Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Swinging Sixties.

Good Wednesday Afternoon!

With so much to do, let's just get started.

This week, Boden is having their mid-season sale which means many items are around 40% off.  The popular items are not included in the sale, but some patterns and colorways of "b-list" garments are definitely in the sale, so check around to see if anything on your wishlist is.  I had two items on my wishlist go on deep discount, so I picked them up on Monday.  I wrote about the sale and my two choices in this blog post.

I am holding off on grabbing anything else, though, because I am eagerly anticipating the Boden Limited Edition line, which is set to drop any day now.  I have a suspicion that day will be Friday, and if so, I may have a few pennies (if only it cost pennies!) that I can rub together to grab one item (and to see which one I may grab, see the last photo in this post).  If the line does debut that day, I will do a write-up as soon as I can to let you all know.

Also in the "I want to let you all know" category, my dear blog friend Louise, of the former "Running on Anthro" blog is back!  Unfortunately someone else grabbed her blog address so she had to re-name it to "What Lou Wore 365," but so far is proving to be just as wonderful as her former blog.  As per usual, she has lots and lots of lovely Boden and Anthro, so if you are a fan of either (or both), make sure you follow her!

Okay, that's it in the news category, onto the reviews!

Regular Boden:

Sixties Jumper.  I still have not technically worn this sweater outside, but upon realizing how nicely this color went with this textured cotton skirt, I knew it was the right time to at least do a review of the sweater for you all.  :)

(BTW, if you want to know what I wore with the skirt that day, get your sunglasses on and check out the FB photo...the neon pinks I paired with it were pretty bright.)

I bought this sweater because I was attracted to the retro feel of it, very definitely something I could see worn in the height of the '60s, hence the (maybe not so original) name of it.  I also loved the image of the model in it, and because I am a marketer's dream girl, the shot worked to get me to at least try it.

I find the fit a bit big, but not so big I need to return.  The shoulders fit nicely, as does the bust.  The arms are very free, and since I am used to a bit more fitted silhouette there, it was a bit odd, but not unpleasant.  The torso is also "swingy" (there's where the name of the post comes from, btw), but I suspect the swing was an intentional design.

I bought it in a size 6, which is my typical Boden top size.

Bit long, too, and from the side you can see how it is not super-fitted.

Although it is not super-fitted, from the back you can see the outline of my bra, but this could also be because of the way the southern exposure light of the late day was streaming into the room while I was taking the pictures.  That said, if you are wary of lines, you may want to wear one of those bras that promise no lines (much like the panties that promise no VPL).


Sixties Jumper.  Most of these are on deep backorder, with the pink version completely (or near completely) sold out.

Leather Loafers. Original Review here.  I want to do a quick follow-up to my original review.  The last time I wore these, I had a few blisters at the back of my heel from walking around.  I wore them again a couple days ago and did not get any blisters, so I think I am good to go, which means that it only took me one wear to "wear" them in...

For those of you who like this look, but would prefer a cheaper alternative, check out Lou's review of a Johnnie b. pair in the Johnnie b. section of this post.


Leather Loafers.  This is a popular item this fall with many of these on backorder.  They are all leather, including the sole, so they are built to last.


Placket Cord Dress. Shopwithm shows off the adorable navy blue/green polka dot version.  :)  Love it!


Retro Top. Look!  It is another sixties inspired top worn by Shopwithm.  :)  Very much like my Audrey dress, except in top form. 

 

Oil Cloth Messenger Bag.  Lou also provided me with images of this adorable pink messenger bag currently on great discount from $58 to $29 (one of the two or three items being marked down by 50% during the mid-season sale).  Here are some of her thoughts on this bag:

The bag is really lovely, very stiff fresh out of the packet and has a funky print lining. It isn't as big as I imagined from the online product shots, it comfortably fits a novel, my (admittedly large Boden) wallet, keys, camera, assorted small items like lip balm tins etc. The strap lengthens to a cross-body length so you can use it both in this way and as a shoulder bag. The buckle closure is non-functional and hides a very strong popper fastening. I almost ordered this on preview months ago before the collection launched but decided to wait for a higher than 20% off offer. As it was I managed to order it on a rare (unintentional on Boden's part) discount code stacking day! Worth the wait and worth the price.

Well, then, that seals it, at a good price, this bag is 100% worth it.  :)
 

Oil Cloth Messenger Bag.  Dark Brown is in low stock, the others are fully stocked.  Only the pink is at the fabulous sale price, though.

 
Twist Front Jersey Dress.  I received an email from lolcatgirl who had this to say about the dress: 

It fits TTS. The material is nice. Unfortunately, the patterns are just not me. I tried on the Fig Marigold which is the one I liked the best. It also comes in black but I have enough black dresses.

She also provided photos, which you can see here.  :) 

BTW, if any of you have issues commenting at Disqus (which lolcatgirl did), you can always e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com instead with your reviews.


Johnnie b.:

 

Tassel Loafers.  Lou provided these images for me to share with you of the Johnnie b. alternative to the Leather Loafers in the Women's line.  Besides the price (MUCH CHEAPER), it is really hard to tell the difference.  Here are some of Lou's thoughts:

I snagged the Johnnie B loafers in brown on a pop back, every size was showing as sold out last Wednesday but a 39 showed up on Thursday! Good old Boden delivered them next day on a free delivery code of course. After eyeing up the beautiful Women's loafers I spotted these in the young ladies range for less than half the price. My usual Boden shoe size fits beautifully, I take a UK6  (US 8.5, roughly) which translates to a 39. The shoes are a rich brown colour and a very tight, close fit on first try although not uncomfortably so. My feet are fairly narrow so anyone with wider than average feet may find them an uncomfortable fit. I envisage these becoming real workhorses over the autumn. Maybe not quite as smart as the patent Women's version these are a fantastic option for anyone on a tighter budget.

The most major difference is the lack of a leather sole, but unless that matters to you, this is a great alternative.  :)


Tassel Loafers.  Definite long wait for the brown version.  :P


Boden Clearance:

 

 

Deck Shoes.  Louise not only provided the photos above of these darling shoes, she also wore them on her blog in this post.  :)

Here are her thoughts on these cute and casual preppy mocs:

The Johnnie B deck shoes were a spur of the moment clearance buy at the end of August. Currently showing low stock in a 39 and available in 40,41 & 42 in red and a just 42 in tan. An absolute bargain at £22 these are without doubt one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I've ever owned. Like popping on a pair of soft slippers or moccasins. They are a wider fit than the JB loafers and look super cute with trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses. All leather and made in India, definitely worth considering.


Leather Deck Shoes. 

Thanks to Lou, Shopwithm and lolcatgirl for their reviews!!!

And finally, above you will see the photo of the skirt that I will probably buy when the Limited Edition line is launched.  Although I loved the glamour tweed skirt that I reviewed here, I think the length and overall aesthetic of this skirt may suit me more.  AND...I already have the top and shoes, so if I am especially lacking in creativity, I can just re-do the whole catalog image, top to toe. 

Okay, that's it, you all have a great night!

P.S. If I have missed your review, would you let me know...between the craziness of last week's CW Birthday party, school, and in-laws in town, I have *maybe* been a bit less careful of watching the blogs as I am wont to do.  ;)