Boden: Black Friday Reviews!

The Boden Black Friday sale is just "meh," at 30% off, but I know things are moving over there (some of the items I had been looking at were pulled from my cart after selling out), so I thought I'd put out a few reviews for those of you wondering about some of the items over there.

Bear in mind a few of the items I am reviewing are in the "clearance" section, so they aren't part of the 30% off, but there are at least a few from below that are from the newer "on 30% off" with the Black Friday sale (they are listed under Regular Boden). 

I have included the link to the sale, along with the code for the sale, at the bottom of the post.  :-)

Regular Boden:

High Neck Dress.  Size 10 Long.  I had initially tried this an 8 Long, and it fit, but just.  Since I knew I wanted it to not cling, I sized up to a 10 (which I do have to do in many of Boden's slim fitting skirts and dresses). 

Upon receiving the 10, I did find it fit far better.  I feel like the top half is quite blousey, but because it doesn't have a similarly blousey bottom half, it works.  If you are an inverted triangle shape, you will definitely be able to go with your smaller size since the bodice is rather forgiving.  If you are a pear shape, size up.  Trust me.

It is made from a heavier poly crepe and it is lovely, but very static clingy.  I took some dryer sheets and liberally applied them all over my tights and to the inside of the skirt portion of the dress.  It worked to end the static cling, and it also made my outfit smell fresh.  (LOL.)  You could also try this mainstay from my youth, which I used when I was in high school and my wool/poly skirt (I wore a uniform) would always stick to my tights.

Here is the Instagram shot.

High Neck Dress.  This one is selling decently well.  I would say if you'll wear it now, then grab it, but if you're not sure, you probably can wait for clearance pricing (which should be better than 30% off).

Mia Tunic. Size 6 Long.  I have already reviewed this here at the site (almost one month ago, SO SLOW am I at updates).  I wanted to give you all another view, since I am such a huge fan.  I am very happy to say that it washed well and didn't shrink.  But I did not put it in the dryer and I washed it in cold water, and I know that helps. 

Here's the Instagram from the day I wore it.

Mia Tunic.  I still think I am the only one who loves this.  Oh, well.  :-)  You all can wait for a better price.

Make a Statement Breton.  Size 8.  I sized up from a 6 to this in an 8 because I wanted to be able to untuck it and wear it loose over a pair of pants.  If I had bought the 6, it would have clung too closely for my liking.  The cotton isn't very substantial, so if you are used to Bretons being more heavyweight, be prepared.  It isn't super thin, but it is not a hard wearing Breton.  This top runs a touch long for me, so if you have a longer torso, you'll like this one. 

The print is so sweet.  I love the stripes, but the over-printed hearts, which from far away look just abstract, are so pretty and different.

Here's the Instagram from the day I wore it.

Make a Statement Breton. It isn't sold out in many sizes, but I know how Boden operates.  They will for sure not reduce these beyond 30% in clearance time.  They know women love their Bretons and will pay well for them.  So it's really neither here nor there when you buy it.  But if your size is in low stock or no stock, and it comes back, buy it now.

Priscilla Jacquard Dress.  Size 8 Regular.  I just love this dress.  To be honest, any knitted jacquard dress from them are my friends.  I have a few.  ;-)  (One of my favorites from last year, worn here. And another one, worn more recently.)

This dress runs true to size for their knitted jacquard sheaths.  Though the knit would allow it to stretch over my hips in the 6, I don't want to do that, I would rather it just fit with a touch of ease there. 

The dress is quite covered up, great for work, but pretty conservative.  I went with the regular length so as to avoid being too frumpy.  (Remember, I work at a Catholic school, so this means their long length would be really frumpy!)  It also helped to break up all that pattern with the lariat necklace from Stella and Dot. 

I am so appreciative for the subtle shaping at the back of the dress.  It fits very precisely. 

This photo was the only one where I could come close to showing you the actual color.  It is definitely blue, leaning towards a navy.  The white dots are more grey, but only just, and that is from the weave of the yarns.  This is not a brown dress, at all, but because of the hall light and my phone camera, it shows that way.

From the side.  It is fitted, but I am okay with that.  I used control top tights to help keep my tummy sucked in all day. 

Instagram here.

Priscilla Jacquard Dress.  This dress is not selling so well.  The other color way is doing poorly, too.  I think you all can wait to buy.

Clearance Items:

Carolyn Ponte Dress. Size 8 Long.  I waited a while to wear this, partly because I wasn't sure if I could get away with wearing it without control top tights.  Well, I did need shapewear, but I used a spanx like item instead (one that cinched my waist, too), so no tights needed.  I chose to wear it when it was in the 70s recently. 

This dress is made from a super lovely soft ponte, but dang, it's thin, so I had to wear a padded bra, too.  Shudder.  The bra fits well, but I am not used to wearing them, so by the end of the day I'm all, "get off of me, you cursed garment."  (I wear camis, typically, remember I am a 32B, so not exactly in need of support.)

Instagram here.

Carolyn Ponte Dress.  I would say this color is not accurate, I would say it runs a touch brighter than this.  The yellow is that yellow that is hard to wear by a lot of women, so I would keep this in mind.  It does come in a black, too.  The black is nearly sold out, though.

Jersey Swing Dress.  Size 15-16.  This is a Johnnie b. item.  They have changed the sizing at Johnnie b, so they no longer carry 16+.  I also think they have narrowed their fit, so a 13-14 is a bit slimmer than it was in the past (the size I wore in the past--in their tops).  The dress here is a bit of a tunic on me, but it worked for the occasion (hanging out with the family in Richmond).  It is a lot like this jersey tunic from Boden from last year, barring the pockets.  I really like this dress.  :-)

CW is wearing the dress in a size two sizes too large (she is a real 8 and this is a 9-10).  For now it is a long dress, but by the time she gets to age 10, it will likely fit more like it does on me.  (She'll wear leggings with it then.)  She makes me laugh with her combat boots, she looks like she belongs 1993. 

(She wore them as part of her Emma/Invisible Girl costume on Halloween.  You know the girl in the Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar Children?)

Jersey Swing Tunic.  All sold out in the floral version, but there are a few sizes left in the red stripy version.  They also have it in grey.

Okay, that's all from me for now.  I hope all of you are doing well.  Hope you had a very Happy Thanksgiving and will have a happy weekend!
Make sure to use the code 3Y8N, the promo is valid from 11/22-11/28!

Boden: Floral Ponte Dress Review.

Hi, all!  Hope all of you have been well.  :-) 

I realize it's been a while since my last Boden review, and since I actually had an opportunity to wear something from this fall's collection this summer (most of the fall items are made from fabric not really suited for Virginia summers), I figured I could get it up before it completely sells out.

Floral Ponte Dress.  Size 8 Long.  I took a chance on buying this in preview since it was so pretty and unique that I was pretty sure it might sell out.  And it actually looks like it may just do that, based on the numbers/stock levels I am seeing today.  Others that I have noticed nearing sell out status include the Alisa Dress (in blue) and the Carolyn Ponte Dress (yellow on deep backorder).

Anyhow, the measurements were up for this one (by some miracle) in preorder, so I knew I had to buy the 8 Long in order for it to work for my frame and height.  And it does fit, with just enough ease to keep it from clinging to my curves, but still fitted.  It is a touch loose at the shoulders, bust, and waist, but anytime I purchase an 8 instead of a 6, that's what happens.

The stretch is just enough if you feel inclined to purchase a smaller size, but since I plan to wear this teaching, I would prefer the extra length and room throughout that the 8 provides.  The length is 39" and it hits right above the knee, which is typical for 39".  (42" hits right below my knee, and 37" hits two inches above the knee.  I will only go shorter than 37" if I know that it is a super loose style like I am wearing here in this Instagram photo.)

The decoration is so special, the printed border snaking up each side of the dress, and fully covering the sleeves.  The green is an army green, while the print is a nude shade, not quite tan, but definitely not white/beige, either.  The neckline and silhouette are not anything write home about, but they are both fine for day to evening, and as you can see, can be accessorized, provided you keep it on the simpler/more neutral end.

Those shoes are the Georgia Woven Sandal, btw, and I purchased them in a size 41, which is the right size for my narrow 9.5 foot.  The neutral color on the sandal matches the print on the dress, so it was the right choice for that day.  :-)

If I had sucked my tummy in even more, and got rid of my (very flat) chest, it would almost look like there is no solid green at all from the side.

If you are NOT a pear shape, this dress will likely be more a-line on you.  I clearly am a pear shape, and my thighs/hips/bottom fully fill out the skirt portion.  I wish that wasn't the case, but I do like the look of the dress as it looks on me (different from the model).  The model looks cute but not like this, at all. 

I love love love the way the print was placed on the back.  It makes me look so much thinner from the back than most dresses do.  I don't love the blue version of this dress, but had they made another colored version of it, I would be very tempted to purchase it. 

There is a zip, but I didn't need it.  I just slipped the dress on right over my head.

Okay, that's it!  Has anyone else bought this dress?  Thoughts?

BTW, if you have commented here on the blog in the past month, THANK YOU, and be assured I have read and appreciated every comment.  I will reply back.  I have been busy with a lot of swim team stuff (I am one of their in water coaches, too) and traveling, so I am now just settling into quiet time (phew).

I have a coupon from the affiliate, but do make sure to use the code 5H7B to receive the 15% off!

Made by Me File/OOTDs: Four Recent Dresses!

Hey, all! This will be a photo-intensive post, but to ameliorate how much reading you'll need to do here, I will save the nitty-gritty details about construction and pattern/fabric reviewing to the posts on that I have made at either PatternReview.com or the Fabric Mart blog. Those links are scattered about. :-)

I hope all of you have been well. I have the night off from children and hubby (I am in Georgia with his family and they all want to go and get Krystal and see a movie, I gently declined both), so I am using it to my full advantage!

This is a dress I made in April for our annual auction at our school.  This year's theme was "My Big Fat Greek Auction," and it was recommended to wear dressy blue and white.  I think I accomplished that.  ;-)

The other years I have done the same, made up a dress to go with the theme.  Last year's was on Space, so I crafted a galaxy printed dress, and the year prior was Kentucky Derby, and for that I made a floral sheath and paired it with a light blue hat.

The dress is made using Vogue 1499, an Anne Klein pattern, that features a full, pleated skirt, and a fitted bodice with distinct seamed details and cap sleeves.

It was an easy make, but because I lost any stretch in my fabric by placing the border so it would run parallel to the floor, I had to be extra sure I was right about my size on my bottom half.  It fits, and it fits well, but if I gain any weight between my waist and hip, I will definitely be unable to wear it in the future.  (Must always ensure I get my steps in and swim!!!)

This dress is magic, I can see why Anne Klein has it in her collections. (It is also available in a yellow stripe and grey stripe!)  It is very fit and flare, so it truly emphasizes the waist, and if you use a border print fabric, you can make sure to place the print in a way that draws the eye to it.

The fabric was a leftover from Maggy London (her London Times line), and because I like to sleuth for designer fabrics and how they were used originally, I found this pin of the same fabric being used in a similar way.

I had a great time at the party, and the dress did well, as I felt comfortable and a bit carefree.

I wrote a blog post at Fabric Mart and did a review of this at Pattern Review, if you would like to see more on this make.

I made this dress for my June make for Fabric Mart.  I was unsure of where I would wear it, but after I was done with it, I decided it was comfortable and lightweight enough to wear to a winesday night a few weeks back.  It held up well, and didn't wrinkle at all, even though it was steamy and hot that day.

The dress is made from a silk double georgette, which is (to quote a lol sentence I recently read in a sewing forum) "the devil's favorite fabric."  It is a right B**CH to work with, and though I spare you the details on working with it here, you can read all about it over at the Fabric Mart blog (link is below the last photo).

For all of its work, the fabric sure is beautiful, and suited the pattern's silhouette quite well.  And because I underlined it in a light blue cotton voile, it was easier to work with (eventually).  It also was incredibly breathable and airy and feels fabulous next to my skin.

The pattern is a reprint of a vintage 1969 Simplicity pattern.  It is Simplicity 1059, and is an a-line shaped shift dress with a v-neck, and can be made sleeveless or with longer sleeves.

I knew I couldn't choose a pattern that was super fitted or had too many seams with the georgette, so this fit the bill perfectly.

This was a very simple make, and had I chosen another material (like a cotton lawn), I would have had a very quick make on my hands.  I definitely think I can push one of these out in a few hours given a less fussy material.

Apropos of nothing, this shot makes me laugh.  Angus wants to be in all my photos now.  I love this shot, it's one of my favorites since his recent turn as ootd photo bomber.

This dress was written up at the Fabric Mart blog.  The pattern was reviewed at Pattern Review, as well.

I was in Indiana with my bestie, Lynn, in May, and because I can't ever say no to the siren song of a fabric store, we went to Joann's where I spied this beautiful and luscious Nicole Miller (for Joann Fabrics) scuba knit. 

I had no plan for it, but I knew I wanted to make it ASAP, and probably in a dress.  I have worn it a few times since, including on a recent trip to Wisconsin (to the House on the Rock, which if you know this place, you will know my dress looks muted in comparison, lol).

This is made from McCall's 7122, which is a dress that features raglan sleeves, a slight a-line skirt, and a slight scoopneck.

The back was cut in two separate pieces, and though I prefer to sew up ones cut on the fold, this type of seaming means there is a gentle shaping, which helps shape the dress to the waist and the hips.  I really do like the shape of this garment, and have plans to make future dresses from this pattern.

The fabric is crazy, but as you all know, I like the crazy colors and crazy prints.  I am not quite to Pucci levels of crazy, but I appreciate the Pucci lovers out there for their unconditional love of the crazy.  ;-)

Nicole Miller has quite a few fabrics with Joann's, you can check them out here.

The pattern review is at Pattern Review.   

My birthday make!  I always like to have a special bday dress, and this year was no exception.  I had seen this fabric a few months back in one Julie's Picks (it's a member only fabric subscription service) and I knew I would have it and make it as soon as I could.

In the end, a comfortable, feminine dress was on order, and I really loved wearing out that evening.  I went to China Chilcano, which is a Jose Andres restaurant that fuses Peruvian food with Chinese and Japanese food.  It was amazing, and I really enjoyed my Pisco.  Yum.  After we went to see "The Lobster," a kind of terrible (probably in a good way) hipster movie at a super hipster movie theater.  BUT!  One of the actresses, Lea Seydoux, is a July 1 baby, too, so I was in the virtual company of a fellow 7/1 child.  (It's also the bday of Gigi of CA, my actual birthday twin Sufjan Stevens, and of course, CANADA!)

The fabric is a cotton stretch poplin, and features these little triangles in varying shapes and sizes abutting each other.  It is very distinctive.  The color is a deep brown/orange color and white, and I definitely do not have anything in this color in my closet.  Would I have loved this more in a different color?  Probably.  Am I better off having it in a shade I don't have anything in?  Yes, for sure.

Blurry shot, but it shows the adorable cutout back nicely.  This is why I made this pattern up, because it has this cutout.  It is made from Butterick 6351, and features a straighter skirt with an elastic waistband (back only), a tulip shaped crossover back bodice, and a button closure.

I had to line the skirt in a slippy fabric to ensure it didn't get caught on my underwear, but other than that, I kept to the plan of the pattern very closely.  I love this cutout.  It is very summer, and since my birthday is very summer, too, I couldn't think of a better choice for my (much older than I think I am) birthday.

Here's a closeup of the fabric.  Swoon.  So pretty and different.

After sitting for a while at China Chilcano, the dress became a bit crumpled, but it still did well overall.  I told my hubby to take a photo of me in front of the FBI building because I understand they are meant to raze one of my favorite buildings in the city (yes, I am one of fifteen fans of Brutalist architecture).

This dress was reviewed at Pattern Review.  :-)

I hope you all are having a great summer!  I'll check back in with you soon.

P.S. Boden fans, they have upped their sale to "up to 60% off" with an extra 15% off dresses and tops and skirt.  That's decent.  I just wish they had more in their sale, instead of shuffling some of the older spring and summer stock to "new and now."  The link to the sale is below and remember to use the code 3W5C for the extra 15% off those extra items that are eligible.

End of season sale! Extra 15% off Sale Dresses, Tops & Tees, and Mens/Boys Shirts., valid 7/7-7/1

Boden: Fall 2016 Preview! And a Couple of Picks!

Textured Knit Skirt (here) and Textured Knit Top (here)

Before I start in on the Fall (Autumn) 2016 Boden Preview, I wanted to let you all know what I have been up to in my life.  :-)  As you may remember from last year, I made a full suit for my son for his First Holy Communion.

Well this year was CW's turn, and I made her a very fancy pants lace dress for her First Holy Communion.  Hers, though, is mine cloaked in lace.  I knew I wanted her to wear my original 1980s dress (which was also handmade for me), but it was needing an update.  At some point, I will write up a post on it since it took nearly as long as it took me to make Rex's suit, but it will be a bit.  Still working a lot, still sewing a lot, and still running around a lot.  I make amends with the blog every couple of weeks, but it definitely doesn't feel like enough.

Okay, so onto the Boden Preview.  When CC first mentioned it in the comments in this post, I went immediately to the site and nearly sobbed over the boring.  I was all, "that's it, they have officially determined they want nothing to do with the Boden they used to be, and I may just have to sit in a corner and sew up some happy dresses in Swedish folk prints instead."  (Which I probably still will do, lol.)

Today I realized I hadn't gone back, and they definitely updated from that first visit.  There are some really cute items, and I actually have a basket full of items.  I haven't done that in years!  That doesn't mean I will pull the trigger (don't love the way they charge cards for preview orders), but I know that I will likely want a few things this fall from them.

There is a code for 20% and it is 5D9T.  I don't get affiliate commissions on preview sales, so I know I can legitimately give the code.  :-)  (I can only give current season codes that the affiliate program gives me, I have one right now, it's in the sidebar and the bottom of this post.)

My picks list is short, but mainly out of necessity of time, which I only have spare bits of in each day.  I hope that you all will add your favorites to the list in the comments!

I obviously love the Textured Knit Top and Skirt at the top of this post, but I hesitate trying it myself with my pear shape.  I may give it a go, but I will probably hold off for the time being.

High Neck Top (here)

It's kind of weird, but so is my style.  I love the severe cut, and would definitely pair it with sleek pants (think cigarette shape) or a cute knit a-line skirt (tucked in, of course).  It also has pockets (!!!).

Mia Top (here)

This is a pretty little mid-century inspired silhouette with a fun print that isn't too wild.  It has a design in the back that reminds me of the back of my Martha dress (review here), and so maybe this is this year's name for the Martha of the past two years?

Fab Fit Tweed Blazer (here)

I love the Moon collaborations with Boden.  I own a few items from this partnership, and I adore them.  They wear well, come in beautiful shades, and are well priced for the craftsmanship and fabric.  This year's blazer is very modern-looking with its especially pointed lapels (they thinned them out, too).

Floral Ponte Dress (here)

I am always such a sucker for a border print, and in a ponte, well yum.  Body forgiving fabric, in a green ponte, with a border print?  Well, I am sold.

Hannah Seam Detail Dress (here)

I don't about this shape for me personally, but the pockets and the print are awesome.  The print is wee little birdies (that from far away read as an abstract).  Swoon.

High Neck Dress (here)

Sister to the High Neck top (above), this is just as beautiful, and because this color combo is more sedate, it is also more appealing to more people.  I am almost 110% sure my body shape wouldn't work with this style, but if it ends up coming up in the reviews it fits pear shapes well, I will definitely bite.

Lucinda Knit Dress (here)

It is the updated version of the Amelie Dress (see it here on me) that I know many of us loved.  This is super cute, but the colors are pretty blah, and I already own more than enough grey knit dresses for ten women, so I will say no.

Mia Knit Jersey Tunic Dress (here)

This is the second appearance of a Mia in this picks post.  :-)  I don't think this especially looks like my style or what I expect from Boden, but I dig it and want it.

So there were no accessories or shoes on show for us, and with the expiration of the 20% off code happening in a few days time (the 13th is the last date you can use it), I don't think they will have any on show for us this time around.

For those of you interested in current season styles/discounts for it, below is the link to the current sale.  You have to use code 3K9M to receive the 15% off, though.