Boden: Catch of the Day! Skirts, Pants, Accessories, and Shoes.

Hi, all!  Happy Thursday.

Before I start, I wanted to let you all know I received the Eliza Coat yesterday afternoon, and because I had a few spare moments, I was able to write a brief review at the "catch of the day" post.  If you have any interest in that coat, the review may help you make a decision in the future.

Okay, so today's "catch" is skirts, pants, shoes, and accessories.  I *technically* only own one item that is part of today's catch, so I really don't have much to add, review-wise, to this discussion, but I do know that for a lot of women, this is their favorite "catch."

As a reminder, if you are just now joining in on the fun of the "catch of the day," I wrote up more on how this sale works at the very first "catch of the day" post here.


Low Heeled Loafer.  Size 41.  You can see my mini review (with photos) here at this post.


Flat T-Bar Point.  Size 41.  I have not received this one, but like the Eliza coat, I went to both sites (UK and US) to see what the reviews were saying about fit.  All agreed that it was running narrow, and that sizing up was necessary for the foot to properly fit length-wise.  I still am wary of sizing up since my foot is really narrow, especially at the heel, but because this one features a strap, I figure I will be fine with the size 41 instead of the 40.  It won't be here for 6 more weeks, and if it doesn't fit, I may not be able to get the 40, since this one looks like it is super-popular and will sell out fast.  Anyhow, if you like this one, you may want to get it with a higher % off since as we all know, the moment something is super-popular in Boden-land, the price never goes much lower.


Chunky Tights. Size M.  I have been buying these for years and love them so much.  I cannot find good thick cotton tights in the US.  I used to wear them a ton as a kid in Germany (lived there when I was very young), but it is also ridiculously cold there in the winter (we were in Bavaria).  Anyhow, these are well-priced for what they are, and are made well.  All pairs that I own are still in great shape.  Only warning--they do run large.  I have a size 10 bottom in Boden clothing and the L was far too big, even though I have the *lovely* combo of big bottom, large thighs, and longer legs.  I technically fall in the L category, but needed the M so I didn't have tights up to my bra.  (LOL.  Seriously.  My bra!)  Here I am in a pair from two years ago (worn last winter, though).  I wore a pair of burgundy colored ones on my trip to Ireland one and a half years ago.


Opaque Tights.  Size M.  These fit a bit tighter than the chunky tights, but are made from a different fabric that has better recovery, so no surprise there.  These remind me a lot of Hue tights, except you can't buy these with a control top.  I don't need the control top with these, though, they stay up just fine on their own.  The colors are fab.  I really love the teal version I have from last year (can't find photos of me in them, though, hrm).  :-)  Here I am in the red pair (also from last year).

Okay, that's all for now.  I wonder what tomorrow's (and this weekend's) catch will bring?  Probably a hodgepodge of various items, if years past are any indication.

Boden: Autumn/Fall 2014 Preview Picks (Coats, Shoes, and Accessories).

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!

Hey, all!  Happy Thursday!

Before I get started on the picks post (number three of four--this is the last one for womenswear, though), I wanted to let you all who want a popback on the regular Boden site to take a look around, because in the world of "perfect" timing (yeah, that perfect is sarcastic), the site got a whole bunch of popbacks this morning, *after* the better 20% off portion of the diminishing discount ended.  Now the discount is 15% off, which is okay, but it sure would have been nice to have some of those popbacks when the site was 20% off!  :-P

Okay, as you all know by now, to receive 20% off with free ship and returns here at the preview site, make sure to put the code H6G9 in the shopping bag page.  THIS CODE ENDS TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT, so bear that in mind.  After that if you order from the preview site, you pay the full amount (not recommended, btw). 

Reminder that the other picks posts can be found here for dresses/tunics/skirts and here for tops/shirts/knitwear. 

Okay onto the coats, shoes, and accessories.

Autumn Trench.  I have one trench from Boden, and my stepmom owns one, too, so we can definitely recommend these above to anyone looking for a great transitional coat.  These two above are unique, especially the one with the allover bird print.

I LOVE how the model looks in the animal print version, btw (very top photo).  Just beautiful. 

British Tweed Blazer.  I know I can't shut up about my J. Crew Bella Jacket in Pink Herringbone, but the color and tweed is so pretty and feminine together.  This jacket is a great option if you always wanted the Bella in pink tweed but missed out.  Although this collar is meant to be laid flat, you can always pop it to get more of the "Bella" look.  Plus take a peek at the cute London print lining.  Love!

Edie Jacket.  This jacket is actually short, 3/4 sleeve, and very reminiscent of the 60s.  This would be very lovely worn atop a little black dress and a pair of heels (may I recommend the Jackie Heels below?).

Eliza Coat.  Pink Coat Sickness. My adoration of pink coats knows no bounds.  Must sell other pink coats to make room for this coat.  LOL.  I will, too, especially if this one ends up fitting me well.

Lebdury Pea Coat.   This color is amazing, and would very much make you the brightest person on any grey day.  And if you are buying Boden, you know doubt think *that's a very good thing.*

 

Rainyday Mac.  In years past, people have sent me reviews of the Rainyday Mac for my BWRRs, and this is the very first season I have actually wanted one for me.  (I love the British print one with all the guards.)  Question for you fans...should I size up to an 8R?  It seems that the measurements would indicate that, plus the online reviews all say the coat runs a touch small.  If you could weigh in, I would be so appreciative.  :-)

Fashion Pointed Pump.  Colorblocked Flats are not my thing, but I know a lot of you love them, so I made sure to include this pink/aubergine colored pair in my picks for you all.

Flat T-Bar Point.  I love the look of a beautiful heel but as a flat.  Eventually I will try and grab these on sale a little further down the line.  It could sell out, but I will take my chances.

Jackie Heels.  These are so chic.  Everything about them is so polished and ladylike.  They come in half-sizes, too!

Low Heeled Loafer.  I am recommending the loafer again.  I don't own a pair like this, and since I wear loafers more than any other type of shoe, I know these will be one of my best "cost per wear" purchases of this next fall.  I really hope that these are a bit more subdued in real life, not because I can't handle the shiny, but because I am hard on my shoes and would prefer that any dings that happen don't immediately mar the appearance of the shoe.

 

Mary Jane.  Yoohoo, J. Crew fans of their Fall 2008 collection...you may just fall over from excitement at the fact that you can buy the Penelope Mary Jane (well a close approximation, anyhow) again.  From another retailer, but as we are all able to say emphatically...Boden's offerings are often more old school J. Crew than the current J. Crew can say.

Smithfield Boot.  So my relatives in Mississippi buy cowboy boots for reals in an actual Western shop there in their town.  I have to say showing these short cowboy boots off may be a real affront to true-blooded country-western types in the USA, but dang (said with a southern accent, of course), these are pretty darn great dupes.  From a British company.  Buffalo Bill Cody may just be rolling over in his grave.  Sorry, sir.

The Lace Up.  Okay, I am so not a fan of these, but I have seen they are getting a real buzz over at all the various social media that Boden has out there, and I would be a real bad Boden blogger if I didn't let you all know that, just in case you are a fan. 

Wellie.  Cute!  I could see Boden making these for the kids, so the fact that they made these for grown women is pretty awesome.  I don't wear wellies, but I probably should in the weather we often get.  (Maybe on sale, though, if they stick around long enough.)

Casual Shopper.  This bag is stunning.  The color, the piping, the subtle hardware.  Good show, Boden.  Your bags get better and better each year!

Draycott Bag.  This reminds me so much of the Edie bag.  I don't really love the Edie bag, but I *know* a lot of you did, so this may be just for you.

Thurloe Bag.  If you want the cute British print but don't want to wear it all over your body, this bag may be the right way for you to show it off.  :-)

Umbrella.  Yay!  This umbrella is so cute.  They have had specialty umbrellas shown off in their catalogs in years past, but they have never had them for sale.  They finally listened to the fans of their unique prints and made them available!

Okay, that's it!  Hope you have a great rest of your day, and thank you, as always, for spending time here at my blog.  I may not always remember to say it, but I am so grateful for all of you.  :-)

Boden: Summer 2013 Preview Picks. Part Two of Two.

As promised in yesterday's post, my 1000th (OMG!!!) post would be my Boden Summer 2013 Preview picks, part two of two.

For more information on the summer preview, do head on over to my post from yesterday.  (It also contains all of my dress, accessories, and knitwear choices.)

BTW, before I begin, I went over to the Boden FB page and begged them to "pretty please with sugar on top" put the garment measurements on their clothes so that those of us that aren't models can choose wisely from the preview before the preview 20% off code expired.  Well, they listened!  Woo.  I feel pretty excited that social media can work that well.  :)

Okay, here are my picks from shoes, skirts, and tops.

Breton Sweatshirt.  Well, it's official, Boden has now made the Breton in every shape and fabric possible.  :)

This doesn't mean that the derivative style is played out, though.  Really...there is nothing wrong with loving stripes in a heavier weight for the cooler days.  (I would not choose this for summer around here, but I would happily buy this now and wear it now until April.)

As with other Boden sweatshirts, I would probably size down to a 4 rather than a 6, since all of my other sweatshirts in the 6 are too large.

This particular style will likely sell out, since this is the first time they have offered the Breton in this style.

Jersey Maxi Skirt.  I don't need another maxi skirt, since the one I have in navy is fine for now, but I do highly recommend buying one if you think it would suit your frame and lifestyle.  I love how easy, yet vaguely elegant the longer swishy skirt feels in midsummer.

I don't care for the way they styled it in this shot, but I have a feeling many of you lovely Boden fans could come up with some awesome ideas.

Marcy Top.  If you like the look of the lace dress and can't either a) afford it, or b) imagine yourself in that dress, then this darling little top may be a great substitute.  And as a bonus it can go from casual to dressy very easily. 

This one will probably sell out in this shade since the model looks so beautiful wearing it.

Off Duty Mini.  Boden sure likes the name "off duty," huh?  Anyhow, I love staples in a wardrobe, even if I personally only own a handful myself (I guess I have a penchant for the unusual).  This skirt can pair with all sorts of tops, and in a pinch (provided you buy the long length) could work in an office environment as well.

Oh, and it has pockets!

Penny Loafers.  I suspect this shade of nude will actually be darker in real life, which to me, is better, since I would prefer a pair of shoes to be just a bit darker than my skin tone.  This pair could be an incredible addition to most wardrobes since it clearly would work in all seasons.  I would wear them with a darling printed mini and graphic tee, with no socks.

All leather construction, of course.  Boden is one of the last mass market retailers still doing this, so thank you, Johnnie, for not cutting corners there.

Piped Short Sleeve Top.  I adore this shape and print, but it is a viscose, so I will reserve judgement until all the reviews are in.  The other colors are pretty, too, but this shade (mid grey/purple) is my most favorite.

Spotty Bow Espadrille.  I know you all, and I bet 25% of you just went, "oooooooh, I want those!"  Cute as can be, right?  The bow, the dots, the slight wedge.  Girly and over the top, and that's okay.  :)

T-Bar Demi Wedges.  Consider these leather sandals as the practical, yet cool, antidote to the bow espadrilles above.  While the bow espadrilles are perfectly at home in a garden party and brunch, these demi wedges are exactly right for strolling on the boardwalk and at late night tapas meals.  (Can you tell I need a vacation?)

Textured Party Top.  If the Clara dress from yesterday was too expensive or was just a little too "Mrs. Brady" for you, then maybe you should consider the top made from the same fabric?  My favorite bit is the cap sleeve.

Okay, that's it!  I enjoyed compiling my lists, and thank you for having the patience to allow me to create two separate posts.  :)

Do you have any picks from the shoes, tops, or skirts?

Boden: Catch of the Day...Catch All.

Good Wednesday afternoon!

Okay, just like Monday and Tuesday, Boden has given us a catch of the day, which means that the items selected are 25% off, which is 10% better than the 15% off you would normally get if you just used my sidebar's coupon (also at the bottom of this post).  Anything not in the "Catch of the Day" sale is still able to receive the 15% off, btw.

(And use the coupon for free shipping, even if all you are getting is catch items, since the free ship works on everything at the site.)

Today was the day I was most looking forward to since I have an actual need for pants that fit me correctly.  I have so many dresses and tops that fit me so well, but I am continually buying pants that don't fit me well, which then either means I return them to the store (did once. again. yesterday. sigh.), sell them on ebay or the JCA exchange, consign them, or give them away.  I have actually toyed with the idea of giving up pants* all together, but I know that in my life, that is not necessarily a practical option, so I will continue to seek out the elusive, "OMG, perfect pants!!!!!"

*I know that read as scandalous to my British readers.  Stop being so fresh.  ;)

There are more than just trousers* for sale today, including skirts, shoes, and an assortment of accessories for the ladies, shorts for men and boys, and skirts, tights, and shorts for the girls.

*British readers, see...I know the proper term.  LOL.

I have only made picks from the women's section, but there are some darling items for sale in the girls' section, and for those of you with young babies, there are nice, practical options for them.

Okay, here are the picks...

British Mini.  All three colors are on sale.  This skirt looks like it could nicely bridge the work/play divide by being conservative enough for most offices (note: if you need length, the long measures 22 inches, which is right above the knee on me at 5'8", would be even longer on shorter ladies) but also sweet enough, especially in the fun pastel shades for dates or parties.

The fabric seems serious enough, a mix of Abraham Moon and Sons wool and linen, which may be too heavy for most of here in America in mid-summer, but just fine for now in January and February.

Leather Folded Clutch.  I thought the clutch in the photo above was grey, but they say it is brown, whatever.  :)

The clutch is available at 25% in all shades, but the grey (brown) is probably the most practical.  However, it is a clutch, so not really practical by its nature, which means splashing out on red or yellow is okay, too.  (Not enabling, but stating how I see it...)

This particular bag seems fairly popular based on what I have seen from other bloggers, blog friends, and facebook folks.  It will be around for a while, but will probably sell out at clearance time.

Oil Cloth Tote.  This one is also available for 25% off in all colors.  I adore the turmeric doves pattern as well as the durable fabric, but oh, my, doesn't this bag look like it would be big enough to hold a book and maybe a wallet just based on this picture alone?  No, that would be an incorrect assumption.  If you click on over to its product page, you will see the model holding it and she looks like she is struggling under the weight of the bag, it is that big.

There are uses for such a large bag, though, and at this price, that large bag is indeed a nice deal.

Skinny Belt.  All colors are on sale.  This particular color combo made me smile.  I love the brilliant deep teal color paired with the vibrant red, very pleasing to the eye. 

Stitch Burst Skirt.  All colors are on sale.  This skirt intrigues me, but I am often intrigued by Boden's embroidered offerings.  (The fun skirts have seen to have disappeared, and in their place are these less "fun" pretties.) 

One thing of note on this skirt, the one review on the site mentions that the skirt the model is wearing is actually navy with purple embroidery, and am surprised by that...so be wary of that colorway if you want one with the pretty blue stitching you see in the photo.

Suede Brogues.  I know many of you love these shoes, so I anticipate many of you will be thrilled that these are on sale.  My favorites are these grey ones, but I love all the other colors, too.  Very classic and made out of all leather, so they should last in your wardrobe for many years.

Wideleg Jeans.  And now we are at the item I will be buying tonight, in hopes of finding a pair of pants that I can wear and not have to return right away (I am looking at you stovepipe pants from J. Crew!!!).  I think these will be long enough in the inseam (they have longs), big enough in the thighs, roomy enough through the hips, but also not be too large through my upper hips.  We'll see.  And I will definitely report back.

This color above is the only one in the sale.

Zip Ankle Skimmers.  I really liked my pair from the fall (only one issue for me in those and that is that the upper hip fits oddly, but remember, pants, all of them, hate me) so I highly recommend these.  Only two shades are in the sale, these in navy, and in the guava color.

Okay, that's it!  Do you have any picks from today?

Reminder, here is the schedule for the rest of the week:

Thursday--Tops
Friday--Lucky Dip

Okay, here is the coupon for 15% off and free ship: