I FOUND LIBERTY OF LONDON!!! (yay!)

Oh, my goodness, you all. I took a chance on going to a local Target this morning thinking that *maybe, just maybe* they would have put out some of the Liberty of London items early. (I took that chance because I heard rumors that some folks had seen and bought some items at their stores as early as this last weekend--which, btw, is a full week early.)

As I walk in and look around, I see no Liberty of London items...except a pair of little girl's flip-flops. Exuberant, I think, "Well, at least I have found one item, perfect for CW eventually (a little big yet for her to wear this summer)."


Yes, my pretty, I do want you.

And, then, like an oasis, I saw it...the gleaming stainless steel hanging rod of beauty...two WHOLE racks of Liberty of London clothing, just waiting for me to touch, and peruse, and better yet, try on...

I took the items I liked in both size smalls and mediums, but because I was with the kids, I had to do the whole "try on over my tank" thing at a mirror outside of the changing rooms. Turns out in most of the items I wear a small, except for the halter tops, which I had to get in a medium.

I FOUND LIBERTY OF LONDON!!! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

Above is the polyvore of the items that I clipped from my Only for Polyvore, Peeps blog. Check out that link if you want to see the items close-up for yourself.

If you click on the polyvore, you will see info on the items, plus if you are a polyvore addict, and DO NOT LIKE the Target.com images (they are odd and not easy to use in sets), you can take my clipped images if you would like for future use.

I promise to get to comments in the last few posts, especially for all of you who WANT. TO. KNOW. MORE. ABOUT. MY. HAIR. ;)

I also promise to get photos of me in these items...soon!!! (Just have to wait till the kids take a nap to do so!)

Snow Leopard Simone Peacoat Plus Cerise Equals Quite a Combo!!!

Oh, it is SO nice outside today. Our family JUST loved it. We went to Old Town and had a blast. (I had to go to Mint Condition to sell more of my stuff--so you all know the Aubrey jacket and the Citron Bateau are still for sale--they are winter pieces and Mint Condition can't take them right now.)

Snow Leopard Simone Peacoat by dinagideon featuring J Crew

I wanted to celebrate the awesomeness of the day (our first winter warm day--almost spring-like) by wearing a really HAPPY outfit. The polyvore above shows my choice.

You would NOT believe how many people complimented these pants! I think this color in this particular shape and style was a definite winner by J. Crew (I think they were sold in January 2009).

You know what is funny, though? In certain lighting, the pants look orange. Oops. Turns out that today was the St. Patty's Day parade and EVERYONE was wearing green. (And I LOVE green!) (And I am Catholic!) Wearing orange today is tantamount to saying "expletive" you to the Irish Catholics!!! Oh, no! (Yet I still got compliments, huh!)


Sizes:
Jacket: Size 4. God bless you, Slastena, for selling me the gorgeous Snow Leopard Simone Peacoat. IT IS AMAZING! :)
Tee: Size Small.
Pants: Size 8.
Shoes: Size 9.


Here is a view of the outfit without the jacket. This is a great tee...got it from the outlet back in September...very versatile layering piece, in my opinion. I am pretty sure you all have seen it on me before!

Well, that's it for now. Off to make dinner for the family!

October Catalog Inspired for a Crewcuts Fashion Show!!!

The lovely HeidiG. invited me and Baby CW (through her personal shopper) to a CREWCUTS fashion show on February 28, 2010. (This is last Sunday for all of you keeping count.) Yes, a CREWCUTS fashion show. Okay, say it on three...one, two, three...Aaaaaaah! :)

Of course I went. Baby CW is officially wearing size 2 or extra-small in crewcuts. Rex is already in the big boy size of 3 in pants and 4-5 in shirts (he is a BIG kid). I had to see what yummy fashions are being suggested for children this season!

BTW, if you ever have the chance to see a crewcuts fashion show, GO. The kids are just precious. Oh, and get this...the folks at Montgomery Mall saw baby CW (and darling E.--HeidiG.'s daughter) and were very interested in having them wear crewcuts in the NEXT fashion show. When I told them about Rex they nearly fell over...supposedly it is hard to get boys in these fashion shows. OMG. If both of my kids could be in the next crewcuts fashion show, I would be on cloud nine! How cute!

October Catalog Inspired... by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Okay, I have wanted to wear this outfit that I created for this polyvore for AGES...but wanted the perfect occasion to wear it. Umm, crewcuts fashion show at J. Crew? Yep...I think we have found a winner!!!

Isn't the image of the pretty model from the October catalog just swoon-worthy? I love this catalog image...I feel like she gives us a glimpse of the former J. Crew, that of the Vanessa the Model J. Crew, you know, the amazing Paris Catalog J. Crew. Just a lovely, lovely photograph!

I switched the shoes from the Lulu Flats in the brown/orange color to the animal print Merona Collection flats at the last minute because of baby CW. Wait for it! (Okay, see the 2nd photo if you just can't wait.)


Sizes:
Top: Size Small. This is the sweet guava cashmere tee that I got on sale for a song. I was WAITING and WAITING for this color to go on sale just so I could recreate the catalog picture. Yes, I did kind of feel like a lame-o...
Skirt: Size 8. This is the blue skirt from last year (2008's) roll-out...called the wool double serge skirt. I had wanted the blue from this year's roll-out (the perfect pencil skirt), but waited way too long, and it sold out. Was okay...found this one on ebay and it fits BEAUTIFULLY!
Shoes: Size 9. Love these shoes and now I love them even more because...


Look at CW's leggings!!! And boots!!! And cute tunic top!!! I know...I just can't stand it, either.

Now you see why I HAD to wear these flats?

Baby's Sizes:
Top (Tunic--not the under-layer): Size 3. It is meant to be a top (this is a crewcuts top), but I bought it early and it started as a dress and now it is a tunic. Next year it will be a shirt!
Leggings: Size 18 months. From Gymboree...very cute stuff, even if a bit pricey.
Shoes: Size 4. She is about to outgrow them. I know...so sad. :(


And since HeidiG. was the reason we all got together, I knew I had to throw in a pic of the three of us (E., her daughter, took this pic...she did a great job, btw).

So, thank you, HeidiG. and E., and thank you, Montgomery Mall J. Crew...we had a FABULOUS day! :)

P.S. You know...I see HeidiG. a lot at J. Crew. When Rex and I went to J. Crew together the other day, he said, and I quote..."Where is Miss Heidi?" Haha. From the mouths of babes. :)

Wear Yellow for Chelsea King Today!!!

Modestly Styled, Modestly Me is a FANTASTIC blog run by Debye. Debye lives in Southern California and her niece was a good friend of Chelsea King, a sweet, vibrant teenage girl whose young life ended far too soon. As a way of honoring Chelsea's spirit, Debye put out the call for all of us to wear yellow for Chelsea today.

To read more about why we are all doing this, please visit Modestly Styled, Modestly Me for more information.

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Above is the polyvore of the outfit I am wearing. I found the top on Anthropologie this morning by googling its name and then clipping the item to polyvore. To get to this point, though, required some doing. I tried all variations in google--"One September (this is the name of the brand of the top), Anthropologie, Chevron (it is a chevron pattern)." Then "One September, Anthropologie, September 2008." No luck! Then, "Catalog, Anthropologie, September 2008." This led to the Anthropologie Addict blog with all the catalog links still working (awesome), which led to the Anthropologie site with all the catalogs still there, which led to me discovering this top was from the JULY 2008 catalog, which led me to the name of the top (Toraya Top), which I then put in google, which led me BACK to the Anthropologie site, which I then clipped, and voila...I have the top for all polyvore sets! YAY!


Sizes:
Top: Size Small.
Pants: Size 30S. Love my Amore Wash Jeans! Yummy and so comfy!
Shoes: Size 10. Don't worry, I am not walking home in them. I have some really ugly Earth shoes that I will wear to walk home.

I am planning on doing another post today, but let's see if I can accomplish it while subbing! :)

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 Johnnie B. Tee for Me!!!

I referenced that along with this beautiful canvas bag (in my post yesterday), I received my very first tee-shirt from Johnnie B., the juniors clothing line from my favorite clothing company across the pond, Boden. I showed you the bag, but was coy about the top. Well I had planned on wearing it to yoga today, but sadly for me, and for Rex, we didn't make it to preschool (he had a yucky, terrible rash, and I was scratchy throated and tired, blegh, come on SPRING, already!).

So I decided to wear it this evening for our weekly outing to Moe's, one of the finest fast food Mexican-style chains out there. It also happens to be Tuesday, which means FREE KIDS' MEALS, and with two very hungry children, well, yum, and yay for savings. (I am still feeling blegh, but at least I got a nap today, so I had the energy to go out tonight!)

A Little Johnnie B. Tee for Me! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Above is what I paired the tee with...I actually received the skirt in the J. Crew shipment that came to the house today...it was a popback and I was so excited because I didn't want to spend $78 on it, but $30? Sure! (And was it ever a popback, the darn skirt didn't even have a price tag on it! I think I suspect something fishy, but here's the thing...the skirt is in PERFECT shape, so I won't complain.)

The leggings definitely gave the outfit a youthful vibe, but I figured, eh, why not? I attempted this look as a twelve-year old (and for sure got it wrong then...I should show you photos), and now that I am older and sort of have some of this fashion stuff figured out, I thought I would try again. :)


Sizes:
Tee: Size Medium. If you buy from Johnnie B., you must be aware things are cut smaller through the torso, shoulders, and hips. I am not even going to try any of their jeans, skirts, or shorts. Those would just be scandalous on me. That said, if you are petite lady (I mean size-wise, not height-wise), then by all means, give the entire line a try. I am only going to be able to get their tops, and that is okay by me. The line is incredibly affordable, btw. This graphic t-shirt was $20 after I applied some discount or another onto the shopping cart (and I got a free bag--$20 for both--shipped both ways for free--is a GREAT price). I like the style of the tee...the bird saying "moo" cracked both my kids up and I could see this being a hit when I substitute! It is also incredibly soft and was made well (no twisty-seams, yes, J. Crew, I am talking to you).
Skirt: Size 10. Had I ordered the 8 it would have sat at my waist and been very very short.
Leggings: Size 2 (?). Hue has funky sizing.
Shoes: Size 10. Love that they gave the outfit a bit of girly prettiness. If ever in doubt, go with a ballet flat...universally an appealing choice for most outfits.

BTW, did you notice that CW has a bird on her top, too? Yes, I planned it that way. ;)


Close-up of the graphic and the color. I cannot wait to wear this in the summer with a pair of shorts and sandals...man, this winter weather is for the (cough, cough) birds.

Have a lovely evening, all!

Subbing in Style! (Plus a Sweet Peek at a Free Johnnie B. Bag!)

Don't worry, everyone. I promise I wasn't sitting at home this weekend crying because I was told my hair needed to be fixed or because my mommy style doesn't mesh with what others think mommy style should be. (Nope, I was just out A LOT this weekend and nowhere near my computer.) You would be proud of me...I actually read all the comments from the last two posts, laughed a bit, reflected a bit, and was proud to say that I in no way, shape, or form was hurt or offended!!! I actually agree with the commenter that thinks I need to color my hair. You better believe I do!!! I CANNOT stand my winter hair. It is all pretty and shiny and blonde in the summer and then...WHOOMP...like a dark, deep shadow, my winter dark hair comes out like the night, slowly, but surely. If I never went out at all in the sun, my hair would naturally be a dark blonde/red combo, which is pretty, but since I do go outside (even in the winter), it never quite gets there. And since I don't anticipate becoming a housebound lady any time soon, I will just have to deal with this winter hair thing (and I have had this since I was in high school). I am going to the salon sometime this week...maybe I will have them do something! (BTW, when stylists see me their reaction is always to blonde me up more...so I think in real life I must appear lighter than I do in photos...does that make sense?)

In re: Mommy style and the little convo going on...I think each mom is entitled to be the best mom they can be...if that means stepping out in stiletto heels and bright red lipstick, then FANTASTIC. If it means wearing your hair in a bun and having a sports bra on all darn day, then GREAT!!! I am just showing you my version, and from what I read, many of you try to do the same in your lives, so bravo for all of us! (More power to us moms...it is an insanely difficult job but also insanely lovely...so whatever fashion we bring to it, then yay!) If you want to hear some of my takes on mommy style, I am *thinking* (very much thinking--not executing just yet) of doing a "Mommy Style Monday with My Superfluities," kind of an advice column on particular needs of moms and their styling questions...in particular my passions of postpartum wear that goes beyond frumpy, great maternity wear, and what the heck to wear when you want to step out but you have a crazy and wild toddler (or two or three). :) It is still in its (haha) infancy, so nothing yet, but I know that mommy style is personal, but is something to share!!! So instead of being divided, let us unite and show our corners of the world that we can look awesome, even when the most glamorous thing we do during the day is feed our children rainbow colored cereal.

Okay, enough of that! :)

I subbed twice last week, and because this was by far the most action my wardrobe had seen in a LONG while (thank you SO MUCH, SNOWSTORM(s))...I really went all out to bring it to subbing. Had I driven to school, I would have probably shown up in a tiara. (Just kidding, but I would have for sure worn a dress and heels.)

I walked home on both occasions, and the first outfit does not reflect that well...I changed shoes to get home. There was NO way I was wearing those flats on a two mile walk. The second outfit you see my walking shoes, so that outfit is more exercise-friendly from the start.

Subbing in Style! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This above is the polyvore for the first outfit. There is NO polyvore for the second outfit, because I am lazy. ;)


Sizes:
Top: Size small.
Cardigan: Size Medium.
Pants: Size 30 Tall. Umm, can I just tell you these are now officially my very favorite pair of jeans? These are the ankle-length (in tall--inseam of 30 inches) twilight wash toothpick jeans by J. Crew. I want J. Crew to always offer this inseam in this fit...my goodness, it is so flattering, and also very, very comfortable.
Shoes: Size 9.

By the way, I have worn a version of this outfit before. I guess I must have really liked it!

Baby CW looks darling here, but wait till you see the collage. Just wait for it!


Sizes:
Top: Size Medium. This is an Xhiliration microsequin tank in aqua. This is a juniors line, so the medium was my best bet.
Cardigan: Size Medium. I bought this dark aqua jackie from CDP for $25. What a great buy. You are the best CDP...if you want to sell any more of your jackies, you have a buyer. ;)
Pants: Size 10. Umm, SAGGY BRITCHES alert!!! I guess these Talbot's jeans are a bit big on me. Ooops. At least they were comfy! :P
Shoes: Size 10. By a company called Flurt, they are actually very lovely trainers that are lightweight and colorful.

So you know how CW always is in the pictures with me? Well, on Friday morning, she was having a mini-meltdown...and I was none the wiser, UNTIL I looked at the photos in Picasa. Before my very eyes, her meltdown unfolded. And being me, I turned it into a collage...because it is HILARIOUS. The WHOLE time we were taking photos of the teal sequined outfit, CW was having a temper tantrum...I thought she had just walked out of the kitchen to go play in her room. :) CRAZY!


She was fine. Please trust me on this. I wonder how I could turn this collage into a stop motion film?

Man, when she is fifteen, I think I might have to drag these images back out...she is normally all sweet as pie and agreeable...this is much more of a Rex-type thing to do!


Okay, almost done. Wanted to show you a pic of the free "Johnnie B." bag they are sending when you make your first johnnie b. order. I ordered a very lovely fitted tee (has a bird saying "moo" on it) in dark pink and this came with it. I think the bag may be worth more than the tee. This is a nicely made canvas bag...definitely puts the J. Crew canvas ones to shame...all tri-colored and fancy-looking with the Union Jack on it!

LOVE the tee, btw. Very soft, very nicely made. I ordered a medium, and I am glad I did. It would have been too small in a small. It is weird, but the 13-14 mini boden tops are sometimes too large, yet the medium in their junior's line is a close fit. Huh. I guess it just shows ya...follow the measurement guide over at Boden...has never led me astray!

Have a nice Monday. I will share more from this weekend tomorrow (including baby CW's first crewcuts fashion show)!

P.S. Cash from My Closet is updated, and so you know, all of the items in today's post are going to be consigned on Saturday...just a heads-up. :)