Boden: Diminishing Discount Starts Today!

Zanna Roberts Rassi, of Marie Claire, picks some of her faves from Boden, and with the diminishing discount of 20% going on until Thursday night, you can get them all at a reduced price. :-)

If you have liked my page on Facebook, or you read yesterday's post, then this is old news to you, but just in case you didn't do either, I wanted to let you all know about the diminishing discount going on at Boden right now.

As usual, the first few days have the best offer, this time it is 20% off everything, with free shipping and returns until Thursday night at 11:59 pm.  On Friday, the offer goes down to 15%, then to 10% off.  Next week there will be no diminishing discount, just my "regular" coupon, plus whatever weekly sale they choose to have (usually a few items make it in there and the blog's coupon will stack with that). 

Anyhow, this is the time to grab up items that are selling well and will be unlikely to make it to weekly sale.  If you have seen an item in the weekly sale so far, it is likely that item is not a bestseller and you probably can wait to purchase it at a better price.  However, an item like the Heeled Brogue, which is selling well in the loganberry color (I did a review here), is best bought in a sale like the diminishing discount, since Boden knows it will sell well at a higher price.

Okay, I have a BWRR to finish up, and I suspect some of you want to have a look 'round to see what you like...so talk with you all later!

Made by Me Files/OOTD: Burda Style Magazine 02/2013 Pleated Shorts #129.

I will go ahead and write about the ootd first and then follow-up with more on the "made by me" second.

Day: Wednesday, July 18, 2013.

Where:  Wal-Mart, Kroger, and Steak & Shake (mmm, Steak & Shake).

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I love love love this outfit.  I was not sure how the shorts would end up fitting or feeling since there was no real way of knowing until the shorts were completely sewn, but once I had completed them, I knew I had something pretty special.  They are a touch too big (esp. in the waist), but the slouchy look lends itself to both the fabric and the style.  More on that in the "made by me" portion.

The tee is from Zara and a very soft cotton/modal mix, which draped well and felt nice against my skin on the ridiculously hot and humid day that it was.  The wedge sandals have served me well these past years, and all the pairs I own never feel too tight or too high, and not once have I regretted either buying them or wearing them out and about.

Cool Factor: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Yep, I gave this outfit a high score.  I think the combo of unicorn foil-printed slouchy tee, retro yet modern handmade denim-look shorts, arrow-shaped necklace, metallic clutch, and wedge sandals look cool, no matter what circle I run in...even if it is just the "take my girl to Wal-Mart to get some sandals" kind of circle.  ;-)

Anecdote from the day:  We went to Wal-Mart to buy CW's some shoes (she has outgrown her other pairs), Kroger for groceries (made my family in GA some cheesy grits with sausage and shrimp), and Steak and Shake for a shake (yummy peanut butter banana flavor). 

Really, I could go anywhere and do anything, but if the day were topped off by a trip to Steak and Shake, it would be a fine day.  Love love love Steak and Shake.

The shorts are based on a pattern found in the February 2013 Burda Style Magazine.  This magazine has a lot of patterns stuffed inside the center and based on what I have made from them before, they are drafted well, and look great once sewn up.  The only rub is that you have to trace them from a sheet of paper that looks like this.  Once you find the pieces you need to trace, it gets better, but it is definitely a time consuming process and definitely not for the faint of heart.

I traced off a size 42, which is what I have done in the past with them to some success.  Barring some extra length in the front crotch curve, the first pattern I made was spot on for fit.  This pair of shorts fits decently, but is very much too big at the waist, which is obvious in the above photo.  The size 42 on the measurement chart says that it is meant for a waist of about 31", so my 28.5" waist is more suited for a size 40.

The pattern is also meant to fit a touch closer on the bottom portion of the shorts, based on the photo in the magazine, but that bit I like, even if it doesn't resemble the original "look."  I think the swingy almost skirt-like a-line shaping is pretty and suits my frame.  I will be cutting this pair of shorts again, with a smaller waist, in a flowy fabric so I can replicate this interesting silhouette.

I do have plans to cut the 40 in the future, just to at least give it a try and see if the smaller size will fit my body more like it fits on the model in the magazine.  I will probably try it with a stretch twill fabric I own, that way if there are any fit issues, some of them can be erased with the ease built into the stretch fabric.  (And if there aren't any issues, and I was meant to cut the smaller size in the first place, I will have learned something new about pattern sizing in general!)

Oh, the pocket details are such fun, and beautifully drafted.  They are not only useful, but look very pretty.  I could see trimming them in a contrast material if the right fabric/embellishment/thread found its way into my fabric stash.

This view shoes that the hips are a touch too big.  My hips and bottom, while large, are not quite this large, and by the end of the day, especially with the way linen/rayon fabric wears, there was a bit of sag overall in the shorts.

That isn't to say the shape from behind didn't look okay, I just know that the extra fabric may have added a bit of fullness where there is none.  ;-)  But again, and I keep repeating it because it is true, I definitely want to replicate this, but in a different fabric, one that is a bit more flowy, so the skirt effect of these shorts can look more intentional and less, "oh, she cut those too big."

The side zip and button are on display above, and I am sure some of you very advanced sewers will just look at it and gasp at the clumsy application I did, but I am sure proud of myself for getting them in there.  I want to believe that one day that all my zips and button closures will look super tidy and neat, but I am not quite there yet.  I can only get there by continuing to attempt them, the best that I can, again, and again, and again.  LOL.  And again.

Since I knew that I would need some help in creating these shorts because Burda instructions are iffy at best, I went to a few fellow blogs and/or pattern review sites to help me understand how to create these.  These ladies may have no idea who I am, but I definitely grateful to them for putting their work out there for me to inspect.

1. Loved how "whatkatiedoes" styled the shorts.  Had to borrow some of her cute ideas.

2. Kathryn made these shorts in two different colors.  Love her styling of them, as well.

3. Love these winter/fall version, and I appreciate knowing they will look good lengthened a bit in the inseam.

4. Grays08 wrote a fantastic review on the pattern over at sewingpatternreview.com.  I referred to her review constantly during the process of making the shorts.

Okay, that's it for today.  :-)  Have any of you out there attempted a Burda magazine pattern?  I love the challenge, and the results seem to be worth the effort.

Outfit of Today! Fashion Night Out. SAHM Styled.

I cannot believe I am publishing an outfit on the day I am wearing it.  Since this outfit is sort of timely, I figured I probably should get it published today rather than wait and add it in one of my "catch-all" outfit series that I (unfortunately) have been employing with some regularity of late.

There is no way in H-E-double hockey sticks this stay at home momma is gonna be going out for the Fashion Night Out festivities in Georgetown (DC) tonight.  For one, I am so tired that the bags under my eyes have carry-ons of their own and for two, I didn't get an invite, so there's that, too. ;)

BUT...that doesn't mean I can't celebrate the fact that it is a day in the fashion world and since I have a personal style blog, I figured I might as well throw something together.  Here is my attempt!

The info on the pieces is in the photograph.

I was fortunate enough to happen upon exactly one copy of last September's Vogue Paris with this tee as a giveaway when I visited Paris with the family last October.  I dug the graffiti style of the tee, and even though the magazine cost something like 20 euros total, it did come with the tee, the very large September issue of Vogue, and a children's fashion insert.  I bought very little on that trip (besides two maternity pieces and a bottle of perfume), so I figured this tee would be a cool little addition to my souvenirs.

Anyhow the graffiti repeats the date of last year's Fashion night out, which was September 8, 2011, and has the date written in both English and French.

I decided to go a bit out of my comfort zone and pair it with the maxi skirt from Boden, even though this top is a bit blousy.  I was concerned I would look like a rectangle, but it wasn't nearly as boxy looking as I thought it would be.

Wore this just picking up Rex from school and hanging out at the house. 

But in my mind, I am with the editors of all my favorite fashion magazines, including the scary Nina Garcia from Marie Claire, drinking awesome champagne and talking all about things sartorial.  My imagination knows no bounds.

I also bowled this morning.  You all.  I am living on the SAHM edge here.  I joined an all-women bowling league.  I am the youngest by about twenty years.  ;)

Closer shot of the fedora (my favorite accessory, natch) and the tee.

I wore a bit brighter shade of lipstick in honor of my stepping outside the box.  Next year, I may just try a liquid liner and purple eyeshadow.  No promises, though.

Fashion Night Out. SAHM style. by dinagideon featuring leather shoulder handbags

Polyvore is above.

Okay that's it! I hope that if you are enjoying the fashion night out festivities tonight that you have a drink for me, 'kay?

Just a quick reminder for the Boden fans out there.  Tonight (at 11:59 pm) the 20% portion of the diminishing discount expires and will become 15% off selected items as of tomorrow.  Since my sidebar coupon is for 15% off and free ship and returns anyhow, I will basically pretend that this diminishing discount doesn't exist and encourage folks to use the "normal" coupon instead.  ;)
Get 20% off + free shipping & returns on select items at BodenUSA.com! Shop dresses, tops, pants, tees, skirts, accessories and more!

OOTE: Lucille Goes on a Date in the City.

The day after Mother's Day, Mr. Dina was supposed to take me on a date in the city at a restaurant I have recently fallen in love with, America Eats Tavern (also known as my baby shower restaurant).  I had been bugging him to get me there before it closes for good, and of course, he gets sick the day before we are supposed to go.  Sigh.  So I tell him to cancel it and make a new reservation for later than week.

Good thing he did, btw...the Monday we were supposed to go was rainy, blustery, and kind of cool.  The day we went?  BEAUTIFUL, sunny, gorgeous, lovely, I could go on and on...

Before he showed up to get me and the babies (they went with my dad, though), I got dressed to my springtime nines, dragged out my D70, and did some self portraits of the outfit. 

The Lucille dress served me well.  I not only loved the outfit and its colorful bits, but it was really comfy, too (although the Pia pumps did hurt a bit at the very end of the night).

Coat: Boden Spring Trench.  I reviewed it here.  It is sold out (in this hue) but often pops back.
Necklace: Banana Republic.  I have had this one for a long time and don't wear it a lot, but it does come out at least twice a year.
Dress: J. Crew Lucille Dress in Scalloped Eyelet.  I did a review here. It fit me much better on this evening than on the night of the review.  ;)
Bag: J. Crew Collection.
Shoes: J. Crew Collection Pia Calf Hair Pumps.  Bought them off ebay for 99 dollars, much less than I ever saw them on-line.  These pop back every once in awhile, but I recommend going the ebay route.

I have been digging the look of wearing the coat on the shoulders instead of fully on, but it really isn't very practical, just very pretty for pictures.

Here is the coat on properly, with just a bit of a popped collar for fun.

Close up of the necklace, earrings, and the bodice of the dress.

No trench which was the way I wore it over the course of the evening.  It wasn't until the very end of the night that I needed to wear it for warmth.

Lucille Goes on a Date in the City. by dinagideon featuring a retro polka dot dress

Above is the polyvore of this outfit.

We found a space right on 7th Street, next door to the Hirshorn (this will be important later in the post) and across the street from the Air and Space Museum.  Rarely do I ever take the metro into the city.  I took the metro for SO many years (pretty much all of middle school, high school, college, and with my first job) that I definitely prefer going straight into the city and parking. 

We were able to sit at the BEST people watching table, right at the entrance of the America Eats Tavern.  The night was utterly perfect for al fresco dining (70s and sunny and dry).

This ale drink was amazing and very refreshing, a bit citrusy, a bit hoppy, and a bit sweet.

A lot of the drinks and food items are based on historical recipes, so if you are a foodie AND you like American history, get to this restaurant before it closes at the end of this month.

Okay, so remember how I said that it was important that we parked right next door to the Hirshhorn?  As we approached our car after about a half mile walk, we saw the circular walls of the Hirshhorn were ablaze with random images of people and items.  Then we hear the music, the pretty haunting music.

Turns out we had stumbled upon (in my opinion, anyhow) one of the most inspired modern art installments I have ever seen.  Called "Song One" by Doug Aitken, it was a multimedia presentation of the song "I Only Have Eyes for You," sung by multiple singers in a film that was projected onto the walls of the museum.

It was simply chilling, beautiful, stunning.  I had goose bumps.

This image, btw, is now my background of my computer.  Mr. Dina says that "the man" is watching me.  Yeah, I guess he probably is...

This is my good friend Tilda Swinton and I.  Just hanging out.  ;)

Perfection.  That was that evening.

The trench coat did well for another lady.  In a Star Magazine issue from a month or so back, they pitted three celebrities wearing a Kmart (Kmart!!!) dress against one another, and the winner was Louise Roe because of the Boden Spring Trench.  Yay for Boden!

Okay, that's all.  I am really tired and I am ready for a full day tomorrow (Angus and I are heading to the city so I can take him to his first museum!).  I have been bad about commenting back, but again, I am definitely reading them and appreciating them, so THANK YOU!  \

Have a great, beautiful, utterly perfect night!

Boden: Marie Claire and Woman's Day Appearances.

Well it does seem that Boden has been infiltrating the US magazine world, much more so than I ever remember seeing in the past.  I know that in the UK, Boden is all over their mags and newspapers, so I expected that this would happen, and now that it has, I really look forward to keeping these "appearances" up.  :)

I have switched my Marie Claire reading to my Kindle Fire, so I will never buy a "real" Marie Claire ever again, but I still have to figure out how to photograph the kindle so it turns out better.  I do see the "real" thing at my hubby's barber shop, but I can't guarantee that I will have enough memory to be all, "ooh, let's photograph that image RIGHT NOW so I have a better photo for my blog."  I'll figure it out, eventually.  :)

This is from the "Most Wanted: Under $100" feature which this month featured beautiful lady-like pieces, concentrating on florals, including the #11 choice which is the Vintage Swimsuit in Navy Bloom by Boden. 

It is currently on 20-25% off all swimwear promo (along with women's dresses), which expires tonight at 11:59 pm (I really wish I could have published this post earlier for you all, but we had many many errands to run this weekend and today).  So instead of being $78, it is currently $58.50.  If you want free shipping as well, click on my 15% off coupon link in the sidebar (or at the bottom of this post) to receive the free ship and returns (but no additional discount will be taken, shoot).

This is the cover of the Marie Claire from March 2012, which is where the swimsuit appears.  Eva Mendes looks HOT!

I don't read Woman's Day, BUT the doctor's office (Rex had his 5-year checkup today, he's big, you all!) had this issue in the room. 

I LOVE the outfits on this page, and think they are very wearable and cute.  Maybe not especially fashion forward, but this is Woman's Day we are talking about.  :)

Anyhow, the top in the left hand outfit is Boden's Ravello Top in Navy Feather.  Sadly it is all sold out in the clearance section, but you can watch for popbacks.  The top is available in the multi abstract print, but it is a very different print.  That said, the shape looks fab with that shape skirt, so if you have a similar skirt that needs a statement top, this could be your gal.

The Ravello top is a popular style, and I have seen it multiple years in a row.  Not this spring season, but I am sure it will be back in the fall.

Valerie Dishes!  Holla!  :)  This is the Woman's Day from January 2012.


Vintage Swimsuit.  Read the reviews, and while those with "smaller ladies" seem in love, there are many warnings about it being a bit (cough, cough) inappropriate for those more "well-endowed."  The prints are precious, so if you can rock it, this may be the perfect swimsuit for your summer.


Ravello Top.  I love that navy feather print.  Very pretty!  (Come on, popback!)

Mobile Users, below is the link that will get free ship and returns on the items above.  It will also get you 15% off on anything that isn't on promo or in clearance.
Save 15% at Bodenusa.com with Free Delivery and Returns!

Alright!  You all have a great night.  I believe Boden will roll out another "temptation" tomorrow, so I will make sure to update the blog with that info when I get a moment.  (And if the whole ENTIRE day goes and I haven't, well...don't assume anything...but you could let your mind wander.  LOL.)

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Hello There!

I have had such a great past couple of days!  I have been under the weather, but with time and great medicine, I am definitely on the mend.  That said, I decided to take yesterday off from the blog so I could spend the day with my brother and my evening with my hubby and kids making some Build-a-Bears for Gus.  :)  They made a dragon (Rex) and a bear (CW).  They are super excited to give them to him in person at the hospital.  I am sure Gus will be most appreciative, even if he doesn't show it (imagine a newborn expressing surprise and gratitude...lol). 

I also got out and about today.  I went to our local nature preserve (a marshy area with a wonderful boardwalk) to enjoy the glorious near 70 degree weather.  A really nice local lady (she is one of the few of us actually raised in Northern Virginia--it is rare for me to meet others like that) invited me to walk with her and her adorable four month old nephew, and together we walked over 1.8 miles!  (I did it!  I was a bit tired at the end, but it felt great!) 

Then I headed to the local coffee shop to work on this roundup but ran into a good friend and her kids...who also mentioned that another good friend and her two youngest would be coming to the shop, too.  Guess what took the backseat?  :)

So that's where the title comes from--I am finally getting around to saying "hello, there" to you all after my two days of saying "hello, there" to lots and lots of IRL friends. 

Okay, so onto the roundup...remember if you would like to see an item on me close-up, please do click on the photo to see it larger (or right click to see it on its own page)...if you would like to see an item on a blog friend, do click on the link provided to that blog...if you would like to see more on the sizing, measurements, other colorways, and availability of an item in the roundup, please do click on the stock photos provided by my affiliate program, these will take you directly to the item page itself.

I have a 15% promo running right now for all current styles in Boden.  This will not work on the clearance items, but will at least provide for free ship and returns on those.  This 15% promo can be found in the sidebar or at the very bottom of this post (for mobile device readers of this post).

Boden Maternity:
I don't normally like to start with Boden Maternity, but my affiliate stock photos don't show up in the dashboard, and I prefer that there be a photo associated with the posts, so I start with the one and only IRL review I have this week.  (At this point very few non-maternity pieces are fitting me...so you may be seeing more photos of items paired with a written review, much like I did with the textured cotton skirt a few weeks ago.)

Breezy Jersey Dress.  Size 4 in the pink/red colorway.  I AM SO GLAD I bought this.  It is insanely comfortable and can be dressed up (which is how I did it yesterday--I will show the styling in another post) or dressed down with flip-flops or sandals.

It does run really large, though.  I could have gone with a size 2...the smallest size Boden makes.  Here is why...the bodice is fitted for your pre-pregnancy size, but with some stretch (Tencel Lyocell double layer fabric) and the skirt is excessively full.  This is NOT a dress to size up in, even if you have "girls" that grow with pregnancy.  The bodice will stretch fine enough in your true size.

The fit is very flattering from the front, I felt like the first thing you see when wearing this is the pretty fabric and the nice scoop on the neckline.  Then you notice the bump that goes along with the dress.

I don't know if this can be worn postpartum or not.  I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for first trimester, even, as most women don't show until 13 weeks gone (or later).  This could just look frumpy and oversized if worn too early on...

I will give it a shot postpartum (and clearly will wear it again the next month--multiple times, likely), and will get back to you on how well it transitions.

From the back.  I like that the waistline mimics some non-maternity frocks, that helps keep it from appearing to dowdy.


Breezy Jersey Dress. Also available in a blue version.

Regular Boden for Women:
Did you like the breezy jersey dress that I wore in the Boden Maternity section? If so, but not with bebe, you may want to look at these two options:

Wrap Jersey Top. This comes in many colors (including solids), but the tie in is the "fizz" colorways which are the same as in the maternity frock I own. The print is darling and bubbly, imo.


Floaty Jersey Dress. This dress is a double layer tencel lyocell, which is the fabric my dress was constructed from, very breezy and lightweight.


Relaxed Knitted Tunic. Poppy's Style returned the one she bought. There is an excellent explanation as to why here at this post (also her picks for the summer preview--which I am SO late on doing myself!).  Also, if you want 20% off and free ship/returns on the preview, remember to key in the code "PRUS" in the shopping bag page.


Flower Burst Shift. Glamour magazine highlighted this dress in brown recently. I did a post on it here.

Boden Clearance:

Piped Shoe Boots. Poppy's Style shows these off (in brown) with a DARLING outfit. Love it!

Definitely check out the summer preview. I have a few picks, especially in mini Boden, but that may be because I am currently in "nesting" mode. LOL. :)

If you are on a mobile device, below is a link that will get you 15% off and free ship and returns. Do let me know if you are having any issues using it!
Save 15% at Bodenusa.com with Free Delivery and Returns!


Okay, that's it!  Enjoy your Thursday, and hopefully next week I will get the BWRR published on Wednesday.  :)