OOTE/Review: An Embellished Shoe and a Martha Dress.

Before I start, I want you to know that there was a promo that started at Boden on Monday (maybe Sunday?) and in bad bad Boden blogger fashion, I completely neglected to tell you all till today.  Gaw!  And of course the two items I am reviewing and showing off today are not included since the shoes are clearance (and that means no additional money off) and the dress is not part of the sale.  Anyhow, the sale is for knitwear, tops, tees, shorts, pants, and skirts.  You can take 20% off this sale.  I have a link in the sidebar, but you can use this link, too.

Don't despair if you love this dress, though, and it pops back in your size.  The code 9Y8U will get you 15% off (this is a code I am allowed to publish as per affiliate rules).  I can assure you this dress and its navy sister pop back on a regular basis.  (Usually just one at a time, but I have seen my size come back time to time.)

Anyhow, onto these reviews!

Martha Dress and Embellished T-Bar Point.  Size 8 Regular and Size 41.

The Martha Dress is shorter than I normally order, as I usually choose to get the long size.  If the navy floral ever pops back in my size in the long (or in one size up), I will be mightily tempted.  Either long or regular will work, and for a more fitted "night out" silhouette, I can make the 8 regular work, and for a more conservative, "work" silhouette, I can get an 8 long or 10 long.  This 8 regular is great, though, and falls just a couple inches above my knee and is fitted without being skin tight.

I was worried that the 8 would be too tight through the hips and too loose everywhere else, but because this fabric is a stretchy textured cotton fabric with a stretchy lining, it fit exactly right.  (That is also how I know that a size up would work, too.  The textured cotton has enough structure that even a bit loose it will be fine, too.)  (So, yes, I am saying to size up if you see your size up pop back and you are in LOVE with this dress.)

The T-Bar points are wonderful in the size 41, and they are so comfortable I wish it was always sunny and dry outside so I could wear them more often.  They felt like walking on marshmallows.  :-)  I wear a 9.5 in J. Crew, so this seems true to size to the Boden shoe size chart.  The 40 would have been too small.  I often wear 40 in Boden, but that would not have been a wise choice here.

This view shows why a size up in a longer length would be more appropriate for work.  It is very fitted, again without being skin tight.  We went to a restaurant last night on a date, so this was exactly the right outfit for the occasion.

The shoes are embellished throughout.  The little jewels stayed on well.  Very secure and well made.  They aren't perfectly placed, but they don't look terrible a little askew.  I bought them for the low price in the January "extra %" off and I am very pleased I took a chance on these darling shoes.

The back view is so pretty with the extended back neckline collar detail.  I sort of wish it had cap sleeves, but I know that most prefer sleeveless to cap sleeve, so I will deal, clearly.  That back slit is sort of long, beware!  It wasn't close to exposing anything, but it is also more length than I would personally like.  I think I may just sew a small bit of it closed.

The details in the floral border print are so pretty.  I love how it appears to be a rainfall of them below the waistband and a "popcorn" effect of them above.  The colors are gorgeous together...the light tan of the base fabric with the citron yellow, light blue and navy of the flowers working in harmony.  The basketweave texture of the fabric also lends to the appeal of this dress.

For those of you looking for another set of views of this outfit and the shoes, head on over to my Instagram of the outfit! 

Martha Dress and Embellished T-Bar Point.  Both of these colors are almost sold out.  But popbacks!  Yay!

Okay, that's all for now, all!  I hope this day is treating you well.  I am glad I got a chance to update the blog again! 

Talk soon!

Boden Reviews: Beatrice, Eliza, and Isla.

Today's reviews will be in this order: Beatrice Dress, Eliza Coat, and the Isla Dress.  I purchased the Eliza Coat way back in preview, and reviewed it here when it came to me.  It has only recently gotten chilly enough to justify wearing it, but I have worn it three times this week alone, so yay for that.  :-)  (Still hate cold!)  The Beatrice Dress and the Isla Dress are both very recent purchases, bought when Boden was having a good sale or another (can't remember if it was the dresses sale or if it was the Black Friday sale, I am 100% sure the Isla Dress was purchased during the Black Friday sale, though, since I was only able to buy it after receiving a $50 gift card from my mother- and father-in-law).

I am partially doing these reviews as a way to tip my toes back in the water of blog writing after my recent loss, but also because I know that the big end of season sale has moved into second cuts and I am sure some of you really want to see some of these items on someone already.  ;-)

FWIW, the Beatrice Dress is 60% off (very good price for what you receive), the Isla Dress is a mere 20% off (except the beetroot check which is 40% off), and the Eliza Coat is 30% off (that's a good price, the coat is gorgeous in real life).

Beatrice Dress (here at Boden).  I chose to purchase a 6 Long as it seemed to have enough of a bell to its skirt to make that my choice rather than an 8 Long which I will sometimes purchase if a skirt is more straight on a dress.  I was nearly right, it is a slight bell, but it is definitely not as full as I thought it might be.

Regardless it fits well.  The top half is a touch long in the bodice, but this is the case with nearly every dress I own, so bear that in mind, as most of you are not super short through your torso.

The length on the dress is awesome, though, hitting right where I like my skirts to hit, mid-kneecap.

If you look closely you can see that there are two pleated tucks in the waistband of the skirt.  It's fine, but I would prefer that Boden consider a different application in the future.  They always want to do this, but a lot of women can't wear that well.  I felt the need to stand very straight in order to keep this dress from poufing out.  I think a pretty gather there would be a better choice (where the skirt front is a bit more full at the bottom to compensate for it).  Or if they really want a more straight silhouette, just go with a couple of darts at the waistband.

BTW, no pockets.  Boo!  It is easy enough to add them, but that is for the future. 

The material is amazing, a lovely mid-weight brocade polyester.  The florals are all woven into the fabric, but well done, and even though it comes with a delicate care tag, I didn't feel like I was going to pull the threads out at any point in the evening (I wore it to my kids' Christmas Pageant at the church).

The back features a back zip!  Hurray!  The bodice is fitted, so while I *can* zip it up with a bit of a struggle, it is helpful to have someone else help.  Just letting you all know.

The pleated detail on the front does NOT extend to the back, thank goodness.

I hadn't even noticed the back of the sleeve until I was editing these photos, but there is a cuff placket detail back there.  That takes work and care, and that bit of tailoring you rarely see anymore.  I did the same effect on a dress I sewed up recently, and I appreciate that Boden still adds these features.


Beatrice Dress.  Not really selling out in the color I chose, but the other colors appear more popular.

Eliza Coat (here at Boden).  I rarely ever purchase a size 8 in coats from Boden, but this season I had to buy two that size (I usually wear a size 6 in their coats).  I think they narrowed the shoulders and waist on their coats, and normally that is where I am smallest, so keep that in mind if you choose to buy this one.

I think you can tell this is a good fit on me and it is over just the dress and some tights.   I think it is meant to be a traditional ladies coat, one worn out for dressier events, so I don't think the intent was that we should wear it out over thick sweaters and pants.  (I did wear it over a thin sweater, though, no problem.)

Buttoned up you can see how its buttons look.  It does look like I have properly buttoned them up, but they are actually snaps with a fake button front.  I like snaps, but I have read a few reviews where the reviewer questioned the choice.  My son did spend a lot of this week (I taught his class while his teacher is away) popping my buttons at recess (he was "line leader"), but whatever, I just snapped it right back.

Side view you can see the placket and how it features snaps.  The pocket is so pretty, I love the slanted welt detailing.  Those pockets are deep, btw, great for when you absolutely need them to keep your hands warm (definitely the case yesterday).

Back view is very simple and you can see that they chose a raglan sleeve.  The silhouette was very popular in the mid-60s, so I think they made the right choices for the look they wanted to achieve.

Like a dummy I forgot to clip that vent.  I always do that, lol.

 
Eliza Coat. The Eliza coat is popular, but not selling out.  I think the sizing issue is a big deal.  Remember to size up.

Isla Dress (here at Boden).  Since I already own the Amy Dress (that review here), and this dress is exactly the same but in a woolen check fabric from Moon, I knew that the same size would be the right call for me.  And it was, the 6 L fits the same way the Amy Dress fits, and if I am being very honest, I think the Isla dress may fit me even better!  (The bodice seems less troublesome on this dress, which may ultimately come down to how it was cut in the factory.)

The length is like the Amy Dress and the Beatrice Dress, exactly right for my frame.  Mid-kneecap is my favorite and am thrilled that the Isla dress in this shade popped back in my size over the Thanksgiving weekend when I could get it on a discount and with a gift card in my pocket.  (Yes!)

I had intentions of sewing this up for myself, but after calculating amounts, and adding in the gift card, the type of wool, etc., I knew that the price I paid out of my own pocket was less than making it for myself.  That doesn't mean I don't want to try, but I will save that for next fall and winter.  ;-)

Same side view as I get on the Amy dress, but you can see that the bodice fits me a touch better here on this one.

The checks are nicely aligned, it is difficult to match plaids, especially on the bias and at the side seams (the skirt is placed on the bias).

The sleeves are not 100% aligned on the same plaid, but it doesn't look bad, so I am good.

The back really shows the craftsmanship.  Here you see how the back seam is perfect, with the plaid on either side exactly matching up in the middle.  Bravo, Boden.  There is also a zip there, and that, too, is nearly invisible.

You can tell (kind of) that the lighter stripe is a pale pink, the same shade as the Eliza cot.  The blue is actually more teal in real life, and the grey is a mid-color grey.  All around very beautiful plaid and a bit unusual.

My hubby said I looked like a Catholic school girl.  LOL.  Good thing I was teaching in one yesterday when I wore this.

Love how full this skirt is, and fully lined for protection of the wool fabric and for ease of wear with items like tights.

The wool is very soft to the touch.  I kept stroking it yesterday.  It is not itchy at all.  Definitely consider it if you are wary of wool because of the itch factor.

The shoes, btw, are the Low Heeled Loafer (review here), and suited the occasion of teaching well.  I felt fine in them all day.

Whole ensemble together.  I love this ladylike look.


Isla Dress.  Very popular.  If your size pops back and you like it, I recommend grabbing it.  This dress sold well this season.

Okay, that's it!  Have any of you tried these items?

The sale banner below says "up to 50% off," but it is actually "up to 60% off." 

Boden: Summer 2015 Preview Picks!

Hey, all!  Happy Black Friday.  :-)  Just in case you didn't see it, Boden started their Black Friday deal yesterday.  I wrote more about it here at this post.

Also, my blog friend, Katie, is a representative for Stella & Dot, and they are having a Black Friday sale.  I love helping out my blog friends, so if you need to get some gorgeous jewelry, definitely check her shop out.  There is a 25% off all sale items going on right now, and last year when this type of deal was going on, I scored some gorgeous pieces for my wardrobe.

Okay, now onto the Preview picks.  Remember, the code for 20% off with free ship and returns is W8L5.  That code is set to expire tonight (really, Boden, give us a few more days, pretty please!).

Before I do that, I want to copy a paragraph I wrote on the preview in yesterday's post:

Okay, before I leave you, a quick warning to those of you who ordered in the spring 2015 preview.  CC and Lou both left comments on yesterday's post that Boden is shipping out the preview orders IN DECEMBER instead of the January we all saw when we ordered during the preview.  Obviously, with the festive season coming up, most people budget for gifting for others in December and not for spring clothing that was supposed to ship nearly a month later.  I was already a bit concerned that the promised date of delivery was January 5 (or some early date), but now that the shipping will be in early to mid-December, I am, like others in the same situation, very pissed.  None of us want the items now, I want them in January as promised.  In an ideal world, I would prefer they ship the items later, like in February, like they used to WAY back when.  Anyhow, if you don't want to get these items shipped to you in December, call and cancel your order.  It is the only way that Boden will learn that we are NOT okay with early shipping.  They did this in the fall, too, but circumstances of fall stuff coming in early August seems more reasonable than spring stuff coming in December.  Are you all with me?  LOL.

I am still very bothered by this, and my hope is that Boden is reading these comments and thoughts, and listening to all the canceling of orders over the phone, and that in the future, they *won't* send things out WELL before the promised delivery date.

Dresses:

Rosalyn Dress.  This beauty is one of my favorite kind of dresses, the type that look like a skirt/top combo.  I am so in love with this type of dress, I made one from a vintage pattern for one of my entries for the Fabric Mart Fashion Challenge.

Sandra Sundress.  The spaghetti straps are the wrong choice for a lot of women, but if you can get away with teeny straps, how pretty would this frock be on some lovely beach somewhere in the middle of a summer's night?

Verity Dress.  This dress is such a stunning mix of bright colors, big florals, and a nice simple silhouette.  To make life even better, this dress is $88, much less than other Boden dresses, so if you are on a budget but can get one piece, this may be the right one for you.

Vintage Bow Dress.  Swoon.  If this one makes it to the end of the season next summer and is 40% off, I am 100% going to buy it.  But since I have a lot of pretty dresses in my wardrobe now, I can't justify buying this one so early.  ;-)

Amille Maxi Dress.  A switch-up from the usual maxi style Boden offers, this one is still made from the nice, heavy jersey, but in a solid and with a less fitted bodice.  The color is to die for, as well.  I want to go swimming in an ocean that color.

Annie Dress.  The fabric, the shape, and the length are very office appropriate without being super stuffy.  This would be an awesome choice for a teacher.

Francine Dress.  This is a bit iffy.  While I applaud Boden for going for it since this color combo and print is definitely not for everyone, I am more than slightly concerned about how BADLY the skirt's fabric was placed.  As a sewer, I am starting to notice when fabric is poorly cut and sewn, here it is at the waistband and it is throwing off the entire design.  The only part that appears okay is the middle orange portion.  Now, I recognize that the waist is curved a bit, which is why it is biting into the skirt's print, but if this has happened, I think that possibly they made the wrong choice for this dress design.  An allover print would have been far less distracting and noticeable.

Knitwear and Tops:

Alexandra Top.  Though I am not choosing this one for myself, I just love the grey chambray with the pretty white embroidered bib.  I think so many of you would look amazing in this design.

Cecile Top.  The effect of multiple embroidered flowers becoming just a few at the hemline is attractive to my eye.  I love that it is also on a cap-sleeved dotted blouse.  So pretty and feminine.

Elegant Shimmer Sweater.  The subtle sparkle of this silver sweater is sublime.  LOL.  :-) 

Anyhow, what a great layering piece for winter*, and a perfect "it is a touch cold at night" coverup.

*And haha, if Boden sends this out well before it is supposed to be shipped, we can actually wear it in season.  

Knitted Kaftan.  I know there are other printed sweaters out there, but this one is so different and unique, and those colors, wow!  I think this one should sell well simply because it is bound to work for so many women and be a standout piece without being difficult to wear.

Mariella Top.  I just gave away my yellow/tan Summer Amelie dress to my sister-in-law because I didn't love the summer version of the Amelie on me as much as I love the winter version, but I did LOVE the yellow/tan.  Well, lo and behold, there is an exact copy of those colors in this blouse, *which* is a style I can wear!  Yeah! 

Sun Top.  I used to wear tops like this all the time.  J. Crew made a gazillion of these in the mid-2000s.  I still have a few floating in my closet.  If you missed out on this style back then, this is a fine way to start your own mini-collection.

Skirts, Pants, and Swimwear:

Chino Skirt.  I feel like my preview picks are always an excuse for me to go CRAZY and pick items with bright colors or over the top prints.  Here I prove I can pick practical!  Okay, so it is in purple, but the length!  The fabric!  The pockets!  So practical!  Also available in a ton of other shades!

Florence Skirt.  Clearly I can't stay away from impractical too long.  ;-)  This photographic print is reminiscent of last year's beachy print from the Nancy dress.  Of course I want this one.

Olivia Pant.  I admit to wearing wide-legged palazzo pants in the 90s.  In England.  So I have to suggest you all get a pair from the Great British purveyor of all things clothing.  Oh, those pants.  I wore them constantly.  Not so sure my butt looked that great in them, but whatever, right?

Rash Vest.  I love my rash guards and wear them a lot, but I coach swimming.  That said, if you are a fair skinned lady, the spf protection you get from these is awesome.  And this print?  Amazing, sure to stand up any of the bikinis that are sure to be ubiquitous at your pool this summer.

Summer Pencil.  This design and color seem to shine from within, it is positively popping off my computer screen.  Apparently this is a jacquard fabric, but I can't really see the texture, but I bet it will be very obvious in real life.

Okay, that's it from me!  Do you have any choices of your own from the summer collection?  Thoughts on Boden sending out the spring stuff in December?

If you need the coupon for Boden's Black Friday sale, it is below.

Boden: Spring 2015 Preview Picks! Oversaturating You All with Everything...

Anyone remember the time when the Boden Previews (and their extra 20% off code) would last for a month?  Yeah, me too.

Since we can't change the date they choose to end the extra 20% off (with free shipping and returns), which is tomorrow night, October 13, 2014, then I guess I had better get my preview picks up today.

We are headed to Richmond for the day, and if I return early enough, I will give these picks some copy so it isn't simply a bunch of pretty pictures and a link to the product page. 

In general, Spring 2015 is a very strong collection.  There are enough repeats of prior styles to please old time Boden customers (hello, Fun Skirt is back), but also a few newer, fresher styles to please those craving something novel (jumpsuit?!?).  The colors and prints are fresh and lively yet retro and are very evocative of what spring and summer 1963 would have looked like with a 2015 twist.  I have a lot on my wishlist, of course, and as soon as you see some of these picks, you won't be surprised by my choices.  I did add some items that I personally wouldn't choose for me but could see being popular for others.  :-)

I have more info on this Spring Preview here at this link, but for those of you who just need the 20% off code, it is F9Z8.

Dresses:

Seatown Shirt Dress. 

Eliza Tunic Dress.

Beatrice Dress. 

Casual Jersey Dress. 

Easy Day Dress.  

Pall Mall Dress.

Wrap Dress.  

Coats/Jackets/Shoes/Accessories:

Lara Coat.   

Annette Jacket. 

Colour Block Sandal. 

Tassel Point.

Selina Sunglasses. 

Westminster Bag. 

Knitwear/Tops:

Dip Dye Cashmere Sweater.

French Knot Sweater. 

Knitted Bomber Jacket.

Rainbow Knit Sweater. 

Colette Top.

Favourite Tee.

Marion Top.

The Shirt. 

Uplifting Tee.

Shorts/Pants/Skirts:

Bistro Short. 

Santa Fe Jumpsuit. 

Grace Skirt.

Okay, will be back with some copy later.  You all have a great Sunday.

If you have any picks, definitely let us know in the comments!

BTW, today is the last day of fall/winter 2014 mid-season sale.  To receive an additional 10% off the prices, please use code G2B2.