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!

A New Venture, a Giveaway, and a Party with Peonies (Print, That Is)...

Hi, everyone!

I have been planning this post FOREVER, but I have been a teensy-weensy bit busy and what was supposed to have been published a few weeks ago is finally getting to see the light of day! YAY!

I have been mulling over my course of action for the next few years, and realized as much as I love subbing and teaching, they are sporadic and don't 100% allow us the flexibility that we need in a family full of toddlers. And since there is some talk between Mr. Dina and me about the possibility of future rugrats (just the talking stage, promise), I may be out of the traditional working world for a while to come. :)

For years, my dear friend Holly has sold me Arbonne, and for years I happily bought wonderful creams, elixirs, facial washes, makeup, etc. at full price from her and went on with my life as very much over-taxed mom and full time teacher.

And then this year as a SAHM hit me. And as much as I love it, and am willing to take the financial hit that comes with losing a NOVA teacher's salary, it does make me want to look and see what is out there in the world for a hard worker who is eager and responsible, but in the most family-friendly environment possible. Enter Holly...all those years she sat watching me buy and enjoy and look good using Arbonne's products...every once in a blue moon she would mention that I could join her team and help her sell the products. Problem is, I am not the best sales person (even with all my years of retail). She was very understanding and let it go. Then this year happened, and I thought, wait a second...I can do this. I do not expect to ever get as far as Holly has, but with her mentoring and help, I hope to at least start something beautiful with this new venture.

Since I have started this blog, many of you have mentioned my "glow." It always makes me laugh because that is always the code word for "pregnant." ;) In reality, it is from a long partnership with my skin and Arbonne. My favorite skin cream ever is from their Revelage line and I have to say, as someone with Rosacea and sun damage (especially on my hands), this line of products has turned my skin around. I truly give credit where credit is due. (I also want to point out that I do wear a little makeup, but rarely is it ever heavy or caked on...in fact, I would say that 90% of the photos you see of me I am wearing little more than powder, a touch of gloss, and mascara.)

It got to the point where Holly was all, "Dina, get on it...I know that we can make this work...between your blog, our friendship, and how much fun we have together, I can see this being a very good thing for you as a SAHM." So I jumped on in...

And to celebrate this, I am hosting a giveaway...

Above is the photo of the three items you will receive if you win! This is a set of items from Arbonne's Seasource Spa Detox line. I happen to love and use this line a lot. I am a HUGE bath person, and what initially got me into Arbonne was the Seasource Detox Spa Purifying Sea Soak. I take one packet, once a week and just soak for thirty minutes of bliss. (Mr. Dina ALWAYS lets me have that time!) After, I definitely apply some of this yummy cream, as it is super-hydrating and lasts a LONG time (I suffer from parched skin, and this cream helps with keeping my skin supple).

What you will receive if you win:
1. FULL-SIZE SeaSource Detox Spa Re-Mineralizing Body Lotion 24H.
2. Bath Pillow (inflatable).
3. One Packet of the Seasource Detox Spa Purifying Sea Soak.

To ENTER:
Leave a comment on this post, with your name. Don't worry about e-mail, as Disqus gives that to me. I will keep the giveaway open for a week and announce the winner next Wednesday, May 12th, 2010.

If you have troubles using Disqus, please e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com and I will personally enter you using my Disqus account. :)


Above is the photo from our Blog Business Bash that I held at my home on April 17. Holly is the very pregnant one. :) She said she wanted to make it through this party before giving birth. She held off and had her lovely, gorgeous son Max on April 26th. Congratulations, Holly, and thanks for making this day such a good time.

Don't you love that Drewablank and I are BOTH wearing the sunshine peonies cardigan? I wore it specifically because she said she wanted this cardi, and I thought I could let her see mine. When she walked in the door, I fell on the floor laughing. :) Only JCAs got it (Holly and Dori--she's is the beautiful one in purple--sort of chuckled, but drewablank and I were DYING). UPDATE: LOL. I forgot to mention sizes when I published this morning. I am wearing a small cardigan, an extra-small sequined tank, a size 8 double serge cotton pencil skirt, and size 9 flip-flops! :)

Okay, so before I go, I want to mention a few more things:

1. I am still 100% focused on My Superfluities being about fashion, kids, SAHM stuff, etc. I will be doing "Arbonne Afternoons" (love alliteration) every week or so. This will be a time when I highlight one product I use and love. I will only ever recommend something that I personally have tried.
2. If you ever have any questions about Arbonne, please e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT come. I will be quick and prompt. If I don't know an answer to something, I will let you know, and I will speak with Holly and get back to you as soon as I can.
3. Once you decide you would like to give Arbonne a go, I will send out samples to you. Again, e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com, and I will take good care of you and your skin. :) I definitely suggest using the samples BEFORE ordering from Arbonne, especially if you have never used Arbonne before. That is why I am here, to help you out, and I want only the best for you and your skin!
4. The right side of my blog, at the very top, under the darling picture of my kids (my banner shot), is a bling-y button that is my Arbonne shop on-line button. The instructions are pretty easy, but just in case, here they are: 1. Click on the bling-y button. 2. Scroll to "Sponsor's ID" Space... 3. Enter 18107967. Fill Your Cart. 4. Enjoy Shopping!!!

Okay, post done. I am glad I was able to explain to you my new business, and I hope that you will consider supporting me, if you can! :) THANK YOU!

P.S. I just noticed I have 200 followers. WOO! Yay! Thank you, thank you, thank you! UPDATE: Oh, the sadness. I *had* 200 followers, but sometime between the publishing of this post and coming home, I lost one. Ah, well, c'est la vie. Will celebrate 200 at some other point! ;)

Mommy Style Monday #3--Fashionable Maternity Wear for Those Last (and REALLY HARD) Weeks of Pregnancy...

I have a real soft spot for all women who are in their last five weeks of pregnancy. I am that woman who will run ahead to open the doors for them, give up my seat, ask them if they need water, etc., etc. I am like this because I remember JUST. HOW. HARD. it is to be pregnant those last five weeks. Unless you are some sort of exceptional super-hero pregnant lady, you will have any number of issues...varicose veins (and not just on your legs), swollen limbs, hip wrenching "OMG, I can't walk" pain, and to make it all the worse, all of those "oh, look how cute your belly looks in that top" clothing now make you and your belly look like you are dying to be in a Spice Girls video from 1996. ;)

So, I commend you, ladies of 35-40 weeks. You are carrying a burden (no matter how blessed, it is still a burden of many, MANY pounds) and the whole world does seem out to get you. Why are there so few elevators and why are they always located on the a$$-end of the mall? Why do teenage boys and girls feel it is okay to slam the door on you at Panera, can they not see you ginormous belly?

Here is my solution...treat yourself. I did, happily, with both of my pregnancies, and God bless Mr. Dina, each time he was more than willing to pay for the treats. And of course since I run a blog (usually) geared towards fashion my treats were obviously in cotton, silk, or linen. :) LOL.

I know that money is tight for all, and I am in NO WAY suggesting that anyone go out and buy maternity wear specially made for Heidi Klum, no I am simply recommending that you take your sweet patooty and your special package out to the mall (or the on-line mall) and find some pieces that will work for you RIGHT NOW...between 35 and 40 weeks. Since most pregnant ladies do outgrow their "I thought this would fit the entire pregnancy" maternity clothing right at the end, and because if you are anything like me, you have a tendency to fall into fits of rage over it all, just a couple of extra pieces of clothes, as frivolous as it really is (5 weeks of wear, maybe?) can do a whole lot for the expectant mom's soul.

So please do enjoy these polyvores...they have some BEAUTIFUL options that are current and in style, and if you buy the right size, will make you feel like the wonderful person you are. (And you are wonderful...helping a life into this world is an amazing calling!)

Mommy Style Monday #3--Yummy Pregnancy Options for the Last Weeks of Pregnancy! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

This first polyvore showcases options from Belly Dance Maternity. If you click on the polyvore, and then the individual pieces, you will get info on each of them. I chose three dresses (don't these women look sleek and sophisticated?), two tops (LOVE LOVE LOVE the asymmetrical top), and two bottoms (yum on the nod to my fave look from 1987--skirt with leggings).

Mommy Style Monday #3: Options for the Last Weeks of Pregnancy! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

The second polyvore showcases Lilac Maternity's line. I had never heard of this company until an awesome reader of this blog, Christy, told me all about it. She was 100% right, they have some really neat pieces, and if you are being a bit frugal, Lilac Maternity is right up your alley as most of the pieces they sell are for both a full belly and no belly (or a small one--heehee). LOVE the maxi dress, SWOON!


Above is a pic of Mr. Dina, Rex, and me at a friend's wedding in the Summer of 2008. I was about one month away from the end of pregnancy, and it was hot, I was bloated, and pretty tired of it all. I took my own advice before we left and splurged on me and lil (LITTLE but felt BIG) CW with this beautiful smocked halter dress from a Pea in the Pod (very ridiculous their prices, but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet). I even managed to wear that dress AFTER I gave birth, it lent itself to that just based on its flattering shape. :)

You all have a great Tuesday. :) I hope to have some outfit posts up soon, and my Arbonne giveaway soon.

P.S. Check this blog out: Ain't No Mom Jeans. I used this blog as a stepping off stone for a lot of my research and I love this blog. Definitely get over there...a lot of fun and really sound advice for all of us with a few rugrats running around (even if they are still brewing). :)

P.P.S. I officially finished writing this post at 11:50 p.m. on Monday, May 3rd. That counts, right? ;)

Fridays Are for Feet, Dani Neon/Cherry Blossom Style!

Wow! I received so many positive comments yesterday on my outfits, especially the Dauphine jacket one! :) THANK YOU! (I sort of feel like I should be wearing that outfit 24-7...heehee, just kidding, but I am definitely going to keep those proportions in mind when I want to be chic-er.)

Because April was CRAZY, I was unable to publish my two "cherry-blossom" themed outfits this year in a timely fashion. So you all know, the two-week Cherry Blossom festival is HUGE in the DC area, and this year it ended on APRIL 4, 2010. Yep, I am almost a month late in publishing these. Oh, well, better late than never. :)


It is "Fridays Are for Feet" day here at My Superfluities, so I figured I would highlight the Dani neon peep-toe heels today. I have already discussed how they fit (in the last Fridays Are for Feet post), but wanted you all to see just how cool the Danis are with the neon strap. SWOON. I love that pop of color against the ochre leather. Even better--if I tire of the neon strap (right, like that will happen)--I believe the strap could be removed by a shoe repair place and not ruin the integrity of the shoe (the other strap kind of secures your foot, if that makes sense). I took my new J. Crew size of 9.5 and it is perfect.

I wore these heels last week, also, and for a long time, and they were pretty darn comfy for heels. When I get a moment, I will post that outfit, but let's put it this way, expect to see me playing indoor "football" while wearing these heels. (And, no, I am not kidding.) :)

I love this outfit because head to toe I felt very put together. I also love the way the neon pink and red and ivory and ochre look together. Plus that Milla tank is so luscious. Yum. If clothing were a food, the Milla tank would be my first choice to eat.

Sizes:
Top: Size 8.
Skirt: Size 10, altered to fit like an 8.
Shoes: Size 9.5. Currently sold-out, but look for popbacks, this shoe is worth it.


Here I am with CW. We were headed out to Bethesda this day, and it was H-O-T if I remember correctly, like in the 80s (and this was EARLY April, so that is quite hot).

Pretty Petals for Work... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

The next outfit was for the VERY first day of my "Spring Into Style" class, and I had no idea what the other teachers would be wearing, so I pulled this outfit together. I figured it was: business-like enough, stylish enough, special enough (that cardi is so, so pretty), and celebratory enough (yay for Cherry Blossoms--the petals on the cardi reminded me of cherry blossoms).


And here I am. I love the overall look, but next time I may opt for a denim skirt or a lighter colored pencil skirt. I feel like this pencil skirt, while very versatile normally, is a bit dark for the top and the shoes. Ah, well, was still fine. The kids in the class LOVED the cardigan, and that works for me.

BTW, isn't CW precious in that Gymboree patchwork onesie? I love LOVE their kids clothing lines. :)

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size small. To see a mini-review of it, look below the next photo.
Skirt: Size 8.
Cami: Size medium.
Shoes: Size 10.


I believe I had written over at Gigi's Gone Shopping and at Sum Sunshine that I could never envision buying the forget me not cardigan from J. Crew as I was sure its very delicate nature plus my darling overactive toddlers could not go together, and while I still very much believe that, I do have a few times a week where I am away from them, so I went ahead and got it. I love the very girly nature of this cardigan, and was surprised at how well made the darn thing was (I am comparing it to the chiffon hot messes of J. Crew's "embellished" cardigans and tees from last spring).

It is currently sold-out, but I found mine on ebay for a really, REALLY good price. I have no idea how some of these sellers can sell these items for so cheap, but I assume they are either re-sellers and they go to the clearance centers A LOT or they are J. Crew employees who "turn" their "clothes" on the black market. Hmm...

Okay, enough said. You all have a fab, lovely day. It looks to be another hot one for us here in the NOVA area, so I look forward to wearing a floaty Liberty of London for Target dress tonight. Talk soon...

Tweed Dauphine and Alecia Suede Heels Review plus Zebra and Teal Sparkle!

Hi! I am back! Yay! Travelling was great, but it really limits my ability to keep up with my blogs. Pretty much the whole month of April we were off places, so it is nice to be back and in my (somewhat) relaxed SAHM mode. :)

Up today...two reviews and two outfits of the day.


This is both an outfit of the day and the reviews.

Sizes:
Jacket: Tweed Dauphine Jacket, Size 2 (!!!). Wow. This J. Crew Collection jacket runs large. I even checked with the sales assistant and she says that the jacket fits me exactly like it fit the model in the catalog, so that made me feel both good and outraged, all at the same time. Admittedly I am smaller on top than bottom, but wowza, you really petite women are probably completely sized out of this jacket. It is a beauty, too. (See next photo for a close-up.)
Top: Size small. This is the linen-cotton tiered tank that came in one moment and the next was out (probably because it went on 20% off and is a really nice tank). I bought it in the light purple which goes very nicely with the jacket and the pants.
Pants: Size 8. These are the infamous silk-linen pants from the holiday season that it seems very few of us liked. Even I was unsure UNTIL I wore them. Golly they are comfy...and shiny...which makes me feel like the are sweats but a little dressier, and really what could a SAHM want more? :)
Shoes: Alecia Suede Platform Peep-Toes, Size 9.5. A bit tight, these, but I am glad I got this size as I KNOW they are going to stretch out. I love these...and feel that they are worth the price WITH a discount of some sort. I got them in the February 30% off your whole purchase promo, which is way more reasonable of a price to me. (Speaking of, when is the next one???) I love the zipper detail at the back, plus the whole "I am now nearly 6 feet tall" thing.

For what its worth, my hubby hated this outfit. I have enough confidence now to laugh at him. He was wearing white tennis shoes, an oversized tee, and light-wash loose fit jeans when he said this to me. I just pointed to his shoes and said, "you are giving me fashion advice wearing those???" ;)


Here is the Dauphine close-up. The price on-line is EXCELLENT, with the current extra 20% off sale items. At 160 dollars, I thought I GOT a steal...turns out, no, those of you who waited until now got the BEST deal, so BRAVO!



Zebra and Teal Sparkle! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Up next is today's outfit. I felt a bit iffy about the combo of zebra stripes and teal sparkles, but, eh, you only live once.

By the way, I visited the Lynchburg Clearance Center in Wyndhurst (the second of two clearance centers in Lynchburg, VA) on Tuesday and found these pants for $30! Down from $170, these may be my FAVORITE pants ever. They are the Collection Minnies, in the grey stretch wool and I just about died when I put them on, they were that comfy and sleek. Yay!!! (Oh, and my 15% educator discount was applied, which made it more like $27. It made the sewing of the ripped seam--tiny, by the way--feel like nothing!)


And here it is on me. Yes, my hubby had a hey-day with this one, too. He said I was a "dancing queen." Haha, real funny. But, then he said, "no, that's okay, I actually really love this outfit." And then he winked, all rico suave-like. Hmm, okay.

Then the coffee guy was all, "ooh, sparkly!" I guess guys like sparkle. Good to know. :)

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size small. Love me some zebra-print. Yum!
Top: Size Medium.
Pants: Size 6. YAY!
Shoes: Size 10.

You all have a great, sparkly day!

Mommy Style Monday #2--What to Wear When You Are Finally Showing...and a Review of the Double-V Dress...

After I did my very first Mommy Style Monday last week, I heard from mrsanketell over at Polyvore about how she has a particular dilemma, what to wear when you are 29 weeks preggo. Since I heard from her a week ago and I assume her pregnancy is progressing like mine did, she would now be 30 weeks pregnant. For those of you unaware of where 30 weeks puts you...this is the 3/4 mark, or 75% done with your pregnancy. This is also the point where most women have to just give up on regular clothing (like those highlighted in last week's post) and go to Pea in the Pod, or Motherhood Maternity, or Old Navy's Maternity Section, etc. You are definitely no longer looked at as "hmm, is she gaining weight," and instead it moves to, "wow, you must be ready to deliver soon!" (Unfortunately, as all of us previously pregnant women can tell you, this last statement is usually delivered when you are still 10 weeks from delivery, and when you tell the person that, they get really silent and look like they are really, really worried about how big your kid actually will be.)

30 Weeks Pregnant??? by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Since I know that mrsanketell is 30 weeks pregnant (7.5 months is yet another way of looking at it), I called my polyvore set "30 Weeks Pregnant: Non-Maternity Options." I will be doing a post on really cool maternity wear soon, but since mrsanketell is still pretty early in the "showing" phase, I thought she may appreciate one post on what options are out there that are not from the traditional maternity stores. I had a few reasons for doing this: 1) Maternity is ridiculously expensive and if you are only wearing it for a few months (including the postpartum period), it can be a bit prohibitive; 2) I like the idea of taking these items in your normal (or maybe one size larger than normal) size and wearing them as a showing yet not quite full-bellied enough to fit into real maternity wear; 3) If you do buy these kind of tops/dresses in your traditional size (or one size up), these tops/dresses WILL work for much longer than your pregnancy and postpartum period last (for more on that--I STILL wear the tee shown in this photo).

The tops are a mix of Boden and J. Crew AND mini-Boden and crewcuts.

The Boden and J. Crew tops were chosen because of their "easy" nature. If you buy them in your normal/one size up size, then you should be able to make them work for you up until you are around 35 or 36 weeks, plus postpartum, and later. I say 35 or 36 weeks because for most women, those last 3 to 4 weeks are the point when your belly gets SO big that most "normal" shirts become far too short to be worn decently. Yep, that is when maternity tops are your best option...also because (if you are like me anyhow) you feel ginormous and want to be done with it all, you could potentially get into the whole "tearing clothes off your body because you are so frustrated with how everything fits, you could hurt clothing that is pretty"...and who wants to do that to a lovely embroidered top from J. Crew? :)

The J. Crew dress option was chosen because the March catalog had a lovely pregnant woman wearing this dress (the Double-V dress) and she looks serene. I can tell you from experience that J. Crew jersey dresses are ideal for most of pregnancy. I wore many of them when I was pregnant with both kids. I also took them in my normal size of small (now rapidly moving to extra-small because of vanity sizing) and they fit up until about 35 or 36 weeks (see reason above on why I stopped wearing them). Note that I have a review of this dress below...I am not pregnant but this shows the versatility of this dress.

The mini-Boden tops were chosen because they are cut in such a way that they are ONLY flattering for little girls or really pregnant ladies. I know this because I bought a mini-Boden top to match CW (I bought a 14, but could have bought the 12 size...they run large), and it looked silly on my non-pregnant body, but I remember looking in the mirror thinking, "this would look great if I were to be pregnant again." It wasn't enough incentive for me to keep it, but I know that this style would work well for those with child.

The mini-Boden and crewcuts dresses were chosen because these are in essence, tunic tops for pregnant ladies. The great thing about the crewcuts options are that they have a neckline that reminds me of a halterneck and would do a great job of showing off shoulders, which for many in the maternity set, is the ONLY part of their body they don't mind baring. LOL.

I hope these options have opened your eyes to the potential that is out there for all the lovely ladies who are carrying precious cargo.

Next up is the review of the Double-V dress. I bet that after this post hits the blog-world, J. Crew will have a run on this dress...it is that good.


I bought this dress in a size small. If this dress were a tad more roomy in the hips, I would have returned this for an extra-small. I bought the slate color as black makes me look like death and the light purple (berry) color they have is very bad with my skin tone.

The dress does indeed have a double-v, one in the back, one in the front. The waist is actually an empire waist, but is a wider empire waist, so it doesn't become a babydoll dress. The waist is ruched elastic, so it E-X-P-A-N-D-S, which in pregnancy speak equals A-W-E-S-O-M-E. :) From the waist the skirt billows out, just so, but not enough to be unflattering (you know how if an A-line gets too full it just makes you look too full).

Because the dress is super-simple, the potential for accessorizing is HUGE, and I took it and ran with it (this was from when I went to Vegas), pairing the dress with the beautiful Aqua multi-chain gold necklace and a pair of silver sandals from J. Crew (2009).


I am standing here with my own product of pregnancy, CW, and my very pregnant (at this point she was 33 weeks pregnant) friend. She agreed that the double-v dress would be a very good option for her, although I have to say her faux-wrap dress does the trick nicely, too.

BTW, although I look "slightly" with child in this photo (showing its ability to look good on a pregnant body), I am not. This is what happens when you take a very heavy child and place her on your hip, you end up bowing your back (bad, bad for your posture) and looking pregnant. And for this post, that is just fine.

:) You all have a fantastic Monday. I have been on vacation, and still will be when this post publishes. I apologize if I cannot comment back quickly, but will do so when I return from my vacation.

As per last week, if you have a request for a Mommy Style Monday, let me know...either comment here or at polyvore, or go ahead and e-mail me at dinagideon@aim.com.

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!