Onto the fun! (Speaking of fun, don't forget my Boden giveaway!) :)
Remember, click on the photo of the item to go directly to Boden's website (it will open in another window or tab). If you click on the IRL photos, you will just be able to see the item closer up, but not the extra colors, measurements, and sizes.
You want to bear in mind that if you are taller, this will NOT work as a dress on you. Even if you can fit into it, it will be indecent without leggings or jeans, etc. However, if you are a bit shorter, this could be a dress. Read the measurements, though. I bought a medium and it fits great on top, but bear in mind that I am a 32B on my best days...in other words, pretty small on top. The looser fit on bottom worked for my hips, so if you are a smaller pear shape, you can rock this dress/tunic.
Click above to see what's available, this is the blue starry version, I am wearing the navy dotty colorway. :)
Pretty Ruffle Top. I was beyond stoked when Jenn wrote me an e-mail and told me she had a Boden Maternity Review for us! :) She is as cute as can be with her baby bump, and like most proud mommas, she is choosing to show off her shape instead of hiding it with this top from the new line!
Jenn says this about both tops that she purchased (white and the above perwinkle pattern): I have to say, they are the most comfortable maternity tops I have ever owned (I'm on pregnancy number two!). The jersey fabric is extremely soft, lightweight, and seems to be great quality. The white top is lined in the front, but not the back, so beware - the back is a bit see-through. The periwinkle pattern is a gorgeous color and is super flattering. The top runs long and seems to be cut more generously than other maternity brands (here's looking at you Gap!). I ordered my regular size (US 6/UK 10), and at first was worried they would be too big, but I'm only at 27 weeks, and I think by the time I hit 36 - 40 weeks they'll still fit fine (which is a great thing!). Both look fantastic layered under cardigans or on their own. I think they'll also be darling under a suit jacket for us working girls.
In short, darling, darling! I am VERY pleased with them, and I only wish Boden had even more maternity styles!
Two thumbs up, and if you're on the fence about Boden Maternity, I say take the plunge!
Here is the top in white!
Adorable!!! Thank you, again, Jenn!
Many awesome bloggers this week also did reviews...
Jersey Blazer. Egyptomaniac did a fab, FAB review of this blazer in the navy breton stripe.
Textured Cotton Skirt. Egyptomaniac also did a review of this skirt in the navy colorway! Thank you, Egyptomaniac!!!
Stripy Scarf. Holly Loves Crew did a review of this at her blog...she says: It was the item I was most looking forward to. It looks so cute styled in the catalog. Boden had it a number of shots. It's bigger than I expected. I rarely look at measurements-need to start doing that. It's a knit, so soft and comfy. Definitely more on the casual side. The white stripes are not a crisp white. I wore it to work this week and adore it. Kept me warm on a very windy spring-like California day. You can wear it wrap-style; I'm thinking movies in the summer-to ward off the AC.
Calypso Wedges. Holly Loves Crew also bought these and says: These had to come international mail and so I just received them today (they took an extra 4 days from the items shipped from PA). LOVE. They are expensive (like almost $150 which I wouldn't pay) but I used my 20% off promo which put them around $118. Still expensive, but I know I will be wearing these all spring and summer with everything so my cost-per-wear will be worth it. I hope they stand up to lots of wear. The wedge is lightweight and I think the strap around the ankle looks slimming (something I was worried about because sometimes straps can cut you off). The other straps are soft and don't seem like they are going to rub. The sole is soft leather. The color is vibrant. They look exactly like they do in the catalog; more so than the internet. The shoes say made in Brazil on the bottom. They came wrapped up really well and inside the box Boden included an adorable shoe bag (white with big green circles and pink ribbon tie). Nice touch! I might just order another pair in a different color. And I would probably order shoes again from Boden, just checking the reviews first.
Santorini Skirt. Holly Loves Crew gave us a great description of this pretty summery skirt: First, the Santorini skirt looked so effortless and chic. And I LOVE the name. I will pretend I'm in Santorini while wearing this skirt. I hope. So here's the thing. Check the measurements before you order. I'm a size 4 (or 6 petite) in J Crew pencil skirts. I admit I don't get out often (meaning I mostly wear the Crew). I went ahead and ordered the US 4 in the two skirts I ordered. They fit higher on the waist-one's true waist. I really should have ordered the 6. I was able to get them on and zipped but I wouldn't leave the house in them. I thought about exchanging them for the 6. But I've decided they are both for spring and summer. I'm working on dropping some winter lbs and these skirts will be hanging up to remind myself not to snack too much;) I'll be leaving the house in them in no time. I hope;) Other than ordering the wrong size, the skirt is fantastic. It's linen-a good weight for spring and summer. It has pockets. The floral embellishment is darker blue.
Printed Cotton Skirt. Holly Loves Crew loves pencil skirts for work, so I am glad she purchased this beauty of a skirt. About it she says: This Printed Cotton skirt caught me eye in two colorways, the Multi Palm Beach and the Iris Paint. I went with the Iris Paint as blue is my favorite color and I have a lot to pair with it. The picture of the Iris doesn't do it any favors. I loved the print as soon as I opened the package. I'm pretty sure I'll go ahead and order the Palm Beach. It's lightweight, soft cotton. It hit at my knee, or slightly above if I remember.
Last Minute Review from the awesome drewablank:
Off Duty Parka. She says: There was a void in my closet for a hooded, weatherproof jacket, and this parka fit the bill to a tee!
Do not be fooled by the "parka" moniker, however; it is not a loosefitting by any means. Well, maybe not on me, who is hip-py as all get out. It has a up-and-down, straight fit with no tie or belt to nip in the waist. This is my first outerwear/jacket from Boden, and I ordered the size I usually get in J.Crew jackets, if that helps.
The faux fur lining is on the removable hood and the body, although not in the sleeves. (The sleeves are lined in a polyester material the same color as the faux fur.) It is fairly warm. I have worn this parka in snow and rain, and it has stood up to both. :) There are no cuff sleeves, so the end of the sleeves is fairly open and loose.
Okay, one last thing...
Pleat Detail Wool Skirt. I just discovered that Boden is now doing professional wear, and have a few options, including the above skirt. The pieces look darling, but as I have zero need right now for business wear, if you have ordered or will order from this new line of clothing, would you mind doing a review and sending it my way? Thanks!
I hope that these reviews were helpful to you all! Keep 'em coming, everyone!!! :)
P.S. I just read on-line that my showstopping knitted jacket is on backorder till April. (Sad face.) ;) If anyone gets their jacket early, would you mind sending me your review? I would be very grateful!
