Review of the Bateau Top...Striped and Ready to Go!!!

This is going to be VERY quick. Baby CW has something...hoarse cough, bad mood, you name it, she is suffering from it. Blegh. I am tired because she is tired (does that make sense)?

Striped and Ready to Go!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

But I LOVE this top, so I really wanted you all to see it on someone. I will issue one caveat...I have a small mini-crush on striped tops from J. Crew. I own a red-striped top (short-sleeves), a thin black striped top (long-sleeves), multi-colored striped top (long-sleeves), and a khaki-striped top (turtleneck). So when I saw the vintage bateau top in the new arrivals this month, I kind of knew I would buy it at full-price. Yes, all, it is FULL PRICE love. :) That's commitment. I have already gotten the tiniest stain on it and ripped out the price tag. 'Tis love.

The polyvore shows accurate pieces, except the pants, which are not true. I am wearing ancient J. Crew chinos from four years ago. I really love J. Crew pants, I think they are well-made and last a LONG time.

The shearling chalet boots I got on a popback!!! SCORE! I was ready to go and ebay pay someone for a pair from a clearance center, but nope, only had to pay 80 dollars. YAY! And perfect timing, what with all this awful snow we have had (and will continue to have--10-20 inches forecast for Fri.-Sat.).


Sizes:
Top: Size small. I like it, and think the cotton is sturdy, and not see-through. I think it is cut a bit generous and long, so if you felt comfortable, you could potentially size down. I don't mind this looser cut on me, it isn't so loose that you lose my waist or anything, so that's good. And the color? Camel? GORG. I will be surprised if this doesn't sell out.
Cardigan: Size medium.
Pants: Size 10.
Boots: Size 9. (I sized down one whole size...didn't make a bit of difference. Feels to me the way the old 10s used to feel...I say size down for sure.)

See my model baby there in an old Rex crewcuts vest? Right, so precious...well, take a gander at the next shot (open the photo up for the best effect)...


Heehee, even model babies have to yawn. :^0


Close-up of the bateau top. The necklace is a outlet (I think) item, a mushroom that jingles like a bell when it is swung. The kids LOVE it. :)

Have a nice night. Maybe, with any luck, I can pre-order from BodenPreview.com tomorrow. Play nice, Johnnie!

P.S. I have been terrible commenting back on my last few posts. I will probably not post much tomorrow, instead I will focus on answering comments. :)

Subbing Mom Monday (in Red) and SAHM Tuesday (in Green)...

Kind of a boring post today. The first two photos are of the outfit I wore on Monday to go substitute teach. I was also walking home, which is why the pants and shoes are so. darn. practical. Plus it was "winter warm" on Monday (high was near 70), so I didn't want to be too hot on my walk home. All mindful and practical...the Sartorialist would have kicked my butt.

He wouldn't have even bothered to look at me on Tuesday, which was yesterday, and the day I decided that shades of green, grey, and black were for me. Now, I was taking Rex to preschool, and I was going to be switching into yoga pants for my yoga class, so I can't be expected to have completely brought it, right? Or am I just kidding myself, and I should have been full-on pencil skirt, heels, pretty blouse, cardigan, belt, earrings, etc.? Ha. Not a chance.

So without further discussion, I bring you...

Subbing Mommy in Red...

Sizes:
Sweater Jacket: Size Medium. This is from the September 2007 Paris Catalog, page 15 (yes, I have memorized the page). Swoon over the original catalog image here.
Tee: Size Small. Discussed here.
Pants: Size 8.
Shoes: Size 10.

Baby CW is all sleepy. We hadn't even changed here into her outfit for the day yet. Gah, babies who are sleepy-looking always do me in...especially when they rub their eyes, TOO PRECIOUS.


Outfit with just the tee. I love this tee. The abstract floral in neon is just awesome. I know some of you don't like the color, but this is just the right amount of "ping" for me. Especially when dealing with Monday morning 7th-graders, they will be drawn like moths to the brightness.

(I know all you middle-school teachers know what I am talking about. Grade school teachers also have the same experience. I think it is once you get to high school when what you wear to teach doesn't really matter--the kids are less looking at you and much more looking at each other...hormones and all. Although 8th-graders probably do the same thing...don't have much experience with them.)

SAHM in Green...

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Small. Any styling ideas for this Talbot's cardi? I am leaning to buttoning it up and wearing it with a pencil skirt, but I am looking for other ideas. Thank you for any help you can give!!!
Top: Size X-Small (J. Crew's cotton-modal tops run HUGE).
Pants: Size 8. BTW, the other button fell off these pants. So glad I sewed the original one that fell off back on...needed that one when the second of two fell off. If I didn't love these pants as much as I do, they would so be going back.

Shoes are the same as above.

Lastly...I received the Tangled Treasure Necklace and even though it looks like it would be a HOT MESS, it is not. I love it. I plan on wearing it tonight with a sequined tank from Target and the watercolor leopard cardigan. It looked wonderful with the tank (which is black). The necklace isn't so avant-garde that people will come up to me and go, "my goodness, woman, what is that THING around your neck?" I anticipate it will be right at home with my collection of statement necklaces (which I think J. Crew does incredibly well). So you all know, almost all of my jewelry from J. Crew is bought on super-sale. If you can wait for a good price, I would say their jewelry is worth the plunge. Having said that, slight jewelry (single chain necklaces with pendants, thin bracelets, etc.) get lost on me. I do wear them, and do love the ones I own, but I find that the larger pieces that J. Crew and Banana Republic make suit my frame very nicely.

Okay, that's all. Have a fantastic afternoon.

A Tale of a Tunic, a Top, and a Swan Butt Skirt...

First thing...I FORGOT to add links to my last few posts, and I just feel terrible. Both of these lovely ladies have worn outfits or pieces that I had in the posts, and I really want you to go check them out. They looked amazing, of course. :)

Debye reviewed the Boden Knitted Dress and the Textured Cotton Shift here. Summerilla wore the Campo de Fiore sweaterdress here.

Second...I have a great Boden story to tell. I was shopping at Springfield Mall a week or so ago and I was picking up my statement necklace (Boden's from the winter roll-out that I blogged about here) from the repair shop (a minor repair, a connection was broken between two of the bits). We then head to Gymboree to buy CW some winter clothing, and in the midst of me trying to prevent her from shoplifting some tees (they are so sneaky at this age), I threw my bag and envelope (with the necklace in it) on the floor and ran out to grab her and the fifteen tees she five-finger discounted. In the process of all of this, my Campo bag was remembered but not the necklace I had come to the mall for in the first place. :P

The ladies at the store saw the envelope (after we were long gone), saw the Boden info, and called their customer service number, and reported to them that my necklace was at their store. I remembered about fifty minutes later that I had left the envelope in the store and grabbed it...obviously with a million thanks to them, and was on my merry way.

Well imagine my surprise when I get home and Mr. Dina says there was a message from Boden, calling to let us know that our necklace was at the Springfield Mall and that we should go and get it!!! This is AWESOME. I always love J. Crew's customer service, but this is the BEST example of customer service I have ever encountered. Amazing. (Now, if I could just get them to send me the boyfriend cardi I ordered in their sale over 21 days ago, I would be the happiest camper with Johnnie and co. Although knowing Boden, Johnnie himself will go to the FedEx depot here in Alexandria and chew them out for making me wait for my package.) :)

Third...today is a day of three reviews...two are Boden, and one is Urban Outfitters. (I know, Urban Outfitters...it is NOT a typo.) In fact the only thing in any of these photos that is J. Crew is the starfish printed cardigan in the last photo that I bought recently from Mint Condition.


Sizes:
Tunic: UK Size 10R, US Size 6R. I chose to go with a regular as opposed to a long because I don't want the empire seam to hit me at my waist. That would just ruin this tunic for me. I know this is S-H-O-R-T, but I am not planning on wearing this as a dress, this is either a cover-up for my bathing suit this summer or as a tunic this spring.

I think this was the VERY FIRST thing I fell in love with when I saw the Boden Spring Preview all the way back in October. I said it looked very Lilly Pulitzer then, and I stand by my estimation. What a gorgeous print. Does anyone else see the bird in the center of the tunic?

This is linen and prone to wrinkling, but on the plus side, this is a comfortable material that stretches with you and will never confine you. Just lovely for the warmer months of the year.

Printed Tunic available here. This print is currently on a huge backorder, but really, are any of you going to wear this in the next 5 weeks? Well, outside of Ema, who actually is wearing it for real right now. Lucky gal! ;)


Sizes:
Top: UK 12, US 8. I always buy these more fitted tops by Boden in a size UK 12 or US 8 because they are close-fitting, and this is coming from someone without much up top.

I love me some hotchpotch. This is the current variation on the "hotchpotch" theme. This will probably be the only one I buy. The others just aren't singing to me. I do envision this looking darling with sandals and a pair of denim bermuda shorts.

Hotchpotch Top is available here. You can probably wait for a sale. (But once on sale, buy quickly...the hotchpotch and fun skirts always sell first and fast on sale.)


Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Small. Bought for maybe $15. Love consignment shops. :)
Skirt: Size Medium. This skirt was much discussed at gigiofca's Gigi's Gone Shopping. Well, not the Urban Outfitters version, but the Target version. Gigiofca is the one (maybe?) who named it the swan butt skirt. Whatever.

I love this pic, I cropped it just so...wanted you to see just how darling the mini-tiers of fabric look.

But I know you all, and you will prefer a full-length version...so fine, here it is (I am to please):


Ta-Da!

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Ruffle Tiered Skirt is available here. They have it styled to sit on the waist. Unh-uh, I am over 14 (contrary to how I feel on the inside), so I placed it on my high hip. It is a much more reasonable version of a mini at this length.

BTW, I am stuck on how I really want to style this skirt. I like it with the cardigan and sandals, and so does Mr. Dina and my dad, but what about you all? Any ideas? Any polyvore addicts feel like taking a go with it???

Hope this helped some of you. If I enabled you, I am truly sorry or truly happy, dependent on how you feel about me enabling you. ;)

It Truly is an Icon...the Icon Trench (Khaki).

My kids are being especially needy this morning, so I have to make this a fairly quick review, but that is okay because the very lovely Slastena did a review on this way back in February of last year (it has been out that long and for the very same price--wow).

J. Crew Collection Icon Trench is available here.

I just wanted to make sure that you guys could see it on a different body, height, size, etc.

Every lady should own a classic trench coat. For years, I have owned trench coats, but they have always been single-breasted or if double-breasted, they are in a short length. I had been pining for a classic trench coat for years...but could never justify the higher price tag on the classic ones.

But then J. Crew had a sale in December on all coats...30% off. All coats? Including the object that I had been desirous of since last winter??? Yep! I checked it, and lo and behold, the Icon Trench WAS on sale, from 298 dollars to a little bit more than 200. It was definitely still a lot of money, but I knew the price would be worth it for a classic.

I eventually received it a little before Christmas...and it was exactly what I wanted...the right length, the right color, double-breasted, a belt that can be tied for the right sort of "jaunty" look, etc. In other words, I had bought a classic.

My normal shopping pattern is to buy pieces that are "special," but not necessarily classic...for instance, most of my J. Crew items are the pieces that are immediately recognizable as J. Crew, the prints like the Campo, the Fresco, the Liberty prints, the brightly-hued cashmere, the cardigans with unusual animal prints, etc. This coat? It is J. Crew (supposedly J. Crew Collection--mine does not have a black label, though), but you wouldn't know it until you looked at the tag. For me, this may be a first. A J. Crew item that doesn't look J. Crew from far away...amazing!


Sizes:
Coat: Size 8. Could have gotten away with a 6, but I am honest with myself, I want to keep this for as long as possible, and if I am wearing this pretty into my 50s, will I be a size 6? Probably not.

I wore this last weekend when we were experiencing torrential rains in VA. This is not "weather-proof," but did a fine job of keeping me warm and dry.

I know I can wear it in the fall and spring without a layer underneath (just the outfit itself), and in the winter, this has enough room that I can wear it with a thick sweater underneath. It is always FAR too warm here in the summer to ever consider it for that season. :)


Another view, whole body. It reaches just above my knee. Even though I have it buttoned up for both photos, I can definitely say it looks nice opened as well.

Hope this helps any of you on the fence. At full price, it is worth it, but if this coat ever goes on sale again, GO FOR IT.

Anyone else review it? Could you leave a link in the comments? Thank you!

Have a great morning. Should be back later with more (I hope)!

Fresco Tunic Thursday for Debye!!!

Update: I had originally posted this at 11:21 am, but stupid, idiotic Blogger was not publishing it to the Reader feed (I follow my own blog anonymously so that I can make sure posts publish). So I am re-publishing. I love you Blogger, BUT I also really hate you sometimes. GRRRR.

Thank you all for your votes yesterday on which Campo outfit I should wear on Saturday. I think the black turtleneck, black tights, and ankle boots combo is the winner by a landslide. Quick question...what should I do to prevent the black from showing through the sweaterdress? Or should I not stress about it?

I feel a million times better today than I did yesterday. Usually if I have a migraine, Mr. Dina will stay home and take care of the kids while I recover for an hour or so, but because Mr. Dina has had to be at home the past week to deal with the malfunctioning water heater, he HAD to go to work yesterday. Therefore, my migraine and I got to chill with each other all day long. :P

Fresco Tunic Thursday by dinagideon featuring J Crew

I promised Debye that I would wear the Fresco tunic today and I have. It is a great all-year tunic top. It was in-store only, but I have seen them on ebay. If you pay 75 dollars, it is still a great deal (I think it was over a hundred in store originally). Because it is silk, I stay warm in the winter, and in the summer, it breathes, keeping me cool. (BTW, if you own the tunic and use polyvore, you are welcome to save the item to your items, it is me wearing the top, but you obviously can cut it to have just the tunic showing, as I have done in this set.)


Sizes:
Tunic: Size 8. Don't remember the last time I wore it. I have worn it quite a bit...very versatile. Also, I should have sized down, but it doesn't look bad this loose, so thank goodness! :)
Pants: Size 8. Very, very comfy.
Shoes: Size 9.

CW is wearing baby cowboy boots. She had on skinny cords yesterday. Fashion has caught up to the under-3 set. Crazy, but oh, so cute.


Sizes:
Coat: Size 8. I have definitely worn this a lot, perfect length and fabric for most of our winter days, which usually top out at about 45 degrees.

Later on today, I will comment back on the last three posts and I will also post a review of the Icon trench (which I bought during December's 30% off coats sale). I HIGHLY recommend that if it goes on sale again, BUY IT! It is truly a classic coat. ;)

New Year's Eve, a Bit Sparkly with a Stardust Skirt and a Sequined Cardigan...

A kid at swimming last night crushed my left index finger and it REALLY hurts today, so as much as I want to put a lot of energy into this post, I just can't. So I am going to publish the polyvores of both outfits, the photos, and info on sizing, and I will just let you comment your thoughts and questions, and hopefully tomorrow I can answer anything you might have discussed today.

I don't think my finger is broken or even sprained, but it sounded like it got cracked. The little boy was kicking flutter kick, and I was attempting to correct his form, and his very strong leg smashed the finger. Sigh. All for the love of the sport...

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Polyvore of my kick-butt outfit from the New Year's Eve outfit I wore to the party we went to...I really love this outfit, a lot. Again, I didn't win the polyvore contest (sadness...just kidding), but I felt like this could look really good in real life, and it did!!! I felt super-duper. (Oh, so you know, the outfit was REALLY comfortable, too...surprising, huh?)


Sizes:
Top: Size Medium.
Skirt: Size 8.
Shoes: Size 10.

I like this shot...but the hubby likes the next shot...


Of course he does. He told me I had to publish it. I was reluctant, but there you go. I am publishing for you, hon. :)

BTW, I like getting all dressed up and pretty, but I don't have to be like this 100% of the time. Sometimes I just like to be covered up...still stylish, but more mom on the go. Plus, if I dressed like this all the time, wouldn't you all just wonder a tiny bit? ;)

(Or if I posed like this all the time??? Heehee...)

Navy Blue, Gold, and Cream... by dinagideon featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs

Polyvore of the outfit I wore during the day. Very warm, very refined. This cardigan got a bunch of compliments. It is certainly a statement piece.

The whole outfit gave a bit of a UES (Upper East Side--NYC) vibe, but that could just be me thinking that a single Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigan can do this. BTW, I bought the cardigan on super-super-sale. There is no way I could have ever afforded its original price. I'll take it at 70% off, though. :)


Sizes:
Cardigan: Small.
Top: Small.
Chinos: Size 8.
Shoes: Size 10.

Off to go find some ibuprofen or something. Any of you ever crush your finger?

Stadium Cloth Winnie Coat (in Yellow) plus the Beaded Ribbon Front Top Equals Casual Confidence!!!

I promise I will get to the review of the ruched-waist dress from Boden, but I want that to be a stand-alone review, so I will either write it tonight or tomorrow morning. It appears it isn't close to selling out in the patterns (solids have been sold out for awhile).

Winnie Love + Bow Top=Perfect for a Saturday!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Yay...I am on this whole "let's blog about my daily outfit thing" with startling regularity lately. Wooh! Above is the polyvore of the outfit I wore for our monthly visit to Bethesda, MD. We always head up there to go shopping, hair cuts, eating awesome food (either Indian at Haandi or Cajun at Louisiana Kitchen) and various sundried other things.

I will highlight the top and the Winnie Coat today, because it seems to me you all might need a review on those more than on the Jackie Cardi (my first!!!) and the boyfriend chinos. :)


Cardigan: J. Crew, Jackie Cardigan, Dried Orchid, Size Small, Winter 2009.
Top: J. Crew Collection, Beaded Ribbon Front Top, Antique Stone, Size 6, Fall 2009. Totally sold-out, but may be worth a check for a pop-back. Great sale price for what it is, so I would jump on it if it pops back in your size. I bought it full price (but with some sort of discount).
Pants: J. Crew, Broken-in Boyfriend Chinos, Khaki, Size 8, Fall 2009.
Shoes: J. Crew, Montebello Driving Mocs, Toffee, Size 9, Fall 2009.
Earrings: (Ann Taylor) Loft, Sparkly Earrings, Sparkly Color, Summer 2009.

The whole outfit was so comfortable...the only time I worried or fretted at all was when we were eating Indian food. I went ahead and buttoned-up the cardigan and then layered a napkin on top of it to make sure that no yummy food ended up on that gorgeous top. But when I was getting my pedicure, I was able to show off its loveliness. (I want this top to be a piece I wear a lot, even if it is "special.")

The silk in the top is very similar to my Cecelia dress, so it is substantial...and the beading is very tight and well-done. It is a collection item, so that might be why, but who knows?

I am wearing my regular cami size in this top. Check out Ema and gigiofca in theirs.

I don't know that I can wear this top by itself because the antique stone is a bit pale on me, but I think it looks so pretty layered with the Jackie cardigan in dried orchid.

I had never purchased a Jackie Cardigan before because the times I tried it on in the store, I would try on a medium, and the shoulders were a bit wide on me, so I just assumed the Jackie wasn't my girl. But on a whim, and at a wonderful price of $37.50, I decided to take the plunge with this color and a smaller size. Yay! (Normally, I wear a medium in cardigans.)

If you have thin feet, and would like to wear the montebello driving mocs, please try a whole size smaller. I am now getting to the point where I won't buy a size 10 in J. Crew shoes because they fall off way too often...so I get a size smaller and then it fits fine width-wise, and the fabric then stretches a bit to accommodate me in length. Anyone else noticing a change in J. Crew sizing in shoes???


Coat: J. Crew, Stadium-Cloth Winnie Coat, Bumblebee Yellow (maybe???), but is actually Butternet Yellow...I prefer my Bumblebee version more, Size 4, Fall 2009. This was my favorite purchase made at the Arden Clearance Center, NC. Yay!!! There are no more coats in this color on-line, but there are a couple in navy still available.

The warmth factor is high in this coat, what with it being stadium-cloth, but I like that its shorter length is perfect for days when you don't need to be SUPER-covered up. The color is just that bright in person, and honestly, you could see me coming for miles amongst the sea of black and navy at the Post Office, but well, there you go! :) The sizing doesn't surprise me much. My hips are what make me a 6 or an 8 in tops. If the top is short enough, I wear a 4. This coat grazes my hips, so the 4 worked very well. The other thing I love? The sleeve length is REALLY long, and it is RARE for me to find a top that fits my short torso AND my sleeve length. So yippee, J. Crew...

HeidiG. loves her Winnie. Check her out in it here.

Have a great night (for those of you reading tonight); otherwise, Happy Sunday! :)

Review of the Ruffles and Roses Tank and the Pearl Pebble Ring!!!

Ooh, I have like four moments to myself because I am subbing today!!! Just enough time to publish this post if I only give you the basics!!!

So, do me a favor, if you have reviewed either of these items on your blog, would you mind leaving me your info so I can later put them into my post???

Onward I go...

Ruffles and Roses!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Items in this set:
J Crew top, $43
J Crew sweater, $148
J Crew pants, $40
J Crew flats, $145
J Crew tote bag, $298

Here is the polyvore of the outfit I wore with the (wonderful) ruffle and roses tank and the (gorgeous) pearl pebble ring.


I think I wore this the day after I bought the tank. That is my new test of whether I am allowed to keep something I buy from J. Crew or Boden. If I don't wear it in the first month of purchase, it has to go back. This does two things, it allows me to really think about whether or not I want the item enough to wear it that soon, and it also keeps me from spending the money because I cannot justify spending money on something I *may* wear in the future. It seems to be working!

I love this tank. It is black, and the ruffles and roses get lost in this first pic, but look how nicely it layers in this outfit. I felt like I looked good, but also felt good as every piece of this outfit is made from some nice material. The ruffles and roses tank is made from the tissue material so it is nice and soft!!! I bought a small, which fits very well (I often have to get x-small in the tissue tops). It does seem to be a bit steep at $42.50 but I believe that if you wear it enough, then it is worth the money. I suspect I will get a lot of use from this in all seasons, so I felt like at least this color was worth it.

There are more colors and sizes at jcrew.com.


Here is a close-up of the tank without the cardi. You can see the "ruffles and roses" better here. See how nice this could look with a summer skirt or shorts??? I suspect I might get another color for summer when they go on steep discount (and yes, I will remember my "wear it by one month rule).


Onto the Pearl Pebble Ring. I bought it for $25, I believe. This is a size medium which means I can wear it on my index or middle finger. I wore it on the index with this outfit.

The gold color is a rose-gold color, which is a pretty, muted color, and matches well to the little pearl pebbles.

I honestly think for the price, I got a deal. I think even at $55 this is a nice ring and of a good value (its original price). I do not see it for sale at jcrew.com. I think it has sold-out and I am not surprised.


Close-up of the ring from the front. Dresses up my hand. Love it! (Although, and I get this, costume jewelry is not for everyone...)

P.S. Mid-Century Mom is updated and so is Cash from My Closet!

This One's for You, English Tea...Or How I Wore the Goldwyn Dress in the Fall!

I was just over at English Tea when I saw that she had purchased the incredibly beautiful J. Crew Collection Goldwyn Dress for a mere 20 dollars and some change. Good for you, girl. Nice!

I did not purchase my Goldwyn Dress for 20 dollars, but I did purchase it for 80, which is more than half off its original price. When I saw it in the May 2009 catalog, styled very simply with jeweled sandals, I was sold. Except that I wasn't. I could not justify the 185 dollars it cost, no matter how darn cute. But when it went to 99 dollars plus 20% off, I jumped right in. I was torn between a size 6 or 8. In the end (and this is how it works out sometimes), only a regular size 8 was left.

And it worked out just fine. I could maybe nip it in at the waist and shorten the straps, but in general, it looks perfectly nice on me in this size.

I wore it for our (8th) anniversary on October 13, 2009 (yes, I am one month late...figures). I also took pics of me wearing this, while doing the dishes (putting the dishes in the dishwasher) for my blog, Mid-Century Mom, but those aren't quite ready yet (but when they are...they will be funny)! (Hey, all I finally published the post!!! 11/15/09.)

J. Crew's Goldwyn Dress on a Date by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore of the outfit. I wore navy Cole-Haans because they are kinda (said quietly so the kids won't hear) sexy, but I think next time I will wear something a bit "strappier." In my defense, it was sorta chilly out that night...but I feel like the navy is too harsh of a contrast for me to wear these pumps (regardless of how sexy).


Here it is without the cardigan. The navy pumps look pretty good here. LOVE pockets on a girly girl dress...so special.


Here is the whole outfit, belt, cardigan and all. Just no purse. The purse sat out of the pic. Next time, definitely going with a clutch. :) LOL. It is so hard to go anywhere with a clutch anymore, kids and all their little things (yes, I know, I was on a date) don't fit in clutches.

The contrast in the color of the photos is from the lighting. In the first photo, only the ambient light plus the flash were used. The second photo has extra lighting from the lamps, etc. plus the lighting, so the second photo is "warmer." The first probably shows the color of the dress more accurately.

I plan to respond to the comments from yesterday's posts later today!!! Seems blazers are my good friends. I like Ms. Eden and Mr. Schoolboy a lot more now. ;)

One Outfit Becomes Two Outfits When Rex Gets Involved!!!

Before I begin this post, I wanted to tell you the story of Rex's behavior at dinner in North Carolina that I mentioned in this post. HeidiG., Rosa, Summerilla, and others really wanted to read our tale of a two-year old, so here goes:

We love Owen's restaurant in Nags Head, NC. It is such a yummy treat for us whenever we head to the Outer Banks. Every time we head there, we eat there. And this has never been a challenge for us, even with the two little ones, so we forged on ahead. Then we arrived. And then we had a twenty-minute wait that became a ten-minute wait, and of course, Mr. Dina had taken Rex to the other end of the world on a walk, and I couldn't find him so we could get seated. By the time we had located each other, I was irate and antsy, and I guess Rex really likes to emulate his parents' bad behavior, and he, upon being seated, became a HOLY TERROR. He wouldn't sit still, he kept saying "no" really loudly, he kept attempting to seriously maim his little sister...AGH. At one point, another kid in the restaurant screamed REALLY LOUDLY (only consolation that night was knowing that we were not alone), and guess who decided it would be SO funny to do the same thing??? Then, and later we found out why this happened, the two tables beside us were moved to other parts of the restaurant...which, and this is purely because I am all proper, I was so upset by...I, Miss Priss, had caused others so much angst that they moved!!! Well, it turns out that the waitress moved them because she didn't want us to feel uncomfortable the whole evening. She has been in our shoes and didn't want OUR dinner ruined by people shooting us awful looks. I just wish she had told us when she was doing it rather than later, but whatever, I guess knowing the reasoning makes it a bit better.

Rex DID eventually calm down, and actually enjoyed the meal. But by that point, I was very frazzled. Good thing Owen's has a fantastic wine menu. :) (By the way, Owen's really is a family restaurant, and is really gifted at making seafood dishes, so if you all are ever down that way, and you have kids, check it out...)

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You all ready for another night that Rex got his grubby little hands all over (literally)?

Cocktail Capris Two Ways!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore of TWO outfits that was only supposed to have one outfit. All of you parents out there must know exactly what happened...


A neighbor of ours had a "Hispanic Heritage" Party at her house, and since it was so pretty outside (best weather day, hands down, in the DC region all year), I wanted to wear something comfy, cozy, and lightweight. Plus, it had to be able to wear well to two events, the party and the DC United soccer game we were headed to later that night...

I had not yet worn the tiered silk cami, and really wanted to wear it, because it was one of my pre-orders...so I pulled it out. On its own it was okay with the khaki cocktail capris, but I really wanted to punch the outfit up a bit. So I put it with the cashmere argyle vest that I bought last spring and also had yet to wear. Top it all off with the brilliant, and very pretty, constellation locket, and there you have it, an outfit for two events.

Then the party happened. Rex loved being there, but his little eyes kept spying the cake. "Oooh, cake, momma, cake!" Eventually, and this was only after he had some of the yummy homemade tamales, we gave in, and got him a big piece of cake. Man, was he ever happy.

And then, and this is why I always have a drink or two on hand, Rex got on a chair, stood up, and then promptly fell forward onto this woman's driveway. And because Rex cannot do anything without it being dramatic (he is so going to have his own version of a dramatic diary when he gets older), WAILS so loudly I believe people in Reston, VA (other side of the county from us) can hear him. Grabbing my baby boy (it is amazing how fast a mom can move when their little birds are hurt) and snuggling him to my chest, I try to calm him down. It works, he is fine, I make some quip about "it really isn't a party until someone falls off of something...haha," and then I see the damage. Rex's cake covered hands have left chocolate icing all over my locket and my tiered cami.

To which I took a HUGE guzzle of Corona beer, walked over to the ice chest full of waters, and basically threw 10 ounces of Aquafina all over my blouse. Right now, my lovely blouse is hanging in my room waiting for the dry cleaner. Good thing about pretending the Aquafina was my own personal water ride at Disneyland? There are hardly any noticeable stains. Phew.

But I had to change...and because I was pressed for time, and because I also had never worn this sweater, I changed into this...


Yep, a dotted Boden Cardigan. I love this cardigan, love the grosgrain detail at the button placket, love the fit, love the pattern, etc. And it had the bonus of going with my pants (real hard there with khaki...heehee). The DC United fans must have been knocked over with this outfit (syke). :)

So there you go...a night with two outfits. :)

There is more to come, you all. BTW, I have commented back on many posts from this past week or two...so check them out if you have left a comment recently!

J. Crew (In-Store Only) Lovelies...

So, I know you all are looking the next picture and asking yourself, "dinagideon, I have seen that great looking puffer vest before, here at jcrew.com, but I don't recall seeing that color...tell me where did you ever find it?" To which I respond, "In-store only!"

I recalled seeing the puffer vest in the catalog and being smitten with it...I love it for its sheer practicality...especially in a climate like ours where you can get by with a heavy down vest with a sweater for 50% of the winter. But then I saw the clincher...not available in the olive color. Well, color me sad. :(

Then, I, along with three other beautiful JCAs of the DC area, HeidiG., Summerilla, and Drewablank, went to Tysons yesterday to scope out the goodies there. And within mere seconds of entering the store, I saw it...the OLIVE green puffer vest. (YAY!) And even better, it looked so nice on me, and, the very best part...instead of being $118, it was on special for $98. :) Yes, it came home with me...as did these other (in-store) only beauties.

(By the way, am I the only one who didn't realize just how much stuff is sold in-store only at J. Crew? I thought there might be a piece or two, here or there, but no...there are totally different styles...different colors...)


By the way, you will see this outfit again...probably not for a week or two (man, it takes me FOREVER to get these posts up), but I wore it out today sans puffer vest (tried that on only so you all could see it in real life). The outfit I wore out included the pumpkin fiona jacket. (Yes, I know, very fall-like...)

I Like This Look for Fall, Part Two... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is a polyvore of the outfit above (yep, the puffer vest I clipped to polyvore from this post, plus the other three items (tissue turtleneck, striped tissue tee, and the men's cardigan), so they are under my items if you are a polyvore addict).


This is the tissue turtleneck in peacock blue (or teal or whatever)...it is NOT available on-line in this shade. Such a shame, this is a BEAUTIFUL color in real life. Purchased a small, my normal size.


Both Summerilla and I came home with this gem. The scoopneck is insanely flattering. I bought a small, which is my usual size.

The above puffer vest, close up. The vest is lined in sherpa and is so cozy, I want to wear it to bed one night. I bet I would sleep well. ;) I purchased this in a small, which is great, because I typically have to wear a medium in cardigans at J. Crew.


Now, this is a MEN'S cardigan, but we went a little nuts and discovered that the men's section (especially the sale section) holds some goodies of its own...HeidiG. purchased a men's sweater in a rich red/orange, Summerilla purchased a cardigan (I believe), Drewablank purchased a cardigan and a button-down. I, of course, got this one...it is fleece lined, and also extremely cozy. The closest I could find to it on-line is this, and it looks like they are close to selling out. I also did not pay as much as it costs on-line. I do not anticipate wearing this except in the most casual of situations (it is a tad big on me in a men's small), but this morning, when there was a nip in the air and all I was doing was trying to stay warm in my pjs, this FIT the BILL perfectly.

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I hope you enjoyed seeing what your local store can offer you...

I wanted to also mention that I am so behind in commenting that when I do comment back it will have to be a group response, which I hate to do, but I want to get back on track...thanks for your understanding, everyone!

End of Summer Equals Shorts...

Sorry for the absence this past week...I have been struggling trying to keep up with the blog while shuttling Rex to and from preschool (and dealing with his "behavior" at preschool itself), plus CW had her year checkup (23 lbs., 29 inches, and a HUGE head). But I have a few moments, so I thought I would do this post plus the Kreativ Blogger Award post (AppGal, THANK YOU!).

These three outfits are just so simple, it may not even be worth your energy to scroll down...that said, I do have a few photos of the kids...so maybe that alone will be worth it!

I love shorts in the summer, and this summer was no exception...


First up: Khaki Bermuda Shorts (J. Crew, Spring 2009); Citron Eyelet Blouse (J. Crew Collection, Summer 2008); Brown Leather Sandals (Nine West, Spring 2008).

I love this blouse...it is so pretty...I really like that it now fits a bit looser (it is a size 10) because I like the tunic look...I could probably have gotten away with an 8, but in the throes of summer, I don't really want fabric sitting too close to my skin. These bermuda shorts are so comfy...I bought nearly every color J. Crew made I love them that much. The shoes are "eh," but I can wear them all day and not feel like my feet are killing me at the end of the day!

BTW, isn't CW darling? I love it when she sneaks into the photo!


Speaking of sneaking into the photo...she is crawling up behind me and...voila...


I picked her up and swung her, just to see her smile... :)

The outfit consists of: same shorts as in the first outfit; Lime-striped tank top (Old Navy, Summer 2009); and Lime fit-flops (Summer 2008). (Oh, and so you know, this was the first day of school here in VA, and I definitely didn't want to wear anything special...hence the super-casual look.)

1st Day of School for Everyone Else! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore of the outfit above. I do agree with one of the comments that the fit-flops match the top...and I believe I may have planned it that way that day (because I get bored like that)...


And finally, a very CASUAL outfit for just hanging with the kids. I may have gone outside to get the mail that day. Ooh, exciting. Anyhow, aren't the kids too cute? I love it! I wish they always were in this sort of mood. Rex is probably excited because he is holding onto his Transformers magnets...which speaking of Transformers, we had to take ALL his Transformers away and put them in a box (which he can still see) up on top of a shelf in order to discipline him for not being a good boy at preschool. Sigh. I am not sure my 2 1/2 year old is quite old enough to get it, but this is what his preschool teacher recommended (supposedly it worked for her son when he acted up). If that doesn't work, does anyone know of a preschool that "bad" boys can go to? I feel like with the way people portray Rex he is a budding criminal, not the sweet boy I know he can be! Is it just me or have any of you mommies out there had a time when your kids were painted as "awful," even when you knew what they were saying was an overreaction? Also, I feel like if you have never had a super-active, crazy 2-year old boy, Rex and the way he acts may be beyond you...I now have a lot of sympathy for any mom or dad with a little boy or girl having a fit in the grocery store (I even go out of my way to help if I can...I know what it feels like to feel like you are the only one who is going through this particular realm of hell...).

Okay, this outfit consists of: Linen (Sequined) Top (J. Crew "Vintage Closet," Spring 2008); Yellow shorts (J. Crew, Spring 2006); and Brown Strappy wedges (Aerosoles, Summer 2009).

You all have a great day and start to the weekend. I will be posting my blogger award very soon!

August 12, 2009 (aka Rex's 2 1/2 Birthday)...

We are so into birthdays in this household that we happily celebrate half-birthdays, too. Yeah, I recognize the inherent lame-ness of it all, but well, that's us...a little bit lame. :)

Rex turned 2 1/2 on August 12, 2009. We celebrated during the day by going to the pool, and at night, we went to McDonald's and then to Toys R Us. (Wouldn't have been my first choice, but when you are 2 1/2, McDonald's and Toys R Us are the pinnacle of fun...esp. when they have happy meals with toys--whee!)

And because I eagerly anticipate any sort of celebration, you got it, I dressed up to go out to McDonald's and Toys R Us. You would have seen these outfits sooner, but if I recall, the next day my post had a comment from Mr. or Ms. Negative Jerk-Face commenter, and it kind of shut down my desire to post any fashion for a little bit. (But I am obviously back, and have been, and really wanted to get these outfits posted before it got any further into the fall season.)

August 12, 2009 by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore for the whole day...from pool (on the left) to ultra-fancy McD's and TRU (right). Yes, Mr. Dina was a little amazed I was wearing a strapless dress and pearls out, but I think he got over it when I glared at him. ;)


Here is my day look...the Trastevere tunic from the outlet that I won on ebay (actually received a second chance offer) in a small, the khaki bermuda shorts from regular J. Crew, the twist back swimsuit in pacific from J. Crew, and the carina sandals in silver, also from J. Crew.

There is CW crawling around...sometimes they find their way into the pics (which I love...so cute)!


Okay, so here is the McD's/TRU outfit...the strapless jersey dress in a dark charcoal (may have been an in-store only color) belted with a cream leather skinny belt, and some sandals from ebay that are J. Crew (I think last summer--2008?).

I will be honest with you...I love the way this looks, but there is a whole lot of fashion tape being used to hold this dress up. For all of you who own this, do you have any secrets on how to hold this up better? I want to wear this more, but right now I am limited to wearing it only for a few hours at a time because the fashion tape only lasts that long. Hmm...if you have any ideas, I will forever be grateful!


I bought this button-up shirt specifically to wear as a lightweight jacket/cover-up. Crazily enough, while I can wear a 6 or even a 4 in some of J. Crew's jackets, I can barely get into a size 8 button-up shirt because the area of the shirt near the hips is always too tight to button up completely. Ergh! This shirt is the worst offender, by the way...the top 1/2 fits PERFECTLY, but the bottom 1/2 is WAY TOO small. So lucky for me, I only wanted to wear it open.

For those of you considering the ruffle front liberty art perfect blouse from J. Crew this season, go for it if you have larger hips...they have finally sized their tops to work on both the top and bottom halves of us pears. (Finally...)

Have a great day...enjoy yourselves and don't work too hard!

Oh, and P.S.: I found my diary from high school...man, it is BAD. Terrible. Completely hilarious, but truly awful. I will be working up the courage to bring you dina's dramatic diary...just give me a few more days...