OOTDs: A Weekend's Worth.

Day: Sunday, January 12, 2014.

Where: Church.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear) The dress was made by me for me (see this post on the process and more views), so it is very comfortable for me to wear.  I took a point off because the dress sleeves didn't comfortably fit in the cardigan sleeve, but that wasn't hard to fix, I just had to fiddle with them a bit, and I *hate* fiddling.

The Boden Suede wedges are comfortable, too, am pretty excited to receive the Mid-Heel Wedge in navy so I have another pair of easy wearing heels to tromp around in.  The Suede Wedge in Pewter is pretty similar to these that I am wearing, a bit lighter in color, but same height, etc., and it has the bonus of being in the clearance section right now, too.  :-)

Cool Factor: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) I am not knocking my outfit, but yeah, not super cool.  It's for church, and I wore a cardigan buttoned up so I would have a fairly modest outfit for mass.  (I had to, check out the back view of the dress had I not worn the cardigan.  No one at church wants to see me in that, trust me.)

Anecdote from the Day:  No big adventure, but I met a nice girl who is single and all manner of things adorable, and of course, I immediately went into my spiel about my nice, sweet, handsome, very Catholic brother.  LOL.

I also met a lady who has been going to my church for 60 years!  60!  I have been there for 28, which I know isn't a ton, but it is definitely longer than 85% of the people there have been there.  I have a feeling I will be doing things like her when I am in my elder age...talking with younger moms about my experiences with my three little ones.  I kind of look forward to that.  So wonderful that I could share a few moments of my day with her.

Day: Saturday, January 11, 2014.

Where: Birthday party for one of our family friends.

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear) Nothing was super uncomfortable enough to ding the outfit two whole points, BUT enough little things bugged me to ding it two points overall.

1. It was raining a lot.  There was even thunder.  Rain makes things harder.

2. I went to a birthday party with my two youngest, and because my youngest refuses to wear shoes, I have to cart his bottom in my arms when it is raining so he doesn't get his feet completely wet.  That means I get hot and bothered FAST.

3. The darn second button on the back of this adorable Lace-Trim Swiss-Dot Top kept coming undone, because the length of the hole is just a bit too big for the button.  It kept popping out, which led me to constantly asking my friend to redo it for me.  Blegh.

4. I know this isn't really a comfort thing, but the necklace I planned originally to wear with it just looked wrong, so I switched to a wool/cotton challis infinity scarf that I had sewn up yesterday morning.  I am glad it looked decent with the top, since my brain didn't want to have to bother with a third option.  LOL. 

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) For all my issues with it, I dig it, and think it looks pretty good, as long as we forget that I tried the blue Stella & Dot necklace with it first.

Anecdote from the Day:  The party was held at the same place where my kids went to preschool.  It was nice to go back.  Even though I am always in that neighborhood, I just don't get over to the center very often.  They had completely redone the soft play room with snazzy new toys.  The kids were over the moon about the party.

Back view of the top.  I was *this* close to buying the size Petite 6 instead of the regular 4, and seeing the back of this makes me think my instinct was probably spot on...I will keep this one, but for future reference, I will store that bit of data and just trust my instincts. 

See that second button there, btw, cheekily starting to pop out.  Yeah...

Day: Friday, January 10, 2014.

Where: Dinner at El Paso Cafe to see my Grandpa (he is in from Poland for a few weeks).

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear) I purposely chose a more fitted outfit so I wouldn't overeat at El Paso, which is SHOCKINGLY easy to do there.  Gawd, that food is so freaking good.

Anyhow, all the pieces fit, but I know that my comfort level in the Boden Bistro wool crop go way down if I eat too much, so there you go.  :-) 

I still ate way too much, hence the 3 stars.  Ah, well.  It was worth it.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) I like the curvier, edgier look I had that night, which for me is a rare occurrence.  I would rather be pretty and polished (like the church outfit) most of the time, and find my comfort level is highest in dresses, cardigan, skirts, tights, and low heels, but I have to try other things, and that is why I appreciate this blog so much.  In the (nearly--eep) five years I have been publishing posts here, I have really pushed my own preppy, perfectionist ways, allowing myself to be a bit more "whatever."  This look seems a bit girl band rock prep.  Yeah, girl band rock prep.  I like that. 

Anecdote from the Day:  Angus's look is because he just wasn't having the Mariachi band that was playing that night.  They were loud, very good, and not exactly Angus's cup of tea.  Poor fellas were trying so hard, too, they even played La Cucaracha for him, really putting the show on, and he barely managed a smile.  Boo, Tiny, Boo!  CW and I applauded big time to make up for Angus's surliness.

Okay, that's it for tonight.  Have fun the rest of your late Sunday evening!

OOTDs: Bring on the Jacket. And the Eiffel Tower Earrings. And Rush.

Hi, Ladies!  (And Gents, if you all are out there!)

How has your weekend been?  It s really pretty here in VA, so we have been soaking up all the glorious weather by moving non-stop from one activity to another.  Pluses?  The activities are tremendous amount of fun, and hopefully the memories of these fab activities will linger in our kids' minds.  Minuses?  Well, our kids are young and weekend full of activities equals less sleep for the little ones, which means there is just a *tiny* bit of crabbiness from them.  ;)

Today I decided to get two outfits from the recent weeks done, and tie them together because both outfits feature a jacket as a major part of the outfit.

First up is the outfit from yesterday, one that features the J. Crew Lexington Jacket in ivory and citron from the Fall of 2007.  (Featured in this catalog image from September 2007.)

Started off the day in this whole ensemble, but by about 1 pm it was too hot, and sadly the Lexington had to be put away.  At least I was able to have a few hours with this beauty completing my look.

If you open the image, you can see the information on the individual pieces.  The shoes are the wonderful Lena wedges which I have worn many times already this summer, but just couldn't make it look 100% right with the outfits, since the wedges were too "statement-y" for the more delicate looks I wore them with...(outfit 1 here, outfit 2 here, and outfit 3 here).  I finally feel like I have hit the right note by wearing them with the capris. 

Since I had an Eiffel Tower on my tee, I knew the Eiffel Tower earrings had to be pulled out.  Not every fashion moment has to be subtle, right?  ;)

No jacket and posing with my "ooh, it's the Eiffel Tower, Momma" baby girl.

I have now worn these Pure Collection pants twice.  They are so freaking comfortable but still look like proper trousers.  I saw them in the summer sale for something like $30 and thought, "eh, why not?"  Glad I gave them a shot.

For those of you who want more info on Pure Collection, I plan on doing my reviews in the next day or two.  Tomorrow starts a big ten-day sale for them (they are approaching their tenth anniversary on October 10), so I figured it would be very appropriate to schedule my first Pure Collection reviews around then. Until then, if you want to take a look around, here is a link: Pure Collection - 25% Off.

Yesterday's activities included a Rex tee-ball game, a lunch out, a visit to a movie theater to see "Hotel Transylvania," and church (the Bishop was there and blessed Rex and Angus!).  I knew I had to have something that could go to all events, be nursing friendly, and layered for either heat or cold.

The above picture was taken right after I threw in the towel on the jacket (temps had gone up to near 80 with full sun).

The Jacket. The Eiffel Tower. by dinagideon featuring forever 21

Above is the polyvore of the outfit.

So I was going to just publish the outfit photos from yesterday but then I remembered it has been a full three weeks since I went to the Rush concert (yes, that Rush, not Big Time or Limbaugh, bite your tongue, people).  And since this outfit featured both a jacket and the Eiffel Tower Earrings, I figured I would just go with it.

I liked my makeup and hair that day, but was very disappointed in my eye bags.  SLEEP.  I need more SLEEP.  (Thanks, Angus.)  ;)

The jacket is from Target.  I had briefly considered getting one of these jackets from either J. Crew or Boden when they had them in their lines, but I am so glad I waited.  I think this one is $25?  And it is super comfy and soft, too, so I think I chose the best one for me.

Look at the size of that beer.  I have never had a 24 ounce beer in a can.  I felt classy.  Yeah.  Classy is the right word.  Ha.

There's my concert tee from the last time I went to a Rush concert.  I was willing to buy another concert tee, but this time the women's tees were all very unfortunate looking.  I know Rush is not a girl's kind of band, but come on, there is at least a handful of us that enjoy their music AND enjoy dressing up.

Look at Geddy, up there on stage.  I think he totally appreciated my tee and my beer. 

After the concert, parking lot.  Mr. Dina and I were walking to the car and I got catcalled at...lol.  I haven't been catcalled in YEARS, and the first time it happens to me is in front of my husband.

Okay, all, have a great night.  Are any of you able to wear and enjoy your blazers and jackets yet?

OOTD: Making Sweet a Bit More Sassy.

Hi!  :)  I took a few days off, which I anticipate is going to be happening quite a bit more over the next month or so.

I do promise that (as long as I can) I will keep up all my coupon links and sale updates with regards to Boden (I know that many of you like having the easy access to them from here), but beyond that, I am going to give the blog what I can, when I can.

I know many of you have been through the drudgery of the last month of pregnancy before, so I know you "get it," and for those of you that haven't, I have no doubt you have seen others go through it, so I have a feeling you "get it," too.  And for that I am super-appreciative!

A couple weeks ago, I reviewed a Boden maternity frock in this Boden Weekly Review Roundup.  What I didn't show was how I actually styled it for my day out with my brother.  Although I wasn't having a super-awesome day (was at the height of my sinus infection), it was wonderful to get out with my little brother and my kids.  And in the best turn of events, my brother even paid.  ;)

(Everyone now, "awwww."  BTW, he's single.  Just sayin'.)

The dress is adorable on its own, but since the temps were only in the mid-50s *not complaining, btw*, I figured I should add a jacket and boots to keep myself warm.

I could have gone with a long topper, like one of my J. Crew double cloth coats, and worn riding boots, but in the end, I decided I wanted a bit more sass than sweet, so I pulled out an ancient black leather coat from Ann Taylor (best leather is always the one that's been in your closet for years) and the Madewell Hightower boots.

Necklace: J. Crew Palm Springs Necklace.
Sunglasses: A.R. Trapp for J. Crew.

The J. Crew Frankie bag in this shade is also a nice contrast, adding some more sweet to the black leather.

Now--and I do realize this--there is very little that could make me look over the top sassy at this particular juncture in my life, but I am glad with the fact that I could take my normal, SAHM sweet/preppy/twee/pollyanna self to something a teeny bit more edgy.  ;)

Close up of the jacket, hair, makeup, necklace, and print.

The leather is so soft on this jacket, btw.  Even "edgy," I like to have something soft to pet.  LOL.

We couldn't resist sassing CW up, too.  She was insistent on wearing the boots, just like momma.

Her details:
Coat: Missoni for Target for Girls, this was a real steal at 15 dollars.  :)
Skirt: Missoni for Target for Girls...also on super sale.
Boots: Circo Target.
The rest is her ballet costume.

My brother took this photo after we ate lunch.  This is, HANDS DOWN, my favorite photo ever taken of me and CW.  My heart literally melts when I look at it.  (Moms, you know that feeling...way way better than any other emotion I have ever felt in my life.)

Single ladies of the world...there he is.  My bro.  :)  He loves kids, too.

Sweet with Sass. by dinagideon featuring a quilted jacket

Above is the polyvore.

You all have a great night.  Go get your sass on...  ;)

Floral Long Swing Skirt as Photographed by B & T...

You all ready for the arty-farty party?  LOL.

If you recall this post, I have *fun* with fashion.  And when I go over the top with my sartorial vision, I always call in B & T, photographers par excellence to capture the outfit in only the way they can.  B is the stylist and T is the photographer.  (And lucky me, they do it for free!!!)  After they do their job, I take the images and go crazy with the editing in Picnik, which is a Picasa on-line editing tool (and insanely awesome at making great photos look even more professional and special).

I am not going to bore you all with the details, instead I will simply give you a photo spread and leave the review of this beautiful outfit for a True Crew Love post (this weekend, most likely). 

But before I begin, I want to mention the pieces and the sizes (for those of you who need that info for your own sizing questions):  Floral Long Swing Skirt, Size 8;  Factory Stripe Zip Back Tank, Size extra-small;  Anthropologie Three Beacons Belt, Size small; and the Quorra Peep-Toe Booties, Size 9.5.

This is everyone's favorite image from the day.  I was actually standing next to a segway rental place.  Picnik can make anything look glam.  :)

I am going to keep this photo as part of this post...I am now ready to move on from this gorgeous shot of my kids (taken almost 2!!! years ago).  I figure if I have a fashion blog (even if it is *just* SAHM fashion usually), I should have a header that speaks to what I do here, enjoying fashion as much as I possibly can.  :)  Plus, if I switch to a fashion-themed header, I won't feel so bad when I switch it up (which is what kept me from ever taking this one down, lol).

I will post this pic on the sidebar, with a link to the larger photo.  I love this image, and figure some of you do, as well.  So do like I will do and click on it whenever you need a pick-me-up.

You all have a great day/night (depending on your time zone).

Concert Hall...

Title of the post is from this song (listen for it).  :)

Yes, I am {finally} publishing my outfit that I wore to the Rush concert last Friday.  It seemed fitting that exactly one week after I was at the concert, barely (and I mean BARELY) arriving on time, I would show off my sartorial choice. 

I don't know if I was the best dressed there, but I suspect I may have been in the top 10.  There were female fans there, but let's just put it into photographic proof how few of us there were.

This was the line to the men's room at intermission.  Yes...it is that long, from the door to WELL beyond my camera's angle.  Women's room?  No line, I was in and out in mere minutes, and well, you all know this, girls require much more "finagling" to go to the restroom.

And count how many women you actually see in the background...maybe one or two?  Exactly.

Also, most of the guys looked exactly like Mr. Dina.  You know, ancient Rush concert tee (the older proves what a HUGE fan of Rush you are--Snakes and Arrows concert tee isn't gonna cut it for proof of your fan status), pretty dank jeans, and more white tennis shoes than you can shake a stick at.  LOL.

The women, overall, fared much better.  Definitely tees, but women don't give two shakes about "proving" anything, so any Rush tee is fine.  In fact, just showing up at the darn concert is enough to prove how cool you are to a bunch of male Rush fans (including the women that were only there to prove how much they love their significant others--not my case, clearly, we both are BIG Rush fans, probably why we stay together).

Concert Hall... by dinagideon featuring straight leg stretch jeans

So I specifically chose NOT to wear a female version of the male Rush look.  I wore what is in the above polyvore.  ;)

I call it "edgy" chic with a twist of sequins.  The boots made me feel a bit bad-a@@.

No jacket.  It was really warm in the "concert hall" that night and I had to go without the jacket.  Love how the scarf works exactly right with the sequined Target tank.

I wasn't sitting anywhere close enough to have the lighting play with my sequins, but had I been in the right place (in other words, places were there were fans who actually STOOD during the concert and rocked out instead of mutely staring at the band and looking depressed--huh, say what?!?--but that is a gripe for another post) these sequins would have for sure caught the eye of Geddy.  Right?  LOL.  :)

With the Madewell jacket which I bought this last winter.

BTW, this Friday was the only day amongst ten or so days that the weather didn't go above 70 degrees.  In fact, it was almost like early March...yucky, clingy rain and temps in the 40s.  I guess "edgy" chic doesn't go well with 80 degrees and sunshine, but still...ugh.

We left our house in Alexandria at 3:45 and after a quick trip to drop the kids off to my dad, we were on our way.   S-L-O-W.  OMG, SO S-L-O-W.  Baltimore is 50 miles from DC.  It took US THREE HOURS to get to Baltimore.  It was maddening.  We literally sat in our seats as the concert was starting.  (THANK GOD!)  I felt we were blessed by the rock angels but also a bit cursed by the rock devils.  Very strange.

My head shot.  :)

All Arbonne makeup, taken up about 12-15 notches.  I actually used liquid eye liner!  I felt like the look needed more hardcore makeup.

BTW, my current Arbonne offer expires this evening at 11:59 pm Eastern time.  To find out more on the offer, click on over to my website.

The band rocked so hard they completely and utterly kept me on my feet. 

Me, by myself, I might add.  What was wrong with my section?

P.S. My Friday night plans this evening?  Umm, swim coaching.  Sigh.  I wish I was at another Rush concert.