Winter Wardrobe: Day Two.

Hi, all!  I made it through another day of hanging with my elementary school homies...grade 3-5! 

Anyhow, I actually planned today's outfit as opposed to yesterday's, but what I didn't think about is that I am going to make these girls think I LOVE stripes.  Yesterday's outfit was pink with silver stripes, today's is black with silver stripes, and tomorrow's is white with navy stripes.  I think Thursday I have a solid dress, so that is in the clear.

*****

Well, I just give the bleep up.  I literally wrote a fairly involved blog post and the darn thing was just eaten up by the computer (except the intro paragraphs above).  I HATE not having my computer.  I absolutely loathe this teeny-tiny, "let's eat all of dinagideon's hard work up," dumb, *@###-ing computer.  I am just about to cry.  There was a review of the Alpine boots in it, and a rather extensive look at this new necklace I wore today, plus some info on my next post on the Boden Weekly Review Roundup, AND. it. is. all. gone.

I am going to bed.  I will show the pics, I will show the polyvore and I will fill in the blanks on this post when I get over my anger.  (I get angry, you all, it just. takes. a. lot. to get me there.  GRRRRRR.)

You all have a great night.  My Aspire One ACER computer?  I hope you have nightmares, you beast.

Dress: J. Crew Alex Sweater Dress, Size Medium.

Leggings: Madewell Convertible, Size Medium.

Boots: J. Crew Alpine Boots, Size 9.  I will do a review, I promise.  Just not now.  Sob.

Side shot of Gus riding high.  Any of you mommas out there have a belly ride this high?  Seems a bit ridiculous, in my opinion.

I had spent two or three paragraphs explaining how I discovered this jewelry designer in Paris, and how my hunt took on epic proportions once I got back home to find his necklaces here, but alas, it must have not been meant to be.  For what it's worth, it is designed by Tzuri Gueta, and he truly is an artist.  The beads are silicone (!!!) and the cording is silk.  Very unusual, and definitely a statement, especially in this lovely blue/red combo.

Winter Wardrobe: Day Two. by dinagideon featuring stirrup pants

Above is the polyvore, where you can find more info on the individual pieces, including the necklace.

Reminder, Boden did some second cuts on their items in their winter sale.  I explained it more in depth at this post.

;)  I will be back in a better mood tomorrow.  Promise.

Spring Into Style: Monday, April 4, 2011.

Surprise, surprise...I am back to teaching my fashion class to local 3rd- through 5th-graders who want to go to school during their "intersession" time.  There are only a few year round schools, and the ones that are year round always have these extra few weeks of the year sandwiched near major holidays to have fun classes (like mine, called enrichment) or remedial classes (called remediation).  I am always stunned how many kids sign up for extra learning, but I bet part of it has to be because their parents don't know what to do with them during non-traditional time off (during the summer these same kids would be at camp, etc.).

Anyhow, I am around, but if you e-mail me at my aim.com account (for Boden reviews, basic blog stuff, or etc.) or at myarbonne.com account (for Arbonne info, etc.) it may be a bit before I can get back to you (but I WILL get back to you, promise).  Also expect that my blog post won't be as wordy or talky (woo-hoo, I am sure some of you are exclaiming, lol).

Spring Into Style: Day One 2011. by dinagideon featuring a cotton coat

So above is the polyvore of the outfit I wore today.  I had wanted to wear this one, but in the end the heels would have been too much. My long shins would have looked too long for a school day.  Kids don't need to be seeing that much of my legs.  :)

See what I mean? Had I worn the heels it would have thrown the proportion off, that said, for a date the heels could be cute.

I had to wear a trench as this morning it was a tad cool, probably mid-50s. By the time I left school, well, I almost had to just wear the dress it was that warm, mid-80s!

You'll note that I buttoned up the Floral Creek Cardigan as I needed the coverage.  Although the lyric/drift dress (why change the name, weirdness) isn't super low cut, the cami's neckline I was wearing was above the knot in the dress, and it threw the look off, so in the end I just buttoned up and put a silver belt on with it.

I bought both pieces in an extra-small.  The cardigan is FINE in this size, and even stretched out a bit.  I could have gone with a small in the dress, but then the neckline would have been too low and I actually wonder if the skirt would have been too full.  I do wish it was one inch longer, but que sera...you know???

I love the colors of teal, aqua, peacock, and silver together.  Very very calming.  The kids in my Spring Into Style class loved the outfit, for what it's worth.  :)

Have a great afternoon.  Up tonight I will do a very brief post on how I apply my makeup, the eyeshadow and lip polish edition.

Holiday Party Hoot!

Okay, this isn't really a blog post about how I incorporated owls into my holiday party outfit, but I really love alliteration, so there you go. :)

As I did last year, I went to my husband's work holiday party in early December. I like the timing because the closer you get to Christmas, it gets harder to find time to go to the parties, so I think my hubby's work is pretty smart in doing this. I love his work parties because of three reasons:

1. I get out of the house. All mothers everywhere get this.

2. I get to go to the Four Seasons here in D.C. For those of you familiar with the show "Real Housewives of D.C." will remember that the Four Seasons is where the Salahis go to spend the night whenever they come into town for their events. (Even though they live "near" D.C., it is far enough away that I actually understand why they do this...having said that, I don't really understand the Salahis themselves.)

3. The Four Seasons has wine, really, REALLY good wine. I definitely felt the effects the next day, though. Oops.

Onto what I wore:

This is the dress by itself, with no topper, just the heels and my hair and makeup all done. I ended up not wearing the outfit exactly like this because it was a bit too cold, but I LOVE this dress. I also own it in blue, which I wore at my Best Friend's wedding (heehee).

The dress is the silk taffeta Halter Sangle dress that J. Crew made in many colors around this time last year. I think this shape dress is super-flattering, much more so than the Bow Monde dress, which they currently are offering.

The shoes are from Nine West and the earrings are from J. Crew, but I have no idea what they are called (couldn't find them on the web site).

What I wore most of the evening.  I tried the cardigan on to make sure it looked decent before I did my hair or makeup.  This is the cluster constellation cardigan that came out last year in this grey color and in a black color.  Michelle Obama has the original, in the cream color and with a whole lot more clustered sequins.  I really love that one, but cannot even begin to contemplate spending that amount (near $300) on a cotton cardigan.

Speaking of Ms. Obama, her oldest daughter is old enough to wear real J. Crew now!  Maybe we see her in her own adorable Crew-inspired outfits!  :)  (I only know this because I just saw on the news the family lighting the national Christmas tree, which is A HUGE THING in this area...)

Since I am an Arbonne consultant, I have to include a makeup shot, right?  ;)

The night was cold enough for me to whip out my new Double Cloth Colletta coat with Thinsulate.  LOVE this coat and LOVE this color.  Talk about perfection...it is lady-like, warm, and in a interesting neutral that can last for many seasons.  Awesome!  I am wearing this in a size 6 and it is exactly the right size.  I probably would have bought a 4 if I didn't need the thinsulate.  For those of us gals that have pear-shapes, consider this coat...the top portion is fitted while the bottom portion is built to skim away from the body nicely.

Close-up of the coat.  I wore it without makeup, again, to check that it would work as an entire outfit.  :)

You all have a fab night.  I hope all of you have a hoot at your holiday parties!!! If you are a blogger, I want to see pics!!!

Short Sleeve Cashmere Tee for Summer!!!

Sorry about not posting or talking to anyone at all yesterday. I barely managed to talk with my kids. Yep, I got a killer migraine and basically laid on the couch while the kids watched hours of TV. They loved it. I felt bad. Oh, well, I guess that is what you do when you are their only "daycare." LOL. Thank goodness Mr. Dina came home a little early.

BTW, they are getting worse. I used to get 4-5 migraines a month but the medicine would stop them. Now I get two max a month but they are miserable beyond belief and the medication barely dents the pain. Sigh. Any thoughts, doctors? :)

Short Sleeve Cashmere for Summer! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Above is the polyvore of TODAY's outfit. Yep, today (I got an actual IRL outfit on the day I am wearing it--woohoo). I wore the short-sleeve cashmere tee because there was some talk over at JCA yesterday about whether short-sleeve cashmere was even a viable choice as it would be too hot in summer and too light in winter. Umm, guess what? It is perfect for today. :) This is a featherweight blend and I feel quite comfortable, and I tend to run "hot." The high, btw? 85 degrees!!!


Sizes:
Top: Size small. I bought this Cashmere stripe scoopneck tee on sale a little while ago and I love it all, the texture, the color, and the bit of silver sparkly edging at the neckline.
Shorts: Size 10. From the Loft, last summer.
Shoes: Size 10.

Once again I am wearing the crystal coletto necklace. I think I wear these necklaces the most out of my whole collection. They just seem to go with everything!

Have a great day!

Casual Sequins Times Two!!!

Hey, you all. Glad you enjoyed yesterday's preview of today's J. Crew roll-out of May 2010 items. :) I woke up all ready to go and may have spied a few items I just love...including the Liberty Floral Daze Cardigan (how pretty and I think even though it is similar to the Target print, the colors pop more on this one) and the pants and shorts in the orchid shadow color. That color is divine!

I have for you tonight two very recent outfits that are me to the core. Very sparkly, very fun, somewhat dressy, but still has a very distinct casual edge to it.


The first outfit was worn by me on Tuesday for a day with Rex. I knew it would be a busy, crazy day, but I still felt like dressing up a tiny bit, but I knew the day's activities meant I had to be comfy. Enter my newest purchases (actually one is REALLY OLD, but was on a waitlist forever), plus my standby black resin wash toothpick ankle jeans by J. Crew from this last winter.

Sizes:
Top: Jaspé sequined slouchy sweatshirt, Size small. I waited for this for over four months. I bought this on a super promo back in December and waited and waited and waited... The wait was worth it. This has a lovely combo of both cozy and special. BTW, you know I have sequin OCD and if sequins even look like they will come off, I freak out, right? These sequins are applied in a random pattern and in such a way that they are all stitched in a continuous line (if you look on the inside of the sweatshirt you can see this). The workmanship is there, and definitely deserves Collection status, in my opinion. I also love the scoop neckline, so flattering.
Pants: Size 31. These are good workhorse denim pants.
Shoes: Lux shimmerveil ballet flats, Size 9.5. I would NEVER have bought these at full price, or even the current sale price. They had been on promo for $198, and then came along the awesome 30% off sale items, and yep, these guys went down to a much more reasonable $130. These are all leather, and well made. The do run a bit tight, but I know since it is all leather, the shoes will kind of become one with my foot. By the end of the day, these felt way better to me than at the beginning. I personally love the shimmerveil leather, just a hint of shine, and a very soft feel. I have the shimmerveill charmed mini-bag and it is the same exact leather. I think they are Collection worthy (came in a silver box--woo!), but even still, the original price was CRAZY!

I guess CW was shy that morning. ;)


I wore the above outfit on my RUNWAY show day of my Spring Into Style class. I figured if the kids were going to be dressed very swank and pretty and strut confidently, then so must I.

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size small. This is the slub cotton v-neck long cardigan from January 2010's rollout? Anyhow, I remember this cardigan selling out pretty quick, I think if J. Crew prices things well and they are well-made, they will sell out.
Top: Size Petite Medium, which in Ann Taylor Loft world means a regular size small. Huh. Great top. I know a lot of you out there own it and love it...consider me a member of your club. No sequin OCD, btw, this top, like the jaspe above, has very secure sequins. Phew.
Pants: Size 30 Tall. I love LOVE these stretch toothpick ankle jeans in the twilight wash.
Shoes: Size 9.5. Love how the spearmint pops against the neutrals of the rest of the outfit.

The kids and staff at the school loved the outfit, but at first many, many people were all, "what is she wearing?" Then, seeing me on stage as the MC for the fashion show, little light bulbs went off. :)

Baby matches, too, all pretty in peacock.

Have a great night. Talk soon!

It's Grey Cardi Time!!!

Ooh, I love it when I can tie seemingly unrelated outfits together in one post, even though they were worn four or five days apart. Woo! Score one point for efficiency! :)

Light Pewter Tartine One Way... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This first polyvore is of the outfit I wore today. Yes, I wore this outfit to: take the baby to the babysitter (it was a Rex/Momma day), take Rex on errands with me to the bank, CVS, Starbucks, and Giant, take Rex to the Doctor for his 3-year appt. (he weighs 41 pounds and 39 inches--woah is the right reaction), take Rex to Pentagon City so I can do a return at J. Crew, then to Johnny Rockets (he is obsessed with the ketchup smiley faces they create), stop a minor-major meltdown in that mall (ooh, bad idea to change his pull-up BEFORE he eats), and finally make our way back to pick up the baby and come home. Yes, it was a full day, but here is my secret, as comfy as I felt in this outfit, I immediately went to the bedroom upon getting home and changed into "lounge" pants and a tee-shirt. :)


Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Medium.
Dress: Size 8. This is the Silk-wool watercolor leopard dress from J. Crew that I got on sale. I am glad I didn't return it...I felt special in it, but because of its fairly sturdy material, it held up well to the day.
Belt: Size Small.
Tights: Size Medium-Tall.
Boots: Size 9.

HeidiG. thinks I should have done a "Mid-Century Mom Takes Her Son to the Doctor" post but I totally forgot my camera. Plus I think the doctor, as cool as he is, may have thought I was a tad off my rocker. :)


So even when I have to take the pics of my outfits myself in the handy full-length mirror, the kids still manage to get into the photos. Love that Rex knows how to curl his tongue. Baby CW hasn't figured it out, but since Mr. Dina and I can do it, chances are she will be able to do it, also.

Scalloped Zipper Cardigan... by dinagideon featuring J Crew cardigans

The second outfit's polyvore is from Saturday. I wore this decidedly more casual outfit to go to Costco, the mall (another return--I am trying here), and dinner. Very comfy...love that for its ease factor, the Scalloped zipper cardigan gives the outfit a little embellishment that keeps the outfit from being frumpy...which would normally be possible in any outfit that includes crocs, no matter how cute said crocs might be. :)


Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Small.
Top: Size UK 12, US 8. This type of top usually runs tight through the rib cage and shoulders, ladies, so please bear that in mind when purchasing these cotton-silk tops from Boden.
Pants: Size 10. Purchased at Target during the awful snowstorm in which we became pack-mules to get our kids and ourselves out of our neighborhood in order to get electricity and heat. :) I had only brought one pair of pants and I realized I just. couldn't. live. with. one. pair. of. Men's (!). sweatpants. Seemed wrong, you know? These are cute and functional.
Shoes: Size 10.

Have a really nice night, all. BTW, I have what I consider one of my cutest outfits coming up...wore it on Sunday, but I have been a bit busy...maybe tomorrow? This post will also include CW wearing--wait for it--leopard print leggings. ;)

A Little Milly, A Little Carly...

You all (unless buried under piles of snow yourself, begging for mercy, "get me out") did notice that we had a little bit of snow these past few weeks. You may not have known this but we had to cancel my son's 3rd birthday party (originally scheduled for the 13th) because of the snow. Nanny and Pops, Mr. Dina's parents, had to reschedule their flights so that they could even see us (had they come in on the 11th, they would have had to stay with my dad...ooh, fun...in-laws, yet no kids or more importantly, grandkids).

Okay, I promise this is going somewhere. The new date for the reschedule was February 20th, which was last Saturday. Instead of being a Mardi Gras/kids' funfest, the new party just became a kids' funfest...bad juju to go and have a Mardi Gras party after Mardi Gras...wrong to mess with Lenten observances and all. (I did make a hearty--yet sort of salty and spicy, oops--gumbo this year, always make a gumbo, no matter what!)

So, and I am sure this is on all of your minds (ha)...what did dinagideon wear to her son's 3rd birthday party?

A Little Milly for Emma! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Well, I did a polyvore a few weeks ago with the new Milly dress I had gotten on (a deep discount) sale at ebay. I also sent the polyvore over to What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear?, so if you see this set at her blog, you all go ahead and vote for it. (Or else the bad juju is coming your way...just kidding.) ;)

Didn't wear the heels or some of the other pieces, but I came to a close approximation.

At first, I was kind of stressed that the jacket would look terrible IRL with the dress, even though in the polyvore it looks good...but in the end, it all came together, even if it does look a bit "church-lady." (It's okay...I am not exactly sitting front row at Bryant Park in this ensemble...I am hanging with my very sweet, darling, very non-fashionista friends!!! Well, except for Summerilla and Drewablank who were able to come and hang in my 'hood for a bit...)


Sizes:
Jacket: Size Petite 8.
Dress: Size 8. (By the way, it is called the Milly Clover Lace Dress or something like that--there are actually small clovers in the lace overlay...and the lining is silk, feels so nice!)
Tights: Medium/Tall.
Shoes: Size 10.

If I was to go out on a date in this, I would have nixed the flats and worn much edgier shoes. I would have also found a different jacket or cardi as a cover-up.


Without the jacket it is so so pretty. Look at the bow at the waist. DARLING! (See why I sent it to WWEPW? Does this dress not scream "I am a neat freak guidance counselor at a school with a fantastic Glee club?)


So the party is winding down (yet I heard it continued for two hours after I left), and I switch into wearing something to go out with the very cool DC JCAs. I had a feeling the ladies all wanted to see me in my Carly dress get-up (see the photo above as a reminder of it), so I dressed just like that, except I kept the sparkly tights from the Milly dress outfit and I wore the Naturalizer boots instead (better match for the darker tights than these Metropolitan boots were).

I quote one of my good friends here..."Dina, very funky." I must have made a face (although I like funky). He then responds, "No, I like it...Funky is good."

Okay, then.

Drewablank and I mosey on out...and had a great time. For me to go further into the story would be a waste of energy, because...

HeidiG. did a great write-up...

as did Summerilla...

as did Slastena (whose birthday it actually was)...

Have a great afternoon. Enjoy your Tuesday, all!

Oh, and P.S., I didn't forget to do the Crystal Devote Necklace review, I just want to give that post more time and energy than I have to give right now. You all know I am good for it, right??? ;)

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?

Chain Link Print Sweaterdress for a Mighty Cold Day!!!

Thank you all for reading my MEGA-post yesterday. I feared that I wrote so much that your eyes would glaze over, you would fall asleep at your computer, your coffee would spill all over your computer, and I would be solely responsible for thousands of dollars of damage per household. :)

I still have to get my New Year's Eve day and night outfits published, but since I wore both a Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigan and the stardust pencil skirt (not together), I want to spend more time on that post.


Black, Grey, and White for a Winter's Day! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Today's outfit came from two places--I wanted to look retro, fun, and lady-like, and I wanted to stay warm (it only topped at 29 degrees Fahrenheit here in NOVA). Originally I wanted to wear wool shorts with tights, but then Mr. Dina reminded me of the actual wind chill, and I declined.

So I pulled out an old fave, the Chain Link Print Sweaterdress, which I have not worn since getting pregnant with CW. I bought it as a present for myself when it went on super-sale in fall of 2007. It is a collection piece, and it shows. The merino is super-soft, the print is exquisite and different, and the sleeves have the most darling button detail at the elbows.

Everything in the polyvore is accurate, except the gloves which are from Ann Taylor, and the tights are Merona from Target.


On me--with the button-down layered under the dress. The tights are super-opaque and lovely for this weather. The belt was just the thing to break up the pattern.

Sizes:
Dress: Size Medium.
Button-Down: Size Medium.
Tights: Size Medium-Tall.
Shoes: Size 10.
Belt: Size Small.


And here is the outfit with the cloche. Big fan of the cloche. I may be making a stupid face here, but I shouldn't have been...I should have been jumping for joy. This cloche kept me super-warm. Since I also wore the ivory Shipley I bought last year (stadium cloth coats from J. Crew are da bomb), I actually over-heated in the car. Yes, I did.

Baby is so cute here, holding my hand and looking all loving. :)

Sizes:
Hat: Medium-Large.

See and talk with you all soon!

A Little Glimmer Goes A Long Way...Just Don't Try This at the Movies...

In keeping up with my goal of publishing outfits as close to the day I wear them, I present to you tonight's outfit, fresh off the presses.

Sand, Antique Stone, and Tropical Palm... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore of the outfit. I wore this to go to dinner and the movies...yes, I did. I truly believe that I must appear to every single one of you as that kind of crazy housewife/stay at home mom who really SPLASHES out anytime she leaves the house. Well, yep, it's true, and this outfit proves it. I mean, come on, sparkly Collection pants to go to a movie??? At least they are wool, and it was REALLY cold outside...so I must get some credit for at least getting the fabric choice right. ;)

Now, if I had to do it all over again, I would wear the pants to dinner, but not to a movie. Here's a secret, these babies are not stretchy and really kind of annoyed me about 1/4 way through the movie. Sigh. It isn't that they were too small or too big, no they fit, it is just that I think these pants were made for showing off, you know, clubbing, or some other late night activity (that only involves standing) that I didn't even bother participating in when I was 21, much less now, with the two babies.

Okay, I want to splash out, but next time, wear the pants for a two-hour block max. Otherwise you will regret it. Okay, noted, self. (And now I am talking to myself on my blog...yeah, please don't send in the specialists, not yet at least.)


Sizes (the polyvore has all the info on pieces):
Hoodie: Size Small.
Top: Size X-Small.
Pants: Size 10 (they fit the way J. Crew pants used to, back when I really was a 10...you know 2006...LOL).
Shoes: Size 10.

Have a great night, all. And if you own these pants, I warned you. ;)

Christmas Eve Dinner Shimmers with a Peacock Jacket and a Crushed Glitter Satin Clutch...

I am a few days late (but not a few dollars short, just kidding, I really am, which is why I am selling stuff--okay I am done plugging that blog) in publishing this outfit, but I wanted to give this post more time because it includes a mini-review of the crushed glitter satin clutch...which is just languishing in the sale section over at jcrew.com like a sad, little, lost puppy.

Some of you have already seen this outfit if you follow or read my Mid-Century Mom blog. I wore this outfit not only for Christmas Eve dinner, but also to go grocery shopping in...


Christmas Eve Outfit!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

The polyvore of the outfit is above. This dress is two winters ago from Macy's. I couldn't fit into it last winter, and while a bit loose overall this winter, it is just the right kind of loose (especially if you are going to go and have a big dinner). It is by Evan Piccone and is as pretty in real life as the photos make it seem...the color is the lushest shade of blue ever and the silk taffeta is TDF.

The gloves are actually from Ann Taylor and are so soft...I keep touching them because the leather is like butter.


Did I smell something weird? What is up with my facial expression?
Jacket: J. Crew Collection, Maggie Shimmer Peacock Jacket, Ivory with pretty metallic threading, Size 8, Winter 2008. I last wore it here.
Dress: Evan Piccone (Macy's), Silk Taffeta Shirtdress, Blue, Size 10, Winter 2007.
Shoes: J. Crew, Alessia Patent Peep-Toes, Grey, Size 9.5, Winter 2008.
Necklace: J. Crew, Pearl Cluster Necklace, Pearl and Clear Beads, Spring 2009.
Headband: J. Crew, Braided Gold headband, Gold, Summer 2009.

Clutch: Crushed Glitter Satin Clutch. Why are you not more popular? Could it be that people worry that your glitter will get all over everything, like your less attractive sister bag would (and why is she sold out)? Or is it the color, your warm beige silk is just not practical enough? The black silk version of you is sold out...hmm...

I am here to tell you that the glitter has a flake or two fall off, but overall, that glitter is secured to this bag's top handle tightly. And I am also here to tell you that this particular shade of beige is warm enough and light colored enough to be used well beyond the winter party season. I have a silver clutch that I adore, but I only use it in the winter because it just screams "New Year's Eve Party." This clutch is a lovely combination of retro, silky, dainty, and lady-like, enough so that it could be a good choice for a evening bag the WHOLE year. Or maybe that's just me. I do wear a lot of silk camis, and a lot of people think that is fairly impractical, so I could be deluded. :) Anyhow, I just wanted to give a shout-out to the little bag that could.

Plus, with 20% off, it isn't a bad price right now.


The dress has pockets. Love pockets in a dress. Makes my hands happy because they have a place to live. Is that weird?

Have a nice day all...

Georgia on My Mind (with a Dash of North Carolina Thrown in...)

So remember way back in late July when I went to Georgia and Indiana? Remember when I posted about the portal to hell that was the hotel room that we stayed at in Winston-Salem, NC? Well, I FINALLY have put together a big polyvore of all the things I wore on the trip, two mini-polyvores for some of the outfits, and I have uploaded all of the images, edited said images for publication...phew. This took me a better part of three hours today. Yikes. Blogging is fun but very time-consuming!

(Oh, and so you know, I have many, many outfits to post from late July and August...eventually, my friends, eventually!)

By the way, I did comment back on all the latest posts...not individually this time (unless you had a question or such)...but I did it! YAY!

Oh, and also...I loved my last week (August 23-30, 2009). I did not stop moving. Between three separate DC JCA get-togethers (Tysons for shopping, Tysons for a playdate with HeidiG. and Summerilla, and the White House/Occidental Grille with Cleo26, Slastena, 3PP, Kelly, and Rosa), working out with my brother, and jetting to the pool with the kids, I have been a bit busy...but that really good busy that makes life worth living, you know? BTW, I would be back to school preparing my classroom if I was still teaching full-time. :) I am so excited to only substitute this year...WAY less pressure!



Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

First Polyvore is of all the items I brought with me to both Georgia and Indiana. You will see this in this post and the next one on Indiana.



North Carolina by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This second Polyvore is of my first and second day's outfits. The first outfit (on the left) I wore to a yum-tastic Mexican restaurant in Winston-Salem. We specifically request a journey there every single time we visit. Man, it's good. The second outfit (on the right) I wore the next day (Sunday) to Biscuitville (umm, biscuits, gravy, and grits...mmm...) and on the ride to Georgia...


Here is the first outfit. This is the lovely Liberty print fabric jacket that you all have seen before, but this time I scrunched up the sleeves. I LOVE it this way...very pretty and very (dare I say it), chic. The rolling ruffles tank is the champagne color, a lovely light yellow.


Here is a close-up of the jacket and well, the real reason I put the pic up, CW. On three...1, 2, 3...Ahhh!


This is a tee I bought from Boden for a song. I also purchased it in a navy blue/grey stripe. Why this was not more popular is beyond me...it is pretty and comfortable. Of course it is citron hued, so that may be why! ;)

I know this is going to sound odd, but I got my color inspiration for the trip from CW's onesie that she is wearing in this pic...it has many colors but they all worked so nicely together, I chose those colors as my theme.


OMG--Ignore my face...I look like I just smelled CW's diaper (which is entirely possible)...
This third outfit is from Georgia, and I wore it on Monday. It is the boyfriend tee in aqua (yes, HeidiG., just for you) in size extra-small (that's right, XS); some Ann Taylor Loft shorts I got from Rugged Wearhouse for next to nothing (and it's a short inseam...look out!); and the starfish capri sandals that I hearted so much I bought for full price (minus 15% educator discount).



Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This third polyvore is from my last day in Georgia. I knew his family would like to see a tee celebrating New Orleans, so I wore it just for them...


Not much to say about this except that the sandals are ancient, but have lasted forever. Hmmm...if Mickey and co. read this, keep these sandals in mind the next time you make something...they are beautiful and built to last...J. Crew, I know you all have it in you to make awesome products again (of course, they still do, but even I, Miss "Rah-Rah" J. Crew has noticed a decline in many of the products' ability to last a long time).

Have a beautiful Monday (no, seriously, try to...)!

Three Outfits for One Day--All Are Red, White, and Blue!!!

I am feeling a wee bit tired today (Rex has been very trying already and it is barely 5 pm), so I won't being going on and on like I normally do. However, it is my FAVORITE holiday, so I knew I needed to post, if only to say "Happy Independence Day!!!" Yay, America. ;)

Also, I want for you all, right now, to go and check out the awesome blog known as Deco Aurora...it is the ultimate blog for people who love summer and summertime things...I am in love with the posts...Mslay (the blog author) always transports me with her beautiful pictures and lovely ideas. If you enjoy what you see, become a follower. Trust me, she won't let you down...

I will post three outfits because I have a spare moment and want to show that I still want to take an active role in my own blog (heck, I even commented back on the last two posts...imagine!).

Plus, the three outfits SLIGHTLY tie into Independence Day in that they all either have red, white, or blue. (And don't fret, I am definitely wearing something patriotic today and yes, we have taken photos...)

Navy Blue and Pink--Lovely Combo! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

Here is the Polyvore for outfit #1, the outfit I wore to take Mr. Dina out for Father's Day.


Here I am with Mr. Dina, just about to leave for Father's Day. I am wearing the incredible Ruffled-hemmed jersey dress. I have a confession...as awesome as this dress is, I really hate ties on dresses...I feel they are superfluous (heehee), so I took it and tied it twice, so the bow would tie in front...ahh, much better. And aren't these shoes too die for? I wouldn't have even noticed them had it not been for 3-Penny Princess waxing poetically about them at this post.


Here is the dress a bit more buttoned up with the soiree sateen blazer. I think if I was still working, I would definitely teach in this get-up...so comfy and yet so polished!

Ruffles for a Graduation Party!!! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

Here is the Polyvore for outfit #2, an outfit I wore to a former student's graduation party (I taught him my first year teaching, and he is easily my favorite student ever).


Here is the dress that I waxed poetically about in this post, but in navy. Ahh, navy...you are such a fine neutral. I am also wearing the very pretty Seychelles necklace that I won on ebay for half its original price. The shoes are the Carina metallic leather sandals and they got me through Costco, so I can definitely say they are possibly the comfiest shoes that J. Crew has made that I have owned. (And, yes, you read that right, I shopped at Costco in this outfit. Yes, people were looking at me...I just smiled and moved on...)


Here is the outfit from the side. I love that bow at the front...very feminine.

There is no polyvore for outfit #3, but I have included a pic so I can clip to polyvore right from this post!!!


I wore this to go out to a dinner with a friend on June 29, 2009. We walked from my house to a restaurant about a mile away, so we needed to look dressy but be sensible. This was my take on "dressy but comfy." The dress is from Anthropologie by the company Maeve. I have noticed that this company makes their dresses kind of large. This is a six and is one of the few by them that fits closely. The other dress I have in a six is HUGE. Weird...

The shoes are by Born and are the sandals I wore all over NYC. The necklace is Erickson Beamon for Target and the clutch is the makeup giveaway bag from Clinique but styled by Trina Turk.


Here is the dress for Polyvore. It is A BRIGHT dress. You could definitely see me coming that night...

Happy Independence Day, you all...I promise, Coccodrillo Pencil Skirt is coming soon...but I also know a lot of you take the weekend off from computing, and I figure you all would rather miss this post than the review of that skirt.