Floral Fixation...

Hi, everyone!

I have been under the weather these past few days, so it wasn't Irene's wrath that kept me from writing, it was me.  LOL.  Honestly, I was very surprised that we fared as well as we did here in NOVA.  As you know from past incidents, we are not always so lucky.  For everyone who is still without power or has tree damage or wind damage, I sympathize, trust me, I do!

I have read through all of your great comments over the past week, and I want to answer two things.

One, you better believe I will tell you all how I did my face in the last photo from this post.  Let me put some time into it and I will definitely do a post on what skin care and makeup steps I did to complete the look.  Until then, I did a step by step makeup posts a few months ago, and some of the steps were similar, just those were more for winter weather, and I change it up a bit for summer.

Two, I did see the Real Simple ad that gives 20% off your first order with Boden (thanks to everyone for letting me know about it!).  I have not tried to order with this promo, but it did come up and get applied when I put in the code.  Go ahead and click through this link (below) and when you get to the shopping bag area, find the box that says catalog/promo code and put in this code: WRSM.  The link below gives 10% off and free ship/returns, but you can change the code to the WRSM easily enough.  I don't think it can be used more than once, but who knows?  Good luck, let me know if it works!  Also, I have no idea when it expires.  :)



Onto Florals!

Speaking of Boden, this dress is from last summer's collection (2010).  I love the punchy colors and the nice, simple shape of this shift.  The shoes are Aerosoles and the necklace is J. Crew (Crystal Colettto in green).

I wore this to teach summer school (a few weeks ago).  Since I was working with the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," I felt like going with all things flowery would be most appropriate.

Also worn to teach during the "Caterpillar" week, I wore this amazing frock from J. Crew.  It is called the Giverny Print Sydney Dress and is from the 2008 collection.  I found this on ebay in a size 10, and outside of the bust being too large (but can be tailored to fit), it is a score, for sure. I wore it with the Jackie Cardigan in light citron, a pair of Nine West nude peep-toes, and the Crystal Coletto in purple.

No cardigan, as was the case for a good part of the day (very hot that day).

Giverny Love! by dinagideon featuring nine west shoes

Above is the polyvore. :) Feels very Emma Pillsbury now that it is in polyvore form!

I wore this luscious Anthro dress a week or so ago to church.  Love this look, although I was worried it wouldn't fit because it looks so small on the hanger.  I forgot how generous the a-line is in the skirt.  Anyhow it is called the Vestiges dress, and if you find it on ebay and are a pear-shape, feel confident that you can size down (I am wearing the size 4).  This is paired with the same pair of Aerosoles shoes from the Boden outfit (love them!).  This outfit is the very definition of easy picking.  LOL.

I just like this shot.  :)

You all, HAVE A GREAT DAY.  We'll talk soon.  Remember, any Boden reviews, you can e-mail to me at dinagideon@aim.com or you can let me know where and when you published your review (if you are a blog friend)!

Boden: Textured Cotton Skirt, Review and an Outfit.

For all the readers who say that these reviews are terrible for their pocketbook have a good friend in me.  LOL.  After creating and reading my own Boden Weekly Review Roundups, I have admittedly purchased an item or two, including today's lovely, the Textured Cotton Skirt in the fudge colorway.

So thank you, lovely ladies of my favorite Boden blogs, you all convinced me that this skirt was worth it.  And I will probably convince a few of you myself.  ;)

Don't forget to apply a coupon to this skirt purchase, if you take the plunge.  Right now, the diminishing discount offer is still at 25% off, so that gives this skirt a pretty decent price for what it is.

Emma Pillsbury Inspired Boden! by dinagideon featuring a sweater cardigan

Above is the polyvore of the outfit I wore today.  It was a typical SAHM kind of day, with the addition of an additional child, aka as my grandpa.  (Who knew that 83 year old men could be as demanding as 4 year old boys?  Laugh.  Love ya, grandpa!)

Turns out this outfit was perfect for my day.  The look was polished, a bit Emma Pillsbury inspired (or says Mr. Dina), and exceedingly comfortable.  I don't even kid when I say that...I literally felt better than I do in many of my pants and shorts outfits.  The heels were even okay, as the chunky heel on the cinema t-straps (J. Crew, Spring 2009) are more of a stable surface for walking (which I did a ton of, btw).

On me, full outfit. 

Quick overview of the pieces...the featherweight cotton bling-bling cardigan is a size small, and I love how the teal pops nicely against the brown in the skirt (I picked this color in the skirt so I could *pop* colors against it, btw)...the factory teagan ruffle popover is a size 4 and I glad I re-bought this in the factory version as the original I had was too big...the textured cotton skirt is a size US 8 Long or UK 12 Long and I love it...and the cinema t-straps are a size 10.

The outfit looks quite lovely without the cardigan, and I have a few plans for more sensational, sophisticated summer outfits that will star this skirt.  ;)

It does have pockets, and I found that I was placing my hands in them all day.  Pockets aren't necessary, but a really nice addition. 

The length is fab, I always buy longs in Boden and I wish other companies would offer skirts in longs, too.  I don't have to buy longs in dresses or tops, but I am very tall in my legs and find the extra fabric in pants and skirts very helpful.

From the side.  This skirt is a TULIP shape, so fair warning.  I don't mind this and personally find this modified pencil shape very comfortable and flattering, but I can see why the teeny little poof at the upper hip area could annoy others.

Is it poof or pouf?  Brain fart!  ;)

BTW, the cotton/linen blend didn't wrinkle too terribly, but it did stretch out a bit.  I *could* have gone with a 6 Long, but I am fine with the size I got.  It's all good.  

From the back.  This photo really shows how long this skirt is and shows how the popover looks from the back.

I had the original teagan popover, which had ruffles made from a combo of silk and cotton.  The factory version is all cotton.  Here's the thing...although I would love to own the original in my exact right size, this factory version fills the void well, and looks nicely polished and professional with so many bottoms.  I highly recommend it if you can find it on ebay, or as a popback on jcrew.com (which I doubt would happen).


Above is the link to the Boden's website.  This will show the other colors, size availability, and measurements.  Remember to click through my diminishing discount link to make sure you get 25% off.  (Or whatever coupon I have running in my sidebar if you are accessing this review in the future!)

You all have a fab day.  If you have a Boden review you would like to share with me for tomorrow's review roundup, e-mail me at dinagideon@aim.com.  Thanks!!!

What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear to a Birthday Party?

LOL.  I have had these photos for over a year.  A YEAR!  :)  You know how I know this?  Because last year at this exact time, my nephew was turning the ripe old age of 7 and we went down to visit him and attend his birthday party. 

We received an invite to his 8th birthday party (which we can't attend this year, sadness) on Wednesday, and it had me thinking...did I ever publish that outfit of the day I wore to his party?  The answer would be an emphatic no.  Whoops!

As it is kind of grey and sad here in NOVA today (although really, Good Friday shouldn't be sunny, just seems wrong, you know?), I figured that anyone around here would at least appreciate the eye popping colors of this particular Emma-inspired outfit.

I Want Spring Right Now! by dinagideon featuring j crew shoes

Above is the polyvore I created with Emma in mind.  I don't know if she would actually wear the heels, but the rest of the outfit?  Definitely Emma!  BTW, this polyvore may be my most popular ever.  It keeps getting "favorited" by polyvore members, and at a year old, this surprises me.  :)

On me.  The skirt is still really beautiful, in my opinion.  It is a bit of an acquired taste, but the pink, honey, ivory, and caramel colors together are truly delightful.

The day of this outfit it was raining and gross...so if any of you are in my area today, you could get away with this outfit, the cardigan is especially warm and cozy.

Just a slightly different pose.  :)  Those heels get me every time.  I still love the pop of neon pink on the strap.  I need to get those out again for summer.  (I so miss my peep-toes in winter!)

CW--one whole year ago.  My hair is longer, but in reality, I look pretty much the same last April as I do today.  CW...wowza, what a difference.  :)  She actually reminds me a bit of an infant version of Pat Benatar.  If Pat Benatar was wearing a frilly, over the top, Liberty of London for Target dress.

CW--two days ago, you can see how much she has grown, longer hair, of course, but she is taller, thinner, just more like a little girl and a little less "love is a battlefield."  :)

Yes, that is me, playing indoor football with Rex, in heels.  I did catch this throw, btw.  Holla!

End of the party.  Can you tell?  LOL.  Look at CW and look at my skirt.  Both were retired as soon as the fete ended.

Okay, you all, I hope you enjoyed this WAY LONG AGO peek into an ootd.

Boden babes...the mid-season sale ended last night.  Sadness.  Many of you have let me know that your items shipped yesterday, the same day you ordered.  Me, too!  This may be record timing for Boden.  Good on you, Johnnie B.  I have left up the "maternity 15% savings coupon" in the sidebar as it is still working.  (Still!!!)

Have a nice afternoon.  Should be back later today to talk at you more.  Me and my itchy blog fingers...

Bzzz-ing in a Bumble Mini.

I seriously wore yellow-hued tights with a plaid skirt and a yellow turtleneck with a black boucle blazer when I was at home, with no intentions of leaving the house simply because I wanted to.  LOL.  I think Mr. Dina thought I was crazy when he got home and saw me in the get-up, but because he is a good husband he kept his laughter being closed doors.  ;)

Bzzz.... by dinagideon featuring a yellow necklace

Above is the polyvore of the outfit that this SAHM wore that day.  I added the bees to the polyvore because the outfit nearly definitely verges on Busy Bees territory.  That said, the kids loved the outfit, especially the tights.  They kept touching my legs and exclaiming in sheer happiness over "momma's yellow legs."

So this outfit has two fairly coveted pieces from recent years, the glass beaded bee necklace and the bumble tartan mini.  The glass beaded necklace I bought from jcrew.com on sale for some small sum or another.  I felt VERY fortunate to have gotten it when I did, because a mere year or so later, dear Miss Emma Pillsbury wore it on Glee and all of a sudden, everyone wants this very necklace.  The power of media is crazy!  The bumble tartan mini is from the November 2007 J. Crew catalog (the one in Scotland) and the insanely beautiful Vanessa Lorenzo wore it while modeling near some picturesque bridge in the Highlands.  (I am sure she was plenty warm when she posed--shee-yeah, right).  I was fortunate that a lovely JCA sold me her's, in a size 8, a few months back.  I was surprised that I was the only one who wanted to buy it!

And there she is, looking all warm and toasty.  :)

I would have gone all bare-legged, too, but even with the interior temperature of our house at a relatively balmy 67 degrees, I was too wimpy to try it.  Plus, the yellow tights are too perfect with this skirt!  The shoes are from the '90s.  Yes, the freaking '90s.  I still can wear them, though, so why not keep them?  At least it doesn't make me look like Elaine Benis from Seinfeld:

This is one trend I don't need to come back, the long floral dress and lace-up flat shoes.  Elaine looks cute, but on me?  Sister-wife.  I know that for a fact as I lived during this era and I wish my dad, or anyone, would have said to me that all this look did for me was cover me up and make me look all ready welcoming wives 4 and 5 into my life.  (I need to dig those photos up and publish them.  I am willing to have a little fun at my own expense.)

It *will* come back, won't it?  I mean, all things do, yes?  We expected that the '80s love of acid-wash and oversized sweatshirts would stay there, but they didn't, did they?  I kind of shudder at the thought of welcoming 1994 back into my life, but I am hoping that I have enough self-control to just say "no" when that sartorial moment gets a fresh breath of life.

Okay, back to now (or at least 2007).  I was getting frustrated with how all my front shots were looking, so I gave up and tried to give my look a little life, yes, I actually jumped in time to the timer on my camera.  I ended up liking this shot the best.

Here is the Bumble outfit with the Penny Boucle Jacket (Fall 2008).  I recently purchased this jacket, and I did like it with this outfit, and I like it in general, but I decided that I have enough black jackets that this has already been on the JCA exchange (and still is, look for its re-appearance again tomorrow morning).

I love CW.  I don't really know why she is pretending to drink a bottle of water but it makes me smile.  ;)

You all, enjoy your Sunday.  Bzz, bzz.

What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear When Faced with the Infamous Beltway?

"Oh, dear, Will...I believe our meeting will have to be delayed as I am stuck in just the most terrible traffic ever...the Beltway has beaten us."

It is incredibly fortunate that Emma and Will and their singing teen acolytes are in a suburban high school in Ohio and not in Northern Virginia. See if they were, they would never make it to regionals or nationals because they and their school bus would be forever trapped in the never-ending cycle of traffic that makes the DC region so (in)famous.

Here is how my conversation went with my dear bloggie friend Suzy:

"Suzy, I know that I was planning on meeting you in Montgomery Mall in Bethesda later this morning so you and I could meet up, I could give you your Arbonne catalog and samples and that gorgeous Madewell necklace that I sold you on the exchange, but I am afraid the traffic is too insane to even bear. By the time I got to the mall, I would have to say hi, throw the bag full of goodies at your hands from my open car window, and yell good-bye as I race off to catch the light so I can get back on the highway for my insane return back home. I believe, Suzy, that if I were to try and meet you in Richmond I could get to you faster. (Suzy laughs, and agrees.) Next time, I will take the hour and half trip to Richmond (100 miles door to door) to see you and not the two hour trip to Bethesda (20 miles door to door)!  I will resign myself to mailing your package to you instead."

I had been so excited to see her...I wanted to show off my babies, hang out in the mall, check out the new arrivals at J. Crew, and show off my Emma Pillsbury inspired outfit. Sadly this was not to be. (SHAKES delicate, glass-beaded bracelet wrist at the back-up on 495.)

WWEPW My Take... by dinagideon featuring a cluster necklace

Anyhow, this is the polyvore of an Emma inspired outfit that only my kids and a WHOLE bunch of random strangers were able to see at Tysons (le sigh, it seems I always end up at Tysons for shopping).

Emma Pillsbury wore a similar outfit a few weeks back and WWEPW blogged about it soon thereafter. And then the cardigan went on sale...whee!

And on me...before I realized what my day was to hold. I would have been better off in an orange reflective vest and a green utility jumper. At least that way I would have been better dressed to help the construction workers out...

Sizes:
Cardigan: Pick A Bunch Cardi, Anthropologie, Size Small. Very fitted and short. Definitely size up if you are long-torsoed.
Skirt: Double Serge Pencil Skirt, J. Crew, Bronzed Ochre, Size 6. The 4 fit, but way too closely...I felt like an extra in the secretarial pool over at the Mad Men set in the smaller size. LOL.

I did buy a blazecoat at the Tysons J. Crew. They were running a 25% off special, so I bit. I bought a 2. That coat runs really large. A lot of you all will probably be sized out.

For Sale Items 11/15/10... by dinagideon featuring j crew tops

I hope you all have a great day...just so you know, I have some stuff on sale...go ahead on over to my polyvore and check out the pieces, sizes, and prices.  :)

Boden Bliss...

Dinagideon is in busy, busy land lately! Sorry for the absence! :) Just out and about, but unfortunately for my poor blog that means a lack of posts and commenting back. Le sigh.

Clearly today's post is brought to you by the letter "b," as I am not only busy, but I am in Boden bliss. Why? Well, not only is today's outfit one of my personal favorites ever from this British bastion of bodacious blouses, but yesterday, my dear friend Johnnie B. sent me a $25 gift voucher to be used on any purchase between now and the end of the month. Best part? No minimum amount required AND I could use it with another promo! So what did I do? I used it last night to buy my daughter and I some outerwear. Right now there is an e-mail circulating (and probably in some catalogs, too) that if you buy 2 items, you get your 3rd for $1. This is one of the best that Boden offers as you can buy three nearly the same priced items and receive a huge % off (do the math, you'll see). The three items I got were $88 a piece, which equals $264, but after the offer, it goes down to $177. Apply a $25 gift voucher and all of sudden what was $264 is now $152, or a savings of around 42%. That includes free shipping and returns, btw. So yes, I am a bit in Boden bliss today. :)

Boden Bliss... by dinagideon featuring stretch tights

Above is an outfit I wore on Sunday (when I made the decidedly serendipitous trip to Mint Condition). The coat is from Mod Cloth and as soon as I saw it back in September two thoughts ran through my head: "Ooh, that looks like an Emma Pillsbury coat," and "It will be mine."

Mr. Dina loved the dress.  It got nearly the same reaction as my jeans and tee combo from a few weeks back.  I am wearing this Retro Spot Tunic in a UK size 10 or US size 6.  I like that the length finishes where it does...too short and I would have to wear it with pants and too long and it would be A LOT of that print.  ;)

Rex is not picking his nose.  It only looks like he is.  I have no idea what he is thinking in this shot...

This was supposed to be a full-on side shot, but Baby CW came in and decided to shoot her historical re-enactment gun at the window.  She must have seen a deer.  LOL.  (Her Pops--grandpa--is a deer hunter.)

With the Mod Cloth coat.  It is called a "Coat fit for a queen," but it's just fine as a "Coat fit for a SAHM mom who spends way too much time worrying about her clothing."

You all have a fab night.  I will talk with you all sometime soon.  Promise!  ;)

What *Would* Emma Pillsbury Wear if She Taught a Fashion Class?

I stick to my convictions when I say I want someone to do something...for instance, in my "Fall Into Fashion" class that I taught over the past two weeks, I really emphasized using Inspiration Boards as a way of figuring out personal style. And even though my personal inspiration board does not include the lovely Emma Pillsbury character from the very fab show Glee, she would have made it onto my board if I had *just* a little bit more room.

But as anyone who knows me from Polyvore can attest, I am addicted to copying the style of the extremely slightly compulsive character played by the pretty Ms. Mays. I am also a big fan of the blog written by my good bloggie friend who carefully documents the comings and goings of our fave red-head and other fashion related questions surrounding this sophomore show (yes, I know they had one episode in the 2008-2009 season on Fox, but it was a preview). Heck, I am even on their blog roll (teehee!).

By the way, WWEPW has just celebrated its blog-o-versary...go on over to the blog and become a follower and wish my gifted friend some Congratulations!

So what kind of fashion "counselor" would I be if I didn't devote at least one day to emulating the style of our most sartorially blessed t.v. counselor? Exactly.

What *Would* Emma Pillsbury Wear if She Taught a Fashion Class? by dinagideon featuring j crew handbags

Above is the polyvore I created that shows that I already had exactly what I needed to "become" Miss Emma for the day. I realize that her skirt is the unagi skirt, but my perfect pencil is the same lovely plum. Yes, the cardi is the same exact Jackie Cardigan in dried orchid. The crystal devote necklace takes the place of Emma's ubiquitous cardi clips, but I think the effect is similar. And although I went for no belt, I injected extra color in the form of some fab spearmint shoes (the awesome Alessia peep-toes that I do also own in root and graphite--love!). Danielle has done a write-up on this outfit if you all want more info.

Here I am, in the classroom, with the outfit as I wore it the whole almost the whole day (I did unbutton the cardi at one point, not very Miss Emma, but definitely Miss Dina on an 80 degree day).

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size small. The dried orchid had been on sale. I think the Jackie cardigan is now back to full price in this color. J. Crew strikes me as a bit schizophrenic when it comes to pricing.
Top: Size Medium. This is a stretch button-down. It isn't the best fit as the bust is loose on me, but it is very comfortable, and in my closet of color and pattern, it is a blessing for when I need to rein myself in a bit (and no I don't mean with today's outfit, either, I don't think anyone would accuse Emma of being reserved in her clothing choices).
Skirt: Size 6. I find the fit in this to be a bit tight through the hips. That said, this year's 6 fits lovely through the hips. I definitely feel more comfy in this year's version. (I can still wear this one, I just have to wear the spanx.)
Shoes: Size 9.5. If you ever find the Alessia peep-toe heels in your size on ebay, you must buy them. They are amazing shoes, comfortable, pretty, and classic.

Makeup had come undone by this point. Only my mascara was going strong. Sigh. Humidity, wool, and no professional makeup artist following me around with my Arbonne makeup does make for a slightly "dewy" Miss Dina. LOL.

Here is a close-up of just the clothes.

And here I am, all unbuttoned. Felt slightly scandalous unfurling my button-down in this manner, but again, 80 degrees...

This is a photo from the wee hours of the morning before I left for school. Upon reviewing the photo, I decided I liked the outfit, but two changes had to be made. One--MUST unbutton top two and bottom two buttons in order to really channel Emma. Even she isn't that (chortle) buttoned up. (I do realize that she has all her cardigan buttons buttoned, but she appears less buttoned-up, make sense? LOL. Probably not...) Two--MUST let hair down. This slicked-back ponytail is much more scary German woman prison guard and less pretty, sweet, shy Emma Pillsbury.  Definitely don't want to be mistaken for Helga.  (You laugh, but it has happened.  Long story.)

You all have a great day. Please continue to find inspiration for your own style wherever you can. And remember, HAVE FUN! ;)