Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Shoes, a Smithfield, and a Sweatshirt Dress.

Hey, all.  A lot to get to today, but I definitely wanted to remind you about the sale that started on Monday.  I wrote a lot more on it on Monday, but I figure it never hurts to remind you. 

The half-weekly sale that started Monday (and ends tomorrow night) is featuring 30% off dresses, shoes, and bags, so I planned today's roundup with that in mind.  So while I may have a few reviews that are older than these in my queue, I know that having the information on sizing for the two pairs of shoes I am featuring will be more beneficial today than any other week specifically.

Have any of you indulged so far in the new, more reduced items?  I haven't yet, since I am still waiting on the Tulip Party dress to arrive, but when that happens and I can get the other (too small) Tulip Party dress returned, I will be using some of the credit to probably grab a few lovely mini Boden and Boden for men items as gifts.  ;-)

Before I begin, a blog friend Emma has posted a few photos of the Spring preview line (2014) on her blog Fashion Mommy.  I am glad that she was able to make the press preview...now when will they do more of those here in the United States?  (Cough cough.)

Onto the roundup!

Regular Boden:

Heeled Brogue and Smithfield Skirt.  Size 41 and 6 L. 

Both of these pieces I have already reviewed here (shoes) and here (skirt), but this was the first time I had worn the skirt in public, and only the second time wearing the shoes out in public, so I can add some depth to the original reviews for you all.

The pieces felt great overall, and I regretted nothing in choosing the sizes/colors I did.  I was glad I chose the 6 L in the skirt since as you all can see above, its length and drape suits my shape, which I am so ecstatic about.  The 41 in the shoes also was the right call, even though I sometimes have to size down.  If they had a 40.5, I am not sure I would have sized down, which means this shoe is definitely running tight and short.

The skirt did get a bit wrinkled, but a couple quick presses with the steamy iron, and it was back to polished perfection very fast. 

If you love shoes, I have a feeling these images are going to have you swooning.  My dad adored them, said they were very retro and pretty.  I think my dad's definition of pretty usually is that--must look like something his mother would have worn in the 50s or 60s.  :-)

This is quite a heel!  I wasn't uncomfortable since the balance of the heel and toe box is done well, but if you are not a fan of higher heels, this may be too tall for you.

There was a bit of wear on the brogues after the second use (you can see the crimp at the bend of the foot), but I like leather shoes that have wear.  I think the character is a welcome patina, would not prefer something too perfect.

Oh, well, why not throw in another image of the darling shoes?

The 30% off is a GREAT price.  I don't think it will go lower this season *unless* Boden has another universal sale of a greater amount (say they decided to do a 40% off everything sale on Cyber Monday, for instance).  We can't guarantee that will happen, so if you want them, you should probably grab them now since stocks are super low.



Heeled Brogue and Smithfield Wool Skirt.  Heeled Brogue is selling very well.  Do watch for popbacks since this shoe is running small and there have been returns off and on throughout the fall.  The skirt is a great staple, but if you already own a similar skirt, you will likely have less of a need for this one, which may explain why it is still pretty much fully stocked.  But because Boden knows it is a great item, it probably won't get *greatly* reduced since it can be rolled into future seasons.

Embellished Ballerinas.  Size 41.  I forgot to get a better shot of these from the side, so the next time I wear them, I will do that, but for now the two close ups will probably suffice, since I suspect many of you want to see the color/embellishment anyhow.

The size is fine, if I am going to be super specific, this is a pair I wish came in a 40.5.  The 40 would have been too short, I am sure of it.  As per usual, this flat is a bit wide on me, but most Boden shoes are, so no surprise there.

The gold color is not super rosy nor is it super golden, either...it really is just a lovely mid range color.  It isn't too metallic, either. 

The grosgrain ribbon does peek through a bit, but unless you get your macro lens all situated on the bow and really peer at it, you aren't likely to even notice it.  But there it is, all zoomed in for you all.

The embellishments are super secure on mine, but I have heard they aren't super secure on every pair (I read some of the online written reviews).  Definitely check yours over, just in case.


Embellished Ballerinas.  You could probably wait for these to be more greatly reduced unless you have a need for them this holiday season and need them sooner than later.  I could have waited, but I also wear ballet flats everyday, and having a comfy, fun pair in my wardrobe is nice to have.

Reviews from Blog (you can always add your own!):



Jewelled Collar Sweater, and Embellished Drapey Top.  CC had written some reviews of these for us.  :-)

I ordered a couple of items from the Holiday roll-out. 

First is the Jewelled Collar Sweater in black. It was very pretty and I thought the black would be the best option for me since I wanted to dress it up (or down) and I thought it would look nice because I am blond and, usually, the contrast looks good. However, I just felt like the beading was too big and the sweater did not look that great on me. I felt like I was just wearing a sweater, rather than a pretty beaded sweater. I returned it, but must say that the sweater is very well-made, is non-itchy, and there is some facing under the beading, so there is no scratchiness. The return was just how I felt I could wear the sweater, personally, but had nothing to do with the quality or the prettiness factor. 

I also purchased the Embellished Drapey Top, and this one I kept. I purchased the Charcoal Marl color and the embellishments blend into the tee really well with this color. I also feel that I can comfortably wear this with jeans and with a pretty skirt. The fit is why the item is not getting great reviews. It says it is a sem-fitted top - not so much. It is rather drapey, as the name implies. Sizing down might be needed here. I kept my regular size since viscose often (not always) shrinks, even if hand washed. So, I was happy with the way it looked and felt (it is Boden's super soft jersey). Other reviewers also had a problem with the "puffy" sleeves, saying that it made their shoulders look too big. I did not think that they were that puffy, but everyone has their own problem area. It does look like they may have pinned the sleeves down in the catalog shot and the mostly faceless (although sometimes we see her lips!!) model wearing the black tee doesn't really showcase the shoulder area as I think we just can't see the detail enough here. There is also a front lining in the tee, so the embellishments are not against the skin. So, for me, this was a keeper!

Mercer Dress.  As you can see above, LS provided us with a photo of the dress IRL and a written review of the dress.

Mercer Dress: it is rather unpopular but I decided to give it a try because I really liked the raspberry jam colour. I wear a lot of black and when I wear colours they are often very subdued but this was the nicest colour of all Boden dresses this season (I seldom go for prints so my options are more limited). The dress is interesting and the fabric has some stretch so it is very comfortable. The colour is marvellous. The long length (6L American, I've learned ;) skims my kneecaps so the length is good. Now for the negatives: I don't like the back zip, makes it difficult to put the dress on. The zip also gets stuck where the fabric is thick. The waist is slightly above natural but passable. The waistband is quite thick so I would imagine not too good unless your stomach is quite flat. The sleeves are an odd length, neither here nor there but again, passable. The v-neck is not exquisitely flattering but then not really unflattering either. It is not too low cut and there is no glitter that often adorns Boden dresses so the dress is appropriate for work. The only part which I would say is really disappointing is the hemline: somehow the dress does not fall straight, it comes across as uneven and the fold does not sit well so from the side it does not look sharp and neat. I suppose a bit of ironing can remedy this. I will keep mine because of comfort and colour but I can't say that this is very flattering and I see why it does not sell well.

Johnnie b.:

Crazy wonky bit of hair not included with purchase of Cosy Sweatshirt Dress.

Cosy Sweatshirt Dress.  Size 16+.  I am on the fence about whether or not I should have gone with the 15-16.  Clearly it fits fine, but the skirt is really full, and since I am not *ever* going to wear this as a dress (tunic time only, this sucker is short), maybe the 15-16 would be less full overall?

Whatever.  It was really really comfortable, and quite warm.

I received compliments on it, I think people really liked the color and the fact that it had just a touch of sparkle.

You can see how full the skirt is here.  I may wash and dry it, and if that doesn't work, I can also trim those seams down a bit in the skirt with my sewing machine.  That may be the first time (ever) I have wanted to make a bottom smaller.

It looks way less full from the side.

You can see the folding in the back which indicates two things...the length of the back bit is too long for me (happens all the time on clothes I wear) and that the overall bodice is too wide.  It doesn't look terrible, so I won't bother fixing that portion of the dress.


Cosy Sweatshirt Dress.  This is only sold out in the size I own.  If you wear a size 6-8 dress in Boden, you can safely buy the 15-16, unless you have a larger cup size.  If you are a size 2-4 in Boden, you can purchase the 13-14.  If you wear a size 0 (which Boden doesn't carry), you could grab a size 11-12.  If you are a normal height lady, don't even attempt this as a real dress, though.  Trust me.  This dress is part of the 30% off half-weekly sale.


Faux Fur Vest (Fur Gilet--for those of you on the other side of the pond).  This has been a huge hit with both Joanna and Avril buying and wearing it.  I can see the allure.  Well done, ladies!

This version is selling fast, you may want to consider the Faux Fur Jacket instead if you like the look. :-)

As usual, this review roundup couldn't happen without the help of all the blog friends out there, so THANK YOU!  :-)

Current Coupon Code:


Link to the Half-Weekly 30% Off Sale:
Take 30% off Dresses, Shoes, Bags, and Cold Weather Accessories (plus Men's/Boys' Trousers) at BodenUSA.com. Four days only beginning November 18.