Boden: Fall/Winter 2016 Preview is Up...And a Summer Clearance Gets Started!

Barbara Dress.  Yes, the name of this dress correctly matches the Bush family member I could most see wearing it.

Well, you all...it is time again for another preview of Boden items for the upcoming months, along with the beginnings of the clearance sale for spring and summer items.  In the past these previews were earlier and the clearance was later, but whatever, since I am slow to get things posted, it works for me.  LOL.

Okay, so preview first.  I was pretty stoked by the last preview that happened last time.  In fact, I was stoked enough to chance ordering a few items early.  (This time the card was correctly charged, etc., miracle!)  I have received three of the four items (one was a dress for CW), and for the most part, they live up to my expectations.  So early fall 2016 is looking good.

Sadly the latter part of fall/winter 2016 is looking a bit dire and bland.  I looked and looked at the preview site in hopes of finding a "grab me" image for this post's first image, and the best I felt I could do was this gorgeously colored Barbara dress.  The cobalt certainly is striking, as is the seaming detail.  But then you view the other shade on the model and the frump comes up fast.  Sad!  I don't know where the way was lost, but seriously, Boden, I can buy these items for WAY cheaper at the Loft.  Or Target.  I am not sure if it's me (possible) but this new set of somethings is leaving me a bit blue (and not the bright cobalt blue either).

I am sure that Boden will turn it around for their holiday 2016 offerings, as they always seem to, and to be honest, besides their adorable summer sundresses, my second favorite thing they make are their pretty and sparkly holiday garments.  But my dollars are secure in my wallet for now for this particular set of months for this year. 

If you are so inclined to enjoy their preview, there is a code for 20% off.  It is 3M7K and lasts until my birthday (July 1!) at 11:59 pm.

I do have hopes to write up (a very brief, I am sure) picks post by Thursday, so if you have any thoughts on what you like, definitely let me know in the comments section.  :-)

This is one of the items I received in my preview order.  This is Floral Ponte Dress.  As I ordered the long version in a size 8, I knew it would be longer than this, and it does hit me right at my knee (the top part, though).  The dress fits well.  It is a touch big through the shoulders and neckline, but the hips fit great.  It is a very pretty dress, and the fabric is comfortable, stretchy, but not the sort of stretch that stays stretched out.  I chose well here and because it is short-sleeved I can wear it now as well as later. :-) The floral design is just as you see it here on the model, so they accurately represented it.  I suspect this will end up on their site sometime in early July.  I highly recommend it, and will get a photo of it on me asap.

This is the Mia Jersey Tunic, and I chose to buy it in a size 6 Long.  It is a true tunic, hitting right at my lower thigh.  It is a very flattering print, very slimming.  It fits well, nice and tight, but not too tight to be uncomfortable.  I think the modal/cotton blend should keep it shape and not shrink (provided I don't dry it in the dryer), but if it does shrink, I will just send it back and grab the next size up.  (I really hope it keeps the shape it is as I LOVE it the way it fits right now!)

I also ordered the Ottoman A-Line Dress in the size 6 Long.  It is cute, but I need to try it on with proper shoes and accessories to see if it looks cute on me, too.  Right now I have only tried it on barefoot and in a rush, so it looks a bit blah, though I love the deep pink color.  I also worry about it stretching out and not swinging back into shape, so the jury is still out on this one.

This link will take you directly to the sale.

Okay, so they aren't calling what is on right now as "clearance" sale, but it is the precursor to that.  Anyhow, the sale is on some items, and of those, only a handful are at the 50% off mark.  I am sure I will have some picks, but I have only just looked around (I was in Wisconsin over the past few days).  Do you all see anything that is a good buy at the newer lower prices?

If you want something that isn't in the sale, you can use the code 6R9E (it is published on their website under "new and now") for 10% off.  I suggest you use it only if you need something OR it was a popback you were desperate for.  ;-)

Alright, I hope to be back soon with more.  I do have hopes to publish a post on some recent sewing adventures, but if you want to see it right now, you can check out one of the projects here at the Fabric Mart blog. 

Made by Me File: The Joy of the Red Coat.

Before I start talking about the joy of making the red coat, I encourage you to visit the post I wrote up at Fabric Mart first, especially if you are a sewer.  I am sure it would be fine to replicate, word for word, and photo for photo, that post here, but since this blog is more focused on style, fashion, and garment reviews, I am choosing to leave the bulk of heavy sewing info there.

I am choosing to focus here instead on the journey I took to getting to a place where I made up a fully lined, fully tailored red coat in a month's time.  :-)

The back story here is important.  I wrote to Fabric Mart and told them I would love to make a coat for my January make.  I always enjoy picking out my projects with them, but most of the time the projects are not so involved.  Usually I'll make up a dress, or a top and pants, but I tend to not sew up intense projects as they don't really fit in with my hectic school and life schedule.  But dang it, I really wanted to challenge myself, so I said to myself I could figure it out and make it happen.

I asked what coating they had in stock and they mentioned that they were getting in a red wool, and if I was interested they would send it my way.  After looking at, I leaped, even though I wasn't fully convinced that the red would be "classic" red enough.  It definitely didn't look like a yellow-based red (which I usually wear, it suits my warmer complexion), but it didn't look like a blue-red, either, which I know would look horrible on me.

It ended up coming and I fell in love since it was indeed a true red, with no additional tones of blue or yellow.  The color is one of the four universal colors all people can wear, regardless of skin tone.  Looking at that universal color chart, it's true.  I normally can't wear purple, but the one purple on the list is the only shade of purple that doesn't make me look ill.

Deciding on a coat shape and design took me FAR longer than you would think it would.  Especially considering that once I had figured it out, I knew immediately what to do.  I hemmed and hawed over which design I wanted for a week or so.  Did I want a double-breasted trench, did I want a full a-line skirt on the coat, did I want a more modern shape like a cocoon?

It wasn't until I put on my Alabaster Tweed coat from J. Crew that I realized my design was under my nose.  Even though I didn't use a shape or coating like the Alabaster Tweed one, I decided I was being silly not looking through my coat closet for inspiration.  After all, you all here (especially if you have been reading for years), know how much I love my coats.  We may not wear them all the time here, but I adore them all, and wear them every chance I get.

If you have been reading the blog for long enough, you'll know exactly where I went to find my design inspiration, my Sybil coats, and my Bella jackets.  Ever since I started sewing, I knew that one day I would want to try and make my own version of these and get them in my wardrobe, but with my personal measurements and aesthetics leading the way, not one of J. Crew's designers making those choices for me.

And I do fully realize I am being derivative here, but at least my version is a bit different, especially in the lower half of the coat (the Sybil is a more straight up-and-down shape).
 

So I stopped my constant searching through my coat patterns and ebay for the "perfect" coat choice, and decided on the two coat patterns that would come together best to suit me and to realize my vision of the red coat I had in mind.

Vogue 8626 is a pattern I had seen over at Sewing Pattern Review a couple of years ago, and when I saw it, I swooned.  It was so pretty, feminine, and yet regal, at the same time.  And it was out of print.  It took me a few months, but eventually one in my size came up on ebay, and I bought it without hesitation.  The only issue I had with the coat was the design of the collar.  I don't know if you can tell, but when the collar is buttoned, it makes a weird pointy collar jut in one direction, and the asymmetry is too much for my eye, and I knew it would bug me if I made it up that way.

McCall's 7024 is a pattern I had seen when it came out and bought it as soon as possible.  I loved the collar because of how much it reminded me of the Sybil and the Bella.  Really the rest of the jacket is fine, but the collar was what I most wanted.  Though it is designed with a drawstring, I knew I could probably (and eventually) figure out what to do to omit the drawstring and have it properly stand up.

I had to make a muslin to ensure I was using the correct measurements, and thankfully, they were pretty close to right.  I did note that I needed to change up the way the side pleats on the back laid (they favored opening up to the center pleat and it didn't look right on me, so I chose to turn them into box pleats).

I am pleased that Vogue 8626 has cup sizes.  I have a very small bustline, 32B if I am lucky, and I have noticed that any pattern that doesn't have specific cup measurements built in will often manifest themselves in a bit of wrinkling above my chest below my collarbone.  The same thing happens when I wear a bra that is too big (which is a lot of the time, it is really hard to find a 32B bra that doesn't have underwire).  This coat has an A cup bodice, and it is a dream fit up there.  Seriously, hands thrown in the air, waving around, kind of fit.  I know fuller-bust ladies get a lot of attention for having to make FBAs on their clothes, but for those of us who are wee-er up there than average, have to do the same thing if we want a good fit.  People notice it less when things don't fit me properly since it doesn't mean gaping plackets or straining streams, but I get really bothered by those darn wrinkles.

This doesn't mean I am going to take on the challenge of the small bust adjustment every time I sew anything for my top half, but for tailored garments I darn well will.  It is worth the effort!

BTW, the belt above is called a Martingale belt.  I always just called it a "half-belt at the back," but now that I know what they are called, I am gonna throw that term around like it's hot.  LOL.

So the collar, the most important portion of my coat in realizing my vision...turns out the McCall's 7024 is a great dupe for the Sybil coat.  It is nearly the same.  The Bella is a bit off, as the Bella collar sits on a faux collar stand.  The way I made it stand just so was to interface the non-pleated side with fusible hair canvas on the bias (wanted it on the bias so it would be more easily molded when I was steaming it, on the straight grain I would have had a few more struggles to shape it since the straight grain prevents any stretching).

The buttons.  Well, it turns out that even though I had chosen a near match for the Sybil coat (they seriously are the same buttons as the ones on my other coats, but red), I wanted to use a flatter, variegated reddish button instead.  Now it fully is a coat that is "inspired by" but not a samesy copy.

Now that I have published this post I can actually start wearing the coat out and incorporating it into my ootd postings here and at Instagram.  Yes!  (I have to wait until the post publishes over there before I publish here.)

I know that some of you might have questions, so if you do, I encourage them.  Maybe some of you can even make your own versions of the Sybil/Bella?  I would love to see some more of these out there in the world of sewing.  :-)

Boden: Extra 10% Off Clearance Items!

Hey, all! 

So happy Friday.  :-)  I know for those of you that live around here (DC/MD/VA/PA/DE/NC), you are bracing for quite a weekend.  (SNOW!  BLIZZARD!  WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!)

Anyhow, the snow hasn't started here yet, and since we still have power and internet access (really hoping those stay all weekend), I thought I would take a moment and let you all know that Boden has decided this weekend is the one where they will give an extra 10% off their clearance items.  All of us LOVE when Boden does this, and I am sure this year will be no exception.

I did receive the few items that I ordered in clearance two days ago, and have already worn one of them, the Heritage Check Coatigan (here at Boden).  It is very warm, a lovely mix of colors, and I have seen no reason to take it off, but it is getting a bit "pilly," so be warned of that.  I believe the mohair in the mix is to blame.  Nothing a shaver won't fix, but still, had it no pills, I would say it is a homerun, especially for the new price.

I also received the Relaxed Toasty Roll Neck (here at Boden) and I have plans to wear it one of these weekend days, so watch my Instagram for it.  Even though I sincerely have plans to update this blog with a special clearance Boden Review Roundup, I know better than to promise.  I took a size small in the roll neck, and it fits wonderfully, the back bit is even long enough to cover my tush.  (That's saying something, btw.)

The Ravello top in the floral print (here at Boden) came and since I am the last Boden fan on earth to own one, I didn't know what to do sizing wise.  The 6 fits, but the hem is a bit tight, so I went ahead and reordered the size 8 with the reduced price.  I know the 8 will fit, it will be loose up top, but I don't think it will detract from the overall look.

Apparently if all you have in your bag is clearance stuff, they will get you on shipping.  (Even if your order is over $49.)  I don't love that they do this, and I know some of you wouldn't even notice, so I am putting it out there so it is noticed.  I get that $5 shipping isn't a big deal, but I know a lot of people who just won't pay shipping.  The only way to avoid it is to add $49 or more of REGULAR priced items from the current line, and use the 3Y9L code (it's in my blog sidebar, too) to get the 15% off with free shipping on those regular items.

Okay, that's it.  I have a very long blog post to write for both here and the Fabric Mart blog on my latest sewing project.  This project was so involved and took so much time that I am going to make sure I take some credit here at this blog for it, too.  :-)  Look for it next week some time if you like the sewing stuff.

Any picks from the newly priced items?

This link will get you to the sale.  :-)
Last call! Extra 10% off already reduced prices. Valid Jan 22nd - Jan 24th!

Boden: Clearance Prices Drop Further!

Hi, everyone!

I hope all of you are well.  I have been in the mad dash to get this coat sewn up (the one you are seeing is my muslin, which is made for fitting purposes only), and I am nearing the end point.  I am glad to take on such a big project, but most of my spare time has been spent doing that and nothing else.

Angus jumped off the couch yesterday, and all of you moms and dads out there know what I am going to say next, he broke his leg while landing from his jump.  And in almost perfect timing, it has been one year since Rex broke his leg while ice skating.  Ugh.  Poor baby Angus.  Wish us luck (and patience) for another round of caring for a broken-legged child.

Okay, so good news for Boden fans.  If you still thought clearance prices were too high (raising my hands emphatically here), the folks at Boden have reduced quite a few of the items that were not selling well at their higher sale prices.  I was stoked to see the Relaxed Toasty Roll Neck (in pink only), as well as the Heritage Check Coatigan (here, both colors), were reduced nicely.  I couldn't pull the trigger at the higher prices, so I held on, and when I saw the better prices this am, I decided to go for it (especially since it is freezing here today and both of these look so warm!).

Do any of you see any REALLY great deals?  I know a few items that I reviewed over the past few months (either in the BWRRs or at my Instagram account) have been greatly reduced in price, so you may want to check out both of those.

Alright!  Enjoy (sale) shopping!  Back soon with a sewing a coat post!

Boden: Holiday 2015 is Here!

I suspected this rollout was happening when the only preorder I made for the Reindeer Yoke Sweater (here) shipped.  Since that item was a holiday item, I figured the holiday things were rolling out. I decided to order it early since last year's "special" sweater, the one with penguins, sold out immediately. I normally never preorder since they changed their policy on how they bill for preorders.  Of course now this one is fully stocked, but whatever.

Anyhow, all the cute holiday items for gifting and wearing on lazy days off are all available right now.  I took a look at a few of these way back in preview time, which you can see here.  (And, yep, the "probably will end up in the toilet" cashmere onesie is available, too.)

The only discount the affiliate program has given to us is for 15% off with free shipping, but if you want a holiday gift that is one of their better sellers (it goes in low stock or out of stock pretty fast), this discount is likely all that there will be for those items.  It's always weird to me, btw, which items completely sell out one year, but will not move at all another.  I can never tell with Boden and its customers.  J. Crew seems to sell certain items well year after year, and they bring them back, and they sell out, but Boden's customer base must be different enough from J. Crew's that the situation changes from year to year.  Knowing Boden, the candles will sell out tomorrow.  Ha.  :-)

So that Reindeer Yoke Sweater...I received it and it fits wonderfully in the size 6, which is my usual knitwear size with them.  The yoke bit doesn't stretch a whole lot, but the hem does, so size to your upper bust.  I measure for a four at my upper bust, but it would have likely been too tight in the four.  But if you are tiny at your upper bust and have more substantial "ladies," then you might be able to get away with a smaller size since the knit stretches a bit at the bust.  My stepmom is built like that and while normally she wouldn't go anywhere near a 6 because of her bust, I bet she could fit in mine fine since her upper bust measurement is significantly smaller than her bust itself.

The pompom noses are so silly, but since I really wanted a cheesy/but still pretty sweater, it fits my bill perfectly.  The pompoms don't stand out a ton, but will be noticeable from close up.

It is fully stocked. The other versions of the reindeer sweater are fully stocked, too. Who knows if this will sell out the way the one from last year did?

I should be able to get a photo of me in it over T'giving break, so look for that around late November.  :-)

Any gift picks or cozy wear picks from the new line???

Boden: 25% Off Flash Sale and Spring 2016 Preview!

Molly Dress

Hey, all!  I am back!  I love being away, I would never ever complain about having fun on vacation, but it is nice to return to structure and normalcy.  I have plans to get all my vacation shots organized and put together, since I know many of you like to see vacation ootds as they help for planning packing for future trips.  If I am really productive, maybe in the next few days? 

It really has been all Boden over here at the blog lately.  Not that it surprises any of you all, but usually I do throw in more ootd posts in the mix.  (I have a few to show off, they are all stuck at Instagram right now, though.) 

First up--Spring 2016 is up and ready for Preview orders.  I don't have a code for the usual 20% off, but I am fairly confident I will receive one eventually.  If any of you have one and would like to share it, that would be great.  :-)

The preview I have only briefly glanced at, but the dresses and knitwear look a bit dire.  Boden should really go back to showing us the catalog shots.  They really do help set a mood.  The blah blue background may help the colors pop, but there was very little catching my eye.  I may warm up to it, but right now I am a bit underwhelmed.  (Though I do love the above Molly Dress and the Martha Dress, they are definitely "Boden" in feel, and of course, that's what I love, garments that are their "look.")

Second, I was emailed by the affiliate program that there is a flash sale going on at Boden, 25% off everything (that excludes the new Boden Icons collection and clearance), but I didn't see it until this morning.  It is set to expire on Wednesday, so there is still some time left to enjoy the savings.

I don't know if I will enjoy this sale, there are a few items I would like to have (I have bought very little from fall and winter!), but I am not sure my funds are there.  ;-)  I hope some of you are able to grab items you would like.  (I say if they are low stock now, go for it, especially if you will wear it sooner than later.  Fully in stock items you can wait on...)

This text link works to receive 25% off!  Have fun (sale) shopping!
25% off everything! 4 days only (valid 9/27-9/30)

Boden: Winter 2015 Preview Picks!

I know that since Boden dropped my affiliate program, and thereby dropped me, I said I would do less with Boden overall, but I genuinely like writing up the Preview Picks Post, so for now I will keep this up.  The BWRR went to the graveyard, though, at least for now.

Of course since being dropped my income is pretty darn teeny so I can't actually order from the preview, lol, (not that I would have ordered after all the weird financial things going on with ordering).  One day maybe I will be able to again.  ;-) 

Speaking of money and finances, etc., I received a job offer from my kids' school to teach two days a week.  I am keeping this on the down low, even though they have made the announcement to the other teachers, etc. But until I have signed all the papers, I need to keep it a bit quiet.  I am so excited and grateful.  It is perfect--something stable, something I love to do, but also something that will allow me to still be home part-time since Angus is not old enough to go to full-time school yet.  I know a lot of you have been sending good thoughts my way after I told you of the unexpected loss of income, and I thank you for thinking of us.  That's the power of friendship, I tell ya!

Okay, before I show the picks, I wanted to remind you that all of the information on the preview is here at this post, and to access the preview, head on over here.  Remember, the 20% off code (3H2J) expires tomorrow night (6/26/15) if you are able to enjoy ordering from the Preview.

Dresses

Vinatge Party Dress

Loving this silhouette and the amazing printed fabric.  It helps that the fabric is wool/viscose/silk, as opposed to all viscose.  This is a dress made for longevity, and if blue florals are your thing, I could see this being in your closet for years to come.

Annabel Dress

I've had a lot of luck with Boden's jacquard jersey dresses.  They hold up well, are in very interesting designs, and are very figure hugging without being too fitted, if you know what I mean.  The proportions on this are great for an office, but can easily be dressed up for a night out.

Chic Full Skirted Dress

All viscose, sigh...but that print is darling and makes me salivate.  Must resist unless said dress goes on deep sale.  (Viscose, especially of the woven variety, is very prone to shrinkage.  I always wash gentle and with cold water, that helps a bit.  NEVER put in a dryer.)

Back Detail Chic Full Skirted Dress

The back is awesome.  How freaking cute.

Cord Denim Shirt Dress

It was dresses like this that first enticed me all the way back in 2004 (been a loyal customer ever since), and I am relieved they still have some of that vintage-y, quirky, colorful playful prints in their wheelhouse.  If Boden kept this up, I would have ZERO complaints.  I know some of you are here with me on that point.

Hartland Dress

Hey, the Hartland Dress is back.  This time they put a bird or two or a gazillion on it.  Not as "fun" as the squirrels from last year (here on me), but the little blue birds are so sweet. 

Swinging Sixties Dress

I love this pattern, and the fact that it is a sweater dress, but I am sure some of you think I am out of my mind.  I don't know, the geometric aqua/mustard/white is so appealing.  I may just have to get this one if I can afford it. 

Winter Pocket Shift

There is a potential that this could either be FABULOUS or just AWFUL, and I am excited to find out which one it turns out to be.  Love the tweed fabric, very Linton of them, and the pockets on the bias, combined with the raw selvedge trim, make it a gorgeous dress to look at.  That said, it doesn't look as awesome on the model, and honestly, my hips would hate me if I attempted to scrunch them in there.

Tops/Knitwear

Angie Silk Top

I love that they have a 100% silk top in gorgeous wearable shades, but I am more than slightly disappointed by the neckband on this top.  It appears it was drafted too long for the neckline, leading to a wavy/floppy look on both the still photo and on the model.  It would be too distracting for me as a seamstress, but hopefully it doesn't bother the people who buy it (or they have fixed it on their manufacturing run).  Seems really sloppy.  I wonder if they had made the neckband narrower if that would have fixed this issue, but I think they wanted a thicker band, but didn't compensate for the way the band would lay with the extra width added on...

Cosy Sweat

Haha, cosy sweat.  That's pleasant sounding.  :-)  Beyond that, though, this is amazing, and I want one right now.  I will figure out someway to get this bit of glitter and comfort in my life.

Cowl Neck Cashmere Sweater

I own something very similar from PURE collection and wear it to death when traveling.  It is a wonderful addition to a carry-on, you know how cold it can get on flights.  But since it's lightweight, it doesn't take up a ton of room.  I can see this one selling out.

Reindeer Yoke Sweater

So I will admit to being just daring enough to preorder this one sweater since last year's version of this (with the penguins) sold out immediately.  I like this one more because I think the addition of tiny red pompoms for the nose is just enough to push it over into "ugly sweater" territory.  My ugly sweater (seen on me here) died a sad death when my husband washed it and then dried it on HIGH HEAT.  It is now CW's.  So I need an ugly sweater replacement (although it's really not that ugly, lol).

Relaxed Toasty Roll Neck

I love this so much.  It is long and warm looking and that color!  Thank you, Boden, for remembering we LOVE color.  It has mohair and nylon in the mix with merino, though, and I am not sure that will wear well or feel well.  I will have to see what others think of it before deciding on it for me.

Tamara Top

Dear friends of mine, say a wee little prayer that this beautiful top will make it to sale (say 35% off or so?) so I can purchase it.  Look at it, so utterly feminine and gorgeous and floral.  It is viscose, though, grr.  (But I can overlook it for the print!)

Coats/Jackets

Boucle Jacket

I have made a sweater with similar fabric and I wear it a lot, so I can attest to the awesomeness of it.  It is warm, unusual, and stands up to "life."  I have a darker version (a light tan/black) boucle I bought, as well, and I think I know my next "let's copy Boden" sewing project.  I might try and make mine with closures, though, even if it is pretty without closures.

Karlie Coat

You know what?  I am not really feeling the coats this season.  They were so much better the past few years.  This Karlie coat is lovely enough, but not great enough to entice me to spend.  And I love me a pink coat (I own a stupid number of them--three, I think).

Leather Jacket

I am willing to concede to Boden on this one.  This is definitely from their "we are trying to be hip and cool" collection, and I must admit to digging it.  What a great way to do the chic, cool, modern.  That said, the price.  OUCH.  (Although it makes sense--it is all leather and all that seaming and zipper work takes a lot of work on the sewing machines.)

Pants/Shoes/Accessories

Lace Jumpsuit

I know the lady who chooses this and wears it well will be the envy of all of her friends.  Wow.  This is the way to make an entrance.  I won't be that lady, but I am definitely jealous of her.  ;-)

Alexis High Heel Boot

So I do like these, and I would love them even more if I was 25, in NYC in 1979, and going to Studio 54.  If you have a reason to buy them and wear them, come find me and take me with you.

Embellished T-Bar Point

I almost put these in the "Hmmm..." section, but I decided they reminded me enough of something my grandma would have worn in the 50s that I decided they deserved an actual "picks" place.  I will consider them if they go down significantly in price.

Marcy Boot

This is just a good boot, in three great, classic shades.  Nice work, Boden.  :-)

Bloomsbury Bag

Like the Marcy Boot, this bag is stunning, classic, and this peach/tan shade goes with nearly everything.

Jewelled Belt

I love wearing jeweled belts.  They really do a lot for a dress or top.  Anthropologie is usually my go-to for items like this, but the above is pretty special looking.  I am a touch concerned with the gold color in the center, it may be too harsh with the lighter shades in the rest of the belt, but I will reserve judgment until I see others' thoughts.


Hmmm...

Cashmere Onesie

I would rather spend that money (it's a lot, you all) on the Cowl Neck Cashmere Poncho AND a couple of other items than buy this.  I mean, yes, it does look comfortable, but I can't get past wearing it and then having to go to the bathroom.  It would end up pooled up near the toilet.  EWWW.  And it's cashmere!  Why do that to cashmere!

You could spend less (but still not cheap) and buy this one instead.

Fun Slipper

Why would any adult woman want these?

(oh, wait I would, but don't tell anyone...)

London Bag

London bus seems smug and Black Taxi seems sad.  Plus they don't carry much.  Boo.

Oven Glove

I totally want one for us, but I use the one we own all the time, and therefore can justify this ridiculous purchase.  I am not sure whether to applaud Boden for branching into kitchen textiles or be all, "huh?"

Slipper Shoe

A good pun!  On a pair of shoes!  Why the H E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS not?

Okay so those are my choices!  What are your thoughts on this Winter Preview?