Boden: Reviews Before a Big Sale.

This isn't a Boden Weekly Review Roundup, but it is a set of reviews for items I have recently worn that are from the fall/winter 2015 line.  I would have likely shown them off much earlier and with more frequency if my life had the pace that it had a few years ago, the "take the kids to preschool, bring 'em home, while they nap blog" pace.  Now it's a whole lot of wake up...holy crap why is it midnight already.  ;-)  I know many of you understand.

Okay, so I do have plans to get at least one more BWRR done before January, but not till later this week.  I am desperate to get a few ootd posts on here already.  I realize many of you see what I wear at Instagram, but I am a talker and like to discuss the outfits.  Whether or not any of you read, lol, that's another story, but I want to dissect them.

The sale starts tomorrow morning, they are discussing it over at Mumsnet (a British site).  I am sure many Americans are all, "hey, no fair, they got it a day early," but now that we seem to be digging from separate stocks (most of my orders now come from PA, not the UK), I don't know that our sale will be affected by them getting to it first.

I have a link to the sale at the bottom, but bear in mind that if you try it before the sale starts, it won't work.  I don't anticipate a changeover right at midnight, likely it will happen in the morning sometime.

Groovy Swing Top.  Size 6 Regular.  I kept going back and forth.  Should I buy this one?  Should I leave it?  Well, finally my love of mid-century prints and those colors (coral, pink, grey, and sage) won over.  I am glad I chose to get it as I really think the style is "me." 

Audrey Bow Flats.  Size 41.  These are the ones I ordered in the last sale and was all verklempt when I discovered that they had only given me 20% off instead of 30%.  Of course Boden didn't see fit to refund me 10%.  Sigh.  Whatever.  As CC pointed out, I will wear them all the time.  In fact, I have worn them three times since receiving them.  They join my other four pairs of grey flats (I own a pair from Target with a black bow, a pair from J. Crew with a sparkly suede bow, a patent leather set from J. Crew factory, and a pair of grey loafers from Boden).  And, yeah, those get worn a ton, too!  Dollar for dollar my grey flats are always my best purchases.  (And hush I know I have a grey flat shoe sickness.  I am receiving therapy.)

The top is super swingy.  This is a good style for pear shapes since it is fitted through the shoulders and upper bust but very loose throughout the rest of the top.  It's always a good day when I can size to my shoulders and not have to stress about my hips and butt being so much bigger than the rest of me.

There is some problems with the shoulders and sleeves for some of the reviewers, though, especially if they carry their weight on their top half.  Many find their "smaller" size is too tight so they will size up and find that the rest being so swingy is too much for their frame.  Bear all this in mind if you have an inverted triangle shape.

The shoes run a touch small.  I can wear a size 40 a lot of the time, but had I sized for a 40, it would have been far too short and even a bit narrow.  I have very narrow feet, so often the 41 will fit great length-wise but be too wide on me.  This time the 41 is awesome for my narrow feet but almost too short.  Because they are suede they have stretched out and fit great now.

I love that my butt doesn't look so ginormous.  Way too much pattern going on for it too look ginormous.  Now you all know why I wear so many patterns.  Ha.

Overall the style of this top is not for the faint-hearted.  It is a lot of look.  But they do have more sedate versions if you like the silhouette.  I have washed and dried this, btw, and it is going to need a press, but since I line dried the top, it hasn't shrunk as far as I can tell. 

The shoes are definitely winners, and all the colorways look wonderful.  I highly recommend this shoe, but do consider the sizing issues.



Groovy Swing Top and Audrey Bow Flat.  These two items in these colors are close to selling out and are unlikely to be reduced too significantly in the sale tomorrow.  The other shades may, though.

Sparkle Spot Jacquard Dress.  Size 6 Long.  I decided on this when it was on a good discount (I think 30% off) and I had a voucher from Boden (thank you, Johnnie!).  I didn't realize earlier in the season this was a jersey dress.  For some reason I thought it was a woven jacquard like this dress I wore to my high school reunion.  I didn't want or need another dress like that, so as pretty as I thought gold sparkly dots and cream are, I decided "no." 

And then I saw it was jersey and realized this opened it up to wearing to school and church and at venues where I like some comfort, and I grabbed it when it popped back in the right size (this is a popular dress).

It is fully lined with a lovely, medium-weight jersey lining.  Very nice.  The ponte fabric they use for the outer layer is pretty thick, so they didn't even have to add a lining.  Very thoughtful of them to add one  The length is fine for me in the long as I don't mind my party dresses hitting my knee, but if you want something more flirty, go for the regular length if you are tall and the petite length if you are under 5'5".  I am 5'8" and a dress that measures 40" will hit right in the middle of my knee.  This dress is 39", if I am remembering correctly.

I decided to dress this one with my gold Stella and Dot necklace and my gold sparkly shoes from Boden from last year.  These gold items match the dots and worked well for the Christmas party we were headed to, but I do know that I could wear this with more demure accessories and it would read less "festive," so would be appropriate in the non-holiday season.  The tights are a pair of cotton tights from J. Crew and they are a deep olive color.  They worked fine as a dark neutral.

The side of the dress there (left) is sticking in a bit because the lining was attached to the hem at the wrong place.  Since the lining is shorter than the dress, I just cut the thread that connected the two and that solved that problem.

The dress features a back zip, which I love.  Since it is a stretch ponte, it could slip on, but that would be a pain, so I far prefer the zip and being able to step into the dress when putting it on...

I have a few other views of this at Instagram if you are interested in seeing them.


Sparkle Spot Jacquard Dress.  There is a lot of  "low stock" there, so your size and color choice may not be available.  The navy is beautiful and is more popular than the ivory.

Chevron Sparkle Knitted Dress.  Size 7-8. I am so glad I purchased this one in preview (only thing I ordered besides the reindeer yoke sweater).  This dress sold out nearly immediately.  There are popbacks, but they are sporadic. 

Can I just tell you how much I love this and wish they had an adult version?  It is so pretty!  It is also not super "kid" but not so "adult" you question whether the kid is being a kid in it.  The sparkle is the gold yarn used in the hem and collar detail, fwiw.

The dress is well-made, and provided you properly wash it, it should stand up to a couple of seasons of wear.  I know it will be shorter on her next year, but because it has a bit of stretch, she'll still fit into it and will just need to wear tights for modesty.

Chevron Sparkle Knitted Dress.  (Use link in name, the affiliate program didn't have this one in its directory.) Only two sizes available right now.  There will be popbacks, but you have to be on top of it and get it when you see it.  It is expensive for a girls dress, but it is very special.

Cosy Sweatshirt.  Size 6.  I purchased this on sale because I am a sucker for warm pretty tops like this.  I do actually have plans to wear it as part of an outfit, but for now I am wearing it as loungewear, as it was intended.  (In fact, this photo was just taken of me two hours ago, and today's ootd has been nothing more involved than this--an easy shirt and a pair of pj bottoms.  I'm tired, you all.  LOL.)

It fits well, it is a bit long for me, hitting right at my top thigh, but it isn't constricting, so I would say go with your true size.  I can't wear it out, I have to tuck it in, unless I am wearing it with leggings.  The material is thin enough that any bulges from the pant or skirt fabric would show through, and personally, that bugs, so I just tuck it in.  :-)

The little sparkly stars are precious, just enough twee to make you smile, but not make everyone around you sick from the "cute."  They aren't super obvious unless you get up real close, btw.  They are more obvious on the blue version, though.

Christmas Woven Pull-On.  Size 10.  I have bought these from Boden before, once in a size 6 and once in a size 10.  I finally figured out that the size 8 would fit me best, but you know what happened here, right?  The only size that kept popping back was the 10.  So I just said "meh," and ordered it.  I am excited that I can wash it and throw it in the dryer and let it shrink a bit.  In fact, I have already done this and the size up now fits a bit better, not quite an 8, but closer.  They are very comfortable.  The size 6 I own is fine, but they fit close, and I have to make sure to line dry them.  These run short for those of us with longer legs, they finish at the top of my ankle.  Since they flare out a bit at the bottom, it does look a little funny.

The print is beautiful, I dig this Scandinavian type of folk art.  They have other items in this print, including a lot of the homewares, so if you want it, that may be a good way of grabbing it.



Cosy Sweatshirt and Christmas Woven Pull-On.  The sweatshirt is likely to be reduced well since it isn't selling well (except the deer version, which baffles me).  The pull-ons, forget it.  Maybe 20% off if we're lucky.

Harriet Shift Tunic Dress.  Size 8 L.  I cannot believe I forgot to include this review in the last *two* BWRRs.  You had one job, Dina.  :-/ 

Anyhow, this dress is odd.  I initially ordered it in a 10 L after I figured there was no way a shift dress like this would fit over my hips in any size but a 10 or larger (I even flirted with buying the 12).  But at the beginning of the season, back in September, this dress was sold out and popbacks were rare.  I finally saw it come back in a 10 L and gave it a chance.  I received it and after putting it on, said this:

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

It was HUGE.  HUGE!  Even in the hips.

I thought well I could alter it, but then I noticed that the stocks were leveling out (likely from all the wrong size ordering) and I could get the 8 L if I wanted, so that is just what I did.  I grabbed the 8 L and found a much better fit for me.

The hips fit a bit close, but nothing that I need shapewear for, so that's good.  The top half is a bit big, but because it isn't "falling off my shoulders" big, it works.

The design is beautiful, and the material is a stretch woven which also helps me in the hip area, so bear that in mind for your ordering if this is something you are contemplating.


Harriet Shift Tunic Dress.  The color I chose is popular, but many sizes are still available.  I think this dress will be reduced even further, so if you held off, that probably was for the best.  :-)

Okay, that's it for tonight.  I hope you have a great one, and enjoy (sale) shopping!

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Glamour in a Knitted Dress.

Hey, all! 

Before I start, I want to say "hello" to all my new sewing friends.  I realize quite a few people joined this site over the past month or so, and a lot of them may be confused why what they thought was exclusively a sewing blog is anything but a sewing blog.  Clearly I need to explain what's going on here a bit more, so I created an "About Me" page, which can be found below the blog header.  I don't want anyone think that I am trying to fake you all out by sewing in a competition and making you think I will never sew again and all you all will see is a whole bunch of Boden and outfits of the day.  :-)  I am a sewer, and I will be showing off projects again, but this blog is not a sewing blog, nor will it ever exclusively be a sewing blog.  To help any of you that really only want to see sewing projects, I name all of my post titles.  The ones that most sewers will want to see are called "Made by Me Files."  I probably write those up two-three times a month, unless I am being especially fast with my sewing. 

Most people, though, who come to my blog are not sewers, and I would say that my *least* popular posts are my sewing projects.  Most people who come here are Boden fans or people who enjoy seeing outfit of the day posts.  And since this blog was started in 2009, well before I started sewing, I am not going to completely change course of this blog to suit a new sewing reader base.  I LOVE having sewing friends here, but if the blog's intent isn't your thing, I understand that, and respect any decision you make regarding whether you want to stay around or not.  So know that I want you here, but I can't fully commit my blog space to what you may want to exclusively see.  :-)  And for those sewing friends who are enjoying it all, cool! 

Boden Reminders and News:

1. The Boden Spring 2015 Preview was extended a week or so back, so we could continue to enjoy the 20% off with free shipping and returns for a little while longer.  I *still* have not updated my picks post.  I am so bad.  I can blame my children, those darling time sucks, but that's probably a cop out.  ;-)  Hopefully before the code (F9Z8) expires, which is Sunday, October 26, 2014, I can manage to get it properly written up and with the newer items in it, too.

2.  Boden is only running a 15% off with free shipping coupon on my site right now, but I was emailed a promo for 25% off dresses and 15% off everything else.  That coupon expires on Sunday, October 26, 2014.  I will be using it to purchase the correct size for the Hartland Dress (review here) since I lost seven pounds over the last month and now the size I bought is too big everywhere.  I won't return the bigger size until I am sure the smaller size will work, but it is nice to get the new size at a better price.  Use the code 3S9K for the 25% off.

3.  The affiliate program sent me a coupon for new customers, where you will receive a scarf, bag, or socks with your first purchase (it is your choice, I will run all three in my sidebar for you new customers).  I also have the coupons at the bottom of this post, along with the regular one that I always put in the post for you every time I write one of these posts.  If you aren't a new customer, no dice, you can't get the free item, but those of you that can, enjoy! 

Okay, onto the roundup!

Regular Boden:

Glamorous Knitted Dress.  Size 6 L.  I purchased this size wondering if I should have sized up, but after the weight loss, I think this is the best size for me.  I will say this long is kind of laughable.  If you are truly looking for a longer length, one that hits at the knee or just below, and you are 5'7" or taller, you ain't gonna get it.  This one on me, at 5'8", hits just above the kneecap.  It doesn't look bad, but I personally prefer these fit and flare type dresses to hit right at the mid-knee or just below for proper proportions.

It was cold and rainy when I wore this out to go to dinner with the family (my treat!), and I wanted something that would keep me warm.  It wasn't quite cold enough for tights, but the next time I wear this dress, I think I will style it with a scarf, slim belt, and tights with a pair of boots.  I think that will look very cute, and definitely be nice and warm.

This dress is a sweater knit, but has no wool in it, at all.  It is a combo cotton/viscose/nylon/metallic fibers.  The metallic fibers are the only thing that *might* be itchy.  I thought it was super soft and cozy, but I am not especially sensitive to scratchy fabric.

I think the side view looks nice, I may not fill it out, especially out front, but it does at least show off what little I do have.  Those sleeves are mighty long, which is awesome.  If you have shorter arms, you may want to go with the regular length.

Here is the one place where the dress sort of fails me, the back.  Again, I have a very short back length (the same as on a petite woman--about 15.5 inches), so I nearly always have pooling at the back.  I don't see anyway to fix this, but if any of you sewers have an idea, I am open to it.  There aren't a ton of seams, and with that pattern, I could sew it up without it looking bad.  Let me know if you have ideas.


Glamorous Knitted Dress.  The sizes are still available in this color, but the blue version is on backorder for nearly all sizes. 

I did write up a review with a close up of the fabric here at this post if you want to see more of it.




Everyday Sweater, Low Heeled Loafer, and Charlotte Top.  I wore these pieces out and about recently.  Check out this post for more on these items.


Knee Socks.  I wore these with a denim mini, turtleneck, jacket, and tennis shoes.  You can see them in action here.


Skinny Jeans.  Lou wears hers (in indigo) with a darling yellow jacket.  She also wears them here.

The link above is for last spring's version, I can't seem to find this season's.  Hmm...


Cambridge Skirt. Lou looks fab in her fall ensemble, which includes this skirt.  The boots look especially chic!  :-)


Millie Skirt.  Monica is beyond adorable in her squirrel-themed outfit.  Love the whole outfit!






British Tweed Mini, Printed Shirt, Sixties Mini, Pattern Sweater, and Ponte Skater Dress.  A Pear to Remember shows off these four items as part of four very nice outfits.  The tweed mini outfit is probably my favorite!


Zip Top Clutch.  Liz look very sophisticated in her outfit that she wore recently to cocktails with friends.  She brought the clutch along for a little extra sparkle.  :-)


Jewelled Flats.  My blog friend, Abbi, who blogs at Dorset Fashionista, recently told a few of us about her experience with these shoes.  She writes:

Well these arrived and I loved them so much I wore them last night for a dinner party at my house. So I've just noticed four places on them where jewels have fallen off, and it looks really obvious, not a third world problem I know, but would you even bother getting a replacement? There are threads hanging where the jewels were and I'm thinking if this happened in three hours at home what will happen if I wear them out?

After some discussion, with most of the ladies saying to get a refund, Abbi let us know what she decided:

I'm getting a refund as I just know it would happen again, I only wore them for about three hours and most of that was sitting around the table! Its put me off them, I am over them, I have moved on already.

She also showed us some photos:

So definitely bear this in mind if you order these shoes.  I have ordered them, but in gold, and have not had any of the jewels fall off.  The big stone on the right shoe was wobbly, but after turning it a bit to the right, it became secured.  I will trust they will be okay, but I will be watching them very very closely.

Clearance:

Knot Detail Dress.  I wore it on CW's birthday, back when it was still nice and summery.  Ah, summer, how I miss your sweet embrace.  ;-)

mini Boden:

Button Pinafore Dress.  Size 7-8.  CW is probably closer to the 6-7 size, but I love having items from mini Boden that will last a few years, so I always size up.  She has had other versions of this dress (here for last year's fall version and here for last year's winter version), and I think this may be one of mini Boden's best garments.  These are well made from hard-wearing corduroy, and are fully lined in a lightweight cotton.  There is an invisible zip in back, and the buttons are well secured at front.


Button Pinafore Dress.  This one is selling well, but not in this color.  If you like one of the colors from the fall rollout (this is a winter color above), you may want to grab it sooner than later, since those won't be around at clearance.

Vehicle Applique T-Shirt.  Size 2-3.  Angus is above in the green version, petting the world's most adorable chocolate lab puppy.  Gaw.  So cute.  Anyhow.  The applique is of an excavator, which is Angus's very favorite piece of construction equipment.  We live in an area with constant construction, so he is always seeing his favorite earth mover.  LOL.  The applique is nicely applied, secured well, and from a similar cotton weight fabric that the shirt is made from.  All applique tops we have in our household from Boden last forever.  All of Rex's tees from years ago are now being worn by Angus, and still look new.  So the money you spend now is worth it, especially if you have younger children who could also wear the pieces in the future.

This size fits a bit big, but I am fine with that since it means he can wear it longer.


Vehicle Applique T-Shirt. These are not even close to sold out, except the blue, which has a backorder for two of the sizes.

Okay, all, thank you for sticking around!  Thanks again to all my blog friends for their reviews!  I'll be back tomorrow with another post.

The links below give you new customers a choice of either a scarf, socks, or a bag with your first purchase.  You will also receive 15% off with free shipping.  (Below these three coupons is the one for the rest of us.)




This coupon is for us old-timers. Remember if you want to receive 25% off the dresses, use the code 3S9K. :-)