OOTD: It Matches!

Before I start the post, I wanted to congratulate Julie, she won the NOVICA $50 giveaway. Random.org gave me the result of #18 of 20 entries, and that was Julie's comment.  I will email Julie with more information.  Very excited Julie gets to enjoy some NOVICA shopping.  :-)

Day: Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

Where:  Substituting for the upper grade's Spanish teacher.

Ease of Wear: (4.25 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Skirt was made by me back when (here is the original post on its construction), and I have lost a couple of pounds since then, so it fits very well now and is very comfortable.  The Tippi sweater from J. Crew is also amazing, I know there are lots of women who are fans (and own multiple colors) but I haven't really dipped into the Tippi pool, outside of a handful of versions from years past.  I am a fan, but I don't actively seek out having multiples of it. 

The only ding came from the loafers, which fit fine, but after standing all day in class and then walking to Harris Teeter on my break (in warmish weather), I found they felt really small and were rubbing against my feet uncomfortably.  So I went ahead and purchased those "half-socks" from the grocery store and that helped a bunch.

Outfit Details:  When I made this skirt, I was thinking I would have no problem matching tops to it, but I was surprised by how hard it was.  I either just don't buy these shades and can't get things to work with it, or the print has a very specific look and needs something especially unfussy for it to work with it.  I had tried regular white tee-shirts and blouses, but it was too plain, however anything with any amount of print or sequins or embellishments was too much.  The top I wore with it originally is fine, but I want to sell that one as I don't really love it.  I did not purchase the Tippi with the intent of matching the skirt (I just really loved the color), but found that it was exactly the right shade for my skirt.

Long story short, lol, is that you can find the Tippi here at J. Crew (this is the heather aqua shade).

Anecdote of the Day:  The big burly cashier at Harris Teeter really liked the old school J. Crew necklace and said it perfectly matched the skirt.  LOL.  I love it when people you don't expect to be into style are into it.  :-)

I am not 100% ready to reveal the dress on me yet, as I still have hemming of the skirt and sleeves to do, but I know that a lot of you are both fans of sewing and of Boden, so I kind of figured you would be into seeing my latest project, which is my Easter dress.  It is New Look 6262 and is supposed to be a close approximation of Boden's Rosalyn dress.  I had originally ordered the Rosalyn dress, but after the huge mess of the preorder and my card company having problems with the double charges showing up, I decided to cancel my order and just make the darn thing instead.

The floral fabric (called Waverly Blossom Boutique Twill Aurora) is actually a home decor fabric, but it is lightweight enough to work with this pattern.  I have to admit to preferring this floral pattern to the one Boden used.  And based upon the fact that I know the Boden version's bodice would have likely been too long for my short torso, I was glad to have creative control and a tape measure in my hands to ensure my version wasn't too long.  I also decided to add a back invisible zip instead of a side zip, so I won that way, too.

It's not that I don't love the Rosalyn version, in fact, seeing it on AudreyBella made me realize it is a very beautiful garment, but knowing I could make my own gave me fuel to just get it done.  I also had enough fabric left over to make my daughter a version, and so far so good.  Wish me luck on getting that one done in time.

If you would like to see the nearly finished version above on me, I gave the Instagram folks a sneak peek last night.
 

Here is a close-up of the fabrics.  The eyelet broderie fabric is from Fabric Mart last year and is definitely not around anymore.

Okay, that's it for now.  :-)

Real quickly, before I go, Boden has upped their mid-season sale to 50% off on some items, including a lot of the ones I have reviewed (Rainbow Knit sweater, French Knot sweater, etc.), so go on over to this post to learn more about the sale.  (The post says "up to 40%," but it was written earlier this week.)

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.

OOTDs: Summertime Leftovers. And a Giveaway Winner!

Day: Sunday, August 24, 2014.

Where:  Day in DC at the Natural History Museum with the family.

Ease of Wear: (5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  There is a reason why I keep buying the Garnet Hill Tiered Maxi Dresses, they are so comfortable and incredibly easy to wear on hot summer days.  This year's version is slightly shorter (yet more fitted) than last year's (which I wore here last), and while different, I love them both equally the same.

I have had these Boden sandals forever, I don't pull them out as much as I used to, but they do make their way out to see the sunshine at least a few times a year.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Pretty and breezy.  Better suited for Maui than DC, but I don't exactly live there, so I'll take here.

Anecdote from the day:  They are redoing the entire dinosaur exhibit at the Natural History museum, but until they are done, they have some temporary exhibits up.  When we were there, this live action dinosaur screen was going and you were part of the action ("Walk Among the Dinosaurs").  The kids ate it up.  I love how CW is gently holding her hand up to the T. Rex, like he wouldn't bite her.  Yeah, right, hon.

Day: Thursday, September 18, 2014.

Where:  CW's birthday dinner.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I wish I didn't have to wear a cami with the Boden knot detail dress, but since it was dinner out with the family and not a date night, I knew I wanted to be a bit more covered up.  Otherwise the outfit was very comfortable.

I know some of you will want a little review on the knot detail dress (here on sale), so here goes...I took a size 6L, and you can see that it is pretty long, so I only recommend sizing to a long if you are very tall or if you have modesty requirements.  I may have gotten away with the shorter version, but since most of my height is in my legs, it does help balance my frame a bit.  I also think if you stand the wrong way you could potentially get the question, "are you pregnant," so definitely stand up straight, lol.  I actually never mind if people ask, but I am a weirdo like that.  It is usually kids who ask, so I just smile and say, "no."  The dress is well made and very lightweight.  Perfect for summer.  I wore it with a cardigan at night and it looked cute that way, so it could be transitional, too.

Cool Factor: (3.75 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  I like this shade of orange on me, but the length keeps it from being a homerun.  That's okay.  :-)

Anecdote from the day:  The sombreros were out again for CW's birthday.  I think outside of my upstairs railing and our outdoor forest no place has seen more of my photography on this blog.  I don't go there for my birthday, but everyone else does, it seems. 

And now for the winner of the giveaway...Aimee Everrett, you are the winner.  I almost *never* enter giveaways until someone enters first because I figure there is no way #1 will ever win, even though I understand chance from my years of math schooling.  Hahaha.  Was I proven wrong--on my own giveaway--which had 153 discrete entries (after I took out duplicates and extra superfluous comments).  Aimee commented first and won the big giveaway.  Chance dictated that #1 has as good a shot as #47 and #122, but I guess seeing it is believing it.

(I even made sure to screen grab the date and time so you could see that I wasn't fudging it!)

Congratulations to you, Aimee!  Enjoy your prize!

Take care, all.  We'll talk soon.

P.S. Thank you to those of you who took time to comment on yesterday's post or email me.  I feel better today, definitely, still feel like I have a bit of an uphill climb, but most assuredly less blue than before.  Your sweet and kind words really helped make me feel a lot better!

Review/OOTD/Giveaway: Boden's Amy Dress Goes to School!

Okay, so many of you have seen me hinting at a big something something here at the blog, and today it is here!  More on the very fabulous giveaway (trust me, you'll want to enter!) at the end of the post. 

Boden, basically the bread and butter of my wardrobe, contacted me and asked me if I would be interested in a free garment of my choice and the chance to host a giveaway at my blog, and within maybe a half-heartbeat, I wrote them back and said, "um, yes, please." 

I told them I wanted to choose an item that would serve me well in a back-to-school way since I have recently gotten back into substitute teaching after a two-year absence of any teaching at all.  While I have clothing that is fine for substitute teaching, I love having extra-special pieces that are all at once unique and hard-wearing enough to stand up to whatever children will bring during their learning.  Boden was my favorite place to find pieces like that when I was teaching middle school.  (Heck, it was another middle school teacher who, in 2004, told me I HAD to look at this "Boden" place, since she took one look at the catalog and determined it was very "Dina.")  So rather than go with a tee or pants or skirt, I knew that my free item would have to be a dress in a lovely print made from a *washable* material that was also conservative in cut (we have a modest dress code at the school).

Enter the Amy Dress (find it here at Boden).  It fits the criteria for my needs as a substitute teacher, a lovely print (gorgeous mid-century take on plaid), washable fabric (cotton sateen lined in a poly), and a modest cut (knee-length in my size and sleeves).

In addition to the c/o dress, I added two additional Boden items to the outfit, the gorgeous Flat T-Bar Points (here, but sold out in many sizes/colors, watch for popbacks), and a pretty necklace from a few years ago.

The flats are the perfect *almost dressy* shoes while also being exceedingly comfortable, which is great when you are on your feet all day helping little ones with their school work.

Regarding sizing, I took the dress in a size 6 Long, which was chosen because the bust and waist garment measurements matched mine (with an inch for ease).  With the full skirt (and a full skirted lining), the hip measurement was n/a.  Definitely size for your chest if this dress calls your name, it is definitely more fitted through the bodice, and it has a side zip, so you need to ensure you can get it over your head, shoulders, and bustline.

The shoes are a size 40.  I was worried these wouldn't fit me and be too short, but they fit both length- and width-wise, so my US size 9.5 feet are happy as can be.

The silhouette is very classic, mid-50s, early 60s, in feel.  The detailing is sublime.  As you may have seen on my sewing project from last week, I made a vented cuff on my sleeve, so I *know* that those kind of details take time and would not be made if Boden was trying exclusively to think about profit.  That is precisely why I shop at Boden, they are special and unique, but they also care so much for details that many retailers overlook these days. 

Although you would think a back zip would work here, and I would prefer it personally, my friend pointed out that she prefers that kind of side zip, so to each their own, I suppose.

The back view is beautiful.  I really dig how the skirt pieces were cut on the bias, while the rest of the dress was cut "normally," so the plaid was going the way you would expect it would.  The way the pattern directions work together is darling and eye-catching.

The pleated collar is a lovely feature, but the seamstress in me is a bit put off by the fact that the outermost pleat right near the shoulders is not cut deeply enough (with enough fabric for the pleat), so the effect is a bit lost and looks like the pleat disappears into the underarm.  This happens on the model, too, so it isn't necessarily a size thing.  Having said that I *notice* it but no one else did.  :-)

I love this shot!  It, in one moment, shows exactly why I was excited to get this on and wear it out.  Look at that twirly skirt in motion!

The color is more grey than the photo on-line would have think, so definitely bear that in mind if you were hoping for a brighter cream color.

I have already washed it and dried it (hung to dry, not in the drier), and it is just as lovely as it was the first time I wore it.  I will give it a bit of a press and it will be ready to go for my next time!

In addition to this gorgeous dress, Boden rolled out the Isla Dress (here) in the winter rollout, and it is a wool version of this same dress.  (And I believe the Flowershow Dress--here--was the summer version of this dress, too.)  Um, yum.  I might have to get a cold weather version of this dress for those days I have to sub in frigid temperatures.

So, remember how I mentioned that a friend introduced me to Boden in 2004?  (And a blog started in 2009?)  Well, now it's your turn.  Obviously I may have paid forward my own Boden love to others out there in the internet, and Boden really wants all of you to do the same, so if you have a friend that you think would love Boden, definitely remember to participate in their "refer a friend" program which is beneficial for both you and them.  You will receive a $15 voucher to Boden after their first purchase and they will receive 15% off their first order.  You can find out more and how to refer them here at this link.

Okay, now for what I know many of you are excited to find out more about--THE BIG GIVEAWAY!

Boden has decided to treat one of you very faithful readers of this blog to $125 to spend at Boden.  (I know!  Yes!)  They ask that you comment below with the one item from Boden that you just love!  (Or more, but one is sufficient!)  I would pick from this season the Eliza Coat (here) followed by the Amy Dress (above, obviously, lol).  I could pick more, but I'll stop.  ;-)  You have until October 3rd to enter.  I will announce the winner on the morning of October 4! (The giveaway is open to US residents only, though!)

You all have a lovely day, and thank you for reading my blog and for loving Boden as much as I do!

OOTD: A New Favorite Look.

Hey, all...before I get started, I have a few announcements to make. :-)

1. Boden started a new promo of 14% off all regular items (specifically from the menswear and womenswear line) with free shipping.  The coupon is in the sidebar and at the bottom of this post.  If you specifically have a mini Boden item or two in mind, you can grab that with a "buy three, get the fourth item for $1" promo.  I have that coupon link also in the sidebar and at the bottom of this post.  Also if you are a new customer to Boden, and you like pretty yellow scarves, this may be the right time to make a first purchase since they are offering a free scarf with first purchase (although it appears you can't use the 14% off or buy 3, get #4 for $1 promos if you want the scarf--use the scarf promo if your first purchase is to be relatively small or you really really really like that scarf!). 

2. I have a giveaway winner ($50 Boden giftcard).  There were 50 entries (49 on the blog and one on facebook*), and random.org declared that #45 was the winner.  So yay for Starla729!  I will be emailing her tomorrow to get more info from her.  I plan to do another giveaway soon, so be on the lookout for that in the near future.

*well two from facebook, but one of the entrants was able to successfully post here at the giveaway post in the end...

3. Sewing website PatternReview.com featured me as their "featured member" of the day.  I am so excited.  If you grab a moment, you can go to their homepage and see my profile in their sidebar.  Woo!  I am thrilled that I was honored with these few hours of sewing fame.  :-)

Okay, onto what I have decided is a new favorite look of mine, a relatively simple outfit that I wore last Thursday.

Day: Thursday, January 30, 2014.

Where: School pickup and classes at the Little Gym with my kids.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  The whole darn thing is so easy to wear.  Every piece has a bit of special interest to it, but those unique touches don't detract from the ease of wear. 

The Medallion sweatshirt** (currently on steep sale at J. Crew) is a basic sweatshirt dolled up with an all over white medallion print (which if you look closely is very carefully printed to ensure all the medallions properly line up).  The amazing Sybil coat (one of my all time favorites made by J. Crew) has the pretty stand-up collar and larger button detailing.  The Vince Camuto Trapeez booties are in a fab navy/grey leather with silver buckle finishes. 

**I bought a size small, one size up from what I had been wearing in J. Crew sweatshirts.  I think it runs a touch small to size.

It gets hard carting the three kids around, and it is really tough to actually physically keep up with them, so barring here and there (usually when another adult is around) I have to wear clothes that will allow me to do a mad dash to an open door, numerous bendovers to pick up crackers, dropped drinks, and paper towels, and also allow me to carry the world's largest toddler.  This outfit I could do all three but somehow still look fairly stylish.  (In my mind, I felt I looked the part of stylish mom anyhow.)

Cool Factor: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.)  I think it looks really cool.  The Vince Camuto booties help, definitely glad I tried them out and in a shade that you don't usually find in shoes.

Anecdote from the Day:  The day went really well.  And by some miracle, there was. no. traffic. getting to the Little Gym.  I was being smiled at by someone up there that day.  ;-)

Okay, that's all for now.

Real quick, I am not really around much these next few days since I will be substitute teaching at the kids' school.  I am very wiped right now, so if this post reads funny, I blame it on my sleepiness.

Boden coupons below as promised!

Valid 2/3 - 2/14. 14% Off Plus Free Shipping!

Valid 2/3 - 2/14. Buy 3 Mini Boden Items & Get the 4th for $1 Plus Free Shipping!
(It appears you can use the above coupon with non mini items.  Just so you know, all I had in my basket was some Johnnie b. underpants and it worked.)