Boden: New Arrivals and Clearance Reviews. Plus Clearance Bummers.

Hi, all!  I started this post last weekend, but I made this dress instead of finishing the post.  Since its lines are really close to the Riva Jacquard Dress from this season's line, I am actually pretty stoked, since I have a few yards of very lovely solid colored ponte (and even a few solid-colored jacquard knits) that I can use to make up my own version of the Riva, instead of purchasing it.  Yah!

Okay, so the spring line dropped.  Clearly I waited to do a post on it, but I do know some of you have interest in my preorder/early orders, so the top part of my post is dedicated to that.  I really do love all I chose, but the sizing is a bit off in a couple, so I will make note of that for you all.  The affiliate program has a 15% off new arrivals coupon to use, and it is located at the middle of this post (below new arrivals reviews) and in the sidebar of the blog.  You must use code 3B3K to receive the 15% off.

Onto some bad news...the clearance section has become a FINAL sale section.  Phooey.  Thanks to kdot1990/Kristen (on Instagram here), I found out this unfortunate decision had been made by the powers that be at Boden.  I thought for sure people would be on fire, waving sticks, over at their Facebook page, but as of last check, I didn't see any.  Final sale is JUST ridiculous for those of us who don't have access to shops to try items on.  I mean, even in the UK, there are just a few Boden shops, so most of the ladies and gents and kids over there don't even have access to the shops either.  (And, get this, the UK site clearance items are NOT FINAL SALE.  GRRRR.)  Also--unlike a few years ago, their consistent sizing has been far less so.  The garment measurements help, but even after declaring that the Sally coat would be a touch loose on my lower hips based on the measurements provided, it wasn't.  I can wear it, and don't really love the way it looks closed, so I am good, but really, if I had gotten the size smaller for a more fitted look, AND had discovered it was final sale, I would be spitting nails!  Anyhow, caveat emptor. 

I have a few (now final) sale reviews at the bottom.  I only recommend purchasing in final sale if you really do have confidence that something will work for you.  (Kids clothing sells well on ebay, etc., so you probably will have better luck there if something doesn't work out. There is a 10% off final sale for them this weekend, btw.)   Knitwear and tees are probably okay, as that fabric is stretchy and if you are off a size, it usually will be okay.  Wovens, especially rayon wovens, yeah, NO.  Trust me.

Spring 2017 Reviews:

Rita Ruched Dress, Martha Top, Phoebe Jersey Dress, Sorrento Jersey Knit Dress, and Juliette T-Shirt.  Rita--size 8 Regular; Martha--6; Phoebe--6 Long; Sorrento--8 Long; Juliette--15-16.

Rita--Lovely print and pattern.  Very excited to wear this, and will likely wear it in real life very soon.  I am glad I went up to an 8, even though it is a stretchy knit (lyocell).  It is very figure hugging, and the bit of ease makes it a bit less so.  The only bummer is the color at the bottom is a bit muddy looking.  The bright pinks make up for it so much, though.

Martha--I have reorder in the 8.  I rarely have to order up to an 8, and it's usually because I am looking for ease in the hips.  It's tight through the hips, but tight elsewhere, too.  They really do mean "fitted" in their description.  The colors are so very pretty, though, so worth the hassle of the reorder/return.

Phoebe--The long is pretty long.  I may keep the long as it is just under my knees, but if I ever get tired of the length, I will definitely hem it up two inches.  It is a nice jersey, substantial and a great hand feel.  The bird print is very lovely, and will likely work for so many people.

Sorrento--I ordered this one when it debuted at the Boden site two weeks ago.  I had missed it in preview?  Anyhow, this print and color is so gorgeous, and I really am glad I chose to order it.  This long hits right at the top of my knee, so the long is exactly right!  I love the longer sleeves, as I am going to Turks and Caicos in February, and I just read they have Zika there, so that means one less bit of skin that I have spray DEET on while I am there.  The pockets are really useful and deep, too.  Definitely a winner.  I chose to order the size up as I didn't want it too tight on my bum.  I could have sized down, but the fit is fine in the 8, so I am keeping the size up.  I hope they introduce more prints in this dress.  It's a winner!

Juliette--This tee is so cute, and pairs well with quite a few bottoms in my wardrobe.  It is a fitted silhouette, so I think I am the largest you can be and still get away with it.  (I am a 34 bust, 28.5 waist, 39 hip/41 lower hip.)  This is definitely a wash and line dry kind of item for me.  ;-)

Closeups of the prints/patterns/fabric.

Posy Shirt Dress.  Size 6 Long.  I looked closely at the garment measurements before choosing the 6 L.  I was not concerned for hips or bust, but the waist.  As with previous shirtdresses from them, this one is much more fitted in the waist.  The size 6 waist measures 29", and it is a close fit for me.  But the 31" would be too much ease, to be honest.  If you run larger in your waist, this dress may not work best for you since it does tend to favor the shapes that have larger bust/hiplines and smaller waists.

The fabric is a stretchy cotton, so that helps a bit if you are between two sizes and want to go smaller.

THE PRINT!  It is very special and unique.  I have seen them described as birdcages and I see that, but I also see the botanical garden look, as well.  So aviary or plant house, your choice!

The pinks and black and white do nicely work together, and read very springy.

One thing I missed in the description was the hidden inside buttons on the placket.  THIS takes FOREVER to button, but there is no gaping, at all, because of it.  Very clever, and a very nice dressmaking addition.  Kudos, Boden!

Isla Dress.  I have a written review from a blog reader, Marybeth.  I really appreciate her review, since this was on my list to purchase at some point!

"I wanted to let you know that I ordered the Isla dress from the spring 2017 preview and received it today. It is lovely, but it comes up quite small--not helped by the fabric, which is more of a thicker, canvas-type material (definitely no need for a lining, which I had been wondering about, especially considering the price tag, even with the discount) rather than a stretchy cotton jersey. If you decide to order, definitely size up one, as my regular size was too small. I measured it up against other Boden dresses of the same size and it's much narrower with more of a pencil skirt bottom rather than an A-line (which makes me feel better, particularly after the holidays! Lol). Also, the neckline is a bit higher, which I wasn't as keen on, and I think it would have been nicer (particularly for spring and summer) if it was more of a scoop. The print and garment quality (the way the fabric is pieced together for a more slimming silhouette) are both great, but I'm honestly undecided if I'll reorder."

Here's the link to the 15% off, but remember to use code 3B3K.
15% off plus free shipping and returns with code 3B3K, valid 1/4-1/29


Clearance (FINAL SALE, ugh) Reviews:

Curve and Flare Dress. Size 6 Long.  I initially wanted it in the 6 regular as the 42" length seemed too long for this silhouette, but it works, especially if paired with higher heels (the heeled brogues from Boden's amazing Fall 2013 collection). 

This dress is a wonder.  Made of a heavier textured double knit fabric, it stretches, lays well, and fits precisely.  I fit it for my bust, and the 6 is exactly right.  There is a zip in back, but I could get it on without the zip. 

I chose the deep forest green color, and I prefer the single color versions to the colorblocked ones.

There are no pockets, which is a shame, as there is definitely enough ease in the skirt to make them work without messing up the style lines.


Curve and Flare Dress. Available in most colors but limited in red (above is navy).  This is probably the only one of the clearance reviews I can green light purchasing in final sale.  But the price is steep for final sale, so it really is a matter of your need for a dress like this.  For teachers or those who work in a conservative environment, this is a good choice, for sure.

Sally Coat.  Size 8 Regular.  I love this color coat so much.  I have worn it three times since receiving it.  It works nicely with a good portion of my wardrobe.  It is a perfect coat for those of us that live in areas where winter means many days of highs in the 50s.  Chilly enough to deserve a coat, but not cold enough to warrant the stadium cloth or puffers (though we have days that warrant those kind of coats, too, blegh). 

It is not lined, but easily slips on, due to the fact that the ease in the sleeves are full.  There is a touch of stretch to the boiled wool fabric. 

I wish I had sized up to a 10, but now that I know it's in final sale, I am not taking a chance, just in case it becomes a case of the size "9" being the right one.  I like the look of it opened, so I will live.  ;-)

This most accurately shows the green shade it is, it is brighter outside.  Very minty, and more green than blue.  Very pretty color and works with my reddish hair and lighter skin tone.  (I think if you are a clear spring, you can definitely do this one!)


Sally Coat. This is the color I see when I am looking at it outside.  All colors are in stock, but the cheapest ones are selling out (it's a good deal, but not final sale good deal, ya know?).

Windermere Puffer Coat.  Size 8.  I needed the 8 here, and glad I chose this size, as the hips fit well, and can be buttoned/zipped up properly when I need it to be.  This is not a coat that I want to just hang open, since I wear coats like this on super cold/windy days.  It works and kept me warm and toasty the day it was so cold our wind chills were in the teens (I know, northerners, that's not that cold, but for Virginia, it was COLD!).  I really love the zip up inside shell.  It's a half shell, and ends at the navel, but once that is zipped up all the way, and then the outer portion is all zipped up, and then buttoned, and then hood is up and buttoned, you are a well-insulated lady.  Toasty!

The color is very nice.  I have a black puffer, but ugh, black is just so blah.  This merlot color is more uplifting, plus it reminds me of wine (bonus). 

I can't say go out and buy this one, though, simply because of the final sale.  It is worth the sale price, and a great deal, but nope, non-returnable, and the in the wrong size, nope. nope. nope.

I hope you all are well!  Enjoy your weekend! 

So, yeah, here's the link to the final sale clearance section.  Good luck.  The first link is to receive the extra 10% off the kids' clearance section.
Final Clearance Event! New lines added plus extra 10% off Childrenswear with code 6R4U, valid 1/19-1/22

Boden: Summer 2017 Preview is Here!

Boden Martha Dress--here!

Well, the preview has been here a while.  Whoops.  Darn Boden for issuing a preview nine days before Christmas.  I suspect quite a few of us were too busy to dither around seeking out the preview.  I only happened upon it last night because my sister-in-law and I were talking about the Lolly Dress that she just loves.  I said the link to the Lolly dress will not work because it's in a preview, and I clicked the link only to discover that there was a whole new preview ready to enjoy.

I always get the email, and I did, but to be honest, the emails get pushed to the side when prepping for the end of the school season.  So I went back, found it, clicked its link to get the 20% off code.  I am just in time!  The 20% off code expires this Friday, so I have today to announce it to you all, and tomorrow I'll do my picks post, and there you have it.  *I am so on time.*  Snort.

Anyhow, the summer season looks very lovely, especially the dresses.  The overall aesthetic is a continuation of their amazing Spring collection (I wrote about it here), but more of an emphasis on the brights, with a particular flavor of greens, blues, and pinks.  There are even some very punchy floral prints, which you are either going to love or hate (I love, but I also made this skirt last year).

I do want to point out there is a new iteration of the fun skirt, but it has been renamed the Tilda Skirt, probably to get away from the "fun" connotation.  ;-)  I am tickled, and may buy one, but I am unsure as of now, since they don't have the garment measurements up yet (WHY!?!).

Okay, so the code is 6U2J and it expires on December 30, at 11:59 pm. 

You can get to the preview here.  :-)


Also, the Boden regular site has settled into "up to 60% off" clearance time, which means the fall and winter stuff is at the lowest prices they have been all year (barring a few popular items that would have been a lower price during diminishing discounts, etc., and are not reduced by much now).  There is no code.  I have two separate review posts from this fall here and here, and my Instagram account showcases a few items.  If I grab a few moments after doing the Picks Post for Summer 2017 tomorrow, I'll do a review post of items unreviewed by me so far. 

Hope all of you are well!  I am glad to be on vacation for a bit.  I hope you all are well and have had a lovely season!

Boden: Spring 2017 is Live! And Some Picks!

Oh, work.  You vixen. 

I was actually over the moon excited about the new Boden preview (I received the email last Tuesday), and I really really wanted to share it with you all here, but dang it all, I had to you know, grade, plan, sleep, etc., so I decided I should probably wait since I like the money I get and I do actually really like the job.  So I put off my desire to share and waited.  :-)

There are some really adorable, sweet, pretty pieces for Spring 2017.  FINALLY, BODEN.  Finally!  They seem to have remembered the things that initially drew people to them and designed items for those of us that truly love quirky, colorful patterns in flattering, feminine silhouettes.

The email included a code, and since the preview is not affiliate related, I can share with you (normally I am bound to share only affiliate created coupons and codes).  It is 4M2V.  It gives you 20% off with free shipping and returns. It also expires October 28.

Tomorrow, Boden will be having a new sale, the diminishing discount sort.  It will mean that your basket (barring clearance items or items more than 25% off) will be reduced by 25% off.  This will go till Thursday.  I have a coupon for it at the bottom of this post and I will make sure to update the sidebar of the blog before tomorrow morning.  (I think I can also do a very quick review post, too, of items I have purchased over the past few months--a lot less than I used to, but there are still a few cute items to be had.)

Onto the (VERY) pretty:

Fleur Fitted Dress. Come on.  Swoon.  The border print is used so exquisitely in both versions.  LOVE.  As I own this Martha Dress, I think I will preorder the navy and red version.  It is made from a lovely stretch cotton blend, so I know it will be perfect, as most of their stretch cotton blend items are.

Martha Top.  This lovely print also shows up in a non-border print version as a top. 

Isabelle Dress.  This print is very Boden.  It has the punchy colors, bold florals, and tailoring we {{had}} come to expect before Boden decided to become Britain's purveyor of a whole lot of blah.  I mean we all know they have had winners over the past few years, but the items were not as plentiful and you had to seek them out amongst the sad-looking tees and frumpy trousers. 

Philippa Top.  Yep, the punchy colors are reversed on this stunning little number.

Riviera Skirt.  This is the one item that reminds me most of Boden circa 2008.  The lines are a bit more fitted (the fun skirts of the past were a bit more bell shaped), but the return to this kind of skirt with a nice friendly pattern is welcome (by a whole lot of us who read or write here). 

Martha Dress. This print is verdant and reminds me of being in a lush growth of watercress.  I love the Martha Dress (I bought my last one in a size 8 regular, which is true to size and not a long, which I normally choose). 

Rita Ruched Dress. Instead of buying the green Martha dress, I am going to get this ruched dress instead, which features a border print in a precious pink floral.  It is a lyocell knit, so I am going to size up to an 8 R instead of a 6 R as the lyocell combined with this fitted silhouette may be too tight for my frame, especially my lower half.

Riva Jacquard Dress.  Okay, I know this seems more current Boden than that of what they have done in the past, but I do see a need for dresses like this in a lot of our wardrobes.  I personally love having a structured, forgiving knit dress in a comfortable shape, that features pockets, for my daily teaching work.  The red color is also very alluring, and is a right pick-me-up.  It does appear to be very tomato colored, so if you are a cool coloring, then this may be too warm of a red.  (It doesn't seem to be that true red that all skin tones can wear.)

Posy Shirt Dress.  I am not preordering it, but I really wonder if I should since most of the cute printed shirtdresses made by Boden sell out right away?  This is a print of a botanical garden so unusual and unexpected.  This print in the skirt reminds me a whole lot of this seaside skirt from J. Crew back in their golden years.  Love!

Marina Dress.  This dress would get a whole lot of action in my closet.  I could wear it with tights and a cardigan in winter, but leave it be with sandal for summer.  I don't think it will sell out so I will wait to buy it, but it is on my list to purchase.

Isla Dress.  What a special garment!  I love the mix of the darker print with the lighter one.  It is a print and not a jacquard.  Sometimes jacquard fabrics have a reverse weave on the back and so you can use both sides in a garment much like this.  I think, though, a process like that would have made this a whole lot more expensive, as jacquard fabrics are much pricier than stretch cottons.  (Also not super spring or summer friendly!)

Lily Ponte Dress.  It's the big sister of my Floral Ponte dress.  :-)  I do really like this one, too, but I think I have to hold off and hope for reviews before it sells out, since my curvy lower half is not really suited to this kind of shape.  I need to know more about how it fits before purchase.

Lolly Dress.  This bird print seems very subdued from this vantage point, but if you zoom on in, they are really cute.  This dress also has pockets.  :-)

Lucia Dress.  So simple, but so elegant, so lovely, and so utterly perfect in linen for a summer night out.  Yes!  Good, Boden!

Off Duty Slim Jogger.  Haha, I know, I know.  But I love them.  And I would wear them.  All weekend long.  (With the tee below.)

Juliette Top.  They are birds!  Wearing sailor hats.  Oh, so so cute.  This is a Johnnie b top, so it will only fit if you can wear a women's size 6 or smaller (the 15-16 is equivalent to a large 6 or small 8).

There is a lot more to love.  Definitely check it out. 

Anyone else as jazzed about the return of the Boden we all know and love?  (And I really hope they read my gushing review so they know some of us are really stoked!)

Here is the link to the current diminishing discount sale at Boden, 25% off for their 25th birthday. You must use code 8Y3R to get the 25% off! 

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: March 2016 New Arrivals Here! And 15% Off!

Hello, all!  Happy first day of March!  Hope you had a lovely leap day.  :-)  I have a handful of friends born on 2/29, and I love seeing how "young" they are.  One just turned nine, but boy, she certainly leads the life of a 36 year old. (Groan...)

Anyhow, yesterday Boden rolled out quite a few new arrivals.  Unlike the past two rollouts, this one seems a bit more lively and I saw a few items that may warrant a second look.  I have heard from a few of you (through Instagram, Facebook, etc.), that you all are liking the rollout as well.

Now I am not IN LOVE with anything, and there are no must haves (like with the gorgeous Martha dress in the floral design), but I am not all verklempt that the Boden I know and love is going the way of Gap circa 2001 anymore (although I am side-eyeing those denim overalls).

So what are you loving?  Are you giving the side eye to the overalls, too?

There's a coupon with my affiliate program for 15% off, you do need to use the code 9Y8U (and spend over $49) in order to receive the 15% off and free shipping.

Okay, looking forward to seeing all your thoughts.  One more week of crazy, btw, in my life, and then things slow way down, so very excited for that.  :-)

Remember to use code 9Y8U for the 15% off to work:

Boden: Spring 2016 is Here!

Hey, all!  Happy Monday! 

Anyhow, as every single person who cares about what happens in Boden land knows, today is the "drop" day for Spring 2016.  (Well at least the first rollout of Spring 2016.)

It seems fine enough, especially if you really like basics combined with Boden's quality, but since that's not really my thing (love the prints and bright colors you can only get from Boden and their quality), I am a bit ho-hum about it all. 

The blue backgrounds and the overall emphasis on blue (many of the entry shots on the category pages are of blue items, tees, dresses, etc.) seem a bit too sedate and not exciting enough.  I kind of felt sleepy after looking through the pages, to be honest.  I am not alone, there was a scientific study on which filters received the most engagement in Instagram, and the ones with a blue hue did significantly worse than the warmer hued ones.  The marketing people at Boden must have missed that memo.  Oops.  :-)  (Boden, hint, read the study and maybe DO THAT next time.)

Okay, so all that aside, there were quite a few items in this rollout from my "Spring Picks" post here, but obviously some of those are in future rollouts, so don't expect them all today.

The affiliate program provided me with a 15% off coupon, and it works on all new arrivals, but not on clearance (the stuff from the winter sale is now clearance).  There is a link at the bottom of the post and there is also a link in the blog's sidebar.

They added an additional color of the Martha Dress, and I love it!  Still hate the blue background, but really dig this pretty border print.  I may end up trying the navy version since I already have a ton of clothing in ivory, light blue, and yellow.  That said, I may end up being sized out since my pear shape may not end up getting along with this sheath shape, since it looks like to work on me I would have to buy a dress too large for my torso and a bit too fitted on my hips.

What are your thoughts on the rollout?  Any must haves?  Do you care about the overall "blue" look?

ORIGINAL LINK (the banner below the sentence) DID NOT WORK.  THE SENTENCE WILL GET YOU THE SAVINGS!  :-)  (REMEMBER THE CODE!)
Spring Launches! 15% off plus free shipping and returns over $49+ with code 3Y9L valid 1/4-1/31