Made by Me Files: Mini Wardrobe Pieces Four, Five, and Putting Them All Together.

I also could have entitled this post "I MADE LEGGINGS, you all!"

But that seems super lame, and unless you sew, you may not realize that making leggings is actually kind of a hurdle to pass through.  But more on that later.

First, before I begin, I wanted to let you know that a ton of great Boden reviews have been coming through the Boden Reviews tab here at the blog, I have seen some great reviews at other friend's blogs, and I have received a few messages, too, so I am very excited to get the next roundup started, tomorrow am.  Bright and Early.  The children willing, of course.  ;-)  CC, ever the best blog friend, commented on the last blog post and let us know that you could use the code 4Y4D to receive 20% off.  Thank you, CC, for the code.  If you have a review you want to send this way, you can email dinagideon AT aim DOT com or leave a review at the Boden Reviews tab, whichever is easier for you!

Okay, onto the mini wardrobe conclusion.  Reminder, the first post on this (pieces one, two, and three) is here.

I struggled a bit trying to figure out what the fifth and final piece of this mini wardrobe was going to be.  For a hot second I considered a cardigan or a scarf, but wasn't really feeling either of those since I really wanted this to be a true summer wardrobe. 

And although I don't make it a regular practice of mine to wear leggings in summer, because DC HOT/HUMID/UGH, but I also have been known to wear the shorter variety with a long tank or flowy linen blouse under the right circumstances.  So that's when it hit me, make the leggings. 

I knew that making them was on my bucket list of things to make since I love them, need them, and don't really love paying over $30 for the good ones at J. Crew, which only ever come in black/grey/navy, anyhow.  And the cute colorful ones at Target are (forgive me, Target) crap.

Thing about sewing leggings, or any fitted knitwear, is that you have to sew them sew that they fit with *negative* ease because they are meant to stretch.  That means the flat pattern is significantly smaller than my measurements and if I were to have sewn these up in a woven material, they may have fit CW well.  ;-)

Add to that the fact that while you can sew these up on a regular sewing machine (and bits of this were sewn up that way), it is really great to have the serger on hand to help with sewing the knits up as the way the stitches and loops are formed on it make the seams super stretchy and means that pulling these on and off your body won't bust the seams of the garment. 

Serging also makes this project super fast.  Of course if you *accidentally* sew up the front leg pieces to each other instead of sewing the front of the leg to the back, you will have a LOT of seam ripping to undo.  Not that I made that mistake, of course.  Cough, cough.

This is not necessarily a great first project for a first time sewer, but if you really are digging sewing, and want to make up some actual functional leggings that fit really well (even over my very curvy hips!), this Kwik Sew pattern (3636) is a wonderful jumping off point.  Every bit of the directions was excellent, and I did everything suggested by them. 

Although most of my information on this pattern is at the review at Pattern review (link at bottom of this post), I highly recommend checking out this link as this sewing blogger has a good review of how she made her leggings.  Here, a fabric store in Australia wrote up a great post on the waistband application that is pretty much the same as what Kwik Sew wants you to do.  I did as asked, and it sewed up very well.

This is a button-up loose fit blouse that I sewed up using a vintage (kind of) pattern from 1979, Vogue 7088.  I was gifted this pattern by a sewing teacher, and was waiting for the right fabric to sew it up in (well, I have some Liberty tana lawn, but wanted to wait until I had tried it on something less expensive first).  Anyhow, knowing that I would want to use the Tropical Print Rayon Challis I bought from Fabric Mart, I also needed a pattern that would look equally good with shorts, leggings, and a dress.  I knew that if the top was too tight, then I couldn't wear it over the dress, and it would be comical with the leggings.  I also knew that buttoning up the blouse would help with wardrobing options (layered over a cami gives it a different look that buttoning it up).  So that is why I chose this one, it is long enough and loose enough to wear with leggings, breezy enough to wear with shorts, and versatile enough to not look super silly with a dress in the same pattern.

This blouse probably took me the longest to sew up of all five pieces since the pattern has two front pieces with self facings, a button placket, a collar, a yoke (with a facing, too), and a back.  The front and back pieces have gathered bits, too.

Surprisingly none of this was especially hard.  It may have helped that I sewed up a little boy's version of a Hawaiian shirt before this (for Rex from this Butterick pattern), and a lot of what I had to do for his shirt, I had to do for mine.  So good practice and all.

I really like how flowy it is and the gathering at the yoke looks really pretty.  Next time I will add a square shoulder adjustment since I can see the side bits of the sleeves poking up instead of hanging down.  I should just recognize that and do it every time since clearly I am thinking patterns will magically do it for me or something.

Here is the shirt inside out.  The yoke facing and collar nicely attach to one another.  Provided I take care of this blouse, it should last a long time.  Considering how much I have seen women's Hawaiian shirts retail for, I feel like I did well at around $7 for fabric, $1.50 for buttons, $3 for thread, free interfacing, time consumed (have no idea what to rater $$ for my time), and a free pattern.  :-)

I definitely became besties with my serger with this shirt and the leggings.  I managed to break one of the threads in the looper when attaching the elastic to the leggings, but considering how much I have used it, I would say that is some success.  Yay!

 

Here are nine possible combinations using these five pieces.  Admittedly # 3 and 6 are similar, as are #4 and 9, but even discounting those, there are seven solid combos here.  I may just bring these five pieces with me on a vacation next year to see if I can actually make this happen for real and under actual strict limitations.  I have worn all five pieces out and about, with the shorts being in the number one spot for most use so far.  I think the leggings will end up winning since I can probably get away with wearing them in the winter here (well most winters here, anyhow, not last winter's freeze fest).

Here are the five patterns I used. 

Okay, that's all for now.  I am off to go watch other people sew on Project Runway.

Review of the Kwik Sew 3636 leggings is here at Pattern Review.

Review of Vogue 7088 loose fit blouse is here at Pattern Review.

Review of all five pieces together for my contest entry is here at Pattern Review.

Have a great night!

OOTDs: Striped in Specs.

Before I go into the ootds from two weekends ago, I wanted to mention that those of you who did dabble in the *up to 80% off* clearance sale may have done VERY well for yourselves.  I bought the jewelled collar sweater in the nude shade for a mere $30 and today it is back up to over $100.  Wowza.  I didn't think that would happen.  Most of the items went back up a little, at least, but some, clearly, were truly a one time price reduction of insanity.  (I received the sweater today, btw, and it is lovely and fits true to size, I took a 6 and its length and width match my upper body nicely.  Can't wait to wear it out!)

But in true Boden form, today brought another deal to the table.  Today and through the remainder of the week, you can find 20% off selected styles here, and for anything else you may want, you can grab them at 10% off with free shipping.  I put the link to that at the bottom of this post for those of you who want to go there right now.  ;-)

Day: Sunday, February 9, 2014.

Where: Dinner Out, I think.  I was going to say church, but I took this photo at 4:50 pm and had I been headed to church, I would have taken it earlier than that.  I will probably remember exactly what I did after I publish the post.  (This is the problem with publishing posts late at night after drinking a glass of wine...memory fading.)

UPDATE: I went to church in it.  We just were really late that day.  We didn't realize till we got in the car just how late.  But we did stay late to make up for it.  :-)

Ease of Wear: (5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I felt so comfortable in this outfit.  I could sleep in it, if need be.  The LouLou dress has its fans for a reason (this year's version is called the Libby dress and can be found here in the clearance section).  The Boden Penny Loafers are also very comfortable, and have been worn by me multiple times since they came to me (in early January, when you first spied them here).

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.)  Very put together and presentable.  The glasses (Bookclub from Madewell, got them for $35 on sale, yay!) help up the cool factor, if hipster glasses are your thing, of course.

Anecdote from the Day: Since I don't remember what I was actually doing, I have none.  If I do remember, I will come on in and change the anecdote to what I was actually doing.

UPDATE: That night the church was giving out pretzels and beer (BEER!!!) after mass.  Yay!  It was to thank us for supporting the church (read: giving them our money).  I happily ate a yummy pretzel and drank a yummy beer.  My PE teacher was there (she teaches my kids, too, how cool) and my daughter told her she looked so pretty in her dress.  It was a really cute jersey dress. 
 

Day: Saturday, February 8, 2014.

Where: Pants Patterning Class at G Street Fabrics, Bethesda for yummy Cajun food at Louisiana Kitchen, and a brief trip to Madewell.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Leggings and a soft sweatshirt and the awesome Blakeley boots (find them here at Lands' End on sale for $99) and a warm coat and a "made by me" scarf equal very comfortable.  I was a bit unsure of showing my bottom off in public, but I had a reason (see anecdote on why), hence the 4 rating.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.)  Not over the top cool, but it's a good look.

Anecdote from the Day:  That day was my very last pants patterning class, the one in which Ms. Annette would finalize our pattern to our exact body shape.  I wanted to make sure she could get up close and personal, without me having to disrobe completely, so I wore these leggings.  Great news is that the pants pattern is very much perfect for me, bad news is I wore leggings as pants.  I think my body looks okay, but I know a lot of people getting bugged by leggings as pants, so yeah.  I walked the edge of irritating others by my sartorial choice and being okay with my body in the leggings with a shorter top.

The trip to Madewell was to return a top that fit poorly, and I knew I needed glasses to replace the pair my son threw in the trash (agh!), so I went in with a mission to find a pair.  I tried every pair in the place on, and all the sales assistants and my daughter wanted me to get the grey pair you see in the first outfit.  Now if only I could find the time to actually get them filled with proper lenses so I can use them to see...

Okay, below is the link to get you to the sale at Boden on selected styles.  :-)
20% Off Select Styles + 10% Off Everything Else plus Free Shipping & Returns

Hope you all have a great night, talk with you tomorrow!

Paris: Day One Outfit(s) of the Day.

Quick Update 2:41 PM: Umm, you all, before I begin with my Paris journey...just received word that the Boden Spring Preview 2012 is up and on-line.  Take a gander here.  I will do a dedicated post sometime this weekend.  :)

ORIGINAL POST:
Bonjour!

You all have been so sweet to me lately. Do not worry, I am getting plenty of sleep and rest. I have not exaggerated in any of my posts when I said that we overextended ourselves in Paris, it was miles and miles of moving and walking, many stairs climbed (sometimes with strollers--eek!), and many little hands held. So let's just say that my bedtime has been really early each night.  Even though I should have gained weight with all the amazing cheeses and full fat dinners we enjoyed, coupled with all those scrumptious pain au chocolats we had each morning, I didn't.  Um, yeah, the Paris way of life is kind of okay by me.  ;)

I have decided the only way I can get through my Paris photos and experience here on this blog will be to separate the outfit photos into separate daily posts, with extra posts (to be published in the near future) on strictly family photos (lots with the kids and sights that we saw) and on any advice, thoughts, etc., to be published on their own.

So without further discussion, here is day one, aka Dina's attempt at looking chic under intense tiredness and mental fatigue. LOL.

At Notre Dame the first afternoon.  I am glad I wore this outfit as the day was crisp and windy.  I needed something I could move in, but still would look decently presentable and fairly chic (for traveling, anyhow, which is kind of hard admittedly).

Coat/Jacket: J. Crew Collection Double Faced Cashmere Popover.  I will be doing a review of this at True Crew Love, promise, hand on heart, but for now, this is the perfect topper for fall/spring travel.  It packs well, is easy to get on and off, and when layered is pretty toasty.  The popover is also insanely soft and luxurious (as it freaking well should be, even with discounts, etc., it took me FOREVER to save up for it).  Here's the issue, though.  I am small on top, no doubt, but for those of you even more petite than me on top, you will be sized out.  This is an extra-small and it is just the right size.  And sadly J. Crew did not make this in a size extra-extra-small. 
Scarf: J. Crew Silk Driving Scarf.  I know this is really popular in blog land, and you all have seen it on me a few times already.  It pairs nicely with the olive tones of the leggings, and is a nice add on to the v-neck collar of the popover.  (Oh, and so you know, everyone wears scarves in Paris, everyone.  I didn't wear a scarf everyday, but I definitely felt like I fit it on the days I did.)
Leggings: J. Crew Essential Leggings.  I bought these in a medium.  I could have gone with a small, but I like how loose they felt, yet still had a slim shape.  Plus these leggings tuck very nicely into the Britten tall flat boots I brought.
Boots: J. Crew Britten Tall Flat Boots.  I think they should bring these back for a second season, I feel that they are that well done.  I also really like the exposed zipper in the back, which while functional (hello, easy pants tucking), are also pretty cool.  (Parisians also wear a lot of boots, so yep, another "I feel like I fit in" sartorial choice.)

BTW, for all of my mentioning that I felt like I fit in, I truly believe that no matter what I brought from my closet with me to Paris, I would have felt good...in some way, I think that truly stylish places appreciate individual style and taste, and I found that very freeing about Paris, and I always feel that way about NYC.  I have only ever felt uncomfortable in certain places, and it usually stems from the women having a basic "uniform" and when you step outside the custom of what they wear, you get "looks."  I could go on and on about that, and while I am fine with there being a uniform of sorts for some localities, and will even attempt to not offend whilst there, because of my own individualistic tendencies, places where that liberty of self-expression through fashion is embraced is wonderful.  :)

This was worn under the popover.  I kept the popover on for the whole day, for the most part.  This is the stripe button back tee from last spring, J. Crew, size extra-small.

Those of you who visited my blog yesterday saw this image.  I really like this image.  :)

This is a close-up of the popover for you all.  The pockets were sort of nice to have, as the metro ticket and the museum passes all fit in there quite nicely.

I brought a beret.  People actually wear them in France.  I love my beret, and this is now its 11th (!!!) year of use by me.  By the way, those gloves were bought by me at the clearance center in Lynchburg, VA for $25.  They have a teeny-tiny pen mark on them, but other wise, the leather and cashmere is in great shape.  I also love the zipper, even though they are superfluous and have no real function.

And how great is it that we have a family photo that turned out decently?  Awesome!

Paris: Day One. by dinagideon featuring printed scarves

Above is the polyvore of the outfit, for you polyvore fans.

I should note that I did not start the day in the first outfit.  I actually was on the plane in the above outfit, which includes the Saturday pants by J. Crew, a long-sleeved striped tee by J. Crew, a Boden scarf, and a pair of Bensimon sneakers.  I also had on a pair of really attractive support hose (strength: strong, oh, baby!).  I wear support hose on long flights because I have a blood clotting disorder.  I also take full-strength aspirin to help blood thin even more.  (So the end effect?  I have really ugly hosiery on my legs and if I bump into anything I bruise quickly and very colorfully, but I will take both of those over blood clots which can lead to some nasty complications in my body...)

We stopped at the Gare de Lyon (we were at the hotel nearby--omg, you all, the Novotels are wonderful hotels!!!) for a quick bite to eat before we started our day.  This station serves Southern France, and it took all my willpower not to hitch a ride to Nice.  (Mr. Dina has promised me a trip to Provence, one day.)  ;)

Okay, all, have a great day.  Thanks again for your sweet comments lately...and very soon I will respond back.

J. Crew: Fall 2011 Fitting Room Reviews.

Hi!  Only one day later than the JCA blog has review day, but I still have a feeling most of you be willing to take a look.  :)

I had an exchange to make at the Tysons Corner store last week and while there I figured I should try on all the new arrivals I was most interested in, and it was wonderful to do so.  As you know, I am not a fan of going to the stores, especially in this area, I always feel like I am a bother to the sales associates and not a "real" customer (ha, if only they knew, lol), but this time the one SA that I have always adored, Jackie, was there, and she welcomed me and my kids with open arms and big smile.  I knew that this visit would be so different.

And so here I pledge, on my blog, ONLY to go to the store if Jackie is working.  She makes it so much better.  :)  Go, Jackie!

Okay, blah, blah, blah...

Here we go:

Puff-Sleeve Popover, Size 4, Vibrant Flame Color.  This is on sale in stores for $49.99.  What an amazing color in real life.  And can I just say thank you to Jackie again for putting me in a HUGE fitting room with really good lighting?  Made taking photos and amusing the kids super easy. 

This popover fits tts, I wear a 4 in perfect fit shirts and this one was exactly the right size.  If you have bigger upper arms, though, you may want to size up.  These sleeves fit fine, but were just right, if my upper arms were any bigger, the body would have fit but not the sleeves.  Bear that in mind.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Leopard, Size 6. This is backordered on jcrew.com, but there seemed to be plenty in stores.  I love the length on the skirt, I love the fit, I love the fabric (super-soft and fairly thick cotton).  This is one size smaller than what I wear in the wool version of this skirt, so I think this one must have a slightly different pattern.  If I didn't know they were supposed to be the same skirt, I would have never suspected it.

Yes, all, I bought this entire outfit.  I hope to find a reason to wear it soon, even if it is just for a preschool run.  The shoes are the Downtown Heels from Boden and are currently on clearance for $74.

Same top as above, but I wanted to give the Meander pants a try on, as well.  I left these at the store because I have a feeling these will make it to sale.  I have on the 6 here, and the waistband which is elastic, was fairly loose.  It wasn't like the pants were falling off, but I definitely think these pants run 1-2 sizes large.  I like them for those days when you kind of want to look polished but need comfort too.  These were lined, which is a plus as they are constructed from a wool fabric.

A bit clearer shot and from the side.

Whisper Linen Stripe Tank, Size Small, Dusty Sage (reads grey to me).  I brought this tank with me to the fitting room because I needed a top for try-ons with bottoms but ended up swooning over it.  It is textured, soft, and the striped tank means it can work for all seasons (bare in summer and with a cardi and jacket in fall and winter).  I didn't have an extra-small to compare it with, but I kind of liked it slouchy and long and unlike other tanks from J. Crew, this ones straps weren't too long on my short torso.  This tank was also on sale in the stores.

Cafe Capri in Houndstooth Wool, Size 8.  I wanted to give these a try even though I knew I was going to buy them in the tall version.  The 8 fit fine, exactly tts, so go with your normal pants size in J. Crew.  I love the wool, looks a lot like the Prince of Wales blazer wool.  The copy says that the wool is from the Robert Noble mill in Scotland, and it definitely feels that way to me.  Fully lined, it is a pant that is well-made and should last a long time in the closet.  I did receive the 8 tall I ordered yesterday, and like I wanted, they come to just above my ankle, which I think is a more attractive place for a pant to end on my leg than at mid-calf (although the above photo makes the pant look like it ends lower, it doesn't).  Also a longer pant can be worn when colder with an ankle bootie.

Same top as above, but I wanted to try on the No. 2 pencil skirt in double serge wool to see what size I would need.  I need an 8, even though the sizing starting at 00 usually means to go one size smaller.  I just felt like the 6 had too much va va voom for me.  (Although I did wear a size 6 in last year's perfect pencil skirt, that skirt must have a different pattern, hmm.)  This is the size 8 from the size, and although the vibrant flame color is LUSCIOUS, I have the Teddie Dress in this color and the popover, so I think that's enough.  I *am* planning on purchasing the viridian green in size 8 when I have saved a few more pennies, though.  ;)

Even the 8 can look va va voom when photographed with the hip jutting out.  I don't get it, maybe I expect to much from my skirts.  I see people modeling this skirt and they have the same lines appearing, and I think I am the only one bothered by it.  LOL.  I have even seen this kind of skirt on TV and in magazines and all I can think is did the photo/video editor take the day off when they let those wrinkles slip through?  :)  I guess the only way to really get rid of the lines is to go up to a size 12 and the wear it super-loose so no wrinkling appears but I suspect the waist would then (definitely) fall at the wrong place.  I do know that the darker colors don't show the lines like the lighter colors though.

BTW, my kids are adorable here.  I really want to know what CW was doing.

Cowlneck Poncho, Size Extra Small.  This is very cozy and very warm.  The extra small fit exactly like it should in the shoulders, neckline, and waist.  This is not va va voom, but man, would this ever be lovely in November when the winds pick up and it gets c-o-l-d.  Yum.  Definitely like the idea of wearing it with a long-sleeved top, but looked fine with just a tank under it...  I would say size down or stay tts if you are a bit busty.  Do not size up.  I tried on the small and it gave me *maybe* an inch in the hips (which I didn't need, the extra-small was fine there), but omg, it was really oversized on the top part, I felt very frumpy.  I know it is a poncho and no one is gonna go "ooh, look at you in that poncho," but I also don't want people's eyes to bleed upon my walking into a room.  ;)  I think this one will make it to sale, but if you need it now, I could see it becoming a grab and go kind of item. 

Saturday Pant, Size Small, Moss color (I think).  I already own these in the midnight color, so when I saw the olive green (may be an in store only color, the moss on line looks far lighter), I knew I had to bite.  They were also on super sale, so yay, bonus.  These are, again, just made for days of coziness, and not really style, but if you ever have "those" days, seek these out.  They run large, so size down.

Weatherby Rain Boots, Size 9, Black.  I knew I needed these.  I like the zipper as it allows me to tuck in jeans, leggings, and other pants in without having the annoying riding up of the pants hem as I pull on the boots.  By adding a zipper, I can tuck in, zip up, and go, no riding up necessary.  I do plan to wear them to cross the stream near our house which ANNOYINGLY still has no bridge across to this really wonderful walking trail (btw, the bridge was SUPPOSED to be built THREE years ago).  I do anticipate that if the stream is running high (more than four inches deep), then there is a possibility the boots will leak as the zippers are NOT covered on the inside to prevent leakage (I know, it doesn't make sense), but since I am the crazy one CROSSING A FREAKING STREAM, I think I should just accept that I could get wet.  :)  For regular running around when it is raining (or monsooning, like it is here in VA today--2nd day in a row, peeps), your feet will be fine as the bottom bit of the zipper is cover by plastic (hard to describe, but the on-line photo of the back shows what I am talking about).  Could have gone with a size 10, but I wear thin wool socks when traversing wet things, so I don't need the extra room for thicker socks.  I say go up 1/2 size, though, for others.

Cowlneck Poncho has pockets that are also lined in the same material as the body.  The pockets are very warm.

Here is my "let's cross the stream" outfit in its full glory.  I would not bring my Frankie bag with me on the expedition 'cause I am not crazy.

Anyone else tried these pieces on?  Did you have any thoughts on fit, etc.?

Boden Summer Sale: Women Trousers and Jeans Review Roundup!

These jeans definitely take Boden away from being purely "mum-sy."  :)

REMINDER OF HOW THIS KIND OF POST WORKS:
In each of these posts, you will see the Boden stock photo (which takes you directly to that page at Boden) and a link to where the original review was. If the review was from me (or my darling little mini-Boden Aficionados) or a Boden blogger friend that has no blog of their own, you will end up at one of the (in-season) Boden Weekly Review Roundups. If the review was from a Boden blogger who is not me, I have included a link directly back to their blog.

The sales do not include “coupon stacking” or free ship/returns (or at least no free ship/returns in the past). *If I have access to ANY special offers to promotions like free ship/returns, you had better believe I will immediately post on it AND put it in my sidebar!*  :)

ALSO--I NOTICED SOME OF BODEN'S LINKS ARE BAD.  If you wouldn't mind, if you see any, would you put it in the comments so I can see if I can fix them? 


Printed Shorts.  Worn by Fiona in this post!


Straightleg Capris. Jackie writes a review of these in this post (about halfway down).


Leggings. See these on Suburban Mom here.

Happy (Sale) Shopping!

Spring Into Style: Day Seven 2011.

Spring Into Style: Day Seven 2011. by dinagideon featuring j crew boots
Just so you all know it was "Jersey" day, which is normally a big style "don't" of mine. I must think these kids are pretty great to find a stylish way to wear my Mason tee. :) Normally this tee only sees the light when Mason is having a home game OR when they make it to the NCAA conference.

Oh, yeah.  That's the look.  LOL.

Just kidding.  I actually have always loved college basketball because it is the perfect sport, short enough to be palatable (I am not one for lengthy ball games) AND the kids who play college hoops are really really really into it and have a ton of heart.  When Mason made it to the Final Four in 2006, I was one of the crazies (along with Mr. Jim) who drove all the way to Indianapolis in a day to watch them play.  It was AWESOME.

The whole look is about as stylish as I can make this tee.  Normally this tee is worn with jeans and a ponytail.  I took it up a notch by wearing the boots (necessary for today's weather, as well, boo), the forever cardigan in black pine, and my pigtails.  The girls in the class approved, so I felt great.  :)

This is the tee, sans cardigan. I needed the cardi so I would feel a bit more covered.

Okay, that's all.  I want to try and comment back on some of the past few posts, so I am not going to go on and on. 

If you have a Boden review I may not know about (Bodalicious and Polly and Fiona, I have yours from the last week), would you mind dropping me a line at dinagideon@aim.com?

Talk soon!

A Little Johnnie B. Tee for Me!!!

I referenced that along with this beautiful canvas bag (in my post yesterday), I received my very first tee-shirt from Johnnie B., the juniors clothing line from my favorite clothing company across the pond, Boden. I showed you the bag, but was coy about the top. Well I had planned on wearing it to yoga today, but sadly for me, and for Rex, we didn't make it to preschool (he had a yucky, terrible rash, and I was scratchy throated and tired, blegh, come on SPRING, already!).

So I decided to wear it this evening for our weekly outing to Moe's, one of the finest fast food Mexican-style chains out there. It also happens to be Tuesday, which means FREE KIDS' MEALS, and with two very hungry children, well, yum, and yay for savings. (I am still feeling blegh, but at least I got a nap today, so I had the energy to go out tonight!)

A Little Johnnie B. Tee for Me! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Above is what I paired the tee with...I actually received the skirt in the J. Crew shipment that came to the house today...it was a popback and I was so excited because I didn't want to spend $78 on it, but $30? Sure! (And was it ever a popback, the darn skirt didn't even have a price tag on it! I think I suspect something fishy, but here's the thing...the skirt is in PERFECT shape, so I won't complain.)

The leggings definitely gave the outfit a youthful vibe, but I figured, eh, why not? I attempted this look as a twelve-year old (and for sure got it wrong then...I should show you photos), and now that I am older and sort of have some of this fashion stuff figured out, I thought I would try again. :)


Sizes:
Tee: Size Medium. If you buy from Johnnie B., you must be aware things are cut smaller through the torso, shoulders, and hips. I am not even going to try any of their jeans, skirts, or shorts. Those would just be scandalous on me. That said, if you are petite lady (I mean size-wise, not height-wise), then by all means, give the entire line a try. I am only going to be able to get their tops, and that is okay by me. The line is incredibly affordable, btw. This graphic t-shirt was $20 after I applied some discount or another onto the shopping cart (and I got a free bag--$20 for both--shipped both ways for free--is a GREAT price). I like the style of the tee...the bird saying "moo" cracked both my kids up and I could see this being a hit when I substitute! It is also incredibly soft and was made well (no twisty-seams, yes, J. Crew, I am talking to you).
Skirt: Size 10. Had I ordered the 8 it would have sat at my waist and been very very short.
Leggings: Size 2 (?). Hue has funky sizing.
Shoes: Size 10. Love that they gave the outfit a bit of girly prettiness. If ever in doubt, go with a ballet flat...universally an appealing choice for most outfits.

BTW, did you notice that CW has a bird on her top, too? Yes, I planned it that way. ;)


Close-up of the graphic and the color. I cannot wait to wear this in the summer with a pair of shorts and sandals...man, this winter weather is for the (cough, cough) birds.

Have a lovely evening, all!