OOTD: Navy, Brown, Grey.

Hey, all.  Happy Monday!

So the Boden Weekly Roundup has not disappeared, promise.  In reality, there are just so many reviews/ootds recently both here and at my blog friends' blogs that it is going to take a lot of time to get the post together.  It will be a Super BWRR, ready to conquer all other BWRRs.

It turns out my lateness is less of a big deal, too, since Boden is clearly waiting forever to put the fall/winter stuff on clearance.  Last year the sale happened within the first week of December, and here we are in the second full week of December and no sale is in sight.

There is some talk over at the Facebook page for Boden that since their shop will be shutting its doors for a little while next Sunday, the 16th, that must mean that the sale will be happening that day.  It's definitely possible since I remember that also happening last year.

What makes this year different from last year is that this year's collection is selling well, often to the point of selling out, so Boden may not feel that an earlier sale is justified since people are buying the items up with only a bit of a % off, instead of waiting for a better deal.  There are items that are not selling well, at all, including the top (Lavish t-shirt) that I had in my ootd post from last night, but all that means is that Boden is offering it for a bigger percentage off right now (near 50% off, in fact) to maybe drive a few more sales of those tops.

When clearance does happen, anticipate that if you love something and it is sitting in the pink "low stock" checkmark territory, it will not stay that way long.  Those pink checkmarks disappear fast and become "out of stock" quicker than you can say "Johnnie Boden."  If you have your eye on something with a blue "in stock" checkmark, you are probably okay to wait a bit.

Also, if the item you like has been selling well, it is also unlikely that Boden and co. are going to reduce the price by that much, there have been items in the past that have sold so well that the price only went down by 20-30% in the clearance sale.

Okay, blah, blah, blah.  Let's bring on the outfit full of neutrals.

Winesday was on offer last week, for the first time in forever.  My brother and I try to make it weekly, and if we miss it too many weeks in a row, we feel pangs of withdrawal.

The outfit is all neutrals, but I kind of dug the play of different shades together.  I am all for following sartorial rules, but in this case, I feel like the deep navy combined with black, grey, and brown works.

Oh, who am I kidding?  I had to get some color in there.  ;)  Now I didn't actually wear this outfit inside Whole Foods since it would have been too warm to have the coat on, but I did need some sort of cover up for the drive there.

This coat is the Rose coat from Boden's spring/summer Limited Edition line.  I would never be able to wear this coat in the spring or summer (too warm), but I will happily wear it when the temps drop below 50.

(I see this is gone from the clearance sale from last summer, but there are still a bunch of its sister, the Rose Dress, available for sale.)

Close up of the hat, coat, and bag.  My hair was smoothed down after I saw this shot.  LOL.

See?  Smoothed hair.  ;)  This is outside my house.  I am in my street.  Fortunately my neighbors didn't even notice, but I live on a block full of slightly insane people (including us, btw), so I think even if they did notice, it wouldn't bother them. 

Vintage Ponte Dress.  This dress is almost all sold out in the smaller sizes, especially in the navy.  I bought the dress to try it on for the blog, with the thought I would be sending it back.  Then I got it and realized that the dress fits very well and is so pretty and comfortable, I decided that I would just sell a dress or two from my collection (ridiculous collection, really) to make up for this purchase.  (I am going to the consignment shop tomorrow, have a BIG box full of stuff to sell).

I bought this in a size 6 since most of the stretchy type fabric clothing from Boden fit me in my smaller size.  This was definitely a good choice, since the 8 would have been far too big in the bust and waist.

The length is shorter than it appears on the model, but I have a high waist and long legs, so almost all dresses and skirts are shorter on me than other folks (plus they probably gave the model a lengthened version). 

My feet only look this big from the side.

I added the sequin belt to this dress, which Boden did with their catalog shot.  I had to buy this belt in a size medium because (surprise!), it sold out in all the other sizes.  The medium is big on me, but I am just doing what the model in the catalog does, I am wrapping the end into the belt, which looks kind of nice.  Another thing with the bigger size is that I can wear it lower on my hips, which I may have to try with some of my denim.

Don't let your husband zip up the back of your dress if you are taking photos from the back.  (There was a hook closure that he missed--my brother fixed it at the store). 

The dress has the back zip, which is fabulous if you have a bigger bust and find side zips/no zips impossible to deal with.

Close up of the fabric of the dress and the sequin belt.

I do have plans to wear the dress as you see it above.  (I really love the daintiness of the sixties heels with the dress.)  It was just too chilly last week.  Maybe this spring?

Okay, that's it.  Have any of you tried this dress or this belt?  Do you ever mix all your neutral shades together? 

Today Boden started a 30% off (select items) sale with free shipping.  This is a decent enough sale if you can find the item you want in the sale.  I only had the briefest look around, and didn't see a ton on sale with that discount, but I will have more of an opportunity later today.  If what you want is not in the sale, you can still use Q753 for 25% off with free ship, btw.
Just in time for Christmas! Three days only and limited quantities: take 30% off select items + free shipping at BodenUSA.com.

Two Greens and a Tan...

Walk into a bar...

Oh, wait, no.  This is not the beginning of some off color joke. 

Rather there are three recent outfits which I wore that include two greens and a tan...jacket.

First up...The Green Herringbone Bella-esque Jacket from J. Crew Factory/Outlet (2008):

Bought from ebay, I didn't even know this jacket existed.  I don't remember seeing it in the catalogs or on-line, but there you go.  I didn't care that I hadn't seen it before, I LOVED the ruffled collar and the ruffle pockets.  Plus the color is the perfect shade of green for all seasons (although I would struggle wearing this jacket in the middle of summer--very heavy herringbone wool and all).  Size 4, from the Factory. 

The pants are the trouper pants, size 8, shadow.  I got them for 40% off recently, and although I like them, I am REALLY irritated with the fact that the upper waistband is roughly 2.5 inches bigger than my upper hip (which is where I wear it).  I should have sized down, but I had read that they ran tts.  Grr.  Anyone want to sell me a size 6 at the 40% off price?  I can't even wear a belt as the belts can't cinch it enough.  Having said all that, I wore this to a local Arbonne meeting on Monday night and it was comfortable for just sitting around and hearing people speak.  *But* had I needed to be up and walking around, these pants would have constantly needed the ole "hitch 'em up" treatment every few minutes or so.  (Oh, and by the way, I have determined I *do* have a navy pants curse--these darn pants prove it.)

The boots are the Miller Short Motorcycle Flat Boots in a size 9.5.  I love LOVE love everything about these boots.  I have now worn them with tight pants and with a frilly girly skirt (you will see that pairing  in another post) and I truly believe the sale price plus 40% makes these boots very much worth it.  I feel kind of cool and kind of chic while wearing them, and have received multiple compliments already.  I could have gone down to size 9, but they size 9.5 is only a bit big, so I will deal.


The top is from last year, and you have seen it before, in one of my all time favorite outfits ever. 

Close-up of the cute ruffle detail on the jacket.  I eventually managed to get the vintage fleur top to flatten out, but it took a lot of smoothing.  ;)

Up Next...the actual Velvet Bella in the Leaf color from J. Crew's stellar fall 2007 season:

Another ebay find...the seller didn't even know what they had.  I bought it for $40.  Seriously.  Yay!  :)  Size 4.  See it on me in purple here.

The top is a fab silk ruffled cotton sweater job that was on ridiculous sale last summer for $15 or some such nonsense.  I guess people were tired of fraying ruffles, and I get that, but I loved the top and figured that for $15 I could deal with fraying. 

The cords are the matchstick cords in glazed pecan.  I have worn these a lot this winter. 

The boots are another Miss Albright find from Anthropologie.  These Petite Chou boots seem a bit silly with the ruffles AND the shearling, but they have worked with so many of my casual outfits this winter, so the designers must have know what they were doing.  Got these in a 9.5.

CW was all about the posing this day, as well.  I think we may have been doing a preschool run this day, if memory serves.

 From the side.  You can see the detail of the Petite Chou boots better in this shot.

Buttoned up and making a stupid face.  At least CW is smiling like a normal person.

No jacket.  Love this top.  Just a bit of frilly fun for the season.  It can also transition to summer nicely (sure but that is far off based on the weather we are set to receive tonight--try 8 freaking inches of snow).

Third is the Chimera Jacket from last winter's season:

I quite liked the Chimera jacket with the tonal match of the crewcuts top I wore that day.  This is a hard color for me to wear as it is *nearly* my skin tone, but the bits of shine from the ruffle and the neon drawing of the graphic on the tee help keep me from looking oddly nude.  ;)

The Chimera is a size 4 and the tee is a size 14.  You can still find the "family tree tee" at J. Crew.

From the side.  Please don't judge the saggy britches.  I know I need a pair of better-fitting pants.  These are the awesome Madison chinos and if J. Crew were to put them out again, I would buy them up in my correct size.  (Are you listening Mickey?)

 Buttoned up.

I adore this pic of me and CW.  So freaking adorable.  Like frame-able adorable.  Yes we matched that day.  Her tee is a size 3, however. 

I think we were going out as a family that day. 

Okay, then!  Thanks for reading!  :)  I will be putting up a Boden review sometime later today.  Would you all prefer the dress review, the tunic review (there are two tunics that I will split into two review posts) or would you prefer the top review? 

Have a great afternoon!

Oh, Yeah, It's All Mine.

Step One: Spy a cute dress pattern over the summer of 2008 in Wal-Mart in Georgia.  Buy it even though I have not a clue how to actually, well, sew. (I will list the name of the pattern, and a link--if I can find one--when I have a moment to scare up the actual pattern.) 

Step Two: Figure out that I have a GREAT reason to learn how to sew as I am, all at once, beginning to realize that clothing is REALLY REALLY expensive on a substitute teacher's salary, especially when your favorite fabric is the Liberty of London fabric, plus I should take up this hobby because it will give me an additional thing to teach my elementary school kids in my fashion class (see fifth and sixth pic for more on that).  Woo.  Two birds--One Stone.

Step Three: Discover purlsoho.com.  Uh, oh.  Must be very very choosy because even though at $35 a yard their stash of Liberty of London tana lawn is WAY less expensive than even one full-priced J. Crew Liberty Print Perfect shirt (and hello, they probably use 1 yard at most to make the darn shirts), the fabric is still a lot of money for something you have to be insanely careful with...

Get over my anxiety and settle on the beautiful Brown Flowers (also known as Mauvey in some Liberty of London circles) as my poison of choice.

Step Four: Oops.  I am going to have to actually make the dress.  I still don't sew.  Thank goodness for mothers-in-law and stepmoms.  God bless all you all.  With their help, I (in the past two months), have learned to cut a pattern, pin fabric to cut pattern pieces, cut fabric around pattern pieces, sew fabric pieces together, figure out exactly how to translate darts into actual real life necessities on a garment, attach a lining to the outer fabric, and teach me enough so that when left to my own devices, I CAN ACTUALLY SEW on a machine, and SEW a neckline so it fits me EXACTLY to my EXACT MEASUREMENTS.  Woo!  Rock on...

Sizes: Oh, wait.  I don't have a size as this dress is fitted to me.  Yeah.  Oh, yeah.  Feels good baby.  I will say I wear a size 00 Petite.  LOL. 

This dress has a shirred neckline, cap sleeves, and a wide contrast hem in a dark shirting fabric.  I used just around 1 and 1/4 yards for this dress.  Since I bought two yards, I will use the leftovers on a pretty little outfit for CW.  (Did you think I would do something else with my amazingly soft Liberty of London fabric???)

The back.

Yes, I did tie my hair back with some of the excess fabric.  :)

The side.  I look so pensive, eh? Either that or I spied some stain on the rug.  Hmm.

Close-up of the dress so you all can see the intricate details of the print.  This fabric is insanely soft and I kept adjusting the pleating of the shirring so I could touch the fabric.  Obviously I have other items in my Liberty of London fabric collection, but clearly, with me having (at least 1/2) made this myself, this particular item is giving me an especially good reason to be all giddy!

Here I am with my darling sweet stepmom at my fashion class today.  She IS the reason I finished this dress.  I may be able to claim this dress as mine, but without her constant help and supervision, I could never have made it on my own (sounds like a hairband song verse from the '80s, huh?).  She is holding a skirt that she was able to sew in the class today (she taught part of the day with me).  Her skirt that she will wear.  It is a cord fabric in an orange and green hue.  Man, I don't know.  Sometimes I want to scream to her..."AMANDA, BE MORE TALENTED."  ;)

Yeah, I just wanted to add this pic as I am standing next to my Fall Into Fashion poster.   Polyvore addicts, I am sure this poster makes you all proud.  And yes, that is my Inspired By Poster above it that I mentioned in a long ago Mommy Style Monday.  (Speaking of which, I guess today's post could count...after all, I am posting on something that stylish moms could try themselves and it is a Monday.  Hmm...)

I like this particular styling for when I want to go out.  The above pics you see the dress all loose.  If I belt it, the dress is far too short for school, however, it is just fine for a date.  ;)  No, I wouldn't wear flip-flops on the date.  Come on, now.

Only for polyvore, peeps.
















You all have a great night. Hope some of you venture into a challenge like this. I ended up discovering something I may. just. keep. up. (Yes, I actually have some additional yards of fabric lying around...shhh...just don't let it out that I may not be going to the Crew for anymore Liberty fixes.)

P.S. Look at this French lady's blog post on a blouse I assume she made from the same print. Gorg!

Raveneli Blouse Styled by Yours Truly...

I was DESTINED to own this blouse. Here is why. First, I spied its loveliness in the Anthropologie catalog a few months back. Second, one of my favorite blogs, What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear? highlighted it in a post on whether or not Emma Pillsbury would in fact wear it. (Decidedly yes!) Third, on the VERY day I bought it on sale, Dea of The Dea Diaries goes and shows how she wore it. Yep, three times a charm.

And here is a fourth.


Sizes:
Top: Size 6. Could have gone with a four as there is plenty of room throughout, but I kind of like it a little loose. It can still be yours...a few sizes are left on the Anthropologie website. I will go into the details of the top after the next photo (which shows the blouse on its own).
Jacket: Size 8. Love how the schoolboy blazer is structured enough to balance the ruffles and bows of the blouse. Very nice contrast.
Pants: Size 10. Another example of WHY. YOU. SHOULD. NEVER. BUY. CLOTHING. POSTPARTUM. Yes. It is now too big and when I bought them they were too tight. Sigh. Oh, well, at least I think I can dry them in the dryer to take in some inches. You can't really tell how big they are, but trust me, I was doing the ole "hitching up" dance all night. Don't pretend you don't know what that dance is... :)
Boots: Size 9. Yes, I love you, Naturalizer! Best $25 I have spent in a long time. I wear these all the time!

We were going to IHOP and then bowling. Both were fun. Did you know that if you have a kid at a bowling alley, they let the kid "cheat" by giving them this cool metal ramp to give their ball a good ole head start down to the pins? Rex did way better than me and Mr. Dina...and we used to be on a bowling league (no joke--we own shoes and everything!).


So here is the top sans jacket. It is fluffy and bow-tastic, but not enough to make Mr. Jim crack up at my expense or anything, so in my mind, this makes this top a winner! ;) Go, go, Girls From Savoy (they made the top).

What is Rex doing back there?

Have a great night, all!

Tuesdays are Dress Days!

First up: A NEW commenting system, Disqus, has been enabled for all posts starting with today's. I will still have commenting on the old posts, but they will be through Blogger, and they will still have comment moderation. From what I have seen of the Disqus system on GingerSnap's blog, Chloe's blog, and Ashley's blog, I knew this was the direction that would work well for this blog. I like free thought, I love discussions, however...I do not really care for downright insulting comments. Sorry, I have feelings, and so does my family. Say what you want about this blog being public, blah, blah, blah...this is still my happy space (I love it most of the time), and I want it to stay happy. Disqus will allow me A LOT more control of how negative or not negative I choose this space to be. And as one of my favorite blog friends pointed out in a recent e-mail (she wants to remain private), the My Superfluities Blog is a lot more fun and delightful when a system of respect is there. I agree. So that is what I am doing by using Disqus, implementing some modicum of respect. Does that mean every comment has to be sunshiney and with rainbows? Heck no! I married a contrarian, for crying out loud. I can handle jibes and jokes and disagreements! And that is why I really fought to keep anonymous commenting for so long...I wanted you all to have your say. But lately, it has gotten out of hand. You have not seen the comments, because I have NOT PUBLISHED THEM. But they have been TERRIBLE. With Disqus, they may get published, but I will be able to have them flagged, etc. Plus you all can DIRECTLY answer a person if you want to discuss a point or counterpoint with them...

So enjoy this "happier, more decent" format of My Superfluities. :)

Okay, so Tuesdays are dress days...this is because I don't have baby CW with me and I am able to wear something that isn't conducive to nursing, in other words, dresses! I love dresses and relish any opportunity to wear them. In fact, the days I wear dresses I feel uplifted, even if everything else is kind of rotten (case in point--yesterday--God bless the little children and all, but boy, Rex was in a MOOD yesterday).

Simple, Easy Elegance... by dinagideon featuring Cole Haan shoes

So last Tuesday I wore this oldie, but goodie. Click on the polyvore to see info on the three pieces. Only the necklace is new. Speaking of the necklace, LOVE this one. Made by Urban Outfitters, I think it cost $15. It is a fun piece that is trendy, but at $15, is an expense that I can swallow.


Sizes:

Dress: Size UK 10, or US 6. This dress really is a nice bridge piece for the changing seasons, either from fall to winter or winter to spring. It is warm, but not too cloying. I wore it with tights the last time, but I did really like it bare-legged.
Heels: Size 10.5 Narrow.

Yesterday, I wore a dress that I was reminded of when reading Goldenmeans last week. There was an awesome post on Lil dresses (a brand that Anthropologie carries). I had just been going through my closet of "ooh, I can wear you again" clothing, and I found my beautiful silk Lil dress. Seeing her post reminded me I NEEDED to bring this dress out to play, and that I did...

Sizes:

Dress: Size 10. It is a bit loose, and long, but that's okay. A blue cami fixed that problem. Heels would have helped the length problem, but the below knee length doesn't really bother me too much, in fact, I felt a bit "mid-century mom" wearing this get-up. (I know, I know, my poor sad neglected little sister blog...) I bought this dress for a cruise Mr. Dina and I took in the spring of 2006. He said he would have even bought it for me, but I had already bought it for myself. How sweet! :)
Cardigan: Size Medium. Later in the day I did button it up and it added a bit of sophistication to the outfit. Belted it would have soared.
Shoes: Size 10.

The necklace is the Crystal Devote necklace, currently on promo of $100. That is a good price. I find this to be a fairly versatile necklace, even though on its own it seems a bit scary. I reviewed it here, and yesterday Bichonluvr did a post on it.

You all have a great day. Hopefully I can get back to more regular posting now that I feel more in control. ;)

Thank You, Janiece...How I Wore the Anthropologie Tutu Top Last Night...

As I promised in this post, I would pick 5 winners (or 2nd through 6th place) to choose my "wardrobe" this week. My second place winner (responsible for Monday's choice) was Janiece, and she said she wanted me to wear the Anthropologie Tutu Top I wore last on New Year's Eve.

Anthropologie Tutu Top Monday by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is how I styled it this time...note, I used the Anthropologie catalog image to help inspire me.
I liked how it turned out...I think I need to continue to play with this top because it is a lot of fun and a great versatile "non-boring" basic.


On me. Let me tell you...this was the best shot by far. I couldn't seem to make the right pose last night. Any other bloggers find that happens sometimes?

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Medium.
Top: Size Small.
Jeans: Size 31R.
Boots: Size 9.5. These were KILLING my feet by the end of the night...but I did go back and forth something like 4 times at the mall, probably equals a mile, I am sure! No wonder!!!


BTW, I won a giveaway myself two weeks ago, over at Chanel Fashionista's blog for her blog-o-versary. :) These Mark lip glosses and eye shadows are great, and since I am a big lip gloss fan (only make-up I were every. single. day.) this was the PERFECT giveaway for me to win. So thank you, Chanel Fashionista!!! I love them.

I will post pics of today's outfit (Winnie coat) when I get home, and soon thereafter, create the post on the ball gown (it has a lot of pics, so it will take me some time to do). Talk soon!

Tissue Beaded Crest Tee and a Tartine...

FIRST!!! PLEASE ENTER MY GIVEAWAY CONTEST WHICH ENDS TONIGHT AT 12:00 AM (EST), 1/18/10.

All rules, etc., are posted at the original post. If you enter, you could have a chance at winning this J. Crew Collection (fancy!!!) flamingo-colored cashmere beanie hat.


Second: We were insanely busy this weekend, but it had NOTHING to do with the hot water heater blowing up last week. A long time ago, my hubby bought tickets to go to the Inaugural ball in Richmond for the current governor (as of yesterday--actual Inauguration day here in the Commonwealth of Virginia) Bob McDonnell.

All pics of our weekend down in lovely Richmond will be posted tomorrow. I have them edited, but am pretty darn tired tonight after an evening full of dancing and fun. :)

Tartine and Tissue Tee... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

But I knew I wanted to get up Friday's outfit, so here it is in Polyvore form. The pants and shoes are different, but the ones I own are so ancient, I doubt you would even be able to find them on ebay.


Sizes:
Cardigan: Medium.
Tee: Small, last seen on me here under a v-neck sweater. I want to find different ways of styling this tee. I love this tee, regardless of others' opinions. ;) BTW, those of you who own the tee, I washed it on a cold cycle, inside out, and with the "hand wash" cycle going. The beaded embellished part is fine. Only thing is that the coating for the green sequins is starting to flake off, so some of the sequins are more of a pearl-ish, silvered color. This may bother some of you, but I quite like the color. As long as the sequins stay on, I am a happy girl.
Pants: Size 10. These are from J. Crew back when the had the "frayed" summerweight chinos, maybe 2005?
Shoes: Size 10. I believe these are Etienne Aigner.

We went to dinner on Friday night at a steakhouse. Turns out that I am anemic, and so is CW!!! I have been anemic before (which is why I am always on prenatals), but CW??? So she has to take supplements. I knew it was bad when the nurse didn't even bother to hide her shock at CW's hemoglobin level. Sigh. This is one drawback of nursing into the second year, both momma and baby have the potential for this happening. Still plan on nursing, but I am going to be smart about her supplements and extra food...for instance, if you take something high in Vitamin C and add the iron supplement to it, the iron is better absorbed...pretty cool. Good thing applesauce is high in vitamin C. :)


There's my sweet, pretty, little anemic girl. She is wearing the cutest outfit. I was *this* close to pulling out my silk tiered cami in papaya and wearing something similar to her. I think I will wait until summer. I have no great white cardigans. ;)

And with CW's wave of "bye-bye," I bid you all farewell. Giveaway winner and Clothing choice winners announced tomorrow. BTW, a lot of you love my blushed tweed pencil skirt. :)

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?

I Still Watch the Real World. And This is What I Will Watch it in Tonight...

Tonight the 23rd season of the Real World will debut on MTV. This season it is in D.C. Yippee!!! Little known secret (not so little anymore): I desperately wanted to be on the Real World (back in the 90s), but I only wanted to audition if it took place somewhere near where I lived...so that narrowed it down to D.C., Baltimore, and Richmond. Well, there wasn't a chance in heck MTV was going to have the show in Baltimore or Richmond (population is too small), but I kept holding out hope...and then I got older, graduated, got a job, found a husband, found another job, had some babies, and THAT is when MTV brings the Real World to D.C. Sigh. Read more about it here at the Washington Post. I like the writing in this article and I agree with most everything said, but who cares if the show is too staid and boring and formulaic? I say, BRING IT ON. I kind of like watching the messes these trouble twentysomethings create for themselves. I am morally 100% different than most of these cast members, but these lovely young people take me to a place that I have been before (if only we could mature emotionally as quickly as we do physically) and remind me that I never, ever want to go back there. But I doubt I will ever stop watching. Sorry, Mr. Dina.

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

The polyvore of the outfit that I am going to be wearing while watching the premiere (also to the mall if we go there tonight). The shoes are different. I actually am wearing some Etienne Aigner flats in navy blue that I got at TJ Maxx for a song.


Sizes (info on pieces is in the polyvore):
Blazer: 8.
Top: Small.
Pants: 8. (Quick Review--I love the look of these cropped ripstop cargo pants. They are long enough and the right color to wear in the winter but can definitely be worn, easily, in the summer with a tank--maybe yellow--and a pair of flip flops. I am wearing my normal size in these pants. They seem to be getting looser--bit stretchy--as I am wearing them. One thing, one of the two buttons popped off. The pants are made well, but the buttons are not tacked on very securely--GRRRR!)
Shoes: 9.5.

By the way, I apologize for the quality of these photos. I need to get Mr. Dina to take the photos before he leaves in the morning. But of course I can't seem to really function until after he leaves the house, so I guess this is the best I can offer. I DO have a tripod but I was too lazy to pull it out. Whatevs...


This photo was done with the timed shutter release on the camera. I was incapable of making a normal face, but at least precious CW snuck in and made the photo more interesting.

Pretty Dress by dinagideon featuring J Crew

One more thing. Take a look at the polyvore above. The dress is GORGEOUS and one that I got today with the extra 20% special, but I don't think this ever was on jcrew.com until today. I would have surely seen it before. It is such a beautiful print (and I have seen the print before but cannot remember what it is called). I believe the dress shape is the same as the ruffled cotton-sateen dress that I wore here, but in that amazing print.

The dress is available in all sizes, so I got an 8...which should be loose but in a good way...

Does anyone know anything at all about this dress? Do you think I am right and that it has never been on the website before? It just seems weird that an old print (from a couple of years ago) would show up on a dress and then be 100% available in all sizes at a great sale price--but Final Sale, so let's hope it works out for me!!! Help me out. I tried googling its name, and not ONE thing popped up. Bizarre.

Have a great day. I won an award--yippee--and this time I 100% promise to do the post on it. I let the ball drop (good timing on that pun what with New Year's Eve being tomorrow) on the last award, and I feel really bad about it.

P.S. Last warning--I am taking my stuff to the consignment shop tomorrow. My goal is to have it all gone by 4:30 pm tomorrow afternoon. Just saying, if you are eyeing something, let me know...I have a piece on hold for someone for a little bit so that way I don't take it tomorrow (the buyer will buy it in the future--so it works for me)!