Boden: Marie Claire and Woman's Day Appearances.

Well it does seem that Boden has been infiltrating the US magazine world, much more so than I ever remember seeing in the past.  I know that in the UK, Boden is all over their mags and newspapers, so I expected that this would happen, and now that it has, I really look forward to keeping these "appearances" up.  :)

I have switched my Marie Claire reading to my Kindle Fire, so I will never buy a "real" Marie Claire ever again, but I still have to figure out how to photograph the kindle so it turns out better.  I do see the "real" thing at my hubby's barber shop, but I can't guarantee that I will have enough memory to be all, "ooh, let's photograph that image RIGHT NOW so I have a better photo for my blog."  I'll figure it out, eventually.  :)

This is from the "Most Wanted: Under $100" feature which this month featured beautiful lady-like pieces, concentrating on florals, including the #11 choice which is the Vintage Swimsuit in Navy Bloom by Boden. 

It is currently on 20-25% off all swimwear promo (along with women's dresses), which expires tonight at 11:59 pm (I really wish I could have published this post earlier for you all, but we had many many errands to run this weekend and today).  So instead of being $78, it is currently $58.50.  If you want free shipping as well, click on my 15% off coupon link in the sidebar (or at the bottom of this post) to receive the free ship and returns (but no additional discount will be taken, shoot).

This is the cover of the Marie Claire from March 2012, which is where the swimsuit appears.  Eva Mendes looks HOT!

I don't read Woman's Day, BUT the doctor's office (Rex had his 5-year checkup today, he's big, you all!) had this issue in the room. 

I LOVE the outfits on this page, and think they are very wearable and cute.  Maybe not especially fashion forward, but this is Woman's Day we are talking about.  :)

Anyhow, the top in the left hand outfit is Boden's Ravello Top in Navy Feather.  Sadly it is all sold out in the clearance section, but you can watch for popbacks.  The top is available in the multi abstract print, but it is a very different print.  That said, the shape looks fab with that shape skirt, so if you have a similar skirt that needs a statement top, this could be your gal.

The Ravello top is a popular style, and I have seen it multiple years in a row.  Not this spring season, but I am sure it will be back in the fall.

Valerie Dishes!  Holla!  :)  This is the Woman's Day from January 2012.


Vintage Swimsuit.  Read the reviews, and while those with "smaller ladies" seem in love, there are many warnings about it being a bit (cough, cough) inappropriate for those more "well-endowed."  The prints are precious, so if you can rock it, this may be the perfect swimsuit for your summer.


Ravello Top.  I love that navy feather print.  Very pretty!  (Come on, popback!)

Mobile Users, below is the link that will get free ship and returns on the items above.  It will also get you 15% off on anything that isn't on promo or in clearance.
Save 15% at Bodenusa.com with Free Delivery and Returns!

Alright!  You all have a great night.  I believe Boden will roll out another "temptation" tomorrow, so I will make sure to update the blog with that info when I get a moment.  (And if the whole ENTIRE day goes and I haven't, well...don't assume anything...but you could let your mind wander.  LOL.)

OOTD: Bit of Green.

Happy Belated Saint Patrick's Day, all! No Angus born on St. Patty's Day, so there you go...and no baby boy born on my daughter's half birthday, either (that would be 3.5, today, fwiw). That's fine. I am holding out for him to be born on time on the 29th or in the perfect world of a Rush fan, being born on 3/21/12. This date means nothing to you unless you really love Rush, as their album 2112 would always be part of his bday.  (Although would that mean I would have to name him Geddy?)

Not holding my breath, though. LOL. :)

Onto a bit of green! I love the color and am more than happy to wear as much green as possible on the actual day and during the week leading up to it in bits and pieces. Unfortunately, I am literally limited to the 6 or so pieces of clothing that still fit, and that means I have only two real items that will work. All good, though.

The first outfit is from the day the kids celebrated the world of shamrocks and rainbows and all things Irish--Tuesday.  (Thursday, the other day they go to preschool, they celebrated with a "leprechaun" party, in which their classrooms were destroyed by the antics of those Irish mischief makers.  CW was really irritated by them.  Hee.)

Dress: Pea in the Pod.  The ombre effect includes a deep green at the hem becoming a light tan color at the top.  You all have seen this dress before (of course...easy to do with a limited wardrobe).
Shoes: Boden.  These are the green animal bow flats from the fall.
Scarf: J. Crew.
Sunglasses: Target.

Mr. Dina was with me--he took the photo which is the only way I would ever pose like this in public--he took me to the doctor that day.  He really wanted to make sure that the doctor was comfortable with my due date, he is SURE that I should be giving birth earlier based on how big my tummy has become.  It turns out I just brew the children big.  Nice and hearty, like a Guinness.

Close up the dress, scarf, and sunglasses.  I do really love this dress!

Yeah, this is from St. Patrick's Day, just in case you were color blind (it's possible!!!).  CW is in a lime green splendor and I am in shades of dark olive.

Cardigan: Macy's Charter Club.
Top: Merona Maternity.  I wore this top with another very similar outfit a few weeks ago.
Shorts: Motherhood Maternity.  It was HOT that day.  I ended up, by the time we made it to the supermarket, not wearing the cardigan.  (BTW, at the supermarket a non-pregnant person parked in the expectant mother's spot. Le sigh.  Wasn't much I could do beyond giving them the side eye, but grrr!)
Shoes: J. Crew.
Necklace: Boden Semi Precious Pendant. This is a preview of this pendant, which I have better photos of for next week's Boden Weekly Review roundup. It is on backorder in both colors, I can see why. I think it is a keeper, and for the price, well worth it.

CW is in a selection of Carter's, Hanna Anderson, and Miss Trish of Capri for Target.  Her "purse" is an old one of mine.  She has a lot of my old purses.  And she carries them with her, without anything in them.  I think she just thinks they look good and that they add to her outfit.  She doesn't actually understand their utility yet.  ;)

My hair is in pigtails because it was so flipping hot...I would have melted if I had left it down.

Okay, so before I go, I had such a great day today!  Some of my blog friends invited me to one of the coolest restaurants in DC, America Eats Tavern (formerly Cafe Atlantico), for a Gus baby shower.  How sweet!  There will be more on today in an upcoming post, but I had to show off this adorable cupcake packaging that Summer (of the blog Sumsunshine) created for the party.  She had told the lovely folks at Georgetown Cupcake to package it for a boy's baby shower, but they must have not got the message, as we ended up with pink, but Summer swooped in and got the blue ribbon, blue safety pin, and "it's a boy" pendant on the package to show that I am having a little man and not a little lady.


Thank you so much, ladies.  It really was an amazing day!!!  

You all have a great night! 

OOTD: Target Stripes Times Two.

Very quickly: no Boden Weekly Review Roundup this week...two reasons...one, there are literally only a few reviews, and they can be held off until next Wednesday, and two, I am conserving my blogging energy for the most bang for buck, and a smaller BWRR is not on my "bang for buck" agenda. ;)

So instead I decided to pull out two recent maternity outfits, featuring two of my favorite Target striped maternity pieces.

Dress: Liz Lange for Target, Body Con Style dress.
Scarf: J. Crew.
Shoes: Merona Meadow, another Target find.  (LOVE these shoes.)

We were headed out to the gluttony capital of the free world that evening, Texas de Brazil, to celebrate Mr. Dina's bday.  I am the worst pregnant lady...my tummy is about the size of a peanut and I literally was unable to enjoy more than one half of a plate, at least Mr. Dina had a great time...but I definitely looking forward to going and eating like a normal person (not even a gluttonous person, necessarily). 

It wasn't super cold, but the J. Crew felted wool double-breasted jacket I bought in 2010 was the exact right topper to the dress.

CW wore her Paris Striped Shirt, again (she last wore it here)!  :)  She also has on Target, with the pants and shoes, too.

The dress is more wonderful than it appears on line and in stores.  When I first saw it, the stripes appealed to me, but the very fitted look scared me a bit.  I picked it up and decided to try it on, at least.  It was far more appealing when I put it on.  I think if you are pregnant, and you have a belly that you like to show off, then definitely go for it, but be aware that your belly is very much "out there" whilst wearing it.  The review I had read of it (at target.com) also agreed with me.  

Body Con. Target Stripes. by dinagideon featuring clutch handbags

Above is the polyvore of this dressy casual look.

There are stripes here, promise!  :)

Coat: Pea in the Pod.  You saw it with another outfit here.  Yet again, I wore it for exactly two hours, as it got far too warm after mid-morning or so.
Leggings: Madewell.
Shoes: J. Crew Lula Jacquard Ballet Flats.
Sunglasses: Target.

There are the stripes.  Love this sweater.  :)  I wore it last here in pretty much the same darn outfit.  Only the belly got bigger, and I have no scarf this time.

Close-up of the sweater and sunglasses.

So you all know, I am now TWO weeks from my scheduled c-section.  I am at once exceedingly excited and over the top anxious.  I have had two c-sections before, and admittedly, it was only the first one (the emergency with Rex) that completely went awry and caused the two of us to end up in our respective intensive care units, but that is enough to always ALWAYS freak me out leading up to delivery.  I have the BEST obs in the world (in my opinion), but I can't get over the fact that I was *this* close to an incredibly tragic ending for our growing family.  I am glad it all went beautifully with my darling CW, but memory is long, eh?

Okay, well off to go get some things done (maybe commenting back on some recent posts???)...

You all have a fab night!!!  If you are in the eastern 2/3rds of the USA, enjoy this weather.  It hit 85 here today.  Wow!

Boden: This Week's Tempation...25% Off All Dresses...

and men's shirts.  (Also up to 25% off all women's swimwear...note the UP TO 25% off, which means only some swimwear is actually 25% off.)

I wish I looked like this lounging in my dresses.  Good on you, Vanessa.

LOL.  I almost left off the men's shirts part, but that is because I am not really sure how many of you buy things for your hubbies/males in your lives.

(Although there may be one or two guys that read this blog, so if you do, props, and btw, Johnnie B. was thinking of you all today.)

This seems like a fairly decent "surprise" that I alluded to in last night's post (very bottom of post) and I love that this promo lasts a full week before the next surprise comes our way.  (As much as I love catch of the day, the day part is a bit of a bummer if your budget that day doesn't allow you to get whatever wishlisted item you wanted.  This gives all of us a bit more breathing room.)

So what are my picks?

Of course I will always say go for anything that looks like it is low stock, or is a popback, as these items will NOT make it to the end of season sale/clearance.  However, if you want an item that is fully stocked, all sizes, all colors, and you don't need it now, definitely wait a bit...


Beautiful Broderie Dress. This reminds me a lot of the one from last year's limited edition line, but this one appears to be a better fit for more women. This one is definitely selling quickly, with the navy colorway appearing only in popbacks, and the ivory looking like it might go "low stock" soon.


Flower Burst Shift. The brown one, which I blogged about here, appears to be in backorder for many sizes. This price is decent for a popular dress, so if this is one you have been eyeing, today (or this week) may be a good time to grab it.


Regatta Dress. I picked this one up before today, but at only 20% off. The orange/white polka dotted version I own is adorable, and really perfect for hot American summers. The cotton is soft and lightweight, but there is a cotton lining for modesty, too, if that is a concern of yours. I obviously am unable to IRL review it for a bit (maybe May???), but since I doubted it would be around in May when I could wear it, I chose to grab it earlier...

The blue polka dot version is most popular, and a few sizes have popped back as backorder, so again, this may your best time to grab it.


Ponte Roma Dress. This is a very pretty silhouette, and I immediately thought my J. Crew blog friends would find this an appealing dress option from Boden. It is selling swiftly, so again, this may be a good time to grab it.


Riviera Shirt Dress. This is yet another item I bought early just in case it sold out (which it did, but now the colorway I purchased--the blue--is on deep backorder--9 weeks, or June). I do like it...and definitely think I can wear it within a month of giving birth. The cotton is a stretchy sort and the full skirt and covered arms make it very forgiving for a whole host of body types. The only women I would not recommend this one to are the very petite, those who are 5'3" and shorter, and a size 4 or smaller.  For some reason, this was one of the very few dresses Boden did NOT make in petites, even though this shape is very overwhelming on smaller frames.

You can order it (with the 25% off) in the solid black and red, though, which is awesome (they are technically part of the summer roll out, but are here inexplicably). The solid red and black are not nearly as "in your face" as the prints, so if you are unsure of the larger prints, the solids could solve your quandary.


Weekender Dress. What an adorable, simple, linen frock. It is also crazily sold out. But you never know...watch for popbacks.


Fun Jersey Dress. This was the only dress I could review (outside of Boden maternity pieces) this season. It doesn't fit now, though, lol. Maybe mid-April??? (Here's to hoping.)

It is popular, but not like the weekender above.

I want to also point out that even though all of these dresses/shirts/swimwear have the 20-25% off, they are NOT subject to further 15% off (which you can get in my sidebar or at the bottom of this post). HOWEVER...if you use my 15% off coupon with free ship and returns, the items will be free ship and returns, which is something. :)

Mobile users, here is the direct link to the extra 15% off and free ship and returns that I mentioned in the paragraph above:
Save 15% at Bodenusa.com with Free Delivery and Returns!

Okay, that's all...you all have a great afternoon!  Do any of you have any picks from this current sale?

OOTD: Attempting Dressy.

Even if all I feel like wearing is pjs and sweatpants, I know that in the end if I put effort into my outfit, I will enjoy my day more, so as long as I am out and about, I at least give it a try. (Although I admit to a full on sweatpants/hoodie outfit when I visited urgent care during my nasal infection mess...I am not crazy!)

But...even if I choose not to wear pjs or sweats in public doesn't mean that I won't find the most crazy comfy and soft outfit possible to wear instead. That's my secret for the last three months of pregnancy. As much as I really REALLY want to wear my kick-butt maternity jeans and high heels, I can't bring myself to even attempt it. Oh, and so you know, with CW's pregnancy, I totally started this comfy dressing like really early, sometime around 24 weeks. (I was preggers with her in the summer, though...definitely the worst time to be pregnant...hands down.)

This outfit is insanely comfy.  And yes for that.  :)  It also made me feel slightly stylish, which I need now that a 30 pound basketball has firmly attached itself to my waistline.

Dress: Boden Jersey Maxi Dress. 
Shoes: Madewell Handbook Pump.  I only recommend these heels (or heels like this) in late pregnancy.  The cone shaped heel is substantial and there is a platform making the overall footbed more secure than a stiletto type.

PSA: Do not wear any shoe that hurts, especially if it hurts because of feet swelling, definitely not worth it.  Ballet flats or slight wedges are adorable, and if you have to buy one pair of black flats in a larger size, just for pregnancy, that's okay.  I had to for Rex, but after I gave birth, my feet returned to normal.  *I have not had that swelling since.  They think my swelling with Rex was preeclampsia, which also may have contributed to his early birth and emergency c-section.  So even though swelling is not usually a big deal, don't ignore it, either.*

Purse: J. Crew Mini Patent Campo Bag.
Necklace: J. Crew Mini Orbit Necklace.  It's on sale!  :)
Sunglasses: J. Crew A.R. Trapp.

If you read my Boden Weekly Review Roundup, you already saw this image.  But I do know that a lot of you only come over for ootd posts, so it's not a repeat to you!

I actually kind of like this image.  I didn't realize the self-timer was going to go off that quickly, and it caught me kind of walking, lol.  It does allow you all to see the shape of the Handbook pump.  :)

BTW, this dress is a double layer fabric and super soft.  It is like wearing a nightgown, just a fitted, fancier version of a nightgown you can wear out to lunch with the family (which we were about to do).

Close up of the makeup, hair, necklace, and dress print.  I had fun playing with the colors that day, especially on the eyes (which I rarely put a lot of effort into).  This outfit, fwiw, was from the weekend before last, so I had not yet gotten my bangs trimmed (did that on this last Saturday).

Attempting Dressy. 30 Pound Basketball Notwithstanding. by dinagideon featuring patent handbags

Polyvore of the outfit is above.

Okay, that's all...I hope you all have a great evening.

P.S. I read over at Boden's facebook page that there will be a big, exciting announcement tomorrow morning.  Most commenters are of the mindset there will be a "catch of the day" or "mid-season" sale, but there are a few who just think a new line will be rolled out.  I personally think it will be a "catch of the day" sort of deal, which in Boden land usually mean 30-35% off of certain items each day.  This is usually a big deal, and so when I figure it out (and get home from my doctor's appointment tomorrow), I will do a blog post on it.  :)  (Or do a blog post on the non-event, if the naysayers are right!)

OOTDs: Countdown Commences!

Well, with only 2.5 weeks to go until my scheduled c-section, I can definitely start the countdown. (Thank God, btw, I am a little bit worn out...the extra 30 pounds, yeah, I feel them every time I attempt to you know, do normal things like stand or walk.) ;)

I have here a few outfits that I have worn recently, almost all of them repeats from earlier this pregnancy. I don't even bother with "real" clothing outside of cardigans/jackets, shoes, and accessories anymore.

So you all know...the MOMENT I walk in my door after doing my day's events (preschool run, doctor's appointments, grocery store runs, etc.)...I go to my dresser, pull out my most comfy sweat pants, most comfy tee shirt, and change. It's nuts. I am definitely all about easy wear when I am behind closed doors. Even better is when the easy wear is made from terry cloth, such a sucker I am for soft fabrics.

Worn to a doctor's appointment two weeks ago.  You all recently saw this dress in this post.

It was super warm that day, probably about 70?

Dress: Merona Maternity.
Shoes: J. Crew Classic Printed Ballet Flats.  These are the ones with the adorable apple print (called orchard, I believe).  The normal size I wear, 9.5, was perfect.  One thing to note...the print is on an ivory background, which got a bit of dirt on it from my first wear out.  It doesn't really get to me, because I can live with cleaning them and/or accepting that they will get stained with my lifestyle, but if you tend to freak out over that, only wear them inside.  I bought them with the 20% off (recent promo).  I do not think they are worth full price.

Yes, it got to 70 that day, yet I thought that I would need this lightweight Pea in the Pod trench (bought during Rex's pregnancy).  Nope.  I wore it a grand total of twenty minutes.  I did wear it last night and wore it constantly during Rex's pregnancy, so it does get wear, just not as much as I expected during this time.

Having said that, I have worn this trench whilst not pregnant.  It's cut is fairly workable, with a tighter fitted bodice and a slight a-line shape to the bottom.  I often pull it out when I need a dressier trench for going out to dinner, etc.  It has light metallic threading throughout, giving it a bit of a dressy look.

I should have just worn pjs, I was so tired and uncomfortable that day.  Since I couldn't (preschool run day), I just dealt and wore my most comfy "going outside" clothes.

Top: Liz Lange for Target.  Super soft.  For those of you that watch Desperate Housewives, Julie, Susan's daughter who is pregnant, recently wore this top.  Good to know that they bargain shop, too.  :)
Leggings: J. Crew.
Shoes: J. Crew Dreamweaver in cobalt and tan.

Dance class and dentist day.  My dentist was mad at me.  My gums were a mess.  Oops.  ;)  At least he didn't say I needed a root canal, although he did tell me that I need to have my wisdom teeth extracted.  (Sigh.)

Cardigan: J. Crew Factory, Spring 2008.  This was a cotton cardi re-issue of a medallion print from Spring 2007 that was really really pretty.
Top: Merona Maternity.  I recently wore the green version here, in a very similar outfit.  At least I am predictable.
Pants: Duo Maternity.
Shoes: Lauren by Ralph Lauren driving mocs I have had forever.

I felt great that day, but the pants slipped a bit as the belly band sits below the belly instead of on the belly.

Target shades.  I love the colors of the cardigan and top, very saturated and lovely.

Preschool run day.  My hubby took the kids that morning, and I went and got them in the afternoon.  It was nice to take my time getting ready for the day.  Another gorgeous day, highs last Thursday were in the mid-70s.  Amazing.

Dress: Boden Maternity, Breezy Jersey Dress.  You saw this one recently, too.  (Definitely a bit more dressed up, though.)
Shoes: J. Crew Jacquard Ballet Flats.
Sunglasses: Target.

I straightened my bangs that day but decided to let the rest of my hair wave up a bit.

We went to church last night and then dinner.  I don't know if you can tell, but I am beat down here.  LOL.  I mean I literally had to be rolled out of bed in order to get the move on to get ready to go out.  Pathetic, really. 

Top: Liz Lange for Target.  I wore it a while back, when I was able to see Gus in 3D.
Pants: Mimi Maternity.
Shoes: Naturalizer Bates Booties.
Earrings: Eiffel Tower earrings from the actual Eiffel Tower.  (There is a reason I am wearing them.)

CW has on the cutest outfit, btw.  I definitely expended more energy on getting her ready than myself. 

CW's outfit:

Top: crewcuts Paris stripe tee.  Love this tee, very sweet.  crewcuts does a great job with adorable graphic tees, and unlike past incarnations, this one seems well made and of a substantial cotton.  Plus it has an Eiffel Tower graphic (like my earrings!).
Pants: Target. 
Shoes: Target.
Scarf: My "free" Marie Claire France scarf that I wore with this outfit last.  She specifically requested to wear this scarf.

I got my bangs trimmed yesterday.  I was able to get them trimmed for a grand total of ten dollars.  Thanks to all you ladies who spoke up and let me know that this was an option for between "big" haircuts.  :)

Okay, that's it.  You all have a wonderful Sunday.  I will.  I plan on doing very little.  ;)