OOTDs: Brown and Green.

I have so many photos of him doing exactly this while I am taking my outfit photos.  Expect more in the future now that he can walk!

Day: Thursday, March 21, 2013.

Where: Mommy/Rex Day, with visits to his doctor, a restaurant, and Costco.

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I actually felt like the Blakeley Boots and coat were super comfortable.  BTW, I was asked which coat this was by a blog reader, and for those of you wondering as well, it is the Alabaster Tweed Coat made by J. Crew in 2008.  I love this fabric, very mid-century looking (reminds me of the couches from that time period) and very warm.  The shape is fab, too.  I don't know if this comes up on ebay often (I bought mine on ebay years ago), but if you see it, definitely grab it. 

The tights and dress (Bridget shirtdress--last worn a long time ago!) were okay, but I felt like the tights got stuck a bit on the skirt (since it isn't lined), so I had to add a slip (I own one, shhh). 

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Not cool, just preppy and presentable.  Which is fine by me, of course.

Anecdote from the day:  I decided to take Rex out of school that day so we could have a mommy/Rex day since he *rarely* gets alone time with just me anymore.  I think he had a good time, but he gets quieter when it is just the two of us on our own.  LOL.  I guess he feels that he doesn't have to compete with his brother and sister when it's just him, so he becomes really really chill.

He is a big boy, 55 pounds and nearly 4 feet tall.  I wasn't 55 pounds until I was 9.  Man, no wonder I can barely lift him anymore.  {{Tears.  My baby is growing up.}}

He told the doctor that he wants to be a welder when he grows up.  A welder.  Okay, then.  ;)

Day: Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

Where: I am pretty sure I went to Winesday in this get-up.  I am having a hard time remembering.  I blame my inability to remember on it being Saturday morning.  (Seems as good as any excuse.)

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) So easy to wear.  Even the coat (another J. Crew classic--the Highland Coat from 2005 or 2006) is a bit oversized so it is extremely comfortable.  The Boden tunic is also older, from way back when I started this blog.  Sadly Boden is not making many tunics like this anymore, but I have plenty from when they were making them to last me a really long time.  ;)

Cool Factor: (2 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) The outfit looks far too eccentric to be cool.  The Matt Bernson booties are inherently cool, as is the Pashli satchel, but floral tunics, brown leggings, and a plaid coat do not equal cool.  Well at least not in my mind. 

Anecdote from the day:  If I did go to Winesday in this, it was the first Winesday my brother and I had gone to in a long time.  One week I wasn't able to go, the next week he had a doctor's appointment, and then the week after he was sick.  Three weeks away from my favorite activity was way too long.  He and I have decided we must never do that again.

Okay, that's all, folks.  :)  I hope you are having a great start to your weekend.  Happy Easter, too!

Boden: 20% Off Sale Picks!

Fancy some light-colored clothing?  All of these are on sale, sale, sale!

Hi, everyone!  I hope your past few days have been going well.  I clearly have been busy, but saying that is like saying I was breathing, eating, and/or running around after toddlers.  At this point of my life, busy is just expected.  :)

Anyhow, since today is the last day of the 20% off sale at Boden (with free ship and returns) that I blogged about here on Sunday, I thought it was high time I do a few picks of items that are looking like they are a great deal at the 20% off.

Here is how I am approaching this sale...

1. In a few weeks many items will no doubt be reduced further by another big sale, so I am only picking items that will not be around for the next big sale.  Basically anything that looks like it could sell out at this price is going to make it onto this picks post.

2. I will also put items on this list that are on backorder since I know that 20% off is about as good as it gonna get for those type of items because THERE IS A REASON THEY ARE ON BACKORDER (read: they are popular).  Johnnie is definitely stingy with deeply reducing the popular items, even in clearance, so those items should be on this list.

Now, having said that, if you love love love an item and know that it is something you would wear the heck out of, buying a less popular item at the 20% off is no big deal.  I have plenty in my closet that was purchased at 20% off (usually in the previews) that later was way further reduced and you won't hear me complaining since the things I loved I kept and I wore.

Okay, onto the picks!

Lightweight Scarf.  Sometimes Boden scarves sell out immediately, whereas other times they languish limply in the accessories section like a sad tissue in someone's cardigan pocket.  This season, these are selling like hotcakes and will unlikely be reduced much further (though the less popular colors may be reduced a bit more in clearance).

(BTW, the link to the item page is in the item name.  My affiliate program doesn't have the item in its directory of items.) 


Chelsea Bag.  Umm, yum.  If I didn't already own a few perfect bags, I would be all over this one.  Apparently others agree since this one is also on deep backorder.


Elgin Jacket.  Unlike the first two picks, you can actually order this one now and receive it right away (well, add in the infamous shipping times, of course).  This is a popular jacket (especially in navy) and will probably not stick around till clearance.  It looks very wearable, and the stand-up collar is adorable.


Relaxed Jacket.  Like the Elgin, this one is about to sell out (white, especially).  Again, very wearable jacket in a modern silhouette.


Lace Dress.  I haven't even received mine and like I suspected, this one is gonna be gone once the stocks come in since even the backordered ones are selling out.  Since this dress was used as the image for the summer collection, it really isn't a surprise.  I am very glad I ordered the yellow in the preview.  (Now fingers crossed that I ordered the right size.)


Selina Dress.  This one wasn't even on my radar, but I go and open up the item page and see it is on deep backorder and/or is sold out.  I guess there are people who have less issues with viscose/rayon than me.  :)  (I don't mind the fabric, I just hate paying a higher price for it!)  Anyhow, it is likely that this one is selling out because the ruching and gathering are very flattering on the female form and the solid colors make this one a versatile option in any wardrobe.


Summer Ponte Dress.  If I thought, even for a moment, that I could wear this one, I would be all over the orange version.  My darling hipline begs to differ, so I will leave this beauty to those of you less "blessed" in the bottom region.  It is also selling out, so will not be around for the clearance.


Clara Dress.  My mom wanted me to get this one, and I guess I should have listened to her since this one in blue is nearly completely gone and the white one is looking like it will be gone soon.  Ah, well, I can see if I can recreate the look through my sewing (though it will be a few years before I am experienced enough to try it).  If your size is there and you love it, grab it sooner than later.


Notch Neck Shift.  This one is in my closet waiting for warmer temperatures to come out and play.  I bought the 8 Long and while it fits, I would say if you want it and haven't tried it, you may want to go down one size and one length (for me that would be a 6 R).

Bistro Crop Trousers.  I am not the biggest fan of these (I bought the printed pink version in two sizes) since I can't seem to figure out what size I am, but I probably am alone based on how well these are selling.  If you like this style and you know which size you are, I say go for it during this sale.

My deal is that the 8 long is about one hair too small in the waist (but great everywhere else) while the 10 long is huge in the waist (by a full two inches), hips, and legs.  I don't mind the legs and hips being huge, but even when I tried taking in the waist with a very strong safety pin, the pants still fit weirdly.  Sigh.  I may give it a week to see if I feel differently about either size (lady time=not best time to try on pants), but if you are shaped like me and you are on the cusp of two sizes, you may run into similar issues.

(BTW, the link to the item page is in the item name.  My affiliate program doesn't have the item in its directory of items.)


Seventies Wedges.  So cute, and by the time they arrive at your house, it will definitely be the right time of year to wear them.  :)


Draycott Skirt.  Very lovely skirt that definitely is both work and special event appropriate.  The pink color is nearly gone, but you can still grab the other colors.  I did a review of the Draycott coat if you would like to see what the fabric looks like in real life.


Broderie Skirt.  This one is not going to stick around for sale time.  I love the contrast lining on the light purple shade. 


Peter Pan Shirt.  Another very popular item that wasn't even on my radar, though it has been around since the fall.  Some colors are completely sold out but there are colors just on backorder.  Anyhow, the top is perfect with so many bottoms and occasions, it is no surprise that it is selling well.


Florence Top.  I am throwing this one in here because I see that some of the shades are selling out in the smaller sizes which means that this will be unlikely to make it to clearance at a deeper discount (well the grey shade might).  I also like that this top is made from silk, so is more value for money spent than some of the viscose offerings.

Alrighty, thanks for reading my picks!  Do you all see anything else?  I am sure there is plenty there that is a great value in this sale, but time constraints means I am only able to publish my top "picks!"

Talk with you all soon!

Below is the direct link to the sale, just in case you need it:

OOTD/Review: Breton and Some Liberty, Please.

Hey, that sweet little man turns one today!  :)

Day: Tuesday, March 19, 2013.

Where: Little Gym and Preschool Run.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Yummy.  Everything, from the thick rugby fabric of the Boden Breton Sweatshirt (available here--review below) to the easy, stretchy twill Liberty print cotton (in the Emma and Georgina floral here--review also below) was so comfortable.  I often think I will be comfortable at Angus's Little Gym class, but I will get there in my "comfortable" outfit and find I am definitely not nearly as easy-peasy as I thought I was going to be.  For those who don't know what Little Gym is and what it entails, the parents or nannies of the toddlers have to run around just as much as their little ones.  I definitely sleep well on the nights I have Little Gym with Angus.

Anyhow, yay for finally choosing an outfit that feels as good as it looks.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  The whole outfit is pretty cool, but I still very much give off the stay at home mom vibe in it, probably because I am happily wearing a pair of Cole Haan penny loafers.  ;)  If this outfit was on a fabulous twenty-something blogger, I am sure it would look far hipper.  But that's fine with me. 

Anecdote from the day:  Angus's birthday is today (yay for #1), but because all the Little Gym locations are closed this week for spring break, I had him wear his "Birthday Boy" tee to the class that day so his friends and their families could sing him the Little Gym version of the Happy Birthday song (think it is so hilarious that the song is copyrighted and all businesses are forced to create their own song so as to avoid copyright infringement).

REVIEWS:

Breton Sweatshirt.  I purchased the size 4 since I didn't want to chance another sweatshirt coming to me and being too big on me, which has been happening a lot lately with the Boden tops.  It was a good call, the 4 fits perfectly everywhere, although if you did happen to buy a size too large, the sweatshirt would still look great a bit slouchy.

I really liked the grey color, since I haven't seen this particular color combo on a Breton yet (although I probably just missed it when it did come out).  I also have plenty of striped tops, but it is nice that Boden made this in a sweatshirt, which means I can use it alone once it gets warmer out, and when it is super chilly, it is a very warm layer.

The material is more like those thick rugby shirts that were popular in the 90s (please tell me that some of you all remember those*), which I think is step in the right direction, as I think some of the sweatshirts recently have been too thin and too stretchy.

*I linked to a video of my favorite "guilty pleasure," the show "Fifteen," which ran on Nickelodeon in the early 90s.  Matt Walker (played by Todd Talbot**) is wearing a thick striped rugby shirt in this video.  He's the "hunk" sitting at the table.

**Todd Talbot is now, inexplicably, on the show Love It or List It, Too, yet another one of my guilty pleasures.  Clearly I majorly {HEART} bad Canadian television***.  Shh.  ;)

***And early 90s Canadian country/rock bands, too.  Brad Roberts, love you and your deep deep voice!

Liberty Toothpick Jean in Emma and Georgina Floral.  I bought these in a tall 31 since I had run they ran small (I wear a tall 30).  Another good call since the hip and thigh area fit perfectly.  I have a smaller waist/upper hip area which means I sometimes have a gap in the waistband, and yes, I did have a bit of one on this pair, but not nearly as bad as it can be.

My inseam is 34 inches, and the length in the tall is a hair under 30 inches, which means it hits right above my ankles, which I love, and appreciate.  Now if J. Crew could get away from making Cafe Capris, I think there would be a whole slew of tall women celebrating. 

The floral is beautiful, and much brighter and more primary than it looks on-line.  I thought I was going to end up with something more muted since the J. Crew catalog and stock photo depicted it as almost a pastel (the still shot of the pants, though, is very accurate).

The current sale price, plus the extra 20% off, makes this pair nearly 50% off, which is a pretty good price for what you receive.

Okay, that's it for today.  :)

P.S. I announced it yesterday, and I am s-l-o-w-l-y working on my "picks" post, but Boden is having one of their diminishing discount sales right now, with 20% off until Wednesday (all current season womenswear is included--Breton sweatshirt, too!), but clearance and any mini Boden in the separate "up to 35% off" sale are not able to be further reduced by this 20% off sale.  You can use my sidebar coupon to access the sale or the one at the bottom of this post.

Fabulous Florida Mommy has a few picks (plus other sale announcements) at this post!  I think she made some great choices.  :)

Boden: Diminishing Discount Time! 20% Off with Free Ship and Returns Until Wednesday!

Frocks on sale!

Hi, everyone!  If you haunt my facebook page, you will have seen a post made by me late last night mentioning the diminishing discount that was set to start today (thanks to Lou and my affiliate manager for letting me know early!).  And, yep, there it is--all beautiful 20% off with free shipping and returns.  :-)

Angus's first birthday party is today (his birthday is actually tomorrow), so I have a ton of preparations to do, but I wanted to at least let you all know of this big sale before I got my butt in gear to deliver unto my third born a day full of ridiculous over-consumption of cupcakes and presents.

Anyhow, there are virtually no exclusions, but there are a few, of course.  The 20% off cannot be used in conjunction with the big mini sale going on right now (however, any mini not in the sale can be reduced by 20%).  The 20% off also cannot be combined with my "normal" coupon of 15% off (aw, shucks!), and it cannot be used with any clearance items.

I should be able to hobble together a "picks" post tomorrow, with the intent of finding the items that may sell out before clearance time or are an especially good price with the 20% off, but because that is a bit of time from now, I would love to read your choices from this sale!

Okay, you all have a fabulous Sunday, and we'll talk soon!

Below is another direct link to the sale.  ;-)

OOTDs: Excusez-moi, s'il vous plaît!

Day: Thursday, March 7, 2013.

Where: Preschool Run and Bowling.

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Not a huge fan of the jeans with this outfit, since they are a lower rise and the Liberty twisted placket shirt kept coming untucked.  Annoying.  Eventually I just untucked the shirt and had a more "rumpled" look.

The Boden Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper ( new version is here) is wonderfully warm, though, and based on how much I have worn it since I bought it, I clearly made a good choice (I like how I styled it here best, though).

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  The color was "in" last fall, so I don't know if the deep burgundy (otherwise known by its yucky name--"oxblood") is still "in," but whatever, the bowling ladies literally gave not one fig (also a better word for this color than OXBLOOD).  I wear my clothing for me when I bowl, lol.  Although a few of them loved the necklace.  No one even notices the bag, which is by far the coolest part of the outfit.

So my gorgeous 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel in aubergine is now being worn around town by everyone's FAVORITE FASHION blogger, Miss Atlantic-Pacific herself.  I know she totally saw it on me first.  {Snort.}

Anecdote from the day:  I am getting so much better at bowling.  I didn't do exceptionally well that day, but I definitely didn't do badly either.

They have a meatloaf special at the bowling alley on Thursdays, which includes meatloaf with brown gravy, new potatoes, a roll, a pat of butter, and some broccoli.  I am in love with it.  The meal is cheap, too, only $6.50 before tips.  I love that I can get honest to goodness "classic" American diner food and have the company of some pretty awesome ladies.  Next year I am switching to the Tuesday bowling league, and I believe they have another "special of the day" on Tuesdays, so I may have to find a reason to visit the alley on Thursdays so I can enjoy my new found culinary treat.

Day: Friday, March 8, 2013.

Where: McDonald's and Toys "R" Us.

Ease of Wear: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  This outfit looks really cute and colorful, but not the best outfit for running around with the kids, including carrying Angus while holding CW's and Rex's hands while crossing a major local road (McDonald's is across the street from Toys "R" Us).  By the time I got to McDonald's, my skirt was hitched up because the tights create friction with the unlined skirt.  At least the coat, tee, and shoes felt great.  (The tee is from crewcuts, I bought it in the size 14 for me and a size 6 for CW.)

Cool Factor: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Haha.  Not very cool, but I like it since I really love bright graphics in blue and orange and grey.  The color combo feels unique and is certainly not for wallflowers, but even still, the outfit is far too "fun" to be "cool."  Even if the tee has a French phrase on it...

Anecdote from the day:  I know I must have received looks for daring to cross that major road on foot instead of driving my car across the street, but man, it just rubs me the wrong way to drive less than a tenth of a mile.  When I was growing up, you walked anywhere that was under a mile from the house.  Period.

I do want to give a big thanks to any of the drivers who actually, oh, you know, stopped when they saw me and the brood crossing the street.  Surprisingly my orange coat and my crazy children must not have been visible to some of the drivers.  I suspect their vision was impeded by the lovely glare from their late model BMWs and Mercedes.  If I was so special that I owned such a fine vehicle, I guess my vision would be impeded, too.  Chortle.  ;) 

(If you do drive a BMW or a Mercedes, I don't mean you, of course.  It's just a shame that the vast majority of the time I am harassed by a vehicle--either as a pedestrian or as another driver, it is usually a BMW or a Mercedes.  Sigh.)

Alrighty, that's it, I have been laying low here at the blog, but not in my real life, where I am pretty much constantly moving.  All the time.

P.S. Just in case I don't update the blog tomorrow (very very likely), I do want to remind mini Boden and Johnnie b. fans that the big spring sale is going to end tomorrow night.  The coupon I have in my sidebar does not stack with the sale items, but if you use the coupon, you will get the free shipping.