Boden: Autumn/Fall 2015 Preview is Live!

London Cashmere Sweater!

Hey, all!  Happy Saturday.  I was subbing all day yesterday and was unable to get to my computer till late last night.  There was an email from them letting me know that the Boden Preview was live and ready to purchase from, all with 20% off.

Before I get to the preview, let me take one moment and tell you all about the 20% off tops promo going on over at Boden right now.  This came right on the heels of Boden's dress promo from last week, which I spoke about in this post.  Anyhow, it is "up to 20% off," with the more popular items only garnering a 15% off amount, but because Boden is Boden, there are also quite a few tops that are more than that amount off, including a few for "up to 50% off."  ;-)

Alright, so the preview.  A week ago, some blog friends and I were talking through email and we realized we had all received an email from Boden telling us that things are changing with Boden and the way they process all preorders.  From now on, all preorders will be AUTHORIZED at the time of order, and that hold will be there until your order ships, which usually means a couple of months away.  Umm, no.  I mean, you do you, Boden, but wow, that is like the ultimate, "hey, if you have a low credit line, don't even bother buying from us, because we can only cater to those whose credit lines are ginormous and don't have to worry about putting daily needs items on their cards in the meantime."  I mean, it is possible that I read this wrong, but if I order $300 in preorder, that $300 is tied up until the items ship, but because I have seen Boden operate before with their credit processing, I also know that the initial hold amount could stay on longer, too.  So if my credit line is $1000, that means 30% of my line is tied up for months waiting.  And even though this may be beyond Boden's comprehension, some of us SAVE up to make sure we can pay the amount when we are told it will ship.  At least that was how I did it in the past.  Now I have to save up in the past to save up some random amount so I can buy when the preview order actually is ordered?  Huh.  Okay.  BTW, if your credit line is $50,000, that $300 preview order is a tiny amount of your line squandered away, under 1% of your line. 

Anyhow, I feel it is absolutely necessary that you all know what is going on with the orders so that if you decide to order you are ready for the new system.  I can't order anymore in preview, unless it is with gift cards or credit on my account.  Like a weirdo, I keep my credit line super low, as I hate the idea of carrying a huge credit debt on my record.  I think it is bad enough already, and I am not going to let a huge number sit there in the meantime.  But--if you can handle it and it works for your finances--then just know what is going on! 

Okay, onto the pretty of the Fall 2015 preview.  It is pretty, and there are a few lovely items.  That said, I need for the whole preview to be on view as I think it seems incomplete or lackluster.  I will do a preview "picks" post but fortunately I have nearly a month to do as the 20% off code expires on May 24, 2015.  The code, btw, is 7D4N.

Right now, I only see a few items I would definitely be interested in buying, which for me is a big deal.  Normally I fill that basket up and swoon over everything, so for me to only like a few items is sort of noteworthy.  I am glad they had this Harriet Shift Dress (above) and the London Cashmere Sweater (the top photo in the post) as I was getting concerned I had happened onto a Loft or Ann Taylor preview.  No meanness to Loft or Ann Taylor, I have some great basics from them, but it is a bit "zzzzz" overall.  I go to Boden looking for the unusual, the quirky preppy, the great tailored items in very beautiful, bright, sweet colors.

Do you have any picks?  Would love to read your thoughts since I think maybe I just have skipped right past a lot of the pretty this morning.

You all have a good day and enjoy the preview!

OOTDs: Little Birdies and Sketched Trees. And a Cloche.

Day: Thursday, January 10, 2013.

Where: Preschool and Little Gym.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) 3. Felt great, but the belt was not made for Little Gym activities, so I ended up having to take that off to participate fully.  :)

The Signature merino cardigan by Garnet Hill is wonderful, nice and soft, and perfectly sized (this is a small).  They have had this particular cardigan for years, and they always go on deep sale (this is how I got mine).  The current line has some cute prints, especially the scenic one of a European village.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) 3. Well, not especially chic, but the mixed patterns and matched colorways are pleasant enough.  And somehow the pointed toe flats that J. Crew made way back in 2006 are coming back in style.  I guess that goes to show...take care of your stuff and eventually you will be able to wear it again (even if it is a bit tongue in cheek like my "Hammer don't hurt 'em" pants from New Year's Eve). 

Anecdote from the day:  I usually bowl on Thursdays, but had to pre-bowl that week.  I took Angus to his little gym class and to my favorite coffee shop.  And that's it.  Very easy, relaxed day.  I wish they all could be like that!

Day: Friday, January 11, 2013.
Where: Hanging out with my girl Monica and her husband.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) 4. So relaxed and easy to wear.

The Printed Silk Blouse has little birdies all over it.  I originally reviewed this back in October.  It is now on clearance for $82, which is probably as low as it is going to go (Pure only deeply discounts things that are clearly not selling).  This shirt is so lovely and pretty, and I hope to wear it more "dressy" the next time I pull it out, since I don't think the minnies did it justice.  (Those minnies are so big...everywhere.  I thought the 8 long would be perfect, but I should have bought the 6 long, since they are horribly baggy, especially through the calves.  Ah, well, live and learn.)

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.) 2. The poor little birdies are sad because this is sort of a pathetic outfit.  :-P  I really think had I put on a pair of more fitted pants (or gone the opposite direction and worn a pair of trouser jeans) this would have been a better look.  I also think, though I adore my cloche, a better choice for my head was possible, like my other favorite, the beret.

Anecdote from the day:  I loved being able to see Monica twice that week (the first time was at Whole Foods Wines-day).  That day we just hung out at my house and ate yummy Krispy Kreme donuts and drank some delicious Nespresso.  After we went to grab Rex from school and before the pickup ate at the KFC right next door.  I hadn't been in that KFC since I was 15, BEFORE it became KFC (it was Kentucky Fried Chicken way back then, lol).

Okay, that's it for this morning.  I have the Boden Weekly Review Roundup planned for posting tonight, with a big emphasis on clearance items (though there are a handful of new arrival reviews).  If you have any reviews for me (written or photos or on your blog) and you think I may miss them, would you mind e-mailing me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com?

Have a great Friday!

J. Crew: If It Came Back Today, Would You Wear It? (Holiday 2002 Edition.)

Whoosh.  Whoosh.  Whoosh.

That is the sound of me walking down the hall at the school I was teaching at during the winter of 2002.  I blame J. Crew. 

Check out these lovely outfits.

Woah.  Those jeans are low slung on the hips and super long AND bell bottomed.  Hoo boy.  And of course she isn't wearing high heels or anything to help her legs.  Nope.  Just a pair of cute socks.

Overall, the outfit just borders on boring, but I couldn't let this outfit go at just boring. 

Do you all remember the jeans that were so long and yet every single woman wore them with flip-flops and/or flat shoes of some sort?  And then the hems (especially in the back) got so ragged and unkempt and dirty?  And yet somehow, someway, this was considered kind of cool?

I admit to doing that.  I know, ugh.  That whoosh, whoosh, whoosh sound lasted for far too long...probably from 1997 till 2005.  Eep.

(Having said all that, this model is beyond adorable!  Love her cute look, wish they would bring her back!)

Oh, look, the same basic outfit!  How inventive!  No wait!  They added a scarf and some kind of pair of loafers! 

You just know that those pants hems are so gross, right?  Even the walk from the model trailer to the location spot probably gathered some awful dust and germs. 

(And her crotch.  Why did they do that to her?  Mean.)

Yeah, the shoe selection in the early 2000s was kind of horrible.  My aging hippy momma wears these with pride today.  But since she is an aging hippy momma, she would never spend more than $10 for a pair of clogs, mules, or loafers from the local Goodwill.  These would be far too rich for her blood.

I admit to having mules, clogs, and loafers!  In many shades of brown!  They were probably all from J. Crew.  Just kidding.  I couldn't even go there.  Back then Parade of Shoes existed and they satisfied all my boring shoes needs.  Living large was Aerosoles.

To make it worse, I wouldn't wear the mules or clogs with the jeans because the back of the hem always got caught in the heel of the clogs and mules, so I settled on wearing the longer jeans with tennis shoes or loafers.  My ragged hems were horrid.  (I need to drag out a pair of jeans I kept from this era specifically for doing chores in...and photograph the evidence.  Yikes.)

Quick memory that I am reminded of from this shot: Back in the mid-90s I was on a softball team at work and I was flirting with one of the other guys on the team and he totally flirted back and somehow, at the end of the flirting, he picked me up just like this model (Marisa something?) is being picked up.  I was floored.  Not that I was all huge or anything, but I am not exactly tiny, either.  I still kind of think of that guy like he is superman. 

BTW, the most color in this catalog is on Marisa in this shot.  That pink sweater is about it.  LOL.

So tell me...did you enjoy this look?  Would you still wear it today if J. Crew reissued it???

Talk soon!

J. Crew: If It Came Back Today, Would Heidi Klum Wear It?

Based on the popularity of my first post of this kind, I am definitely fueled up to do more! Thanks for the positive responses.

Today is a special "would Heidi Klum still wear it" edition.  Ha.  The current host of Project Runway known for her impeccable (if a bit show-offy) style--she loves showing off her legs, that's for sure--once upon a time was the ultimate catalog model, including for J. Crew.

I have an issue of the J. Crew catalog from Summer 1998 and she is all over the catalog wearing some very plain, boring, and muted pieces.  YAWN!  I remember this catalog from when it was actually issued (not just because I looked at it this morning)  and even had some of the pieces from it (which I am choosing to show off at another post, when I have a bit more time on my side)...but back then I just remember thinking, "hey, I just got out of college, I have no money, these pieces can be mixed and matched PERFECTLY for the most awesome capsule wardrobe ever."  LOL.  Oh, well.  At least I picked pieces that were cotton and linen instead of polyester, right?  :)

BTW, before we start, take a look at Heidi Klum in 2008 (ten years post this catalog), looking every inch of her fierce, fierce, fierce.  Das ist sehr gut, Heidi!  ;)

And now look at sweet, young, fresh-faced Heidi Klum in an outfit so boring, even the bared stomach looks kind of bland.  I kid, of course.  She looks great, DESPITE the outfit, and I look at her tummy with undisguised awe (note: do not look at trim, darling bellies of supermodels whilst 33 weeks pregnant).

IN GERMAN, everyone now: "Das ist sehr langweilig, Heidi."

Are you interested in wearing that outfit?  The prices are fairly decent...but good luck finding it in a color brighter than light kiwi green.

Oh, my, I have saved the "best" for last.  Now, don't get me wrong, cotton pique fabric is wonderful, it is perfection in hot and humid summers, but wow...she definitely looks like she escaped from a Miami senior living community here.  Seriously, her name could be Mildred and all the guys named Don and Albert are interested in taking her out for a rocking game of bridge.

Umm, before I go to far...I did have an outfit almost identical to this.  It was a definite style of the period, so if you were just a babe (or youngin') in 1998, J. Crew was putting out pieces that people wore, senior home look or not.  It is just hard to marry the company that created this look to the one you see on Ms. Klum above.

I do not currently own the pieces that I owned that resembled this outfit.  They were given to Goodwill, years ago.  I really hope that the person who bought the pieces split the items up and made the outfits a teeny bit more edgy than the "wholesome" look you see above.  Heck, even a nice graphic tee would help dress those pants up.

Now for the surprise.  The cover is really darling, and I daresay the outfit the girl is wearing is still in style.  Not fashion forward or special in any way, but cute for the beach or golfing or taking a walk in the park.  Her outfit is pure classic preppy.  The man's style is a bit dated, especially with the HUGE plaid shirt, but he still looks cute in it!

(And since Mr. Dina has only recently started wearing shirts that actually touch his torso, I have to give men everywhere a pass...many years of style passed with men wearing shirts far too large for them.)

Now I know Ms. Klum isn't coming anywhere near this blog, so I ask you instead..."if it came back today, would you wear any of these looks?"

A Little More Boden Love...

I WAS planning on doing my outfits in sequential order, which would have made these two outfits have a debut date of sometime next week (and that is only if I plan on being uber-productive)...but then I noticed something...I have been writing A LOT about Boden these past few days, so I figured, "Oh, just go and publish all the outfits that have Boden in them." So that is what you are getting...two outfits that I actually wore fairly recently (and I have some outfits that I still need to publish from back in late August/early September. Whatever, it doesn't even really matter anymore...all my days kind of run together lately. :)

BTW, I have a HUGE sub job coming up starting this Thursday and going into all of next week. I plan on posting (and even hope that I can do more--breaks and all), but I have no idea if that will actually occur. I won't go completely off the radar, I can promise that at least.

Boden Silk Cotton Scoopneck on Display! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

So this is the polyvore for outfit #1. (By the way, I wore this when I met the awesome HeidiG. for shopping and fun at Tyson's last Wednesday.)


And here is the outfit in real life. First thing, though, isn't Rex just insanely cute here? My little mimic. I just love this photo...

The top is from the Fall 2009 Boden collection. It is called Silk Cotton Scoopneck and it is really nice in real life. Very lightweight and special looking. The band is constricting, though, as it is grosgrain ribbon, and it has a side zip. I bought this in a UK 12 to make up for the lack of give. I normally can get away with a UK 10. The shoulders are also a bit tight, less so on me (my skinny shoulders are so bony), but I could see that even for me the shoulders are not all "loose and easy." So definitely size up in this if you want to buy it. (Purchase info can be found in my polyvore...just in case you didn't realize that.)

The shorts are J. Crew from this spring, and are the lovely bermudas that I bought in nearly every color. This color is grey. ;) The shoes are the ANCIENT sandals I own and just will not give up the ghost (yay for small miracles).

Boden Knitted Summer Dress and Snow Leopard Tartine!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

This is the polyvore for outfit #2.


Okay, here is the outfit on me, without the cardi. The brown dress looks very drab and boring in this pic, but in reality this dress looks very nice. In fact, at the sushi place we went for lunch on Saturday, the waitress complimented me on the dress and said she loved the fabric. (She's right, the fabric is very soft and forgiving...a linen jersey...sounds weird but that is what it is.) This is from Boden's summer 2009 collection and is called the knitted summer dress and is in Boden's sale section right now. I bought this in a ten, and if it weren't for the Henley placket, I could have bought an 8. (8 is the smallest Boden size.) Definitely size down, ladies. :)

To give this dress a bit more oomph, I added the ladybug necklace in yellow from J. Crew last fall (2008) (and currently making multiple appearances on the new ABC show Glee...the neurotic counselor wears it and the bracelet ALL the time). The sandals I bought on super sale from Banana Republic and are from their summer 2009 collection.


I cut my head off because the face I was making was that stupid. Really. But the outfit looked okay, so I wanted to salvage the photo. This is the outfit with the merino snow leopard tartine cardigan from J. Crew last fall (2008). I have worn this cardigan before...it may be one of my favorites. :) Roawr. (Or some sound like that--what sound does a snow leopard make anyhow?)

Good night, all. Wish me luck. Rex will be going to preschool tomorrow, and although we have tried everything to instill a sense of urgency over his inability to play nice, who knows what my sweet little guy really has up his sleeve?

Two Outfits for Teaching School...I Wish this Post Was More Exciting...

I won't spend much time introducing these outfits, but I did wear them to teach, and they did the job...they were comfy, practical, and appropriate. Yawn.

One is a Boden dress from this spring (love the print) and the other is the lovely Jennifer Shirtdress from Fall 2007 (and in this shot from the Paris catalog).

Boden Dress for a Foggy Day!!! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

Here is the polyvore for the Boden Dress outfit.


Here is the Boden dress on me. Although I am tall, I ordered this in a 12 regular as opposed to a 12 tall. I only buy talls in Boden when I am buying a skirt or pants. The dresses are too tall in the torso for me to wear them. The shoes are from Nine West last year. Love them, very comfy, but alas with this outfit...looking a bit crunchy-granola. Heehee. :) The necklace is the Target one I first wore with this outfit.


I love this print. My hubby must have, too, because he grabbed this shot of it. I normally don't use his "silly" pics (of which there is one a day), but I liked this one. Kind of cool...

Catalog to Real Life... by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

Here is the polyvore with the Jennifer shirtdress.


Here is the Jennifer shirtdress on me. I look very RESPONSIBLE. Maybe too much...I think this outfit needs a better belt. That is a whole lot of brown. I love the necklace. I bit the bullet and bought the insanely pricey J. Crew one, but I did it with 20% off at least. And unlike some of you, I really LOVE the mix of clear and opaque pearls. The shoes are the awesome dusty rose Juliet pumps. The color is just delicious with the brown. :)


Here is my little superman. I think the only pjs he is missing from the superhero collection may be Spiderman. Hmm...maybe we need to go and get those.

Have an AWESOME Sunday. Ours is going pretty well so far!

My Lamest Outfit of the Day, Yet!

Why this is my lamest outfit of the day, yet:

1) The individual pieces are nice enough, but together, total yawns-ville. The pieces include: tissue turtleneck in stone stripe (winter 2007 J. Crew), cashmere honey-glaze beach sweater (summer 2007), brown cords by dockers (costco purchase this winter), and earth shoes (not the brand at wal-mart, but the walking shoe brand). At least my hair looks nice! :) (Yay for straightening irons...)

2) You all have seen other outfits I have put together for my walks, and just because I am walking home when it is cold does not mean I should lose my style entirely.

3) Just 'cause Jim is sick and I have to get the babies ready does not mean that I can take a break...but I did...

4) I think I look like myself, just from my college years, when I had zero style. It's not that this outfit completely sucks, it is just a reminder of my years when I just "didn't care."

Tomorrow should be better. Oh, and tomorrow should have a much better picture...even though this isn't the worst self-pic I have ever taken, it is nothing like the ones Jim takes...get better, Jim!