Monday, November 30, 2009

Let's Take a Boden Break...Merino Ruffle Tunic or Hotchpotch Shirt, Anyone???

I know so many of you are disappointed with today's Cyber Monday offerings at J. Crew (20% off sweaters only--and only those they chose--feh...), I thought it might make some of you happy to see a non-J. Crew centered post. So I dipped into my (significant) backlog and pulled out two Boden offerings. Now, I don't think Boden has any Cyber Monday offerings at all, but they are British, so maybe they don't ever do that! (Also, Boden seems to offer a % off at all times, and they ALWAYS have free shipping and returns, so they probably don't have to have a Cyber Monday deal.)

BTW, Ann Taylor has 40% off your entire purchase and Ann Taylor Loft has 30% off your entire purchase. Those are % off that seem pretty darn special to me!!!


Outfit #1's polyvore is above. It includes the Merino Ruffle Tunic that is currently sold out in this print in almost all sizes. That is too bad, because this is an AWESOME item. I bought it over the summer without really being sure that this would be the tunic for me, but having had such good luck with this other Boden tunic, I decided to take the leap. And the leap proved to be the correct move. I felt like it fit me exactly as it looked on the model in the catalog (which is rare in these days of pinning, etc.). I even wrote my first (and so far only) review of it for Boden! (It received 5 out of 5 stars...)


Here it is on me. Size UK 10, which is exactly the right length and fit. Now, on me at 5'8", it is far too short to be a dress, but if you are petite (say 5'3" or shorter), you could wear this as a dress.

The only thing that concerns me is that the print is so Partridge family of the 1970s that it will be out of style very soon. But I have been fearing this for years, and I am still able to wear some of the crazier prints in my closet that I probably shouldn't stress too much about it. :)


Here is the polyvore for outfit #2. The Hotchpotch Shirt is probably not for everyone, but unlike the merino ruffle tunic, it is still available in all colors and all sizes. I think the shape of the shirt and the colorways it is offered in make it less of a "all-star" the way the tunic is, but if you find yourself drawn to it, I would recommend it. I personally love the sort of vintage feel of this shirt as it is unlike anything else I own (and reminds me of something that my dad or mom might have worn in the mid-70s).


Here it is on me. To counter its sort of roomy fit (I ordered it in a UK 12), I went ahead and paired it with tight matchstick jeans and a pair of the Alessia peep-toe heels in root. I also wore my hair back, as this kept the look a bit more modern.


I wanted to show you the rear shot because the matchsticks are such a great pair of jeans. I love them and feel that if they can look this good on my rear, then they can look awesome on everyone else (I have always had issues making my rear look fantastic). I also wanted to show you the preciousness that is CW. Too cute!


Oh, and take a look at the polyvore above. While taking a gander at the offerings over at Ann Taylor today, I found this image. The people who photoshop for these websites have serious issues. It is frightening what they did to this model's hips. Seriously. The editors need to get glasses, or a grip, or both. MAN!

Have a nice rest of your Cyber Monday. Happy Shopping!