Boden: Extra 10% Off Clearance Ends Tonight! And Many Reviews!

Hi, all!  I announced the extra 10% off sale earlier this week at my blog's Facebook page, and included a few photos, but figured I should probably publish a post with a whole bunch of reviews before the sale ends.  🙂

Anyhow, tonight this extra percentage off ends, and to enjoy it, you'll have to use the code NS19.  I've used it a few times, mainly for items I've needed a price drop on before biting. I am definitely interested in what you all have purchased, so leave a comment with your favorites from the sale!

Okay, onto the reviews!

Lola Skirt, size 8 petite.  I wanted this print so bad that I was willing to try as many items with it on it.  I initially purchased this skirt, but after trying it on, I thought the waist was too wee, so I contemplated sending it back.  After trying it on again a few weeks later, I realized though it was snugger than my usual skirts, it was wearable and cuter than I initially felt.  So this was the winner of the conversational beach print wars.  The length is FAB in the petite.  I wanted it to end at my knee, and the other length would have been too long for what I was looking for (the regular, in fact, would have ended three inches below my knee, which is not what I wanted at all).

Regular is all that is available in this print, and while it will be a whole lot of print to wear that long on your body, I know a lot of you could make it work, so don't let "Miss Tall wearing a petite length" scare you away.  I really love fuller length skirts ending right at or just below my knee.

Short Sleeve Breton, size 8.  The breton that Boden made is the one in the top photo (it is also below in the photo where I wear the floral shorts).  This one I size up from my usual 6 because I find the Breton style long and more fitted than other tops they make.  To be fair, Boden is the one company I most often wear an 8-10 in, whereas J. Crew I tend to wear smaller sizes (except in pants, drat my pear shape).  This fits well, and I just love the multi-colors.  I have so many bottoms that work with this particular top that I have already worn and washed it a ton.  Definitely worth the price paid (it isn't in the clearance).

It is a thinner fabric than the thicker Breton they often make, but for summer in Virginia, that suits me just fine.

Vienne Mid-Heel, size 40.5.  I rarely wear heels anymore, mainly because the higher heels I had in the past don't work with my current work environment (the standing all day makes that nearly impossible, and I get cranky wearing them, I don't know how I wore them in the past to work).  But for special occasions, I will wear them (but I will bring flat sandals to change into if needed, and I did with these, lol).  That said, for heels, they are comfortable enough.  The heel height is 2.5", so not super high, and the balance is decent, so I didn't feel like I would topple.  The size was great in the 40.5.  I wear between a 40-41 (a 9.5 in J. Crew), and this felt snug without being too tight.  The color is so pretty, as well.  (BTW, the Vienne's are in the top photo.)

Blackberry Dress, size 8 regular.  I ordered this one size up from the Blackberry dress I have from a prior season.  Though the six still fits, I wanted a bit more room in the hips and the eight gave me that.  This dress is almost identical to the ones of the past, so see the prior review for more info on it.  I do have to say this sunglasses print is so special.  Sadly this one is out of stock, but you can watch for popbacks.  

Marion Jersey Tunic, size 8.  This print reminds me so much of Boden from five to ten years ago, it is nice to see a return to brighter colors and unique, abstract patterns.  I also enjoy the return of a tunic that is not just meant for the beach or pool.  I wore this one to school one day and with leggings and the sandals were perfectly appropriate for my job.  I chose the 8 as I didn't want anything clinging to closely to my bottom, but I think I could have done the 6 and been fine.  It is made from the super stretchy rayon/spandex mix, so the 8 is a touch loose, especially in my bust area.  But it does look fine and really feels like super soft pajamas.  

Everyday Sandals, size 40.  This is a Johnnie b. item and were a hit at school (I've worn them a few times).  The price is very good for what you receive, and are very comfortable.  The 40 was almost too short, but all my toes fit right up to the footbed's edge, so just made it.  The 41 would have been way too wide, since the size 40 feel a bit loose.  (I really wish Boden would make narrow width shoes.)  These are the rose gold color.  

Celeste Silk Dress, size 8.  Oh how I desired this dress after seeing it debut with the Boden Icons a few months ago.  I initially was wary of purchasing since Boden didn't publish garment measurements (WHY? WHY?), and my bottom means I am often a 10 instead of an 8 in dresses.  And with this being silk, I knew the stretch would be minimal at best.

So I held off.  And by some luck, I ended up seeing it at a lower price point (10%, so not a ton, but now you can get an extra 10% off that price) in a size 8, so with thought that I would return it, I went ahead and gave it a go.

Well, it fits in the size 8.  It isn't even so fitted that I have wiggle around, and though it looks like the dress fits well, I do feel like a nice high dose of slinky spanx may make for a more confident me in it.  I do believe the 10, while looser through the hips, will lose the silhouette that makes it so special and pretty, so I will let it shine in the smaller size.

Short Sleeve Breton, size 8.  See above for more info on the Breton.

Eleana Woven Sandal, size 40.  These sandals weren't even on my radar until I found the want for a pair of navy sandals.  I have two pairs, and they are both heeled, and old.  So it's time.  But there are very few navy sandals out there.  I think the reason they weren't on my radar, or anyone else's for that matter, is because I am thinking they didn't use the sandals in any catalog shot.  They used them by themselves, but not with outfits on models.

They are very comfortable, and the 40 is nice and snug on my narrow foot, but again, like with the Everyday Sandal above, I would prefer a longer length of the 41.  That said, my toes are cozy and not falling off, so it works.

I think the reason the sandals weren't used was because of the line it creates, it does look a bit clunky, and though I have longer legs, they do get cut a bit because of the thicker ankle strap.  For my height, it's fine, but if you don't have longer legs, you may want to consider wearing them with pants or a maxi skirt/dress.  (Or not, it's only if you care about that sort of thing!)

CW wears the Summer Hotchpotch Dress, size 9-10.

Caterina Embroidered Slingback, size 41.  These shoes are precious.  And they actually match a few things in my wardrobe.  Though they have a pretty low rating, it is sort of surprising how sold out they are.  Evidently enough people made them work.  I did go up to a 41 after reading the reviews, but sizing up to a 42 would have made them way too wide and long.  I think they must be too narrow for some, but with my feet, that is what I need, so I was thrilled.  The slingback means they are not especially secure, but they did stay on the back of my foot well enough.  I spent the entire day in Richmond museums, so I would say they were foot friendly enough for that!

CW wears the Summer Applique Dress, size 9-10.

Phoebe Jersey Dress, size 6 regular.  I loved my navy bird version so much that I went ahead and went a bit shorter with the green.  They end up looking like two different dresses!  But the review I did for the navy holds true for the green, so go ahead and read that for more info.  :-)

Ruth Jersey Dress, size 8 regular.  I initially purchased this a size 6 long, and it was too long, and too fitted.  It looked very va-va-va-voom, but I will rely on dresses like the Celeste for that, not dresses like this that I want to wear to school.  This one fits so much better.  The only slight quibble I have is with the lining on the front.  It can get caught "up" so it ends up sticking out of the neckline and I have to pull the lining all the way down to get it to hide away again.  The back is not lined, fwiw.

The fabric is very stretchy and comfortable, and super soft.

Iris Ottoman Dress, size 8 long.  This looks so professional on me.  I really do rely on prints to carry me through my workday so the items I own that are more subdued or solid-colored are a bit jarring to see.  But I do need things that are more mature so these options are a good choice.  I am not a suit girl, so this will do.  The pockets are not as prominent as they appear on the Boden model, so if that's a concern for you, I will take that fear away.  I have hips, ladies, and they sit just fine, and don't make me any hippier than usual.  LOL.  

Martha Top, size 8.  I purchased this in a six, but found the hips to be too tight and the length too long, so I went ahead and grabbed the eight to feel more comfortable.  It is much better in this size.  My original review is here.

Okay, that's it for now.  I hope you have been enjoying summer so far.  I have, and really wish summer could last all year.  (I should just move to Florida, lol.)

The extra 10% off clearance sale ends tonight, don't forget!!!  Remember to use NS19 to receive that extra amount off.

Boden: Phoebe Jersey Dress.

Hey, all.  Well, there are about three hours left in the 25% off diminishing discount over at Boden, so I knew I'd better get this one last review in before it ends (west coast people, you all have around 6 hours left!).

Before I do the review, I had a few comments over the past few days who were wondering what the Boden Preview 20% off code is...and it is AP7X and it expires on May 18, 2017.

Also, I did a written review for the Phoebe Jersey dress way back when, so you may want to check that one out in addition to the review I am writing here tonight.

Phoebe Jersey Dress.  Size 6 Long.  I am glad that I have this in this size.  Though I would have been happier with it being a touch shorter, it really isn't as frumpy as I thought it was initially.  I did order the green vine version in the regular, and it does hit right above the knee, which makes it a bit less conservative, but still long enough to wear to school.  The size 6 is a good fit, nowhere too fitted, but definitely not too loose.  The 8 would have been too loose for what I was looking for in this dress.

The pockets are wonderful, super deep for whatever comes your way (including acorns found by Angus and placed in there quietly at some point during today--I see him from time to time in the hallways--definitely a benefit of teaching at the same school as your kids).

As I mentioned in my original written review, this fabric is lovely, a nice stretchy cotton slub jersey that is comfortable, but in no way stretches out during the day.

These shoes are the Joanna flats, and I believe they must be all sold out.  I can only find a pair or two for sale over at the Boden UK site, and nothing at the US site.  I like them, and hope they can bring flats out like this again.  I love patent leather for our rainy days, and don't feel like enough retailers carry them.

The necklace is the Lena Longline necklace (in gold) and I really like it.  It reminds me a lot of the Scattered Glass necklace from J. Crew.  Now it's not the same exact look, but it a long necklace with variation in bead size, and in a neutral color, so it serves a similar purpose.

Back and the side show it works fine on my curvy lower half/smaller upper half.  I am beginning to think I should just move onto exclusively buying stretch fabrics.  LOL.  No, but still...stretchy is so wonderful!

Okay, that's it for awhile.  This weekend is set to be crazy (we have our school auction and I am wearing this handmade dress to it), and I am not sure when I'll be back (likely later this month).  But I definitely will be at instagram until I get back here, so check that out if you want to keep in touch.

Okay, less than three hours now left to receive the 25% off (use code 5N3R)!

Boden: Marina Jersey Dress Review.

Hey, all!  Had a long day yesterday, and as soon as I got home I went to sleep, so I figured I would post twice today.

Yesterday I wore the Marina Jersey dress to school and Winesday, and it is such a pretty little dress.  Today I'll finally get the chance to wear the Phoebe Jersey dress.  (I've wanted to wear this but the weather was not compatible for most of March, but today it will be 80 and sunny, exactly right!)

I wrote three posts (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday) this week in conjunction with the diminishing discount going on right now at Boden.  It does end tonight, hence the reason I will post now and later today.  :-)

I also hope to respond to all the comments that have been left (many which have questions), so if all goes well I can do that later today.

Marina Jersey Dress.  Size 6 Regular.  I went with my regular jersey dress size, but went with the shorter regular length since the long is at around 42 inches, which falls below my knee, and which is a length that would be a bit too dowdy on me, especially in this silhouette and print.

The print is very pretty, but from far away it looks like a floral ditsy print, and it isn't until you get closer you see how interesting and detailed it is.

I like the shape, especially the cap sleeves.  The one thing that would be a great addition would be pockets, but they weren't added.  Oh, well.  Maybe if they bring it back, they can think about that in the next version of this dress.

The morning I took this it was a bit overcast and the greens of the trees were very bright, so the colors of this shot are off.  I color corrected as much as possible, but the whole photo seems a bit "verdant."

The green sheen of the photo is worst here.  Wowza!   Anyhow, the side view shows how full the skirt is, without being too twirly.  It is a perfect dress for anyone who teaches or needs to look dressy while staying comfortable.  The fabric is a viscose/elastane jersey, so it is soft and stretchy.  The bodice is lined in a solid colored viscose/elastane jersey as well, so it is not see through and will hold up well to wear and tear.

Here is the print, taken by me away from spring green forest.  You can see the print is a delicate daisy print with littler white florals behind the yellow ones.  The background is grey and a super dark grey.

Close up you can see the details a bit better.  The waist is positioned where mine is, so pretty high, but since the jersey stretches in multiple directions, if you are a bit longer in the torso, it should still stretch to work for you as well.  The waist pleating is the one fault I can find with this dress.  I think a plain dart would have worked better here.  The pleats are small enough to not be an interesting detail, and large enough to be noticed.  Hmm.

Okay, this dress is in stock in the long lengths, but from what I can see the regular lengths are sold out or in low stock status.

Last day!  Remember to use code 5N3R to receive the 25% off.

Boden: 7/8 Pants Review.

Hi, all!  It's day three of my five day review post-a-thon (or so I hope).  :-)

Yesterday I review the Classic Shirt here, and the day before I reviewed the Terese Jersey Dress here.

As you likely know now, there is a 25% off all current season items over at Boden, so I figured this is the best time to used reserve energies and review as much as possible.

(Yay for early quarter less pressure to get grades done asap.)

Richmond 7/8 Pants.  Size 10 Long.  Yes, I am the person who saw this floral explosion and was all, "oooooooh."  LOL.  I know I am not alone because at school today, the after school enrichment teacher said, "I WANT THOSE PANTS."  YAY!  My kin are around!

Anyhow, I didn't choose them because the name is Richmond, either (favorite city on the whole planet).  I genuinely love this cut, especially in the shorts.  I tried the pants last year in a gorgeous teal green color, but the 8 was too tight, and the 10 way too loose.  I am pleased to report the 10 this year fits perfectly, and though the waist is a bit big, it isn't so big I can't wear them.

The 7/8 length is such BS, though.  They say it has a 29" inseam in the long, and that on me is at upper ankle length, so not full length, but in no way is that 7/8.  I would say if you are 6 feet tall, it would be 7/8.  Lou, my blog friend I met in London while I was there, tried these on and decided she needed a petite to get the 7/8 length.  I agree, and would need a regular if I wanted 7/8 length.  I don't want 7/8 length, so I am cool with these being this long.

I needed to wear a tee today because we were having Greek Day at school and I had to wear a large piece of white fabric over the outfit (like this) and I was told I would get warm.  I did, so glad I wore the tee.  I do want to see it with a short-sleeved summer sweater in a navy or dark blue shade.

Side view shows it fits my curves nicely.  I would highly recommend this to other pear shapes.  I think the waist could potentially be too tight on an apple shape, and the hip portion too big.

I think I will try it in a solid.  Maybe the brighter green?

There are a lot of colors here in this crazy pattern, so it does make matching easy.  I worked well with the J. Crew jacket I own in blue.

The pencil skirt may be a better option for those of you liking the print but not as willing to show it off to the extreme that I do.  LOL.  I am assuming there are at least a few others like me out there, but I totally get this is not for everyone.  :-)

Talk with you all tomorrow!

Remember to use the code 5N3R to receive the 25% off.

Boden: The Classic Shirt Review.

Hi, all!

I think I might be able to do this, publish a few days in a row.  Woo.  Which means I won't be back till July after this run.  LOL.  I kid.

I made the promise above last night in this post.  I decided that with the diminishing discount on, it seemed sensible to do reviews when the savings are actually pretty decent (currently 25% off).

Anyhow, I wore the beach conversational print the Classic Shirt today, and it did what I wanted it to, it helped to lift my spirits on this awful rainy day (and it was the first day back to school, ugh).

The Classic Shirt.  Size 8 Petite.  I really love this print, but my track record with Boden blouses and shirts (not tees) is not that great, with me having to return as often as I keep.  This version, though, is a 100% keep (and it has more to do with fit than the print).  It is a stretchy cotton with darting in the back, and a bit of shaping through the sides.

It is exactly the right length for my torso, which is actually a petite (I am longest through my legs).  I probably could have purchased the 6 petite, but I love how this fits just right through the hips, and a touch of roominess in the shoulders and bust is nothing that bothers me.

I decided on this print after really hating how the Josephine dress fit me, but wanting that print so badly.  (I had purchased the Lola Skirt, and initially thought it didn't fit right, so I thought I would return it, but oops, it actually fits right, I must have had a bad day when I tried it on...never a great idea!)  This print is true to color as what you see at Boden, a very pretty mix of teal, red, pink, and yellow.

So now I have a skirt in the blue version of this print, and this shirt in the white version, but as I have told the world (too many times to count), I am definitely a print girl.  :-)

From the side you can see it fits nicely through the hip area, without being too loose or too tight.  The only thing I wish would be different is the length of the sleeves.  Though I may have a petite torso, my arms are super long.  Oh, well.

And the back view.  This shirt can be tucked into a skirt or pants, but they have to be high-waisted for that to happen.  I'll try it with a skirt tucked in next time I wear it.  These pair of pants have too low of a rise (on me at least) to tuck this shirt in.

The outfit as a whole from today.  I wish J. Crew would reissue these turner pants. They are my jam.  Boo.  But I digress...

Okay, I hope you all had a great Monday, I'll be back with more tomorrow.

Remember to use the code 5N3R to receive the 25% off.

Boden: Terese Jersey Dress Review, Diminishing Discount Sale, and Fall Preview 2017!

Hi, all!  Happy Sunday.  :-)

I received a postcard in the mail when I returned home that announced that Boden was going to start a diminishing discount sale today (as did many of you, including Keilexendra, thanks for the tip in last post's comment section).  From today until Thursday, Boden has 25% off all current season items.  After that, it reduces to 20% off, and finally tapering off to 10% off.  You do need to use the code 5N3R.  There is a link to it in the sidebar, as well as the bottom of this post.

I have plans (hopefully not best laid and gone to waste) to publish daily until Thursday with reviews of items I have purchased but have not reviewed.  I always wear all my Boden items immediately (or when the weather becomes appropriate to wear them), and can get them onto Instagram easily enough, but doing any sort of in-depth reviews, well, meh, life happens and it gets pushed down.

Before I do the review, I also received an email telling me that I could order from the Fall Preview 2017.  I plan to do a picks post (as per usual), but since the 20% off code doesn't expire until mid-May, I'll do the picks post a bit later on.  :-)

Today's review will be for the Terese Jersey Dress, which I bought when Boden had the last big sale (the one where we could take the additional % off, I wrote about it here).  I was attracted to it, but wasn't sure what it was I liked about it.  It probably is the color more than the print, but after wearing it today, I definitely am glad I purchased it.

Terese Jersey Dress.  Size 8 regular.  I decided to go for an 8 (one size up from what I normally wear in their jersey dresses) and in the regular length (I normally wear long in their dresses).  I know that the lyocell fabric is very clingy and I just prefer it not be insanely skin tight (just fitted, thankyouverymuch).

I was having issues editing these photos this morning. I think the combo of the deep pink/red of the dress and the light green of the trees meant my camera's white balance was thrown off.  I tried my best, but I think this photo is the best at showing the colors of the dress the best, but be aware that the flowers are mint green and light blue and that is not showing at all in these photos.

I love the length of this dress.  It would have been three inches longer in the long, and I don't think I would like the dress that long.

I do also really like the detail at the waist, it really nips everything there, so if you like details like that, you will definitely appreciate the way they do it here.

This is a dress that shows off your curves, so buyer beware if you prefer a looser fit, especially from the back.  This is only balanced looking on me because the sleeves are longer, so it fools the eye into thinking the top half of my body even comes close to matching my lower half (the bane of the pear shape, ugh).

This dress is sold out in some of the sizes in the blue colorway, and some of the pink/red sizes are in backorder status.

One of the reviews mentioned how nice it would be to have this in some solid colors, and I definitely agree.  I'd love this in a green, red, or teal.

Okay, that's it for today.  I think I may wear the Classic Shirt (I purchased the beach conversational one) or my Richmond 7/8 pant (I bought those in the crazy floral colorway).  It's meant to be raining and raw both Monday and Tuesday, and both of these will keep me warm and also allow me to feel sunny and colorful, even if the weather here doesn't agree.  :-/

Remember to use the code 5N3R to receive the 25% off until Thursday.

Boden: Visit, Reviews, and a Bit of a Sale.

Well, if you follow me on Instagram, you likely know I have been in London for this spring break, and have already managed to get myself to the Boden store, of course.  But I knew that my visit to the Boden store would be most incomplete if I couldn't visit with my favorite blogging partner in crime, the beautiful Lou (of What Lou Wore 365).  She and I have been blog friends for seven years now (wow!) and have finally had the chance to meet.  It was utterly wonderful to spend a good portion of my day with her on Saturday, and am grateful to her for finding time to spend with me.  I hope that I can get back here to see her again!

We got quite a look around and the two of us took nearly an hour just pecking and hunting.  After we tried all our bits on and that took yet another hour.  The time was well worth it as we have both assessed our desired purchases against the reality.  I found some I really wanted just wouldn't work, others that I would like would suit more in a different length (longer), and seeing items that caught my eye that I tried on just for the heck of it, which ended up being the best of the bunch!

The weekend trip coincided with a 20% off coupon that Lou had received and the shop happily honored it.  I did the math at the end, before the actual purchase, and found that most of what I chose would be substantially less expensive than ordering at Boden USA, even with a 20% off code (which I have in an email, and there is an online sale this weekend, as well).  The exchange rate for the dollar to pound is extraordinary right now, with one pound being equal to $1.25.  When I lived here in college the rate was AWFUL, with one pound being equal to $1.60.

I got home and did more hard math and found that the five items I had purchased (two for me, one for CW, two for the two boys, and one baby Boden for a friend) ended up being $80 dollars less overall than had I purchased at the Boden USA site.  Wow.  :-)

The ladies who worked in the shop mentioned that there would be a US store soon, but they didn't know where.  I bet NYC, but would love a DC shop.  (Of course, lol.)

So this online sale is for the Easter weekend, and ends today, I believe.  It is on selected items (dresses, baby playsets, and boys and mens trousers) and is for 20% off.  I have a link to that in the sidebar as well as the bottom of this post, but remember to use the code FST4 to get the 20% off.  If you need a 15% off code, that is also in the sidebar and bottom of the post, and that doesn't expire until later in April, and that code is 8C3H.

Okay, so enough blathering on...here are some reviews (mostly from the Boden shop, but a few extra from the past two months).

The items that did not work first:

Josephine Dress.  Size 8 Regular.  So I tried this on in the size 6 Regular and ooh boy the waist was wee.  I have a small waist and I though it was teeny.  The rest fit great.  The 8 regular fit better, especially in the waist, but then the bodice was far too large.  I discovered if I were to pinch out an inch or so from the shoulders it fit better, but the dress didn't look good enough for me to spend (even with the awesome exchange rate) money on it.  I briefly thought about it in clearance, but have changed my mind, as I found a dress that literally was made for my frame, and is very very pretty on (that will be shown later).

Not even close to being sold out.  (Not enough super wee-waisted ladies out there, I suppose?)

Martha Dress.  Size 8 Regular.  I knew I wouldn't like the length on this.  I have this one from a couple of years back and I find it too short to wear comfortably, especially when at school and when seated (it hikes up to around mid-thigh).  So my plan is to purchase the 8 Long, which is in stock.  Love this color, love the print, and like the overall fit.  So not a win for an amazing price, but I think I can wait a bit (maybe a 30% off catch of the day?).

CW wears the Summer Applique Dress here.  Very cute!  I love the applique at the top.  We decided on holding off on this one as it is more fully in stock.  You'll see what we got her in a few photos.

Most Martha dresses seem in stock and readily available, barring a few shades in the long length.

Talia Dress.  Size 8 Regular.  I liked this one a lot, but it felt just a bit too snug, so I think I will just have to let it go.  I suspect if I buy the 10 it would fit wonderfully through the hips but be too big up top.  It's okay.  I'll enjoy it on others (especially Lou, if she purchases it!).

This one is closer to selling out.  It is a good dress, nicely lined, and of a great fabric.  If you can make it work for you, enjoy!

The items that did work are to follow:

Bella Jersey Dress.  Size 8 R.  What a beautiful jersey dress.  The colors and fabric (lyocell jersey) are sublime, and it is nicely lined.  It also has a bit of modesty, in fact, the regular fits in length for my frame better than the long, which is just too long at 44 inches.  This 41 inches is a much better length.  I did purchase this, btw.

CW wears the Embroidered Party Dress.  It is such a girly dress, but of the old school style.  I ended up getting this one for her as the sizes are nearly sold out at the online site.

The Bella is not sold out, fully stocked in fact.  But maybe they'll go quicker after you all have seen it in real life on Lou in pink/red and me in blue/green?  It suited both of us and she is a different shape, so that says something to its loveliness.

Elena Dress.  Size 6 Regular.  And here you see the reason I immediately gave up on ever caring about the Josephine Dress.  Isn't this dress just spectacular?  The fit, the length, the swishy skirt, the trailing flowers...perfection.  Okay, its bust is a touch big in the very upper part, but not anything so dramatic.  The price on this was especially different in pounds to dollar rate over buying it at the US site.  It was an absolutely easy choice to bring this home with me.

I lol-ed at this photo, but I do actually like it, at the same time (thank you for the unexpected capture, Lou!).  The length on this dress is midi length, and I am 5'8", so bear this in mind.  It will likely be very long on someone shorter, especially if you are in the petite range.   The petite is still at 41", though, so not especially petite friendly.  The petite might work very nicely as a regular length dress on a tall lady (though the bodice may be too short on some tall women), or as a shorter midi on a average height lady.

The measurements on this are similar to the Josephine, so I smell some miscalculation on Boden's part.  Either the Elena is much bigger than the stated 30" (unlikely as my waist is right at 29" and 30" often feels comfortable), or the Josephine is actually wee-er than the stated 30" (more likely).

Oh, it has pockets, too.  It is an all-around win!

Also fully stocked, except in the solid navy shade.

Reviews from recent wears:

Georgia Jersey Dress.  Size 6 Regular.  I really was unsure upon wearing it the first time if it actually worked on me.  I think I had been having a bad day, and it usually is unwise to try on fitted clothing when feeling crappy.  Anyhow, the next time I wore it I felt better and I have decided this is one of my favorites ever.  I really hope they reissue this dress in other patterns and prints.  Big hearts and swoons to it.

From the side you can see it flares out, which definitely works for pear shapes.

The back is not horrible, which means it absolutely must stay in my closet.  LOL.

This one is very fully in stock.  One of the commenters asked why it has no extra solid colors, and I get her point.  This print is unlikely to be everyone's cup of tea (clearly I am not one of the naysayers), so issuing it in a solid green or yellow seems a good choice on Boden's part.

Upon looking at this again, I realize in my original instagram my daughter's most untidy room was cropped out.  She cleans it once a week, clearly this was the day before her weekly clean up.  LOL.  Oh, kids...

Cordelia Ottoman Dress.  Size 8 Long.  I have given up on all my other solid red dresses (damn you, hips), so I needed a replacement.  This called my name because of the tomato shade, the yummy stretchy ponte textured fabric, and the shape.  And it works.  Admittedly I look like a flight attendant, but I can look less so by choosing no stockings and a necklace next time.  (Though one of my students JUST LOVED it on me as a flight attendant, lololol).

This dress is definitely sticking around, and not sold out.

Okay that's it for now!  I love that I had a few moments to share some reviews and the visit with you all.  I am loving England, and do wish I could get back her more often (between 1995-2005 I visited 6 times, in total nearly two months of vacation time).  It is good to be back, but I hope it won't be another twelve years before I do!

Talk with you all soon!

The sale for those random selected items ends today, so to make sure you are up to date, I also included the link for the 15% off that extends into later April.

Sale that ends today is here, remember to use the code FST4:
20% off Dresses & Baby Playsets, Men's and Boy's Trousers, valid 4/15-4/17 with code FST4

After today, use this link for 15% off, but do use the code 8C3H:

Boden: Mid-Season Sale Reviews. And More...

I'll get to the "and more" I refer to in the title in a moment, but first...

Boden rolled out their mid-season sale and for once in a really long time, the deals are actually quite good.  Nice items, popular, too, are actually at a decent percentage off, maybe not 40% off, but a whole bunch of them are at 20% to 30% off.  Woo!

And to make it even better (bear in mind this may go away), apparently the code that the affiliate program gave me for the month of March is working together with the mid-season sale, so it's like Boden has decided we're in 2012 up in here (last time I believe they let us do that!).  (Use 8R3F on the shopping bag page!) That there is my "and more" of the title.  My hope is that no one even bothers to read my blog anymore but hardcore Boden fans, so that the powers that be at Boden won't realize this has happened.  That said, I am thinking they'll figure it out without little ole me telling you all, so be aware the awesome could disappear.  ;-)

Okay, I have worn quite a few of the recent purchases in the past two months (eep, two months without an update), and want to share them with you all.  Thank you to Boden for starting the sale when I am off work.  During the week I am lucky if I get an instagram photo up, so I know I wouldn't update the blog.

Here are the reviews!

Fleur Fitted Dress. Size 8 Regular.  I chose to get the 8 regular rather than the 8 long because I have seen Boden run to a longer hemline, and though I could get away with wearing this below my knee, I didn't want to take that chance.  I chose right since the silhouette is exactly right finishing at the knee.

This dress is superb.  I was not in love with the price of this one, but when I put it on and realized what it did to my figure (hey, it's not a pear shape in this one!), and felt how comfortable it is (has a touch of elastane for stretch in both the lining and the outer cotton fabric), I was okay with the price.  The price now is about $9 less than I paid for it (the extra % off really helps there).

It has a back zip and the sleeves end just above the elbow.  The fabric is a basketweave cotton fabric, so it is thick and textured, but it isn't too heavy nor structured.  This is not a drapey dress, by any means, but it wears well.  It was only a touch wrinkled when I got home, too, and I had worn it all day.

The pattern is stunning.  I love border prints and this is one of the prettiest I have ever seen.

My original instagram was here.

Fleur Fitted Dress.  The navy one is selling out and nearly all sizes in regular are gone.  The white one has more availability, for now.  I think the white one would be very nice for a spring wedding guest, so it may sell out in the future?

Rita Ruched Dress.  Size 8 Regular.  Again, I went with an 8 regular, because the long would have been too frumpy for me in this sheath shape.  Though I often wear 6 in jersey dresses, I won't in Boden's sheath shaped lyocell or ponte dresses, since they are usually too tight on my hips in that size.

This dress is similar in aesthetic to the Fleur Fitted, but has some obvious differences.  Though they clearly both feature pink border prints, this one is vine-y, and more saturated with the rose hues than the fleur.  The sheath shape is also similar, but this fabrication (a lyocell) means it drapes much differently, and hugs the curves in a different way, as well.

The dress is a pull on, which bugs, but it's a better choice than having a zip back there weighing it down.  There is a slip lining, and while I appreciate it, I think it runs a touch short in comparison with the hem of the dress's outer fabric.

The color of the skirt solid portion is a weird muddy dark grey color.  I like the color, but it isn't a pure grey, brown, or black, so bear that in mind.

Rita Ruched Dress.  Not even close to selling out.  The price right now (with the additional % off) is nearly 50% off, so I'd call that a really good price.

Posy Shirt Dress.  Size 6 Long.  This one I have done a review on, so this is mainly to show you how it looks on me.  I want you to ignore the very light pale stockings.  I wanted to wear this dress, along with my bright red coat on "National Wear Red" day for woman's heart health, but that day was SO stupid cold, and I couldn't make this work with darker tights, so I rolled with my flesh-colored tights.  LOL.

Anyhow, this dress just fits me in the waist, and my waist is very small in comparison with my hips, so I would caution you to purchase the size that fits your waist.  The dress otherwise fits me well.

Posy Shirt Dress.  This is proving popular.  It is a very lovely print and an unusual, unique take on the shirt dress, so I can see why it is selling well.

Sorrento Jersey Dress.  Size 8 Long.  This dress also had a review, so this is to show you it on me.  I really love this one so much.  Though I am not showing my hands in the pockets, they are great, deep, and don't add any bulk to the hip area (score!).  It was obviously worn by me as a coverup on our vacation to the Turks and Caicos, but I definitely have plans to wear it to school.  It is a versatile piece, so I definitely recommend it (if you can get it in your size).

Sorrento Jersey Dress.  This one is all sold out.  Popbacks happen, but they are not assured.  If you see it, in your size, with this sale, and you want it...buy it.  Trust me.  I have hopes that its popularity means that Boden will reissue it again in other seasons in solids and in other beautiful prints.

Ischia Halter Neck Swimsuit.  Size 6.  Since I carry all my weight below where the swimsuit's leg openings are, I went with my smaller size in Boden.  (I can wear a 4 or 6 in J. Crew for comparison.)  I have a very small bust (32B) and a short torso for my height, so swimsuits like this are fine.  I don't need bust support and the shorter length is fine for me.

Having said that, the reviews are very much weighted on the side of this one being too short overall, and the bust support being far too little.  I would recommend this suit to people with my type of frame.  (Or if you are a very slender type, with a short torso.)  This would likely not be your best choice if you hold your weight in your bust and/or have a long torso.

I like how the halter draws the eye upward, and the very subtle print variation on the bust seaming was another added bonus.  I personally had to tie the ties at the halter neck super tight, but again, I am very short up top.

I hate my back view, but considering my hatred, I only semi-hate this shot.  (My husband did this without me knowing it...lol.)  Though I would love to shrink my upper thigh area, I can see that this suit doesn't make me look super huge, either, so I'll take it.  If you have a smaller hip area, and can carry off this suit in your torso and bust, I know this one would likely look AMAZING on you!

Ischia Halter Swimsuit.  This one is definitely not selling out.  I was glad to have bought it when I did, since I had a reason to wear it early in the season, but I bet most of you could wait.

Juliette T-Shirt.  Size 15-16.  This is another "I've already reviewed" review, so really, this is mainly for you to get a look on it on a human.  ;-)   It is quite comfortable, and though a more slim fit than Johnnie b. tops in the past, it still fits my size 6 fine.  (That said, I just received the Nadia tee, and it fits much less slim, so I think it may be a style design in the Juliette.)

Juliette T-Shirt.  Not sold out in the grey birdie print or the white one, but the blue one is almost all gone.  I think the grey is so cute, so I don't get the love for the blue, but whatever.

Okay, that's all for now.  I hope this maybe helped some of you!

Do you have any items you are loving in the mid-season sale?

Remember, I don't know how long that Boden will allow the additional 15% off (with the code 8R3F), so at any moment, it could return to "just" a mid-season sale, with good deals, but no additional % off.
Shop Spring with up to 40% off at Boden! Valid 3/19-3/22