Red, Aqua, and White...A Little Twist on Patriotic! (Also, a Review of the Boden V-Neck Cardigan!)

Boden Red and Aqua Striped Cardigan with White!!! by dinagideon featuring FOSSIL watches

Compared to my Monday's outfit (meh), I actually really LOVED the outfit I wore on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. I felt like I had hit the right mix of color, interesting pieces and unique styling. Yay! I did get compliments at work (sadly, Mr. Dina had given me more grief about the new cardigan so if I look a little down in the photos it is because I felt bad about the fact that he was calling me out on the purchase instead of noticing how AWESOME it is--don't worry, he ended up complimenting me later, so all was good in the end).


The outfit in full-length (minus the scarf--see next photo). The pieces are: the fabulous Boden red and aqua striped v-neck cardigan (spring 2009); the crisp Talbots short-sleeved button-down (spring 2007); the "wow, I can't believe how flattering pants can be" Banana Republic white cords (summer 2006), and the fun Kenneth Cole off-white peep-toe wedge sandals.

The cardigan is ridiculous, that is how much I love it. You can find it here on Boden's website. I believe they have some more of this color combo left. I also bought the green and yellow striped version. I chose to buy a 12, which is a size 6 or 8 here in the States. It fits me PERFECTLY. It is the right length, width, and everything in between. The fabric is cotton, but this soft, sumptuous cotton that had me rubbing my arms the entire day. I also love the fact that it is buttoned completely and there is no gapping and I can do up the bottom button (on some J. Crew cardigans I can't button up the bottom button--my hips are just a sceech too big). The colors are also super-beautiful and the combo of colors is very fresh. I highly recommend this cardigan. It is not about to replace my lovely short-sleeved featherweight cashmere cardigans from J. Crew, but I definitely know I will get a lot of use out of this fabulous Boden creation.

P.S. Don't forget to vote in my J. Crew Cardigan Death Match--Jackie is winning--all you non-Jackie lovers need to come on down and vote for your favorite!


Here is the outfit with the very pretty linen scarf from my local J. Crew. This color is such a nice match and I think the scarf gives the outfit another little piece of flair.

Have a great afternoon. Next up--Review of the J. Crew Magnolia necklace!

Let's Go to the Movies...with the Beautiful Olive Green Victoria (Cami, that Is)...

So I went out two evenings in a row without my kids. I must be growing up. :) Just kidding, it worked out that way. I actually miss them like CRAZY when I am not near them...but I know that it is a good idea for me to get out and live a little every once in awhile.

Movie Night in J. Crew! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

So this is what I wore to go out to dinner and the movies...the superb Victoria cami in olive green (J. Crew--Holiday 2008), the soft merino v-neck sweater (J. Crew--Holiday 2007), jeans (Levis from 2007?), purple/plum low wedge shoes (Target--Xhiliration--Fall 2008), Bauble necklace (I think--J. Crew--Holiday 2008), and some earrings (History Store--2001).

I was actually a little freaked out by the collar at first. I thought, "can I actually pull this off?" Well, it turns out I can. I got a lot of compliments, which I never expect to get, and when I do, I am so tickled. :) I love this top so much that I am eyeing the melon and waiting for it to go on sale.


Here is the top close-up. If you have some interest in this top, consider getting it...it really does make a statement. I pulled my hair back (thanks, KatyO. for wearing your hair that way when you wore this top) and I truly believe that one hair change made this whole look possible. With my hair down, it was all just TOO much!

Have a great day, everyone!

When you have a lot of J. Crew in your closet...

I have so much J. Crew and a lot of it is winter clothing. This means I get to be very inventive with layering and colors. Well, turns out when it is so cold (coldest in God knows how long)...layering is key. So my love of layering actually serves a purpose. :)

Black turtleneck--love the tissue tees, a fitted and soft layer to keep your body toasty. The Black candy tee is delightful...just enough flair to keep it from being a boring black shirt. The jeans are my Friday staple...I love wearing them when we are allowed. The jacket is the color for me. I refuse to wear all neutrals. One of the teachers here calls me "fluorescent." It's totally true...and I don't deny it! The shoes are supposed to be Savona suede ballet flats in sour lemon and purple, but I couldn't find them on polyvore...so I used the Jane suede flats instead in the set. I obviously am wearing them with socks...

Here is the link to the polyvore site: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=5875985

So I received a compliment from one of the kids...he said, "ooh, looks like you're losing a lot of weight." Smart KID! :) He knows the right thing to say to a woman desperately trying to lose the "baby" weight or as I like to say, "getting down to my fighting weight."

I am going to blog a bit later about my excessive obsession (you could call it a superfluity) with keeping my weight in a good range. It is healthy only in that is serves the purpose of keeping me "healthy." I am not sure how healthy it is for my psyche...especially since I have been worried about my weight since I was 20 years old and not even close to being fat...