Showing posts with label blog friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog friends. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Ten Years!

Above: Recent OOTDs.  Boden Penny Jersey Dress, Boden Sweater and Mimi Velvet Skirt, and Made by Me Burnout Velvet Dress (with a pair of Boden Julia Heels).

Hi, all!

First photo of me on the blog.  That's CW, aged four months.

Happy January 15, 2019.  For those of you who've been with me a long time, you may remember that I started this blog on January 15, 2009.  And I kept it up for a long time without many pauses.  Until I stopped.  So happy 10 to me?  Or not?  But either way, it's been ten years, and I felt compelled to at least do ONE blog post on my ten year blog birthday.

I'm still doing my same old, same old, just doing most of it away from the blog.

What's the same:

Almost all Boden, of course.

1. I still own, in overabundance, a lot of Boden.  It is definitely been trimmed down, but their tall sizing really suits my frame, and works for my lifestyle, so I stick with it.  It has gone slightly down hill in comparison with my older Boden pieces (from 2004!), but they are not, in any way, shape, or form, as fast fashion as some companies are today (read: they still line items, add buttons and proper zips, and use higher end fabrics).

Outside Middendorf's, in Manchac, LA, in December.

2. I still am very much into my kids, in fact, that may be the #1 contributor to why I don't blog at all anymore.  I have so many things I must do with them that I come home from work and their activities and fall into bed!  Rex is now almost 12 (!!!), CW is 10, and Angus is 6.  Rex is really into Boy Scouts, baseball, and his video games.  CW is into acting (she's in her first ever community theater play as I write this), swimming, singing, her friends, and playing the piano and flute.  Angus loves bowling, soccer, baseball, swimming, and being social.  I remember a few years into my blog that another blog friend would only sporadically blog and she mentioned how tough her four kids made it for her to blog.  I didn't fully get it as mine were so small (and one wasn't born), but I fully appreciate it now.  The fact she blogged at all has me in awe!

Munich, Germany April 2018.

3. I still travel all over the world, and I love it.  I wish I could do that 100% of the time, but for now, I'll take it as I can.

4. I still am a History teacher, teaching the same stuff I used to teach when I started the blog way back when!

5. I may only publish to Instagram sporadically, but I do, so still keep in touch with me there.

6. I also still publish posts at the Fabric Mart Fabricista blog.  They've kept me all these years, and I still enjoy it.  The dress up there on the far right is my latest make, which you can read about here.

What's different:

1. I definitely wear more than Boden, but not just J. Crew.  I branch out way more than I used to, and find myself gravitating towards looser, more casual clothing than ever.  Part of that may have to do with my wearing more formal clothing for work and wanting to let loose when not working.

2. I am a big fan of subscription boxes.  This was not my style initially, but since starting the first one back in December of last year (2017) (Lookfantastic beauty box), I have since gone on to grab a whole bunch, and definitely look forward to my boxes.  It's actually curbed my spending overall, as I find having them come in satisfies my need for "new," and unless I really need something, I hold off.  For the most part these boxes are a set price and the retail value is much higher, and that ends up being satisfying, as well.  I have found lots of cool beauty, homeware, and clothing this way, and while I may pull back some, the desire for surprises keeps me intrigued.   I ended up spending very little on Christmas this year.  A whole bunch of my presents came from the boxes, especially for my female relatives and friends, since there would be things in each that I knew they would love more that I did.  (One of my friends is into essential oils, so I gave her some essential oil items I received.  Another friend really likes makeup, and there were some palettes that were too dark for me, so she received those.)

A cute top from Golden Tote, and a beanie from some subscription box.

I don't do many clothing boxes as I am too picky, but I give it up to Golden Tote for really getting my style and shape.  They personally reach out to me if they have questions, and I have received a few items that don't work (usually because the hips are too small on me), but in general, lots of winners.

3. I teach at a Catholic school, the one I went to.  My kids go there, and that's awesome.  I love seeing them.  They seem to be okay with it.  I give them credit for putting up with my being there all the time.  Rex is the most bothered, but even he is just kind of, "oh, mom, leave me alone."  Chuckle.  I even catch him smiling at me from time to time.

4.  I was really sad last year.  Like the entire 2017-2018 school year.  No one knew.  I think I hid it well.  It was a tough year, and I felt like no one liked me.  I had friends, but I fell into some dark, sad places some days.  I questioned it all...was I a good teacher, was I a good mother, why do I even bother, why do none of the people I like email/call/text me back, why does everyone else have friends, etc., etc.  I still don't know many of the answers, but because I decided I needed a thicker skin, I decided the answers didn't matter, and that I should just be all, "who cares, I'll figure it out."  Thankfully this year is 1100% better.

5. I gained ten pounds last year thanks to my sadness.  I am working to lose the weight, but it is really hard being a certain size and not being that size anymore.  Of course it all went to my hips and butt.  LOL.  Thank goodness so many of my clothes are loose skirted dresses.  :-)

Here forward:

Will I blog?  I don't know.  I'm not sure people read fashion/shopping blogs anymore.  I do know they read blogs that deal with subscription boxes and sewing, so I may just transition to that, and only mention what I am wearing in captions, and focus my ootd stuff to instagram.

There is also the possibility I may just move to youtube, as well.  I mean there is no way on planet earth I would ever be popular on that kind of platform, but I have seen women with similar backgrounds and lifestyles do okay there, and I have filmed myself to see if I can do it, and I am not as shrill or offensive sounding as I thought I might be.  I may give it a shot.  Who knows?  The unboxing and beauty videos are fun to watch and some of the ladies on youtube are pretty awesome.  We'll see.

I like this photo.  I shot it while a passenger in the car, lol.  I feel like this shows that I am doing well.  I am not sure I could have taken a photo like this last year, and am so glad I am doing better.  :-)

I hope all of you are well.  I am doing well.  I miss everyone.  Reach out to me if you feel so inclined.  I am still at dinagideon AT aim DOT come.

Let me know how you're doing in the comments, if you'd like.

Monday, April 17, 2017

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 USA

Friday, January 20, 2017

Boden: New Arrivals and Clearance Reviews. Plus Clearance Bummers.

Hi, all!  I started this post last weekend, but I made this dress instead of finishing the post.  Since its lines are really close to the Riva Jacquard Dress from this season's line, I am actually pretty stoked, since I have a few yards of very lovely solid colored ponte (and even a few solid-colored jacquard knits) that I can use to make up my own version of the Riva, instead of purchasing it.  Yah!

Okay, so the spring line dropped.  Clearly I waited to do a post on it, but I do know some of you have interest in my preorder/early orders, so the top part of my post is dedicated to that.  I really do love all I chose, but the sizing is a bit off in a couple, so I will make note of that for you all.  The affiliate program has a 15% off new arrivals coupon to use, and it is located at the middle of this post (below new arrivals reviews) and in the sidebar of the blog.  You must use code 3B3K to receive the 15% off.

Onto some bad news...the clearance section has become a FINAL sale section.  Phooey.  Thanks to kdot1990/Kristen (on Instagram here), I found out this unfortunate decision had been made by the powers that be at Boden.  I thought for sure people would be on fire, waving sticks, over at their Facebook page, but as of last check, I didn't see any.  Final sale is JUST ridiculous for those of us who don't have access to shops to try items on.  I mean, even in the UK, there are just a few Boden shops, so most of the ladies and gents and kids over there don't even have access to the shops either.  (And, get this, the UK site clearance items are NOT FINAL SALE.  GRRRR.)  Also--unlike a few years ago, their consistent sizing has been far less so.  The garment measurements help, but even after declaring that the Sally coat would be a touch loose on my lower hips based on the measurements provided, it wasn't.  I can wear it, and don't really love the way it looks closed, so I am good, but really, if I had gotten the size smaller for a more fitted look, AND had discovered it was final sale, I would be spitting nails!  Anyhow, caveat emptor. 

I have a few (now final) sale reviews at the bottom.  I only recommend purchasing in final sale if you really do have confidence that something will work for you.  (Kids clothing sells well on ebay, etc., so you probably will have better luck there if something doesn't work out. There is a 10% off final sale for them this weekend, btw.)   Knitwear and tees are probably okay, as that fabric is stretchy and if you are off a size, it usually will be okay.  Wovens, especially rayon wovens, yeah, NO.  Trust me.

Spring 2017 Reviews:
Rita Ruched Dress, Martha Top, Phoebe Jersey Dress, Sorrento Jersey Knit Dress, and Juliette T-Shirt.  Rita--size 8 Regular; Martha--6; Phoebe--6 Long; Sorrento--8 Long; Juliette--15-16.

Rita--Lovely print and pattern.  Very excited to wear this, and will likely wear it in real life very soon.  I am glad I went up to an 8, even though it is a stretchy knit (lyocell).  It is very figure hugging, and the bit of ease makes it a bit less so.  The only bummer is the color at the bottom is a bit muddy looking.  The bright pinks make up for it so much, though.

Martha--I have reorder in the 8.  I rarely have to order up to an 8, and it's usually because I am looking for ease in the hips.  It's tight through the hips, but tight elsewhere, too.  They really do mean "fitted" in their description.  The colors are so very pretty, though, so worth the hassle of the reorder/return.

Phoebe--The long is pretty long.  I may keep the long as it is just under my knees, but if I ever get tired of the length, I will definitely hem it up two inches.  It is a nice jersey, substantial and a great hand feel.  The bird print is very lovely, and will likely work for so many people.

Sorrento--I ordered this one when it debuted at the Boden site two weeks ago.  I had missed it in preview?  Anyhow, this print and color is so gorgeous, and I really am glad I chose to order it.  This long hits right at the top of my knee, so the long is exactly right!  I love the longer sleeves, as I am going to Turks and Caicos in February, and I just read they have Zika there, so that means one less bit of skin that I have spray DEET on while I am there.  The pockets are really useful and deep, too.  Definitely a winner.  I chose to order the size up as I didn't want it too tight on my bum.  I could have sized down, but the fit is fine in the 8, so I am keeping the size up.  I hope they introduce more prints in this dress.  It's a winner!

Juliette--This tee is so cute, and pairs well with quite a few bottoms in my wardrobe.  It is a fitted silhouette, so I think I am the largest you can be and still get away with it.  (I am a 34 bust, 28.5 waist, 39 hip/41 lower hip.)  This is definitely a wash and line dry kind of item for me.  ;-)


Closeups of the prints/patterns/fabric.

Posy Shirt Dress.  Size 6 Long.  I looked closely at the garment measurements before choosing the 6 L.  I was not concerned for hips or bust, but the waist.  As with previous shirtdresses from them, this one is much more fitted in the waist.  The size 6 waist measures 29", and it is a close fit for me.  But the 31" would be too much ease, to be honest.  If you run larger in your waist, this dress may not work best for you since it does tend to favor the shapes that have larger bust/hiplines and smaller waists.

The fabric is a stretchy cotton, so that helps a bit if you are between two sizes and want to go smaller.

THE PRINT!  It is very special and unique.  I have seen them described as birdcages and I see that, but I also see the botanical garden look, as well.  So aviary or plant house, your choice!

The pinks and black and white do nicely work together, and read very springy.

One thing I missed in the description was the hidden inside buttons on the placket.  THIS takes FOREVER to button, but there is no gaping, at all, because of it.  Very clever, and a very nice dressmaking addition.  Kudos, Boden!

Isla Dress.  I have a written review from a blog reader, Marybeth.  I really appreciate her review, since this was on my list to purchase at some point!

"I wanted to let you know that I ordered the Isla dress from the spring 2017 preview and received it today. It is lovely, but it comes up quite small--not helped by the fabric, which is more of a thicker, canvas-type material (definitely no need for a lining, which I had been wondering about, especially considering the price tag, even with the discount) rather than a stretchy cotton jersey. If you decide to order, definitely size up one, as my regular size was too small. I measured it up against other Boden dresses of the same size and it's much narrower with more of a pencil skirt bottom rather than an A-line (which makes me feel better, particularly after the holidays! Lol). Also, the neckline is a bit higher, which I wasn't as keen on, and I think it would have been nicer (particularly for spring and summer) if it was more of a scoop. The print and garment quality (the way the fabric is pieced together for a more slimming silhouette) are both great, but I'm honestly undecided if I'll reorder."

Here's the link to the 15% off, but remember to use code 3B3K.
15% off plus free shipping and returns with code 3B3K, valid 1/4-1/29
Boden USA

Clearance (FINAL SALE, ugh) Reviews:
Curve and Flare Dress. Size 6 Long.  I initially wanted it in the 6 regular as the 42" length seemed too long for this silhouette, but it works, especially if paired with higher heels (the heeled brogues from Boden's amazing Fall 2013 collection). 

This dress is a wonder.  Made of a heavier textured double knit fabric, it stretches, lays well, and fits precisely.  I fit it for my bust, and the 6 is exactly right.  There is a zip in back, but I could get it on without the zip. 

I chose the deep forest green color, and I prefer the single color versions to the colorblocked ones.

There are no pockets, which is a shame, as there is definitely enough ease in the skirt to make them work without messing up the style lines.


Curve and Flare Dress. Available in most colors but limited in red (above is navy).  This is probably the only one of the clearance reviews I can green light purchasing in final sale.  But the price is steep for final sale, so it really is a matter of your need for a dress like this.  For teachers or those who work in a conservative environment, this is a good choice, for sure.

Sally Coat.  Size 8 Regular.  I love this color coat so much.  I have worn it three times since receiving it.  It works nicely with a good portion of my wardrobe.  It is a perfect coat for those of us that live in areas where winter means many days of highs in the 50s.  Chilly enough to deserve a coat, but not cold enough to warrant the stadium cloth or puffers (though we have days that warrant those kind of coats, too, blegh). 

It is not lined, but easily slips on, due to the fact that the ease in the sleeves are full.  There is a touch of stretch to the boiled wool fabric. 

I wish I had sized up to a 10, but now that I know it's in final sale, I am not taking a chance, just in case it becomes a case of the size "9" being the right one.  I like the look of it opened, so I will live.  ;-)

This most accurately shows the green shade it is, it is brighter outside.  Very minty, and more green than blue.  Very pretty color and works with my reddish hair and lighter skin tone.  (I think if you are a clear spring, you can definitely do this one!)


Sally Coat. This is the color I see when I am looking at it outside.  All colors are in stock, but the cheapest ones are selling out (it's a good deal, but not final sale good deal, ya know?).

Windermere Puffer Coat.  Size 8.  I needed the 8 here, and glad I chose this size, as the hips fit well, and can be buttoned/zipped up properly when I need it to be.  This is not a coat that I want to just hang open, since I wear coats like this on super cold/windy days.  It works and kept me warm and toasty the day it was so cold our wind chills were in the teens (I know, northerners, that's not that cold, but for Virginia, it was COLD!).  I really love the zip up inside shell.  It's a half shell, and ends at the navel, but once that is zipped up all the way, and then the outer portion is all zipped up, and then buttoned, and then hood is up and buttoned, you are a well-insulated lady.  Toasty!

The color is very nice.  I have a black puffer, but ugh, black is just so blah.  This merlot color is more uplifting, plus it reminds me of wine (bonus). 

I can't say go out and buy this one, though, simply because of the final sale.  It is worth the sale price, and a great deal, but nope, non-returnable, and the in the wrong size, nope. nope. nope.

I hope you all are well!  Enjoy your weekend! 

So, yeah, here's the link to the final sale clearance section.  Good luck.  The first link is to receive the extra 10% off the kids' clearance section.
Final Clearance Event! New lines added plus extra 10% off Childrenswear with code 6R4U, valid 1/19-1/22

Boden USA

Friday, May 20, 2016

Boden: 20% Off Clearance...Plus Two Clearance Dress Reviews.

Ottoman Shift Dress, on sale for $66.24
Hey you all!  How have you all been?

May has been great, raining constantly (barring my daughter's First Holy Communion Day, thank goodness).  I have been wearing a ton of Made by Me items for this month, as a bunch of us on Instagram celebrate our "memade" (shudder at that grammar, btw) outfits every day. 

Recently I chose to buy some very nicely reduced work jersey dresses from Boden from clearance.  Alas I missed both of these with the extra 20% off, but I will say I was happy enough with the price I paid (clearly as I have already worn both!).  (To fit in the "memade" month, I wore both with made by me circle scarves.)

I will get to the info on the extra 20% off at the bottom of this post, so if you don't need these reviews, that's where that 411 is. 

The Ottoman Shift Dress was a bit hit from last fall at Boden.  I actually know, in real life, a French lady who purchased this and has worn it to pick up her kids from school.  She pointed to it, smiled, and said "Boden."  I winked back and said I could probably never wear it (big ole hips) and called it a day.

But then I tried this Ottoman top after buying it from my friend after she decided she wanted the smaller size, and realizing how much I love the fabric, I decided I should give this shift a try after all since it is so stretchy.

I purchased the shift in a size 8 Long, and it turned out the size was more than big enough.  In fact, with the cotton jersey being a bit less "bouncebackable*," I maybe could have gone with a 6 Long, but I think with multiple washings, plus the fact that I work in a conservative environment, makes the 8 the best choice, even if it means I will have a bit of a saggy Sally dress at the end of the work day (only a bit, and only at the back bit).

Plus, those darn pockets!  They are amazing.  Especially if you are a teacher (can hold a phone, pencils, kleenex, you name it). 

*Bouncebackable--totally a word.

This picture shoes how it has gone a bit saggy at the back, right under the bum, and at the elbows.  But, really, truly not that big of a deal.

The cozy comfy more than makes up any negative I can muster about the lack of bounce back it has.


Ottoman Shift Dress.  There are plenty in this color and the orange/pink available.  If you think you like this style, but are unsure of the fit, this extra 20% off time is a good time to pick one up.

Louise Ponte Dress, on sale for $55.20
Size 8 Regular.  I tried the 6 Regular, too.

This dress does come in a long, and though I normally buy the longs, this one was set to hit at my lower kneecap and I wasn't really digging the thought of this shape skirt at that length on me.  It would have been fine for the modesty requirements at the school, but honestly, this one is fine, too.

The 6 regular fit, but it was like a glove.  And this ponte, though lined in a very soft and thick jersey fabric, shows everything.  The 8 regular is a much better choice for my frame.

If you look at the models on the page, even they have wrinkling throughout, so I know that at least I am in good company.  :-)

The dress did have bouncebackability, so that gave it some points, fabric-wise.  The ponte is thick and warm, and the color combo is so beautiful together.

The back view is weird.  I don't mind the zip, but I wonder how much nicer it would have looked without it.  The 8 fit fine enough that I could keep the zip zipped up and pull it over my head (though that day I did unzip and step into it, as evidenced by the fact that it didn't make it all the way back up).

The colors, btw, are true to color for what I see on my monitor versus the actual dress.

The seam at the waist does fall as a slight curve.  It could make one look a bit "with child."  Even fully sucking in, I felt like there was a big old arrow to my tummy, and I actually rather like my belly (lol, what an odd thing to type), unlike my poor bottom, which bears all my body wrath.  ;-)  Just a thought to bear in mind if you worry about your waist silhouette.


Louise Ponte Dress.  There are virtually no sizes left in both colors.  So despite wrinkles, weird colored zip, and some tummy bits, it is a popular dress.  The Louise of What Lou Wore 365 doesn't own it, sadly.  I hope that changes one day.  I personally think she would look amazing in the darker blue version!

So this clearance extra 20% off lasts until Sunday night.  I will likely pick up an item or two.  There are a TON of leftovers from last summer, so you can even shop for what you need right now.

There are always popbacks, so if you check a few times over the weekend, you may catch an item you formerly thought sold out, is now back in stock.  If an item is low stock, though, remember that it means there are five or less of the item available.

Okay, that's all for now.  I hope you have a great weekend, and enjoy (sale) shopping!

The below link is the banner the affiliate gave me, but it is 20% off (to dream of 25% off!):
Boden USA

For non-clearance items, you can use this link and code:
15% off plus free shipping and returns with code 3K9M, valid 5/1-5/25