Boden: Autumn/Fall 2014 Preview Picks (Coats, Shoes, and Accessories).

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!

Hey, all!  Happy Thursday!

Before I get started on the picks post (number three of four--this is the last one for womenswear, though), I wanted to let you all who want a popback on the regular Boden site to take a look around, because in the world of "perfect" timing (yeah, that perfect is sarcastic), the site got a whole bunch of popbacks this morning, *after* the better 20% off portion of the diminishing discount ended.  Now the discount is 15% off, which is okay, but it sure would have been nice to have some of those popbacks when the site was 20% off!  :-P

Okay, as you all know by now, to receive 20% off with free ship and returns here at the preview site, make sure to put the code H6G9 in the shopping bag page.  THIS CODE ENDS TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT, so bear that in mind.  After that if you order from the preview site, you pay the full amount (not recommended, btw). 

Reminder that the other picks posts can be found here for dresses/tunics/skirts and here for tops/shirts/knitwear. 

Okay onto the coats, shoes, and accessories.

Autumn Trench.  I have one trench from Boden, and my stepmom owns one, too, so we can definitely recommend these above to anyone looking for a great transitional coat.  These two above are unique, especially the one with the allover bird print.

I LOVE how the model looks in the animal print version, btw (very top photo).  Just beautiful. 

British Tweed Blazer.  I know I can't shut up about my J. Crew Bella Jacket in Pink Herringbone, but the color and tweed is so pretty and feminine together.  This jacket is a great option if you always wanted the Bella in pink tweed but missed out.  Although this collar is meant to be laid flat, you can always pop it to get more of the "Bella" look.  Plus take a peek at the cute London print lining.  Love!

Edie Jacket.  This jacket is actually short, 3/4 sleeve, and very reminiscent of the 60s.  This would be very lovely worn atop a little black dress and a pair of heels (may I recommend the Jackie Heels below?).

Eliza Coat.  Pink Coat Sickness. My adoration of pink coats knows no bounds.  Must sell other pink coats to make room for this coat.  LOL.  I will, too, especially if this one ends up fitting me well.

Lebdury Pea Coat.   This color is amazing, and would very much make you the brightest person on any grey day.  And if you are buying Boden, you know doubt think *that's a very good thing.*

 

Rainyday Mac.  In years past, people have sent me reviews of the Rainyday Mac for my BWRRs, and this is the very first season I have actually wanted one for me.  (I love the British print one with all the guards.)  Question for you fans...should I size up to an 8R?  It seems that the measurements would indicate that, plus the online reviews all say the coat runs a touch small.  If you could weigh in, I would be so appreciative.  :-)

Fashion Pointed Pump.  Colorblocked Flats are not my thing, but I know a lot of you love them, so I made sure to include this pink/aubergine colored pair in my picks for you all.

Flat T-Bar Point.  I love the look of a beautiful heel but as a flat.  Eventually I will try and grab these on sale a little further down the line.  It could sell out, but I will take my chances.

Jackie Heels.  These are so chic.  Everything about them is so polished and ladylike.  They come in half-sizes, too!

Low Heeled Loafer.  I am recommending the loafer again.  I don't own a pair like this, and since I wear loafers more than any other type of shoe, I know these will be one of my best "cost per wear" purchases of this next fall.  I really hope that these are a bit more subdued in real life, not because I can't handle the shiny, but because I am hard on my shoes and would prefer that any dings that happen don't immediately mar the appearance of the shoe.

 

Mary Jane.  Yoohoo, J. Crew fans of their Fall 2008 collection...you may just fall over from excitement at the fact that you can buy the Penelope Mary Jane (well a close approximation, anyhow) again.  From another retailer, but as we are all able to say emphatically...Boden's offerings are often more old school J. Crew than the current J. Crew can say.

Smithfield Boot.  So my relatives in Mississippi buy cowboy boots for reals in an actual Western shop there in their town.  I have to say showing these short cowboy boots off may be a real affront to true-blooded country-western types in the USA, but dang (said with a southern accent, of course), these are pretty darn great dupes.  From a British company.  Buffalo Bill Cody may just be rolling over in his grave.  Sorry, sir.

The Lace Up.  Okay, I am so not a fan of these, but I have seen they are getting a real buzz over at all the various social media that Boden has out there, and I would be a real bad Boden blogger if I didn't let you all know that, just in case you are a fan. 

Wellie.  Cute!  I could see Boden making these for the kids, so the fact that they made these for grown women is pretty awesome.  I don't wear wellies, but I probably should in the weather we often get.  (Maybe on sale, though, if they stick around long enough.)

Casual Shopper.  This bag is stunning.  The color, the piping, the subtle hardware.  Good show, Boden.  Your bags get better and better each year!

Draycott Bag.  This reminds me so much of the Edie bag.  I don't really love the Edie bag, but I *know* a lot of you did, so this may be just for you.

Thurloe Bag.  If you want the cute British print but don't want to wear it all over your body, this bag may be the right way for you to show it off.  :-)

Umbrella.  Yay!  This umbrella is so cute.  They have had specialty umbrellas shown off in their catalogs in years past, but they have never had them for sale.  They finally listened to the fans of their unique prints and made them available!

Okay, that's it!  Hope you have a great rest of your day, and thank you, as always, for spending time here at my blog.  I may not always remember to say it, but I am so grateful for all of you.  :-)

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!

OOTDs: Feeling Visible Where I Once Felt Invisible...

I am starting this outfits of the day post with a bit of a backstory so that I can properly explain why I chose these outfits to represent me for the Visible Monday (#130) linkup I am participating in with Not Dead Yet Style.  Basically to participate, a blogger must follow these guidelines (these are direct from Not Dead Yet Style):

1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post. Please leave a comment, too, so we know you had a good time.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on the InLinkz button "Add Your Link". It should open a new page.
4. In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

So that is what I am going to do here, all four of the above.

But here is my backstory of "feeling visible where I once felt invisible."  I have been subbing at the school where my children go, and as many of you know, that is the same school I attended as a kid, too.  Here's the thing, I was a painfully awkward and shy young girl, due in part to who I am inherently, and due in part to the fact that I was being raised by a single dad.  I barely spoke to people, and when I did, it was to be the know-it-all who answered every single one of the teacher's questions.  I felt very uncomfortable around the kids my own age, instead preferring the company of younger kids (the kindergarteners and 1st-graders were so cute and sweet) and that of the teachers. 

I spent my days embarrassed by my circumstances...the messy uniform with not crisp pleats in the skirt...my tangled mop of wavy blonde hair that never was quite clean enough...the messy, weirdly shaped, and crooked teeth that only came out behind a smile every so often.  I dreaded being around my peers because every bit of me was up for inspection, and it always failed.  I still remember all the taunts thrown at me by every individual in the four years I was at the school.

So going back to the place where it all happened may seem highly suspect, but I assure you it is not.  As my PE teacher (she still teaches there!) said of me during my time there, "you didn't seem to care" regarding my treatment.  I corrected her later and said, "it wasn't that I didn't care, but that I couldn't care."  Regardless of my treatment by others and by myself (I hated me, too, often), I knew that the school itself fostered an environment where I became able to be the best me, in spite of all the various issues I had while there.  So I never once thought I would send my kids elsewhere.  But unlike my time there, I would make sure to ensure that my kids at least had a tiny bit of a leg up.  So I decided to not just be an alumnus, and not just a parent, but a part of the staff, too.

And since choosing that path, I have found such pleasure in the hallways and classrooms that once held both the keys to my successful future but also the skeletons of my sorry, pathetic past.  Now I walk in the school excited to be seen as me in my best form, happy to serve the needs of the students and the full-time staff, instead of being the *me* that *barely cares* because that is the most protective stance I can take.

And, yes, walking in there in a crisply pleated skirted dress feels pretty darn good, too. 

Day: Thursday, May 15, 2014.

Where: Substitute Teaching.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The Gingham Shirt Dress (see written review of the dress here if interested) held up well, and lol, the pleats did, too.  The dress may not have a lot of stretch the way my Riviera Shirtdress does, but it did have just enough through the crosswise fabric (the weave that runs parallel to the floor) to keep me comfortable.

The shoes are so pretty, but for all the pretty, by the end of the day, I was happy to take them off.

Cool Factor: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) This is a ridiculously cool outfit for subbing.  I received a lot of compliments on the dress and the shoes.  Going to get this one washed quick so I can wear it again as soon as possible.

Anecdote from the Day:  One of the kids asked if my sandals were real snakeskin.  They are from Target, so it is faux snakeskin, or fauxskin for short.
 

Day: Friday, May 16, 2014.

Where: Substitute Teaching, with a quick walk to Harris Teeter after the school day ended.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) The Nancy dress is so comfortable, and the pencil skirt lining that I complained about in the original review (here) has stretched out a bit making the dress very comfortable.

The only thing that I had any issue with was the shoes, since my feet got wet in the monsoon-like conditions we had on the way into school, and they pinched a bit on my way back from Harris Teeter after school (my kids were in an after-school class so I had *just* enough time to walk there and back).

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) One of the teachers said I looked like I was ready for the beach.  I replied, "if only."   :-)

Anecdote from the Day:  You know when you run into someone where you don't normally see them and think, "oh, how do I know them, and from where?"  Yeah.  That happened to me at Harris Teeter when I saw one of the parents from the school with one of her kids that I hadn't met yet.  So I sort of was all confused, but quickly caught myself before I appeared too much like a lost little puppy.  She had also just had a baby, but barely looks like it (some women have all the luck, I tell ya!), so that threw me too.

Okay, that's it for tonight.  If you have a post you would like to link up with Not Dead Yet Style's Visible Monday post, definitely do so, I would love to see what other people publish.  Don't know that I will do this weekly, but will definitely try to do it at least every once in awhile.

P.S. In case you missed it, Boden started a diminishing discount today and I wrote more about it at this post.  Below I have placed a direct link to the sale for those of you that need one.

Boden: Diminishing Discount Time!

Good morning!

Hope all of you are having a lovely weekend.  :-)

Boden started their current promotion this morning, and of course I am going to tell you all about it.  Anyhow, for any of you who have been shopping Boden for years will know what this promotion is all about, the first few days are at one percentage point off, when that ends, the next percentage point will kick in, and so on until the promo ends.

This time it is for 20% off with free ship and returns until Wednesday, May 21, 2014.  There is a catch, though...you must have $50 or more in your basket to receive this promotion.  This is the first season I have ever seen them do this with the diminishing discount which makes me believe that Boden must be doing fairly well overall...especially since we are nearing the end of the spring/summer season and the big clearance sale is around a month away.  Normally by now Boden has started pushing some bigger discounts our way to ensure their stocks are completely cleared out.  Hmm.

That's great for them, less great for Boden shoppers who loving getting the great Boden items for a great percentage off!

Since it appears that the folks at Boden are happy with sales this season, I wanted to remind you that if you see a pink "low stock" box that means there are five or less of an item.  This means that the item is close to selling out in that size/color.  It also means that the item is unlikely to go for a greater percentage off later in the season, so this 20% off may be your best bet.

Taking dresses for example, you can probably wait for a better percentage off/clearance on the Nancy Dress (review here), the Maya Maxi, the Notch Neck Shift in some of the colors, and the Flowershow Dress.  It appears the Laid Back Dress, the Knot Detail Dress, the Santorini Sundress (review here), the Lovely Linen Dress (review here), and the Gingham Shirt Dress (review to come, see notes below for more info) are going fast and should be bought at the 20% off.

Regarding the Gingham Shirtdress, you should definitely consider this beauty if it is your style and it flatters your shape.  I wore it on Thursday to sub (wore the Nancy Dress the next day to sub, too) and it received so many compliments.  The dress has a silhouette that reminds me of the Riviera Shirt Dress, which I last wore here, but this one has little to no stretch, so it is imperative that you choose the size carefully.  I ended up purchasing the 6L and that worked well for me since I am much smaller on top than on the bottom where the skirt is quite full.  I have to tell you that if you carry any weight on your top half to carefully choose your size since I was definitely feeling like I was at the top measurement for the size 6L.  (The waist fit, but fit just so, an extra half-inch on my waist and I would have had to purchase the 8L.)  I should be able to get another blog post written today (likely tonight) and I will make sure to include ootd photos of the Gingham Shirtdress.

Okay, that's it for now.  Any of you see any items that are must haves at the 20% off?

You can use this link to get to the sale: