Boden: "Up to" 20% Off Dresses!

Clara Dress is 15% Off...

Hey, all.  Eep.  This promo ends tomorrow.  I had thought it was going to run longer.  My apologies for the late notice.  I *did* know about it on Monday, but between work and kid rearing and other stuff, I just couldn't get the post done.  I also was HOPING to have another coupon for you all so that if you wanted to purchase a dress and something else from the range (like shorts or a cardi, etc), that you would be able to with a discount of some sort.  But nada from the affiliate program.  All they have now is the "Boden" banners that get you there to their site but give you no discount.  Ugh.  I hate putting those banners up because I honestly don't want people clicking over to the site and giving me a small commission unless they get something too.  So while I will install a placeholder over there in the sidebar until they start giving me coupons back (it's been nearly two weeks, btw, don't even know what's going on), only click on it if you have a code or something.  PLEASE DO NOT BUY BODEN FULL PRICED.

(Sorry, Boden, you know we expect discounts after years of receiving the percentages off.)

Anyhow, till tomorrow night all dresses, in all "xx chromosome" ranges, are on sale "up to 20% off."  Hmm.  Well, I guess that means the dresses no one is buying are 20% off, while the rest may be 10% or 15% off.  That said, many of the older dresses in the range have stayed at the higher percentage off from last week's tax sale, anywhere from 30-50% off.

As per usual, I have some reviews of dresses, as do my blog friends, here at these BWRRs (Boden Weekly Review Roundups). 


Kiera Dress.  I have not had a chance to review this properly, but I have received this one.  I plan to wear it to my son's First Holy Communion.  I chose to purchase a size 8 L and based on the fact that it fits properly through all my bits, I chose wisely.  I would say it runs small, especially through the bodice (though the bodice seems a touch longer than the typical Boden bodice, I may have to take the straps up a touch).  I also have another contender for the WHY BODEN WHY race as they once again made the skirt lining a touch smaller than the skirt itself.  So stupid.  Anyhow, this time it isn't as terrible as it has been in the past, but it may require a seam ripper and a newly sewn side seam or two to ensure it doesn't catch at my low hip.  The colors are stunning (I chose the yellow bird floral one) and the fabric is quite nice.  It is very well made and will last a long time.  Great springtime formal dress for all those occasions.  ;-)


Casual Jersey Dress.  Size 6 L.  I have these from last year, so I knew it would fit, and it did, exactly as last year's.  I am glad I didn't size up to the 8 L like I did in the peach one, I think the yellow stripey pattern would have looked very frumpy in that bigger size.  I think I will have to take it up by two inches, but that is a super easy alteration that should take me no longer than five minutes on my machine.  (I could wear it below my knee like I did on the navy version, but I think it will look nicer and more casual a touch shorter.  The 6 R would likely fall above my knee and be too short.  I am so difficult to please, lol.)  The color of the yellow stripes is very pretty, a saturated shade that veers more towards orange than green.  Maybe TANG but not that bright?  Egg Yolk?  TANG and Egg Yolk mixed?  Yum.

Anyhow, I hope to have good news for you regarding the coupons through the affiliate program soon.  I really hope this doesn't mean a "Boden will no longer be issuing coupons through their affiliate program."  My husband does a lot of freelance writing and notices when the companies he collaborates with stop talking with him as much it may mean the end of their contract.  He is often right, though not always, thank goodness.  I wouldn't say I am getting bad vibes from this, it likely is Boden's marketing team trying things out as a compare and contrast, but you never know.  Sigh.

Till my next post, enjoy (sale) shopping!

Boden: Summer 2015 Live at the Preview Site and 30% Off Dresses Until Tomorrow Night!

Hi!  Happy Saturday!

UPDATE (11/18/14): Found the code for 20% off Summer Preview items.  It is W8L5, and it expires on November 28!  Enjoy!

UPDATE:  The original post was going to be on the 30% dresses promo, but I just found out from Lou (see below, lol) that Summer 2015 is live at the preview site.  Like her, I feel it is utterly ridiculous.  I think I will have to take a look 'round and write more on this tomorrow.  But--I know most of you love seeing the pretty summer things, so I knew I had to mention it!

ORIGINAL POST: Lou, of What Lou Wore 365, had mentioned to me over at facebook that this 30% off sale would be happening starting yesterday, but I spent about seven seconds on the internet yesterday, so to be honest, I have no idea if it actually did start yesterday or not.

But it is in full swing today, and if you really wanted a dress but had hoped for a better percentage off than last week's 25% off, then this promo is probably for you.  That said, there are a few dresses that were probably better discounted last week when there was a way of stacking promos together (the current 20% off does not stack with this 30% off).  Some of these dresses had been discounted by some amount around the time of the switchover to the winter new arrivals, but because this is 30% off ALL dresses, they needed to keep it uniform.

For the winter dresses, this is the first *big* percentage off, so if you had you eye on one of those, then this may be a good percentage for you.  There are many dresses that are on deep backorder or on nearly selling out and those dresses are probably not going to get a greater further reduction, so if you fancy one of those then you may want to take advantage of this offer.

The best example of this is the Hartland Dress which is very popular (it's the squirrels!), and the colors that are selling out or on backorder are definitely worth the $82 price.  If you can hold out for the white version (selling less well), that one may end up getting a deeper discount eventually (but not guaranteed).

As per usual, if you have an interest in any of these items and want to see them on a person (besides on a model), the Boden Weekly Review Roundups here might have the dress you are looking to view IRL.

Okay, hope you have a great day!  If you have a dress you want to recommend (or a summer 2015 pick!), definitely let us know in the comments!

I know some of you like to get other things when shopping, so if that's the case, I made sure to include the below coupon (the most current code the affiliate offers).

Boden: 25% Off Dresses and Tops! Until Tomorrow Night, Thursday, October 2, 2014!

Well.  Look at that.  Yet another promo from Boden in less than a couple of days.  Not complaining, at all, but I will tell you all that I was surprised to see the email from the affiliate program this morning.  I substitute taught all day, and didn't even have a chance to open up the email properly until I got home, and this is the first point of today I could actually write this post up.  I wish I could have gotten the info to you earlier, but at least there is still a full day left to take advantage of this promotion.

Anyhow, this is all I have to tell you, but I *know* some of you will be excited to partake in this promo.  :-)  There have been a few reviews of dresses and tops in the recent few BWRRs, so take a look at those to see if what you need reviewed was reviewed.

In other news, my own frock creation is live and ready to be voted on over at the Fabric Mart Fashion Challenge Sewing Competition.  Do vote for me if you have any desire to participate in things like that.  My own blog post on the little red dress I created is here, btw.

Alrighty, night night.  After a full day with very very very energetic five-year olds, I am ready for some sleep.

OOTDs: Doing the Dress Thing Again.

Before I start the ootd post featuring recent dressy days, I wanted to let you all know that in less than an hour, the 30% off promo for all things beachy will end over at Boden.  I do know something else will take its place tomorrow, but that won't be until after midnight, and as much as love the blog and all my blog friends, I also love sleep, so that is what I will be doing then.  I will update this post tomorrow morning with any links (at the bottom of the post) to the new promotion.

Okay, onto the dresses!

Day: Sunday, June 1, 2014.

Where: Rex's friend's birthday party at the Kettler Iceplex and Mass.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.) Once again, made by me, so the dress is so comfortable and fits so well.  The Siempre Sandals (wrote a quickie review on them here) are still really awesome and very easy to walk in (we walked from the church to the Kettler Iceplex rather than deal with the AWFUL parking garage at Ballston Mall). 

Only reason for a one star demotion is because silly me didn't think about how cold it would be in the rink and since I was a kind mom and let my son have the cardigan to help keep him warm, I ended up feeling pretty cold.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) A perfect looking outfit for church, but the ice arena really called for something else.  :-)

Anecdote from the Day:  Rex charged on into the arena like he owned it, and by the end was feeling pretty secure skating on his own.  He fell a ridiculous times before the above photo was shot, but I wasn't worried about him...his bottom is just fine now.

Day: Saturday, May 10, 2014.

Where: G Street Fabric for a Fashion Sewing Club.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  This above outfit is one of my most favorites I have ever worn.  It is so comfortable and easy, and get this, the dress is a circo Target dress from the girls section from last year (the x-large size basically is equivalent to a women's size 6).  This year's version is cute, but I really prefer last year's. And again, major points for the Siempre Sandals, the prettiest "good for your feet" sandals out there.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) No one ever knows that I am wearing a girls dress when I wear this.  I always end up hearing how much people love it, especially the bright colors. 

Anecdote from the Day:  After going to the fabric store, I was supposed to meet some high school friends for lunch in the park, but dangit, it started to rain a lot and they ended up leaving before I got there.  GRRR.

Day: Monday, May 19, 2014.

Where: Church for a celebratory dinner for all Catholic converts.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Pretty decent comfort, but as you can see from the third photo, the children do climb all over me on a regular basis, and since they were coming with us to the function, this outfit ended up not being the best for keeping up with them.  Had they not gone, the points would have been higher.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) It's a nice outfit, but not my favorite...I like the idea of wearing a cardigan with it, but I wonder if this is one of those dresses where wearing it sleeveless is the best way to go.  I do really love the sunglasses and how my hair looked, though.  (These Aqua Tort Sunglasses must be this year's version of them.)

Anecdote from the Day:  The kids love to photobomb...which Rex did in fine form that night.  My face is telling, lol.

Day: Thursday, May 22, 2014.

Where: Playdate with Preschool Buddies.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Knocking the outfit down because I feel like this dress's skirt should be less fitted.  It also could have felt that way because it was stupid hot and I made the choice to wear a denim dress.  :-)  The Saltwater sandals are awesome, though, and I am glad I made the dive into their line with these patriotic pair.  My daughter has had a few pairs of them, and their women's line features really cute options, too.  I went with a size 7, which is basically a size 9.  The 8 would have definitely been too wide.  The length is a micro-centimeter too short, but I would much rather have my foot be properly encased than feel like they are flopping out.

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) It's cute and cool in a very "flight attendent/mid-century" kind of way.  Just not cool enough to keep me cool, sadly.

Anecdote from the Day:  My husband was so jealous when he heard one of the moms brought us bahn mi, which are Vietnamese sandwiches, basically one of his most favorite foods ever. 

Okay. Off to bed.  Tomorrow I will update this area right. here. with the new promo info.  Okay, it's up.  It's 30% off knitwear, tops, and coats. :-)
30% off Knits, Tops, and Coats

I will add the link to the current affiliate coupon, however, since it does provide the free shipping that doesn't automatically come with the current sale.

Boden: Autumn/Fall 2014 Preview Picks (Dresses, Pants, Skirts, and Tunics).

The Sophia Dress is definitely one of my picks for fall!  I love their spring version a lot, but this fall version is amazing.

UPDATE (July 21, 2014): Some of the fall 2014 items have rolled out, including many of the below.  I have received a coupon from the people at the affiliate program.  You can find it below this first paragraph or in the sidebar of the blog if you need a coupon.  I will eventually be updating this post with proper links to the items that are available, so you can easily find the items you love below on the regular site.  :-)

15% off with free shipping coupon that is valid once you spend $50 or more!

Hi, all!  Happy Wednesday!  Usually I try to do a singular picks post for the Previews, but right now, because of the work schedule I have (subbing this week and next), I need to stagger out my picks.  So today I am going to publish my dresses, pants, skirts, and tunics picks from the fall 2014 rollout.  The next one will likely be on tops, shirts, and knitwear.  Then I will publish the accessories, shoes, and jackets/coats one.  Eventually I will also do a mini Boden picks, too.  :-)

Speaking of mini Boden, their lines were added to the preview last week.  Most of you knew that, but I figure it never hurts to mention it again.  There are no Johnnie b. or mens items in the preview, though, for whatever reason.

As per usual, there is a code for 20% off with free ship and returns which will expire next Friday, May 23, 2014.  I will make sure to publish a post on that Friday to remind you all that the code is expiring so you don't forget.  The code is H6G9. 

Amy Dress.  Fabulous!  A retro dress silhouette in a mod plaid print?  And in a stretchy cotton sateen?  Yes, please!

 

Elena Dress.  Wasn't sold on it as it stands, but it really suits the model (and looks like it could suit a variety of shapes), so I added this one to my picks, as well.  Comes in three shades.

Harriet Dress.  This one is getting a lot of buzz over at the Boden Facebook page.  I like it and can see the appeal, but since I already own a few jacquard dresses from them, I need to just say "no" to this daisy wonder.

Milano Dress.  The other versions of this colorblocked knit dress do not appeal to me AT ALL, but I really love this subtler version, less in your face.  (I know how ridiculous it seems that a girl who proudly wears huge bright florals all over her body would balk at brightly colored colorblocking, lol.)

LOVE this particular silhouette for subbing/teaching, especially.

Natalia Dress.  Intrigued by this dress, don't know that it would suit me, but I kind of dig it from afar.  Will not even attempt it until others have since I have to know more about how that skirt would lie on a pair of hips like mine.

Warning--this is a viscose woven, which means eventual shrinkage.  Definitely size up.  (Of course I say that and all the reviews come back that it is huge and two sizes to big everywhere.)  :-)

Ottoman Shift.  Wow, this is a beautiful shade of blue.  The shape and pockets are so lovely, as well.  Again, no way would this shape work on me, but I will happily live vicariously through you all.

Retro Tunic Dress.  I put this in the picks, 'cause if I know one thing there are a lot of you blog readers who really really like Boden's bright and bold prints, and are super excited that for all of Boden's sartorial "maturing" over the past years, Boden has kept enough of its "fun" to keep you all around.  ;-)

Sophia Dress.  Swoon.  In basket and soon to be checked out.  LOVE!

Bistro Pants.  This pair of pants are certainly fine looking.  The metallic jacquard fabric is very mod and mid-century, and would suit so many tops/sweaters/jackets paired with it.  These are a touch expensive, so I will have to hold out for a good sale (hello, catch of the day, pretty please), but hopefully they will be in my closet in the very best size for my body.  (Sadly, Boden's pants don't often fit me, so as much as I really want these, reality does remind me that I probably wouldn't be able to keep them.)

Skinny Jeans.  This pink cord fabric is wonderful.  From far away, it appears somewhat sedate, but close up you see the pretty tile pattern.  For those of you that like pink for fall, these may be the pair of pants for you.

Fancy Embroidered A-Line.  Again, peeps who love Boden being "fun," here is a great skirt just for you.  The lines on this skirt are embroidered, so the texture is there, just hard to see right away.

Lois Skirt.  This is so early 70s, my goodness.  But I love it.  I think you will either love or hate this skirt, really no in-between, I imagine.

British Tweed Mini.  This tweed reminds me of my pink J. Crew Bella jacket (last worn here).  I love that delicious shade of pink so much that I am glad to see this for sale from Boden!  I would have to wait for a sale, but if a good price comes along, and the stocks are still available, I probably will bite on this one.

Easy Scoop Tunic.  Technically the length makes it more of a dress, but I think pairing this with leggings and boots makes more sense since it appears very casual.  Of course you could dress it up, but I really prefer it for days out tromping around in nature, because you know *taking things literally*.

Must Have Tunic.  I must have this tunic, it's true.  Again, tromp around in nature.  LOL.  I have deer in my backyard.  Maybe I can go frolic with them one day when out taking a walk.  Hmm.

So what say you?  Are you inspired by the offerings or are you in the mindset that things are a bit meh in Boden town?  I feel the above set of clothes, while beautiful, seem a bit blah overall.  Not that this stops me from ever enjoying what they have to offer, of course.  For what's it worth, I don't feel the same way about the knitwear, tops, and coats offerings.  There is quite a bit of amazing happening over there in those lines.

From the above picks, the only ones I truly want for fall are the Milano Dress, the Sophia Dress, the Amy Dress, and the Must Have Tunic.  Other things will likely fall into my bag when the season officially rolls out in July/August, but for now, that's it for me from the dresses, pants, skirts, and tunics.

Alrighty, hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

Boden: Catch of the Day! Dresses!

Good Tuesday morning!  We are about to leave for Hollywood Studios today, so I will be *very* brief, but I wanted to let you all know that Boden's catch of the day today is dresses for women (and various other "dressy" clothes for the rest of the family).  Obviously I am a HUGE fan of Boden dresses, so in my archive of Weekly Review Roundups, you will see a lot of dresses on review.  :-)  In fact the most recent review roundup included link to reviews of dresses at my facebook page, and a more in-depth review of one of my most recent favorites, the Darcey Dress.

I have other reviews of current dresses in the queue, but obviously have not done them, but like yesterday, I will quickly go over the pluses and minuses of each below (does not include any dresses that are in the last roundup).


Gingham Shirt Dress.  I chose to purchase the 6 L and this was the right call for my pear shaped frame.  Unlike recent purchases from Boden (like the Nancy Dress--review here and the Selina Dress--review in the roundup above), this is an unlined frock, and there is no pencil skirt (!!!) lining to contend with on a full shaped skirt.  The grey/brown gingham is true to color (on the screen) and is quite preppy and pretty in real life.  My hubby wishes I had purchased the green (he saw the Poppy skirt on me and loved the color), but I have a ton of green dresses, so I just said no to an exchange.  The dress reminds me a lot of the Riviera Shirt Dress, but is not made of a stretchy cotton.  The long hits just below my knees.  One minus is that the plaid does not match at the sides, but I feel like had they done that the costs would have been higher (takes a bit of fabric finagling to get plaid to match up well).


Santorini Sundress.  I fell in love with this, but the olive green color was sold out in my size when I noticed it.  This was obviously not made in vast quantities, so take the pink "low stock" box seriously.  I purchased a size 6 L and it fits very well.  I almost brought it with me on this trip, but decided I would wait and wear it when I came home (I really want all my friends to see it in real life since I know they will be fans).  The price is really great, too, today, since the normal price is a bit steep for the t-shirt material.  That said, it is a dress that could definitely stay in your wardrobe for the long run, so cost per wear will likely be very good.  Also--pockets!  ;-)

Okay, that's all I have for today.  Do you all have any LOVES from today's catch?