OOTDs: Still Shorts Weather.

Our weather forecasters are blatantly lying, I've decided. 

I am not a big fall or winter fan, and I have been known (especially in February) to have threatened to move to Florida or South Carolina in hopes of never having to encounter a snow flake or ice storm ever. again., but right now temps in the low 70s or high 60s would be fine by me (it has been in the high 70s and low 80s, those ten degrees seem piddling, but they're not, at least to me). 

After spending my entire pregnancy last year sweltering in North America's warmest winter on record, and the spending my entire summer nursing the world's largest baby through multiple heat waves and a derecho, I have to admit to a *tiny* pining for some cooler weather. 

But, nope.  Even with the promise of cooler temps today, I still ended up disrobing halfway through the day (see the outfit photo here at the facebook page to look at how ridiculously overdressed I was). 

But I still give in, believing the darn forecasters, as you will see in the below outfit photos...every one of them features some sort of cardigan or sweater (which I later ended up regretting, sigh).

You all have every right, btw, to go ahead and remind me of this post when my inevitable b*tching about the cold, wind, rain, and snow happens in a few months time.  ;)

First up we have the outfit I wore yesterday to take the kids to classes and the park (pictured!) for a playdate.  It is intentional hipster, including the topknot. 

Yeah, I probably will never try this combo again, but I kind of was digging it as I wore it, so I guess that's half the battle?

I had been meaning to wear the top, but since I wasn't deluded enough to wear pants (such a weather cynic, that's me) with it, I figured going all out with pattern mixing was the flavor of the day.  I wore the Madewell shorts here last (second to last photo).

So I think Forever 21 has one of the worst laid out websites, and something like 3,128,208 tops in its inventory.  I plan on clipping the above photo to polyvore instead of trying to find this top in its site.  My three kids would never let me spend that much time trying to find it instead of playing with them.  ;)

Without the cardigan.  I took the cardigan off three minutes into my day.  It was completely and utterly unnecessary, you might say superfluous.  LOL.

I wore this getup on Tuesday to take the kids to the doctors for their vaccinations and check-ups. 

I love this cardigan from Boden (it is about three years old--wore it last here) and instead of waiting a while to pull it out, I thought, "oh, cotton, it will be fine."  Yeah, in the air conditioning of the office, Starbucks, and Giant it was fab.  Not so much out in the sun.  Lesson learned.

Sunday was a touch cooler, so I didn't feel so hot in this particular get-up, but if I had worn a tank under the cardigan, I would have likely taken the adorable lemon print cardigan off (this one is from Garnet Hill).

Look at how messy my hair is!!! Awesome.  So glad I saw that after I went to the party (bday party for Rex's girlfriend, for reals, his GIRLFRIEND).

I did like my makeup, though.  :)

And those earrings (called the frosted earrings) are from Premier Designs Jewelry.  My friend Holly had a party and I bought a few pieces so she could get some jewelry for free.  Anyhow, our mutual friend Rachel is the consultant, and I told her I would let you all know about her facebook page, just in case you were interested in contacting her. 

I bought this really pretty bracelet (Rosie Bracelet) from them, too. 

You can also see the close-up of the lemon print on the cardi in this shot.

Okay, that's it.  :)  They *SAY* it is supposed to be 70 on Saturday.  We'll see...

How about you all?  Is it cool where you are yet?  Or are you still in the thick of "summer?"

Here Fishy Fishy!

Yay for fun theme days!  :)

Before I show of the "under the sea" outfits, I wanted to remind everyone (not just my Boden fanatic friends) that I am hosting a really great giveaway for some very pretty sparkly scarves from Boden.  Please enter here.  Would love to top out near 50-75 entrants, if possible!

Okay, so this first outfit includes the very popular "school of fish" skirt from J. Crew back in 2006...I spent far too much on ebay for this (ugh), but when I received it, I saw that this skirt is so unique and special, it was okay to make this one of my only ebay splurges.  (I usually try to do bargain hunting on ebay, only treasured items am I willing to pay more for.)  The second outfit is a mix of Anthro and J. Crew and includes a pretty aqua and coral print top and cute little starfish earrings.

The skirt is a size 6, which is fine, but I would have preferred the 8, but c'est la vie...it fits and looks decent.  Plus that adorable print?  Agh!  Love it!

The tee is awesome.  I have literally worn it over and over and over since I bought it back in the winter of 2007.  In fact I wear it so much that I bought the silver/grey version from ebay for $7, I really do find these neutral striped tops go with so many of my printed skirts and pants.

The necklace is the sparkle flower necklace, perfect little bit of bling, not too much, but just enough to add interest to the neckline.

I decided to wear it with the most comfy platform sandals, from Aerosoles a few years ago.

I was teaching the book "Swimmy" at school and really loved the message of "together we are stronger."  This skirt is a very nice little visual reminder of that.  :)

From behind.  I would love to have this skirt in a navy version, too, just like there is a navy version of this print in a dress.

Here Fishy Fishy! by dinagideon featuring clutch handbags

Above is the polyvore of this outfit.

I wore this outfit on the day we were driving from GA to southern VA.  (This was way back in late July, btw.)  I love this Coil Flower Tank from Anthropologie.  It doesn't really read floral, in fact I see the gorgeous red corals of the seabed, but whatever.  The shorts are J. Crew from a few years back, as are the cherry blossom lucaya espadrilles.  The earrings are not Elsa Peretti as are shown in the polyvore, but rather from Stella and Dot.  I found this outfit perfection for driving all day long.  Very comfortable and kept me cool (very important)!

Do you all see coral or florals?  LOL.  You can also see the earrings a bit closer here, as well.

Starfish and Corals. by dinagideon featuring a floral tank

Above is the polyvore of this outfit!

Okay, all, have a great Friday.

Oh, and although this is a fun "under the sea" day, I really truly hope that we don't end up "under water" with this ridiculous storm heading our way!  ;)

Maritime Dress for Real Life...

I wore the Maritime dress as an actual real life outfit on Monday.  I figured the combo of mainly staying at home, plus an Arbonne meeting at night gave me a great reason to pull this puppy out.  The weather was also that weird version of mild we get here in NOVA, kind of drizzly, kind of foggy, and right around 60 degrees.  In other words, not too cold, but not warm enough that we can put away the sleeves. 

The maritime dress is pretty substantial, nice thick slubby cotton that is like a light sweatshirt.  In the morning I wore it on its own, but by evening I had to pull out some leggings to keep myself a bit warm (and also be a bit more conservative for my meeting, that said, I did not photograph that look). 

I reviewed the Maritime Dress already, so for more info on it, head on over to that post.  The sleeves look great rolled up, in my opinion, and for hanging out with the kids, the length isn't too short that it's shocking. 

The shoes are a pair of Cole Haan penny loafers that I am *this* close to wearing out.  I literally bring them with me on every trip and even when home find I pull them out at least a couple times a month. 

That pile of books in the back makes me look so literary.  LOL.  Or just messy, like a hoarder.

I wore my hair to the side as an homage to the 80s.  I don't know why this dress reminds me of the 80s, but it does.  It probably is the superfluous zipper on the sides (heehee). 

These earrings are from the factory, and I LUUUUUURRRRRVVVVVE them.  I will never poo-poo a lot of the factory items because I find I wear them a lot AND they are usually pretty high quality.  That said, I may just be lucky and have had relatively few problems.

The makeup is all Arbonne, of course, and I layered two shades together on my lips, the lipstick in rose petal (a pretty mid rose/peach shade) and the lip polish in pearl (look under the cosmetics tab to find the product descriptions).

Okay, it is Wednesday, which many of you know means BODEN WEEKLY REVIEW ROUNDUP time! :)  There are four blogs that have posted reviews this week that I know of: ShopppingwithM, Bodalicious, Polly and Fiona, and Egyptomaniac the Shopping Maniac.  If I didn't list your blog and you have a review, would you mind either commenting or e-mailing me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com?  I have had limited access to my computer this week, so that means limited access to all my favorite blogs!  (Sad Face.) 

Talk with you all soon!

Ruth Barzel Jewelry--My Summer Picks!!!

Yay! I finally have a few spare moments to spend on my blog! :)

And with these few moments, I want to take you back to last week when I introduced you to the awesome Ruth Barzel, who is an AMAZING jewelry designer who lives in this area and I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing through my (other) job as a swim coach.

Her collection is vast and comprehensive, and I do want you to check it all out, but I feel like with summer upon us (90 degrees today here in DC with a dew point hovering in the upper 60s equals HEAT and HUMIDITY), it is best for me to highlight some beautiful pieces from her collection for showing off that (hopefully fake) tan.


Above is a collage I created of my picks for summer from her collection.
From Left to Right and Top to Bottom they are:
1. "Heartbreaker" short gold-filled pendant with cz and charms. What can I say? I am a sucker for all things nautical during the summer and this shorter necklace with a starfish definitely would have me feeling "ship-shape!" ;)
2. "Heartbreaker" long sterling silver pendant with cz and charms. Ditto to the statement I said in number one, except add to that some length (this is a long necklace) and replace the five-armed underwater creature with one that has no arms (a seahorse).
3. "Soulmate" gold-filled 4-strand bracelet. Honestly, this gorgeous bracelet could easily transition to fall and winter, but I see it with a white tank and denim bermudas as a perfect "fun in the sun" accessory.
4. "Trend-setter" silver bracelet with gray mother of pearl. I find this to be utterly stunning. The larger chunks of mother of pearl are really quite spectacular and would be the right counterpart to sun-kissed skin. I would be surprised if Ruth doesn't sell out of these bracelets.
5. "Glamour girl" gold-filled earrings with hot pink jade. This summer, J. Crew has really piled on the brighter shades of lavender and purple, and even though this is called "hot pink" jade, I believe it would do quite well with the hues that are everywhere already in our clothing. (Jaipur skirt or blouse, anyone???)
6. "Glamour girl" gold-filled earrings with blue chalcedony. I picked these as I thought the color of these blue earrings were just perfection for the months of June, July, and August, and it turns out I am in great company. My blog friend, Ginger Girl, had bought these same exact earrings last week (she had told me, but I had forgotten which ones), so when I saw her post this morning where she is wearing them, I *knew* my last choice was a good one. Don't they look just marvelous on her???

Remember, Ruth Barzel has offered all readers of this blog a 15% discount if you use the code "SUPER" during checkout. Shipping is always free. :) Have a great, super-sparkly day!

A Meh Day...(However It Was Brightened by the Sunshine Peonies Perfect Shirt and Stained Glass Drop Earrings).

You all ever had an ugh day? Or a meh day? Well that was me today. I fear I am just not gonna bring it fashion-wise today as much as I normally try to. Sigh. 'Tis life!

I feel like I did try to try to bring it today, but in the end, I was harder on myself than you all will probably be (well, maybe...)!

I am kind of feeling irritated, tired, fussy, antsy, blegh, etc. Sort of like Rex feels when he hasn't slept or eaten enough. Great, I am a three-year old toddler. Except I have great clothing. Heh.

Okay, 'nuff said! :) Onto the few bright spots of my day!

I FINALLY got the packages that had been sent from J. Crew over a week or so ago (some of my packages were almost three weeks late). I appreciate UPS, but by the time the packages came, I was kind of chomping at the bit to get them. :) They did all arrive, and in perfect condition...so BRAVO, UPS. BRAVO.

In the packages were two items that I will (quickly) review tonight for you...the Sunshine Peonies Perfect Shirt and the Stained Glass Drop Earrings. For perspective on when I wore them (not sure if that is even important, but still), the Sunshine Peonies was worn at night, and the Stained Glass Drop Earrings were this morning.


Sunshine Peonies Perfect Shirt--Yes, this is the button-down sister to the much talked about Sunshine Peonies Pencil Skirt. Yes, I have pre-ordered the skirt. With as much yellow and orange as I have in my wardrobe (plus my penchant for any print that is Liberty-esque in feel--and yes, I know, know, know, am very excited by Liberty for Target), I kind of feel that this Sunshine Peonies print will be a perfect addition to my spring wardrobe (or heck, even late winter wardrobe).

I took an 8 and that is my typical perfect shirt size. I could have sized to a 6, but I like knowing that if it (God forbid) ends up in the dryer, it will still fit me nicely.

The fabric is soft and thin-ish, but most perfect shirts are a bit on the whisper weight category (better for layering, I suppose).

I wore this with the Blush Pink Sateen Blazer from last spring. The blazer didn't photograph as well as I would have liked, so I am leaving those pics out, but it is a lovely combo. It could also be paired with hot pink, all yellows, all oranges, and lighter purples.

By the way, look at Miss CW coming up from behind. Didn't even realize she had done that until I was cropping the photo. Showed Mr. Dina and we both just cracked up. :)

I guess she really likes taking photos with me...she literally came running when she saw what we were doing!


Speaking of enjoying taking photos, I hammed it up for the last photo. I felt like if I felt terrible, the least I could do was try to bolster my confidence a bit with a silly shot. It actually *sort of* worked. LOL.

Sizes:
Pants: 30 short.
Shoes: Size 10.


Okay, see these lovely earrings? (They are different from the ones I wore with the Sunshine Peonies Perfect shirt.) They are called the Stained Glass Drop Earrings and are quite lovely. Quite lovely in a long, kind of heavy, yeah, I will only wear these for a few hours at a time lovely. They fill a whole in my jewelry collection...I have a bunch of silver long earrings, but very few golden-toned long earrings. These are the metallic blush color, but come in other lovely colors, as well.

I didn't show my face because it was one of those mornings (you know, it started bad and stayed kind of bad). :)


Oh, and here is what I wore this morning. Yes, I am one of those people who wakes UP REALLY EARLY to go to the very first Ash Wednesday mass. Part of the reason I go to the early mass is because I am (typically) more of a morning person, but also because now that I have the kids (who only go to Sunday mass), I need to go to mass at the time when Mr. Dina is still at home and can care for them while I am away.

I didn't crop my head because I had ashes on my forehead (I actually am really proud of the ashes) but because I did not take one. single. photo. with my eyes OPEN. After the fourth try, I just gave up.

CW had her eyes open...fer cute!

Sizes:
Dress: Size Medium. It is by INC (Macy's brand) and gigiofca has it in yellow. Not only do we share a birthday, we share a love for pretty dresses. :)
Shoes: Size 9.5.

You all have a great night.

P.S. I am doing "things" for Lent, including doing good, and giving up things, but that is between me and God, and I am sure you all understand why I am not sharing my intentions with you! ;)

Shopping Times Two...Outfits, That Is!!!

Time to play catch-up (again)!!!

These two outfits are from December 23rd (PM shopping at Potomac Mills Mall) and December 22nd (PM shopping at Pentagon City Mall). The outfits are not in date order because I like the December 23rd outfit and photos better, so I choose to show them off first. ;)

Grey and Yellow Equals Shopping Perfection... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Polyvore for outfit #1. I wore the Winnie coat, but since you all saw it here already, I chose not to take a photo of the outfit with the coat. It looked good, I promise.


Love this shot because CW looks so sweet here. The cardi is laying weird, but I chose to publish this photo because of the cuteness on display. ;) The outfit was more than comfortable for shopping. Only issue I had was feeling a bit overdressed amongst the young teens of Potomac Mills mall. I never feel overdressed at Pentagon City or Montgomery Mall or Tyson's...but Potomac Mills, I see a whole lot of really baggy jeans, Ed Hardy tees, and backwards caps. And that's just the girls...heehee. BTW, no J. Crew at that mall...

Sizes:
Cardigan: Medium.
Top: Medium.
Pants: Size 8.
Shoes: Size 10.


Here is the cardi with last season's sequined cashmere tank. Just a bit of sparkle there on the collar. Note that CW is coming up from the playroom with a puzzle. (Just snuck into the picture...)

Peacock Blue and Denim by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This next polyvore is from outfit #2, worn on December 22nd to Pentagon City. Probably should have worn this outfit to Potomac Mills instead. Less dressy and fussy, but oh, well. ;)

Button-down is not the same as in the polyvore. The one I am wearing is from Eddie Bauer a long time ago. The rest of the polyvore is accurate.


This was the best photo of the bunch. I wasn't in the greatest mood when taking these photos, and since you can read my feelings from my face, when I am in a bad mood it ALWAYS shows in pictures. Ergh...I really wish I could be one of those poker-face kind of people. It would be nice to have an air of mystery.

Outfit was comfy enough. Love the peacock blues (vintage forest, whatever).

Can I ask a question of all of you who own the Cashmere V-Neck Henley? Do any of you think there is a button too many on this sweater? All the catalog images make it look like there is less buttons than in real life. I personally think the top button is superfluous (yes, I realize I normally like superfluity), but here it is bordering on obnoxious, like button overload!!!

Sizes:
Sweater: Size Small.
Top: Size 8.
Jeans: Size 30.
Shoes: Size 9.5.

Have a great day. More outfits, etc. to be published later. Plus, Mid-Century Mom tells me a new post may be in the future, too. Oh, and Cash from My Closet will have items on it that will only be there for five days. After five days these items will most likely vanish to the wonderful consignment shop Mint Condition if there are no takers. :) (I have an appointment there on December 31st...seems like an appropriate thing to do on the very last day of the year.)

So, Yes, This Was Unexpected, But I'll Take 'Em...aka Heirloom Flora Earrings for a Tired Momma...

BTW, as you are reading this (provided you read it tonight 10/5/09), I am attempting (or so I hope--Baby CW is being VERY NEEDY) to finish commenting back...I feel terrible for not commenting sooner, but I truly promise it isn't because I don't want to...it is because my family makes it kind of hard to find the time I need...I actually can publish posts faster than I can comment (probably because posts are just me talking to myself, which I find really easy...go ahead, make fun, I know, I know...).

ONTO THE UNEXPECTED:

I call my bro this afternoon to check on the babies, and after confirming that they were in fact, alive and napping (lucky Peter), I asked him if I got any mail, and he confirms that yes, I did get a white, small package. Yes, it appears that, I, dinagideon, was a recipient of the much discussed earrings over at J. Crew Aficionada. Hmmm...and dinagideon begins the speculation.

#1--I received it under my maiden name, not my married name (which you all will never ever know...gotta have one thing I keep quiet). Now I have not made many purchases under my maiden name in a long time, but a lot of my correspondence happens with my maiden name, including a lot of the stuff I do with this blog. Hmm...

#2--My personal shopper knows my married name...it is on my credit card info...but the e-mail I use to discuss stuff with her is under my maiden name.

#3--I used to receive two catalogs in the mail, one for my married name and one for my maiden name (I know, get the act together, J. Crew), but now I only receive one for my MARRIED name, so I thought that J. Crew only knew me as my married name (and HAD indeed gotten their act together).

#4--I don't know. I just don't know. Hmmm...

#5--No free shipping code...hmmm...

#6--The earrings are BEAUTIFUL, so regardless, I am enamored. In fact, I love them so much that I wore them this afternoon to Border's Bookstore and received a compliment on them from one of the sales people. (And my bro, he REALLY likes them...) So, however I received them, thank you, J. Crew. Very cool.

#7--That said, what is the impetus? I really want all cardholders to receive this. I think, like has been said over at JCA, the "perks" of being a cardholder should be unconditional, like at Banana Republic. (I am assuming I received this because of my card...I know it is under my maiden name...but you know, I seriously haven't bought anything with that name in a LONG time.)


Peter took this pic of me wearing the earrings. They are in fact, very comfortable to wear, and of the right shade that they could be worn with many different outfits.

P.S. I made the photo "glow" because I was very tired when this was taken, and honestly, a "glow" (thank you, Picasa) makes it all a little bit better. ;)


A photo of the earring close-up. So shiny.


Gotta love a grosgrain-tied silver package. So pretty.

Have a great day. Maybe we can unwrap the mystery of the earrings sooner or later...yes, I just said "unwrap." And yes, I know, bad pun.