Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Hitting the Knee.

So, I entitled this post "hitting the knee," because I am so flipping tired of seeing adorable print after adorable print pass me by at J. Crew.  Yeah, yeah, I know this is a Boden post, but hear me out.  I am a sucker for a great print, and although (CLEARLY) I don't need anymore dresses in my closet, I have accepted the fact that my closet is my "collection," and while I will sell coat/cardigan/jacket/pants/shirt to make room for other items, I will take a long while to cull my closet of dresses, as I do love them so.  So when I saw the Jules dress in Italian Paisley peeking out from under this coat, I gasped.  And then reality struck when it actually debuted.  Instead of hitting the knee like *I thought* it did on the model in the coat, it is far shorter on its own product page.  Sigh.  Since I am only an inch or two shorter than the models J. Crew uses, coupled with the fact that most of my height is in my legs, I knew that this dress would be a tunic on me.  Now while I can be okay with that when Target issues their tunics (excuse me, they call them dresses, too) because they aren't really all that expensive, when J. Crew does it at a price tag of $228, AND they don't have a tall option (even for more money, it would still be better), I get frustrated and walk away.

As do others.  Slastena just did a post on the dress this morning, and while I think she looks insanely beautiful in it, I do see how it could be far too short for most women, not just those of us who are 5'8"!  (Audreybella does look great in it, and on her, it is at a dress length!!!  So it does work for some women really well...)

Anyhow, back to Boden.  I want (no need) to show that the sartorial world is not exclusively beautiful prints on inappropriately short skirts and dresses.  (Okay, I know J. Crew has appropriate clothing, it's the fact that the most lust-worthy prints and patterns are unavailable to us that want more conservative cuts.)  This week I have two reviews of very work/church/life appropriate dresses that require absolutely no extra work on your part to make them doable.  No leggings, no need for tights, no need to bend at the knees so as to avoid flashing people, etc.  ;)

Also this week, Boden has extended their 25% off sale and have added many new styles.  I anticipate being able to do a picks post soon, but not today, and likely not tomorrow.  There are some really nice pieces they have added, so it is worth it to take a look and see if any of your wish list items are in the sale.  25% off is not a huge discount, but for this early in the season, and with the possibility that many of these may sell out before clearance time, this may be as good as it gets.

In addition, Boden released some photos of the new Limited Edition line.  I am fairly certain they said they were incorporating the pieces throughout the collection this fall and not using the Limited Edition name, but maybe they realized they DO want there to be some separation and have backpedaled.  Whatever.  As long as they are beautiful, made well, and are special and unique, I am sure I will salivate over them, regardless what they are called or not called.  ;)

Boden for Women:

Notch Neck Shift.  If you were on my facebook page earlier this week, you saw this photo.  As promised, I am doing a lot of preview photos over there, so if you like getting the "news" as it happens (lol), then definitely visit it daily, as I find it is very low-maintenance to upkeep.  :)

Size 8 Regular, which is my normal size in these notch neck shift dresses.  This is my first one with sleeves and a belt, and I must say, I think I actually prefer it this way.  I also love the all-over print, as opposed to the print being chopped up by a contrast color neckline and empire waistband (look at this review to see what I mean).

This dress was really popular last year, as it had a polka-dot pattern, and we all know how much ladies like their polka-dots.  :)  The botanical print is gorgeous and something that I don't have in my closet, so I actually prefer it to the polka-dots, which I definitely have in superfluity.

This color is on a really really long backorder.  I suspect it has to do with the great neutral coloring and the fact that the model is wearing it in the catalog.  Most of the time if the model is wearing it in the catalog, then that color is the one that sells fastest.

The other colors are lovely, though, so it may even be possible that the non-backordered shades work better for you.

It fits me like a glove, barring a bit of bagginess through the shoulders and bust.  The waist is able to be cinched, thanks to the belt.

Also, since this is the regular, you can see how very long it is, and how very long the LONG version would be.  Definitely keep this pretty frock in mind if you want to have something unique in your closet AND you are tall and need/want something that covers your knees.


Notch Neck Shift.  This color is only 15% off (with my sidebar coupon) but some of the colors are included in the 25% off sale. 


Finsbury Wool Dress.  I totally forget to mention it in my review/ootd post (HERE), but I am wearing a size 6.  This dress has no long version, but as you can see, it is more than long enough on me, which means 90% of you will definitely find it "hitting the knee."  ;)

Not on sale, (unless you add the 15% off sidebar coupon).  Not sure when/if this dress will go on super-sale or clearance.  Only time will tell.  Definitely do not expect it to be one of Boden's "let's slash this by 60%," but it could be reduced by 30-40% by the time clearance comes our way. 

I was fine to buy it at 20% off, and think its longevity in my closet makes the higher price easier to deal with...


Westminster Silk Scarf.  I won a publisher award from Boden, and with the $50 gift card I was given (woohoo!), I bought this pretty and then paired it with the Finsbury dress.  :)


Casual Zig Zag Tunic.  Shopwithm styled this tunic (she bought the denim version) really nicely.  I especially like the way she paired them with equestrian boots in one of the outfits.  Very Mommy chic!


Stripy Jumper.  Shopwithm models two colors in this adorable sweater/tunic hybrid. 


Chic Embellished Cardigan.  Shopwithm gets it!  Sometimes we just need a completer piece that makes our lives super-easy.  :)  I had the cashmere cardi coat last year, this is a similar style topper, but with pretty embellishments at the closures.

Boden Limited Edition Sneak Peek:

Contour Colourblock Dress.  I like this, but I am not a huge fan of color-blocking, so I will likely admire this on others.  I do love the styling, especially the hair/makeup, lack of accessories, and the adorable sixties heels.

Jacquard Crops and Peplum Top.  I love both of these, but would unlikely be able to wear the crops (the jacquard fabric is so unforgiving for pear shapes), but I might try the top!!! :)

Metallic Lace Top.  I actually own a metallic lace top like this, THAT I LOVE, but it is SO big on me now.  Time to do an exchange.  :)  Thank you, Boden.  (Of course, that is only if I can afford this one...it looks like it might be really expensive!)

This is all that Boden has previewed.  Do you like the items in this preview?  Can you see yourself in them?

Okay, that's it.  :)

Below I have given you two links, one for the 15% off coupon for those of you who may be interested in something not in the 25% off sale, and the other a direct link to the 25% off sale. 


Boden is discounting loads more styles! Find this seasons latest fashion trends up to 25% off now, until Sunday, September 23rd! Shop now at BodenUSA.com!

Have a wonderful night!

P.S. If you have e-mailed or commented here over the past few days, I apologize for my lack of communication.  I am trying to keep all my ends tied up perfectly, but my ties are getting a bit frayed.  :-P  I think it will all get better as I get used to the new school year, but right now I am *just* keeping my head above water, so to speak.  I will be able to grab a few moments in the next few days, so I look forward to being able to properly communicate with everyone who has reached out to me!  :-)

Boden: Fifties, Finsbury, and Westminster.

So this is a review/outfit of the day post.  I received the Finsbury dress about two weeks ago and fell in love with it so hard that I eagerly anticipated a night where it was cool enough for me to wear it out and about.  (Also an evening that required such a beautiful dressed-up dress.) 

The weather on Saturday night last was utter perfection, low 70s, low humidity, with just a touch of wind, AND we had church and sushi on the offer, so I knew this was exactly the right evening for the debut of this stunner.

The info on the individual pieces is in the photo, but I will definitely link to the scarf and dress in this post.

This was the outfit as it came together.  The dress without the belt, scarf, clutch, and heels looks fine, but a teeny bit boring.  Having said that, I think this is an ideal dress for a myriad of occasions...because of the plainness of the frock, not in spite of it.

Looking at these photos, I realize the George Nelson bubble lamp really fits the fifties feel of this outfit.  I love that I could have been wearing this dress as is, accessories and all, at the same time as this house was built.

Without the clutch, from the front.  As a pear shape, I love dresses like this, with a fitted bodice and very full skirt.  If I had a choice, I might have reined in the flare a tiny bit on the skirt, but as someone who has to wear spanx with at least 50% of my dresses, it feels good not to have to worry about it.

The dress is exceedingly well crafted, not a thread or stitch out of place and fully lined throughout (excepting the lower sleeve).

The zipper is on the side, if I were to talk with Johnnie myself, I would BEG him to use back zips as side zips can be a struggle to get on or off.  I think if you have a larger chest or shoulders, that side zip will be what prevents you from buying the right size of this dress (you would have to size up to get it to fit over your head and shoulders).  I know that it will be difficult to get on and off.  If me, miss "when will I get some girls" has problems with it, those of you blessed up top will be struggling for sure.

I also read that the cap sleeves felt tight on some women, so another consideration if you carry your weight in your upper torso.

The dress fits very nicely through my shoulders and upper back, but you can see where it is a touch too big in the waist.  No biggie, it doesn't look horrible, in fact, I can't even imagine anyone noticed who was around me.

I wanted to wear a slimmer belt, btw, as a larger belt would have probably been too much of a statement.  I am not saying "no" to that in the future, but it would have looked silly with the rest of the outfit as I had styled it.

The makeup that night is the way I wish my makeup would look every time I wear makeup.

Speaking of my makeup, for those of you that are curious, my Arbonne site is no longer working.  I decided the amount I needed to spend keeping it running wasn't worth it, so I have decided to go back to taking Arbonne orders through my e-mail.  If you are interested in rejoining my e-mail list for monthly specials, you can do so at dinagideon AT aim DOT com.

So do you like the Westminster silk scarf?  Isn't it purdy?  :) 

I didn't even have to pay for it (technically).  I will explain more about that later.  ;)

Close-up of the scarf.  It is all silk, and a twill fabric.  The print is very special, scenes from Westminster itself, with the buildings and the guards in their red regalia.

The fabric of the dress is a wool, with a touch of stretch.  For those of you who buy J. Crew, it is a similar feel to the Super 120s.

The color is off from the one on-line.  Instead of being a bit buttery, I would call this a green/gold.  Of course I love this particular shade of light olive, so no complaints from me.  If this is not your bag (baby), there is a charcoal and black version as well.

I really hope that they keep this style, and bring out new colors each season.  I am telling you, they make it in a mid-orange color, and I will be first in line.  :)

Posing on the sidewalk in Arlington after mass.  The dress still looks fresh and barely wrinkled.

This is such a great photo of Angus.  I cannot believe he is almost six months old!  Crazy!  He is so big, too, wearing the 9 month clothing.

So remember this post from last year, where I showed off a long cashmere cardi coat I was able to buy because I won a gift card award for being the "Boden Publisher of the Month?"  Well, it happened again!!!  I was surprised, but super happy, to find out that I won it again!  :)

This time, the $50 gift card completely covered the cost of the scarf.  And because the scarf is a British based print, I call it fate that I won the award at the same time I had been interested in purchasing this scarf.


Finsbury Wool Dress.  Lovely on its own, but you can see how there is a lot of potential for accessorizing here.


Westminster Silk Scarf.  Vanessa!!! We love you.  :)  Her makeup looks really good with the outfit. 

Okay, all, that's it!  Have any of you tried either item and have some thoughts about either of them?

Have a great night!

P.S.  Don't forget, tonight is the last night of the 25% off September Favourites sale over at Boden.

Boden: This Week's Temptation...25% Off Shoes, Accessories, and Knitwear...PLUS A WHOLE LOT MORE.

Hi, everyone! :)  I am able to do a post today.  Yay!  There was some discussion that I might have preeclampsia (again, I had it with Rex), so I was a teeny bit nervous that my doctor would call and say that I would need to go to the hospital TONIGHT to deliver.  Fortunately, the doctor's office just called and said the bloodwork was normal, so PHEW!  (VERY RELIEVED.)

Anyway, there is a lot going on in Boden land today.  Way more than I can cover in this one post, so I will go ahead and just cover all of it as briefly as I can...

1) There is another temptation this week, Boden is offering for you all--

25% off select Women's Shoes (about half of the shoes have the "up to 25% off" and the other half have no discount).

25% off select Women's Accessories (not a whole lot on sale here, but there are a couple of pieces).

25% off select Women's Knitwear (many of these are UP TO 25% off, with a smattering of non-discounted pieces).

25% off all Women's Swimwear (another up to 25% off, but all swimwear has some kind of discount).

25% off all Men's Swimwear.

25% off all Men's Knitwear.

25% off all Men's Trousers and Jeans.

For the first three categories, those that say "select" pieces, I would recommend that you only get the pieces that are discounted 20% off or more.  I have a 15% off coupon code running right now that appears to be good into April, so I think the 15% off pieces are just kind of bogus (unless you can join the two discounts together, and if you can do that, you had better believe I will tell you all, but I doubt it).

I always recommend that you click the code link I have running in the sidebar (it's also at the bottom of this post), because it gives you free ship and returns on these "temptation" pieces, otherwise you do pay the $10 to ship the items.


Here are my picks from the women's sale:

Jewelled Cardigan. This is 20% off, not 25% off, but it is selling quickly and is really cute and highly rated. Surprisingly the mint one that Vanessa is wearing in the stock photo is not selling as fast, but that might be because it is a harder color to wear.


Beachcomber Bag. I am sort of shocked this one is on promo. This is the bag that has had a bit of a buzz...the stock photo shows the floral version, but the Union Jack version (in a lovely tan/red and brown/blue) is still very available and with no wait. This is also highly rated and 20% off.


Strappy Wedges. These are cute and the wedge isn't super high, so I know it will work for many of you. These are also 25% off, which is awesome. :)


Fifties Swimsuit. This one reminds me of the one highlighted in the Marie Claire article, but is better rated for those ladies with "girls." The vintage swimsuit in Marie Claire got some negative reviews because it was a harder for fit for anyone larger than a C cup.

2) Boden rolled out the summer line of Limited Edition, and as usual, I am in love, so much pretty.  :)  I will likely look at these more closely in another post, but for now...I leave you with this image:

Broderie Scallop Dress. Yum and EEE. Oh, my. This red broderie frock has me salivating. I sincerely doubt I will be able to get it in my size, I am 100% sure it will sell out before I am at the point where I will be comfortable with the price enough to justify it, but if I suddenly become an internet millionaire, I will absolutely give many thousands to my favorite charities and I will absolutely buy this. :) It also comes in a more muted navy shade, too.

3) Boden did ANOTHER roll out yesterday, too.  Busy week, Johnnie!  I almost highlighted this yesterday during the magazine post, but I figured it would suit today's post better (and it does).

Smart Linen Cotton Dress.  This is such a fun, appropriate dress for summer/spring.  I like that it is a blend, as well, because it could mean that it is less prone to wrinkling (grr, linen, which I love, the wrinkling, though, crazy!).  This dress comes in some lovely saturated hues including a grass green, a navy, and a pinky-red.

Okay that's it for me.  Do you have any favorites on sale?  Or do you have any new favorites from the new limited or workwear line?

Mobile users, here is the link to an additional 15% off with free ship and returns.  The 15% off works on the limited edition, workwear, and non-promo items, but will not work with the temptation pieces.  The free ship and returns work on everything, though!  :)
Save 15% at Bodenusa.com with Free Delivery and Returns!

Okay, talk soon. I hope to get an ootd post up soon!

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: End of the Old and In with the New?

Ooh, you all, it doesn't even really matter that I have only two reviews to share with you this week *not even my own, btw* because there is all sorts of buzz that with the sale ending tonight (it won't technically "end" it will just become its own clearance tab at the website).  Every time this happens, the new items from that season are rolled out that next day.  And yep, just like in prior years...it will be Friday tomorrow, which is the day that Boden usually switches their website over.

My antenna is always up in January as I realize this is when the spring items that were ordered during the pre-order window from the Boden preview site (which is gone, fwiw, another great sign) get shipped out.  I am stoked, not so much for me, as I can barely wear anything anymore (lol), but because my kids have two fab raincoats coming.  (And golly, they so need them!)

All that said, I can't say that this week has been spent in Boden heaven for everyone who reads this blog.  Multiple people have e-mailed me regarding their sadness over Boden's refusal to do price adjustments on items they had ordered (and often still have not received!!!) when Boden switched over to second cut prices this week.  Oh, I so feel their pain.  I had the same thing happen to me in early December and it was a true bummer.  I had to re-order the items at the lower price, wait for them to arrive (3 long weeks from England), assure myself that they would fit okay and there were no issues with them, and then package up the two items originally ordered, along with their receipts, and ship them back.  I am still waiting for confirmation that they have received my return and will process my refund.  At this point, I anticipate that money I spent in December will not be in my account (remember I use a check card) until sometime in late January. 

I also have heard that packages are taking FOREVER to get to folks, and I have to agree...unless the item is from the Pennsylvania location, it takes a really long time to get to us in the USA.  I love it when I see "Shipped from Pittston," because that means it will come UPS and be at my door in three days, tops.

However, I am willing to deal with how long items take to get to me because I love Boden so much, but am very dismayed by the unwillingness on Boden's part to do price adjustments, ESPECIALLY on items that are still in the shipping process.  That's kind of consumer-unfriendly, really.

Do you all have anything to add?  Definitely let us know in the comments!

Onto the yummy reviews!!!

But before I get to that, I want to share with you the two items I decided to get in the second cuts of the Boden sale.  I had been watching the Fab Wallet and the Lounge Shoe since their respective debuts on the site, and finally I decided that I could afford them.  (They went from a total of about $220 to $102, which is over half off, YAY!)

Ladies, I assure that although I will absolutely use the wallet with the Leopard Tote, I will not wear the shoes with that bag. Um, no. LOL.

Pleat Detail Wool Dress. OMG. Love Your Life and Look Today (aka Yoga Girl) looks amazing in this dress, which is currently on sale for $94. I don't have the affiliate link for his dress, but have included the link in the name of the dress. Do watch for popbacks as it looks sold out but could potentially be a type of dress that many women have a hard time finding a great fit for their body (although clearly not Ms. Yoga Girl...wow!).


Stella Dress. AudreyS left me a comment today (at this post), where she agreed with me on my original estimation on sizing for this beautiful dress. :) She said:  Also, off topic, but you were spot on about the Stella dress.  I am nearly always a 4 in Boden dresses, but the top felt like a corset!  The 6 is much better.  Thank you, AudreyS!

I am stoked to wear this tomorrow at my Winter Wardrobe's Fashion Class Runway show. I had planned on another dress, but sadly that one doesn't do up the whole way anymore (which is fine, of course). I do have to say I love the material of this dress and am glad that it has enough fabric in its a-line skirt to fit over my baby belly!  You all will get a look at that tomorrow night when I publish Winter Wardrobe: Day Five.  I will publish Winter Wardrobe: Day Four tonight, btw.  ;)

Okay, that's it! Easy Peasy. You all have a great night!

I don't anticipate being able to let you all know that the Spring Line has debuted on Boden tomorrow as I won't be done with school until 4 or so, but if you would like to keep us up-to-date, you are welcome to comment here on any happenings you see! THANK YOU!!!