OOTDs: Celebrating Grey.

Day: Wednesday, January 30, 2013.

Where: Winesday at Whole Foods.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) This Garnet Hill Cap Sleeve Lace Dress is so comfortable, it felt like wearing a nightgown out.  Of course since it isn't a nightgown, it was absolutely appropriate for going out.  ;)  If you like this dress, I bought it in a size 6, which fit very well, if a squidge too big in the bust and waist, but I wouldn't have sized down to a 4 since there are no zippers which means the extra room is necessary for getting on and off the head and shoulders.

It was also very warm that night, so that Anthro "Decorating Committee" cardigan was all I needed for warmth.  (Since that day, though, we have returned to winter, with the highs in the 30s to prove it.)

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Definitely a twee girly outfit, but for some of us, this is cool.  LOL.  But for a lot of you, it isn't.  I am not going to split hairs here, but will give it a 3.

Anecdote from the day night:  These Winesday nights are my saving grace for the week.  I spend so much energy running around from one toddler friendly thing to the next that I seriously forget that I am an adult sometimes.  Being able to really get my drink on (and not have to drive, either, thanks, bro!) helps me feel my age again, and in a good way, not a "oh, look at the new wrinkle" kind of way.

One of the wine samples from that night was from a $25 bottle of wine from Tuscany. It was really  good.  I did not bring that bottle home, though.  The small little taste I had will have to suffice for now.

Day: Thursday, January 31, 2013.

Where: Preschool Run and Little Gym with Angus.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Boots are kind of a pain in the butt to get on and off at the Little Gym, so I am downgrading the comfort from a 4, but if I hadn't had to take the boots off, this would have been a 4, hands down.

The J. Crew factory puffin sweater I have on here is a teeny bit itchy, probably due to the fact that part of it is made from acrylic and rabbit hair, but a cami helped with that.

BTW, I did not have Angus wear his Puffin tee from Boden, but next time, I promise.  Why not sort of match your infant?  Ha.

Cool Factor: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) Well, I sort of look like a brightly colored, critter-loving girl who rides horses.  I am sure such a thing exists in Virginia's horse country.  People in that part of my lovely state are a bit eccentric, right?

Not in any way, shape, or form is this a cool look, though.  Sorry, Miss Havisham*.

*I have always imagined that somewhere in horse country that there is a wizened old lady just getting mustier and mustier at her grand brick estate.  (Either that or that there are four kids, trapped in an attic by a narcissistic mother and a sociopath grandmother.)

Anecdote from the day:  My dad picked up CW from preschool, so I was able to bring Angus straight home from the Little Gym.  Having just one small child for one small part of the day made me feel insanely relaxed.  I even took a long hot bath while he took his nap.  Luxury!

Day: Wednesday, January 30, 2013.

Where: Harris Teeter for lots and lots of groceries.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Ain't gonna lie to you all, that skirt is maternity.  ;)  It doesn't look that way because of the shape, but the large elastic band at the top of the skirt definitely proves it.  That is why the darling little fox "silk keyhole" top from Lands' End Canvas is only sort of tucked in (bloused out, just like I did it when I was ten, back in the 80s!).

This was from the same day as the Winesday outing (first outfit), so it was very warm, in the upper 60s.  I ended up having to take off the boucle peplum jacket, so I could have left that at home.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  If I didn't admit to the skirt being maternity, I probably could give this a 4, but I did admit it, so 1/2 point deduction.

I made up for it, sort of, by wearing the darling little Pade Vavra birdie/cuckoo clock necklace and the peplum jacket.  Foxes are probably on their way out...unless of course you are an eccentric living in Virginia's horse country.

Anecdote from the day:  Harris Teeter sees me way too much.  Those of you with kids...do you find you go to the grocery store twice a week because your kids eat their school snacks on the sly, empty the box, and then return said empty box to the cabinet?  I have lost count of how often this has happened.  And it's not like I am away from the kids in the house enough to not see them eating, they must be doing it when I dare to sneak away, and you know, do all sorts of crazy things, like going to the bathroom, or putting the laundry in the wash.  Sigh.

Day: Saturday, January 26, 2013.

Where: First Class of Sewing One.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Yummy warm cashmere on top, stretchy denim leggings and shearling lined boots on the bottom.  This is daytime comfy at its finest.

The sheepskin lined boots were on my radar for months, but even as much I LOOOOOOVE Boden, I couldn't afford the original price of $298.  (Ouch.)  Once they dipped down to $119, I could afford them.  Since I bought them (size 40, so down one size from my usual 41), I have worn them a lot, as it has been cold enough most days to justify it.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) I think the cashmere snood is the coolest bit, but it is obvious that I am trying to stay comfy, so I doubt this would be considered cool.  I bet cool often means "fashion can be painful, deal with it," and since I felt no pain, points off. ;)

Anecdote from the day:  This was the day I discovered my Singer machine was BROKEN.  This was also the day that the *really cute* guy at the small appliance shop (in my neighborhood--one of the last type of shops like this in the country) said he could fix it for, oh, the exact cost of the machine originally.  So I bid adorable man "goodbye," and got home to find the highest rated sewing machine on Amazon.  I spent more than I wanted (albeit it had free shipping and no taxes), but wow, what a difference.  Sewing is now a huge pleasure, and because I don't have to use a foot pedal, Miss "Clumsy and Uncoordinated" me can actually sew with a reasonable amount of skill.  LOL.

I am currently working on a very easy short tunic that I hope to have done by next weekend.  I am using this Liberty fabric from B & J for the project. 

Okay, all, that's it for now. 

P.S. If you are a Boden fan, they have restarted their "Spring Trim" promo today.  This will last for one week and all items in the trim are 15% off.  With the sidebar coupon, the total off is 28% and has free shipping.  You can find the women's deals here.

OOTD: Putting a Bird on It, Sequin Style.

Hi, all!

We're home today, even though I was *supposed* to be running around doing about a billion errands and getting the kids to school and back.  Last night was Rex's pageant at the school (Nativity pageant) and while it was theoretically enjoyable, I found I was a bit less than enthused.  Between the crowds of crowing and over-enthusiastic parents waving animatedly to their children many many rows away on the altar (was at the church) and the supremely loud conversation right next to my ears between woman a and woman b, I found I was getting aggravated.  Which I knew RIGHT AWAY meant I was coming down with something...my hubby makes fun of my ability to be patient with all irritations (he gets annoyed by everything, everyday), but I couldn't handle it all last night.  I felt crotchety because of the cacophony.

Anyhow, I am home trying to get over my achy, sore throaty, blegh something or another so I can go to the next "helicopter parent party" with a bit less "put upon dinagideon" attitude.  (There are at least fifteen more in the next two weeks--these schools these days, heartily celebrating over-involvement!)

Before I got all Surly Sue last night, I went out with CW to a playdate at one of my bowling friend's house.  She is like me...definitely the spring chickens of the bowling league.  She, like me, is far from the best of the bowlers, so we have a lot in common and a whole lot to talk about.  Her daughter is only 2 years older than CW, so they were able to draw, dance, and do princess play stuff while her mom and I talked about "mom" stuff. :)

I felt good in my outfit.  The bits together were comfy and the overall aesthetic is something I hope to replicate more often.

The bag and the pants are no longer available from Boden, but the Embellished cardigan is (I did a review here).

The Lands' End Blakely Riding boots are AMAZING and had I been told that I would ever think a pair of light caramel colored riding boots would work in my wardrobe, I would have given the side eye.  I figured I would limit my boots to black, brown, and grey.  However, since becoming a SAHM, I really get why so many of us have so many darn boots, they look great and feel great too.

The sequin bird tee by J. Crew is more lovely than I expected it to be.  I sometimes find that their sequined tees are lacking in some way, either the knit fabric is too thin (hole-prone) or the embellishments are not nearly well-secured enough.  This time, the tee is exactly right, a good thick cotton with sequins that will stay on the garment.

One thing, though, and you can definitely see it here, the top runs short.  I have a short torso, so it barely bothered me, but if you have a longer torso, this one may be too short, even if you size up.  (I think the one the model is wearing is longer, but isn't that just like a clothing company, making an item exactly the right length for the model?)

I purchased this tee in an extra-small and it fits fine, with no gaping, bagging, or pulling.  I also like where the sleeves end, but if that is one of your problem areas, take note.

From the side.  The Blakeley Riding Boots are fairly plain overall, but have a bit of detailing at the ankle.  I love how high they are, hitting right under my kneecap.  It is rare for a boot to hit that high on me.  In fact, the only reason I purchased these is because one of the reviews on the Lands' End site mentioned that these boots were perfect for the reviewer, one of the few boots she has ever purchased that was tall enough for her height.  (I had been mulling a purchase of boots at Long Tall Sally, but their prices were prohibitive, these boots were bought when Lands' End last had a 40% off sale.)

Makeup looked okay, and I like how the earrings "go" with the top.  My hair was a bit scraggly.  I find my hair looks worst the first day I wash it, but by the third day post-wash it looks awesome.  Any quick (emphasis on that word, please) ideas on how to get the bangs to look less fly away and stringy the day I wash my hair?

Pretty, non-twee "bird on it."

Detailing of the boots.

Speaking of Lands' End, this seems to be the month of promos (well, I gather that's true everywhere).  Today and tomorrow, they are offering $40 off $100 (with free ship). 


Any of you out there own this pretty sequin bird tee?  Thoughts?

Talk with you all soon!

dinagideon only looks likes she rides horses...

One of my favorite labels I use on this blog is called "dinagideon only looks like she rides horses." :) Living in Virginia, it is definitely respectable to have the "horsey" look. LOL.

I don't do it often, but when I do, it just works. (Which is definitely not the case when I try the Elaine Benis look, so sad...)

The first look I wore on one of my preschool runs, and the second is a look wore one weekend day about a month ago. The second look is more edgy "dinagideon only looks like she rides horses," whereas the first definitely has The Plains, VA written all over it.

Jacket: J. Crew Outlet (Factory), Herringbone Ecole with button (rather than hook/eye closure like the original), size 6, bright orange.  Love this jacket, and don't know why I haven't brought it out to play more...
Top: J. Crew, Watercolor Floral Rosette Top, Size 4 (?).  Bought from a fab JCA and I haven't looked back.  Hadn't thought of putting it with orange, but it worked out well, so I will definitely be doing this look again.  :)
Jeans: J. Crew, Toothpick Amore Wash Jeans, Size 30 (I think...they are upstairs and I don't want to look, kinda lazy...). 
Boots: J. Crew, Britten Tall Flat Boots, Brownstone, Size 9.5.  I also own these in a size 10 (again, fab JCA sale), but in the short flat.  Turns out the 10 is far too big, so if you would like to buy my short version in the 10, I will sell them for $115 shipped.  Just e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com.  I am glad the tall version worked out, I LOVE the style of these boots.  :)  Very equestrian...

Love that CW chose to pose with me that day.  She really got into it (wait till you see the next two)...

CW shows how she can smile R-E-A-L BIG!

And I can show how the jacket looks opened.  Woo.

And a final kick.  Squee!

Edgy Horsey... by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

Above is the polyvore of my second "I love to ride" outfits...

Jacket: Herringbone Sweater Jacket, Anthropologie, Size Small.  I LOVED this in the Anthro catalog ALL the way back in August.  The darn jacket NEVER seemed to go on sale.  And then it did.  Oh, and the catalog image of this jacket?  Yeah, the model is totally riding horses.  Teehee.
Top: Glimmer Mist Tissue Tee, J. Crew Collection, Size Small.  Love that I have this lightweight, sparkly, soft tee in my closet.
Pants: Leggings, J. Crew, Size Medium.  These are fab leggings.  They are nice and long, stretchy, soft, and exceedingly comfy.  You could size down, but I am wary of sizing down due to my "horse-riding" thighs.  Ha.
Boots: Miller Short Moto Boots, Size 9.5.  Again, big fan of these and they help edge up my typical SAHM look.  Thank goodness. 
Belt: Elastic Blossoms Belt, J. Crew, Size Small. 

From the side.  I highly suggest that if you are on the fence with this jacket, and you have a shorter torso, to go for it.  I have heard the waistline is a bit high, but for me, that is no bother...helps elongate my upper body, which it desperately needs. 

Okay, that's it!  I hope you all are having a fab Sunday night.  It certainly was beautiful here in VA...perfect for horseback riding.  LOL.

P.S. I have added one element to the sidebar of my blog, which will only be there until March 11 (Friday), 2011.  I remember back when I shopped at the department stores for my cosmetics and skin care that I used to *LOVE* it when they had free giveaway bags with a purchase.  In fact, whenever I saw one, I would FIND something to buy just so I could get the gift bag.  :)  Now that I am in the business of selling skin care and cosmetics, I am trying the same thing.  It was fun putting this giveaway together, and I love seeing where my own imagination is taking me with my business.  If you would like more info on how to receive the gift bag, click on the photo of the giveaway bag contents (very top of the sidebar).  Thanks for looking!  :)

A Knitted Boatneck from Boden is All I Need to Brighten Up!!!

Nanny and Pops, aka Mr. Dina's parents, are in town, so I am limited in how much time I can spend on my blog, but I will attempt to publish every day, even if I only say a few words overall (well, compared to what I normally do, anyhow).

So I woke up feeling like CRUD...I think I might have had a small virus, you know the type with headaches, aches, general malaise, ick, ick, ick.

Was totally NOT feeling the whole "dress up and look awesome for everyone," but honestly, I now feel like I HAVE to try, at least. Thanks a lot, blog.

Easiest SAHM Outfit, Ever. by dinagideon featuring J Crew shoes

And this is why Johnnie Boden should be crowned the king of fashion for all stay at home mommas. His spring line is FULL of bright colors, stripes, florals, and overall prettiness. I literally spent three seconds deciding on my outfit. It consists of three pieces...Boden's beautiful striped knitted boatneck, the pixie pants in black from J. Crew, and the Rivington kitten heels from J. Crew. Done. My outfit is done...just that quickly and easily.

And even better, my spirits (even if my health wasn't quite there) were LIFTED. I felt good. :) And that is priceless. SO SWAK, Johnnie. SWAK.


Knitted Boatneck from Boden. This is a cotton, wool, cashmere mix and is a nice weight for all seasons outside of summer. This is the turquoise melange stripe, and as you can tell the stripe is a citron color.

I am wearing not a stitch of makeup (well, an eensy bit of gloss), and considering how bad I felt overall, I could look a lot worse. I think this color would make a drowned rat look like a pretty little princess. Heehee. :)

I am wearing a size 10 (UK) or size 6 (US). Yes, this is a loose fit. The size 12 (UK) or size 8 (US) would have been too loose...so I am glad I went with the smaller of my two Boden sizes. Only bummer is that this means a lot of you more petite ladies might have a problem. Boden's smallest US size is 2, and that is not all that small. I guess you could get it, wash it, and then dry it in the dryer...maybe then it would be a 0?

Minor pilling by the end of the day...but I wore it ALL day. And I picked up my kids multiple times, I wore backpacks, lugged boxes, hung up clothes, nursed, etc., etc. The pilling is probably more my fault than Johnnie's. And really, this pilling is only a tiny amount if I compare it to a dream sweater from J. Crew I bought two years ago...now that is some amazing pilling. :P


Yes, next time I will untuck the pixies and wear them over the boots. If the boots had been taller, I would have been (once again), Miss Horse Hunt Country Virginia. :) (I did untuck them after I saw this pic--not about to re-photograph, I do have a life...seriously, I do!)

Sizes:
Pants: Size 6.
Boots: Size 10.


Okay, I fibbed. I wore a perfect fit tee in citron under the sweater, but that is because I am obsessed with making sure NO underarm antiperspirant gets on my sweaters (am I the only one who worries about this?).

Oh, and can I just SQUEAL, just a tiny little bit? Okay, here goes...

SQUUUUUUUEEEEEEEAAAAAALLLL!!!

I have a beautiful pic of me, baby CW, and Rex. Ah! Nanny, you are a good photographer. ;)

Have a nice night all.

Marvelous Minnies, Richmond Style!!! (Said with Jazz Hands!)

Over at JCA today, there is a really good discussion about the marvelous minnie pants, which was spurred by an e-mail sent by J. Crew to all of us JCAs this morning. Somehow, and with some serendipity, I wore my charcoal grey minnie pants on both days of my trip to Richmond (for the Inauguration festivities surrounding Bob McDonnell, our current governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia). I was forced to keep my wardrobe as simple as possible this weekend. When you have to pack a ball gown (floor-length and flowing), plus a tux, a trench coat (Icon trench review will be later this week), a double stroller, diapers, wipes, etc., etc., you can't really go "crazy" and bring everything with you.

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

So I went with two simple, easy, packable, non-wrinkable choices that centered around my Minnie pants and my Aerosoles boots. This polyvore is accurate, but the boots are Aerosoles from a few years ago...pretty similar though.

The left side shows my Saturday look, also known as "dinagideon only looks like she rides horses" (you'll read why later on in this post) and the right side shows my Sunday look.


Mr. Dina apparently likes for me to look like I am in a catalog...glowing hair and all.
Sizes:
Jacket: Size Petite 8.
Shirt: Size Small. This is the outlet version of the Annette blouse in the snow leopard print. I see ZERO difference between this and the "real" version from last year. I tell you, I wonder if I should always wait a year to buy stuff at the outlet?
Pants: Size 8. I may need to re-buy one pair (in a different color) in a size 6, these puppies stretch, and buy the time I get around to dry-cleaning them (5 wears...dry cleaning is expensive), they fit pretty darn loose, especially in the knees and upper thighs. (You can see that clearly in the next photo.)

Not pictured in polyvore:
Sunglasses: Boden from last summer, Summer 2009.
Gloves: Ann Taylor ruffled cashmere lined leather gloves, Holiday 2009.
Purse: J. Crew Quilted purse, with leather handle, Spring 2005 (maybe?). This sucker is well-made. I brought it out of retirement just last week and find it is a good purse when I don't need one of my bigger purses, like the Campo.

So can you tell yet why Mr. Dina quipped to me, "Hey, you look like those ladies in the parade on the horses...you know the ones wearing the froofy jackets, the fluffy blouses, the tight pants, and the boots?" Yep, I (unintentionally) ended up choosing an "equestrian" look (a very VIRGINIA horse country look--I know this is true--I may not know "Upper East Side NYC" look--but VIRGINIA horse people--yeah, I know their wardrobe, and apparently wear it without even thinking about it) for the Inauguration. Well, at least I made Virginia proud (I hope).

Here is something funny and definitely ironic...I was in an awful horseback riding accident in the fall of 2002. The summer had been really dry and I took a bunch of girl scouts riding in Hume, Virgina, and the bees were out (one of the weird curiosities of dry summers). The bees started to attack the horses we were on, about halfway through our ride. The horse I was on got stung, and in its anger, started to buck violently. Rather than wait for her to throw me, I chose to fall off (which I am told was smart), but the horse was not done with me and with all of her girth sat on my left leg, and then ran off, leaving me injured. Turns out that I sustained a very deep hematoma (incredibly bad bruise) and did not break anything, but from that day forward, I SWORE off horses forever. I will never ever have a reason to wear a riding habit for real.

I just like the look. ;)


Another view of Miss Horsey and her little Horsey child (CW loves horses...went crazy when she saw them in the parade). In the background are all the people who didn't have kids to worry about and could actually watch Bob McDonnell not on a Jumbo-Tron. It's okay...we had fun, anyhow. :)

You see what I am saying about the Minnies? That is the second time I have worn them since the last cleaning and they are pretty loose at the knees and thighs (running around and crawling on the grass isn't going to help, but still).


On Sunday, I wore this.

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Medium. I bought the Stained Glass Cardigan, yes, I did. I have an upcoming post with me wearing it with the Ravine dress and belted. This cardigan looks great with the charcoal Ravine.
Top: Size Petite 10. Really wish I had bought this in a Petite 8. I love the length, the color, the fabric, but it is pretty loose overall now. I bought it when I was ten weeks postpartum, so I guess it is okay that I chose the wrong size. If I have kids ever again, remind me (LOUDLY) not to buy anything (except the basics) when postpartum...


One last photo (mainly for relatives and friends and anyone from Richmond that knows this fella). This really neat older man was at the Inauguration and he came by where we all were (families with kids--smart man) with his baby carriage (look at it...awesome) and inside were his chihuahuas...and OMG, they were SO CUTE. Baby CW started salivating as soon as she saw them. She ALMOST jumped out of my arms to go follow this guy. I waited a bit just to make sure this man was okay with my darling coming over and looking. Turns out this guy loves showing his dogs off to the public, and when he saw how intently Baby CW was studying them, he was all "look at her focus--amazing!" :) SMILE.

In the background is Rex with his best friends and their grandpa. It was a great moment. Thank you, Chihuahua Man of Richmond. (I like that name.)

Have a nice night, all. About to go put on my Tutu top for Ms. Janiece. :)