Boden: Preview Site 20% Off Ends Tonight!

Hi, all!  Just a really quick reminder than Boden's autumn 2012 preview site will be ending its 20% off (with free ship and returns) tonight at 11:59 Pacific Time.  (So east coast folks, you can supposedly shop for an extra 3 hours into Tuesday.  Party!)

You can still look* at the fall clothes after tonight, *but* you will NOT be able to receive the extra percentage off.  (That said, I have seen the sale get extended in the past, but it is definitely not a guarantee.) 

I did two separate overviews of the items in the Fall Preview, but based on the sheer number of items for sale, I definitely did not get anywhere close to covering them all.  If you have specific questions about items, please e-mail me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com or comment below this post.  I am at home all day (yay for staying home completely--was away running around town the past three days), so I should be able to get you an answer in a timely manner.

Here is the part one post.

Here is the part two post.

I will be back a bit later today with a more substantive post.  Talk soon!

*and order, if you so want to...

Boden Autumn 2012 Preview Picks: Part Two. Photo Explosion! Ka-Boom!

Ooh, I guess I should get these up.

First, you all need a Friday afternoon break, come on, I know you do...

and

second, with the 20% off all preview items (plus free ship and returns) set to expire on Monday night (6/25/12), I best get up my second set of choices for the preview.  Part one is here, if you missed it the first time around.

I entitled this post "Photo Explosion! Ka-Boom!" because I have. so. many. picks from the fall preview I am sure that blogger will take away my free account and make me pay for all the photos I have uploaded.  :)

Okay, enough jibber-jabber from me.  Onto the pretty!

Glamour Tweed Dress.  Oh, dying slowly here.  Love this dress so much.  However, it is really expensive, even with the 20% off, so I need to leave it for purchase in the fall after I have saved up for it.  I also need to read reviews because sometimes Boden's dresses are too tight in the hips for me and too large in the bust.  If that is the case with this one, it won't be worth it because I don't have the sewing skills to take it in myself and I cannot justify paying a tailor to do it for me.

Glamour Tweed Dress.  Dying slowly times two.  So very pretty and mod.  Gah!

Glamour Tweed Skirt.  This is what I will be getting in the pre-sale, as I am confident that it will fit me and suit me, and because it is just the skirt, is much less expensive than buying the dress.  (And it has pockets.  Pockets!)

Marylebone Coat.  I am drawn to this coat, not for me (I have enough coats!), but for others.  This appears like it would be universally flattering with its nipped in waist and perfectly placed buttons.

Printed A-Line Skirt.  Dots are a girl's best friend, it seems, with many designers using this pattern in multiple items over the past few years.  I am digging this grey skirt with cream dots, very versatile, yet still fun.

Retro Top.  I like the idea of this top.  Similar to the Audrey Dress, but easier to wear, especially if you have vastly different measurements between your top half and your bottom half.  I am on the fence about this one, though, definitely would want to read reviews and see how others are styling it!

Nancy Dress.  Don't like the catalog shot, but I adore this print and silhouette.  The price makes me think this is another one from the Limited Edition line.  :)

Notch Neck Shift.  Boden keeps sucking me in with this style dress.  Between the adorable print, the belt, AND the short sleeves (the summer version has no sleeves), I am a goner.

Notch Neck Shift. Yeah, I am gonna pre-order this pretty.  It is exactly the right dress for my lifestyle, comfy, interesting, and conservative enough for all the events I go to at church/son's school.

Lace Top.  These tops sell out fast over at Boden every season.  I guess us women like a practical yet unique style of white or cream top to go with our pencil skirts and jeans.  At $80 (give or take) with the discount, it is a fairly expensive version to have in your wardrobe but it should have lasting power in your closet.  (And I guess that is my way of justifying it at that price.  Huhmph.) 

Leather Loafers.  These are probably only on my list, so I totally get it if this is not one of your picks, lol.  My Cole Haan loafers are nearing the end of their usable life span and since I wear them a lot, I need a good looking, neutral, well-made loafer to fill in those (literal) shoes when they go to the great big shoe heaven in the sky.  I think these are them.  I wish I could use this pre-sale money towards something else, like a pretty dress or top, but I am a mom and I do wear my shoes into the ground, so I will be fantastically practical with this purchase.  ;)

Patent Pointed Flats.  Yes, these look exactly like the ones J. Crew has made over the years.  However, these are all leather and less expensive.  Sadly, they don't come in any fab bright colors (J. Crew really does well there), but the dark pink option (open the link to see it) is pretty beautiful.  These neutral mid-brown ones above will likely go the distance and work with a multitude of outfits.

Lucy Shirt.  Yet another shirt that is likely to sell out.  I kind of adore this outfit...and again, I want this girl's hair, makeup, and body, please.  ;)

Lucy Shirt.  I like the dusty rose color...very soothing shade. 

Placket Cord Dress.  If this one makes it to clearance in December, I will get it.  I definitely think the print is whimsical, but as you all know by now, I have plenty of whimsy in my closet.  I don't need to buy whimsy at full (or near full) price ever again.  ;)

Polly Jumper.  I recall Milly making a similar style sweater a few years back, but because it was Milly, it was insanely expensive.  This one is much more reasonably priced, so you can get your trompe l'oeil on without breaking the bank.  I do want to note that the model is showing her belly in the photo, so I think you may want to check the measurements if you are long torsoed.

Riviera Shirt Dress.  Like the notch neck shift above, Boden is sucking me right in (again) with this gorgeous frock.  LOVE! 

I want to recreate this whole image myself.  (Even down to her really red lips.  We'll see!)

Riviera Shirt Dress.  This would be the one I would get, I like the way the large blue and white graphic version I own looks, so this could be a fall version for me to enjoy!

Riviera Shirt Dress.  If you are a fan of the heart throb look that J. Crew had this last winter, but missed out on it, or it didn't work for you for some reason, you may want to try this color...it is very similar to my eye, at least.

Sixties Heels.  Okay, I saved the best for last, the one most likely to kill all of you with the pretty. 

It also comes in black and a mid-brown color. 

I will likely get black (I have a pair of Target red heels that are fine for the few occasions I wear red heels), but I have a feeling it is the flame version will be the one that is gone fastest.

Boden Catalog cover circa 1994.  Yeeps.  She has some shoulders, doesn't she?  (Thanks to Boden's FB page for this image!)

And in ending...Boden certainly has come a long LONG way.  ;)

So, that's it.  Any other last minute picks from any of you all??? 

Boden: 40% Off 40!

 Yay for early sales!

Boden decided to roll out some great savings on 40 selected women's items this morning...all of which are 40% off.  Many of these items have been popular, so I was surprised by which ones they picked (I was sure that they would only give those big savings to items that had been proving to be less than stellar sellers).

BTW, often when the clearance sale starts, most items are at the 40% off rate, so I think what they are doing here is giving us a sneak peek of what is to come in a week and a half.  ;)

This sale runs until next Friday, June 29, 2012.
Hurry while supplies last, get select women’s dresses, swimsuits, skirts, shirts and more at 40% off at Bodenusa.com! Shop Now!

Here are my picks from this 40% Off 40 sale:

Straightleg Capris.  Let's start with the practical!  I would definitely pick these up if they had them in my size (looks like a 10 Long if I go by the measurements, I don't know that I could get into the 8 Long) in black.  Maybe it will pop back.  The price is decent for a pair of high quality, well-made pair of pants that can be useful for many years.


Summer Shirt Dress.  I have this dress from last year.  I think if this sort of style is your thing, the 40% off can make the price a winner.  (BTW, nursing mommas, the placket is long enough that you can nurse in this dress.)


Notch Neck Shift.  I own the pink/ivory large floral version and reviewed it here.  This frock seems to be a popular style as they have now had it for a few seasons (including next fall in a short-sleeved version).


Everyday Summer Dress.  I own and love the lime green/yellow version.  Very pretty dress at a pretty good price. 


Flirty Silk Dress.  This is the only Limited Edition piece to make it into the sale.  I have a crush on the printed version as it is such a delicate, feminine print.  I doubt I will buy this one, but I can see the sale price is very good for what you get.


Leather Biker.  I have a leather coat from Ann Taylor that I still have, wear, and love.  I figure once you have a leather jacket that works for you, you can hold onto it for years.  I have heard mixed reviews of this particular jacket, but if this particular silhouette works with your body shape, this may just be the right leather topper for you.


Okay, that's it for my picks.  Do you have any picks from this sale?

Also, in order to receive free ship and returns on this sale, you must use a coupon or code that will give you free ship.  The one running in my sidebar and below will work to get you the free ship and returns (you cannot get an additional 15% off though, sigh).  The 15% off will work on any items that are not already reduced, though (at this point only a few items on the site are at "regular" price).

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Dotting Around.

Hi, all! Ooh, we are one week away (almost--more like a week and a half) from the end of season clearance sale at Boden. :)

We are also less than five days away from the end of the 20% off all fall preview orders at the Boden Preview site, so definitely make sure you place your must have orders before midnight on June 25 (I think quite a few of the Autumn items will sell out rather quickly, I am saving all my pennies for the pre-order!).

I should also have a moment later today (I really hope I do anyhow, but I don't determine my own time anymore, sigh) to get up my part two of the Boden Autumn 2012 Preview picks.  If you need something to tide you over 'till then, check out part one.  ;)

Okay, today there are more lovely frocks to see, and a little mini Boden courtesy of CW.

Regular Boden:

Regatta Dress.  I wore this out with CW for our latest "girls night out."  She was thrilled that I brought her to La Madeleine and got her some bread with "French" butter (there is a funny story behind why all butter is "French" butter, but I will save that for later).  We also went to Toys R Us and got her a Lollaloopsy, so she was basically in heaven.

I bought the dress in the 6 regular because I knew that the skirt would be full enough to accommodate my larger hips and thighs.  The bodice would probably be small enough, I suspected, but sometimes even dresses in a size 6 have a looser bustline than I would prefer.

I am carrying a Hobo International bag, btw, and wearing the Essential Wedges. I did a review of the wedges here.

I felt so good in this dress.  I have really been thinking about chucking every single pair of shorts I own and just wearing dresses and skirts during the summer, but I do actually have some need for shorts.  (I wear shorts and tanks around the house and whenever I am doing anything super active during the summer.  So I can't really get rid of all of them, but I could definitely cull the ones that no longer fit well.)

Outside of an itty bitty portion of my shoulders, the whole dress fit exactly to my body's proportions.  I almost felt like Boden used me as their fit model for this dress, it fit that well.

I know many of you don't like cap sleeves, so be aware that these are definitely the sort of sleeves that will show off your upper arms.  Having said that, they are roomy cap sleeves, so it won't be constricting in any way.

The v-neck is a beautiful neckline shape and it extends to the back...

which you see in this photo.

There is a side zip which is slightly annoying (I far prefer back zips) and the pattern doesn't match up perfectly on the back seams, but these are all tiny niggles that don't amount to much in the way of annoyance.

Here is why CW was thrilled with my choice of attire.  She matched me.  ;)

Do you remember when she wore this top as a dress?  I miss her as a baby!



Regatta Dress and Essential Wedges.  The dress is definitely selling out in all sizes in both dotted shades.  Do not wait for clearance for this one.  The wedges are only selling out in the larger sizes (which is what I am).


Spring Trench.  I wore this out on a date with my husband around a month ago.  Definitely too heavy to wear now in the dead of summer (gonna be 100 today!), but nice to have in the transitional seasons.


Floaty Jersey Dress. On day 8 of her cruise, Egypotomaniac wore this lovely, printed frock.  The sites of Istanbul were no match for her beauty and pretty outfit. :)


Capri Dress.  On day 6 of her cruise, Egyptomaniac wore this graphic, jersey dress.  The Island of Rhodes was her destination, and her print nearly matched the amazing mosaic tiles. 


Casual Jersey Dress. On day 5 of her cruise, Egyptomaniac wore this slub-jersey fabric beauty.  Next time she goes to Crete, she needs to take me in her suitcase.  I promise to wear my own Boden beauty.  :)


Fab Jersey Tunic.  Poppy's Style wore this tunic (gorgeous legs on display, of course!) with a brightly hued J. Crew cardi and a pair of Tory Burch ballet flats. 

mini Boden:

Towelling Shorts.  I bought these for CW a while back but have only recently put her in them.  Blegh.  And of course she loves them, so I feel bad that it took me so long to remember to put her in them.

She is wearing a size 5 here, which is big, but it does come with a drawstring if you are like me and always size up for the kid's clothing.

The fabric is heavy and thick, like a nice hotel towel.  I like that bit.  All she cares about are the precious pears all over. ;)


Towelling Shorts.  They are 25% off right now and may sell out the first day of the sale (the mini stuff sells out FAST!). 

Boden Maternity:

Jersey Tea Dress.  I saw a lady in DC wearing it yesterday, and of course, my first thought was, "is that Boden?"  LOL.  Of course it was.  Anyhow, she looked to be about 7 months along and based on how hot it was yesterday, she didn't appear too wilted and the dress was in fabulous shape, so I would say this is the direction to go if you are both pregnant and working outside of the home during the brutal summer months.  (If you work from home, wear a tank top and boxer shorts.  Trust me.)

Okay, that's it.  If I forgot your review, would you mind either commenting here or e-mailing me at dinagideon AT aim DOT com?  Thanks much!

BTW, if you want to receive 15% off any items you have seen here (if they are not already reduced to more than that, like the towelling shorts) or you want to ensure you get free ship and returns (if you do want to only get things that are already reduced), click on the link below or use the one in the sidebar.  :)