OOTDs: Grey Casual.

Hi, all!  Happy mid-February!  It is quite a time here in our household, what with the continued healing of Rex (it's working, yay!), his eighth birthday (today!), and Mr. Dina's bday yesterday.  I also *just* finished a rather labor-intensive sewing project involving rayon challis and a button-up shirtdress for Fabric Mart (that post will be at their blog Saturday morning).  I am definitely looking forward to a yummy margarita tonight.

Since it has been so long since I have haunted here (barring a few comments back to questions left at posts), I figured it was high time I get something written.  :-)

Very little in the way of text, since I have the birthday dinner to get to, but will add bits and pieces where needed.

Date: February 9, 2015.

Details: Tunic & Scarf, J. Crew; Leggings, Madewell; Shoes, J. Crew Factory; Glasses, Bebe.

This was the first day that I convinced Rex (in his tiny wheelchair) to go on an errand with me to the grocery store so we could pick up his medicine and some random items we needed.  I had to put Angus in the Ergo (still fits him!), and Rex and I navigated the store the best we could.  He even got the sweet fishmonger to sign his cast.  :-)

These are my *fancy* glasses.  Now that I have frames that look decent on me, I am wearing them more than I did before.  I was surprised these were from Bebe, since their clothing line is not really my style (go on and open that link, haha).

Date: December 14, 2014.

Details: Top & Pants, J. Crew; Shoes, Urban Outfitters.

I went pre-bowling that day.  The whole time I noticed there was this boy (probably 20 years old), walking around and kind of looking at me.  Based on how well he was bowling, I figured it was because he was just horrified at my bowling.  Well, no, turns out he may have been sweet on me, because as I was leaving he asked me so nicely, "are you leaving?"  And then proceeded to converse with me for a long time.  Or he was just really lonely.  Or he wanted to push me for info on how this woman could be just that bad at bowling.  Hahahahaha.

Date: December 16, 2014.

Details: Sweater, crewcuts (size 16); pants & necklace, J. Crew; boots, Vince Camuto.

I was substitute teaching that day. ;-)

Date: December 17, 2014.

Details: Coat, Boden (here); Pants, Pure Collection; Sweater, Wal-Mart; Shoes, J. Crew.

Another day of subbing!  I have to say, considering this sweater is from Wal-Mart, it's pretty darn cute and fun.  A bit sheer, but nothing horrible.  Definitely 100% acrylic.  LOL.

Date: January 4, 2015.

Details: Top & Pants, J. Crew; Necklace &; Shoes, Boden.

Don't remember anything from this day, but I remember really liking this outfit.

Okay, you all have a great day!!!  Should be back soon, less going on for the rest of the month (thank goodness).

OOTDs: Heidi Buns and a Piped Plaid Coat.

Day: Wednesday, January 16, 2013.

Where: Massage and Winesday.

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Well, I think it was easy to wear, but since massages require disrobing, I definitely am taking off points since it took me for-freaking-ever to take all the layers off and put them back on.  I had no other choice, though, because I was walking from the massage to the Whole Foods, and it was pretty chilly out, and raining, so extra-thick layers of wool were the only real option.

The Alexa Dress is so warm.  I am glad I chose to wear it that day, since it allowed me to be warm and still have a fairly dressy look.  It is currently in Boden's clearance section, and many sizes are still left.  (I am wearing an 8 long.)

Cool Factor: (2 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) Haha, in Anthro world, this is the coolest outfit ever.  In non-twee/unicorns/sparkle dust land, it is a bit much. 

The piped plaid coat definitely is not a best seller.  I saw it at the store on deep discount and fell in love.  I have worn it a handful of times since then, and think the size small I got fits well and is a great fun option for outerwear.  It does have short sleeves, so you have to wear a longer length top/layer under it, or you can wear longer gloves (which is what I did, a pair of J. Crew long gloves from last year).

Considering how crazy my hair was that day, I expected all sorts of horrified reactions, but my brother and the massage therapist both liked the Heidi buns.  :)  For whatever that is worth...

Anecdote from the day:  Mr. Dina was NOT a fan of the Heidi buns.  He likes it when I wear pigtails, though, so I have given up caring, since "Ellie May Clampett" is okay but not a play on "Princess Leia."  Whatever.

He paid for my massage because he is a sweety, so I will forgive him.  LOL.

And I promise to only wear the Heidi buns whenever he won't have to see me.  ;)

Day: Monday, January 28, 2013.

Where: Pre-Bowling.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Since it was a pre-bowling day, I needed to be in something that I could easily move in so that I could ensure good scores*. 

The turtleneck is from Pure (I did a review of the dark grey one here) and is currently in the clearance section.  It pops back from time to time, but grab it if you see it and want it, since it always sells out super fast.  They have introduced their spring line, though, and you could get this Gassato Cashmere Relaxed Sweater with the 25% off sidebar coupon instead, and since it is fully stocked you don't have to do the whole "OMG, will that popback really ship to me?" 

*It didn't work, btw.  My first game was HORRIBLE.  I have since vowed that I will never pre-bowl by myself ever again.  (And it had nothing to do with the outfit, btw.)

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) I like the look.  Nothing especially cool or uncool.  It just works and looks decent on this SAHM.

Anecdote from the day:  CW's school system had the day off.  She doesn't go to school on Mondays, but since all the other counties look to CW's school system for info on whether or not they should cancel school when there is inclement weather, them not having school really messed up all the other systems.  LOL.  The county that Rex's school is in usually DOES NOT cancel school for bad weather, since the county is fairly small and is in the "warmer" part of the DC area.  Well, that morning there was some ice and so Rex's school was canceled.  NO other counties canceled school.  In fact, almost all of them went in two hours late.  That was the first time I have ever seen that happen. 

Fortunately I was home, and so it was no big deal, but for the working (outside the home) parents, what a pain, right?

I took Rex to pre-bowling with me.  He didn't notice how badly I did the first game, but I will make a point of telling you all that he did better than me that first game (he had bumpers, but still!).

My second and third game were decent, but I had the two of the bowling staff giving me personal lessons.  You know it's bad when that happens.

BTW, Boden fans, new "Spring Trim" today, with items in all categories at 20% off (and an additional 15% off with the blog's sidebar coupon).  Two new trim items from the women's cut include the Stitch Detail Dress and the Colourblock Bag.  

Okay, that's it!  Have a great Monday**!

**And a Happy Birthday to Mr. Dina!!!  I bought him Rush tickets and a concert tee.  I know he would do the same for me.  :)

A Little Sweater Dressing...

I know it is Sunday, so I expect there will be chirping crickets sounding when this post is published, but I have little time left now during the week because of my "Spring Into Style" class...so this will have to do.

Commence Chirping Crickets sound.

I almost named this post "How the bleep is this April?" but figured that would offend too many people so I just moved onto something a bit more innocuous. (Of course I could have offended you by even telling you that I almost named my post that, but I choose to live on the edge. LOL.)

It has been far too freaking cold to be April.  Last year for Spring Into Style I was wearing sundresses and sandals and it was. FAB. to. the. extreme.  This time around I have had one day that I could wear a sundress, but since then I have had to dip into my winter wardrobe.  (Hello, I already taught that class, remember, in January, when I wore the {in}famous Victorian peach look?)

Admittedly none of the three looks below are actually from my class, but they have been worn recently and all include merino wool and cashmere.  Grr.  When did Virginia become northern Canada?

I wore this today to a friend's son's birthday party.  I love children's birthday parties.  They always are so much fun, the kids get to go CRAZY and the parents get to drink.  I mean, come on, it is sheer perfection for parents AND the kids.

I adore this sweater dress.  The chain print is very mod-looking and the shape is divine.  I like how it worked with the Boden statement necklace, the Kimchi flats (Urban outfitters), and tights.  I wore it last time with a cloche, tights, a button-down, and a pair of ballet flats. 

I almost sold this sweater dress when I was in need of money, but I am glad I didn't.  Must remember...the special pieces MUST stay in the closet, sell the pieces that are in good shape but maybe aren't really your best friend, dinagideon.  (Definitely remind me of this if I ever decide to sell my Sybil Double Cloth Coat.  As if!)

Another view.  I can't believe the merino wool wasn't warm enough on its own that I had to wear tights.  Unreal.  (Of course I just saw that Fredericksburg, which is 40 miles south of us, made it to 73 degrees today.  Huh???)

Haha, I know the black cami and black tights make it look like I was doing a catsuit/mid-century modern crazy look.  In real life the cami wasn't that obvious.  I blame the silly flash from the camera.  That said, I do believe that I will wear it with a long-sleeved black tee next time. 

I wore this in March, not April, but Mr. Dina just told me that the March this year was. THE. COLDEST. on. record.  That's over 110 years of record-keeping, btw. 

I sold this dress in the size medium I had for years to a good blog friend when we both discovered a size small was for sale over at Polyvore.  We worked out a deal, and as soon as my size small arrived in the mail, I would ship my size medium to my blog friend.  And, yay, it fit!  And my friend?  The medium fit her, too!  Success!

From the side the black crazy catsuit lady looks less obvious.  :)

Yesterday I went on a playdate with momoberry (check out her fab blog) and was forced to wear my cashmere cowlneck.  I wanted to wear a cute tee and shorts!!!  (Sad face.)

Still, I do adore this cowlneck, so warm and lovely and comfy, and combined with the mosiac print pants and awesome Cole-Haan kicks, I felt very SAHM chic.  Easy to move around in and still decent looking.

Meeting momoberry was wonderful!  We have so much in common...a love of fashion, our kids, makeup, and we are in the same area!  I look forward to our next meet-up!

I am smiling because I don't need a coat with this sweater...say what you will about J. Crew cashmere but I find it to be the perfect thickness, colors, and softness. 

Okay, that's all for now.  My next post will be my Friday's Spring Into Style look, which is Boden's printed tunic styled for school. 

Have a great night, enjoy the weather.  LOL.  :)

Pink Times Two plus a Swan Butt Outing...

Hi, all! Quick outfits post today. :)

First up is the outfit we (you'll see what I mean) wore on Friday. I had a meeting at the school where I will be teaching an 8-day course in style to 3rd, 4th, and 5th-graders. :) Yes, you read that right, I have decided to bite the bullet and turn my passion for fashion into a course for little ones. I really feel strongly about teaching kids how to dress well and appropriately (you should see what kids in middle school wear--yowza), and the earlier you can help them discover a sense of self through their clothing (it isn't nearly as vacuous as it sounds), the better off they will be by the time their peers start wearing gang clothing or really short skirts. I can't say that they won't turn to the dark side, but maybe one or two of the kids in this class will keep what they learned! I am super-excited about it, and I have a lot of really neat ideas and teaching tools (including every one's favorite paper doll site, Polyvore) ready to go. Wish me luck. One week from tomorrow I start, so I will keep you updated on how well it goes. :)

Pretty in Pink... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Speaking of polyvore, above is the "pretty in pink" set that baby CW and I wore on Friday. Slastena wrote an incredibly moving post on her mother's passing ten years ago from breast cancer, and she asked all of us out in blogland to wear pink. Since I hadn't chosen my outfit yet, and knew that I could very easily find pink in my closet, I said "yes, absolutely!" Well, I picked out the button-down first, and then remembered that I had bought CW the dress in the same pattern and that she *might* just fit into it (size 2 crewcuts). Well, she did, and two outfits were born. :)


Sizes:
Top: Size Petite 8. Love that it doesn't hit too low on my hip. That is why I buy petite tops...so that they hit higher on my hips.
Pants: Size 30 Short. Love the brown with the pink, really pretty neutral/bright combo.
Boots: Size 9.5. The metropolitan boots are way more comfortable when you aren't running around a mall for two hours straight. LOL. :)

My goodness, my hair looks dark here. It isn't that dark in real life, but the combo of lighting plus really pale face plus bright shirt makes it look dark. I do like my hair like this, but ladies, I WILL never go dark. It just isn't me. ;)

Okay, on Thursday night (the night before the pretty in pink outfit), we all went to Moe's and to Borders Book Store. I decided the swan butt skirt needed to come out and play...


Sizes:
Top: Size small. I am amazed at how much I wear this top. I think I have worn it four times, which in four months is pretty good. I am definitely getting my money's worth from this one.
Skirt: Size medium. I have it in a large, too, but I am saving that one for summer when I don't wear tights and need a bit more coverage (if you know what I mean).
Tights: Size medium-tall.
Shoes: Size 10.


Sizes:
Jacket: Size 4. The is the J. Crew Collection tweed contessa coat. I think what makes it "collection" worthy is the embellishment at the collar. One of the beads is hanging on by a thread, but considering I got it for over 160 dollars off its original price of 250 dollars, I think I can manage to sew a bead back on...

All right, have a great day. Maybe I can get a review of some of the current button-downs written soon. :)

Tuesdays are Dress Days!

First up: A NEW commenting system, Disqus, has been enabled for all posts starting with today's. I will still have commenting on the old posts, but they will be through Blogger, and they will still have comment moderation. From what I have seen of the Disqus system on GingerSnap's blog, Chloe's blog, and Ashley's blog, I knew this was the direction that would work well for this blog. I like free thought, I love discussions, however...I do not really care for downright insulting comments. Sorry, I have feelings, and so does my family. Say what you want about this blog being public, blah, blah, blah...this is still my happy space (I love it most of the time), and I want it to stay happy. Disqus will allow me A LOT more control of how negative or not negative I choose this space to be. And as one of my favorite blog friends pointed out in a recent e-mail (she wants to remain private), the My Superfluities Blog is a lot more fun and delightful when a system of respect is there. I agree. So that is what I am doing by using Disqus, implementing some modicum of respect. Does that mean every comment has to be sunshiney and with rainbows? Heck no! I married a contrarian, for crying out loud. I can handle jibes and jokes and disagreements! And that is why I really fought to keep anonymous commenting for so long...I wanted you all to have your say. But lately, it has gotten out of hand. You have not seen the comments, because I have NOT PUBLISHED THEM. But they have been TERRIBLE. With Disqus, they may get published, but I will be able to have them flagged, etc. Plus you all can DIRECTLY answer a person if you want to discuss a point or counterpoint with them...

So enjoy this "happier, more decent" format of My Superfluities. :)

Okay, so Tuesdays are dress days...this is because I don't have baby CW with me and I am able to wear something that isn't conducive to nursing, in other words, dresses! I love dresses and relish any opportunity to wear them. In fact, the days I wear dresses I feel uplifted, even if everything else is kind of rotten (case in point--yesterday--God bless the little children and all, but boy, Rex was in a MOOD yesterday).

Simple, Easy Elegance... by dinagideon featuring Cole Haan shoes

So last Tuesday I wore this oldie, but goodie. Click on the polyvore to see info on the three pieces. Only the necklace is new. Speaking of the necklace, LOVE this one. Made by Urban Outfitters, I think it cost $15. It is a fun piece that is trendy, but at $15, is an expense that I can swallow.


Sizes:

Dress: Size UK 10, or US 6. This dress really is a nice bridge piece for the changing seasons, either from fall to winter or winter to spring. It is warm, but not too cloying. I wore it with tights the last time, but I did really like it bare-legged.
Heels: Size 10.5 Narrow.

Yesterday, I wore a dress that I was reminded of when reading Goldenmeans last week. There was an awesome post on Lil dresses (a brand that Anthropologie carries). I had just been going through my closet of "ooh, I can wear you again" clothing, and I found my beautiful silk Lil dress. Seeing her post reminded me I NEEDED to bring this dress out to play, and that I did...

Sizes:

Dress: Size 10. It is a bit loose, and long, but that's okay. A blue cami fixed that problem. Heels would have helped the length problem, but the below knee length doesn't really bother me too much, in fact, I felt a bit "mid-century mom" wearing this get-up. (I know, I know, my poor sad neglected little sister blog...) I bought this dress for a cruise Mr. Dina and I took in the spring of 2006. He said he would have even bought it for me, but I had already bought it for myself. How sweet! :)
Cardigan: Size Medium. Later in the day I did button it up and it added a bit of sophistication to the outfit. Belted it would have soared.
Shoes: Size 10.

The necklace is the Crystal Devote necklace, currently on promo of $100. That is a good price. I find this to be a fairly versatile necklace, even though on its own it seems a bit scary. I reviewed it here, and yesterday Bichonluvr did a post on it.

You all have a great day. Hopefully I can get back to more regular posting now that I feel more in control. ;)

A Review of the Madewell Jigsaw Necklace and a Starburst Tee for a Birthday!

You all are SO NICE. Rex sends a huge hug and says "thanks" for all the sweet birthday wishes you left him today! :)

I am so BEHIND in commenting back on my last posts, and for that I apologize...but I do want to get back into the swing of things now that we HAVE POWER and WE CAN GO OUTSIDE. LOL. :)

SAHM in Yellow Floral by dinagideon featuring J Crew

First up is a review of the Madewell Jigsaw Necklace. It was a "Jenna's pick" a few weeks ago, but I had no idea. I picked it on its own because it was on special for 78 dollars, and because of that was able to be part of the 20% off sale items purchase I made. Also on special? The Amore wash toothpick jeans! They are now back to their normal price of 125 dollars. I got the necklace for 55 dollars (appears to be still available, but it sells out quickly and then comes back, so keep checking if you want it) and the amore wash were around 75. Why J. Crew brought the price of the jeans back up to 125 is beyond me, but whatever. BTW, the jeans in this polyvore are the BLACK RESIN wash, and these I got for a REAL steal of a price...$41. (In store, back in December...they are on sale now, but not that low...pricing is all over the place at the Crew. Very very irritating if you ask me!)


Yeah, I could have showed you the whole outfit, but I DON'T like the photos, so this is all you all are gonna get. :)

Anyhow--the necklace is multi-stranded yet attached at the back (near the clasp), so they cannot be taken apart to be single-stranded (at least I can't do that). The color is a muted, almost brushed antiqued gold. This necklace is also surprisingly lightweight for what it looks like it should weigh.

I really think this necklace will help me "edge" out some of my sweeter looks. I would love to try this with some of those almost saccharin pieces I own from Boden. :)

I definitely do not gravitate towards things that look hard in anyway, but in the past year of running this "mommy-fashion (snort)" blog, I have realized that I need to try these harder looks more often. If I take my looks in a vacuum and seal away all my feelings, I do see that the harder looks do work with my body, face, and station in life. No, I am not going to go all Whitesnake on you all, but I do plan to try walk on the edge by accessorizing with a bit more urban looks.

A Little Starburst for a Birthday! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Let's move to the look I am wearing tonight. It is impossible to get anywhere in the DC area tonight (traffic is miserable for EVERYONE--I am hearing of 2 hour commutes just to go five miles--YIKES), so we are going out for Rex and Mr. Dina's bday tomorrow night. Tonight we are having yummy Papa John's here. :)

The tee is the beaded starburst tee from this last Holiday season at J. Crew. I love the color, love the embellishment, but did not "full price" love it. I waited, and scored it on a popback for a pretty good price.

The flats are from Urban Outfitters and are providing the edge for this outfit. (Because Rex and Mr. Dina are so impressed by the same things that Nina Garcia would be impressed by--haha.)


Sizes:
Tee: Medium. I like it a little loose. Bought it thinking I would dry it to shrink it to a small, but now I don't think I will. :)
Pants: Size 8. Scout chinos are awesome for lounging.
Shoes: Size 10...a little wide, but very comfy and lovely.

And the bracelet is the Tangled Treasure that I adore. Watch for that one on popback, too!

Baby is so cute! What's not? Why in the world are my glasses all askew? Huh???

Have a nice night, all!

A Tale of a Tunic, a Top, and a Swan Butt Skirt...

First thing...I FORGOT to add links to my last few posts, and I just feel terrible. Both of these lovely ladies have worn outfits or pieces that I had in the posts, and I really want you to go check them out. They looked amazing, of course. :)

Debye reviewed the Boden Knitted Dress and the Textured Cotton Shift here. Summerilla wore the Campo de Fiore sweaterdress here.

Second...I have a great Boden story to tell. I was shopping at Springfield Mall a week or so ago and I was picking up my statement necklace (Boden's from the winter roll-out that I blogged about here) from the repair shop (a minor repair, a connection was broken between two of the bits). We then head to Gymboree to buy CW some winter clothing, and in the midst of me trying to prevent her from shoplifting some tees (they are so sneaky at this age), I threw my bag and envelope (with the necklace in it) on the floor and ran out to grab her and the fifteen tees she five-finger discounted. In the process of all of this, my Campo bag was remembered but not the necklace I had come to the mall for in the first place. :P

The ladies at the store saw the envelope (after we were long gone), saw the Boden info, and called their customer service number, and reported to them that my necklace was at their store. I remembered about fifty minutes later that I had left the envelope in the store and grabbed it...obviously with a million thanks to them, and was on my merry way.

Well imagine my surprise when I get home and Mr. Dina says there was a message from Boden, calling to let us know that our necklace was at the Springfield Mall and that we should go and get it!!! This is AWESOME. I always love J. Crew's customer service, but this is the BEST example of customer service I have ever encountered. Amazing. (Now, if I could just get them to send me the boyfriend cardi I ordered in their sale over 21 days ago, I would be the happiest camper with Johnnie and co. Although knowing Boden, Johnnie himself will go to the FedEx depot here in Alexandria and chew them out for making me wait for my package.) :)

Third...today is a day of three reviews...two are Boden, and one is Urban Outfitters. (I know, Urban Outfitters...it is NOT a typo.) In fact the only thing in any of these photos that is J. Crew is the starfish printed cardigan in the last photo that I bought recently from Mint Condition.


Sizes:
Tunic: UK Size 10R, US Size 6R. I chose to go with a regular as opposed to a long because I don't want the empire seam to hit me at my waist. That would just ruin this tunic for me. I know this is S-H-O-R-T, but I am not planning on wearing this as a dress, this is either a cover-up for my bathing suit this summer or as a tunic this spring.

I think this was the VERY FIRST thing I fell in love with when I saw the Boden Spring Preview all the way back in October. I said it looked very Lilly Pulitzer then, and I stand by my estimation. What a gorgeous print. Does anyone else see the bird in the center of the tunic?

This is linen and prone to wrinkling, but on the plus side, this is a comfortable material that stretches with you and will never confine you. Just lovely for the warmer months of the year.

Printed Tunic available here. This print is currently on a huge backorder, but really, are any of you going to wear this in the next 5 weeks? Well, outside of Ema, who actually is wearing it for real right now. Lucky gal! ;)


Sizes:
Top: UK 12, US 8. I always buy these more fitted tops by Boden in a size UK 12 or US 8 because they are close-fitting, and this is coming from someone without much up top.

I love me some hotchpotch. This is the current variation on the "hotchpotch" theme. This will probably be the only one I buy. The others just aren't singing to me. I do envision this looking darling with sandals and a pair of denim bermuda shorts.

Hotchpotch Top is available here. You can probably wait for a sale. (But once on sale, buy quickly...the hotchpotch and fun skirts always sell first and fast on sale.)


Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Small. Bought for maybe $15. Love consignment shops. :)
Skirt: Size Medium. This skirt was much discussed at gigiofca's Gigi's Gone Shopping. Well, not the Urban Outfitters version, but the Target version. Gigiofca is the one (maybe?) who named it the swan butt skirt. Whatever.

I love this pic, I cropped it just so...wanted you to see just how darling the mini-tiers of fabric look.

But I know you all, and you will prefer a full-length version...so fine, here it is (I am to please):


Ta-Da!

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Ruffle Tiered Skirt is available here. They have it styled to sit on the waist. Unh-uh, I am over 14 (contrary to how I feel on the inside), so I placed it on my high hip. It is a much more reasonable version of a mini at this length.

BTW, I am stuck on how I really want to style this skirt. I like it with the cardigan and sandals, and so does Mr. Dina and my dad, but what about you all? Any ideas? Any polyvore addicts feel like taking a go with it???

Hope this helped some of you. If I enabled you, I am truly sorry or truly happy, dependent on how you feel about me enabling you. ;)