OOTDs: Festive Sparkle. And Some Plaid!

Hey, all!  I finally finished some of the recent stuff I needed to get done, including a sewing project using stretch velvet, so I can get back to posting.  I am trying here!  Maybe one day I can get back to the more regular posting I did prior to 2015.  We'll see.  :-)

The velvet dress was sewn up for the Fabric Mart blog, and it is very timely for the festive season, so if you are a sewer, or like velvet, definitely check it out.  I feel a bit like a female Oscar statue wearing it.  (In other words, I love it!)

Onto some festive sparkle!

Day: Thursday, December 25, 2015.

Where:  Christmas Dinner.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The salt content alone would have filled an ocean (based on how fat my fingers and toes felt at the end of dinner), but dang if this outfit wasn't super easy to wear all night.  I love J. Crew for making this plaid skirt with an elastic waistband.  Now I will never tuck anything into it, but that bothers me not one bit.

Outfit Details: Sweater, Boden; Skirt, J. Crew; Shoes, J. Crew; Necklace, Madewell (they still make it, find it here).

Anecdote of the Day: Does salt make any of you all swell up the way it does me?  Maybe it's because I try really hard not to eat too many items that have it in overabundance, but when I do eat it in copious amounts, I feel it.  I hate all those cooking show comments that say "there's not enough salt, wah wah wah."  I'm always like, "dude, really, do you want to be pickled from the inside out?"

INSTAGRAM HERE.

Day: Monday, December 7, 2015.

Where:  Meetings and writing lesson plans.  Boring.

Ease of Wear: (5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Again, elastic waistbands to the rescue.  These Boden pants are in ridiculous deep discount, and because normally Boden pants are just crap on me, I figured these pair would be sent back.  But because they run large, and they have room for a booty, I find them ridiculously comfortable one size down from my normal Boden size.  Yes.

Outfit Details: Sweater, Boden; Pants, Boden (Jessica Jogger here, out of stock right now, but pops back); Shoes, Boden; Necklace, Boden; Sunglasses, Ray-Ban (here, they are the Meteor style).

Anecdote of the Day: I take so long to write lesson plans.  Secret--I never had to write lesson plans formally before this. I just had them written down so that the administrators could see them if they walked in the room.  I did finally write them down for a long-term sub when I was set to have CW, but that was during a frenzy of nesting, so I hardly remember it being a pain (and I did the full year for him, too, lol).  I think I may write too much, but my assistant principal seems to like it.

INSTAGRAM HERE.

Day: Wednesday, December 23, 2015.

Where:  Picking up the turkey from Whole Foods.

Ease of Wear: (4.75 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The Oona skirt features an elastic waistband.  Really, I should just retitle this post "Elastic Festive."  That sounds like a song.  Hmmm.

Outfit Details: Top, J. Crew; Cardigan, Ann Taylor; Skirt, Boden (Oona Skirt here, but this color has long since sold out, but the Tamara Top features the same fabric); Shoes, J. Crew.

Anecdote of the Day: The turkey has to be ordered in advance, it costs way too much money, but man, it's a good bird.  I went in and heard people crowing that Whole Foods had sold out of the turkeys, so I felt good that I had ordered in advance, regardless of how silly my family thinks I am for doing so.  :-)

INSTAGRAM HERE.

Day: Wednesday, December 2, 2015.

Where:  I don't remember!  Maybe Winesday since it was a Wednesday?  I know it was raining, lol.

Ease of Wear: (4.75 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Turner pants feature an elastic waistband.  And the Zoe coat is warm!  Hey!

Outfit Details: Top, J. Crew (here in stripe); Pants, J. Crew (no longer available in poly, but they have them in wool here); Coat, Boden (Zoe Coat here, review here); Scarf, J. Crew; Shoes, J. Crew.

Anecdote of the Day: Got nothing.  It was raining.  I was warm.  :-)

INSTAGRAM HERE.

Have a great day, everyone.  Glad I have some time to get some ootds here.  Now off to go visit some of my favorite blogs!  :-)

Made by Me Files: Preppy Roar! Fabric Mart Bundle Challenge (McCall's 6711 and Butterick 5922).

Before I begin this "made by me" file, Boden is continuing their mid-season sale (post I wrote was here), and from what I can see, the sale seems to be successful.  Neither of the items I am watching are sold out, so I may or may not participate.  They also started a "up to 30% off EXTRA off clearance items" this week, but because I have been so hyper-focused on getting better from my bout with the flu, sewing this project up, and the mid-season sale, I didn't even notice.  The extra 30% off prices are good, but only some items received that full percentage off.

Okay onto this week's Fabric Mart Fashion Challenge Sewing Competition entry, the Bundle Challenge.  A couple weeks ago I received a ten yard bundle from Fabric Mart (LOVE THEIR FABRIC BUNDLES, btw), and in the hyper-focus of trying to finish the challenge of that week (I believe it was the fit challenge with the sheath dress), I didn't even open it until I started the next challenge.  (Which was still too early, but I did abstain at least a week, normally those bundles are like candy for me--ooh, what pretty fabric has come my way this time that I get to play with and make something from?)

I received two amazing pieces of wool yardage, a white wool and a light tan/blue plaid.  I also received two pieces of knit fabric, a maroon horizontal rib knit and a "funky" crinkle animal print knit with a solid black nylon reverse.  In the package was also a piece of iridescent mint green poly, or possibly silk, can't tell from just looking at it (didn't have the time to fully investigate it since I knew it wouldn't play well with the others).  So I knew when Julie said to use four fabrics, I had my four ready to go.

When she mentioned a TWO-PIECE GARMENT, I was sort of "huh?"  I looked back at the bundle challenge from last year and the contestants in general made a two-piece outfit from their fabrics (coat/dress; top/skirt, etc.) but one made a three-piece outfit, and three made two-pieces that needed an additional garment from their own closet to fully create a look.  So I just went with what I think was the safest route and created a two-piece outfit with my four fabrics, using three for the top I created, and one for the pants.

The top is made from Butterick 5922, view A, with a collar, and with view B's long sleeves.

The pants are from McCall's 6711, which I chose specifically because they had pockets, a back zip, a waistband facing instead of a waistband, and would be easy enough to fully line in a blue cotton I had in my stash.

The top was sewn up in a size 10 at the neck, bust, and waist, with a *slight* grade out to a size 12 at the hips (only the very bottom couple of inches are the 12).  This shirt is shorter than a lot of sewing patterns out there, so for once I didn't have to shorten the top for my short torso self.  Yeah!  (Bear that in mind if you are a petite sewer!)

The pants were sewn in the size 14, whose crotch curve looked almost exactly like a pair of Burda shorts that I sewed up last summer.  These pants are meant to be more fitted, like a classic pair of cigarette trousers.  The model's are quite baggy on her, which I think is a combo of them being unlined, the fabric they used, and the fact that she is very thin and that the sample size they sewed up (probably a size 10, if what I have read of the big sewing companies is true) was too big on her.  Normally a 14 wouldn't work on me, but McCall's does run big, so I wasn't surprised, either.

Throughout this competition, no matter what Julie has given us, I knew that I would only want to sew up something I would wear again.  I have three little children, I sub in a school, and so my time is very limited for sewing.  I didn't *not* think I could make a look for me from the four fabrics, I just felt initially that it may not turn out enough like "me" to be wearable again by me.  I knew the pants would be fine, because plaid straight pants on a preppy person, well, lol, yeah, but the top, even with the cute collar?  Mmm.  That animal print had me worried.

Which is why although the above photo shows straight preppy...

The side starts to hint at something else less preppy...

And the back gives it to you straight up...

Yes, it is preppy with a roar.  Get it?  I know, I'll stop.  It looks fine.  Kind of a party in the back, business in front...I can dig it...and wear it again!

I didn't show you this picture so you all could stare at my butt.  Seriously!  I tucked the shirt in so you could see HOW PERFECTLY I lined up the plaid on the seams there.  It isn't that easy, really.  This fabric required me to spend TWO FULL hours cutting it out to ensure that all the seam notches and lines would match up (add to that the wool was a bit off grain in a few places, UGH double UGH).  I also spent a LONG time at the sewing machine after pinning the seams up very carefully (checking and rechecking that all the plaid lines were matching perfectly).  I used a walking foot, which ensured that my plaids did come out even, but I knew that if I put in the back invisible zip and the plaid didn't match up, my biggest asset (hardeehar) would look ridiculous in these pants.

And because I know how hard it is for me to find a pair of pants that actually and properly shows off my bottom, I am beyond stoked that I accomplished a pair of fitted pants, in a plaid wool, fully lined, just after getting over the flu.  Hallelujah! 

I do have plans to increase the thigh circumference on my next pair, since though 95% of the pants fit very well, the straight, horizontal lines there on the back (below the butt) signify a need for some extra room.  I have athletic thighs and slight saddlebags, so this doesn't surprise me.  From what I read, this is not a difficult thing to change on the pattern pieces.  Those lines, though, don't mean the pants don't feel great, they feel awesome on, and when sitting don't pinch, bind, or jab.  YAY!

*BTW, I am not going to be tucking tops into this pair of pants unless I am wearing a long suit jacket.  I specifically made these so I could wear tops untucked, which is why I specified I wanted a pair with no waistband so the waistband wouldn't irritate me when sitting down in them (my belly button is unnaturally high!).  I just HAD to show you all the awesome plaid matching, yeah!

**GREAT TUTORIAL ON PLAID MATCHING HERE.  

Pockets!  They are useable for me for my hands, but really too small for anything else.  If I make these again (probably, 'cause holla, they feel so good), I will likely make them a bit deeper and wider.

Fabrics all at once!

Front of the top is the horizontal rib knit.

Collar of the top is the white wool.

Back of the top is the crinkle animal print knit.

Sleeves of the top are the reverse black nylon from the animal print knit.

Pants are from the so soft gorgeous plaid wool (still at Fabric Mart--well at least it looks like the same fabric!).

I smile because I did it!  I felt so good and accomplished after getting it all done.  :-D

The top is very "Boden."  They have a ton of Peter Pan collar type tops and dresses, and have even done some colorblocked versions in the past, so after completing it, the smile was also because I had duplicated my favorite retailer so well!

Collar detail with button.

I know that if you want a pair of pants to last a long time, you make sure they are lined.  I chose to fully make this lining (waist to hem) and added it right before the waist facing was attached.  I hand sewed the lining to the zip for precision, and also hand sewed the facing to the zip.  It would be more "tidy" on the machine, but less precise.  I also hand tacked the facing to the lining in a few spots to keep it from flipping up (though the facing is properly understitched, etc.).

Front Detail of the facing and lining.

The lining is also very soft against my skin and during the winter will add an extra layer of warmth.  I could have used a poly lining, but there is something kind of luxurious to me about using a cotton with wool.  Normally I prefer silky linings in dresses and skirts (like a poly would provide), but I don't have to wear these pants with tights, so the "slippy" feel was unnecessary.  I just wanted comfort and softness.  They will also extend the life of the wool, which is important to me as I don't really want to make another pair of plaid pants for a long while.  ;-)

That's all for now. 

This is the second to last competition.  The only way I will make it is with your votes!  So PLEASE, with loads of yummy sugar on top *and a preppy ROOAARR*, would you all mind throwing me some votes your way if you are so inclined? 

Talk soon!  I should be back tomorrow with the Boden Spring 2015 preview picks post, so if you have a few items you just love from the preview, make sure you comment in tomorrow's post!

Bzzz-ing in a Bumble Mini.

I seriously wore yellow-hued tights with a plaid skirt and a yellow turtleneck with a black boucle blazer when I was at home, with no intentions of leaving the house simply because I wanted to.  LOL.  I think Mr. Dina thought I was crazy when he got home and saw me in the get-up, but because he is a good husband he kept his laughter being closed doors.  ;)

Bzzz.... by dinagideon featuring a yellow necklace

Above is the polyvore of the outfit that this SAHM wore that day.  I added the bees to the polyvore because the outfit nearly definitely verges on Busy Bees territory.  That said, the kids loved the outfit, especially the tights.  They kept touching my legs and exclaiming in sheer happiness over "momma's yellow legs."

So this outfit has two fairly coveted pieces from recent years, the glass beaded bee necklace and the bumble tartan mini.  The glass beaded necklace I bought from jcrew.com on sale for some small sum or another.  I felt VERY fortunate to have gotten it when I did, because a mere year or so later, dear Miss Emma Pillsbury wore it on Glee and all of a sudden, everyone wants this very necklace.  The power of media is crazy!  The bumble tartan mini is from the November 2007 J. Crew catalog (the one in Scotland) and the insanely beautiful Vanessa Lorenzo wore it while modeling near some picturesque bridge in the Highlands.  (I am sure she was plenty warm when she posed--shee-yeah, right).  I was fortunate that a lovely JCA sold me her's, in a size 8, a few months back.  I was surprised that I was the only one who wanted to buy it!

And there she is, looking all warm and toasty.  :)

I would have gone all bare-legged, too, but even with the interior temperature of our house at a relatively balmy 67 degrees, I was too wimpy to try it.  Plus, the yellow tights are too perfect with this skirt!  The shoes are from the '90s.  Yes, the freaking '90s.  I still can wear them, though, so why not keep them?  At least it doesn't make me look like Elaine Benis from Seinfeld:

This is one trend I don't need to come back, the long floral dress and lace-up flat shoes.  Elaine looks cute, but on me?  Sister-wife.  I know that for a fact as I lived during this era and I wish my dad, or anyone, would have said to me that all this look did for me was cover me up and make me look all ready welcoming wives 4 and 5 into my life.  (I need to dig those photos up and publish them.  I am willing to have a little fun at my own expense.)

It *will* come back, won't it?  I mean, all things do, yes?  We expected that the '80s love of acid-wash and oversized sweatshirts would stay there, but they didn't, did they?  I kind of shudder at the thought of welcoming 1994 back into my life, but I am hoping that I have enough self-control to just say "no" when that sartorial moment gets a fresh breath of life.

Okay, back to now (or at least 2007).  I was getting frustrated with how all my front shots were looking, so I gave up and tried to give my look a little life, yes, I actually jumped in time to the timer on my camera.  I ended up liking this shot the best.

Here is the Bumble outfit with the Penny Boucle Jacket (Fall 2008).  I recently purchased this jacket, and I did like it with this outfit, and I like it in general, but I decided that I have enough black jackets that this has already been on the JCA exchange (and still is, look for its re-appearance again tomorrow morning).

I love CW.  I don't really know why she is pretending to drink a bottle of water but it makes me smile.  ;)

You all, enjoy your Sunday.  Bzz, bzz.

Reviews: Gingham Sundrine, Ingenue Coat, Tweedette Dress, and Tilly Satin Two-Tone Platform Heels

It's been a while since I have done a straight through review post. Below you will see 16 photos of four separate items, the Gingham Sundrine Flannel Shirtdress, the Double Cloth Ingenue Coat, the Tweedette Dress, and the Tilly Satin Two-Tone Platform Heels.

I received these all over the past two months, and because of sheer laziness and overwhelming busy-ness (lol at the two together), I am now just getting to these reviews. I took all these photos today, and in no way did I primp to get ready to show off these outfits. Just sayin'...

Enjoy!

Gingham Sundrine Flannel Shirtdress, currently available in most sizes. Last week, it appeared that they were all sold out, but I suspect that many were wooed by the image in the catalog, and when their reality didn't match the luminosity of the image, many returns were made.

I *knew* I could never match the ice queen model, so my expectation was far lower. I really wanted a dress/tunic I could wear to take my sweet son to preschool and be "dressed" but comfy and warm at the same time.

That said, I have to make sure the placket is open (I am wearing a peach-colored cami under the dress) in order to keep me from appearing like I am a frontier women, ready to cultivate the corn, y'all.

I like it with leggings, but think I might wear it out the first time with some opaque black tights and knee-high booties (or booties, we'll see). Definitely plan on wearing a scarf or lots of necklaces, for sure. Any other ideas?

P.S. This is the side view.

Back View.  I am really glad I bought the size 6 (current dress size in J. Crew), rather than an 8.  The 8 may have given length but would have probably been a bit frumpy overall.  This puppy should not be too loose or else your bum may suffer from baggy britches syndrome. (Or from a wayward tag syndrome, haha.)

Hand on the hip. This view looks juvenile to me.  Definitely need tights, boots, and a scarf.

However, in this image, I look the right age.  Maybe the hand on the hip is making me look younger.  (Ladies, hands on hips!!!  Fountain of Youth!!!)

Sundrine Dress on Audrey Bella.
Sundrine Dress on Gigiofca.

Double Cloth Ingenue Coat in Black, currently on back-order in many sizes and colors. This I bought in a 6, my current J. Crew Double Cloth coat size (my stadium cloth size is smaller). I bought this on a whim when I saw that I could buy it for $200 (minus 30%--so around $140 or so) and free shipping over the summer. Yes, please. Turns out that I made a wise choice as it is now $350, but at least you can apply a 25% off to the total. (And go with cobblestone or plum, not the black or white, the black or white will probably be available next summer for another low low price...mark my words!)

It is all buttoned-up and belted here. This is one glamorous coat and I definitely can see wearing this with a cocktail dress. That said, it does lend itself to dressing up a more casual look, like a cute tee, cardi, and jeans. It doesn't feel "stuffy," just chic.

Here I have opened up the top set of buttons, expanded the collar to show off the gingham shirtdress. This collar is very versatile and I anticipate discovering new ways of wearing it open.

Here i have it opened all the way, and belted in the back (almost like an apron, if that makes sense). I love this! And since we have warm-ish days here in NOVA in the winter, this will be a nice option on the days when we get into the 50s and we don't need to "BUNDLE" up.

Ingenue Coat on NoJCrewinJapan.

Tweedette Dress, or the Luna Mixy silk and wool dress (if you shop at Net-a-Porter), currently sold out of size 0 at jcrew.com, and sold out of size 0 and size 8 at Net-a-Porter.  I am wearing a 6, but I only decided on that size when I looked at Net-a-Porter for sizing info.  THEY GIVE YOU THE EXACT MEASUREMENTS of the items.  Awesome.  I had pre-ordered an 8 and then realizing how that would be very large in the top and a few inches too large in the bottom (yet giving me no extra length), I changed my pre-order to a 6.  If you buy Collection pieces from J. Crew, definitely check out Net-a-Porter to see if they have your item so you can use their measurements.

I did not buy at full price.  My on-line PS was running a 20% off sale, including pre-orders, so I ordered this at that point.  I am wondering if they will reduce the price of this dress anytime soon?  If so, I will definitely be thinking about returning an re-ordering.  I have only tried it on for you all, so I know I could return if need be. 

I do like this dress for a couple of reasons. 

#1--LOVE the plaid wool skirt portion, such a great color scheme, and the wool is well-made, seems to be the sort of wool you find in Scotland.
#2--This is surprisingly comfortable!  Once you have fiddled with the top to make it fit you properly (the last photo in this set shows how I got mine to settle into the right position so my cami
#3--Love the silk fabric of the top...you can tell it is VERY HIGH QUALITY silk, very much like the silks that I have felt on high-end designer pieces.

Do I think this is a dress for everyone?  No.  I know that this is a you either love it or you hate it kind of an item.  I fell in love with the look in the lookbook--see image #13--(after I took away her silly avant-garde hat), and I think I like the dress even better on me (I fill it out better, lol, go curves!). 

I wonder if anyone will be getting this dress?  Clearly there are a few of us out there, but none of the JCAs as far as I can tell. 

Side view.  Love my peach colored cami!  (Just kidding.)  I think, when I decide I am for sure keeping it (really more of a price thing--hate the thought of it being reduced a lot and me being unable to justify buying it for more--any of you doing this now...waiting with tags on, not wearing it, just in case?), I will take my needle and thread and sew a small fastener to the vee, so I can gain a more modest neckline.

Back view.  Exposed Zipper appears more exposed on-line.  I think it is a nice touch of hardware, but really could care less, one way or another.

Only passes the sit down test when I wear tights.  Will not be wearing it all bare-legged, no matter how much Net-a-Porter and J. Crew want me to.  So there.

Here is how I like it best.  See how much better it looks with the neckline just so and a pretty necklace atop it?  I also adore the pockets, great feature.

Tilly Satin Two-Tone Platform Heels, currently available in all sizes.  These are Collection shoes, so they are silk satin, with suede piping, and leather soles.  They were also INSANELY expensive for what they are, so I know exactly why they went on sale so fast...'cause no one was biting.  I did, but only after they we're reduced to below 200 AND I could apply a 30% off and free shipping deal.  Yes, I will take them for $130, Mickey, sounds great to me.

I am wearing these in a size 9.5.  They fit great.  I have narrow feet, though, so you all may want to size up if you run a bit wider.  They are not super-comfortable, in fact, I am wearing them right now to kind of break them in, but really, am I wearing these for comfort?  Nope.  These are date shoes, holla.  These are the kind of shoes the Eagles were talking about in that song "Those Shoes."

So pretty, love the color, love the strappy-eque look, love the silk (so soft).

Gah.  So elegant!  I need to find a reason to wear these!

Zippers in the back, cute touch...also you can see the leather soles peeking out.

Anyone else purchase or try on these items?  Your thoughts?  Links to reviews I missed? 

Have a great Tuesday!  Have fun with the 25% off sale!

Jaipur Perfect Shirt and a Mystery Gingham Shirt...Plus a Little Sunshine (Award, That Is)!

I did NOT buy either of these two shirts, but honestly, I was tempted. If they go on sale, ever, I *might* pick one or both of them up. But at full price, no way, Jose.


First up is the Jaipur Perfect shirt. This is on-line and retails full price at $88.00. That is a chunk of change for a shirt I am only somewhat interested in.

I wore it in a size 6, and it fit well. The only reason those last two buttons are unbuttoned is because I was in too much of a hurry to do them all up. Lazy! :)

I found this to be a BEAUTIFUL pattern, and in real life, it has a stunning mix of off-white, lilac, and a deep rose color. What bugged me was how transparent this top was...seems if you have a lighter-colored top, it would make sense to use a thicker fabric than silk-cotton, but who am I to judge? It is way more transparent than the sunshine peonies top, for reference. This will bug a lot of you, I have a feeling.

I did appreciate that the pattern lined up. That shows a nice amount of care went into the creation of this shirt.


Next up is the in-store only color of purple in the gingham shirt. I really REALLY liked this top layered over the tank and with the collar turned up, but I felt like for $69.50 I would need to love it both opened and closed. And I definitely did not. Had this top been $40, I could have swallowed that cost for a top I only wear open and with the collar popped. Not for almost $30 more.


See! I am like a big ole block when it is buttoned-up. NO way, Jose, double time. :)

I am wearing a size 6, very comfy, but no definition through the waist.

I doubt I would be able to get this on-sale. For one, I rarely get to the store and it is in store only, and two, I think this is an insanely popular blouse and will be sold out well before it goes on sale. But if any of you ladies ever in the future get tired of yours and want to sell me in EUC shape, then drop me an e-mail. Thank you from 2011!


Last, but certainly not least, I received an amazingly cute blog award from two sweety-pies, Suzy and Peggy. Their blogs are sunshine to me, so I really am honored to have been honored by them.

If I follow your blog, you have won this award. Seriously. I have something like 100 blogs I follow and every single one of you all bring me joy whenever you publish a post. So thank you, and I expect to see at least some of you accept this award (I doubt, though, that my favorite mid-century modern architecture blogs will be accepting them--LOL). :)

Have a great day. I have two outfits created from a tank and a pair of shoes to show off later today!

Mad for Plaid, and not in a 1993 Kind of Way, Either!!!

First things first: Yay for Mid-Century Mom...new post!


Mad for Plaid. In 2010. by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Second: Today's outfit will be published either late tonight (ha, right, Lost season premiere on) or tomorrow am (well, we are probably going to be snowbound for the millionth time this year, so a much more likely scenario). I look forward to doing today's outfit, though, because it is of the Vintage Bateau top (camel color), which means I get to do a mini-review. (Well, okay, a mini-mini-review: Love!)

Here is the polyvore of the outfit I wore yesterday, February 1, 2010. I wore this out to chill with HeidiG. and my kids at Tysons. I had promised Ms. HeidiG. a birthday lunch (her bday was in December--late much, dinagideon?). We had a yummy lunch at Legal Seafood (Shrimp "nuggets" for the kids, a Crabcake for HeidiG., and a Shellfish Salad for moi), and then we went to the Crew to check out the new wares. HeidiG. was great and bought nothing (good for you, very awesome)! I had a return, so I did that, and exchanged it for a tee and a top. I spent $3. LOL.


Before I get to sizes, I have a quick announcement. As of today, 2/2/10, I am now 1.5 lbs. away from my "ultimate" goal weight. YIPPEE!!! I told myself when I started this blog that if I never made it to my ultimate goal, I was okay with that, because as Mr. Dina says about the photo on the left, "gee, you have lost weight, but you still looked good in the 'before' photo!"

Okay, yeah, that's good and all, but ladies, you all know what I mean? It is an elusive weight that we all want so bad, the weight from whatever time in whatever era of our lives that we want to achieve again. For me, it ISN'T the weight I was at 23 (way too SKINNY--yikes) or when we got married (it was fine and all, but eh, not a goal I am hoping to reach), it IS the way I was in the summer of 2004, when we went to Hawaii. I just felt perfect at that weight, you know?

And now, through an odd combo of 1/4 actual contrived exercise, 1/4 good eating (try to be fresh if possible), 1/4 nursing, and 1/4 exercise from running around after crazy toddlers (definitely not "traditional exercise" by any stretch of the imagination)...I have done it. Since I started this blog, I have lost over 25 pounds...and as it appears, baby CW has taken most of those for herself, and most of my weight loss was from my face. :) LOL.

Okay, Sizes. (Not from the pic from last year...come on now!):
Shirt: Crewcuts Boys' Size 12. Very comfy, but again, is on the shorter size. I feel very Kurt Cobain in this, but I think keeping it a closer fit has helped to keep this look from going over to that side of grunge. Since I owned over ten plaid shirts in college, I am planning on having this be the only one I own in 2010. I think if I am to have one, this is the one to own!
Tee: Size Extra-Small. I want to point out that I forced HeidiG. to try it on, and she looked amazing. That is all. ;)
Pants: Size 30S.
Shoes: Size 9.5. I think I am forever done buying J. Crew size 10. It appears I am either a size 9 or 9.5 in the Crew shoe.

Well, there you are...Mad for Plaid, 2010!

Talk with you all tomorrow. Off to go sing some ditties from REM's Losing My Religion album.