

Onto some recent outfits.

Day: Sunday, April 13, 2014.

Where: Bethesda for lunch and an important haircut.

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The dress has tighter sleeves and since it has been a while since I have worn it (thanks a lot cold winter), I had forgotten that.  Eventually the cotton stretched a bit, but until that happened, my fairly thin arms felt like they were being strangled.


Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Pretty, yet conservative outfit.  Shabby Apple dresses always have sleeves and a longer length since they are made for Latter Day Saints (Mormons) who have requirements in dressing for modesty.  As a fairly conservative dresser, I appreciate this.  :-)  The shoes are very cool, I loved being able to let my toes see the sun again.

Anecdote from the Day:  Angus is getting so big (he just turned two on March 25!).  We finally decided his mullet had to go.  I love his wispy long hair so much, but he was often mistaken for a girl, so I gave in, even though he has this one tiny little curl in the back of the mullet that was darling (I kept that for his baby book, though).  In the end he looks beyond cute with his little man haircut. 

Day: Sunday, March 26, 2014.

Where: Winesday.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Yay for pants that feel decent on the body.  These pants are one of the few that I *don't* want to throw in a big pile of tinder and set on fire, especially since I have worn pants nearly every day for the past few months.  They have just a touch of spandex and they were made with a nice normal rise, nothing too short, but nothing too long, either.  The popover (French Print popover, still available from J. Crew in their sale section) is great in my normal size 4, so if you like it, go with your true size.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Cool mix of textures, colors, and print.  I am glad I tried the top with the sequined sweatshirt.  I wasn't sure if worked, but I ended up liking the look and will definitely try a similar look next winter.  I also felt like I looked younger in this outfit. 

Anecdote from the Day:  We hadn't gone to Winesday in forever, so I was relieved when it didn't snow, my brother didn't have a headache, or we had some commitment we couldn't get out of.  We hadn't gone in so long that we forgot our reusable wine glasses and had to buy another set.  (They are inexpensive, though, one dollar a glass!)

Day: Friday, April 4, 2014.

Where: Harris Teeter and the School Run.

Ease of Wear: (5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) This Johnnie b. Cosy Sweatshirt dress is so soft and warm, it is like I have on an old worn-in nightshirt, but just a whole lot more presentable.  Since I was grocery shopping, and running around town, it was nice to feel really good.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) The sweatshirt dress has a bit of sparkle and the scarf is unique, so even though I was technically "slumming" it, I think I looked good for a SAHM. 

Anecdote from the Day:  Yeah, I got nothing.  Just a usual taking care of the house, kids, and hubby kind of day.

 

Day: Tuesday, April 8, 2014.

Where: Bowling.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Leggings and easy shoes equal very comfortable.  The top ended up getting really wrinkly (you can see it in the second photo--I took these photos after bowling) and the way the top sat on my hips felt weird.  Overall a nice easy outfit.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) The mix of colors is fresh and cute, especially as our days are getting warmer and we are craving brightness however we can get it.  That said, it is still an outfit that features a peasant top and leggings, so ding ding (two points) down on the "cool" scale.

Anecdote from the Day:  I haven't gone to the bowling alley on the actual day of bowling in forever.  Again, like Winesday, something is always getting in the way, be it subbing, be it a sickness, or be it dang-blasted snow.  It was nice to see all my friends again.  Of course the rest of April I am out on all the Tuesdays.  Tomorrow I am chaperoning Rex's field trip, next Tuesday we are in Florida, and the Tuesday after I am subbing.  At least it won't be because of snow.  (IT BETTER NOT BE!)

Okay, that's all for now.  I really hope I am able to blog everyday this week, but I can't promise since life is really busy right now.  ;-)  I know you all understand.

OOTDs: Florals and Mosaics.

First, before I get on with the ootds parade, I wanted to direct you to my FB page if you have an interest in seeing some of the Boden summer items on me in person.  I loved a lot of what I received, but I had *major* sizing issues with about half the order.  Sigh.  Anyhow, head on over to this page to see more on that.  Eventually these will all make it to the BWRR, but I want to remind you all that I often can update the facebook page more quickly than I can this blog, so go ahead and "like" the FB page if you want to get the things I do post in your feed.

Day: Saturday, April 4, 2014.

Where: Lunch with my dad and the kids and then to the Little League photo shoot.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) I made the pants so they are very comfortable, but let's be honest here, is anything *really* that comfortable when you are bloated?  (You know whatimean, right, ladies?)  For all of my bloatedness, I was better than I have been in the past, and I credit ohsosoft jersey and wool with keeping me happy in my skin.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) The pants are a great intro pattern (Simplicity 2061) if you have just started sewing knits and would like to try them out with a lot of hand holding.  I will eventually add my review over there, but I am a bit backlogged with that, too, so give it time.  I will say that while I know there are things I could have done better, I did manage well for my first knit pants pattern.  I've had them for a few months now, and although this was the first time they made their public debut, they have been worn about the house a few times. 

I like the styling here, and I love my hair.  I wish if it was going to go all wavy and curly, it would do it. just. like. this. every darn time.  I also upped the makeup because I had extra time on my hands and extra bags under my eyes.  (LOVE YOU, bloating, swak!)

Anecdote from the Day:  The wind was crazy on Saturday.  Although the temperatures said 60, it felt like 45 whenever the wind blew in.  I really should have worn a jacket.  I don't know how Rex survived in his little uniform (no jackets for the pictures).

Day: Sunday, April 6, 2014.

Where: Church.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Love this dress (you saw it here ready to go for the auction) so much.  I am so glad I have this in my closet with all its stretchy glory ready for me when I want to look good and feel good, too.  (Yeah, bloating day two continued.  Sigh.)

The Bella jacket in pink is exactly the right shade of pink to work with this dress, but it was a bit scratchy.  I was being sensitive, so you all know.  ;-)

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Love the styling from neck down, the Accessorize necklace and darling pink belt really worked nicely, as did the Bella jacket, the navy tights, and the wedge heels.  The neck up, though, was were I struggled.  I was sensitive, remember, and was all verklempt that I couldn't get my hair and makeup to cooperate.  My husband assured me I looked pretty, but you know, dramatic Dina kind of won out. 

Anecdote from the Day:  Rex had a visitor called Hoppy this weekend and he was able to take it everywhere he went, including church.  :-)  We are gonna miss Hoppy now that he is going back to his teacher. 

Day: Monday, April 7, 2014.

Where: Harris Teeter (surprise! not!) and the school run.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Bliss!  I may not be *as* bloated as the past two days, but I still am struggling (grr!), but this outfit was so comfortable.  These jersey tunics are beyond amazing and I really wish Boden would make more of them.  They seem to have gone the way of the Fun skirt and are not being issued anymore (wait, I lied, the Everyday Tunic seems to be similar in style and fabric).

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) Decent casual look, and the Mia boots look so cute with the ensemble.  The scarf helps tone down the tunic a bit, too.  The hair, yay!  It is back to being obedient...

Anecdote from the Day:  Won't it ever warm up?  I am so cold and tired and ready for the warmth.  It was rainy and windy and raw today.  Sigh.  At least I was able to get some yummy food from HT (always get their freshly made sushi, their sushi chefs really know what they are doing!).

Okay, that's all for now.  You all have a good night, and stay warm if you are near here. 

Made by Me Files/OOTDs: Pretty Blossoms Top (Simplicity 9559 Bow Blouse).

Up first will be the ootds portion followed by a bit on the sewing up of the blouse.

I made Angus's little overalls last summer.  They were much longer last summer.  He's getting so big!

Day: Thursday, April 3, 2014.

Where: School Duties--Volunteering and Pickup.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I wore this for maybe a total of two hours the day before, so I decided I wanted to wear it again, that is how comfy this blouse is...lol.  Don't worry, it is now in the wash after being worn for a combined total of five hours.  ;-)

Again, making your own clothing means (as long as it is fitted correctly during the process) that the item fits exactly as *you* need it to fit, not what some random fit model needs for her fit. Since most blouses fit me from the waist up in ready to wear, I typically don't worry too much about making those, but it is wonderful to have a blouse that not only fits in the upper portion but fits nice and loose through the lower portion, where in the past on RTW button-downs they do fit a whole lot tighter.  (My shoulder and bust are very small so if I sized for my hips I would end up with a ridiculously oversized man shirt that would hide any figure I have.)  I feel like now all I want to do is make more blouses, but since this one was a bit of a labor of love, I may wait a while to make another.

The skirt is old old old and has been washed so many times it is as soft as a baby's bottom.  The shoes and jacket are also very easy to wear.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) I like this overall.  Very pretty and the jacket is a very interesting shape.  The jacket may be really old (like seven years), but I turn to it more than I ever thought I would.  In fact when I first bought it, I thought I had chosen wrong and was all set to return it, but it has aged very well and fits my style better now than it did then.  The skirt is dated, but it suits my frame, so it works. 

Anecdote from the Day:  Did the typical for any room parent/SAHM...lots of time with the young'ns.  It was lovely to have two other moms show up and help with the volunteer activity, always a pleasure to get to know more folks like myself.  After last year's weep-fest (where I felt like no one liked me), I have definitely come into my own amongst the parents there.  Sure, I don't fit in with everyone (still way too many very pretty, very rich, very fit parents who I am pretty sure don't even notice me), but there are so many wonderful people there who are hoping to be friends with me, too.

Day: Wednesday, April 2, 2014.

Where: Angus's doctors appointment and Subway for lunch.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Well it's comfortable enough, but it took a little bit for the pants to feel super comfy since they had been washed and dried and still had the taut feel to them.  Of course they are a lightweight chambray so they quickly stretched out, but until then they were not perfection. 

Cool Factor: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) I love this combo of colors, the yellow, white, and light blue together.  So perfect for the spring that appears to have fully sprung round these parts.  It wasn't the best look ever, but I was in a hurry to get going to Angus's two-year old physical, so I wasn't going to fuss around looking for cooler bottoms.  ;-) 

Anecdote from the Day:  The appointment was scheduled last minute so I had to cancel on the Moms group that I am one of the founders of...ugh.  But of course it was fine, but I felt bad.

Last year I bought the Collection Secretary Blouse in the Hummingbird Floral Print and was so sad when I discovered that it didn't quite have the magical powers it needed for me to keep it in my closet.  Instead I decided that I would try to remake the shirt in a floral that was the right shade of blue for my skin tone using a vintage 1980 Simplicity (9559) pattern that I had found on ebay.

I didn't want to cut into the Liberty print tana lawn until I was sure that the blouse was going to fit me, so I decided to make the blouse out of a pretty floral cotton voile from Anna Maria Horner (called Little Folks "Little Honey Meadow") that is far less expensive and still available just in case I really screwed up.

I knew the size 12 would fit since I definitely have a size 34 inch high bust measurement, but I wasn't sure about how it would work on my hips.  I did at least know that this pattern had a long deep dart from the hip up to the bust, so if need be I could play with the dart to ensure it fit through to the hip.  I *kind of* knew it wouldn't work from waist down as is, but I am always ever hopeful.  LOL.

I ended up taking the dart and releasing the bottom of the dart into a reverse pleat from low waist down.  It ended up working out better than I imagined since I really like how soft it looks and how well it matches the sort of "romantic" look of this blouse.  The bow and print and lightweight fabric really lend itself well to these pretty details.

I did shorten the blouse by a half-inch and I am glad I did since the blouse hits right at mid-hip.  I was supposed to use a narrow hem, but still felt like the top was too long, so I ended up turning it up 5/8" to shorten it even more.

The bow construction was very easy, but applying the facing to the button placket/bow collar combo was tricky and I know I can do better, so I will be very careful when I make up the J. Crew fake Secretary blouse.

The sleeves were such a delight to attach.  I normally struggle with setting in sleeves, but these required very little fiddling on my part to properly place in the armscye.  I still pinned the heck out of the sleeve when attaching it to the body of the blouse, and I definitely took my time, but I didn't have to go back and seam rip any portion of the sleeve, so small successes, people.

Unlike the front, I did not let out the dart in the back.  It turns out the my back width is very small in comparison with my front at the high hip area.  (Further down, it is the opposite case, thankyouverymuch big bottom.)  The blouse it a touch too long in back, but I can pinch out some extra length when making the fake secretary blouse (there a ton of tutorials on how to do that--this is for a dress, but can be used on a blouse).

I am glad I did this...not only did I want to make something that was not a winter garment, but I also really wanted to try this pattern out, AND I figured since PatternReview was running a fitted blouse contest I might as well put my entry in there, too.  :-)   Three birds, one stone.

Okay, that's it for now...I hope everyone is having a great Friday, and we'll talk soon!

OOTDs: Five. So Bright.

Day: Sunday, June 2, 2013.

Where:  7000 kids' birthday parties followed by a trip to a Moroccan restaurant.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) This old school J. Crew dress (embossed cotton/seersucker fabric that they don't use anymore) is awesomely comfortable.  I especially love that it fits nicely through the bodice but is slightly flared at my hips.  :-)  One of the best pear-shape friendly dresses out there!

One point off because the Target shoes pinched a tiny bit (first time I had ever worn them).

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)   Well J. Crew has stepped away from the embossed cotton, so maybe that is a sign that it is no longer cool?  They did reissue my pineapple skirt, though, so maybe there is hope for the lovely embossed fabric in the future?

The necklace is my favorite bit, though, it was purchased at the Giant's Causeway in Ireland, and if you look closely, you can see that the shapes are taken from the natural stone steps you can see there.

Anecdote from the day:  We were invited to three separate parties for the kids that day.  Originally I was going to take Rex to the pool party for his *girlfriend*, then Mr. Dina would take him to Chuck E. Cheese's for another friend's party, then I would take CW to the SAME Chuck E. Cheese's for her friend's party later that afternoon.  Insane, right?

Thankfully, although sad for Rex, his two friends' parties were at the same time, so he had to choose.  He picked his girlfriend, lol.

The Moroccan food was delish.  Mmm.  Right before we got to the restaurant, it stormed like "woah."  (Hee, Joey Lawrence, hee.)  After the storm passed, and as we were walking to the restaurant from the car, we spied that rainbow you see in the third picture.  I love rainbows, so glad I grabbed the photo. 

 Day: Monday, June 3, 2013.

Where:  ???  I know that I was at home with the kids while I wrote the Boden preview picks post, but I know I wasn't wearing this outfit to stay at home.  I must have gone to dinner that night with Mr. Dina and the kids.  That seems right, but it's all fuzzy.  Must write these posts sooner.  ;-)

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The bodice of this Regatta dress is a bit large, and the shoulders stand off a bit from my shoulders, so I feel like I have to keep pulling the dress down.  After a while I got used to it, but in the beginning it bugged, so there's why I have the 3 there as a rating.

Cool Factor: (2 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Hmm.  Well those are really practical nude Cole Haan pumps and a white handbag combined with orange and white polka dots.  Not especially cool, rather pleasantly pretty, exactly right for my lifestyle, I suppose.

Anecdote from the day: Should have one and would have one if I had bothered to write a post on this outfit sooner.  I tell ya...

Day: Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

Where:  Winesday at Whole Foods.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) I dig dig dig this Target (girls!) maxi dress so much, especially how easy it is to wear.  Can't go wrong with a nicely fitted jersey dress in neon stripes with just the right amount of give to be comfortable.

The jeweled flip-flops were very floppy since I bought them before I had the kids when my feet were bigger (???), but it wasn't awful or anything, so only a half-point off for them.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Well, I think it is cool, but I suspect the hi-lo hem is "out" or on it's way out, and neon may have played itself "out," as well, but at the Whole Foods, where hemp clothing, Capitol Hill business suits, and Toms are king, I think I brought it that day! 

Anecdote from the day: I love Winesday so much.  This was a typical Winesday, with my brother in tow, and our favorite employees working.  Only sad thing was finding out that our favorite employee, L., was leaving to go to another Whole Foods in PA.  Boo!

Day: Saturday, June 15, 2013.

Where:  Rex's kindergarten teacher's wedding, followed by Father's Day Dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant.

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) I think this Lace Dress is a superstar, and it is very comfortable since it fits me to my curves (review here), but it is losing points because every. damn. time. I wear it, I snag a lacy bit on something.  Admittedly, my fault, but still...stop being so testy, pretty crocheted lace fabric.

(The one snag I had that day was pretty big, but thanks to the sewing shop ladies, I now know how to fix it.  It requires hand sewing, though.  So nice new machine will be useless for that one job.)

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Again, a dress in a bright color with shoes in a bright color and a light-colored handbag...I have a formula here, but not for "cool."

Anecdote from the day:  Oof, what a day.  I finished these pillows for his teacher's wedding present in the morning, visited the sewing shop to buy a new machine (now that I sew nearly daily, I think I have the actual justification for a machine that can do more, including embroidery and quilting--thank goodness for no interest financing), went to the wedding, then back to the sewing shop to tie up some loose ends, then to my dad's to cool down, and then to the Mexican restaurant to celebrate Father's Day. 

The last photo shows that my brother and I were enjoying ourselves WAY more than the rest of our family.  We blame the margaritas.

Day: Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

Where:  Winesday at Whole Foods.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) This Madewell dress was a postpartum purchase so I could have something loose and nursing-friendly after giving birth to Angus.  It has become even more comfortable as I have lost more baby weight, but not so loose that I look like I am in a sack (thank you, belt!).

Don't adore the fabric, since it is a bit cloying and a bit wrinkle-prone, but I will forgive the dress since I could probably take a red-eye flight in it and feel comfortable.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Hmm.  I think the scarf is tied poorly, should have wrapped it more and in a circle shape...this version makes me look like a flight attendant.

Anecdote from the day:  My hair was so curly that day!  I washed it but didn't immediately comb/brush it, rather I let it air dry and this, combined with the *awesome* (sarcasm) DC humidity created the waves you see.  I sort of dig it, but it was not planned.

Okay, that's it.  Not sure how many folks are reading blogs on a Friday night in June right before a holiday week, but maybe a few of you will peek in?

BTW, Lands' End has a new promo out, 40% off Customer Favorites.  Haven't had a look around, but I have included the link below, as well as in the sidebar.

OOTD/Review: Poppy Printed Mini and a Mini in Printed Poppy.

Hey, all!  Happy Tuesday.  :-)

Up first is the review, followed by the ootd portion.

Factory Printed Mini and Factory Printed Girls' Poet Blouse.  The skirt is a size 10 and the girls' blouse is a size 6-7.

Really glad I sized to the 10, even though I was told the skirt runs a bit big.  It *does* run a bit big, but even with me having the ability to wear this on my hips in the size 10 (would have had  to wear it at my waist in the 8), it is still really short on me.  Not anything scandalous, of course, but not exactly church friendly, either. 

It is made from a lovely cotton sateen in one of my favorite prints from last year (that made it onto a scarf, a bathing suit, and something else that escapes me now).  I didn't grab the scarf like I should have when I reviewed here at this post, but I did grab the bikini.  I still feel the baby weight, so I haven't pulled that one out (one day, I hope to, though).  I was thrilled to see the factory had re-issued it in both women and girls items, and with the original promo of 40% off, I decided that I could grab both my piece and CW's without feeling like I had broken the budget.

Some of you will hate the back zip, since it is prominent and exposed.  It didn't bother me, but since I have to wear the skirt so low, I have to cover up the waist of the skirt anyhow.

There appears to be about two inches of hem that could be let out, and if I end up gaining any weight in my mid-section, I will have to pull the hem down if I have to wear this baby at my waist.

CW's blouse I sized up on which gives her a bit of a romantic tunic look, but as she gets older it will be a plain ole blouse.  I love that girls can get away with this kind of styling, my boys at least can share clothes, so if I have to buy something for Rex that is true to size, I know Angus can one day wear it, too.

The blouse is a very sheer silk/cotton blend, definitely not tomboy friendly, just a word of warning.  The blouse is lined fully in a cotton, so no worries on modesty, but that lining is not going to make that silk/cotton any sturdier.

Day: Friday, June 21, 2013.

Where:  Seriously?  You all can figure it out, right?  Just in case you can't, we were at the new movie "Monsters University" with our two oldest.  Angus sat this one out, you know, 'cause I actually wanted to watch the movie and not spend the whole time wrangling him.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Very comfortable, especially since I didn't feel any pinching from the skirt.  Sizing up is a great idea if you want to be super comfortable.

I had my special lady friend visiting that day and honestly, most outfits feel awful when she comes.  I was spectacularly pleased with how good I felt, regardless of my condition.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  It is a very preppy look, pretty, but not cutting edge or trendy or super stylish.  That's fine with me.  My mini me gets a 4 out of 5, though.

Anecdote from the day:  Monsters University is a great film.  I saw Monsters, Inc. when it came out way back in the day (back when Mr. Dina and I were first together), and I remember wanting to have a little girl just like Boo when I had kids.  I have to say my little lady reminds me a lot of Boo, so I think I was blessed with my wish.

We are such fans of the Monsters that we own quite a few toys (remember, Mr. Dina collects action figures) and have been to the Monsters, Inc. ride at California Adventure.  (If you ever get a chance to go on that ride, it is awesome!)  We had wanted to see the movie the night before, since it came out on Thursday night, but we had to wait till my dad could take Angus.

Okay, that's it.

I am not going to do a post on this, but I did announce it on FB earlier today.  Boden is a having a 40% off 40 items promo right now.  There are some cute items in the sale, including the Sparkle Cotton Top, which I reviewed here. 

Have a great night! 

OOTD/Review: Father's Day and a Snapdragon.

Hello, all!  Happy belated Father's Day!

First up is the ootd portion of the post, followed by the review of the Shabby Apple Snapdragon dress.

Day: Sunday, June 16, 2013.

Where:  Father's Day at Mount Vernon, then to dinner.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Shabby Apple asked me if I would be willing to try one of their dresses from their vintage inspired line, and of course I was more than willing to give one of them a try!  :-)  (I had seen their dresses over the years, but since their presence isn't as big amongst us J. Crew/Boden/preppy personal style bloggers, I never really went over and checked out the items on a regular basis.) 

Anyhow, long story short, they were happy to send me a dress of my choice (from a list of contenders), and though I was enamored with many of my choices, I knew that the pretty Snapdragon dress had to come to me.  Its vintage style reminds me of clothing my grandmother wore in the mid-50s, but its happy, colorful print seemed to be very "me."  And since I am clearly a fan of shirtdresses (hello, blog header!), I was sure I could make this one work for me.

I had the dress for less than three days before I knew I would wear it, yesterday, for Father's Day.  It was really muggy and warm yesterday, and I knew the only thing I wanted next to my skin was a lightweight cotton.  And since I wanted to dress up for Mr. Dina, but still would need to nurse Angus, this dress was exactly right for the day.

The sunglasses (Kirkland Signature--yep, Costco), the belt, and the Cole Haan shoes nicely rounded out the outfit without making me feel too wilted by the end of the day, and considering I had to spend half the day running after Angus and/or holding him while he tried to escape me (and climb the stairs, natch), I know that outside of a track suit and trainers, I chose best for the occasion.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  I added the belt and the sunglasses to up the cool factor.  But considering I was going for the retro/vintage vibe, I didn't want to style this beauty too much, since the darling print (birds frolicking amongst leaves, oranges, and apples) shines on its own.

Anecdote from the day:  Since it was Father's Day, I forgave Mr. Dina when he assured me he would be done with the learning center part of Mount Vernon in no time flat, while I went on ahead with Angus, who was definitely done with enjoying it.  Some TWENTY minutes later, Mr. Dina finally ambles on out and is all, "what, why are you upset?"  Humph.  ;-P

(I will take this opportunity to let you all know that we have annual passes to George Washington's home, since it is a mere ten or so miles from our home.  We can go there anytime we like, it's not like we're from Kansas and this is our one trip to our nation's capital.)

REVIEW:

Snapdragon Dress.  Size Small.  So some of you may have ordered from this purveyor of fine, conservative clothing in the past, but for me, it was a first (as mentioned above).  I took a gamble that the website's sizing chart was accurate, and that this skirt would be full enough for me *not* to worry about the hip measurement.

The gamble was spot on, since the bust is only a touch too full, the waist is exactly right, and the hips are free.  Surprisingly the only part that was tight on me was the sleeves, which were not uncomfortable, but more fitted than I am used to.  If you have more ample upper arms (my upper arms are actually considered kind of skinny), you may want to bear that in mind if you like this dress.

The dress is made from what seems to be a stretch cotton poplin.  This means that by the end of the day, the dress fit better than it did when I first put it on, since it was able to stretch and conform to my shape.  It will be washed and hung to dry, and will return to its shape, and upon wearing it again, it will then again stretch and conform to my shape. 

From a sewing perspective, I love working with cotton poplin, since they take dyes very well, are very breathable, and are very easy to sew.

This fabric was a bit stiff before wearing it, but after a few trips to the washing machine, it will just keep getting softer and softer.

The dress is made with women in mind who want to be fashionable, fun, but still a bit conservative in their dressing.  I clearly am more conservative than not when it comes to my choices, and like having a wardrobe full of pretty, unique, vintage-inspired frocks for my daily life.  The arm length is lovely on this, but I often wear sleeveless items, but for those of you who do need to wear dresses with sleeves, this one has nice, ample coverage (just remember they are a bit tight).  The skirt comes right to my knee, which is nice, since I am very tall through my legs, and most dresses that are not in a tall length end up well above my knee.

I actually think the dress looks prettiest from the back!

I like it without the belt, a lot, but wanted to do something special yesterday, so I added the belt, sunglasses, and bag.  That said, I could definitely see wearing this as above out with the kids to a playdate or to their school.

There were only two small issues that I had with the dress (beyond the tighter sleeves), and that would be the extraneous two upper buttons, and the kind of odd collar.  In the photos, it actually looks really lovely, so I suspect that is all on me, and as I am looking at it while writing this post, the bodice is growing on me.  ;-)  The zipper isn't the most awesome, either, but I am never a big fan of a side zip. 

Okay, that's it for today.  I am planning on hosting a giveaway tomorrow for a Shabby Apple item of your own.  The giveaway will be tomorrow, so be on the lookout for it!  Hope all of you will enter!  (BTW, this dress is one of the ones you can choose from if you win.)

P.S. Since this post is about Father's Day, and I had mentioned my Grandma's 50s style, I thought I would share the above photo of the members of my dad's family from the day my aunt was baptized, in 1959.  Doesn't everyone look so put together and beautiful?  My grandma looks amazing, and my dad and uncle are beyond adorable in their little suits and fedoras.  Love!