OOTD/Made by Me File: Burda 7137...Just in Time for the Derby.

Hey, all!  First up will be the ootd portion followed by a closer look at the Burda dress pattern and how I made it work for my body.

Day: Saturday, March 22, 2014.

Where: School Auction (theme this year is Kentucky Derby).  You can see what I wore to last year's auction here (fourth outfit).

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I took a half-point off because the Boden shoes pinched just a touch by the end of the evening.  I didn't have a seat, so I stood the entire live auction portion.  Whatever.  I felt so good in my dress I didn't care.  :-)  This dress is so comfortable since I made it exactly to my measurements, in a stretch cotton sateen, and lined it it in a stretch nylon tricot. 

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.)  I'll give it a 3 because I am so stinking proud of my creation, but I *know* it really isn't *that* cool.  I definitely resemble a lady who is on her way to a proper English wedding, though, so I am sure I would fit right in with that crowd.

BTW, we were asked to wear the hats.  If you have been reading long enough, you'll remember me picking this up after spending an evening trolling Burlington Coat Factory with my brother last year.  So glad I found a reason to wear it. 

Anecdote from the Day: The Mint Juleps were so strong, OMG.  The first one I drank nearly tipped me over the edge.  I chased the next one with some diet ginger ale and that seemed to help cut its effect.

The quilt I had made for CW's kindergarten class went for $325, so that made all that freaking time and energy I put into it worth it.  It was my first quilt and although it is technically not as good as it could be, it was really cute with all the squares having been hand-painted and drawn by all of her classmates.

I saw this beautiful fabric first when I spied this McCall's pattern a few months ago.  While in Joann's searching for some quilting and knitting supplies, I caught a glimpse of the same fabric, just in a cotton sateen and not a knit fabric (still hunting for the knit fabric, fwiw, would love a tee in this print).  I was sold on it, but was trying to figure out what to make with it, and then it dawned on me that I could use it for the auction dress, since I had plans to make it anyhow.

Pairing it with a pattern proved more challenging.  I initially wanted to use a vintage Vogue pattern from the 60s, but I knew that the button back and other details would make it a more time consuming project than I wanted to sew up.  I also thought of using this Kwik Sew pattern, but I thought the challenge of grading the pattern's top half and bottom half to match my pear-shaped measurements may be too hard (it also wasn't as fitted looking as I wanted), so I scrapped that idea.  Then I spied this classic sheath pattern from Burda and realized that I could make it work since the pattern could be graded out at the seams rather than through a slash and spread method.  I was stoked.

I cut all the bits out (only three pattern pieces total) and measured the tissue and determined that a 12 up top (equivalent to a 38 Euro size) and an 18 at low hip (equivalent to a 46 Euro size) would work best for me.  What I ended up doing was starting at the waist of the dress pieces (very clearly marked, btw, on the pattern) I took my hip curve ruler and carefully drew a long curved line (over a span of about ten inches--I have a L-O-N-G hipline) from the size 12 at the waist to a size 18 at the hip.  It ended up being the precise right measurement to draw and it perfectly follows my own natural curve.  If I had shortened the length, it would have had too much fullness at my high hip, which is much narrower than my low hip.

A bonus of this fitting so well is that it was super comfortable in this stretchy fabric.  I could, if I ever so desired, go *down* a size (so grade from a 12 to a 16 instead) the next time I make it in a stretch woven.  I also am thrilled to know that I can make this exact pattern again, with my alterations, in a non-stretch woven, and I just happen to have a really pretty textured ivory cotton that may look very nice in this silhouette.

I love that I have a pattern that can work as a sloper since it mirrors me very well.  I plan to use it against other patterns when trying something new, and definitely can use the skirt portion of the dress pattern to create a pencil skirt pattern.

The sleeves were not super tricky to set in, but of course I still didn't get them 100% perfect.  There is a touch of puckering in both.

The zip was easy to install, and I absolutely love my Bernina invisible zip foot.  I feel like a rock star every time I put an invisible zip in, lol, even though objectively I know the foot is doing all the work for me.

The vent was kind of a pain, and I don't think Burda did a great job of explaining how to properly do it.  I think my version looks okay, but could definitely be better.

The lining went in well and will be great for any time I want to wear this dress with tights.  I still need to attach the lining to the vent pieces, but having not done it did not mean it showed, so thank goodness for small things.

Conclusion--I will make this dress again, and I highly recommend it for any woman with a pear shape who will take the time to find the right measurements and curve on the paper pattern since it worked so well for me.  I turned to sewing, in part, because of dresses like this sheath dress.  Often if I wanted a dress like this from ready to wear I was forced to wear a sack up top to ensure I got something that fit properly through the hips and legs.  No more, hahahaha. 

Okay, that's it for now.  Anyone else try this pattern?  Would love to see what you all made!

J. Crew Reviews: Isabel and a Pair of Crewcuts.

Hey, all! I am going to make today's reviews brief and to the point--two reasons, my computer is on the fritz (ergh, power cable issues), and I am like a pregnant kitty cat, hyper-flexible (hey, thanks relaxin!) and always needing a nap. LOL. :)

I have three sweaters in today's post, the Cashmere Isabel sweatshirt in heather nordic blue, a crewcuts lambswool sweater in heather mediterranean, and another crewcuts (get it, a pair?) cashmere cable crewneck sweater in heather citrus.

Amazingly, given the sizes I purchased (wanted them to be for years to come, not just pregnant dinagideon year), I actually fit into all of them.  I doubt they all (except the Isabel) will fit at full term, but I know I have at least a month or so left to wear all three.  Yippee!

Can I just first mention how much I LUURRVVE this outfit?  I wore it on the preschool run today, and for an early (and slightly wet and warm) December morning, I all at once felt festive and perfectly warm and cozy?

Sweater: Cashmere Isabel Sweatshirt, Size extra-small.  This runs really large.  It is supposed to be a loose fit, but it is bordering on too slouchy.  Since my upper half of my torso hasn't grown, the shoulders were all '80s flashdance-y and my lower half was fitting exactly right.  :)  I suppose all "Flashdance" is fine, but we'll see next year.  Even if it is out of style, I still will probably keep it because it is SO COZY and yummy and warm and the color is a bit of candy blue heaven, just bright enough to warm my skin up, but not so bright I am the first thing you see coming.  If you can get this with an extra % off, bite.  It is a good egg in the J. Crew cashmere basket.

Pants: Duo Maternity, Cargo Pants, Size Small.  I have had these since I was pregnant with Rex and thought the ivory nicely suited the nordic blue sweater.

Scarf: Loft Infinity Scarf that I will do a quickie review of in a couple of photos.

Shoes: Boden Animal Print Bow Flats.  These are from a few years ago, and I wear them as much as I can, love the contrast blue bow to the giraffe print.  Boden has a current style that they are selling that I both did a review of here and that you can find at this link, Animal Bow Pumps.  Speaking of Boden, they have decided to continue selling their full and promo priced items at an extra 25% off with free shipping, so I have included a link at the very bottom of this post with that link (there is also one in the sidebar).  You will want to click on that before buying so the % off can be applied to your shopping bag.

I just love this shot.  But you can totally see Flashdance up top and normal on bottom, right?  :)

This scarf is so lovely...and I was fortunate enough to get it on the Cyber Monday madness (along with a pregnancy top) for an extra 50% off.  I figured it was such a great deal that I would get one for my stepmom.

It is called the Shimmer Open Knit Infinity Loop Scarf and is $34.50 before any discounts.  The price on its own is great, but for half off is almost a steal.  It isn't cashmere or any sort of yummy wool, but the acrylic is soft and warm and this style can be looped twice (like I have done) or three times for extra warmth.  I love how the shimmery light gold looks with the blue...very pretty combo.

Another momma/baby/Rex shot.  He loves the baby so much.  Really very cute.  :)

The color of the sweatshirt is most accurate here as I know that is the exact shade of Rex's tee.  So if you like that shade of blue for you then you should be stoked in real life when you receive it.

I call this look Preppy Pregnant Person.  (Wait till you see it paired with the Prince of Wales Schoolboy Jacket, hoo boy, call Harvard.)

Sweater: Crewcuts Lambswool Sweater, Size 14.  This is pretty true to size as far as crewcuts go...so if you wear a size extra small in regular J. Crew tops (or size 4-6), you should be fine to wear this.  Only avoid crewcuts if you have a longer torso as the length is a bit shorter.  In fact the reason I will need to stop wearing this after another month or so is because of the length, not the stretchability, etc.

Pants:  Liz Lange for Target, Size 6.  I think these are fab, but I prefer duo as I like the stretchy waistband bit on duo and only like the adjustable (button tab type) waistband on very specific types of pants.

Shoes: Uggs Ashdale, Size 9.  I have a desire for shearling lining, it seems.  I am a big wimp when it comes to cold weather, and the lining makes it a tiny bit more bearable.  The Ashdale look like regular duck shoes but with the shearling twist.  My hubby liked them but kind of laughed when he saw me wearing them on a non-rainy day. 

Scarf: J. Crew Airy Wool Scarf.  I love the pattern and loved all the pieces it came in, but I really think at this point, I need to just get things that will last in my wardrobe longest...hence a scarf.  I have scarves from years ago that I still wear, so I know it will stick around.  Totally sold out, but I provided a link just in case (popbacks).

From the side.  Oddly enough this one makes my belly look smaller.  Ha.  At least I get more sympathy if the belly looks bigger.  This outfit was worn on Saturday, so I can ensure you that my belly is only a teeny bit bigger than this today.

The color is awesome, btw.  Just a very pretty intense shade of blue...it definitely looks like a part of the sea.

I loved this sweater SO MUCH that when I saw it for sale at 9.80 in the red color, I bit and added free monogramming.  After the extra % off (it was a 25% off day), the total was 7.50 or something.  I about died, I was so thrilled.  Yeah, you know the end of the story, right?  It was canceled.  Boo.  Boo.  Sad face.

 With the Schoolboy Blazer in Prince of Wales Wool.  I know there are some folks who dislike this jacket,  but I adore the plaid/tartan (right, Tabitha?) and the weight is awesome for our warmer winters here in DC.

It still fits, and I anticipate that as long as I don't need it to be buttoned, I will be able to wear it as a topper until the bitter end.  I should mention it is in my tts jacket size of 4.

Close up of both the Prince of Wales Schoolboy and the scarf.

And finally, outfit #3.  Yet another preschool run outfit.  It was another fairly warm day, and oh, man, I was almost dying I was so hot by the end of the day.  This crewcuts cashmere is some warm wool!

Sweater: Crewcuts Cashmere Cable Crewneck Sweater.  I bought this in a size 14 and for a really good price, something like $70.  It is EXACTLY the same as adult sweaters, just a bit shorter in the torso and cheaper.  Yeah, um, I'll take it.  (Especially on sale.  Especially then!)  The heather citrus color is so soft and lofty, I literally was petting myself all day.

Pants: Duo Maternity Skinny Jeans, Size small.  I felt elegant wearing these, very slim and long enough for my inseam.  Love that they carry long lengths.

Shoes: Miss Albright Prized Rose Peep-Toes, worn with black socks (so they don't really look like peep-toes anymore).

Necklace: Boden Statement Necklace from a couple of years ago.  Currently they have the Chandelier Necklace, which if combined with the extra 25% off link (at the end of the post) is around $75.  I think I paid somewhere in that neighborhood for mine (also on sale).

From the side.  This is a belly from before Thanksgiving.  Definitely smaller.  Good to know that Gus grows.  :)

I hope these reviews have helped you all!  Good luck with your sweater shopping this season.

For those of you Boden fans, here is the link to that 25% off deal I mentioned a few times above:
Save 25% at Bodenusa.com with Free Shipping
This sale is on till Thursday night, December 8, 2011. :) Enjoy!

P.S. I was a guest blogger on my friend Rebecca's blog, I Wanna Be a Domestic Goddess (love that blog name), and it was a ton of fun making a wishlist for me and the kiddoes.  Check it out here!

Okay, talk soon, you all...

Come Sail Away!

Hey, all!

Another short and sweet post, plus a request for my favorite Old School J. Crew super sleuths...I have four items I need identified, and you all were so helpful the last time, I have a feeling I will have figured them all out in no time! :) Yay!

First thing, the outfit of the day from yesterday featuring one of the items that needs a name, not just my made up name of "Harbor Beaded Sailboat Full Skirt." 

It was a gazillion degree minus one yesterday (today it was officially a gazillion degrees and tomorrow is meant to be a gazillion degrees plus one), so I chose to dress up for CW's dance class (and my doctor's appointment) by wearing a very lightweight top, skirt, and sandals.

The top is ancient, Summer 2005, frayed neckline, tissue tee, but one of my all time favorites.  I also own this in pink.  This is *not* the item I need identifying.  LOL.  The skirt is from 2005 or 2006 (I can't remember what the tag said) but it features a delicately beaded harbor scene with sailboats and lighthouses.  Very pretty and very preppy.  I bought it for maybe $40 at Mint Condition, size 4 (turns out a size 4 skirt will fit me as long as the hips are full, the skirt is probably a tad shorter than it is meant to be, but I quite like where it hits on my leg, right at the knee).  The sandals are Miss Trish of Capri for Target, the ones from 2009 featuring the starfish.  BTW, all Miss Trish for Target sandals have a leather sole.  Even the kids versions.  Ask me how many Miss Trish sandals I got this year?  NONE.  They all looked yucky, and I am very glad I bought the couple of pairs I did over the past years...

Proof of baby's dance class.  :)  She brought the duck so he could watch her. 

The doctor's appointment went well.  My world is so funny, one year ago my doctor was telling me I had a hole in my heart that could lead to strokes (and had caused countless numbers of mini-strokes) and yesterday, my other doctor said my heart was in perfect shape. YES!  :)  Still get migraines, but none of the mini-strokes have happened since, and in my world, that is more than enough for me.

So, ladies, what is this skirt? BTW, there is an exceptionally expensive one for sale on ebay, but it is NWT.  Hmm.

And while you are at it, this skirt, too, please?  (Ebay--$10!)

And the montage (so pretty, btw)...what are the shoes in the left hand corner?  I got those for $25 and I have no clue (they are Collection but seem to have man-made soles?).

And then this lovely, I know it is April 2006, but I can't tell what this print is called.  I know it is really pretty, though, and was $20 on ebay.

Interested in more on prints, go on over to Egyptomaniac, who took a look just today.  :)  I happen to agree, prints are the way to go.  (Like you all expected me to say anything else. Snort.)

Thanks again, super sleuths of Old School J. Crew!

P.S. LOVE the new rollout.  The prettiness!  Definitely eyeing the Bonnie Dress in Toile Jacquard (yum, and so very ladylike) and the Hacking Jacket in Herringbone, Midnight Ocean color.  (Not usually into this much blue, but wow...can definitely see how I could make room for these two in my closet!)

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!

Cherry Blossom Times Three!

I am sort of addicted now to the cherry blossom print, a GORGEOUS J. Crew print that came out in the spring of 2008.

It was a slow burn to say the least.  I actually have owned the Cherry Blossom Lucaya Espadrilles for almost two years now, in fact I purchased them for $10 at Rugged Wearhouse, which is a local store much like TJ Maxx or Ross, in that it sells overstock.  I just couldn't seem to find a reason to wear it...

I know, I know, kind of lame.  LOL.

Then I saw the wonderful Cherry Blossom dress modeled on shopwithm.  I didn't know if I would find her exact dress, but she, like me, loves the ebay, so I thought I would give it a try.  And lo and behold, a seller was selling a factory version of the retail dress that shopwithm owned.  I ended up winning the auction, and now am the proud owner of the very pretty Cherry Blossom print dress.

I even added to my own cherry blossom fervor (I live in the DC area, I guess I should just accept my fate) and bought the Cherry Blossom necklace when it dipped down to nearly *HALF* of its original cost (love the extra 30% off sales).  I had loved it styled in the catalogs, so to get it for half off felt like the best score!

Finally, just two days ago, I won an auction for the cherry blossom cafe capri pants (the actual retail version, too!) for $15!  YAY!  :)  Cannot wait to model these!

Anyhow, onto the pretty!

J. Crew Factory Cherry Blossom Print Dress, Size 6, Cotton.  It has pockets that are on the front (as opposed to stitched into the seam which is what the retail version has).  The cotton works better for my summer lifestyle, and I have a lot of success with these factory shift dresses, and probably own five of this style.  I don't think I will be hunting for the silk retail version, this one is just fine by me! :)

The shoes are the current retail leather ballet flats.  This poppy color is a very vibrant tomato red and is exactly the right shoe for this dress.  Score!

Close up of the print.  Definitely more muddied than the retail, but still very pretty!

The collar also has no buttons, the tailoring (or lack thereof) is probably what makes this factory.  The retail version clearly has more detail and fine features. 

That said, if you can find this factory version on ebay, go for it!  (And polyvore peeps, I have a pic of it saved!)

This is the outfit that features the cherry blossom necklace.  I wanted to highlight its prettiness, so I chose to wear it last week with the very preppy and perfect for summer heat Land's End Dobby Dress (that I found at Sears!).

The dress is a size 4, and I highly HIGHLY recommend that if you have a smaller bustline to size way down.  I wear a 6 in most J. Crew dresses, sometimes an 8, so I am either down one or two sizes.  The hips are free, so even those of us (lucky) pear-shaped ladies should be in our smallest size.  Unfortunately, Land's End's smallest size is a 2 petite, so many of you will be sized out...but on the other side, this dress goes up into many of the women's sizes, so if you love the prep and get angry at J. Crew for not having anything above size 14, this company may suit your prep desire.  :)  Very very cute stuff!

The shoes are the Lula Ballet Flats in the Liberty print fabric from this spring.  I jumped on these when they went on super sale, with an additional 20% off.  These are so COMFORTABLE.  Highly recommend these flats for comfort.  I am wearing my tts 9.5 in these.

The necklace will be reviewed in a few photos (there's a close-up).

Hands on hip.  This dress has phenomenal drape and the waist sash is a nice touch and really emphasizes the waist perfectly.

This dress is very mid-century Mom, yes???

From the back you can see why, even on me, the dress runs fairly large.  The bodice is pretty loose and the straps are a bit long, so bear that in mind if you buy this dress.

Black and white pic.  The necklace in b&w looks really unique and special. 

Close-up of the cherry blossom necklace in color.  The necklace is not a delicate thing, is it?  In other words, it is so my style.  Love the statement necklace and the beautiful, contrasting pave-style cherry blossom flowers make this necklace truly a conversation piece.  It is heavy, too, so keep that in mind.  Definitely worth it at $75 (and for sure $60), maybe not $150...

CW and I were going to her dance class that morning.  Her ballet costume (with tutu) is so darling.  Obviously we are practicing in this shot.  My dad is going to love this shot.  :)  (Yes, dad, I will make you a copy!)

Old School J. Crew and Cherry Blossoms... by dinagideon featuring chain bracelets

Above is the polyvore of the outfit I am wearing below.  This shirtdress may be familiar to you old timey J. Crew fans.  :)  It is from Spring 2007 and was from back when the Crew went boating on a regular basis in Italy (it was in the Capri catalog--February 2007).

Dress is not my hubby's favorite.  He far prefers more fitted and shorter.  (Aw, shucks, Mr. Dina, no sister wife fashion love???)  I love this dress and will always wear it, regardless.

That said, I did buy it at a larger, postpartum size (bought when Rex was a few months old), and maybe I would do better with a four or six, but until I find the right size on ebay or the exchange, I will continue to wear this size 8 chestnut stripe version (it also came in a light blue stripe).

It has pockets, love that.  The dress also has a sash (like the Land's End one) but it looked boring that way, so I took my hot pink skinny leather belt (size small) and used that instead.

The shoes are the cherry blossom here, the Lucaya Espadrilles.  They are in a size 9, which is 1/2 size smaller than I normally wear, but it was fine, maybe a millimeter too short, but nothing crazy.

Hand on hip, being all sassy.

You all have a great day.  I want to thank each and every single one of you for reading my blog.  I know I have been kind of busy lately, and not commenting very often, or commenting back, but I am reading other blogs (and enjoying the posts), and I am reading all comments that come to this blog.  You all rock!  Once this week is done (Rex has his last day of preschool on Thursday), I will have more time (gotta love that!).

P.S. If you have a Boden review for me, would you mind e-mailing me by tomorrow?  I plan to have the Boden Weekly Review Roundup published by late afternoon!  THANK YOU!


P.P.S. I have found the fresco cardigan that I so love in a smaller size! (The medium I had was a tad bit too big and loose.) So I have decided to sell the medium, below is the polyvore with info on that...

Fresco Cardigan! by dinagideon featuring a j crew cardigan