Boden Review: Pigeon et Étoiles.

Bonne Nuit!

In tonight's Boden reviews, I take a look at two Johnnie b. items, including one with a wee plump man bird named Le Pigeon, which is why my post's title is in French.

(And for those who don't speak French--I am one of them, btw, just know a few words--étoiles are stars which references the second item, the pretty cardigan with lots of them in a foil print on grey cotton.)

There he is, looking a lot like a man I met at Chartres Cathedral last year.

CC, one of the best blog friends here at My Superfluities, pointed out the sparkly graphic t-shirt to me back when it debuted.  I hadn't even noticed it, but was super excited when CC suggested it. 
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I knew as soon as I was able to get a good enough code for Boden, I would definitely be purchasing this gorgeous chartreuse tee embellished with Monsier Pigeon and his sequined beret.

Sparkly Graphic T-Shirt.  My issue with this tee was I was unsure of sizing.  It had been since last season that I had purchased a Johnnie b. item, when they were still using alpha sizing (I was a medium top in the alpha sizing).  Now they have age-sizing, with the lowest 8 years and the highest 15-16 years.  They say the sizes correlate to XS-L (the 15-16 would be the L), but I found it hard to believe that my former size equaled a size 13-14.

I should have known better.  Although I am fine with this tee being less fitted than my tees of the past, it is fairly loose through the shoulders and through the waist.  And since I can't tumble dry this to shrink it AND it is sold out in all but the tiniest sizes, I am going to live with it not being as slim fit as they describe in its copy.  :)

I look forward to wearing this "put a bird on it" shirt with a pencil skirt and heels.  This is a great critter and I think I will be on the receiving end of many "I love that tee" comments.

Pretty Cardigan.  I also took this in a 15-16 and I am glad I did.  The 13-14 would have fit, but I appreciate that I can completely button it up and not worry about gaping.  At all.

The cotton is super soft (100%, btw) and the foil printed stars are nicely printed, deeply, and without me worrying that they will flake off with wear and wash.

Opened over the Le Pigeon tee.  I can see wearing the two together, with a smart pair of skinny jeans and boots, and of course, because I don't do irony, a beret on top of my head.

This face is made because even me, Miss Monkey Arms, think the sleeves might be a bit ridiculously long.  ;)



Sparkly Graphic T-Shirt and Pretty Cardigan.  The t-shirt is less sold out than the cardigan in grey, but there are popbacks sometimes.  Don't hold your breath for the star cardigan, though.   If I do see it, I will try to make an announcement on my facebook page.  :)

Okay, that's it!  Have any of you ordered any gems from the Johnnie b. line that you would like to share?  Any experiences with the new sizing?

Talk with you tomorrow, when I do reviews/ootds with the Swishy Jersey Skirt.

The Game Was Worth the Change of Clothing...

Hey, all...before I begin, if you are fan of Boden, I want to let you know that the Boden outerwear sale that I posted about on Friday is set to expire tonight at 11:59 pm, so if you were interested in a piece or two, know that this sale is fairly short-lived.

Okay, onto the subject of the post...

Yesterday I braved my burgeoning sinus infection (yay for twenty day colds!) to go out to George Mason's final home game (men's basketball, but of course).  I had picked out my version of team spirit wear (the colors are green and gold) that I could also wear over my Gus belly, but upon arriving, all four of us were "gifted" HUGE men's tee shirts that we were expected to wear whilst at the game.  Laughingly the only person the large male tee shirt fit well was yours truly.  It was an exact right fit!  Yay beer, er, I mean baby belly.

I started off with the cardigan and the top as there is no better version of "gold" than this J. Crew cardigan from 2008 and this tee from Liz Lange Maternity.

I also added a pair of the heirloom flora earrings and gardenia bracelet for flair.

The bottom half was neither here nor there, but these Duo maternity cords and J. Crew suede flats fit the outfit fine without being offensive (yeah, that's me, offensive).  LOL.

But because I am a sucker for school pride, I totally gave into the madness and put this oh so flattering tee on instead.  I even put the beautiful merino wave print cardigan in my purse, worn for a grand total of an hour.  (Don't worry, I will wear it again soon...what a great match it is for my maternity tee!)

I think all four of us have plans to wear the tee as nightshirts.  Yeah, baby.  Nightshirts.  Living on the edge here in Northern Virginia. :)

By the way, we won the game.  Go MASON!

Worn for One Hour. by dinagideon featuring j crew jewelry

Above is the polyvore of the original outfit.  I don't believe the lovely gifted tee will be clipped at any point by me for my polyvore account.

How far have you gone for school spirit?  Worn a color that looks terrible on you?  Dressed as a mascot?  Done yourself up as a teletubbie (no joke, there was one in the crowd yesterday)?

Talk later.  My U.S. friends, enjoy your President's Day Holiday if you have it off!

Concert Hall...

Title of the post is from this song (listen for it).  :)

Yes, I am {finally} publishing my outfit that I wore to the Rush concert last Friday.  It seemed fitting that exactly one week after I was at the concert, barely (and I mean BARELY) arriving on time, I would show off my sartorial choice. 

I don't know if I was the best dressed there, but I suspect I may have been in the top 10.  There were female fans there, but let's just put it into photographic proof how few of us there were.

This was the line to the men's room at intermission.  Yes...it is that long, from the door to WELL beyond my camera's angle.  Women's room?  No line, I was in and out in mere minutes, and well, you all know this, girls require much more "finagling" to go to the restroom.

And count how many women you actually see in the background...maybe one or two?  Exactly.

Also, most of the guys looked exactly like Mr. Dina.  You know, ancient Rush concert tee (the older proves what a HUGE fan of Rush you are--Snakes and Arrows concert tee isn't gonna cut it for proof of your fan status), pretty dank jeans, and more white tennis shoes than you can shake a stick at.  LOL.

The women, overall, fared much better.  Definitely tees, but women don't give two shakes about "proving" anything, so any Rush tee is fine.  In fact, just showing up at the darn concert is enough to prove how cool you are to a bunch of male Rush fans (including the women that were only there to prove how much they love their significant others--not my case, clearly, we both are BIG Rush fans, probably why we stay together).

Concert Hall... by dinagideon featuring straight leg stretch jeans

So I specifically chose NOT to wear a female version of the male Rush look.  I wore what is in the above polyvore.  ;)

I call it "edgy" chic with a twist of sequins.  The boots made me feel a bit bad-a@@.

No jacket.  It was really warm in the "concert hall" that night and I had to go without the jacket.  Love how the scarf works exactly right with the sequined Target tank.

I wasn't sitting anywhere close enough to have the lighting play with my sequins, but had I been in the right place (in other words, places were there were fans who actually STOOD during the concert and rocked out instead of mutely staring at the band and looking depressed--huh, say what?!?--but that is a gripe for another post) these sequins would have for sure caught the eye of Geddy.  Right?  LOL.  :)

With the Madewell jacket which I bought this last winter.

BTW, this Friday was the only day amongst ten or so days that the weather didn't go above 70 degrees.  In fact, it was almost like early March...yucky, clingy rain and temps in the 40s.  I guess "edgy" chic doesn't go well with 80 degrees and sunshine, but still...ugh.

We left our house in Alexandria at 3:45 and after a quick trip to drop the kids off to my dad, we were on our way.   S-L-O-W.  OMG, SO S-L-O-W.  Baltimore is 50 miles from DC.  It took US THREE HOURS to get to Baltimore.  It was maddening.  We literally sat in our seats as the concert was starting.  (THANK GOD!)  I felt we were blessed by the rock angels but also a bit cursed by the rock devils.  Very strange.

My head shot.  :)

All Arbonne makeup, taken up about 12-15 notches.  I actually used liquid eye liner!  I felt like the look needed more hardcore makeup.

BTW, my current Arbonne offer expires this evening at 11:59 pm Eastern time.  To find out more on the offer, click on over to my website.

The band rocked so hard they completely and utterly kept me on my feet. 

Me, by myself, I might add.  What was wrong with my section?

P.S. My Friday night plans this evening?  Umm, swim coaching.  Sigh.  I wish I was at another Rush concert.

Spring Into Style: Day Seven 2011.

Spring Into Style: Day Seven 2011. by dinagideon featuring j crew boots
Just so you all know it was "Jersey" day, which is normally a big style "don't" of mine. I must think these kids are pretty great to find a stylish way to wear my Mason tee. :) Normally this tee only sees the light when Mason is having a home game OR when they make it to the NCAA conference.

Oh, yeah.  That's the look.  LOL.

Just kidding.  I actually have always loved college basketball because it is the perfect sport, short enough to be palatable (I am not one for lengthy ball games) AND the kids who play college hoops are really really really into it and have a ton of heart.  When Mason made it to the Final Four in 2006, I was one of the crazies (along with Mr. Jim) who drove all the way to Indianapolis in a day to watch them play.  It was AWESOME.

The whole look is about as stylish as I can make this tee.  Normally this tee is worn with jeans and a ponytail.  I took it up a notch by wearing the boots (necessary for today's weather, as well, boo), the forever cardigan in black pine, and my pigtails.  The girls in the class approved, so I felt great.  :)

This is the tee, sans cardigan. I needed the cardi so I would feel a bit more covered.

Okay, that's all.  I want to try and comment back on some of the past few posts, so I am not going to go on and on. 

If you have a Boden review I may not know about (Bodalicious and Polly and Fiona, I have yours from the last week), would you mind dropping me a line at dinagideon@aim.com?

Talk soon!

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Includes a New Summer Arrival, the Printed Tunic!

Ooh, sorry for how belated this post is! :P I love going back to teaching (especially when it is a fashion class for uber-excited tweens), but wow...I am T-I-R-E-D. LOL. These first pics of me in the cute as a button printed tunic are of me after my nap earlier this afternoon. I am so tired I am taking a nap, like a toddler.

Okay onto the business of the roundup...remember if you want to see it close-up on me, click on the photos of me wearing them.  If you want to see them on my blog friends, click on the link to their website.  If you want to see measurements, other colors, and sizes, click on the photo of the item as photographed by Boden.  There is a 15% off maternity coupon in the sidebar of this blog that is still working.  There is no minimum for that coupon, so if you have a low tolerance for higher minimums on coupons, this coupon is probably your best bet.  I hope it still works for a while...

Printed Tunic on me in the jade champagne spot pattern.  I fell for this way back when this was in preview, and now that it has arrived, I am even more smitten.

It is clearly safe to say I am obsessed with Boden tunics.  It seems that they always fit me exactly as I need them to, which I can't say about some of their other items like the the dresses and the pants (okay, trousers all you British visitors, lol).

This is a size US 6 or UK 10.  I usually wear a size US 6 in their tunics, so this is tts.

The tunic is made from a stretchy blended cotton.  It does hug through the bottom half, but in a way I know is flattering and not unfortunate.

It has a small tie belt, which I like, but I can 100% see belting it with a wide belt, especially if I am trying to get an 80s vibe (the spot patterns look very 80s in my opinion, and the florals sort of scream 70s).

From the back.  I think the blousier top and nipped in waist helps make my hips look a wee bit smaller, which for this "Miss Pear" is much appreciated.  SWAK, Johnnie B.

Okay, this is short without the leggings, but I kind of like it this way better!  Definitely for the dog days of August.

I may try the tunic with skinny jeans on Friday for the Spring Into Style class.  I can see the girls going gaga for this look.

This is a close-up of the print, the spots are actually a navy, not black, but even so, the tunic looks more than fine with black leggings.


Printed Tunic. Also available in the above floral in two colorways and the spot pattern in a grey version (yum!).


Textured Jersey Tee. On Louise in the Blush Stencil and the Wave Stencil Pattern.


Essential Short Sleeve Scoop Neck. In green on both Suburban Mom and Louise.


Favourite Crew Neck Cardigan. On Suburban Mom in the Sapling Melange (a green) color.


Printed Cotton Skirt. As seen on Suburban Mom in the multi-color floral print.


Swishy Cotton Skirt. As seen on Suburban Mom in the blue floral print. 

Notch Neck Shift on me in the Ruby Peony colorway.  Yes, those are some crazy old school pointed toe green leather flats from J. Crew circa 2005!  ;)  Still have them and still love them.

I know, I know, I already own this in the sailor terrazzo colorway, but honestly, they only share a shape in common, and since I LUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRVVVVE the shape, I knew I had to get one that was a bit different. 

And I totally wore this dress, one whole day after I received it.  I had an Arbonne party I was the consultant for and I really wanted a perfect, professional, yet cheery dress for the occasion.  This dress fit the bill exactly.  :)

Hand on hip.  Those shoes look really REALLY pointy.  They look less scary "wicked witch of the west/great grand wizard of oz" in real life.  Ha.  ;)


Notch Neck Shift. I don't really don't know why the ruby peony is not selling fast, but it is really very lovely in real life!

Okay, you all...if I missed one of your reviews, please drop me a line or put it in the comments!!!  Thank you for giving the roundup a visit!

The Glimmer Mist Tissue Tee Goes Out with a Boyfriend...

Hi, all! I am kind of worn out tonight (read: really tired), so I will be brief in summing up my outfit of the day...

A Little Sparkle for a Casual Day! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Above is the polyvore. It is true, I have now worn either sequins or embellishments three times in a row. I guess I am on a one-woman mission to show the world that you can be sparkly and casual, all at the same time. Plus, it allows me to "justify" buying the ridiculous tees that J. Crew over-charges for. :)

Okay, so technically the glimmer mist tissue tee is no longer available, but it is such a lovely tee, that if it pops back, run, do not walk, to the checkout. I ended up getting it for far less than it cost originally (I believe it was $135), and that is good, because even me, Miss "I love nearly everything J. Crew makes" realized that was a dear price for a tissue tee and some pretty detailing. But since it is no longer that insane price, I believe it is a worthwhile investment. Based upon how I felt while wearing it today (and yes, I was out with the kids), I know I will wear it often...in the winter under a cardi and in the summer on its own.

The boyfriend cardi by Boden is from last fall and is delightful. It is not too long (hello, Forever cardigan) yet it is just the right length and fit to qualify as "borrowed from the boys." I bought it in yellow, but I believe it was available in a variety of colors. I definitely got it on sale, and get this (Boden's customer service is awesome, part 321), USPS LOST the original package it was in, and Boden went ahead and sent a replacement, no issues or problems, whatsoever. :) Love ya, Johnnie and co.

And finally, the Amore wash toothpicks? Well, the name says it all. It is love. I am 100% amazed at how perfectly these fit. Just the right amount of stretch to make them skinny jeans, yet in no way do they suck in and hurt while wearing them (I am looking at you, Matchsticks from postpartum days). Only one thing I wish? That the Amore's ankle length came in talls, like the twilight wash. I know it seems silly, but 28 inch inseam is not ankle on me. 30 inch is ankle on me, and while I don't think either inseam length looks bad on me, I feel the 30 will stand the test of time better. But until these puppies are deemed "dated," I will happily wear them!


Okay enough chatter from me (I thought I was supposed to be "brief").

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size UK 12, or US 8 (I believe). I may have ordered a UK 10, US 6, but I am too tired to go and check. Sue me. :)
Tee: Size Small.
Jeans: Size 30.
Shoes: Size 10.

And would you look at that? Both kids are in the pic!!! Miracles never cease. I actually love baby's pose. I sort of think she looks like me in this pic.


Close up of the tee, cardigan, and the lovely gold and crystal cluster bracelet.

You all have a great night. Sleep well. :)

P.S. The dress from yesterday was the pinwale cord Linda dress (rust color) from the Fall of 2007. I vaguely remember seeing it in Real Simple magazine (in the wool version) and swooning over it. When it went on sale in the late fall, I jumped on it. However, I couldn't wear it...was way too snug for almost TWO whole years. I am now at the point where it fits well (bit loose in the waist, but that is why I belted it). I guess good things are worth waiting for!

Try-Ons: J. Crew New Arrivals February 2010...

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Items in this set:
Women's new arrivals - jackets & blazers - Wool piqué sultana jacket -..., $200
J.Crew - Indigo skirt (clean rinse wash), $88
Contessa Coat and Dress, $250
Scalloped Zipper Cardigan, $98
J.Crew - Black Blossom Nico skirt, $60

There is a lot here this morning to look at. So I compiled some of the items into a polyvore (above), and if you wanted any of those 5 items, you can click through the polyvore to see more info on it. That said, I did review 3 tees and 1 cardigan that do not seem to be anywhere on jcrew.com, making me think they are in-store only.

Happy looking. P.S.: I will tell you which four items I purchased later on...but am curious as to which ones you think I kept. ;)


Sizes:
Skirt: INDIGO SKIRT. Size 8. Meant to be worn at waist. This is a structured item, well made, and heavy enough that I don't feel like the full mini is too wee (indecent). Definitely an item made for wearing with tights and booties. :) Retails for $88. The denim appears to be similar to the other J. Crew denim, this skirt will last a while.

Tee is later on in this review post.


Cute pockets are built into the skirt.


I like it untucked. I just hate how the tee is so thin that you see the skirt waistband through it. :P


Sizes:
Skirt: BLACK BLOSSOM NICO SKIRT. Size 6. I love LOVE this, but it is awful short, and of a thinner material than the denim of the skirt above, so it made me feel like I was "free as a bird," if you will. For the right (read: shorter) girl, this is a prize. I will not size up because the volume of fabric increases which led to the dreaded "huge hip" look that I do not need. :)

See a version of this on HeidiG. Also on Audrey Bella.


Sizes:
Jacket: WOOL PIQUE SULTANA JACKET. Size 6. This is NOT a new arrival, but is 79.99 with 30% off, making it just around 5o dollars. Considering this was originally almost 200, that is a GREAT price. It fits well (I do not recommend buttoning the buttons, it just looks weird, and the SAs say that it ruins the line of this mid-century modern inspired jacket).


Sizes:
Cardigan: UGLY SWING STYLE MERINO CARDIGAN IN A PRETTY COLOR. Size Small (yes, I wrote small). I was attracted to this cardigan because I saw this color and just swooned. Then I tried it on, and yuck. YUCK. Why do this to us, J. Crew? Look at the shape of this cardigan. Who will look good in this shape? I ask you! If you are interested in this, I did NOT see it at jcrew.com, only in the store, and if you really want this, it costs $88.


Hi, yes, I want my butt and hips to look really big, and my shoulders to look WAY smaller. Mission accomplished, J. Crew. Now I can die a happy woman. :P


Sizes:
Cardigan: SCALLOPED ZIPPER CARDIGAN. Size Small. Yummy. The fabric is a cotton-wool blend, with a pretty silk and zipper trim. I love the light grey color (but like Cheesy Goodness have a ton of grey cardigans--looks like a closet purge may be in order). I also think the ruffles are done just right, they enhance the cardigan, and do not overwhelm it. The zipper is also the type that can be unzipped from the bottom, giving this a lot of versatility. This is a short cardi, and if you are long-waisted may be to short for you. It is $98. I think this may be a best-seller. It is a good price for what you get (and I am not being facetious).

See it on Debye and Audrey Bella. :)


Opened up. I think it looks great with the Target microsequin tank in black and with the Tangled Treasure necklace. Feminine, but not too twee.


Sizes:
Dress: TWEED CONTESSA DRESS. Size 8. Did a review of this dress last night. It is a good dress. Click on over to see more about it. :) $148.


Sizes:
Tee: PRETTY NEON FLORAL EMBELLISHED FROO FRAH TEE. Size Small. I really liked this, well-made (those embellishments aren't going anywhere), but at $42.50 was a bit rich for my taste. Definitely a potential on sale.


Sizes:
Tee: OOH, I AM GOING TO FALL APART IF ANYONE BREATHES ON ME TISSUE TEE. Size Small. Very pretty, and the fabric is SO soft, but very thin, and those precious embellishments? They were already fraying a bit. Definitely a "no," especially at $49.50.


Sizes:
Tee: HOT PINK IN THE CITY ANTIQUE ROSETTE TEE. Size Small. I love the color, I thought the rosettes were nice, but the whole thing together wasn't singing to me. Probably won't be singing to many other people, either. I think it was $39.50.


No size, but this bag is well-made and only $10. Fit the four items I bought just fine. I will make this my "let's visit J. Crew bag." Supposedly there will be one of a lady walking a dog (Gingersnap and HeidiG., you should be all over that.)

Hope this helped you all, it was fun trying stuff on!

Anyone else review any of these and can provide a link? Also, anyone think they have figured out which four items I kept in this precious bag???