Monday, October 31, 2011

Mommy Style Monday #23--Style Repeated.

I have totally discussed this topic before.  I called it my Mommy Style "go to," and that post is here.

However that post was mostly about my winter style uniform, and I wanted you all to see a summer style uniform.  This summer "go to" outfit choice of mine is especially useful for me when I am trying to get ready to go to church or dinner out but am a bit stumped or I am having the dreaded "fat day."

I love that feel of ease and effortlessness, so I highly recommend every momma out there grab a look or two and hone it so that when similarly stumped (or feeling stumpy), you have a go-to for nearly every moment of your life.  I cannot tell you how much better life with these multiple ankle biters has been since streamlining the dressing process.  I am able to just get it and go most mornings.  I do want to step outside my comfort zone and will do so, but refuse to let some "goal" of being different get in the way of getting the kids to preschool or getting us to church on time.

To remind you of the last time I wore an outfit similar to my summer uniform, it was here on the kids first day of preschool.  Now that I have tried this look a couple of times, I will definitely continue to pull from this uniform look in the future.

Stripes and Florals...Easy Breezy. 

Tee: J. Crew Cashmere Tee, Striped Citron, from Summer 2007.  Fitted shape to offset the more full shape of the floral skirt (also done in the preschool day outfit).
Skirt: J. Crew Sketchbook Roses Belle Skirt, Size 10 (I sized up one size for length and so I could tuck tees in it), from Fall 2008.  This full skirt works nicely on most figures, but make sure not to go too full or else it can look a bit juvenile and if you are at all hippy (like me), it can over-emphasize the hips if too full.
Necklace: J. Crew Crystal Devote Necklace.
Shoes: Plenty for Tracy Reese Felt Almond Heels from Anthropologie.  How these are not sold out already is beyond me.  These are all at once COMFORTABLE (even with the heel), FLATTERING (love the v-shape to the top of the shoes), and all leather (and on sale for $70, still).  I took the size 40, which works great for my (J. Crew sized) 9.5 narrow foot.

CW is feeling fine in her summer staple uniform, the frilly, girly, all cotton dress.  :)

Grey Floral and Yellow Stripes.

Above is the polyvore of this set.

I can't let today's Mommy Style Monday go by without including my version of Halloween chic.  We had CW's ballet class this morning and my way of going festive was to wear orange and a snakeskin print.  (And jack-o-lantern earrings.  I had totally forgotten about those.  They were from my full-time teaching days.  No, I do NOT own a "Christmas Cardigan."  Hand on heart.)

J. Crew Python Print Silk Twill Dress.  This was a random purchase of mine on ebay that worked out.  I was nervous it wouldn't fit, but thank goodness it did.  :)  However the silk twill fabric is super static cling tastic...does anyone have a recommendation for a short slip to go under this dress?  Merci!

Tights are Ralph Lauren control top sweater knit tights and very warm.  Love them.

Frye Ada Peep Toe Kitten Heels.

Not loving this face, but it makes me laugh.  The earrings are the lovely jack-o-lantern earrings that are so cliche they are probably hip in some sort of ironic hipster way.  The coat is from J. Crew last winter, the double cloth bonbon.

Wasn't super cold today, but the bonbon was a welcome addition to my wardrobe this past weekend.  Not only is it orange but it is a winter jacket.  I cannot believe that in VA, where we typically don't wear coats until mid-November, that we had FREAKING snow and mid-30s temps on Saturday.  Yeah, blegh.  Welcome to Halloween, VA.

They have their costumes already to go...CW as Princess Aurora and...

Rex either riding a T. Rex or as a T. Rex. Your call. LOL.

Happy Halloween!

BTW, here is the polyvore of today's outfit.

Also, because I am curious...do you all have a summer staple uniform that you turn to when you have no time or "one of those days?"

Have a great night. Back to normal My Superfluities programming tomorrow!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Paris: Day Two Outfits of the (Sick) Day.

So how many of you have ever traveled and ended up being sick in the hotel room one of the days you are on vacation?  With the Paris trip, this will make twice for me.  LOL.  (Not laughing at the time, but I do see the humor now.)

As I described in this post, I may have slightly overdone it the first day of our visit to Paris.  Whoopsy doodle.

So even though I think I am super-woman, I am merely human with a bit of a delusion that I can (and should) do. it. all.  :)

Day two was like this...

Wake up at 2 am with a throbbing head and aching all over my body.  Go to the bathroom and want to keel over.  Take some nyquil (after the first trip where I got sick--London 2003, btw--and discovering that England HAS NO NYQUIL, I have since traveled with it, TSA be damned).  Fall back into bed and only barely sleep.  The next morning I wake and unfortunately have to visit the porcelain king (still porcelain in France, if memory serves). 

Yes, so my hubby wasn't going to torture me, so he got me some breakfast in bed from room service, which had 4 (!!!) pain au chocolats, cereal, milk, juice, coffee, fresh fruit, and yogurt.  Amazingly, that worked to help me feel a bit better.  (I didn't eat it all, but I tried, however there were a few toddlers who helped.)

Then my hubby told me NOT to go walking all over Paris, and insisted that after our visit to the train station for a quick lunch that I should immediately go back and nap the afternoon away.  Which I did.  Happily.

I could have gone out, but I think he was right.  That said I did get dressed to go the train station (can't go in my jammies, after all, no matter how avant garde Paris is).  I also managed enough sleep to get really dressed up to go to dinner out with the fam that night.

So let's name this day what it was...a day of sick, leopard, and a lot of food.

I want to start with my favorite outfit of the day, so I am going to show off the dressy dinner outfit first and then the going to the train station to grab a quick bite to eat food outfit.

I was feeling way more refreshed by this point.  Mr. Dina could have told me we were going to have more room service and I would have still wanted to dress up, I felt that good.  I guess rest did the trick.

Dress: J. Crew Teddie Dress in Red, Size 6.  Did a fairly exhaustive review here.  I am definitely a fan, but it has detractors.  I think if you want a dressy night out dress, this is your gal.
Tights: Who knows?  Maybe Assets, a Target brand.  They were comfy and had a control top (which I insist upon, cannot stand loosey-goosey tights).
Shoes: Clarks.  Found these at Rugged Wearhouse (a TJ Maxx kind of re-seller) for $25.  I guess that is a good deal, as on Nordstroms these go for far more.  They were also super comfy, and I could wear them for a while whilst walking in Paris and was fine.
Necklace: Fiona Paxton Sylvie.  Love this necklace, definitely a statement, but this was the night (and the place) to make one.

Ah, yes, the Leopard Tote.  I had pre-ordered this bag WAY back in June and it finally arrived one week before we left.  I was so concerned that it wouldn't come on time that I actually contacted Boden's customer service.  They assured me that this fab bag would be on my person in the City of Lights.

The bag is a great size, just big enough, but not so big that I was going to dislocate my shoulder.  The bag is calf-hair with a leopard print, and has a dark brown leather trim (on the handles and bottom).  The lining is a very pretty contrast aqua cotton sateen fabric.  I had no problem slipping the handles over my shoulders, either, making it the perfect size for carrying up high (even though I am holding it in the pic above).

See, the lights?  Get it?  City of...
I have shown this pic before, but you all didn't know I was hiding the Teddie Dress underneath.  Let's just pretend it has never been shown.

BTW, CW had on a Boden dress, too.  She loves her Funky Print Dress and has now worn it five times since we got it for her. :)

Paris: Day Two Dinner Out.

Above is the polyvore of the dressy dinner outfit.

This was right before we were to go to Gare de Lyon for our quick lunch.  I was feeling more lively here, but I can tell I was tired (love the darling baggage I was carrying under my eyes--oh dear).

Sweater: J. Crew Leopard Print Tippi Sweater.  So this sold out really fast, and I fortunately grabbed it before it went away.  I bought it in a size small (rather than my usual x-small) and it fits great.  I think this sweater, if it comes back, can easily be bought up a size larger than you normally wear and you will be fine.  Just my two cents.
Pants: Some random pair of black pants I have had forever.  Not leggings, p.s.  :)
Shoes: Clarks (see above for more info).

Hands on hips.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  :)  BTW, the reason I didn't do a Boden Spring Preview 2012 post is because half of the darn photos have not been (Boden's words, not mine) "picked up at the chemists," or some such nonsense.  LOL.  I will wait till they have filled out their coffers a bit.

Talk to you all tomorrow.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Paris: Day One Outfit(s) of the Day.

Quick Update 2:41 PM: Umm, you all, before I begin with my Paris journey...just received word that the Boden Spring Preview 2012 is up and on-line.  Take a gander here.  I will do a dedicated post sometime this weekend.  :)

ORIGINAL POST:
Bonjour!

You all have been so sweet to me lately. Do not worry, I am getting plenty of sleep and rest. I have not exaggerated in any of my posts when I said that we overextended ourselves in Paris, it was miles and miles of moving and walking, many stairs climbed (sometimes with strollers--eek!), and many little hands held. So let's just say that my bedtime has been really early each night.  Even though I should have gained weight with all the amazing cheeses and full fat dinners we enjoyed, coupled with all those scrumptious pain au chocolats we had each morning, I didn't.  Um, yeah, the Paris way of life is kind of okay by me.  ;)

I have decided the only way I can get through my Paris photos and experience here on this blog will be to separate the outfit photos into separate daily posts, with extra posts (to be published in the near future) on strictly family photos (lots with the kids and sights that we saw) and on any advice, thoughts, etc., to be published on their own.

So without further discussion, here is day one, aka Dina's attempt at looking chic under intense tiredness and mental fatigue. LOL.

At Notre Dame the first afternoon.  I am glad I wore this outfit as the day was crisp and windy.  I needed something I could move in, but still would look decently presentable and fairly chic (for traveling, anyhow, which is kind of hard admittedly).

Coat/Jacket: J. Crew Collection Double Faced Cashmere Popover.  I will be doing a review of this at True Crew Love, promise, hand on heart, but for now, this is the perfect topper for fall/spring travel.  It packs well, is easy to get on and off, and when layered is pretty toasty.  The popover is also insanely soft and luxurious (as it freaking well should be, even with discounts, etc., it took me FOREVER to save up for it).  Here's the issue, though.  I am small on top, no doubt, but for those of you even more petite than me on top, you will be sized out.  This is an extra-small and it is just the right size.  And sadly J. Crew did not make this in a size extra-extra-small. 
Scarf: J. Crew Silk Driving Scarf.  I know this is really popular in blog land, and you all have seen it on me a few times already.  It pairs nicely with the olive tones of the leggings, and is a nice add on to the v-neck collar of the popover.  (Oh, and so you know, everyone wears scarves in Paris, everyone.  I didn't wear a scarf everyday, but I definitely felt like I fit it on the days I did.)
Leggings: J. Crew Essential Leggings.  I bought these in a medium.  I could have gone with a small, but I like how loose they felt, yet still had a slim shape.  Plus these leggings tuck very nicely into the Britten tall flat boots I brought.
Boots: J. Crew Britten Tall Flat Boots.  I think they should bring these back for a second season, I feel that they are that well done.  I also really like the exposed zipper in the back, which while functional (hello, easy pants tucking), are also pretty cool.  (Parisians also wear a lot of boots, so yep, another "I feel like I fit in" sartorial choice.)

BTW, for all of my mentioning that I felt like I fit in, I truly believe that no matter what I brought from my closet with me to Paris, I would have felt good...in some way, I think that truly stylish places appreciate individual style and taste, and I found that very freeing about Paris, and I always feel that way about NYC.  I have only ever felt uncomfortable in certain places, and it usually stems from the women having a basic "uniform" and when you step outside the custom of what they wear, you get "looks."  I could go on and on about that, and while I am fine with there being a uniform of sorts for some localities, and will even attempt to not offend whilst there, because of my own individualistic tendencies, places where that liberty of self-expression through fashion is embraced is wonderful.  :)

This was worn under the popover.  I kept the popover on for the whole day, for the most part.  This is the stripe button back tee from last spring, J. Crew, size extra-small.

Those of you who visited my blog yesterday saw this image.  I really like this image.  :)

This is a close-up of the popover for you all.  The pockets were sort of nice to have, as the metro ticket and the museum passes all fit in there quite nicely.

I brought a beret.  People actually wear them in France.  I love my beret, and this is now its 11th (!!!) year of use by me.  By the way, those gloves were bought by me at the clearance center in Lynchburg, VA for $25.  They have a teeny-tiny pen mark on them, but other wise, the leather and cashmere is in great shape.  I also love the zipper, even though they are superfluous and have no real function.

And how great is it that we have a family photo that turned out decently?  Awesome!

Paris: Day One.

Above is the polyvore of the outfit, for you polyvore fans.


I should note that I did not start the day in the first outfit.  I actually was on the plane in the above outfit, which includes the Saturday pants by J. Crew, a long-sleeved striped tee by J. Crew, a Boden scarf, and a pair of Bensimon sneakers.  I also had on a pair of really attractive support hose (strength: strong, oh, baby!).  I wear support hose on long flights because I have a blood clotting disorder.  I also take full-strength aspirin to help blood thin even more.  (So the end effect?  I have really ugly hosiery on my legs and if I bump into anything I bruise quickly and very colorfully, but I will take both of those over blood clots which can lead to some nasty complications in my body...)

We stopped at the Gare de Lyon (we were at the hotel nearby--omg, you all, the Novotels are wonderful hotels!!!) for a quick bite to eat before we started our day.  This station serves Southern France, and it took all my willpower not to hitch a ride to Nice.  (Mr. Dina has promised me a trip to Provence, one day.)  ;)

Okay, all, have a great day.  Thanks again for your sweet comments lately...and very soon I will respond back.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bonjour to Hello!

As of two days ago I was saying the five words I know in French in superfluity (bonjour, merci, pardon, au revoir, and garcon--guess why I said that last one so much, lol). As of today between attempting to keep my eyes open (guess who is REALLY REALLY tired) and shuttling the kids everywhere, I am taking the many English words I do know and hoping to eventually get my patooty in gear and spark some fire to get the many posts I have in my head actually here on my blog.

Pigs don't fly, but if I get these posts actually done with any real speed, I will be looking to the sky (where I might see this).

For now, I hope you all don't mind if I say both "bonjour" and "hello" and pretty much leave it at that (well, and a few photos, of course).

At the end I have a couple of requests but let's have the dessert first, photos of yummy France. :) (And two of the outfits, of course...)

Whole outfit is J. Crew.  More on that later.  What you don't see?  The dude to the right of me who was clearly confused by why I was taking my picture right here.  Yeah, okay.  I don't know how to say "whatever" in French, but maybe I should learn.  ;)
This was taken near somewhere in Paris near the Seine.  It was taken the first day I was there, and at this point had been existing on no sleep (the plane shook the. entire. time. we. were. flying...agh.) for nearly twenty hours.  I am surprised I managed a smile.  I am glad I went out as the weather was beautiful and I captured this shot on the Seine looking towards Ile de Cite:
Yeah, this isn't even all photoshopped or anything.  It literally looked exactly like this.  Made the sleeplessness worth it.

Taken at Chartres, which is a small, beautifully preserved city southwest of Paris.  With the toddlers we knew that we would be certifiable if we attempted to go much further, but the distance here was definitely doable. 

However, that said, within thirty minutes of this photo being taken, Rex had a meltdown in the courtyard of the Chartres cathedral.  Yeah, lucky me.  And lucky French folks.  (Who, btw, in general, seemed to actually like my kids--granted when they were smiling, etc.)

Whole outfit J. Crew.  More on that later.  :)  Sunglasses are from Anthro.
Taken in Chartes as the sun was setting.  Living in Alexandria, I am used to cobblestone streets, but that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate it again and again.  Cobblestone is cool.

Yeah, Rex had another breakdown thirty minutes after this photo was taken.  I began to suspect that Rex just didn't like Chartres.  He preferred the cosmopolitan air of Paris (ha, yeah, that was it, I am so sure).

And a tee-shirt!  No, this is for polyvore.  I bought a Vogue Paris mag from September 2011 (they still had them for sale at the store), and if you paid an additional eight euro you could get this tee.  I was all, "ooh, yes, s'il vous plait."  I wore this tee today.  Hence the need for a polyvore photo.

BTW, I have already published one photo from France, but since it was in a Boden-centered post, some of you all may have missed it. (And gigiofca, that bag is the Leopard Tote and it is awesome...review to come, promise, hand on heart.)

Now onto bizness.  Boden friends, I have not done a roundup in SO long.  And my internet crashed a bagizillion times in Paris, so I lost all the tabs of reviews that were to be published.  Would you all mind e-mailing me at dinagideon@aim.com if you have recently (two weeks or less from today) published a Boden review?  I would be VERY appreciative if you could.  Also, if you have any non-published reviews, I would love to have those, as well!

Also, speaking of Boden, one of my fave Boden centered blogs has disappeared.  Polly and Fiona, where are you?  Miss you much!

Okay, you all, have a GREAT night!  Bonsoir.  ;)

Friday, October 21, 2011

Boden: Catch of the Day, Friday, Thank Goodness!

You are seeing this photo because I have the internet.  Don't worry, there is a Boden piece or two in here amongst all the French pretty, the Leopard Tote I am holding and CW's adorable dress.  This was taken last night after a yummy dinner!  Neither of these Boden pieces are on sale today but were earlier this week!  :)
And it is TGIF!  How is your Friday starting off?  I am six hours ahead, and I hope that our Friday is as good as your Friday!  (But I have toddlers, in Paris, eek, so say tiny prayers, if you wouldn't mind!).

So I WAS able to get onto the internet this morning, woo!  :) Yesterday was a day I spent taking it much easier than the day before, but that was because I had overextended myself on Wednesday. My version of taking it easy was to nap while the children and their daddy went to the Modern Art Museum.  Word of advice, don't just "go, go, go" even when your body says "stop, stop, stop."  LOL.  Trust me on this.

The US site is not updated with the catch of the day, but I briefly went over to the UK site and it appears that a few skirts are on sale (including the printed A-line I reviewed here), pants (which I have not reviewed or seen reviews of), and many shoes (including the upbeat kitten heels which I LOVE).  I am abstaining from this sale entirely, in fact, the only thing I really wanted on sale was on Wednesday, of course, the one day I didn't have any access at all to the site (oh, Parade Coat at 30% off...sadness is mine!).  For those of you who got your fave pieces at a great % off, yay!  Enjoy.  And for those of you tickled by today's offerings, report back and let us know your faves!

I am going to include a link from this post to the mini Boden portion of the Boden website.  This link will also enable all users to get free shipping and returns so I wanted to make sure the link I used was able to do that, too.

From that link, you need to go to the top of the page and find the tab that says "women."  If you are in firefox, you should be able to drag your cursor over the tab and it will illuminate all the categories, one of which is called "Women's Catch of the Day."  (This is at the very bottom on the right hand side under "Style Shops.")  You should click on that which will then lead to the main page for that day's catch of the day (and also includes links to all the others--mini Boden, Johnnie B., and mens).

I am hoping that some of you could come back and comment your favorites from today's catch of the day, and which seem to be especially good deals.

Reminder...this catch of the day is 30% off selected items each day for a week. So if you see something you like, you have to get it that day or else lose out on the 30% off.  Also, you are unable to use additional % off offers with this discount...the 30% off is what you receive.

I look forward to seeing what all the great deals are, and from what I hear, my smart phone's internet should work, so whilst waiting in line (inevitable, right?), I will definitely be checking in...

Thank you all, or should I say "merci?"  ;)

Link to free ship/returns:
Mini Boden Winter Launch plus Free Shipping and Returns!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Boden: Catch of the Day, Thursday, Oui, Oui!

It is day two of Paris vacation, and I am sure that I will have had a chance to update this post, but you never know, so I have "auto-published," which means if you are seeing this, I have had no access to my blog (lol, I know it's okay).  :)

So, "oui, oui," or "yes, yes,"  I ask you again, dear blog friends to check out the Boden catch of the day for me!  I am going to include a link from this post (and the two future scheduled posts, although if I have internet access readily available may get updated) to the mini Boden portion of the Boden website.  This link will also enable all users to get free shipping and returns so I wanted to make sure the link I used was able to do that, too.

From that link, you need to go to the top of the page and find the tab that says "women."  If you are in firefox, you should be able to drag your cursor over the tab and it will illuminate all the categories, one of which is called "Women's Catch of the Day."  (This is at the very bottom on the right hand side under "Style Shops.")  You should click on that which will then lead to the main page for that day's catch of the day (and also includes links to all the others--mini Boden, Johnnie B., and mens).

I am hoping that some of you could come back and comment your favorites from today's catch of the day, and which seem to be especially good deals.

Reminder...this catch of the day is 30% off selected items each day for a week. So if you see something you like, you have to get it that day or else lose out on the 30% off.  Also, you are unable to use additional % off offers with this discount...the 30% off is what you receive.

I look forward to seeing what all the great deals are, and from what I hear, my smart phone's internet should work, so whilst waiting in line (inevitable, right?), I will definitely be checking in...

Thank you all, or should I say "merci?"  ;)

Link to free ship/returns:
Mini Boden Winter Launch plus Free Shipping and Returns!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Boden: Catch of the Day, Wednesday, a Favor Please?

Friends, while you are reading this, I am in Paris, most likely tiredly walking on some boulevard or avenue with my over-exhausted children and definitely cranky husband, but I feel that I wanted to at least schedule the Catch of the Day posts before I left for the vacation.

Having said that, I will not be around to update exactly what is in the catch of the day, which is where the "favor, please" comes into play.  I am going to include a link from this post (and the two future scheduled posts, although if I have internet access readily available may get updated) to the mini Boden portion of the Boden website.  This link will also enable all users to get free shipping and returns so I wanted to make sure the link I used was able to do that, too.

From that link, you need to go to the top of the page and find the tab that says "women."  If you are in firefox, you should be able to drag your cursor over the tab and it will illuminate all the categories, one of which is called "Women's Catch of the Day."  (This is at the very bottom on the right hand side under "Style Shops.")  You should click on that which will then lead to the main page for that day's catch of the day (and also includes links to all the others--mini Boden, Johnnie B., and mens).

I am hoping that some of you could come back and comment your favorites from today's catch of the day, and which seem to be especially good deals.

Reminder...this catch of the day is 30% off selected items each day for a week. So if you see something you like, you have to get it that day or else lose out on the 30% off.  Also, you are unable to use additional % off offers with this discount...the 30% off is what you receive.

I look forward to seeing what all the great deals are, and from what I hear, my smart phone's internet should work, so whilst waiting in line (inevitable, right?), I will definitely be checking in...

Thank you all, or should I say "merci?"  ;)

Link to free ship/returns:
Mini Boden Winter Launch plus Free Shipping and Returns!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Boden: Catch of the Day, Tuesday, Dresses and Necklaces!

It's on sale today!  (Review of the Venice Dress further along in this post!)
I was up early anyhow, so I thought I would check out the offerings first thing before getting the kids up for preschool.  I know many of you love Boden's easy dresses, so I will focus on these today, but there are a few necklaces on sale today, too.

Reminder...this catch of the day is 30% off selected items each day for a week.  As we saw yesterday's offerings were knitwear (cardigans and sweaters), and today they are back to full price.  So if you see something you like, you have to get it that day or else lose out on the 30% off.  (I did see things I liked, but le sigh, no budget yesterday!)  Also, you are unable to use additional % off offers with this discount...the 30% off is what you receive.  However, you are welcome to use the mini Boden free ship and returns link I have at the bottom of this post.  (It will take you to the mini Boden main page, but it is more than easy enough to get back to women's wear from there, including all Catch of the Day items...but hey, if you have a mini you running around, there are items on sale for them, too!)

And onto my picks...
Venice Dress
Venice Dress.

As you can see from the very top photo (at the top of the post) and the one above, I actually quite like this dress. I knew I wanted a yellow knit sweater dress, but the Jersey Circle Dress wasn't quite doing it for me, as I wanted an actual sweater dress (merino wool or wool blend). Years ago Boden offered the prettiest yellow sweater dress and I have been kicking my own butt over not having got it then (I had just had CW and felt too big to wear it). I was not going to make that mistake this year. :)

I got the size 6 Regular because I kept reading how large it ran. And it does run large, in fact, I would say if you are a straight ruler figure you could go down TWO whole sizes. If you are like me and have a pear shape or you are more well-endowed on top, you could go down one size.

The wool is really thick, I needed no jacket at all for the day I wore it. In fact, this winter, it will just need a pair of tights, boots, and a scarf most of our winter days here in the DC area (it doesn't usually get that cold around here).

The yellow is not bright, but it is also not muted. I would say it is pretty close to the honey glaze color by J. Crew (and there are fans out there of that color). This dress also comes in some very nice darker shades, too.

I think I might wear a slip with it the next time, I felt like although I didn't show off too many lumps and bumps, a slip will make for a real smooth line from neckline to hemline.

Pretty Wool Shift. This reminds me of a dress I own and wore quite a bit a few years back. I love retro prints, it is like getting Anthro at a much less substantial cost. LOL.  (BTW, there were no affiliate direct links, but the link embedded in the dress name should get you there.)

Cecily Dress
Cecily Dress. This is a Limited Edition item, and I think both shades and shapes are very flattering for most women.

Perfect Jersey Dress
Perfect Jersey Dress. This dress is the ultimate uber-flattering and super comfortable frock. Every woman should have a t least one of these in their wardrobes for "those" mornings.

And for you all, a link to free ship and returns:
Mini Boden Winter Launch plus Free Shipping and Returns!

Do you have any favorites or extra info on today's Catch of the Day?

Talk soon!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Boden: Catch of the Day, Monday, Yay!

And I almost missed it, THANK you ShOperaRach for your blog post!
I am amazed.  I usually am able to "catch" the catch of the day as soon as I wake up, that is how much I love the Boden site.  LOL.

But between my appointments and errands this morning and afternoon, I literally just found out about this because of my awesome blog friend ShOperaRach.  You are the best, thank you!

Okay, so remember, the Catch of the Day is only one day and the items change day to day.  This season's version is for 30% off selected items, including womens, mens, Johnnie B., and mini Boden.  I typically only show off my picks from the women's section, but will sometimes include Johnnie B. items if they look like they could work for most women, even if they aren't 18 and under.  :)

Today the emphasis seems to be on cardigans, which is fab! I have quite a few Boden cardigans, and really do believe that these staples are just that, necessary, but for all their "necessity," have such strong staying power in a wardrobe. (Bonjour, completer pieces in many different hues!)

Gorgeous Cashmere Cardigan
Gorgeous Cashmere Cardigan. I have wanted this since it debuted as part of the Limited Edition line back in the spring. Of course Boden has the fab sale today, the day I deposit the check in the bank, which means the funds I have won't be available till tomorrow. Le sigh. :) Maybe Johnnie will be nice to me and let this be part of the COTD on Friday??? Pretty please?

Kit's Mommy did a wonderful review of this cardigan here (halfway down).

Embellished Cashmere Cardi
Embellished Cashmere Cardigan. Again, sigh, why today, Johnnie? This bit of pretty is really tempting me. I have will power, though, and so does my budget, but for those of you not in my position, I will totally live vicariously through you!

Chic Merino Cardigan
Richmond Cardigan
Chic Merino Cardigan and Richmond Cardigan. If you liked the look of the Cashmere Cardi Coat I reviewed last week but find it a bit too much (it is pricey, I admit to that AND it is not part of the COTD today), then take a gander at these two. They have a similar look, especially the merino wool version. The merino wool that Boden uses is soft and lovely, and I have no problem recommending it to you all. The Richmond Cardigan was actually reviewed today by Suburban Mom (wonderful timing, thank you!).

Favourite Crew Neck Cardigan
Favourite Crew Neck Cardigan. This item is literally able to complete all forms of outfits, from pretty pencil skirt toppers to a bit of color for a jeans and white tee look.

Not looking for a cardigan? Boden has a few sweaters on sale, too.
Bella Jumper
Bella Jumper. Many colors on sale, and was reviewed last week by ShOperaRach. :)

Notting Hill Jumper
Notting Hill Jumper. I was also eyeing this pretty. LOL. :) I love the idea of using it as a tunic and wearing it over a striped tee and belting it.

Have a TON of money just laying around? Well, you would have to part with less of it for this EXCEPTIONAL Limited Edition item:
Leopard Beaded Cardigan
Leopard Beaded Cardigan. This is very beautiful, and would be the ultimate "stay in my wardrobe forever" kind of item, but yowza, the price (even if it is more palatable on sale).

Anyhow, just to remind you if you have a code from your catalog (they are located on the back page), you can also insert that into your shopping bag page as a code and probably receive an additional percentage off. If this does work for you, would you mind commenting back so I can know for sure it this works? THANKS in advance! :)

Okay, I just tried a code I had on one of my catalogs and when I applied the code it said at the top of the Gorgeous Cashmere Cardigan, "15% applied to all items (excluding Catch of the Day items).  So there you go!  I will say that regardless of extra % off or not, the 30% is a good % off, especially for these pieces!  You can also use your code to get free shipping or you can use my link here (takes you to mini Boden, but will still apply free ship/returns to all items in your bag):
Mini Boden Winter Launch plus Free Shipping and Returns!

Have a great day, and I will be back tomorrow (and hopefully the rest of the week) with COTD updates. (Our hotel in Paris has the internet, so I can probably take a mo every day to write a quick blog post!)