OOTDs: Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday.

Subtitle #1: Lots and Lots of Purple.

Subtitle #2: Mardi Gras--Not Just Mardi Gras.

Subtitle #3: Review of the Boden Pointed Mary Janes.

There's a lot here, you all.  :)

Day: Wednesday, February 13, 2013. (Today!)

Where: Ash Wednesday Mass.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Well, it was comfortable enough, but let's be clear, wearing a pencil skirt with a pair of low heels all while trying to juggle the world's largest man baby (he refuses to sit during mass so I have to take him on mini-walks up and down the back part of the church) is not super easy.  If there was no largest man baby (pictured in photo #1), this outfit would rate a 4.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) Perfect for church on Ash Wednesday, so definitely not cool, but very much appropriate.  And that works for me just fine.

Anecdote from the day:  I have spent the day feeling annoyed at everything, but since my Lenten promise means I can't moan about those irritating things for forty days, I guess I won't spill my guts here, but they involve skirts that don't fit (not the teal one above, though), "me first" DC area drivers, broken zippers on a new Boden dress (grrr!), and my husband.  ;)

 Day: Tuesday, February 12, 2013. (Daytime.)

Where: Rex's school (TWICE!), and Party City.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) It is a pair of leggings combined with a mid-00s empire line tunic (so stretchy and manmade) plus a pair of purple ballet flats.  I am not wearing pajamas, but they would do well in a pinch for sleepwear.

Cool Factor: (1 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Ain't gonna lie, this is the world's least cool outfit.  Well, maybe not the least cool in the world, but for this blog, this is pretty bad.  LOL.

I have worn this top before, but that was four years ago, so it was only a few years out of style back then.  If I hold onto it just. a. little. bit longer, I bet it comes back into style.  Or not. 

I hold onto it because we celebrate Mardi Gras, if it we didn't, this top would have been in the donate pile years and years ago.

Anecdote from the day:  What didn't I do in this outfit?  Seriously, yesterday was the perfect foil for my blog's title.  I felt like if there was ever an overabundance of things accomplished in one day's time, this would be that day.

Started off by dropping Rex at school,

then watched a dvd on my new sewing machine while I waited in the car until I was needed at the school,

then I went into the school to help his classmates and him paint a child's bookcase for the school auction,

after which I headed home to feed Angus,

which then led to going to Party City to get Rex a balloon for his birthday and Mardi Gras beads for his classmates,

then back to school to give his classmates a cupcake and the beads,

and finally heading home.

Then I went to work out at the gym with my brother...

And then...

Day: Tuesday, February 12, 2013. (Night.)

Where: Rex's Birthday dinner at El Paso Cafe (with a bit of celebration tossed in for Mr. Dina's bday, Mardi Gras, and the restaurant's 21st birthday).

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I love Boden's silk jersey dresses.  This one is a favorite of mine, and definitely one that is perfect for the Lenten season.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Much like the Ash Wednesday outfit, it was exactly the right outfit for the occasion.  I didn't have the right tights to wear with it, but as it turned out, the night was pretty warm, so even the peep toe heels were okay.  I think with tights and some killer boots, this outfit could have been bumped up a half point, but I was with family, and they don't really care what I wear (even though I wish they would!).  ;)

Anecdote from the day:  I think it is so cool that so many wonderful things happened on Rex's birthday.  I know they were all coincidental, but I think he liked having all these interesting and unusual occurrences on his special day.  And as his mom, I was pleased to see him having such a great day. 

Pointed Mary Janes.  The Pointed Mary Janes are another great example of what makes me love Boden's footwear, year after year.  For a fairly decent price, Boden uses great materials (usually all leather construction) to craft classic, yet punchy colored shoes.

I have fallen so deeply in love with my Sixties Heels (last worn here), that I determined that if Boden issued another pair of shoes that reminded me of the sixties heels, but in new colors, I would definitely be purchasing.  So when I saw these in the Spring preview, I bit on the eucalyptus shade, which you can see here is a mid grey-green done in patent leather.

You can also see that the fasteners are pop-button, but they stayed nicely secured through the day, which surprised me.  (Happily surprised, of course.)

The shoes fit well in the 41.  I normally am between a 40 and 41, but the larger size works better since I think this shoe runs small and narrow for a Boden shoe.

From the side.  The heel is not very tall, and there is plenty of room in the toe box, so I found it to be very comfortable.  It is also a very pretty shoe, ladylike and pristine. They are currently on deep backorder in the pink and silver colors, but fully stocked in the green shade. This means they are unlikely to do a second order of the green ones, so if you see the stock box head to "pink/low stock" that means once it sells out, that's it. (Not that this will happen any time soon, though.) I have a coupon in the sidebar for 15% off with free ship, however you click here, it will have the same effect (I finally learned how to really embed links properly!).

There's Angus wearing his "My first Mardi Gras" shirt given to him by Mr. Dina's parents.  You can't really find things like this around here in the DC area (even though there are celebrations all over town, it isn't celebrated by everyone like down where Mr. Dina comes from). 

What's better than a day full of events tailor-made to make you happy?  Ice cream, of course, and a small sombrero.

Mr. Dina's head barely fit into the hat.  That's saying something.  As said in the awesome movie "So I Married an Axe Murderer," "that boy's heed is SO big ... it has its own weather system."  Ha.

We are always wearing sombreros on this blog.  I think we should buy my brother Peter one to wear all the time, he looks so good in it.

And finally, the ubiquitous shot of Dina having had two (!!!) yummy margaritas.  Mmm.  Margaritas.

Okay, that's it, you all have a great night.  :)

What did you all do for Mardi Gras?  Do tell.  I always enjoy tales of overconsumption.  Please tell me that at least some of you had two margaritas, too. 

Review: J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Paisley OOTD.

Okay, yay! I am at part three of my three part review series. :) Yesterday I published reviews of the Hacking Jacket in Herringbone and the Winsome Dress in Blurry Rose.

Today I am focused on two items that are definitely available, so if you like them, they are available right now for an additional 25% off. (Again, this is how I got these pieces last time, during the 25% off all inclusive promo they were offering last month.)

Skirt: No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Paisley.  I have the one in orange and blue from this summer, and decided I loved that one enough to give this one a shot...but with one caveat, if the skirts were too similar in fabric and look, I would return this one.  Turns out they are different enough, obviously in coloring (this one reminds me of Mardi Gras), and in fabric.  This fabric is like a very heavy and soft cotton sateen, whereas the one from this summer was almost a textured cotton.  It is sort of funny that they issued the cotton sateen one in fall and the textured cotton in summer, especially in these colorways.  I think they should have issued this one during the summer and the summer one now, but since it wasn't my decision, there you go.

I am wearing the size 8.  Technically I could have gone with the 6, especially since the 8's waist is pretty loose, but honestly either way I am happy, it isn't exactly falling off of me in the 8.  But...if you have a smaller hip line compared to your waist, definitely size down. 

Top: Vintage Cotton Ballet Tee in fiesta purple.  I have items that can match the skirt, but this tee was so pretty and interesting looking, I took a chance on it.  WAY back in the 90s I owned a sweater from J. Crew in this color and I have very fond memories of wearing it, so I also was being a bit sentimental.  :)  This is the extra small, which is more than fine, loose enough to give the "relaxed" look, but not too loose.  It is really short, but since I am short torsoed, it hits at my high hip perfectly.  If you have a long torso, you may be out of luck, as I don't know that sizing up will help.

The jacket is from Anthropologie (Herringbone Sweater Jacket), the shoes are old school J. Crew (Alessia patent peep toe heels in spearmint--matches the spearmint in the skirt exactly), and the necklace is J. Crew (Knotted Mesh Necklace).

This shot gives you a better view of the top and jacket.

We went to our favorite gorge-o-fest place, aka Texas de Brazil.  I wore the skirt on purpose as a way to remind me to not go overboard.  I didn't, btw, stuck with the filet mignons and limited myself to one fried banana.  :)

Royal Paisley OOTD. by dinagideon featuring a studded clutch

Above is the polyvore.

So many people have done reviews of this skirt.  (As was the case with the winsome dress and the hacking jacket...great reviews!)  If you have a review of any of the three items, would you mind dropping your review link in the comments of the appropriate review?  Much thanks!!!

What *Would* Emma Pillsbury Wear if She Taught a Fashion Class?

I stick to my convictions when I say I want someone to do something...for instance, in my "Fall Into Fashion" class that I taught over the past two weeks, I really emphasized using Inspiration Boards as a way of figuring out personal style. And even though my personal inspiration board does not include the lovely Emma Pillsbury character from the very fab show Glee, she would have made it onto my board if I had *just* a little bit more room.

But as anyone who knows me from Polyvore can attest, I am addicted to copying the style of the extremely slightly compulsive character played by the pretty Ms. Mays. I am also a big fan of the blog written by my good bloggie friend who carefully documents the comings and goings of our fave red-head and other fashion related questions surrounding this sophomore show (yes, I know they had one episode in the 2008-2009 season on Fox, but it was a preview). Heck, I am even on their blog roll (teehee!).

By the way, WWEPW has just celebrated its blog-o-versary...go on over to the blog and become a follower and wish my gifted friend some Congratulations!

So what kind of fashion "counselor" would I be if I didn't devote at least one day to emulating the style of our most sartorially blessed t.v. counselor? Exactly.

What *Would* Emma Pillsbury Wear if She Taught a Fashion Class? by dinagideon featuring j crew handbags

Above is the polyvore I created that shows that I already had exactly what I needed to "become" Miss Emma for the day. I realize that her skirt is the unagi skirt, but my perfect pencil is the same lovely plum. Yes, the cardi is the same exact Jackie Cardigan in dried orchid. The crystal devote necklace takes the place of Emma's ubiquitous cardi clips, but I think the effect is similar. And although I went for no belt, I injected extra color in the form of some fab spearmint shoes (the awesome Alessia peep-toes that I do also own in root and graphite--love!). Danielle has done a write-up on this outfit if you all want more info.

Here I am, in the classroom, with the outfit as I wore it the whole almost the whole day (I did unbutton the cardi at one point, not very Miss Emma, but definitely Miss Dina on an 80 degree day).

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size small. The dried orchid had been on sale. I think the Jackie cardigan is now back to full price in this color. J. Crew strikes me as a bit schizophrenic when it comes to pricing.
Top: Size Medium. This is a stretch button-down. It isn't the best fit as the bust is loose on me, but it is very comfortable, and in my closet of color and pattern, it is a blessing for when I need to rein myself in a bit (and no I don't mean with today's outfit, either, I don't think anyone would accuse Emma of being reserved in her clothing choices).
Skirt: Size 6. I find the fit in this to be a bit tight through the hips. That said, this year's 6 fits lovely through the hips. I definitely feel more comfy in this year's version. (I can still wear this one, I just have to wear the spanx.)
Shoes: Size 9.5. If you ever find the Alessia peep-toe heels in your size on ebay, you must buy them. They are amazing shoes, comfortable, pretty, and classic.

Makeup had come undone by this point. Only my mascara was going strong. Sigh. Humidity, wool, and no professional makeup artist following me around with my Arbonne makeup does make for a slightly "dewy" Miss Dina. LOL.

Here is a close-up of just the clothes.

And here I am, all unbuttoned. Felt slightly scandalous unfurling my button-down in this manner, but again, 80 degrees...

This is a photo from the wee hours of the morning before I left for school. Upon reviewing the photo, I decided I liked the outfit, but two changes had to be made. One--MUST unbutton top two and bottom two buttons in order to really channel Emma. Even she isn't that (chortle) buttoned up. (I do realize that she has all her cardigan buttons buttoned, but she appears less buttoned-up, make sense? LOL. Probably not...) Two--MUST let hair down. This slicked-back ponytail is much more scary German woman prison guard and less pretty, sweet, shy Emma Pillsbury.  Definitely don't want to be mistaken for Helga.  (You laugh, but it has happened.  Long story.)

You all have a great day. Please continue to find inspiration for your own style wherever you can. And remember, HAVE FUN! ;)

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!

Watercolor Garden Pencil Skirt SAHM Styled!

Good day to you all!

Not much to say except that it has been pretty nice 'round these parts, been enjoying the lazy days of summer doing a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and sometimes a whole lot of nothing. And that is just fine by me. :)

Purple Florals are Heavenly! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Yesterday, one of my best bloggie friends, HeidiG.,and I got our kids together for a little outing across the Potomac (I must adore Heidi to have DRIVEN across to Maryland on the Beltway--you know me and driving, right...). We simply met at Montgomery Mall, went around to the various stores and had lunch at Nordstrom's. Above is what I wore to go out...I figure most of my summer has been super-casual, so it felt kind of good to "dress-up" a bit. I felt very lady-like in this get-up and honestly, it was pretty comfy. And even though it was hot and humid, the cotton pieces kept me pretty cool. Thumbs up from me!


Sizes:
Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft, Size 6. I honestly couldn't tell you when I purchased this. All I know is that the simple, white blouse, while ubiquitous, is an absolute ESSENTIAL in any wardrobe...even one as colorful as mine.
Skirt: J. Crew, Size 6. This is the Watercolor Garden Pencil Skirt that I got for a song at the local store last spring. I can't believe it took me this long to pull it out. Look for it on a pop-back. I say size down one size (although size 6 could be my *new* J. Crew skirt size...vanity sizing and all).
Shoes: Cole Haan, Size 10. Yummy, comfy, pretty sandals. SWAK Cole Haan, love you!


Ooh, what a difference this hand position makes. LOL.


Can't leave you without showing you something insanely precious. Why should I be the only lady in the house with a fedora? (Old Navy Fedora for toddlers, only $9 for its "OMG, that is SOOOOOOO CUTE" cuteness, bought yesterday, CW wore it the entire day and people actually stopped me to comment on how adorable my little girl is, I happen to agree.)

All, have a great afternoon. I will continue to be lazy. I can get back to work tomorrow. ;)

Date Night!!!

Okay, so I covered going out with the gals last night, and today I am going to show an outfit I wore on one of my dates with my husband (there are not many of those anymore)!

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Above is the polyvore of this outfit. It turned out to be more comfortable that you would imagine. So, you go, J. Crew...I feel they have been churning out more "dressy" comfortable clothes than not in the past half a year or so...


Sizes:
Dress: Size 8. This is the tweed Contessa dress and while shorter, it is still a flattering length on most. I think, though, if you are taller than 5'9" or so, you may have to find a way to take the hem down a bit.
Cardigan: Size Small. This is the trifle cardigan in plum. What an amazing color. I have buttoned it up for this photo. It can be worn opened, but some of you may not like a "unique" feature that this cardigan has (see the next photo for more).
Shoes: Size 9.5. Hey! I have pulled the Alecias out for another run...

Why is CW so somber? Did she want sushi, too?


Sizes:
Belt: Size small. Skinny belt from last year, in silver.

The necklace and the bracelet are the Tangled Treasure and I find that I wear these a lot more than one would think for such "funky" jewelry.

See what I was saying about the Trifle cardigan's uniqueness? The ruffle goes all the way down on the right side, but stops halfway on the left side (or the side that hides under the placket when buttoned). I don't mind it, but I also own the tangled treasure necklace, so I know I have a fancy for the whimsical. :)


And here is the tweed Contessa, without the cardigan. I love that it has pockets. Just a great place for putting your hands (does anyone else have problems finding what to do with wayward limbs?).

It was a great night, btw. Mr. Dina brought me to a yummy sushi restaurant in Ballston Mall (Arlington, VA) and we definitely splurged...I had an amazing Bento box full of goodies and Mr. Dina had one of those crazy rolls with cheese and tuna and salmon and avocados, etc.

Talk with you all soon. Have a great Tuesday!

Cinco de Meh...

Thank you Cinco de Mayo for allowing me the opportunity to entitle this post "Cinco de Meh." This is my homage to five meh outfits that I have worn in the past month.

You all have been so sweet these past few weeks loving a whole bunch of the outfits I have put out there for you all to see. (I think, though, you all have a weakness for sequins and since I have been "sparkle-happy," you all have been very very receptive to this.)

So to prove that I definitely don't always get it right, here you go...

QUESTIONABLE STYLING CHOICES...


Isn't it sad when you know something will work, but because of accessories or just overall feeling, it just ain't happening? Tis the case of the lovely Boden dress. So perfect and pretty, and I let it down in a BIG way. I couldn't even bother to take the photo with my hair dry for crying out loud.

I know silver/gold accessories work with everything, but I truly believe this outfit would have been chic-er with a pair of blush pink heels, a smaller bag, and a simpler necklace. No, I definitely over-did in the accessories, and the beautiful Boden dress suffered. So very sorry, Johnnie!

Sizes:
Dress: Size 8 (or UK 12).
Shoes: Size 10.


Not only did the Boden dress suffer, the GORGEOUS stone garden tote by J. Crew Collection suffered. This bag is made to be worn with a Chanel-esque outfit. My Dauphine outfit would have been perfect, eh? :)


Onto a good concept, not so good in reality outfit. I even created a polyvore for this, and it just didn't come together properly. Ugh.

My dad and CW look great, though!

Sizes:
Skirt: Size 8. Very comfy and a lot of fun. Don't worry, I do plan on wearing something else with it in the future, a cute little lilac tee, a belt, and a pair of sandals.
Top: Size small (I think).
Shoes: Size 9.5.


Yes, that is the Claudette tote. I HEART this bag so much. The appearance of this bag *almost* made this outfit better, but alas, even its loveliness couldn't save it! :)

BTW, it is sold out, but I supplied the link just in case it pops back some day.


The outfit did get better with the untucking of the shirt, but it still was off, you know. I blame the shoes. Maybe wedge flip-flops?


Okay, overall this is okay. But just not exciting.

Sizes:
Top: Size small. This is from the Liberty of London for Target line.
Pants: Size 8. I have since decided that size 6 in the Minnies is a much better fit, but it is nice to have these for my big meal days, lol.:)
Shoes: Size 9.

I love when CW mixes stripes.


POP THE COLLAR, DINA! (Why did I forget to do this? It looked so COOL!)

Sizes:
Shirt: Size 6.
Cami: Size Medium (I like the length, although WAY TOO LONG for this particular outfit. Sigh.)
Pants: Size 8. Yep, I am wearing the navy (excuse me, Blackberry) Minnies again.
Shoes: Size 9.5. These are the Galaxy leather ballet flats that went on sale today. I bought them at the Lynchburg Clearance Center for way less, $85 or so. These are WAY TOO EXPENSIVE at full price. I mean...they are all leather, but come on, now.

CW is obsessed with taking her shoes off. Drives us nuts. Rex did this, too, A LOT when he was her age. Must be developmental? ;)


Okay, it gets better when the cami is tucked up a bit...but still.

I then tried to button it up, and it was fine, but MEH. MEH!

BTW, the necklace is the lilac colored crystal Colletto necklace. This is a beautiful necklace and is bling-y enough for me and all my need for sparkle, but understated enough for all you ladies who desire something less show-y. :)


Oh, you. This outfit could have been so much more if it weren't for the stupidity of cotton sateen and its ridiculous "let's wrinkle just cause the wind is blowing," and the bangs of my hair, all wavy from humidity. Man.

Okay, so imagine this skirt ironed and my hair flowing like a Disney princess...then you can see it, right? Much, MUCH better. ;)

Sizes:
Dress: Size 8.
Cardigan: Size medium. Bit big, but it is a SHORT cardigan otherwise.
Shoes: Size 9.5.

I hope you enjoyed (or maybe not so much) this retrospective of the almost-suck. :) LOL.

P.S. Thank you all for your SUPER-NICE words about my Arbonne business. I have gotten GREAT feedback from a lot of you, and it sounds like quite a few of you may be interested in learning more...and trying some of these products, so woo-hoo!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!