Reviews: Exploring my Swimwear Options.

Most of the time when you see a swimsuit post, the author (and I have done this to in the past, to be fair) will wax poetic about being nervous about showing it all off.  Well, I personally am over it.  If I can walk around in a bikini in front of strangers at the pool, I can certainly bare the belly here at the blog and not stress out about it.  I am turning a "special" birthday tomorrow and I am leaving all the insecurities of my last decade behind. I figure it's about time.  ;-)

Of course I chose my "preview" photo to be the most conservative of all the images, so maybe I am teensy weensy not over it, lol.

So presented without apology for any of my bodily bits--a review Boden's rash guard, bikini set, and J. Crew's Ruched Femme swimsuit.

Rash Vest and Mix and Match Short.  (Vest Product Page here and Short Product Page here.) Guard is size 6 and the Short is a size 8.

I love rash guards.  As a swim coach who on the regular spends time in frigid indoor pools in the winter (heated my butt!), these save me from over-freezing.  The kids I coach warm up through exercise, but I usually stay fairly motionless, which means I really do have to stay warm through other means.  This guard is exactly right for that.  It wasn't especially super hot the day I modeled it, but I could only wear it in the pool for a brief few minutes before it got too hot.  I ended up leaving it off for the rest of the day.

The size on the guard is fine, I wear a size 6 in most of Boden's tops, and this fit like those did.  If I had a preference, I would take a 4 at the neckline and bust and an 8 at the hips, but they don't make things exclusively for me, so the 6 is a good compromise.

It rides up a touch in the water, but if I tuck it into the bottom, the guard does stay put pretty well.  It is a bit long on me, so I think that is part of the issue.  For most of you with regular length torsos, you should be fine.

The short is wonderful.  They are almost a boy-leg brief and usually those look just terrible on me, too low in back, too wide in front, and really focus the eye on how much bigger my bottom is than my top.  With the guard on, you can't even tell that I am wearing bikini bottoms on the lower half, but even with the bikini top, they still manage to be fairly flattering.  I think it is the combo of longer rises on both front and back with the busy-ness of the print.

The 8 worked out fine.  Eventually they will stretch out and I will have wished I had bought a 6, but I think as long as I sew in some elastic in the waist to cinch it back up, I should be okay.  Of course it could take years to stretch out (my hope) and I will be over this suit by then.

(Reminder--always hand wash in cold water, NO soap, your swimwear made of either nylon/lycra or poly/lycra.  After rinsing it out--I usually take about two minutes per piece--hang it to dry.)

Ruffle Bikini Top. (Top Product Page here.)  I initially purchased this top in a size 4 since I am very tiny in my bust (32B) with a narrow back, but it ended up being too small in the band.  The cups were more than fine, as well as the strap length.  I did read that other ladies suffered the same fate, so I decided to exchange the 4 for the 6 and am glad I did, as it fits much better. 

I love the ruffles for me as it gives my ladies a lift and draw the eye up from my hips, so silhouette wise, it flatters my shape.  It also has a hint of padding.

If you have more up top, you may want to think about one of the other bikini options, especially since this one does not feature any extra support in the form of boning at the sides or underwire.  (The St. Lucia Top, which I also ordered as an alternative look for this bikini, features boning.  I ordered the 4 in that, and it was more than big enough, btw.)

I never wear a rash guard without a complete suit underneath (I assume everyone else does, too, but maybe some people wear the guard without a top under it?).  So even though I could have gotten away with just the bottoms and the guard, I wanted a complete suit for under it.

And with the weather around here, that makes sense, since we rarely get cool in summer, so my need for a rash guard is winter only.

For those of you wondering, the sunglasses are the Selina sunglasses, also from Boden, and the sandals are the Malta crackled leather sandals in green. 

Side view.  You better believe I am sucking it in, lol.  :-)  I don't walk like a robot at the pool, though, hand on heart.

You can really see how nicely covered the bottoms are from here.  I love this bikini bottom.  Good job, Boden.

Back view.  The bottom nicely covers my larger posterior, and the bikini top has a very secure closure on both the neck and back.  I detest tie backs for bikinis, but the ones at the necks don't bother me.  I think I just worry the tie at the back of a bikini top won't stay secure and I will show off more than I care to, so I always bypass any that don't feature a proper closure (looking at you, J. Crew!).

Tropical Fern Ruched Femme One Piece Suit (at right).  I have been purchasing these suits for years now.  The one on the left is from last summer, fwiw, but is in great shape and can still be worn.  Both suits fit my frame well, but they are two different sizes.  Last year's is a size 6, and this year's is a 4.  They fit exactly the same, so if you are used to this swimsuit, go one size smaller.  I did purchase the fern one in a size 6, too, but the straps are too long and only fit marginally better in the bottom, so the 4 stayed, and the 6 is being returned.  I ordered the regular in both, they also have D-cup, and long torso options.

What I love about this suit style is the coverage without looking frumpy, the cute prints they usually use, and the fact that my ladies up top are covered but feature no boning or underwire.  I don't need boning or underwire, so I actively look for suits that don't have them.  I do understand the need for them, and if you have ladies that are ample, this may not be the right suit for you.  (I don't know if the D cup features undewire or boning, if you do, definitely chime in at the comments.)

I also love the ruching at the sides.  It adds even more detail to draw the eye upward, which I desperately need.  I imagine the ruching would be very flattering on someone with a larger waistline, too, but I have no proof other than the fact that I *think* it would be flattering.

Up to 50% off + free shipping on orders $49+

Okay, before I go, I saw this banner over at Boden this morning when hunting for the links above.  So yay on a sale!  But not the bikini bits or the guard (at least not the color I bought).  Anyhow, definitely go and enjoy the start of the big summer sale.  If you see low stock for any of your choices, now is the better choice for purchasing than later.  If you see all of the sizes are fully stocked, you might be able to wait.  Mini Boden is another deal, though, that line typically sells out and fast during sale time. 

Have a great Tuesday.  Brave that bikini, friends!

OOTDs/Review: Millie and a Bomber.

Day: Wednesday, December 31, 2014.

Where:  I know I went somewhere, but I am drawing a blank.  I can assure you it was probably out to eat somewhere, most likely.  I *do* know I wrote this blog post that day, though.  ;-)

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Pretty nice to wear, but I am dinging this outfit for the skirt, since I can only get it on and off by putting it on OVER my head instead of stepping into it like a normal person.  The waistband fits fine at the waist but doesn't stretch enough to get over my hips when I step into the skirt.  Considering how full the skirt is, you wouldn't think that possible, but it is possible, my friends.  Now if you are less curvy on your bottom half, this won't be an issue for you, but if you are blessed with larger hips in relation to your waist, get the size for your waist, but be prepared for putting the skirt on over your head.  Hmph.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) From what I remember, people liked this combo, especially the necklace, but honestly it is very matchy matchy and almost appears a bit crazy old lady.  (Which I don't mind, that is actually what I aspire to be!)

That said, the tunic dress on its own is very cool.  Very short, but nice looking and interesting.  Wasn't feeling the length that day.  Was feeling it back here, though.

Millie Skirt.  Size 6 L.  I did write up a review of it here, but I haven't published any photos of me wearing it until today.

The length is awesome.  Really like where it hits on my leg.  The print is fabulous, too.  I have to hand it to Mr. Boden and co., they really do a British/London print well and every incarnation it seems I fall for it.  I refuse to look up at this blog all the times I have fallen for it, but I do know the only one I returned was a Johnnie b. dress that was super short on me.  BUT I LOVED THE PRINT, dang it!

From the side you can see that is very full throughout the skirt, while the waist is fitted.  This is why I suggested that pears suck it up and order by waist size, since ordering up will only for sure guarantee a huge skirt and possibly a waist that fits too large.  Just my two cents, but I know the 8 or 10 would have been very full on my lower half.


Millie Skirt.  Good stocks on all colors, but a few sizes are sold out completely in each color.  (Especially on the smaller and larger ends.  And the longs, as well.)

Crappy quality here of outfit without jacket.  Hello, ancient smart phone!

Day: Monday, January 19, 2014.

Where:  Joann's and Harris Teeter with my stepmom.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  For as tight as these pants appear to be, thanks to a significant spandex percentage, they are so flipping comfortable.  These are stupid super sale at J. Crew for something like $25 (stretch toothpick jeans in arcade wash--size 30 tall--my usual size).  Very much worth the money.  The Nike shoes (Pre Montreal Racer) were also a very inexpensive purchase through another stupid super sale, and as I love my other waffle racers by them so much, it was a no-brainer.  Add the perfect warmth the Johnnie b. bomber jacket gave me (it is in the upper 40s today), I was perfectly happy with how easy this was to wear and run around in.

Cool Factor: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  You all know I massively {{heart}} ladylike dresses and ballet flats and girly accessories, so this outfit is very out of my comfort zone.  I think this outfit looks cool, but I felt a bit out of my element, so to me it was only 90% cool.  ;-)

Bomber Jacket.  Size 13-14.  Johnnie b. consistently fits me size 13-14 for tops.  Every once in a while I will size up to a 15-16 if a top looks especially fitted, but usually the 13-14 fits great.  I am a size 4 or 6 or xs in most of my tops in other brands (32B bust, btw), so if you use me to compare to you when purchasing Johnnie b., bear that in mind.  I also am very short from neck to waist, so the shorter length of a Johnnie b. 13-14 doesn't affect the fit for me at all (this jacket measures 22" in length, fwiw, the 15-16 is an inch and a half longer).

You can see the sleeves are more than long enough on me, and though I am short through the torso, I have very long arms. 

These kind of pockets are difficult to sew, and they have a lovely faux leather piping at the pocket edge.  The jacket is fully lined in a deliciously slippy poly, and the fabric throughout the outer portion is a thick wool/cotton that is felted, so it is good at keeping the chill out.

All in all, this jacket is worth the full price of  $84, so its insanity price of $28 is ridiculous.  I am not even sure we are paying Boden anything to buy this, if anything they are paying us to wear it, lol.  Not quite, but $28 is a SCREAMING deal for what you receive.

The side view shows that the buttons lie nice and flat when closed.  I let my stepmom try it on (she has a 32DD bust, I believe) and it fit her fine, too.  She would look curvier from the side, but I have significant amount of ease through the bustline, so I am not surprised she can wear it, too.


Bomber Jacket.  This is a sell-out.  Only the 15-16 has healthy stocks, but at the $28 price, that could soon change, too.  I am not surprised by how well it is selling at the very low price, especially considering what you receive.

Okay that's it for me today.  I am glad I was able to get these last two clearance reviews published before the Boden "extra percentage off the sale" ends tonight.

Made by Me Files: Mini Wardrobe Pieces One, Two, Three.

So Pattern Review is hosting a mini wardrobe contest that runs for the month of July.  Basically you create five separate pieces of clothing that can be mixed six different ways (at least).  It is a challenge, but one that I kind of love doing, since it allows me to go all crazy, color/print wise, while making sure to create pieces that can actually be used together, because let me be honest here...I would probably just sew up a whole slew of summer dresses and shorts if left to my own devices.  ;-)  I haven't officially entered the contest (I always wait until everything is done to do so), but since I am three pieces into the five total (with the other two prepped to get sewn up soon), I figured a post showing off the first three pieces was in order.  Eventually I will write up a post highlighting the other two pieces, and then I will do a compilation post showing off how I actually can mix all five pieces together.

I won't be spending as much time discussing the details of construction, instead focusing more on the styling bits, but I will at least link to my pattern reviews of the pieces so if you are interested in more about how it was sewn up, etc., you can go there to find out more. 

Rust Ponte Jersey (leggings); Multi-Colored Tropical Floral Rayon Challis (dress and button-up blouse); Pink Cotton Floral Eyelet (top); and Aqua Blue Cotton Sateen (shorts). (All fabric from Fabric Mart, btw.  The rust jersey was a freebie in a bundle, btw!)

Above are the four fabrics I chose to use to make the five pieces.  The only one being used twice is the tropical rayon challis, as this printed fabric is the very anchor for the mini wardrobe, with the other fabrics serving as pieces that will work well with the challis.  Of course I haven't actually combined the pieces I have made with the challis and photographed it yet, but they look nice together. 

I have not made the rust ponte leggings yet, nor have I made the tropical print button-up blouse, so those will be in the next "made by me files" blog post.

I have made the tropical print dress, the pink cotton floral eyelet top, and the aqua blue cotton sateen shorts, and those are the three pieces you will see in the post.

This dress is based off a fairly simple pattern, but one that gives a lot of bang for the literal buck (seriously, the pattern was $0.97 at Wal-Mart).  It is the Simplicity Sew Simple A1636, which is a sleeveless sundress with an elasticized waist, gathered scoop-neckline, and has POCKETS!  Woo!

I had to lengthen this dress by three whole inches and use a very narrow hemline (1 inch) in order to ensure it wasn't super short.  Seriously short, like Johnnie b. dress short.  ;-)  I just added the three inches to the hemline since it is a straight skirt and doesn't have any features that I would mess up by adding it there.

The blousing effect at the waist is awesome, and since I am generously endowed below but not so much above, I feel like this style feature helps balance me.

I cut a size 10 for the bodice with a size 12 length at the shoulder line to help with my sqaure shoulders.  While that helped give me more room between my shoulders and the armpit, it didn't help with the gaping at the back neckline (really evident in the next two photos).  Next time I have to not be lazy and just do a proper square shoulder adjustment (cut a ten, but do this to get the room I need).  The waist and upper hips were also cut to a 10, but I graded out to a size 14 in the hips.  It fits PERFECT.  Holla!  :-)

I was so excited to finish this in time for our trip to Hilton Head last week.  I wore it out one evening, and it was just the right amount of breezy and soft for the fairly warm/humid night.

The rayon challis was pre-washed and machine-dried to solve the eventual shrinkage that comes with working with woven rayon.  As anyone who has owned any rayon pieces from Boden can testify, that fabric shrinks something awful, especially if it isn't pre-shrunk, which I fear Johnnie and co. do not do...

After our night out we took a walk on the beach and OMG was it ever windy.  BUT--this photo shows just how drapey this fabric is...look at it nicely blowing in response to the OTT wind.

BTW, CW look so pretty in this picture!!!

'Cause I am a product of the 80s, I have a fierce love for loud colors, crop tops, and gym shorts.  Now because I am not planning on truly reliving it the way I did in the actual 80s, I decided to create the idea of the crop tops and gym shorts in beautiful fabrics and perfectly suited to my current lifestyle and not my 12 year old self.

The crop top is made using McCall's 4320, which is an "Easy One Yard Top" pattern from 1989.  I bought it off ebay for maybe a dollar because I dig the style and the fact that I could use tiny scraps of material to make the top (this took nowhere near a yard, fwiw). 

The shorts are based on the June 2014 Burda Style Magazine's Drawstring Gym Shorts pattern (08-2014-116).  I traced the pattern, but unlike some Burda patterns that have to be traced, this one took hardly anytime at all.

The top is a straight size 10, which fits exactly right.  I didn't have to worry about the hip measurement, which is a nice change of pace (I guess pear shapes should always look for crop top patterns!).  I did lengthen the bodice by an inch, because although I dig a shorter blouse, I do not dig showing off my navel.  I am not looking to be cast as an extra on Saved by the Bell, thankyouverymuch.

The shorts were cut for the size 42, which is fine, and they do fit me nicely.  I have fairly large thighs and bottom, and based on how much room I ended up having, I could have possibly gone down to a size 40, but I really like how comfortable they are, so not really regretting my decision.

The cotton eyelet is beautiful in real life, and maybe when I do a compilation post I will take a few close-up shots so you can see the detail of the flower embroidery.  The shorts are actually made from a J. Crew cotton sateen with lycra, so the same material all of my favorite J. Crew shorts are made from.  Yay!  I bought enough of this fabric, btw, to make a pair of pants, too...

Back of the shirt.  The pattern is not especially complex.  The front looks so much like the back that I have put it on backwards more than once.  I need to get tags for my clothing already. 

Review of Cotton Eyelet top here.
Review of Cotton Sateen gym shorts here.
Review of Tropical Print Rayon Challis dress here.  (This one I will be publishing tomorrow at Pattern Review.)

Okay, that's it for now.  Are any of you entering this contest?  I have seen some really cute combos already, and am looking forward to all the final results.  I kind of wish they did this for every season...I dig this approach to sewing A LOT!

OOTDs/Reviews: Johnnie b., if You Please.

Hi, all!  Happy Thursday!

First up will be the ootd, followed by the reviews of the item featured in the ootd.  :-)

Day: Friday, September 13, 2013.

Where: School Pickup.

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I found the outfit comfortable enough for jeans, tank, and a cardi, but after a whole summer of wearing jersey dresses, I think it might take me a while to acclimate to wearing more fitted (read: with zips and buttons) clothing.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  I like it.  The rolled hem on the jeans came pre-rolled, so for now, I feel at least Johnnie b. cool.

Anecdote from the Day:  That song Typical Situation by the Dave Matthews Band is sort of like my day, "typical situation in these typical times."  In other words, just a normal SAHM kind of day.

The Boyfriend Jeans by Johnnie b. (Boden's teen line) are so cute.  I ordered the lighter denim option and received these, which makes me think they sent the mid-denim to me instead.  If you own these jeans, and you can tell which color I have, definitely let me know.  I think I will try to pick up the lighter shade on super sale if these that I have are the darker shade, since apparently no one wants the lighter version except me.  (The darker shade is selling out, many pink "low stock" tick marks over many of the sizes.)

I typically will order 32 long from Johnnie b., but I decided that since the measurements were showing that the 32 would be very loose in my waist and fairly loose in my hips that sizing to the 30 long would be a better fit for me, "boyfriend" style or not.  (I think at my age a bit more fitted silhouette works better, and had I purchased the 32, these pants would likely look sloppy on me.)

Back view.  Love the pockets, would be GREAT if they were a touch closer together, but the size and minimal detailing work nicely on my more rounded behind.

The inseam is great for me, with my inseam of 34 inches, rolled they hit at my high ankle, unrolled I have enough length to wear them with small heels.


Boyfriend Jeans.  Size down unless the boyfriend looks good on your frame.

The price, btw, is awesome, especially with sales/coupons.  I think I got these for $35.

Day: Thursday, September 12, 2013.

Where: Little Gym/Old Town.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Outside of being a touch nervous about how short the skirt felt on this dress, I was very comfortable.  By the end of the day, the length seemed fine, especially in relation to how short some of my shorts are.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Eh, it's a pretty casual dress in some pretty hip colors, but I don't think my styling of this dress makes it cool.  Even the cobalt blue top-siders couldn't help.

Anecdote from the Day:  I hung out with Angus in Old Town that day.  It was insanely hot and humid, and I forgot how difficult it was to push a buggy (with nearly 30 pound toddler inside) up the hill from the river.  I was a bit worn out after that.

Angus loves helicopters, birds, and planes, so sitting by the Potomac at one of the parks that sit on Alexandria's waterfront was right up his alley.  He could have sat there all day watching the planes take off and the birds frolicking in the water.

I lucked out, too, I was bringing a ton of winter clothing into Mint Condition to sell, and upon entering I spied a gorgeous tan colored coat from Halston Heritage.  I had no idea that it had sold for significantly more than I paid for it when it first appeared on Net-a-Porter (even its Outnet price would have required some budgeting).  It is divine, and so soft.  I don't love cold weather, but I will happily wear this as a compromise for my sour mood when the temperatures drop.

The Ella T-shirt Dress was too cute on line and I thought I would at least give it a try.  I ordered the size 15-16 thinking it would be fine, since the measurements were spot on for my body.  The length was the same overall as the 16+, so I knew that sizing up wouldn't give me extra length.

Then I received it, and in a moment of cold feet decided to try the 16+ because I was nervous about how short it was...I figured maybe extra fabric overall meant I could pull the whole look down and get extra length.

Well, yes, I could, but the 16+ size meant I lost my entire figure since it was so oversized, and the waist on the dress sat super low and was about three inches too big (the elastic didn't even have to stretch to sit at my waist, which is not what elastic waists are supposed to do, lol).

So I decided to deal with it and kept the 15-16, and as you all read above, the shortness mattered way less to me after I spent a day in the dress.

Hands in the pockets!  The pockets are lined in the same material as the waistband, really cute pop of color where you wouldn't expect it.


Ella T-Shirt Dress.  Sizes aren't selling out, so you will probably be safe to wait for a sale on this one.  (That said, it is a great warm weather dress, so if you are in any place that has higher temps in September and October, you could buy it now and wear it now.)

You all have a great Thursday!  Anyone else buy anything from Johnnie b. for themselves?

Below is the only coupon I have from the affiliate.  It works on all items, even if it says "mini Boden."  :-)

OOTDs: California!

I am going to dispense with the "anecdote" portion of these outfit of the days since I will be publishing a separate California photos post, which will include more "fun family times" type photos and will include the stories from the trip.  :-)

Day: Thursday,  August 29, 2013.

Where:  Flight from DC to CA.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Can't go wrong with knit fabrics and an elastic waistband for a long flight with a toddler.  Also helps to have the back of the plane empty so the toddler can have a whole row to get antsy on...if only the flight back could have been that easy.
 :-P

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  It is hard to be cool while attempting flight with a toddler.  I do think the Madewell scarf, Anthropologie sweater tee, and bright blue Sperry deck shoes helped a little bit.  (Plus Angus's shoes were bright blue, so we got to be "in style" together.)

Day:  Friday, August 30, 2013

Where:  Hanging with my family for a trip to see my brother *jump out of a plane--OMG* and then a rehearsal dinner/bbq.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)   I brought two Garnet Hill jersey dresses with me on the trip (the other is in a few photos) because they are ridiculously, kind of like wearing PJs in public, comfortable.  They also pack well and do not wrinkle. 

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  It's a pretty look, but not cool.

That's my pretty aunt there in purple, and if you look closely, you can see my bro taking the photo.

Day:  Saturday, August 31, 2013.

Where:  My cousin's wedding.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I have reviewed the Daisy Jacquard Dress before and declared it a winner for comfort, but it was a touch warm and humid the day of the wedding (I BROUGHT VA weather with me, sigh), so the dress wasn't super comfy, but it was fine and it wasn't like I was wearing wool.  

Cool Factor: (3.5 for 2013 (5 if it was 1965) of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  The mid-century look of the outfit was enhanced by the mid-century architecture of the hotel where the wedding took place.  I fit right in, lol.

The Flowerburst Necklace is a statement piece, and one that you have to be in the right mood to wear, but the gold accents of the piece worked nicely with the gold Anthro belt and gold hardware on my bag and shoes.

Day:  Sunday, September 1, 2013.

Where:  Disneyland.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  It was hot and humid that day and this dress (Long Tiered Garden Dress) kept me covered from the sun AND it kept me cool since the air circulated well in the full skirt.  Word of warning about this jersey dress--it runs HUGE since this is an extra small and it fits me very well in both length and width.  It is almost a touch too long in the bodice since my bra kept peeking out, so if you are very short and very thin, you should stay far far away, since there is no xxs size.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) The hat helps the look, and I felt cool.  I don't know if this look is cool, though, since I don't see a ton of this kind of look out in the blog world.  Maybe for my age and station in life, this look is cool?  :-D

If a seagull appears out of nowhere in your photo, is that good luck?

Day:  Monday, September 2, 2013.

Where:  In-N-Out Burger and El Capitan Beach.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I made the purple top/shorts outfit for me on my sewing machine, so it better be comfortable.

And a swimsuit and flip-flops?  Yeah, stretchy equals comfy.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) The top look is all mine so I don't know how cool it is but I do think the shape of the top and shorts is pretty cool in a "retro modern" kind of way.

I think the swimsuit look is cool because I felt confident in the suit, and really, that is all you can ask for when baring that much of your body in front of people.  (That last shot of me walking on the shore is one of my favorite photos ever taken of me since I look so carefree, wish that were truly the case.)

Okay, that's it! 

Really quick, if you are a Boden fan, the current sale ends tonight (wrote a blog post on it here).  If you see an item in that sale you would like, you may want to grab it since it appears that Boden will be doing a diminishing discount sale starting tomorrow morning.  The diminishing discount sales do not allow stacking of codes the way the sales of the week do (you can use the sidebar coupon to get an additional 15% off of the sale prices).  That said, if something you want is not in the sale, wait till tomorrow, since the beginning discount of the diminishing discount sale will be 20% off.