Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Leap Day Extra!

Hey, all.  Happy Leap Day!  No leap day baby for this expecting momma, which is okay by me...he would have been a month early had he come today.  (Although it is kind of cool birthday, admittedly.)

Thank you for your well wishes and ideas regarding my illnesses of late.  I have gone the homeopathic route with many of my symptoms, especially the sore throat, which I have been fixing with good ole hot herbal tea.  I also have a peppermint rubbing stick thingy (hard to describe) that helps open up my nasal passages, allowing me to breathe.  It appears I may be on the upswing, although I am tempted to only leave the house with a surgical mask on (like the people you sometimes see on flights) to prevent getting any further germs (I blame you, preschool!).

Onto to tonight's Boden roundup.  :)

If you would like to see an item on me close up, click on the photo (remember, you can right click to open it on its own page)...if you would like to see the item on a blog friend or in their polyvore, please click on the link I have provided you...if you would like to go directly to Boden's page for that item, click on the stock photo, which will give you an idea of other colorways, sizing, measurements, and availability.

Right now I have a coupon for 15% off with free ship and returns, which you can either access in my sidebar or at the bottom of this post.  Remember it only works on current items, not the items in the clearance section (although you can get free ship and returns on those).

Regular Boden:

Twist Jersey Top.  This was one of my fave tops from the Spring Preview back in October.  I loved the soft look added with the jersey fabric.  When I received it in January, I immediately put it on and realized that it was stretchy and long enough to be worn even before I have Gus.  :)

This is a 6 regular, which is one size bigger overall than I would normally purchase in Boden jersey tops (and sometimes dresses).  I am glad I bought it big, though, as it is perfect through the shoulders.  So I don't recommend sizing down at all in this unless you are itty-bitty through the shoulders and bust.

I paired it with a Gap Maternity Skirt and a pair of Naturalizer booties.

Please pardon the bad lighting, sadly mother nature was full of rain and gloom today and this was the best I could do for photos.  ;)

From the side.  That is a 36 week belly, you all.  I am officially big.

Yet the top still works.  Holla!  (BTW, that will also allow me to highly recommend purchasing the petite top if your size is sold out in the regular section...once bad boy is born, I will have a fairly long top on my hands, which isn't an issue, but I looked at the length on the petite 6 and its length may be better for my shorter torso normally.  I have gone ahead and ordered the petite 6 in the pink shade, and will definitely let you all see that in real life once I am able to actually wear it properly.  Till then it is all dark grey, baby!)

So the color is dbl, which I gather is dark blue, but it is also called storm, which makes me think grey.  Huh.  In my eyes it is a very deep rich grey with darker blue undertones.  It looks different to me in real life, color wise, than it does on line. 

I do like the twist detail, keeps the top interesting, but I still view this top as more of a foundation piece that you dress up...

So to that end, I dressed it up with my J. Crew Hacking Jacket in Midnight Ocean and a J. Crew wool scarf from last year.

Close up of the top with the jacket and scarf.



Twist Jersey Top. Oh, my. Watch for popbacks if you need a regular size. I am sure someone will return eventually. If you can wear a petite (I go into who might be able to below the side shot of me wearing it), then you should be fine. Sadly the petites stop at a size Petite 10 (Johnnie, come on now), so bear that in mind. However, the larger regular sizes seem better stocked.


Essential Short Sleeve Tee. Molly, over at My Closet Travels, has given us some big news AND shared with us her latest outfit which included this pretty little striped tee. :) Yay, Molly!





Retro Top and Bikini Shorts (top two images) and Ruffle Trim Bikini Top and Shorts (bottom two images). Poppy's Style has a very thorough review of both of these delightful bathing "costumes" over at her blog. :) I am a fan, especially of the polka dotted one. They will definitely look fab at Tybee! Have fun!


Essential Long Sleeve Tee. Poppy's Style shows off the lovely aqua shade of this top, worn under last season's fair isle cardigan. :)


Leather Biker. Sarah, a blog friend, wrote back regarding her experience with this jacket, which she had been thinking about purchasing for a while: I thought I would follow up with you since you were so helpful with my decision in ordering the Leather Jacket. I got it today and I hate to say that it's going back. Positives - tan color was exactly what I was expecting, leather was very soft, but sturdy at the same time. Negatives - it was too big. And not too big in that if I went down a size it would fit. It will never look like it does in the picture unless you take the time to button and tie the waist every time you wear it. When it's open, it's completely shapeless and unflattering. It just felt kind of matronly. Boo. The hunt for a great leather jacket continues...thank you!

Sarah, I feel for you, but I know you will find that great leather jacket!!! :)


Summer Wedges. Math Teacher gave us a wonderful written review of these pretty sandals last week at the roundup and says of them: I have been on the hunt for a silver wedge sandal for 2-3 years and Boden came through this year. I tried their strappy wedges last year but found them too narrow and too long. Back they went. This year I ordered the summer wedges and I love them. They are just the look I wanted. I've only worn them for a short time around the house (it hasn't been that warm here :D), but they felt comfy. I'm hoping they are comfy enough to wear all day at school.


Stripy Tunic. Math Teacher also reviewed this delightful top: I also got the stripy tunic. I wanted this last year but never ordered it, so I didn't want to let it get away this year. It is just barely long enough to wear as a dress, but not at school. Leggings will allow me to wear it there. It is cut flatteringly. The radish stripe is a pretty pink and ivory.

Thank you so much, Math Teacher!!! :)


Boden Limited Edition:

Florence Top. Kit's Mommy created a polyvore with this gorgeous printed silk blouse and was more than happy to do a quickie review for us of the piece: Yes, I did get it. I ordered a 6 and need to reorder in a 4 as this runs really big. It is pretty. I like the higher neckline as most flowy tops are too big across the shoulders and neck on me. I wish the sleeves were a bit more narrow as they are more full than they appear online. Also, the background is more of a nude color and not at all ivory as it appears. The silk is lovely and weighty and the top is made beautifully.

Thank you, Kit's Mommy!

Clearance Boden:

Ribbon Flower Cardigan. Pramak1 created a polyvore highlighting this Limited Edition Cardigan and also gave me a review for any of you thinking of it (definitely in low stock, but popbacks!): It fits TTS, though I find Boden cardis to be generally a tad bigger than J.Crew ones (which I think actually fits me better). I ordered in a size 2 (my J.Crew size is XS). The material is super soft -- I'm guessing it is because of the silk and cashmere. It has a lovely pattern of flowers in dark green, mauve pink, and deep purple and the cardigan itself is light grey. When I saw it online, I was worried about that the flowers would look cheap -- however, it is very well made -- and definitely unique :) I think the best part is being able to mix/match it with different things -- and give the outfit an elegant flare.

Thank you!!! :)


Everyday Jersey Tunic. Poppy's Style looks super chic in her black, grey, and cream ensemble. (I actually prefer the way she styled hers to the way they styled the model.) She also points out that this tunic is only $34, which seems like a good deal to me. :)

Okay, mobile users...here is a direct link to receiving an additional 15% off and free ship/returns (remember, clearance items only receive the free ship/returns):
Save 15% at Bodenusa.com with Free Delivery and Returns!
(This link takes you to the mini Boden home page, but it will give 15% off all items, including non-mini items.)

If you do have another code (like from a catalog, etc.), you can enter that in the shopping bag page. There is a box on that page that allows you to enter the code/details.

You all have a nice night!

P.S. I realized toady that the Summer Preview 20% off will end on March 5, which means I HAD best publish my picks before then. LOL. Does tomorrow work for you all? There are some cute as pie items for the whole family, definitely think all three of my little ones will make out like Boden bandits...

OOTDs: Searching for Comfort. (Wherever I Can Find It!)

I am so not going to bore you with why I haven't published since Thursday, but I will ask you to take a look at this article on why those of us with baby are susceptible to a condition known as a suppressed immune system (you know if that's your thing--learning about stuff like that). I finally got over the nasal infection only to be walloped with a mild flu. I have been asleep in bed for the past two days. I suspect I will be going back to bed in exactly two hours. Fun!

What has helped me get through this? My Kindle Fire and episodes of Portlandia and Storage Wars on Netflix Streaming. Thank goodness for technology. :)

I have quite a few outfits of the day to get through that I have been meaning to publish for a while now.  This will be short and sweet, with just a quick look at the items in the outfits along with where I was going.  They ALL were comfortable.  At this point if anything pinches, rides up, or makes me feel like I am going to hurt if I wear it longer than twenty minutes, I nix it as a possibility.

This is one of my more dressy outfits of late.  I wore this one to go out with the family a recent weekend night.

Top: Liz Lange Maternity.  I wore this to the George Mason Basketball game, too.
Skirt: Mimi Maternity.  This has a large elasticized waistband to make it work at all stages of pregnancy.
Shoes: J. Crew Quorra high heel oxfords.  I love that these can be worn in the winter, although the cut-outs make them summer-appropriate too.  (FWIW, it wasn't that cold that night...really hasn't been here at all.  Winter was officially a no-show this year.)
Necklace: J. Crew from Fall 2009.

It was cold enough for a topper, though, so I pulled out my J. Crew Double Cloth Carlin Coat in Blackberry.

Mr. Dina's bday may have been a few weeks ago, but it took us until last week to go to dinner to celebrate (the very yummy Lebanese Layalina in Arlington--he actually proposed to me there all those years ago).

Dress: Liz Lange for Target.  This was bought during CW's pregnancy, so it is a summer dress.  Guess what?  The temps in the 60s that day made this more than appropriate, especially with the cardigan.
Cardigan: J. Crew Jackie.
Shoes: Anthropologie Schuler and Sons Chiseled Wedges.
Earrings: J. Crew Snow Sparkle Earrings.

Better view of the outfit.

I also was making a really stupid face (like I was in the last photo, but that one was less stupid).

You can see the bracelet here too (J. Crew Sunset Charm Bracelet).

I recall feeling nice this day, no yuckiness, etc.  Maybe a preschool run day?  Ugh.  Can't remember.  LOL.  I should probably just stay on top of the ootd posts, huh?

Top: Motherhood Maternity smocked bubble print tank.
Cardigan: J. Crew Soft Tee Cardigan.
Pants: Duo Maternity Cords.
Necklace: J. Crew Glass Bead Ladybug Necklace.
Shoes: Target Merona Meadow.  These are a mary jane style with a slight heel and a darling rosette "buckle" on the strap.

This was my Valentine's Day outfit.  I decided that although I LOVE the heart throb shirt, I didn't want to go over the top and "in your face" with my V-day ensemble.  :)

Top: J. Crew Tissue Pintuck Tee.  This is one of those tops that J. Crew makes that can stretch, stretch, stretch.
Shirt: J. Crew Tartan Tuxedo Shirt.
Pants: Duo Maternity Jeans.
Shoes: J. Crew Lula Bow Ballet Flats.  LOVE the Lulas!
Necklace: J. Crew.

I even wore red lipstick!

Valentine/Lumberjack. by dinagideon featuring j crew jewelry

I did create a polyvore of this outfit.  I felt it was a great mix of lumberjack and sweetheart.  {Snort.}

This was last week on the preschool run. It got up to 70 that day.  It was pretty incredible.  I even managed to fit in a walk at a local nature preserve, and after 2 miles, I felt it, but the sun felt wonderful.

Top: J. Crew Jaspe Pullover.  I loved the blue version so much that I bit on the grey as well.  I think these will be cozy comfy options for pregnancy, and for post pregnancy will be the perfect tops for traveling (ugh, long car rides and/or plane trips).
Shirt: Old Navy Maternity Ruffled Button Down.
Shorts: Motherhood Maternity Bermudas.
Necklace: J. Crew Carnation Necklace.
Shoes: J. Crew Piera Ballet Flats.  These stood up to the walk in the park well.  :)

Another view from inside, colors are more true to life here (the outdoor shot was a bit washed out).

This was worn this weekend for church.  We had also intended to go to a movie but because my slow as molasses butt was not walking fast enough, we got to the theater too late and every. single. seat. was filled up (not really, but you know my kids--as mature as they are--can't sit in seats away from us--there were only single seats left...ergh).  And my big belly didn't elicit gasps of "help a sister out," either.  LOL.  Nah, I understood.  ;)

We ended up going to Dairy Queen instead, which was a definite plus in my book.

I have worn this tunic before recently (in the red halfway down that post), but clearly it is being stretched to its limits now (but still is fine, yay for soft jersey knits!).

Tunic: Boden Terazzo Tunic.
Leggings: J. Crew.
Shoes: J. Crew Dreamweaver Ballet Flats, Size 9.5 (quickie review at the very bottom after the next photo).

I love ballet flats and wear them constantly.  I was drawn to these for the same reason I was drawn to the Quorras in outfit #1--they are summery with the cut-out/weaved fabric, but are perfectly fine in less warm months too.  (Can be worn with thin socks, if need be.)  I chose to get my true size of 9.5 and they fit beautifully right out of the box.  I have a feeling they will be a bit too narrow for some of you though...I anticipate you could stretch the shoes, though, fairly fast.  These seem to be made from a softer leather.  The footbed and sole are leather, as well, so more worth the price than other flats of the same price made from man made materials.

Okay, that's all.  I feel it would be a minor miracle if I actually post tomorrow, but who knows?  :)  You all have a great night!!!

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Hello There!

I have had such a great past couple of days!  I have been under the weather, but with time and great medicine, I am definitely on the mend.  That said, I decided to take yesterday off from the blog so I could spend the day with my brother and my evening with my hubby and kids making some Build-a-Bears for Gus.  :)  They made a dragon (Rex) and a bear (CW).  They are super excited to give them to him in person at the hospital.  I am sure Gus will be most appreciative, even if he doesn't show it (imagine a newborn expressing surprise and gratitude...lol). 

I also got out and about today.  I went to our local nature preserve (a marshy area with a wonderful boardwalk) to enjoy the glorious near 70 degree weather.  A really nice local lady (she is one of the few of us actually raised in Northern Virginia--it is rare for me to meet others like that) invited me to walk with her and her adorable four month old nephew, and together we walked over 1.8 miles!  (I did it!  I was a bit tired at the end, but it felt great!) 

Then I headed to the local coffee shop to work on this roundup but ran into a good friend and her kids...who also mentioned that another good friend and her two youngest would be coming to the shop, too.  Guess what took the backseat?  :)

So that's where the title comes from--I am finally getting around to saying "hello, there" to you all after my two days of saying "hello, there" to lots and lots of IRL friends. 

Okay, so onto the roundup...remember if you would like to see an item on me close-up, please do click on the photo to see it larger (or right click to see it on its own page)...if you would like to see an item on a blog friend, do click on the link provided to that blog...if you would like to see more on the sizing, measurements, other colorways, and availability of an item in the roundup, please do click on the stock photos provided by my affiliate program, these will take you directly to the item page itself.

I have a 15% promo running right now for all current styles in Boden.  This will not work on the clearance items, but will at least provide for free ship and returns on those.  This 15% promo can be found in the sidebar or at the very bottom of this post (for mobile device readers of this post).

Boden Maternity:
I don't normally like to start with Boden Maternity, but my affiliate stock photos don't show up in the dashboard, and I prefer that there be a photo associated with the posts, so I start with the one and only IRL review I have this week.  (At this point very few non-maternity pieces are fitting me...so you may be seeing more photos of items paired with a written review, much like I did with the textured cotton skirt a few weeks ago.)

Breezy Jersey Dress.  Size 4 in the pink/red colorway.  I AM SO GLAD I bought this.  It is insanely comfortable and can be dressed up (which is how I did it yesterday--I will show the styling in another post) or dressed down with flip-flops or sandals.

It does run really large, though.  I could have gone with a size 2...the smallest size Boden makes.  Here is why...the bodice is fitted for your pre-pregnancy size, but with some stretch (Tencel Lyocell double layer fabric) and the skirt is excessively full.  This is NOT a dress to size up in, even if you have "girls" that grow with pregnancy.  The bodice will stretch fine enough in your true size.

The fit is very flattering from the front, I felt like the first thing you see when wearing this is the pretty fabric and the nice scoop on the neckline.  Then you notice the bump that goes along with the dress.

I don't know if this can be worn postpartum or not.  I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for first trimester, even, as most women don't show until 13 weeks gone (or later).  This could just look frumpy and oversized if worn too early on...

I will give it a shot postpartum (and clearly will wear it again the next month--multiple times, likely), and will get back to you on how well it transitions.

From the back.  I like that the waistline mimics some non-maternity frocks, that helps keep it from appearing to dowdy.


Breezy Jersey Dress. Also available in a blue version.

Regular Boden for Women:
Did you like the breezy jersey dress that I wore in the Boden Maternity section? If so, but not with bebe, you may want to look at these two options:

Wrap Jersey Top. This comes in many colors (including solids), but the tie in is the "fizz" colorways which are the same as in the maternity frock I own. The print is darling and bubbly, imo.


Floaty Jersey Dress. This dress is a double layer tencel lyocell, which is the fabric my dress was constructed from, very breezy and lightweight.


Relaxed Knitted Tunic. Poppy's Style returned the one she bought. There is an excellent explanation as to why here at this post (also her picks for the summer preview--which I am SO late on doing myself!).  Also, if you want 20% off and free ship/returns on the preview, remember to key in the code "PRUS" in the shopping bag page.


Flower Burst Shift. Glamour magazine highlighted this dress in brown recently. I did a post on it here.

Boden Clearance:

Piped Shoe Boots. Poppy's Style shows these off (in brown) with a DARLING outfit. Love it!

Definitely check out the summer preview. I have a few picks, especially in mini Boden, but that may be because I am currently in "nesting" mode. LOL. :)

If you are on a mobile device, below is a link that will get you 15% off and free ship and returns. Do let me know if you are having any issues using it!
Save 15% at Bodenusa.com with Free Delivery and Returns!


Okay, that's it!  Enjoy your Thursday, and hopefully next week I will get the BWRR published on Wednesday.  :)