Reminders! Boden Winter 2013 Preview, Pure Collection New Arrivals, & Lands' End Sale Offer.

Wool Bistro Crops in Bright Blue Plaid, Baby!

Hey, all!  Lots going on here in our world, so I have been majorly neglecting the blog, but since I know so many of you are going through the same thing--back to school, end of summer junk, I have a feeling lots of you understand, too.

Anyhow, short and sweet, but wanted to let you all know about a few things going on with some of my affiliate companies.

1. Boden's Winter Preview (where you can find those crazy crazy plaid pants at from the photo above) is ending its 20% off with free ship and returns promo (PRV3 on the shopping bag page) this Friday night, August 23, 2013.  Here's the thing, though...in the past few previews, Boden extended the promo for many weeks after it was *supposed* to end, but since I don't know this will happen with this preview, I am not saying if it will get extended, just that it *could* happen.  I won't be waiting since I only have a few items I am ordering from the preview.  I figured if you were going to make an order and wanted to do it in the "official" preview promo time, it would be nice to have the reminder.  ;-)

I should have a picks post on Friday.  I am so so so behind.  I have a MONSTER BWRR upcoming, too.  Yikes.

Autumn '13 Pure Collection.  Look at that yummy bag!

2. Pure Collection debuted their new fall line.  I love Pure Collection more for their fall/winter items, but that may be because their cashmere is so freaking amazing and soft.  Their wool items are nothing to sniff at, either.  Their summer line was beautiful, and there is a ton of pretty still left in their sale section, too.

Anyhow, I have a 20% off coupon in my sidebar (and below) if you want to take a chance on something from them (not on clearance, though, like Boden they don't further reduce clearance items the way that American retailers do).  I have yet to return anything from them, and the items I have are great staples, classically cut in natural fabrics and made well.

The photo above features the pretty Cashmere Colourblock Sweater.  Love it in this Soft Caramel/Stone shade.

Lands' End keeps their sale banner simple.

3. Lands' End has a coupon out right now that is an affiliate exclusive, which gives you 20% off any clearance or sale items.  If you have any need for late summer clothing, or you spy a great uniform staple (my darling daughter wears their Solid A-line Skirt to school in the navy shade), the extra 20% helps just a little bit.  :-)

The affiliate promo ends on Friday night, August 23, 2013.


Okay, that's it for tonight.  If this is your busy time, I am thinking of you and wishing you lots of luck to get through it all! 

OOTD/Review: Boden Daisy Jacquard Dress.

Happy Sunday, all! Since today is the last day of the Catch of the Day (sad face), I figured I would put up one last review of an item currently in the sale, the Daisy Jacquard dress in coral.

Since I wore it last night to church and dinner, I also figured I could make this post a two-fer ootd/review post.

First up will be the ootd portion followed by the review.

Day: Saturday, August 17, 2013.

Where:  Mass followed by a Vietnamese restaurant.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Big points for comfort to the dress which is very easy to wear, especially since dresses like this sometimes can be a bit too fitted on my lower half.  This time, Boden has given the skirt portion just a bit of a flare meaning that the skirt skims my hips instead of embracing them so closely.  Bravo, Boden, for keeping us pear shapes in mind when creating this sheath dress.

I did minus a point because my J. Crew sandals felt off at the beginning, one of the straps felt tighter than I remembered it, and because I had to fuss with it so much, I dinged the whole outfit.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Hmm, it's a beautiful garment in a gorgeous shade of orange, but not super cool.*  Very memorable, though.  I look forward to bringing it with me to wear to a wedding I am attending in California at the end of this month.

*The Brady Bunch would have loved it, though. 

Anecdote from the day:  Right before Communion, the cantor fainted!  We have a choir loft where she sings from alongside the organist.  Since we sit in the nave portion of the church at the very back (kids often need to be *taken out*), Rex, CW, and I had prime view of the poor lady crumpling to the ground.  Barely anyone noticed, and I was FLIPPING out.  Fainting can be a sign that something serious is going on, and in the past when I have fainted (always during pregnancy), I had to go immediately to the doctor.

Anyhow, the lady was escorted out, thank goodness, but it was really scary not being able to help her, even though I know it wasn't my job to help her.  I really hope she is fine.

On another note, singing without a cantor is interesting.  They really do help lead the congregation, and their job is really underappreciated, if you think about it.

Daisy Jacquard Dress. I figured this dress would have little give, and based on the measurements, I figured I would need the 8 L, with the likely possibility that I might have to exchange for the 10 L since the hip measurement seemed to be on the smaller end of my "comfort" zone.

As it turns out, the sizing is fab-u-lous.  The bust fits well, not too loose, as can often happen in Boden dresses.  (This may be an issue, though, for you if you have a larger bustline, though--and it has a side zip, which I know can make getting items on and off a chore.)  The waist is tight enough for definition, but feels less fitted than it looks.  The skirt portion is an a-line that looks more like a straight skirt due to how the pleats were added at the waistline.

It also has pockets, woo!  :-)

The entire dress is lined in a very soft synthetic material in a matching shade of orange.  It will be wonderful for wearing with tights, which means this can be a winter dress, even if the color evokes any season *but* winter. 

Side view.  There is a tiny poof there at the waist right by the pockets, but considering what other dresses and skirts have had from Boden in the past, this barely registers as anything other than shaping, lol.

The skirt portion at the waist is where I had the biggest fit issues, which I wasn't expecting.  I think since I have a shorter back length and a slight sway back, I had a bit of pooling of fabric right below the waistband.  This is particular to me, though, and since most women I know at my height aren't as short in the torso as I am, you should be fine and not have the weird pooling of fabric.  And since I don't care because really, who in their right mind is going to fixate upon one bit of fabric while I am out and about?

Back view.  You can see the bit of fabric pooling here.

Otherwise, I love the back view, so forgiving!

The fabric is very interesting.  It is a jacquard, which is a type of fabric that is woven together to create shapes and designs, but it is not a jacquard made from a traditional fabric, like silk or wool.  Instead this is a poly/cotton blend, with a bit of stretch thrown in for good measure.  The fabric will stretch, which I love, but since the lining doesn't stretch, I don't really see the point.  If Boden really wanted to make best friends will all us ladies, the would do a stretchy jacquard dress lined in a stretchy material that is also tights friendly.  That can't be *too much* to ask for, can it?  ;-)

The material also feels and looks like a retro dress from the late 60s and early 70s, especially in this coral shade and the green/yellow shade (which may be why those two shades are in the sale and not the ice blue shade).  Definitely very Carol Brady!


Daisy Jacquard Dress.  Hey, coral isn't selling out!  Oh, well, maybe now that it has been seen on a body IRL that isn't a size 2 and nearing 6 feet tall, and people can see that it really isn't a scary bright pumpkin orange, more people will consider this shade??? 

It is $111 with all the discounts, but as long as Y7P1 is still available and working as a code, you can grab the dress with an additional $25 off.  (See the bottom paragraph of this post for more info on the code and a link to the sale.)

Okay, all, that's it. 

I won't be around till late tonight, since we are going to Richmond to visit Rex's kindergarten teacher, so if you have any questions, it is possible you won't hear back from me till later.  I find it easier to respond to questions at my facebook page, so if it can't wait, go ahead and drop a line there!

BTW, if you are only buying a few items, the code Y7P1 (THANK YOU SO MUCH, Jaclyn, for the info!) will get you $10 off $50 or $25 off $100.  As far as I can tell, the code was still working as of yesterday.  It may get pulled, so do keep that in mind.  Use the code on the shopping bag page, btw.
Save up to 25% off with Boden's Catch of the Day Sale!

Boden: Catch of the Day! Three Days of Lovely Styles!

Hi, and Happy Friday!

So there are "loads of lovely styles" on offer for today (and this weekend's) catch of the day.  That is code for "whatever the heck the staff at Boden felt like putting on sale."  ;-)


And let me tell you, it appears there is a LOT in the sale.  Not everything that has been on sale this week is in the sale, but there are quite a few repeats, including the item I ordered on Monday, the Daisy Jacquard Dress.  I have received it, and so long as I have the time (which means Mr. Dina has to take the kids for an hour or so), I will get up a review for you all since I LUURRRVVE it.  (It appeals to me the way the Lace Dress does, very pretty, very feminine, and exceptionally unique.  It even fits in a similar way.)

Anyhow, since I have to go to a birthday party at 10 am and then to the uniform store to pick up Rex's school uniform (he wears a tie this year!), I don't have much time to write up my picks, but as usual around here, I would love to see what you all are choosing for yourself or your loved ones. 

BTW, if you are only buying a few items, the code Y7P1 (THANK YOU SO MUCH, Jaclyn, for commenting with this code on the last post) will get you $10 off $50 or $25 off $100.  The code works with the catch of the day promo, and I did try it last night with my purchase of some mini Boden and Johnnie b. items.  This promo may get pulled because it is the "catch of the day" period, but we can always cross our fingers that it won't.  ;-)  Use the code on the shopping bag page, btw.

Anyhow, I hope to talk with you all soon, I look forward to seeing your favorites.
Save up to 25% off with Boden's Catch of the Day Sale!

Boden: Catch of the Day! Pants, Skirts, Tops, and Jeans! (And Let's Throw Some Shoes in There, too!)

Good Thursday morning!  I am about to leave to go the Little Gym and the Spray Park for the day, so I have to be very precise with my writing this morning, so here you all go, today's "catch of the day!"

Remember, the sale is for selected items in the Boden fall range, and not all colors of a item may have made it to the 25% off "catch."  If there is an item that is not in the sale today and you would still like to grab it with a % off, the sidebar coupon (which is also at the bottom of the post) will give the other items (not in the sale) 15% off with free ship and returns.

Okay, so here is what caught (ugh, pun!) my eye this morning.

Brasserie Pant.  I had liked the look of these in the preview, but wasn't going to attempt them without reviews rolling in, and still probably won't since the one review that sounds like my shape (tall and pear) says the pants weren't for her, but if you had your eyes on this pair of pants, all the colors are on sale today.

Note that the plum shade above has a NAVY contrast velvet trim...the photo must have been taken of the sample pair and they changed the trim at the last minute.

Daisy Jacquard Skirt.  So apparently less women are enthralled with the orange version of the gorgeous daisy jacquard fabric than I am since the Daisy Jacquard dress and skirt were both in the catch at 25% off, but the other colors were not.  Hmm.  Oh, well.  I am not complaining since I got the dress for 25% off, but I thought the orange would sell faster since the color seems to fit the "autumn" colors better than both the ice blue and yellow/green shades.

CC reviewed this skirt briefly (in a comment here at the blog) saying:

I have the skirt (in the blue/grey, ivory version). I think you were right to go with your largest Boden dress size (she is speaking of me purchasing the dress), as the skirt fits slim, which is a rather nice surprise after I tried on the very ill-fitting Lois skirt. I think the blue jacquard will transition well into autumn with a blue sweater. Because the material is very thin (polyester, mostly, with some cotton), I don't think it will be worn much in winter, although I do like how Boden has styled it with black tights and navy shoes.

The reviews at the site echo what CC is saying, mentioning that you should size up, which means that there is likely less give.  I would probably purchase the 10 L in this skirt, even though I bought the 8 L in the dress (the reviews said the dress has a fairly nice a-line to its skirt, so more friendly to those pear shapes out there).

Thanks, CC!

Monmouth Skirt.  This pretty printed skirt is in the sale, which again surprises me.  Maybe the print is a touch too much, or maybe the initial cost was too high so most ladies are waiting for a better price?  Hmm.

It seems to be fairly straight, and is supposed to sit at your waist, so it may not be best for those more curvy since the 10 L (which I would buy) is a 33 inch waist with 42 inch hips.  My natural waist is 28.5 inches, so that is a MASSIVE amount of ease just to ensure I can squeeze my hips in...so bear that in mind when purchasing.

Swishy Jersey Skirt.  I am sure none of you that read my blog regularly will be surprised by this choice, since I heart jersey items from Boden, and I heart long skirts and dresses.  In fact, I have this skirt from last year, but in the grey/ivory dot version (review here--that outfit, btw, is one of my favorites ever).  I have zero need for another one, but I can absolutely and highly recommend this skirt.  Unless things have changed you can size down, I bought the 6 L and could have even gone with a 4 L, it has that much stretch and ease built into it.

Tassel Loafer.  These have a one star (of five stars) review from one reviewer owing to the fact that these shoes do not come in the American sizing equivalent of half sizes.  I totally understand her frustration, especially since my size in Boden would probably be 40.5.  Boden now has half sizes in some shoes (YAY!), but not these loafers.  However, even though these shoes (all colors are in the sale, btw) are not in half sizes, if you can make them work for you personally, then I recommend them since I find Boden's loafers to be super comfortable and very well made.

Now if only Boden would put my Heeled Loafer in the sale so I could buy the size 41 that I need (I bought the 40 and surprise, it's too short for my foot!).

Boyfriend Jeans.  This is from the Johnnie b. line, and at the price they are selling them at, I figured some of you may want to give this a try.  (Only this lighter shade is in the sale, though.)

Word of warning...these jeans have a lot of ease in the waist and hips.  Like 44 inches for the hips in the size 30 R and 30 L and 46 in the 32 R and 32 L.  Now, I have big hips, but I would seriously suffer from major baggy butt if I were to purchase the 32 L since my hips are a 40.5.  I get these are boyfriend jeans, but "boyfriend" doesn't mean "lose shape entirely."  I would purchase the 30L since those measurements seem more comfortable without being too big.

Okay, that's all!  Hope your day is going well and hope you enjoy (sale) shopping!

Save up to 25% off with Boden's Catch of the Day Sale!

Review: Boden Alice Lace Top with a Peek at an Evie.

Alice Lace Top and the Evie Bag.

I purchased the Alice Lace Top in the emerald color since I have a big ole soft spot for lace, in any form.  And even though I *suspect* I could sew something like this up on my own, I also know that I am the world's slowest sewer and I know that I couldn't get it done in time to wear it by this fall.  (And definitely not by tonight which will be its first official outing--yay for cooler, drier DC weather!)

The Evie bag filled a long lost desire of mine...to own a navy bag that can be taken everywhere and go with almost everything, and I am happy to report that this is exactly the bag I wanted.

The Alice Lace top is a size 6 and fits exactly as I expected, a bit loose, but not so loose I would go down a size.  The most fitted portion is through the bust and shoulders, with a slight swingy shape through the waist and hipline.

The Evie bag does come with a long strap (which you will see in my more in-depth review of it during the BWRR*), but I don't care for long straps like that so I am choosing to store it and just use the top handle instead.

*Went out swimming with the kids today and am going to Winesday with my bro tonight, so as much as I really wanted to get the BWRR done, I just can't get the timing to work.  If only I could be split into three separate folks, it would all get done. ;-)

Back view of the top.  The wrinkling bit is because I have a much shorter back length than the Boden fit model does.  The only way I could get rid of those would be to shorten the top at the waistline, which would cause a horizontal seam in an odd place.  Or I could size up to a 10, but then I would have a sack for a top and lose any definition in my torso.  Or I could just not care and accept this as a part of my particular figure and know that if it *really* matters, I will tuck in the top to keep it neat and tidy looking.

The torso is lined in a green cotton fabric, but the sleeves are unlined.  I like the look, but if you prefer it to be all lined, this is not the top for you.  

Close up of the lace.  I adore the look, it reminds me of this Rosea Lace at Fabric.com, but in this amazing shade of green.  The top can read teal or it can read a more proper shade of emerald, it really just depends on the lighting of the room.  This color above is the most accurate representation of the color.  The other photos show it appearing more teal, which I can see in the brighter conditions of the room I was in, but it doesn't really look that blue in real life.

I love this shade for my complexion, but I have noticed that some shades are universally lovely, like this version of green.  I think if you have worn colors like this before and been happy with how they work with your skin tone, then you should be good to go.  Just make sure you are aware of the sizing before you purchase (read the garment measurements).




Alice Lace Top and Evie Bag.  Both are fully stocked, but I would bet the Alice Lace top sells out sooner than the bag.  That said, the bag is really awesome and if you can use it and will use it, 25% off is a pretty good price for what you receive.

Regarding my last post, there are a lot of questions from a lot of you...I am working to get the questions answered, but (and God bless the babies and all) my kids are driving me crazy with their inability to clean their rooms without my hovering over them, so I am not promising squat till they go to bed.  LOL.

Have a great day, and we'll talk soon!