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.  ;-)

The Blue Cardigan Times Two.

Happy end of the weekend, you all!

Right before Angus was born, I was able to go to the Fair Oaks J. Crew and spend some alone time just enjoying shopping with no kids around (well, sort of, lol, Gus *was* there).  I had seen the space dyed cardigan on line in the gorgeous blue/purple hue and although I wasn't sure it was me, it was always in the back of my head to look for it when out and about.  Well, I lucked out because it was at the Fair Oaks store, in my size, and on sale.  Yes, it was my "I am about to have a kid" present to myself.  And since he's a boy, the blue was perfect.  ;)

I wore it a few times postpartum around the house but the above outfit was its first official outing, to CW's dance class (if my memory serves me, it's been a few weeks since I wore it).

All the info on the pieces of the outfit are in the photo.  My favorite part of this outfit is my hair and the bag, which is a freebie from Clinique (Milly/Clinique often partner to create these giveaway bags and I like to use them as clutches).

The top has a ditzy floral pattern, the cardigan has the slight stripe to it, and the bag is a larger floral, but since the color scheme is similar the patterns ended up "going" together.

Later that night, we went to Potomac Mills as a family, and because (you all are gonna love this) my belly started to hurt, I switched from my tighter fitting cords to a much nicer looser fitting pair of loft pants in a cotton sateen.  God bless the roomier fit of Loft pants!

I wore the crewcuts top because Girlfriend (nickname for CW) said she wanted to match momma.  Since I know she won't be up for this much longer, I will just go with it for now. 

I made this face as Angus was staring at me (I was doing peekaboo or some such), and of course Mr. Dina was snapping the photo at the same moment.  Whatever.  It just shows that I can do other faces besides *smile* *half-smile* and *look pensive*. 

The sandals are a new Madewell purchase, the Crisscross Boardwalk Sandal.  I took a size 9 (they only have half sizes).  I really like the look and found them to be very comfortable for walking.  The ankle strap is a bit of a bugger, but only because I am not of fan of bending over and fiddling with buckles and such.  But the sandals are worth the extra effort.

BTW, CW's jacket is vintage Levi's from the 70s, this one was owned by Mr. Dina's sister.  Rex owns the one that Mr. Dina wore.

Okay that's it.  :)  I anticipate working on the Boden sale post soon (the extra 30% off select spring styles that I mentioned in the last post) and some other ootd posts.  One day I will eventually be back to normal posting!  One. day.

Have a great night!

Dressy Dress Carnival Cruise Style.

When I was on my first cruise, it was on a Royal Caribbean, and when they said "formal attire" necessary at dinner, they meant it.  Carnival Cruises, though, have a bit different way of dealing with formal attire...turns out the super-fancy cocktail wear and men's suits and tuxes are not really necessary.  My husband was thrilled, of course.  So guess who ended up being the fanciest dressed those "formal" nights?  Yep, me, and CW.  Of course.  LOL.

There was only one night of formality, but I *chose* to have two dressier evenings, casual cruising be dam**d.  :)

First night of "formal" was the actual night of formality--not the dinagideon "I make my own rules" night.  I saw a lot of polo shirts and khaki pants from the guys.  There were at least a few of us ladies all decked out in our finest, so I know that at least the XX chromosomes care about putting on a peacock-y kind of show.

You all, this is one of those dresses, you know, the ones that LOOK better than they feel?  Especially on a cruise with dinners ranging in about the 3500 calorie sphere?  Yes, I should reserve this dress for actual cocktail parties, not sit down dinners where no one really cares what you look like.  LOL.

I did get a few compliments, even one from a really sweet girl in the hallway when I was just about to head back inside and change because I felt so uncomfortable.  With her very nice words echoing in my brain, I headed up to the cattle call dinner table...

The dress is the Milly Lace Deziree Dress (or so that is what Revolve clothing calls it, I believe Milly itself named it some other name) in a size 8 (so I am wearing my true Milly size here, no vanity sizing here, darn it, lol, I would have probably been able to have more to eat that night had it been a vanity size).  The shoes are the amazingly, super silky, completely practical ridiculous J. Crew Collection Tilly satin two tone platform shoes.  These shoes were so much more comfortable than the dress (c'est shock!).

From the back.  The detailing on this dress was worth the pain it was to wear...the lace is intricate, and the slip is just shiny enough to add interest without being too blingy.  I felt like I was wearing some really pretty wrapping paper.  :)

CW close-up.  She was wearing a darling little frock from one of those Southern only kind of companies, you know the type that embroiders, monograms, and smocks every item the designers can get their hands on...

Rex can drink from a glass, which I guess is a good thing, although watching him in action kind of freaks us all out.  (Mainly, OMG, please, for the love of all things cruise-related, DO NOT DROP THE GLASS!)

He went with Hawaiian dressy casual.  Do you know how much I paid for that shirt?  $1.  (Awesome, and thank you so much, Goodwill!)

Rex took this pic.  I think he did pretty well.  :)  I look and feel happy by this point because, and this is between you, me, and the walls of this blog, of wine.  Sweet delicious wine.  LOL.

This was the last night of the cruise, but I wanted to wear this outfit so badly, I didn't care if everyone and their brother was wearing muscle shirts and short basketball shorts, I was going to have sequins, bright pink sequins. 

This photo was taken from my dad's balcony stateroom.  It was nice having access to this.  We (all four of us!!!) were in an interior stateroom, which really is no great big deal, but when you can sit out and watch the freaking Atlantic ocean go by you, it truly seems worth the extra expense.

Details on the outfit:  Top, J. Crew Collection Sequined Starland Tank, Cardigan, J. Crew Summerweight Cashmere Short Sleeve Cardigan, and Skirt, J. Crew Stretch Double Serge Pencil Skirt.

This outfit was much more comfortable.  I felt as good that smile on my face would have you believe.  :)

Arty shot, ding, ding, ding.  :)

My kids look a bit, well, reluctant, but they had a good time, too.  Baby CW is wearing the Liberty of London for Target toddlers' frock, and my husband and Rex are definitely wearing preppy casual. 

Mommy Style Monday #20--Packing Polyvores Revisted... by dinagideon featuring fitted pants

Just a reminder of the items I brought with me on the cruise. In the polyvore itself (if you click on it), you will be able to go to another post about the cruise.

So now I believe I am now done showing off all the cruise wear from over a month ago. I just finished unpacking, too. I don't mean to procrastinate, but I find unpacking so much less thrilling than packing. I know I can't possibly be alone in feeling this way, right? LOL.

Also, quick reminder to my Arbonne fans/clients...tonight is the last night you can purchase $85 or more to receive the free RE9 Regenerating Toner. Thanks!

You all have a great Friday!

A Milly/Mini Milly on Another Mom/Mini Me...

When you "like" something on Facebook, turns out you get to see lovely images like this one in your feed.  Awesome!

Huh, this combo looks familiar.  :)

Looks like I have good company in my desire to have my daughter and I dress exactly the same.

Michelle Smith, you lovely fearless leader of Milly NY, I heart you.  Maybe you and I and our darling daughters should have a playdate?  ;)

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! by dinagideon featuring leather pumps
We spent our Easter with Milly! :)

The moment I saw these dresses in the Spring Preview over at MillyNY, I was sure that I had found the Easter best for at least half of the family. I pre-ordered them, and while I gave both CW and I a sneak peek into how they would fit, I didn't actually let us wear them out until Easter actually came. 

On us, very early this morning.  No way were we going to go to the 9:30 mass.  I am done with the popular Christmas and Easter masses (it is really hard for the kids because all these people show up for mass only on Christmas and Easter and my kids act like crazy people because they aren't used to being smooshed by humanity when normally they have a WHOLE THREE ROWS to themselves).  No, sir, no how.  It is 8 am mass for all future C&E masses in the future.  Yes, Mr. Dina just LOVES that I put my foot down on that one.  LOL.  Can you tell he isn't quite the morning person that I am?  (Yes, that is a deep, dark secret of mine, I am *that* person that jumps out of bed with a jaunty hello and how are you doing...CW is our morning bird toddler...not Rex, never Rex.)

CW is in the 4T size, while I am wearing my TTS 8 in Milly (this dress is called the Colette Sheath Dress, which I gather is what they call any variety of dresses in this shape...last fall they had a tweed version of this exact dress).  I can never wear smaller in Milly, unless it is cut wider in the hip.  This dress is fitted throughout, with the exception of my bust...where as per usual, I might could have done with a little something something.

It has POCKETS!

I felt very January Jones in this outfit, especially with the gorgeous Cole Haan Carma Peep Toes in botanical green.  Hello, 1964!

And the back zipper takes 1964 into 2011.

From the side.  I like that this sheath is a bit longer than other Milly dresses, which can be a tad short.

I love family photos like this.  I couldn't exactly expect Uncle Peter (in the red shirt) to hold hands with Amanda (my stepmom), but it would have been really cool if he had.  LOL. 

Notice how CW's dress has a sash that ties in the back.  Aww.  :)

Ubiquitous makeup shot...not a ton on today.  Don't really feel like competing with the print. 

This is Rex hunting for eggs.  He is totally onto Mr. Dina.  We said, "Rex isn't it great that the Easter Bunny laid eggs back here?"  And he was all cool and suspicious and said right back, "No, Daddy, you put these eggs out here, you are the Easter Bunny."  CW has no problem believing that the Easter Bunny visited, even if that Bunny has a really groovy beard and is slightly grey-ing. 

Love it.  Easter Sunday is absolutely one of my favorite days of the year.  And this year is one of the best--you know it is like 88 degrees out there right now???

I sort of look like I am micro-managing his hunt, don't I? 

Love this.  Everyone smile now!!! :)

Mr. Dina (aka Bearded, Grey-ing Easter Bunny) with CW.  So cute!  :)

BTW, the last five photos were "fixed" by saturating the color, then going to Picasa's Picnik site and further "fixing" them with Film Grain and Cross Process.  I highly recommend both Picasa and Picnik if you want to have fun with your photos but don't have the time or energy to use a Holga or DSLR, etc.

Okay that is probably it for now.  :)

Sneak Peek:  I am going to be offering a free RE9 Advanced Cellular Renewal Masque with every $75 plus purchase made over at my Arbonne website starting tomorrow (expires Friday, April 29, 2011).  Be on the lookout if you want to take me up on this offer.

P.S. Those of you (mainly my lovely Canadian readers, it seems) who want to know more about my fun times at the Rush concert (plus outfits, of course) will need to wait, but I promise, the pics will be coming soon.  (I did have an amazing time.  Those guys really truly rock. every. single. time. I. have. seen. them.)

A Milly Valentine/Valentina...

dress, not an actual paper card sent to me from the ever lovely Michelle Smith.  :)

A few months ago, I spied the Valentina Dress over at millyny.com and fell in love.  I had *just* enough money to cover the dress and decided the beauty of the piped seamed sweater dress was worth it.

I eventually received it and as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for my trip to NYC (back in December).  I brought it with me and though I only wore it for a scant few hours to dinner, it felt really great to be in something super-soft, well-tailored, and exceedingly feminine.

I haven't worn it since, but I would love to wear it again.  Had we actually gone out on Valentine's Day, I would have absolutely worn it.  :)  (Because if you can't live your life like one big bad pun, is life really worth living???)

Maybe I will wear it this weekend?  Hmmm...

Merino Wool, Size Medium.  Worn with J. Crew Zee Zee Tights and Boden Calf Hair Pumps from last year (Winter 2009).  Here is a similar pair of pumps (albeit a peep toe and in smooth leather) from Boden that you can still get: Chic Peep Toes.

I love the bow, especially, really nice for defining a waist.  The piping is a neat element and adds some cool visual interest.  It had also come in a cream version with black piping, but that one sold out INSANELY fast.  The black version can still be found at Neiman Marcus in a size small.  MillyNYC sold out pretty early of both colors.

From the side.  I normally would prefer my sweater dresses be less clingy, but this one hits its clingy at the right spots and just feels good.  

So a sweater dress addiction was semi-born.  I had a 20% off coupon from Milly, and I knew that I could (again) *just* afford one dress from Milly.  So I went with the Gondolier Stripe Sweater Dress, which is one of the more inexpensive options that is available from the line's resort/spring collection:

I actually wore the dress TODAY!!! LOL.  I was leading parents around at Rex's preschool so they could hear all about how fab a place it is for toddlers and I knew I didn't want to just show up in jeans (any excuse to dress up--holla!).  This dress is a silk/cotton/cashmere blend and it is a wonderful transition type dress, great in winter with a coat and tights, and wonderful for spring and summer with flats or sandals.  I chose to buy a small because the skirt is very full and I didn't want there to be a HUGE contrast between my very small upper-body and my much larger lower-half.  The flats are from J. Crew and are called the Lacey ballet flats and lucky me, I got them on some ridiculous super-sale or another.  ;)  (Original price was crazy, no matter how beautiful and all leather they may be.)

You can still find the dress, btw, at millyny...and in pink/navy at Saks Fifth Avenue.

There is more Milly to come, by the way, but not for a few weeks yet.  I saved again so I could get a Milly Mini (for CW) and for me, a matching sheath dress.  We will most likely wear those on Easter, but I am more than willing to give you all a sneak peek.  ;)

Have a great night, you all. 

P.S. If you have a Boden review, please e-mail me soon, I am planning on doing the Weekly Roundup tomorrow!

Casual Outfits Mix and Match!

I have been GONE, both mentally and physically. I am sure some of you all figured it out by now...but I was away from home for TEN whole days around Thanksgiving. Every year we leave Northern Virginia and go visit Mr. Dina's parents down in Mississippi. This year is the longest we have ever gone, and if you can imagine, it was sort of a nightmare to pack for. On one hand, it can be downright HOT in the deep South in November, but then there are times (like last year) where it is COLD! Top that all off with the combo of fashion blogger and TEN days of outfits, and well, it calls for the big guns.

Mix and Match Packing List! by dinagideon featuring a flannel dress

I have talked about packing before in this Mommy Style Monday and I find that the color combo thing usually works quite well for me. This year I highlighted the colors purple, brown, grey, and olive. I also threw in a bit of blue for fun. Above is the polyvore of the vast majority of what I brought with me...and for the most part you will be seeing all the items in action. I wore most of the items twice, three times, and all the items were perfect for both casual and dressy. Unfortunately for me, I didn't bring enough warm weather clothing, so I did have to buy clearance shorts from the local department store (Belk), but that was only for the first two days I was there. I numbered all the pieces in the polyvore so that I could make it simple for me in these posts (this one I am writing now is on the casual outfits I wore and the one I will write later is on the dressy outfits I wore). If you need more info on these pieces, click on the polyvore. If that isn't enough info, comment here or at the polyvore and *eventually* I should get back to you. :)

In New Orleans, second day (we added on a night stay in the Big Easy this year--we always fly into and out of the Louis Armstrong Airport).  It was H-O-T that day.  I wore my Dauphine as a nod to Dauphine Street but I was BROILING in this photo.  I had to change after this morning, before we went to the Audubon zoo (which is fab, btw).

This outfit consists of pieces #11, #12, #22, and #8.  Yes, those are my A.R. Trapp for J. Crew Troubadour sunglasses.  Those come with me EVERYWHERE I go.  ;)

This is a combo outfit shot and review shot.  I ordered this Milly sweater a few weeks ago and in general, I love it.  Very feminine, very French, and very Emma Pillsbury.  C'est magnifique!  Only gripe I have is that the back collar area folds under (you can tell by looking at my upper right arm area), but I think if I wash it and lay it flat to dry, it should be fine.  At any rate, the tic was barely noticeable and I felt fab wearing this cute little knitted number.  I took it in a small.

Another pic, no hand on hip.  Don't you LOVE my husband's childhood room?  All those Star Wars posters?  ;)

Here is the full outfit, which consists of #7, #6, and #1.

Wore this outfit the last day I was there in Mississippi.  We went to see the latest Harry Potter (very, very good!) and I needed a cardi to keep warm and something comfy to sit in for all those hours.  I also had a migraine that day (hence no makeup), so I needed to not feel too fussy. By the time the movie started, the medicine I take had started to work, and the outfit felt great and I was able to really enjoy the show!  (The buttery popcorn I ate also helped...lol.)

I am wearing #3, #15, #13, and #1.

From the side.

Few notes about the pieces in this outfit.  The dream v-neck cardigan is starting to pill, especially under the arms.  This heathered nordic blue is such a great color that I will shave the heck out of this cardigan in order to wear it.  That said, if you are fussy about pilling, don't buy this cardigan in this color.  The sequin drizzle tank is CRAZY.  I have it here in a size PETITE 6 and it is WAY too big.  I had to basically pin my bra to the interior of the tank so my bra wouldn't show to the whole wide world.  The tank straps are made for someone with a far longer upper body than I have.  What would the regular size 4 or 6 look like on me?  Based on this, I say size down at least two sizes and make sure to get the Petite if you are short-torsoed.  I think the petite 4 or even Petite 2 would have fit my upper body much better (don't even get me started on the gaping arm holes).  As it stands, I have to sew the straps shorter to have this work without having to pin, pin, pin.  Irritating!  The glen plaid minnies are a size 8, and feel great.  I don't mind the way wool feels, though, so bear that in mind.   There is very little stretch in these so SIZE UP from your normal Minnie Pants size (my usual size is a 6).

The dressy mix and match is coming up.  I had a lot of fun dressing up while I was down there.  ;)

P.S. I want to say I am truly sorry for being missing in action lately.  I wanted to comment back on the last few posts, but honestly, I am lacking in energy.  I feel like it is a combo of a few things...my health (I feel fine most days in the AM, but by the PM I am ready to collapse, and the PM is when I usually post or comment), my general sadness (been feeling blue a lot lately, I don't know if it is the weather or what, but it has been hard to stay upbeat), and the fear of people coming to my blog and being mean (just don't have the will to deal with negativity right now, and honestly, there has been some knocking around at my favorite blogs lately and I really worry that it will come here and muck things up!).

Missed you all!!!