Boden: Diminishing Discount Sale Picks!

Good Tuesday morning, all!  If you missed it, I wrote (briefly) about this sale in this giveaway post of mine from yesterday (at the very bitty bottom of the post).  (In addition to reading the bit about the new Boden sale, please do enter the giveaway for that GORGEOUS necklace!)

Anyhow, if you haven't figured it out by now, Boden is offering their diminishing discount again.  Every season they do this type of sale, where the first four days of the sale has the highest discount (20% off), the fifth day has a smaller sale (15% off), and the final day has the lowest discount (10% off).  These all come with free ship and returns.

This time around only some items are on sale (I think in the past all items went on sale, but do correct me if I am wrong).  Unfortunately some of the best items are not on sale, including the lovely LouLou dress, the Lucy Shirt, and the Soho Dress. 

However, if an item you want is NOT in this sale, and you just can't wait any longer, I have left up my sidebar coupon for 15% off with free ship and returns as that coupon still works and will continue to work until the 10th.  Only use that coupon for items not included in the sale, though.  (On Friday, I will likely just recommend using that coupon since on that day all items in the sale revert to 15% off anyhow.)

There is no stacking of discounts, so you can't use the 20% off and then apply the 15% sidebar coupon (but wouldn't that be great if we could?).

Okay, so enough discussion...let's get on with the picks!

British Tweed Blazer. Was 224, now 179.20.  I have a lot of wool blazers, thanks to a few years of collecting J. Crew blazers from 2005-2009 (when Robert Noble wool was used), BUT J. Crew's offerings of late have been almost awful compared to their past.  It is time for another company to step in and up the quality "game."  Boden is marketing their wool products heavily this year, including a magazine type spread in their website about the wool they use for their garments (Moons mill in Yorkshire).   Based on that and the fact that this jacket is highly rated, I will go ahead and add this jacket to my picks for this sale.  I think this particular pattern is the one that will stay classic, especially since it is a great neutral with a more subtle plaid.  (The other ones are great, but a bit more "showy.")

Waxed Motorcycle Jacket. Was 198, now 158.40.  I kind of dig the edgier look of this jacket.  Very un-Boden, however still very Boden, because instead of making the shape wholly impractical for women, they added darts and shaping to stay true to a woman's shape instead of keeping harder lines found on the men's moto jackets.  The jacket is also coated for inclement weather, which around these parts is a necessity (but maybe not so much if you live in Arizona).  I also love the way they styled it on the model in the catalog.

Pimlico Dress. Was 128, now 102.40.  I am not sure why this dress isn't more popular.  It has a fun, ditsy print in multiple colors, and is made from a stretch jersey (which Boden does particularly well).  Hmm.  Well, whatever, I want to make sure you all don't miss it!  If I were to get this, I think I would go for the red shade as I have enough navy and grey in my closet, and the other colored shade (green) is not a good version of green for my coloring, sadly.  ;)

Drapey Jersey Dress. Was 128, now 102.40.  This dress comes out every year and every year it sells well.  I am not a huge fan of the patterns this season, but the solids are, well, "solid."  :)  This shade of deep blue/purple is lovely and would look great accessorized with a printed wool scarf, colored tights, and a pair of riding boots.

Slouchy Merino Jumper. Was 98, now 78.40.  I think I picked this one because of the dropped shoulders.  I love Boden's merino items, they are always well made and soft and DO. NOT. PILL., but I normally wouldn't add it to my "picks" because sweaters are kind of boring.  However, the dropped shoulders combined with the unusual shape elevates this from the same old to something a bit more exciting.  (I also love the way they styled this on the beautiful Helena Christensen.)

Fitted Cable Jumper. Was 98, now 78.40.  This is another boring sweater, but this time it is made more interesting from the combo of amazing color and cool, classic cables.  This was paired with the Glamour Tweed Skirt in the catalog (not this shade, though) and I quite liked the look together.  I suspect this sweater runs short, though, so bear that in mind if you have a long torso.

Grainy Leather Pumps. Was 84, now 67.20.  If J. Crew made these shoes, these would cost nearly $150 (or more).  These are all leather, with the exception of the non-slip sole, and come in many fun shades.  At $67.20, you could pick up two pairs and your order would still be less than two pairs of J. Crew flats.  

Contrast Mary Janes. Was 168, now 134.40.  The sixties heels are selling like hotcakes.  These (just as awesome) Mary Janes are not, though.  Because of that, you can buy these at a pretty good discount.  These are all leather (including soles), and not to pick on J. Crew (okay, I am, I admit it), but these would be twice the sale amount if our favorite American Prep Purveyor produced them.

Charlotte Top. Was 78, now 62.40.  This reminds me of the Boden Limited Edition Silk Flower top I purchased last year.  Because that top is awesome, I will go ahead and recommend this one.  :)

Lace Top. Was 98, now 78.40.  My review is here.  I love this top.  I bought it at $78.40 (during the preview) and I would do so again, in a heartbeat.

Zip Ankle Skimmer. Was 88, now 70.40.  I decided to give these a try and although I have not done a formal review, I can recommend them, but with some caveats.  I purchased this color in a size 8 Long.  The good?  The color is true to what you see on the screen, very pretty and will pair well with quite a bit of what I already have in my closet.  It also has a bit of stretch, which is great if you struggle with pants (I always struggle with pants, blegh).  I also adore the length of the inseam in the tall, at 31 inches, it is right at my ankle bone.  :)  The meh?  The waist may be too large on you if you have a great amount of difference between your waist and hips.  For me, it is fine, right now, but the moment I lose the last ten pounds (lucky me holds onto that weight until I wean), I will need to take in the waistband.  The bad?  If you are not a fan of zippers, there are zippers at the ankles.  I like them, so it was no issue for me.

Fab Felt Hat. Was 58, now 46.40.  This type of hat is everywhere this season, and almost all clothing companies are doing some version of it. Why overpay for a trend?  Some companies are selling this at many hundreds of dollars.  Umm, no thanks.  About $50 seems right.

Okay, that's it from me!  Do you have any picks that you would like to share?  If so, go ahead and leave a comment!

Below you will find a direct link to the sale.  You need to use it to get the discount applied.  :)
Get 20% off + free shipping & returns on select items at BodenUSA.com! Shop dresses, tops, pants, tees, skirts, accessories and more!

Boden: mini Boden Autumn 2012 Picks!

Hi, all!

I arrived home in Virginia, finally, but not without an issue, of course, namely that of *almost missing the freaking plane*, but more on that later.  (It does involve a nail biting, gut wrenching, thirty seconds more and we would have had another night in San Diego kind of story...so it is definitely blog worthy, just not in this post.)

I had to decompress yesterday and most of today, but I had made myself a promise to get this planned post published tonight.  ;)

After waiting a L-O-N-G time for the arrival of mini Boden, baby Boden, and Johnnie b, a whole lot of parents were pleased by this current crop of cuteness.  (Well, most, according to Facebook, there are at least a small percentage who say THEY. ARE. DONE. with Boden because of how radically different mini Boden looks than past seasons.)

I like what I see.  I love a few pieces, in fact, but nothing is *OMG, must have right now*.   I will likely check stocks over the next few weeks and purchase when I see pieces going into the low stock territory, because some of these items I do want to get for the kids in my life, but don't need to get right now (especially since summer in VA last so very long).

So in some way, by Boden waiting to let us see the mini stuff, I waited to purchase.  Had they done a preview, I would have likely bought at least one or two things for each of my three rugrats.  Great for my budget, Johnnie, so I thank you for that.

(If you can't wait, and need a coupon, I have one at the bottom of the post and in my sidebar.  If you have a code from a catalog, you can also use that in the shopping bag page in the box that asks for the code.)

Anyhow, onto my picks!
*My affiliate program does not have the items loaded into their directory yet, so I hyperlinked to the Boden website directly.  If you click on the name of the item, it will get you to the product page.  The photo will not get you to the page like it can when the affiliate program has the photos uploaded.*

mini Boden homepage photo...I don't really think those boys are actually reading those books.

Button Pinafore Dress.  This one immediately caught my eye.  I see a more mature mini Boden in this particular garment, it looks like they took a Boden for women dress and shrunk it for the little ladies.  I would personally put CW in this yellow version, but there is also a mod 60s print version and a pink smaller floral version.

Fleece Lined Anorak.  This looks like your child would feel like she is wearing a cozy, yummy, printed pillow to stay warm.  So soft.  I kind of would like to have this for me.

Fun Cardigan. It has a rainbow-hued hedgehog on it.  'Nuff said.

Hotchpotch Jersey Dress.  The folks at Boden are going crazy for this London print, it is showing up in all the collections (including on a tunic for women).  I have a summer dress like this one for CW, and she wears it a ton, it is very probable she would wear a long-sleeved one just as much in the fall and winter (when they finally arrive here in this swamp).

Printed Easy Dress.  The company Tea makes a lot of dresses like this, and they are always favorites of everyone who sees CW in them.  I like that Boden is going there, and this pretty orange floral dress is one of my favorites from all of the collections this season.

Printed Skirt.  This is yet another London themed (Westminster) print, however on a white background.  I don't see a lot from the skirts that I am loving for CW, but this one may just find its way into our house eventually.  :)

Printed All-in-One.  I love this print, and think of how nice it would be for all little girls to feel warm and snug on the coldest winter nights.  The fact that it is an all-in-one gives me pause, though, since it would be a pain to undo and do up every time nature calls.  :P

Mini Rainy Day Coat.  The other two colorways are darling, but these multi-colored birds make me smile, which I would need on a rainy day here in the fall.  There is nothing yuckier (weather wise) than cold, damp rain.  Sads inducing.  ;)  It would be nice to know that my daughter's coat could help buoy my mood.

Sequin Ballet Flats.  I have no doubt that CW will want these.  In fact, I hesitate showing her, because this will be all she will talk about until we get them for her (she is in that phase, delightful...not).  Seeing that they are a 3 week delay, I best wait until at least mid-August before showing her.  That said, they are a fairly good price for an item that I know will get a great cost per wear. 

Note--if you have a smaller women's foot, you can wear the 36-39 size, easily.  Lucky!  If only they went up to size 40, I could wear them, too.

2-Pack Everyday Leggings.  There is nothing flowery I can say about these.  They are just leggings, after all.  However, for all of their boring practicality, the mid-pink color there is pretty nice to have for a girl who adores all things pink.

Twinkly Animal T-Shirt.  Aw, so cute.  The birdie's wing is sequined.  Love.

Love this tee, too...and the fact that they are making mini models pose like "real" models has me on the floor.  How big of a fan did they have to use to get all of her hair to do that?  I mean really, come on now.

Cord Baggies. Rex is notoriously hard on his pants.  He gives them a challenge to dare to stay in great shape no matter what he does to them.  So far the Boden pants he owns (he has a few, always bought on super sale at the end of the season) have lasted and lasted.  I will happily buy these early in the season to guarantee that he can have this color.  His cost per wear will be super low, I am sure of it.

Fleece Lined Hat. Rex loves skull and crossbones as a decorative element (definitely contrary to my penchant for florals), so I know he will happily wear this hat when it gets cold out.  For a boy that hates hats, this is the answer to his winter-related needs.

Multi Logo T-Shirt. Love both of these for Rex.  He will love the skull and crossbones (of course), but the other big thing he is a fan of?  Skeletons.  So a fish-themed/fish skeleton tee will be a hit.

I admit to being a bit worried that Johnnie and company were going to get rid of these type of tees for the boys.  I was sure they were going to go too "crewcuts," which means unless they had a couple of graphic tees, Rex was sure to only wear them for dress up reasons (church, school, etc.).  Fortunately Boden did not go too high end in their designs for the boys meaning that Rex will happily wear them daily.

Stitch Logo Hoody. Ooh, fish skeleton.  And this hoody will keep him warm.  Rex...mini Boden...heaven.

Twin Pack Long Johns. Once again, skull and crossbones.  Can you see my dilemma?  I would love it if Rex was all, "ooh, Momma, PLEASE do get me the darling gingham plaid button down and the pressed wool flat front pants."  Since I know he isn't like that, I will continue to buy him the over the top pirate/science-y type things he feels fit his "sartorial" self.

Vintage Toy T-Shirt . There's a robot.  And it's cute.  And there are blue sleeves.  See how easy clothes shopping for boys can be?  LOL.

Stripes, critters, and adorable babies.

5 Pack Bodies. Having just put Angus in the summer version of this (all sold out in clearance), I know that they are soft, well made, and stretchy.  Since babies move a lot and grow a lot, having the stretchy bit is super important.  Plus it has a truck print!  A lot of boy baby clothing is SO UNINSPIRED...bleagh.  I have zero desire to put him camo, which Babies R Us has in superfluity.

Everyday Trousers.  Like the leggings I picked above for CW, these trousers are really just very practical.  I know that if I get these, though, they will last forever, which is important, especially if I get them for Angus at around 12 months old, which is typically when babies start trying (and failing, lol) to toddle around.

Twin Pack Rompers. It's a darling set of wear whenever clothes for Angus!  The London printed romper is especially precious.  :)

Logo Hat and Mittens Set.  I know how hard it is to keep hats and gloves on babies, but these seem like they would actually stay on the baby, not fall right off.  The proof will be this winter, so hopefully they stick around until it actually gets cold enough for us to put them on Gus (usually mid-December).

I don't remember enjoying being a pre-teen as much as these kids seem to be enjoying it.  I think they're faking it.  Or else there was happy water on the set.

Jersey Military Jacket, Jodphur, Ruffle Top, and Tassel Loafers.  I chose to put the Johnnie b girls stuff together as outfits because I know for a fact many of you that read this blog can wear the sizes that Johnnie b offers (for me it all fits except some of the pants and skirts--especially now that they don't offer a size 32 in the pants and skirts).

Anyhow, this jacket reminds me of the Oxford Jacket by J. Crew, except much more casual.  The Jodphurs are adorable and perfect if you love the equestrian look.  The Ruffle Top is exactly the same as this one that I own from Anthropologie.  The Tassel Loafers are a cheaper version of Boden's own Leather Loafers (which I have coming to me in the coal color, new for this season).  (The only difference I can see is that the Johnnie b has a man-made sole, not a leather sole.)

This outfit would be equally at home in school or at a casual Friday in an office (as long as it isn't too conservative).  Add a scarf or a long pendant necklace and you would be ready to go.

Kilt, Pretty Collar T-Shirt, and Suede Ballet Flats.  This is a twee outfit, for sure, but would look so good on so many teens (and happy-go-lucky ladies).  (It would also be awesome on the show Glee.)  Add a thick pair of sweater knit tights, and the outfit would be more modest for those of you concerned over showing so much leg (the skirt measures just over 15 inches in length in the largest size).

The shoes remind me a whole lot of the Mila ballet flats by J. Crew, so keep these in mind if you want a cheaper alternative.

Okay, that's it!  I am so glad I finally was able to push out a post.  :)  I have an actual outfit post scheduled (woohoo!), so be on the lookout for that one tomorrow.

The next Boden Weekly Review Roundup is coming, but I don't know when it will get done.  I am sure I will finish it, but sometimes it is a matter of just getting inspired to get it started.  Once it is started, I have no problem getting it done.

Do any of you have any choices for this fall for the minis in your life (or if you so choose, for you)?

For those of you on a mobile device, I do have a coupon running in my sidebar for 10% and free shipping and returns, but since I know most of you see this on the mobile blogspot version, I have included the same coupon--but mini Boden themed--for you here...the coupon works for all items, not just mini, but I couldn't resist this little fella.