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!

OOTDs: Floral Skirts, Stripes, Sequins, and Some Lace.

Good Wednesday morning, all.  :-)

I am planning on getting a Boden Weekly Review Roundup done in the next few days (maybe even today if I am feeling especially energetic), but I wanted to let you all know that I have set up a page for Boden reviews that you all can leave comments at for reviews that you would like me to publish in the next roundup.  The page is located directly underneath the blog header...and since I finally figured out how to get disqus over there (which allows for hyperlinking to other sites), I can officially declare the page ready to go.

Now for some flowers, stripes, sequins, and lace.

Day: Saturday, September 28, 2013.

Where: Rex's Teeball game and Bethesda for some yummy Cajun food. 

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I managed to keep the Alice Lace Top (review here) tucked in for most of the day, but it did come untucked from time to time.  That shouldn't bother me, but I get all persnickity about things like that. 

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Barring the Born sandals, this is a decent outfit.  A little different, but that unique sometimes makes for cooler looks.  I also let my hair do its crazy natural wavy thing, and it looked just mussed enough.

Anecdote from the Day:  I saw a woman that taught Rex a few years back and we got to talking about our various health scares over the years (hers--cancer; mine--Rex's birth and the PFO/mini strokes) and it was a really uplifting conversation.  I think I forget that when you come through something really and truly awful and make it to the other side that it can be really life affirming.  I get so caught up in the daily grind of cleaning, fussing, fixing, and transporting that I need the reminder that I have lived through issues that wouldn't have afforded me the chance to have the daily grind had things gone differently.  So after that talk with her, I thanked the Lord that I am still here doing the daily grind.  ;-)

Day: Saturday, August 10, 2013.

Where: Sewing Fashion Club at G Street Fabrics. 

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Decently comfortable, although I found the skirt a bit short for sitting at the club for longer stretches since I don't like showing off my legs in chairs (I always think people are looking at my thighs and saying "ugh," yeah, I know it's not happening, but I am really insecure about my thighs).

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  It's hard to properly grade this one when the skirt is one I made, but I think the colors work nicely together and the bag gives the outfit a bit of a lift.

Anecdote from the Day:  The class is always so informative, I really appreciate the store offering the free lessons.  Armed with what I learned that day, I feel like maybe I can tackle a cute, lined, plaid wool skirt (this is the fabric I will use) for this fall.  (The topic of the day was wools/plaids.)

Day: Friday, August 23, 2013.

Where: National Gallery of Art and Pret a Manger with CW. 

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Had I known it was going to rain, I would have probably brought an umbrella or a jacket.  CW was smart, and clearly knew what she was doing, when she chose to wear her Hello Kitty rainboots.

(I love my Seventies Wedges, but they probably weren't the best for tackling summer rain. BTW, I have worn these sandals way more than I expected to, definitely the MVP of my summer shoes!)

It started raining about an hour into the trip--this photo was taken at the beginning of the day. 

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  Sequins are probably out, but I like them, and felt like this outfit was a good choice for going around town with CW.  Just the right amount of dressy casual for a day date with my favorite little girl.

Anecdote from the Day: CW will talk the ear off of anyone and everyone.  People always come up to her and ask her questions, probably expecting a "yes" or "no," since that is what little kids usually say to people that they have just met.  Not my little lady, who will wax poetic about whatever topic is in her head that day.  I believe the guard at the museum got to talk with her about her baby doll, and the guard at Zara got to talk with her about her rainboots.  Both of those conversations lasted for five minutes each.  The guards seemed nonplussed by it all.  :-)

Day: Sunday, September 22, 2013.

Where: Friends' birthday party. 

Ease of Wear: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I love the design on the skirt, but I think it is just the wrong shape for me, so I bet this one will be in my next "let's sell all my skirts" party that I post.

Cool Factor: (2.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  I don't love this look.  I think the color in the top would have worked better with the skirt had the mint in the skirt been just a touch more prominent.  In real life the outfit looked less "in your face," but it's obviously hard to tell that from these photos.

Anecdote from the Day:  This family that we are friends with have two separate September birthdays, and usually the wife just celebrates the little girl's birthday (she turned 6 this year), but since her husband was turning 50, she threw him into the mix, too.  He is a really cool guy, so I bought his some "Handsome Devil" wine.  I have no clue if he drinks wine, but he can at least display the bottle.

Alrighty, that's it for now.  You all enjoy your day!

P.S. Boden finally updated their coupons in the affiliate program, so the sidebar now hosts a womenswear coupon.  Same discount, etc., but with a photo of a lady instead of kids and/or bunting.

Boden: Super Duper 20% Off!

Just like we saw on Monday, today ushers in another set of items at a 20% discount.  All of the rules and information regarding this sale are in Monday's post, so I will ask for you to take a look there for all of that (rough morning here in our house--ugh).

Anyhow, this sale is pretty great, especially if you are a fan of Boden dresses or skirts.  Almost the whole lot of dresses and skirts are included, and many that we have seen here in real life at the BWRR.  Obviously, I am going to steer you all towards the Ava Dress (review here), the Smithfield Wool Skirt (review here), and the Daisy Jacquard Dress (review here), but I can also recommend some other items based on some reviews I did of them from years past.  Those include the Winter Audrey Dress (review here and here of last year's version), the maternity Breezy Jersey Dress (still going strong after two years--review here from when I was pregnant with Angus, and worn non-maternity here), and the Wideleg Jeans (review here).

I also have heard great things about the Libby Dress (so long as you don't have a longer torso).  I also can HIGHLY recommend the Chic Tweed Shift.  It came in the mail a couple of days ago and I had a chance to try it on and it fits very well, almost like my Daisy Jacquard dress, but with a bit more of a slim silhouette in the skirt.  It is very Mad Men, and as long as I don't gain any weight, I can definitely keep this for a long time.  I love the pockets, great placement and depth, and the fabric is very soft and will work for all seasons, provided you layer in the winter, and keep it super simple in the summer.  This dress is selling out, so watch for popbacks (which there were some this morning for many items that had previously been all sold out).  The black version is the least popular, but seems to be the most versatile, and has the most forgiving fabric (a stretchy wool).  I own the black/white tweed version and in real life it reads as a pretty grey from far away.

Okay, I hope you all enjoy the offerings from Boden.  Good luck getting what you want if you are seeking a popular item!  :-)  So you know, if you have been seeking out the Ingrid Coat in pink, a few of the sizes have popped back. There is still a backorder on the coat, but at least now you can order it! Unfortunately, the coat is not part of the 20% off, but you can use the 15% off (below and in sidebar) to receive 15% off.

Any other items you are seeing that you can recommend?

BTW, I am going to be setting up the Boden Reviews page/tab later on today or tomorrow.  When I get that done, I will let you all know, and we can get the "pending" reviews party started.  Thanks for your feedback...I look forward to seeing all the fab reviews!

Current promo for Boden, which includes free shipping.  (At last check you had to spend over $100 to get free shipping, but that may have changed, fingers crossed.)  This 15% is not stackable with the current sale, unfortunately.

For Sale: Skirts...Boden, J. Crew, Loft, Target, Izod, and Lands' End Canvas.

Prices (which include shipping) are listed below the photo.

The sizes are in the photo, click on the photo to see the info more clearly.

Some rare skirts are in this group, including some older Boden, and many old school J. Crew--including the very popular Ischia printed mini from 2008.

E-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com if you are interested in purchasing any of these.  :-)

Swishy Cotton Skirt.  Worn here.  $25 Shipped. 

Tulip Print Skirt.  Worn here.  $25 Shipped.

Printed A-Line Skirt.  Worn here.  (SOLD.)

Stitched Hem Mini.  Reviewed here.  $25 Shipped.

Textured Cotton Skirt.  (SOLD.)

RARE--Jaipur Mini Skirt.  I wore this a lot, once upon a time.  In fact, one of you all offered to buy it from me a couple years ago and I wasn't ready to let it go.  Now I am!  $30 Shipped. Photo of an easy summer outfit with this skirt.  Reviewed here.

From 2006, so this size 10 fits a bit more tightly than size 10 today.  This skirt is pretty straight from waist to hem, so it may suit someone with less definition between their waist and hips.  The skirt is made from a very nice, soft, medium-weight white denim.  $25 Shipped.

RARE--Fresco mini skirt.  $30 Shipped.  (SOLD.)

RARE--Ischia mini skirt.  $30 Shipped.  Worn here.

Velvet Mini.  Collection piece.  $30 Shipped.  (SOLD.)

This Target skirt I bought hoping the 6 would work, but it was too small, and the return window expired before I remembered to bring it back.  Ah, well.  Anyhow it is a dupe of this skirt from J. Crew (seen on the fab Tabitha here) with a little Boden thrown in for good measure (here), and a very comfortable one, made from a stretchy cotton sateen, and is fully lined.  $20 shipped. (SOLD.)

Sequin Mini.  Another "didn't return early enough" bites me.  I kept the 8, which you last saw me wearing here.  $25 Shipped.

Black/White Mod Plaid Print Skirt.  $15 Shipped.

Seersucker Skirt.  $10 Shipped.

Dot Skirt.  Worn here.  $20 Shipped.

Okay, that's it.  I have at least 15 more skirts ready to sell, but I only have so much time in my day, so that will need to wait a week.  :-)

P.S. Boden fans, there is a sale starting tomorrow, so be on the lookout for my post on it in the morning.  ;-)