OOTD/Review/Giveaway: Dancing Brown Leaves with Novica.

Although it is rare for me to host giveaways here at this blog, especially ones that I have not directly paid for, I will, from time to time, happily host giveaways when I am approached by a company that fits into the aesthetic/purpose of this blog. 

About a month ago a representative from Novica emailed me and asked if I would be interested in working with them on a giveaway/review of one of their products here at the blog, and after looking around their site and seeing their mission and their offerings, I knew this was a good fit for my readers and me, so I happily agreed to do both. 

The outfit of the day portion is first, followed by the review of the Dancing Brown Leaves Alpaca Sweater, with the giveaway information as the final part of the post.

Day: Saturday, March 14, 2015.

Where: Baby shower and a visit to a local firehouse with my daughter's girl scout troop.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  It was a warm-ish day, so besides a very lightweight rain jacket (not pictured), I was perfectly comfortable in the outfit.

You all know about my love of the Turner pants, so I am sure it surprises none of you to see this pair on me, but I was surprised by how well the pale pink went with the grey/brown shades of the Dancing Leaves sweater.  The sweater itself was not overly warm, or particularly itchy (though remember I am less sensitive to wool in general).  A review of this sweater at the site describes it as a warm hug and I would definitely agree with that sentiment.  It did feel like a warm hug.  :-) 

Outfit Details:  Dancing Brown Leaves Sweater (here at Novica), Turner Pants (here at J. Crew).

Anecdote of the Day:  The firehouse we toured is three blocks from where I grew up, so it was a really cool finally getting to see it from the inside.  There was some spectacularly specific kind of vehicles in there, including a hazardous materials van.  This firehouse was one of the first to respond to the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon (I grew up two miles away), so it doesn't surprise me they have them, I just was blown away by how advanced and specialized it all felt.  The girls just loved seeing the sirens and receiving pink fireman's hats, though, lol.

Dancing Brown Leaves Sweater.  These sweaters, beautifully crafted by a Peruvian duo Corina and Jesus, come in alpha sizes only, so I chose the small because I suspected (rightly) that they would not be oversized the way J. Crew's are.  For reference I am typically a size 6 in Boden knitwear and a XS/4 in J. Crew.

I received a $50 gift card from Novica, and though I was tempted to just purchase something at the $50 mark, I kept going back to the Alpaca section of the site, and especially the offerings by Corina and Jesus.  After about a half-hour of deliberation, I decided this was the sweater for me, and put in my $50 gift card info and then place the remainder (around $40) on the credit card. 

I couldn't be happier with my decision.  From a purely materialistic perspective, the sweater is made very well in a unique knitted design in a gorgeously soft alpaca wool.  The neckline is stunning and because of its showstopping design, I didn't feel the need to wear any additional jewelry beyond the rings and bracelets I wear daily.

And, yes, a big part of me was stoked that this amazing sweater only cost $90, whereas I know it would be significantly more expensive elsewhere, and that actually gets me to why this route of purchasing is also pretty awesome, it benefits both the consumers of the products BUT ESPECIALLY the artisans who created the products.  Novica partnered with the National Geographic Society on this and their mission is something that I am glad I get to spread the word about.

Their mission is pretty simple:

They connect: 
Artisans to a global marketplace of socially conscious customers.

They empower: 
Artisans to build a sustainable business from their craft.

They preserve: 
Ancient artistic traditions for future generations to enjoy.

I know some of you know this about me, but maybe you don't, so it bears mentioning.  I was an anthropology major in college and I was very invested in learning as much as I could about the cultures, traditions, and ways of life around the world.  I feel so strongly about supporting anything that promotes the continuation and preservation of all the human groupings around the world, that although really excited I would be able to add a beautiful piece of clothing to my wardrobe, what really got me to say yes to this giveaway was their mission.  

I do know that I expected to receive the package from a warehouse in the United States, but nope, it came direct from Peru, all wrapped up beautifully, with a little card about Corina and Jesus, and a sweet little doll.  I had read that the packages would be gift-wrapped, but hadn't read about the direct to consumer shipments, but upon seeing that, the pin dropped and I understood how the artisans were able to better support themselves from a system like this...rather than a bunch of middle men between the consumers and the artisans, there are now far few barriers, and more of the money stays in the hands of the creative people behind the products.  :-) 



Dancing Brown Leaves Sweater.  This sweater was already at a pretty low stock when I purchased it back in February.  That said, there is a L and and XL still available.  Some other beautiful options like the Dancing Brown Leaves sweater, also from Corina and Jesus, are the Dancing Blue Leaves Sweater (here), the Leaf Shadow sweater (here), and the Hypnotic Honeycomb Sweater (here).

Closeup of the beautiful knitting on the sweater.

GIVEAWAY!

Novica has offered to give a $50 gift card to one of my readers so they can enjoy a product made by one of their artisans from around the world.  I am partial to the artisans from the Andes, but there are artisans from Bali and Java, Brazil, and India, just to name a few.

In order to enter, I need for you to leave a comment below this post with your email address and one product that you see over at the Novica site that you just love.

The giveaway ends next Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at EDT 11:59 PM.

This giveaway is only open to US residents.

UPDATE: This morning (3/26/15) I received a couple of coupons from the NOVICA affiliates.  They are good until 3/31/15 and 3/30/15. :-)

$10 off at NOVICA! Enter HAPPYSPRING at checkout. Valid through 3-31-15 11:59 PM PT.

10% off select African jewelry and decor at NOVICA! Valid 3-30-15 through 4-5-15 11:59 PM PT.

Boden: Catch of the Day! Outerwear and Knitwear!

UPDATE (8/13/14 @5:27 pm): I received the Eliza Coat this afternoon.  I wrote up the review of it below (no pics of it yet, but tried it on)...

Hey, all!  Good Wednesday morning to you all!

Today Boden's "catch of the day" is outerwear and knitwear.  Unlike the dresses this season, which I think have sparse offerings, this year's selections of coats, especially, are in abundance and are quite beautiful to look at.

In fact, because they are so pretty, I have pledged to clear out a few of my coats from prior seasons (either sell them here or at the consignment shop) so I could enjoy the pretty of the coats from Boden.  I have received one of them, the Rainy Day Mac, and while I haven't worn it in real life or written a review on it, I have at least tried it on and can give you my two cents on it.  I also ordered the Eliza coat (above in the photo) with some exchange credit, and though it is not here yet, I will let you all know what size I ordered and why.  I also will put a link to the mini review of the Pattern Sweater that I did a couple weeks back.

But before I start the mini reviews, I want to remind you that if you are just coming to the Boden "catch of the day" game, I wrote more on how it works, etc., here at the first post from Monday.


Rainy Day Mac.  Size 6R. This coat looks EXACTLY like it is pictured in the photo above.  I would say this coat is well made, useful, and very "Boden."  There are less in your face options (including some solid color choices), but I had to go with the London print.

I received it and immediately fell in love with the fleece lining.  The winter weather we get around here tends to be less snow and very cold and more RAIN, GREY, and COLD.  Ugh.  Most of the time the raincoats I have (I don't have many, maybe two and they are OLD) are not substantial enough to tackle the winter yuck, so this is exactly what I need.  So excited!

(BTW, I don't wear raincoats in the summer, fall, and spring.  Often we'll get rain that starts partway through the day and I get all drenched.  I just deal because at least it isn't cold.  The rain in winter is a day long occurrence.)

Anyhow, everything would be great...except the hips are just the right exact size in the 6R and I feel like I would like an extra inch or so down there.  So yep, I am exchanging for the size up.  If there had been a dual zip (one that can unzip from the bottom), I would have been able to make it work, but not with the current zip. 

The waist is a bit baggy, but not a big deal.  Just something to be aware of...


Eliza Coat. Size 8R.  I see this is a swingy shape, and initially wanted to order the size 6R, because the bust measurement for the 6R is great for my upper body, but after reading the UK reviews (you have to switch to that site from the US site, btw), I decided I wouldn't take my chances and ordered the 8R since every review says it runs small.  If it is too big, I will try the 6R, but it would be nice to get the right size the first time! 

I am supposed to be getting mine via USPS SurePost, and they typically come pretty fast from PA, so it is possible I will get it today.  I have a lot going on this afternoon, but if I do get it, and I am able to get a mini review in, I will, hand on heart.

UPDATE: I received it today and it is exactly like what you see in the catalog, that beautiful dusky pink color (not as light as the image above, but the one at the top of the post).  I am glad I bought the 8, it is a touch loose, but because of the very nice tailoring and shaping, it doesn't appear to be too big or loose, but I know the 6 would have been too constricting, especially with winter layers. 

The buttons are not buttons, per se, but buttons that cover a snap, which is wonderful.  I like buttons, but sometimes snaps are just easier. 

The length hits me right above the knee, where it hits on the models. 

The fabric is warm, maybe not warm enough for really cold climates in the very most frigid days, but will be more than adequate for most Virginia winter days.  The fabric has an interesting "box" weave that you can see on the product page but not until you see it up close to you realize what a feature of the coat it is.  I really hope the fabric doesn't pill.  I doesn't look like it will, but you never know, and I will keep my eyes wide open for that possibility. 

I also noticed they took the time to hand stitch on the lining near where it joins the main fabric.  What a lovely little detail that you almost never see anymore.  Very happy, Boden, keep this kind of detailing up! 

So all in all a very wise use of my exchange credit!  :-)




Pattern Sweater.  Size 6.  See my mini review of this one, with photos, at this blog post.

Okay, that's all for today!  Do you have any thoughts on today's catch?

Boden: Autumn/Fall 2014 Preview Picks (Knitwear, Shirts, and Tops).

UPDATE (July 21, 2014): Some of the fall 2014 items have rolled out, including many of the below.  I have received a coupon from the people at the affiliate program.  You can find it below this first paragraph or in the sidebar of the blog if you need a coupon.  I will eventually be updating this post with proper links to the items that are available, so you can easily find the items you love below on the regular site.  :-)

15% off with free shipping coupon that is valid once you spend $50 or more!

Hi!  Happy Tuesday, everyone.  Was meaning to get this post out last night, but time got away from me.  So I am going to dispense with the usual chit-chat and just move onto the picks already.

Today's picks focus on the knitwear, shirts, and tops from the Boden Autumn/Fall 2014 collection.  British readers, the links below say sweater, but that is pulled directly from the US preview site.  They are still called jumpers over at your preview site.  ;-)

As per usual, there is a code for 20% off with free ship and returns which will expire THIS Friday, May 23, 2014.  I will make sure to publish a post on that Friday to remind you all that the code is expiring so you don't forget.  The code is H6G9.  (That code is only for the United States, btw.)

 

Pattern Sweater. These two sweaters are on my radar because they are so cute with their ditsy birds and guards.  Adorable.  I have worn the Heritage hummingbird sweater from last year a lot (even dared to wear it with outfits I didn't photograph--gasp), so I know the style will work for me.  Only concern is that these will also be prone to pilling as the hummingbird sweater is...if so I will suck it up and continue my fabric shaving, but I really wish I didn't have to...

Spot Collar Sweater.  This sweater seems like it will be calling a few of you all by name.  It has a peter pan collar, darling dots everywhere, and is in a lovely shade of mid-pink and a dark pinky/plum.

Embellished Sweater.  This color for fall, yum!  And those beautifully placed jeweled dots!  This sweater is one of the handful of items that will not be debuting in late July.  The items that are rolling out with this sweater in late August all seem to be more formal or made for celebrations, so I gather rather than wait for the winter rollout to debut the festive wear, Boden plans on capitalizing on early birds by getting these out sooner than October this season.

This one seems to be a bit expensive for what it is.  The material composition is the same as the Pattern Sweater above (pill alert!), but those extra gems everywhere have given Boden and co. shiny dollar/pound signs in their eyes!
 

Grace Sweater.  Love this color.  Swoon!  Would have to wait for it on sale, but I do plan on waiting for it on sale since it is so pretty, and its shape is very ladylike.  It seems  to be the Sophia sweater (review here) made in a "solid," so if you have this spring's Sophia sweater and like it, you may want to consider this one.  Having said all this, the Sophia sweater sold out FAST, so I am not sure I will be able to get this once it rolls out, as it may not make it to a greater discount.  Sigh.

Hotchpotch Sweater.  Its a hotchpotch that isn't too crazy!  The other incarnations of this sweater are less tame, but I figured I would toe the proverbial line by showing you a hotchpotch item that likely will appeal to more individuals.  (Though if you are a fan of the crazy side of Boden, just go to the next item for your fix.)

Intarsia Plaid Sweater.  Ah, there it is, a bit of the crazy, wacky, fun side of Boden.  Look at that plaid--on the bias!  In bright colors!  Looking a bit 1970s!  :-)  Not sure what this will be--will it sell out because it is so unique and special or will it languish in the stocks waiting desperately for the right Boden customer to see its appeal and buy it?  Any thoughts?

Curzon Coatigan.  I initially wasn't going to include this in my picks, but its shape and color started to grow on me.  I also love how practical it is, especially if you live in a climate where winter may mean days where a true winter jacket is unnecessary most of the time.  Or for those of you in true winter climates, this topper would be great for indoor wear or for in the car whilst driving.  (I hate having a thick coat on when driving--what a pain!)

Charlotte Top. This top is very wacky, but it appeals to me.  I *think* I may be able to get this on sale later in the season, and I hope to.  I didn't even notice it until I saw the model wearing it (see the photo at the top of the post), but it looks really cute on her.  I love the plaid fabric with the darling eyelet.  I wonder if they took eyelet fabric and dyed it to have plaid or if they took plaid fabric and made the eyelets.  Any sewing fans have a clue on how this was done?

Chepstow Top.  In basket right now.  Will not let this one sell out like it did last year before I can get my hands on it.  I thought for sure this peasant style jersey top would be a dud last year and one month after it debuted I took a look at its item page only to be dismayed that almost all the colors and sizes were sold out.  Sad!  This year I plan on being a happy camper early on...of course knowing Boden, they overordered and I will see a TON of stock well into next winter's clearance time.  ;-)

Long Sleeve Breton. This top is always popular amongst Boden fans.  Heck, it's even popular amongst non-Boden people*.  I have a lot of Breton stripes in my closet (most supplied by J. Crew if I am being honest), but this color combo is really fresh and a bit different than what you usually see.  Even though I love it, not going to be buying it as, again, so many stripes already in my wardrobe.

*Why is it that when Boden was gifting all those items last year to all those "well-known" bloggers that they all chose the Breton top?  I started to roll my eyes every time I saw a blogger picking the Breton again and again and again.  If the c/o item was an actual "wow that's a Boden item," then I silently cheered them on for picking something that you can't find elsewhere (bonus points if it was an embroidered fun item).  The Breton people, btw, seem to have moved on from Boden since then.  Surprise!  ;-)  (But all of this can be discussed later, lol.)

Lottie Top.  I want to but this to wear to bed since it looks so comfy.  (Modal and Cottton jersey blend--YUM!)  But if it is going to be an item I wear as pajamas, I probably should wait for a really good discount.  I mean I guess I could wear it out in real life, but I really really really want it for loungewear!

Metallic Organza Top.  This is another top set to roll out in August.  I can tell you that from a sewing perspective, this top is not all that difficult to sew up, even with the underlayer, but that fabric is darn expensive, which explains the cost. (Say that with a discount this fabric is $10 a yard, which makes this top $15--1.5 yards estimated, but that $15 is before adding on the underlayer fabric, labor, marketing, etc.)  Even though it is all poly, all poly and organza does not mean bad quality.  Take a look at some of these poly organza items from B&J fabrics to see what I mean.  I purchased this spring's Embroidered Flower Top and will see how I like that one before I even consider this one, but I will say this one's beautiful floral embroidery is exceptionally lovely and would look amazing with a nice pair of slim black wool trousers and a pair of well-made ballet flats.

Paris Blouse.  I know last year's Paris Blouse had its fans, so I would be a bad Boden blogger if I didn't include this year's version, but I would have anyway since the fabric features little swans, all cuddled up, just so.  Because of the design, you would think it would read young, but from afar, you can barely tell what they are, and because of the wise color choices, all of the blouses are fine for someone older than ten to wear out and about.  The black and white version above is especially chic.

It features a relaxed fit, but is all viscose (woven--very shrinkable, be warned).  If you own this and have seen how much it shrinks and would like to chime in, please do!

The Shirt. Have to finish the picks with this button-up featuring British guards and the Union Jack.  Since I am getting the Pattern Sweater, I will not be buying this shirt, but if you are an Anglophile, you could always buy both and wear them together.  I would then live vicariously through you.  ;-)

Okay that's it for today.  I am saving the best of womenswear for last, tomorrow I will publish my picks on coats/jackets, shoes, and accessories.  This upcoming season features some amazing finds in all three categories.

If you would like to buy a popback from the diminishing discount, I provided a link below just in case you need it!

Boden: Catch of the Day Begins! Today 25% Off Knits, Tops, and Tees!

Hello!  I hope everyone had a happy weekend, and if you celebrated, a very Happy Easter.  We are currently on spring break, so I am actually typing this from a place that won't surprise any of you longtime readers of My Superfluities, Disneyworld in Florida.  :-)  What a surprise! 

Like our family annual journeys to see the Mouse, you can also count on Boden to have a "Catch of the Day" set of sales for a week every season, and today starts this season's.

UPDATE: I tried to get this coupon to work, but when I went to the checkout page, craziness came!  One item was at the reduced price, but the other wasn't.  So I went back and tried again with the link, and again, craziness.  Now both weren't working.  Well, huh.  Anyhow, it should all work out 'cause I have seen Boden's FB page light up when something doesn't work, but I wanted you to be aware of it in the meantime.  I will let you know when I can if they have fixed it.

UPDATE, PART TWO: Okay, I tried adding just one item and it properly reduced that price. So maybe you can add one item at a time and check out that way? It is free shipping and returns, so no harm, no foul, and I bet if Boden keeps seeing individual items being checked out, they may hone in on a problem. 

Up first are tops, tees, and knitwear, and of all the sales they have during the Catch of the Day week, this one usually is the most popular because everyone usually has their eyes on these kind of items for their wardrobe.  I have a few of the items in this day's sale, and I will briefly review them for you so you can decide if you had your eyes on any of the ones I have purchased.  There is also a good chance one of the recent BWRR has a review of whatever item you are interested in, so definitely check them out, too.  And, sometimes folks add reviews to my Boden reviews tab, and will be there ready to be read before I take the information and put them in a BWRR.  (Hint--to get the comments that are newest at that tab, make sure to click the header that says "sort by newest.")  There are no new comments as of this morning, but that can change throughout the week, so it never hurts to look.

Okay, as a reminder, the Catch of the Day is all you have right now.  So if you had you had hoped to use my 15% off coupon that was in the blog's sidebar for the last week, it isn't working, instead it reverts to the Catch of the Day promo.  So to avoid confusion, I took that coupon down for the week.  I have kept up the "new customer, receive a bag, and 10% off," since that appears to still work.  Now you won't get 10% extra off the Catch of the Day items, but if you had hoped to get an item and need it ASAP, that will still give you a *teeny* discount.  (And if you truly are a new customer, you will receive the bag, too!)

Regarding the tops in the sale that I have tried, most are winners, so I can fully give my thumbs up, but there are, as usual, things to keep in mind.


Silky Vintage Top--I chose to purchase the green leafy version in a size 6.  This was my absolute favorite from the rollout, but I haven't had a chance to wear it in real life.  The sizing is accurate, if a touch loose.  I wouldn't go down to a 4, though, since it is made from a rayon, which we know means there will eventually be some shrinkage.  It also features a row of self-fabric buttons down the back.  It is very retro and reminds me strongly of my grandmother's wardrobe from the 50s and 60s.


Must Have Tee--Already wrote a review of this one with a few photos.  Check out the review here.  Here is a post featuring it in an outfit of the day.  :-)

Button Back Sweater--Wrote up a review here.  (Use link in name of item, affiliate program does not have this item in its directory, sigh.)

Do you have any favorites that are on sale today?  Definitely let us know in the comments.

If you happen to see that Boden has fixed the shopping bag page issue, as well, I would welcome you all letting us know in the comments, too!  

Thank you and we'll talk soon!

OOTD/Review: Jacquard Roll Neck and Lace Peplum.

Good day!  I hope everyone had a fabulous Monday.  I also hope that if you are affected by this *ridiculous* cold snap that is sitting on top of our country like a mean viper on top of rocks that you are able to stay relatively warm.  Most of the counties around us canceled school today (laugh at us MN, go ahead), but not Arlington county which is where the kids go to school.  So I have to bundle tiny Angus up and settle him in his new car seat (just installed yesterday) and hopefully get him to watch a movie or show on our video player in the car instead of him wanting to run around before pickup (usually his preferred activity--which is fine 95% of the time).

Anyhow, enough blah blah, onto the reviews and outfits...

Jacquard Roll Neck.  This one is currently in clearance over at Boden.  (The new Spring items are available, btw, I wrote more on that here at this post.)  It is a great price at $55, and since I had received a $50 gift card from my mother-in-law, I was able to buy it for $5!  So yay.

Okay, I purchased the size extra small since I read it was running large.  I had to do the same with last spring's hand knit sweater.  I could have purchased the small and had a larger, more casual look, but I think it looks nicer on my frame more fitted since the jacquard design makes my waist look fairly trim and I think the effect would be less so in a larger size.

The wool is very thick, a mix of lambswool and nylon.  I think I would prefer the wool if it were all lambswool, but I suspect that would have made this sweater even more expensive (but probably still reasonable on sale).  I found that the sweater looked a bit ratty by the end of yesterday, a few pills here and there, and had I purchased this at full price I would have been a bit ticked.  A good wash and flat dry should bring it back to life, though.

The color I am wearing is the lightest shade and the one on deepest discount.  There is also a pink and green version, too, but those are more expensive.

The shoulder seam is dropped.  As I mentioned in my review on the Vintage sweatshirt in metallic triangles, this may not be a look you want for your shoulder line, so keep that in mind.  I love it, but I seem to be in the minority.  I don't know that you can even really tell it's dropped on this sweater, but it could just be because my shoulders are narrow.

The design is pretty cool.  I dig the 70s ski lodge look of the design, and had I wanted to, I could have gone full on hipster with this, but chose to keep it more preppy and tailored instead.

This is the sort of sweater I would think Anthro would sell, so I was pleasantly pleased that Boden issued it.

One last thing, the weave of the jacquard design is on the inside of the sweater, so it adds an additional layer to the fit (so two layers of wool instead of one).  It makes this a bit warmer, but if you like to have super warm sweaters, this would be a bonus, I would think.

This is how I wore it yesterday on our trip around town doing errands (like getting the new car seat).  It was getting cold, but it wasn't cold cold yet.  Had it been like it is today, I would have for sure swapped out the pants, socks, and shoes for more weather appropriate choices. 

The shoes are on 50% sale, too.  They are the Embellished Ballet Flats, and you can find my original review of them here.

Lace Peplum Top.  Size small.  Like my Vintage sweatshirt in metallic triangles, this top was one of the *only* items I have liked from J. Crew recently.  Not enough to get this one at full price, but definitely enough to grab at sale price minus 40%.  ;-)

The fit is wonderful, if a touch too big at the waist.  It has enough stretch in it to size down if you would prefer a more fitted look, but since I wanted a top that I could wear around with my kids, I knew I wanted something with a bit more room overall.  The top still has enough vavavavoom in a bigger size, so you could definitely dress it up with a cute pencil skirt, heels, and tights and wear it on a date.

There is a back zip and while I can slide the top over my head without unzipping it, the zip is a welcome feature, especially if you are the type of lady who puts on makeup before putting on your top.  I usually put the clothes on and then the makeup, but to each their own...

I love how curvy I look here, it is rare for my bustline to be that enhanced, so go lace peplum for adding a bit of oomph to my ladies.  It almost looks like I am an hourglass instead of a pear here.  Woo!  That said, this may steer you away from the top if you are very busty and would prefer not to show off all of your assets.  ;-)

We were meant to visit Philadelphia's historic district and have lunch on South Street that day, but as you can see from the view from our hotel room that those plans disappeared.  We woke up on Sunday morning to Philly newscasters telling everyone to stay off the roads since they were super icy.  Rather than tempt fate, we decided to head home instead.  Sigh.  The waitress at Denny's got to see my cute top, lol.

Gigi and Shopwithm did reviews of this top, btw.

Okay, that's it, you all have a great day and STAY WARM!

If you want to grab something from the sale section at Boden, and you need free shipping, you should be able to get it with this link.  Let me know if it doesn't work for some reason.  The clearance items do not go further down in price, though, only the regular (in season) items do.