J. Crew: Double Cloth Slim Trench Review.

Hey, all.  I have had this trench for a week or so now, but due to my schedule, I am just finally able to publish my review (which will be brief)!

Double Cloth Slim Trench.  Size 6. 

I used to wear a size 8 in all double cloth coats, but as I have lost baby weight throughout the years AND J. Crew has been dipping into the vanity sizing pool, I have gone down to a size 6.  So I would say this is a true to size coat.

The double cloth fabric is one of my favorite fabric types for coats as it is the most versatile for us here in the mid-Atlantic/northern South where our temps get chilly, but never C-O-L-D for days and weeks and months on end. 

The outfit below the double cloth trench is one that I will be discussing tomorrow in the Boden Weekly Review Roundup (which is shaping up to be a big one, btw),  For now, though, the sweater and skirt are Boden, the necklace is the double strand giraffe necklace from J. Crew, and the heels are from Target.

All belted up.  Yes, it's true, you cannot undo the belt and tie it in the back, like I like to do with my normal trench coats.  However, you could do up the belt in reverse in the back (I tried it and it wasn't perfect, but will do in a pinch) OR you could just take the belt out completely, it doesn't look awful like that, fwiw.

I buttoned up the middle button and belted it over that button, so the details of my sweater and necklace could be seen.  I would probably wear it like this the most.

All buttoned up.  The hips were fine, and since I carry my weight there, had that been an issue, I may have needed to do a return.

(I am really glad I didn't have to because I LUUURRRVVE this color so very much.)

From the back.  It is a shorter coat, but the skirt I am wearing is also extra-long.  I would not wear this coat with any dress or skirt that is shorter than this, though, as the proportions would look off.  With jeans or trousers this coat is going to look amazing.

Detail shot of the fabric, button, and belt.  I like that they used a lighter leather color with this shade of pink, looks luxe and just right.

Okay, that's it.  :)

Other reviews of this coat include AJC and Cate O.

Boden: Mid-Season Sale is Here!

The moving sun and leaf is kind of groovy...

Well.  One sale ends and another begins.  :)

As in the past years, Boden has rolled out a mid-season sale, well, literally, at mid-season.  (This, of course, means that we are halfway to clearance time, for those of you counting, lol.)

So the deal is that some items are 40% off (with one or two even being discounted a full 50% off).  Many items are 20%-30% off, as well.  And then there are the items that are not discounted at all (unless you use the sidebar coupon for 15% off).

Most of the time, the 40% off items are the items that are not selling well, for whatever reason.  Sometimes the items don't sell well because they are not seasonally appropriate, like is the case with many of the thicker jackets, a lot of the areas that Boden serves are just *barely* into fall, and in the case of the southern US, at least, the cooler temperatures that warrant thick jackets are still at least a month away.  Even if the item is seasonally appropriate, the item may just be not practical enough to justify buying it early and near full price.

In other cases, the item's patterns or colors throw people off, and while wonderfully designed and executed, the folks looking to buy it are not willing to chance it on themselves at full price.

So enter this type of sale which just is begging for those folks who are tempted by something, but not enough to buy at full or near full price, to give something a chance at near clearance price.  (If it were clearance time, these items would likely be around 50-60% off, but real clearance time is December, and if you are like me, you want to wear them before that point.)

I was intrigued by a few pieces, but even at 25%, my budget couldn't stretch enough to get them.  BUT--with the 40% off--I did grab two items that I had on my wishlist for a long time. 

Funnel Neck Jacket.  Was $148, now $88.80. The short jacket shape combined with the stand-up collar has my name written all over it.  Clearly I am the only person who believes that, as this particular jacket has been languishing at full price (or near full price).  I have no idea if it will even sell well at 40% off, but since I know I can likely wear it here right now, at least in the mornings and evenings when the temps dip to near 50, it is worth it to me at 40% off.  :) 

Only the turmeric and grey colors are 40% off, the black is 30% off.

Boho Dress.  Was $148, now $88.80.  This dress has been selling REALLY well in the solid and star colorways, but not so much in this adorable deco vine pattern.  Since I only wanted the deco vine pattern, I will take it at 40% off, thank you so much.  ;) 

The reviews of this dress say it runs nearly two sizes big, so I ordered it in a 4 long.  Just wanted to remind you all to look at the garment measurements before purchasing. 

Also, only this color and the red deco vine are 40% off.

Alrighty, that's it for this morning.  I anticipate being able to at least get my closet "for sale" items re-listed at the JCA blog later today.  If there is extra time, I would really love to be able to do an ootd post, too. 

Do any of you see any 40% off items that are worth buying at the new sale price?

For those of you on a mobile device, here is a direct link to the sale (which ends on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30, btw):


To make sure you get free ship and returns on your 40% off items, use this coupon. Even though you will not receive an additional 15% off, the coupon will give free ship and returns on all the items in your order. :)

OOTDs: Dot. Dot. Dot.

Happy Saturday, everyone!

We are getting geared up for the most fantastical, over the top, princessy, bday party ever this afternoon.  Four-year old girls are so lucky, eh?  :)  CW turned four on Tuesday, and we have been preparing for this soiree for over two weeks now.  The anticipation is nearly doing her in, btw.  LOL.

Okay, since I have a brief moment, I thought I would do an easy post, one that is tied together by the polka-dotted pattern in the garments worn. 

This Boden dress is so OLD!  I have had it since 2006, maybe?  It may have been 2007, right after Rex was born, but I do know it has the old tags that only have the British sizing (this is a UK 12L, or US 8L).

The last time I wore it for you all, it was styled very differently.  I far prefer this styling, more modern and sleek.  I guess my style has definitely grown since the beginnings of this her blog, huh?

I wore this to church and then out to lunch with the family.  Very comfortable and kept me cool (it was hot out).

This was worn a night that just my bro and I got to hang out.  We were headed to our favorite Wednesday "let's get over the hump of the week" event, Winesday at Whole Foods.  Since I didn't have Angus with me, I didn't have to wear a nursing-friendly dress, and this frock seemed to be calling out to me to wear it at least once more before summer ends.  (I last wore it here.)

There is a whole lot of orange, but I liked the combo of the Regatta Dress and the Marci sandals.

The necklace has two photos of Rex as a little baby, and upon examining them, there seems to be a LOT of resemblance between Angus and him.  :)

Dot. Dot. Dot. by dinagideon featuring locket jewelry

Polyvore of this outfit is above. 

After wearing this outfit to Rex's meet the teacher night, I decided AG Stevies were pretty darn awesome. 

The next day, I went to the Anthro website and saw that they had the blue dotted version on sale, in my size (last one!), so I grabbed it and didn't look back.  And like I thought, I love them just as much as I love the peach ones from the meet the teacher night.  Very soft, very comfortable, and surprisingly easier to style than I expected them to be. 

In the end, this outfit is a bit 80s flashy, but I enjoyed wearing it, and was more than appropriate for the errands/kid pick up I did that day.

Like my hair?  I think I was channeling my inner Patrick Nagel here.  Doesn't it remind you of his muse?  LOL.  ;)

Okay, that's all.  Have a fabulous Saturday. 

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Hitting the Knee.

So, I entitled this post "hitting the knee," because I am so flipping tired of seeing adorable print after adorable print pass me by at J. Crew.  Yeah, yeah, I know this is a Boden post, but hear me out.  I am a sucker for a great print, and although (CLEARLY) I don't need anymore dresses in my closet, I have accepted the fact that my closet is my "collection," and while I will sell coat/cardigan/jacket/pants/shirt to make room for other items, I will take a long while to cull my closet of dresses, as I do love them so.  So when I saw the Jules dress in Italian Paisley peeking out from under this coat, I gasped.  And then reality struck when it actually debuted.  Instead of hitting the knee like *I thought* it did on the model in the coat, it is far shorter on its own product page.  Sigh.  Since I am only an inch or two shorter than the models J. Crew uses, coupled with the fact that most of my height is in my legs, I knew that this dress would be a tunic on me.  Now while I can be okay with that when Target issues their tunics (excuse me, they call them dresses, too) because they aren't really all that expensive, when J. Crew does it at a price tag of $228, AND they don't have a tall option (even for more money, it would still be better), I get frustrated and walk away.

As do others.  Slastena just did a post on the dress this morning, and while I think she looks insanely beautiful in it, I do see how it could be far too short for most women, not just those of us who are 5'8"!  (Audreybella does look great in it, and on her, it is at a dress length!!!  So it does work for some women really well...)

Anyhow, back to Boden.  I want (no need) to show that the sartorial world is not exclusively beautiful prints on inappropriately short skirts and dresses.  (Okay, I know J. Crew has appropriate clothing, it's the fact that the most lust-worthy prints and patterns are unavailable to us that want more conservative cuts.)  This week I have two reviews of very work/church/life appropriate dresses that require absolutely no extra work on your part to make them doable.  No leggings, no need for tights, no need to bend at the knees so as to avoid flashing people, etc.  ;)

Also this week, Boden has extended their 25% off sale and have added many new styles.  I anticipate being able to do a picks post soon, but not today, and likely not tomorrow.  There are some really nice pieces they have added, so it is worth it to take a look and see if any of your wish list items are in the sale.  25% off is not a huge discount, but for this early in the season, and with the possibility that many of these may sell out before clearance time, this may be as good as it gets.

In addition, Boden released some photos of the new Limited Edition line.  I am fairly certain they said they were incorporating the pieces throughout the collection this fall and not using the Limited Edition name, but maybe they realized they DO want there to be some separation and have backpedaled.  Whatever.  As long as they are beautiful, made well, and are special and unique, I am sure I will salivate over them, regardless what they are called or not called.  ;)

Boden for Women:

Notch Neck Shift.  If you were on my facebook page earlier this week, you saw this photo.  As promised, I am doing a lot of preview photos over there, so if you like getting the "news" as it happens (lol), then definitely visit it daily, as I find it is very low-maintenance to upkeep.  :)

Size 8 Regular, which is my normal size in these notch neck shift dresses.  This is my first one with sleeves and a belt, and I must say, I think I actually prefer it this way.  I also love the all-over print, as opposed to the print being chopped up by a contrast color neckline and empire waistband (look at this review to see what I mean).

This dress was really popular last year, as it had a polka-dot pattern, and we all know how much ladies like their polka-dots.  :)  The botanical print is gorgeous and something that I don't have in my closet, so I actually prefer it to the polka-dots, which I definitely have in superfluity.

This color is on a really really long backorder.  I suspect it has to do with the great neutral coloring and the fact that the model is wearing it in the catalog.  Most of the time if the model is wearing it in the catalog, then that color is the one that sells fastest.

The other colors are lovely, though, so it may even be possible that the non-backordered shades work better for you.

It fits me like a glove, barring a bit of bagginess through the shoulders and bust.  The waist is able to be cinched, thanks to the belt.

Also, since this is the regular, you can see how very long it is, and how very long the LONG version would be.  Definitely keep this pretty frock in mind if you want to have something unique in your closet AND you are tall and need/want something that covers your knees.


Notch Neck Shift.  This color is only 15% off (with my sidebar coupon) but some of the colors are included in the 25% off sale. 


Finsbury Wool Dress.  I totally forget to mention it in my review/ootd post (HERE), but I am wearing a size 6.  This dress has no long version, but as you can see, it is more than long enough on me, which means 90% of you will definitely find it "hitting the knee."  ;)

Not on sale, (unless you add the 15% off sidebar coupon).  Not sure when/if this dress will go on super-sale or clearance.  Only time will tell.  Definitely do not expect it to be one of Boden's "let's slash this by 60%," but it could be reduced by 30-40% by the time clearance comes our way. 

I was fine to buy it at 20% off, and think its longevity in my closet makes the higher price easier to deal with...


Westminster Silk Scarf.  I won a publisher award from Boden, and with the $50 gift card I was given (woohoo!), I bought this pretty and then paired it with the Finsbury dress.  :)


Casual Zig Zag Tunic.  Shopwithm styled this tunic (she bought the denim version) really nicely.  I especially like the way she paired them with equestrian boots in one of the outfits.  Very Mommy chic!


Stripy Jumper.  Shopwithm models two colors in this adorable sweater/tunic hybrid. 


Chic Embellished Cardigan.  Shopwithm gets it!  Sometimes we just need a completer piece that makes our lives super-easy.  :)  I had the cashmere cardi coat last year, this is a similar style topper, but with pretty embellishments at the closures.

Boden Limited Edition Sneak Peek:

Contour Colourblock Dress.  I like this, but I am not a huge fan of color-blocking, so I will likely admire this on others.  I do love the styling, especially the hair/makeup, lack of accessories, and the adorable sixties heels.

Jacquard Crops and Peplum Top.  I love both of these, but would unlikely be able to wear the crops (the jacquard fabric is so unforgiving for pear shapes), but I might try the top!!! :)

Metallic Lace Top.  I actually own a metallic lace top like this, THAT I LOVE, but it is SO big on me now.  Time to do an exchange.  :)  Thank you, Boden.  (Of course, that is only if I can afford this one...it looks like it might be really expensive!)

This is all that Boden has previewed.  Do you like the items in this preview?  Can you see yourself in them?

Okay, that's it.  :)

Below I have given you two links, one for the 15% off coupon for those of you who may be interested in something not in the 25% off sale, and the other a direct link to the 25% off sale. 


Boden is discounting loads more styles! Find this seasons latest fashion trends up to 25% off now, until Sunday, September 23rd! Shop now at BodenUSA.com!

Have a wonderful night!

P.S. If you have e-mailed or commented here over the past few days, I apologize for my lack of communication.  I am trying to keep all my ends tied up perfectly, but my ties are getting a bit frayed.  :-P  I think it will all get better as I get used to the new school year, but right now I am *just* keeping my head above water, so to speak.  I will be able to grab a few moments in the next few days, so I look forward to being able to properly communicate with everyone who has reached out to me!  :-)

Boden: Fifties, Finsbury, and Westminster.

So this is a review/outfit of the day post.  I received the Finsbury dress about two weeks ago and fell in love with it so hard that I eagerly anticipated a night where it was cool enough for me to wear it out and about.  (Also an evening that required such a beautiful dressed-up dress.) 

The weather on Saturday night last was utter perfection, low 70s, low humidity, with just a touch of wind, AND we had church and sushi on the offer, so I knew this was exactly the right evening for the debut of this stunner.

The info on the individual pieces is in the photo, but I will definitely link to the scarf and dress in this post.

This was the outfit as it came together.  The dress without the belt, scarf, clutch, and heels looks fine, but a teeny bit boring.  Having said that, I think this is an ideal dress for a myriad of occasions...because of the plainness of the frock, not in spite of it.

Looking at these photos, I realize the George Nelson bubble lamp really fits the fifties feel of this outfit.  I love that I could have been wearing this dress as is, accessories and all, at the same time as this house was built.

Without the clutch, from the front.  As a pear shape, I love dresses like this, with a fitted bodice and very full skirt.  If I had a choice, I might have reined in the flare a tiny bit on the skirt, but as someone who has to wear spanx with at least 50% of my dresses, it feels good not to have to worry about it.

The dress is exceedingly well crafted, not a thread or stitch out of place and fully lined throughout (excepting the lower sleeve).

The zipper is on the side, if I were to talk with Johnnie myself, I would BEG him to use back zips as side zips can be a struggle to get on or off.  I think if you have a larger chest or shoulders, that side zip will be what prevents you from buying the right size of this dress (you would have to size up to get it to fit over your head and shoulders).  I know that it will be difficult to get on and off.  If me, miss "when will I get some girls" has problems with it, those of you blessed up top will be struggling for sure.

I also read that the cap sleeves felt tight on some women, so another consideration if you carry your weight in your upper torso.

The dress fits very nicely through my shoulders and upper back, but you can see where it is a touch too big in the waist.  No biggie, it doesn't look horrible, in fact, I can't even imagine anyone noticed who was around me.

I wanted to wear a slimmer belt, btw, as a larger belt would have probably been too much of a statement.  I am not saying "no" to that in the future, but it would have looked silly with the rest of the outfit as I had styled it.

The makeup that night is the way I wish my makeup would look every time I wear makeup.

Speaking of my makeup, for those of you that are curious, my Arbonne site is no longer working.  I decided the amount I needed to spend keeping it running wasn't worth it, so I have decided to go back to taking Arbonne orders through my e-mail.  If you are interested in rejoining my e-mail list for monthly specials, you can do so at dinagideon AT aim DOT com.

So do you like the Westminster silk scarf?  Isn't it purdy?  :) 

I didn't even have to pay for it (technically).  I will explain more about that later.  ;)

Close-up of the scarf.  It is all silk, and a twill fabric.  The print is very special, scenes from Westminster itself, with the buildings and the guards in their red regalia.

The fabric of the dress is a wool, with a touch of stretch.  For those of you who buy J. Crew, it is a similar feel to the Super 120s.

The color is off from the one on-line.  Instead of being a bit buttery, I would call this a green/gold.  Of course I love this particular shade of light olive, so no complaints from me.  If this is not your bag (baby), there is a charcoal and black version as well.

I really hope that they keep this style, and bring out new colors each season.  I am telling you, they make it in a mid-orange color, and I will be first in line.  :)

Posing on the sidewalk in Arlington after mass.  The dress still looks fresh and barely wrinkled.

This is such a great photo of Angus.  I cannot believe he is almost six months old!  Crazy!  He is so big, too, wearing the 9 month clothing.

So remember this post from last year, where I showed off a long cashmere cardi coat I was able to buy because I won a gift card award for being the "Boden Publisher of the Month?"  Well, it happened again!!!  I was surprised, but super happy, to find out that I won it again!  :)

This time, the $50 gift card completely covered the cost of the scarf.  And because the scarf is a British based print, I call it fate that I won the award at the same time I had been interested in purchasing this scarf.


Finsbury Wool Dress.  Lovely on its own, but you can see how there is a lot of potential for accessorizing here.


Westminster Silk Scarf.  Vanessa!!! We love you.  :)  Her makeup looks really good with the outfit. 

Okay, all, that's it!  Have any of you tried either item and have some thoughts about either of them?

Have a great night!

P.S.  Don't forget, tonight is the last night of the 25% off September Favourites sale over at Boden.