Boden: 30% Off Select Spring Styles. My Picks!

Hi, everyone. I hope everyone's Monday has been fabulous!

Did anyone get a chance to look at the selected spring styles in the Boden extra 30% off sale this weekend? Well, if not, I took a look around today and picked out a couple of items that have either been reviewed OR that I know are tried and true good choices.  (I figure it is a good idea to get a good price early on something that is popular--you can wait for items that aren't as popular to go on sale during clearance time in late June/early July.)

Ibiza Tunic.  Only two colors on sale, including this gorgeous robin's egg blue shade.  There was a review done by Poppy's Style, whose link you can find in this roundup.

Notch Neck Shift.  I actually own this cream/pink version, and have two other versions from last year.  This dress is only just now fitting me, so I have not had an opportunity to do an IRL review, but it fits exactly as it did last year.  You can find a review of this dress here in a roundup from last year.

Woven Trim Jersey Dress.  This dress looked plain on the model, but Egyptomaniac made it shine.  Her review link can be found at this review roundup.

Rainyday Mac.  This is an insanely popular coat, and usually sells out.  I anticipate the reason this particular one is on sale is because the print may be a bit too much for some folks.  I personally love it and have a feeling some of you out there would like this one, too.  :)  (Don't have an IRL review for you to look at, but its popularity is what made me put it in this picks post.)

Spring Trench.  This one has sold out (nearly) in the solid colors, but the navy bubbles is still kicking around in quite a few sizes.  I reviewed it here.  I definitely recommend it, and it turns out the yellow version I own was a Star Magazine "star" in its own right (I will explain what that means in another post soon).

Textured Cotton Skirt.  The mod floral version that I reviewed is not in the sale, but if this blue flowerburst version seems to be your thing, there are some of these available.  Definitely check out my review, there are some fit issues.

Tipped Blazer.  This one flew so far under my radar, I had no idea is was even an option.  However, thanks to Yogagirl, I discovered it when she put together a fab ootd post featuring it.  The review link can be found in the most recent Boden review roundup.

Below you can find a direct link to the sale.
Limited Time Only! Find 30% OFF Select Boden’s Spring Products! Choose from sweaters, tops, pants, shoes & dresses. Valid May 4th-18th. Hurry while supplies last!

If you are hankering for free shipping and returns, or you spy something not in the sale that you would like to have at an extra percentage off of, click on the link below.  All customers can receive the 15% off with free ship and returns, but as a bonus for new customers, there is a beach bag on offer!  (Reminder...any item in the 30% sale will not receive any additional percentage off.  Le sigh!)
New Customers receive 15% off and a free printed beach bag. Plus free shipping and returns!

Okay, that's it!  Do you have any other picks from this sale?

The Blue Cardigan Times Two.

Happy end of the weekend, you all!

Right before Angus was born, I was able to go to the Fair Oaks J. Crew and spend some alone time just enjoying shopping with no kids around (well, sort of, lol, Gus *was* there).  I had seen the space dyed cardigan on line in the gorgeous blue/purple hue and although I wasn't sure it was me, it was always in the back of my head to look for it when out and about.  Well, I lucked out because it was at the Fair Oaks store, in my size, and on sale.  Yes, it was my "I am about to have a kid" present to myself.  And since he's a boy, the blue was perfect.  ;)

I wore it a few times postpartum around the house but the above outfit was its first official outing, to CW's dance class (if my memory serves me, it's been a few weeks since I wore it).

All the info on the pieces of the outfit are in the photo.  My favorite part of this outfit is my hair and the bag, which is a freebie from Clinique (Milly/Clinique often partner to create these giveaway bags and I like to use them as clutches).

The top has a ditzy floral pattern, the cardigan has the slight stripe to it, and the bag is a larger floral, but since the color scheme is similar the patterns ended up "going" together.

Later that night, we went to Potomac Mills as a family, and because (you all are gonna love this) my belly started to hurt, I switched from my tighter fitting cords to a much nicer looser fitting pair of loft pants in a cotton sateen.  God bless the roomier fit of Loft pants!

I wore the crewcuts top because Girlfriend (nickname for CW) said she wanted to match momma.  Since I know she won't be up for this much longer, I will just go with it for now. 

I made this face as Angus was staring at me (I was doing peekaboo or some such), and of course Mr. Dina was snapping the photo at the same moment.  Whatever.  It just shows that I can do other faces besides *smile* *half-smile* and *look pensive*. 

The sandals are a new Madewell purchase, the Crisscross Boardwalk Sandal.  I took a size 9 (they only have half sizes).  I really like the look and found them to be very comfortable for walking.  The ankle strap is a bit of a bugger, but only because I am not of fan of bending over and fiddling with buckles and such.  But the sandals are worth the extra effort.

BTW, CW's jacket is vintage Levi's from the 70s, this one was owned by Mr. Dina's sister.  Rex owns the one that Mr. Dina wore.

Okay that's it.  :)  I anticipate working on the Boden sale post soon (the extra 30% off select spring styles that I mentioned in the last post) and some other ootd posts.  One day I will eventually be back to normal posting!  One. day.

Have a great night!

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Some Dressy, Some Casual.

Good Friday afternoon, everyone!

I heard from Suzy (bichonluvr)** Molly (of the awesome blog My Closet Travels) that Boden is having a 30% off (select) Spring Styles today (and for a little while).  I had received an e-mail alerting me to the sale, but I just glossed over it this morning (Rex's kindergarten orientation ran really late--???--and I was a bit sluggish to say the least this AM).  I will go over some of the best picks at the very end of this post (tomorrow, grr!), but will likely do a bigger overview this weekend.  I was able to at least add direct links to the sale, so that is at the very bottom for you for now.

**I apologize to both Suzy and Molly, I was a bit addled this week (clearly) and I messed up who I heard the news from.  Agh!  Must get more sleep.  ;)

At a recent post on the Lavish Tunic, I put some info and news regarding Boden at the bottom of the post, and rather than rehash old stuff, I will just alert those of you who missed that post to go back and read it if you are curious about Boden things.

There is a whole lot in the roundup this week.  Not a ton from me, but quite a bit from all you blog friends!  (So thank you!)  There is also a new contributor this week, a stay at home "mum" from Ireland who runs the (fab) blog School Gate Style.  So definitely go check her blog out and follow if you see something you like (which I bet you will, you wouldn't be reading this blog and this post if you didn't enjoy this sort of thing).  :)

Okay, enough from me!  Onto the roundup!

Regular Boden:

Essential Wedges.  I wore these shoes with my outfit of the day yesterday.  I really wanted to find a summer version of my most favorite wedge heels, a pair of nine west gold wedges that I wear a ton every fall and winter.  I own quite a few heeled sandals (and definitely wear them), but sometimes I really want a closed toe and back on my shoe when I am dressing it up.  I saw these and promptly fell in love with the color, the height, and the more casual nature of this heel (the cork bottoms help with that).

Of course I had no idea what size to buy as per usual with Boden...I often wear a 41, but ONLY if the shoe runs narrow and long...but sometimes I wear a 40 if the shoe runs wide...but then sometimes I can wear freaking mini Boden size 39 if their shoes are running big.  If J. Crew has clothing vanity sizing, Boden has shoe vanity sizing.

But to confuse me more the reviews this time sometimes mentioned that the shoes ran really big and wide whereas others said it ran narrow and small.  AGH!

But in the end, all the size 40s were sold out, so my decision was made.  The 41 was my choice.

They fit well.  In fact the length is perfection.  The width is perfection, too, except in the very back where the heel is a bit wide (I have a narrow heel, though).  I also think the height on the back bit of the shoe could have been a squidge taller, which would prevent "heel slip."

The heel height is not too tall and after wearing them the entire day, my feet felt fine.  These are truly comfortable heels.

The color is a bit off from the online image.  I don't mind this light grey brown and happen to think it works for my wardrobe better than the creamy stone color pictured online, but it is a bit deceptive, Boden.  (As are many of their stock shots...grrr!)

So in parting, get your "tts" Boden size unless you have a wide foot.  If you have a wide foot, I would size up, but I anticipate the shoe being too long, which would likely not work for many of you.



Essential Wedges.  This seems to be popular, but you should be fine to wait it out for a better deal than my current 15% off and free ship/returns (coupon in sidebar and bottom of post) UNLESS you wear a size 40 or 41...those two sizes are selling like hotcakes.  (Go big feet GO?!?!?)


Chiffon Placket Cardigan.  This cardigan was recently reviewed (on my blog) by lolcatgirl (still love her username!).  She says of this piece of knitwear: Just wanted to share that the Chiffon Placket Cardigan is super cropped. The front length for size 6 is 19" which might be ok for wearing with a dress but I bought it to wear with jeans like it's styled on their website.  Thanks lolcatgirl!

 
Strappy Beach Dress.  Oh, this very pretty vixen, taunting all of us Boden frock fans with its just TERRIBLE sizing.  I have my own thoughts on this dress, and will share IRL photos of the one I received next week, but it turns out that my feelings are spot on with some of my other blog friends.

FWIW, I purchased the size 8 regular, but will return it for the 6 regular.  It is running large, by at least one size.

Egyptomaniac says this of the dress: I wanted to let you know that I've already gotten and sent back my Strappy Beach Dress today :( I ordered before the measurements were up, so I went with my typical US 4 Tall in that pretty blue and orange. It was a hot mess! The straps were too long, the bust was about 3 cup sizes too big (which may not be an issue for others), and placed in a wonky spot, and the rest of the dress was totally shapeless. I was so sad! I adore the print so much and  I really wanted it to work. It might have fit a little better if I had sized down to a sz.2, but it wouldn't have help the bust any.  The dress just had no shape and even husband said that it didn't look like the typical figure flattering dresses I get from Boden. I wish they would have made this print in a jersey dress!

Caroline says this, in almost complete agreement with Egyptomaniac and me: I am an early adopter of the Strappy Beach Dress (Forest Forties Floral). In the "real world," I'm a 14 - 5'8", 38DD, kind of apple-y. I bought a Boden 12R, which is my usual Boden size. It was falling off me -- literally -- so I sent it back and asked for a 10. I'm hoping it fits because the fabric is so pretty, and it seems like it has potential. I can almost imagine needing an 8, though.  I'm not reviewing it on the Boden site until I get my replacement. Hope yours fits. A few ladies are saying it's too small, but my experience was (dramatically) the opposite.

Thanks Egyptomaniac and Caroline!

Tipped Blazer.  Yogagirl did this review a while ago, and because of my inability to keep all balls juggling properly, I TOTALLY missed her wonderful outfit of the day featuring this blazer.  I hadn't even noticed this blazer until I saw this blog post!!! :)

Johnnie b:

Skinny Graphic T-Shirt.  I have owned other Johnnie b tees, but unless the tee's graphic is super wonderful, I have more than enough tees to last a lifetime (next closet cleanout...tees, 100% for sure).  I think this one is pretty unique and although the graphic does skew young, it is sophisticated enough to work for those of us over 20 (or much much more, chortle).  I went with my true Johnnie b size, medium, and it is perfect.  I also like that the length is long enough to tuck in, if that is your desire, or worn out as I did in this outfit from yesterday.

The colors are very pretty, too, a mix of light mint green, navy/black (hard to tell, really), purple, and orange/red.

So if you are a cool cat, go on, get it.  LOL.  (BTW, I had a oversized tee when I was 19 that said cool cat.  My ex-boyfriend bought it for me.  I still have it.  Don't wear it, though.  It is one of those "sentimental" things.)


Skinny Graphic T-Shirt. Many many choices for anyone needing a close fitting tee.

mini Boden (baby Boden):

Printed Applique Dress.  Sadly, (or maybe not so sadly), Angus is still a bit too wee to wear his baby Boden items (they run large in 0-3 months), but CW still can fit in their largest size, 3-4 years, so I am milking that as much as I can (those girl items are beyond adorable!).

I knew she would fall in love with this pink bird applique and floral blue background, so it was a slam dunk from my perspective.  She has since proclaimed this is "her favorite dress, ever," so I guess I knew what I was doing.

It fits pretty close to other frocks from the range, but I would say it verges on too small, not too large, so keep that in mind if you have a child ready to go to the next size range.

CW also decided that she wanted another photo, so I snapped this second one of her.


Printed Applique Dress. It also comes in this calico/elephant version.

Clearance Boden:

Canterbury Tunic.  School Gate Style shows us two separate ways of styling this lovely (and nicely priced--go clearance!) tunic.  Here is how she has styled it with a long cardi and booties, and here is how she styled it with a shrug.  (There are a few left, but only in the smaller sizes...and a few petites as well.)

Alrighty, then! 

I have run out of time to publish my picks from the 30% off sale that Boden is having on spring styles (of course I have, that would be remarkable if pootling #1, #2, and #3 didn't require my constant presence, after all, that is technically my real job, lol).  So I will leave you with the coupon that will get you the extra 15% off and free ship/returns (does not work on top of the 30%, though, boo!), and ask kindly if you all would tell me your thoughts on the newest promotion?  Any good choices that you all see??? 

Link to the sale directly:
Limited Time Only! Find 30% OFF Select Boden’s Spring Products! Choose from sweaters, tops, pants, shoes & dresses. Valid May 4th-18th. Hurry while supplies last!

Link for an extra 15% and free ship/returns (on the other non-30% off items). If you are a new customer, they will also throw in a tote bag!:
New Customers receive 15% off and a free printed beach bag. Plus free shipping and returns!

OOTD: Paisley Feather and a Cool Cat for the Preschool Run.

Hey!  I thought before I ran off to my son's kindergarten orientation (Rex, not Gus, lol), I would actually publish an outfit of the day post that I wore today.  Yes.  Today.  The sky is not littered with flying pigs, but I still expect to see an oinker next to the cerulean horizon at some point in response  to my ability to get my blog updated in real time.

(Having said that, I know it won't happen, but I am still holding out for this album cover to come alive.)

My husband (kindly) dropped the kids off at school this morning so I could catch up on many of the house things, which was awesome.  It also allowed me the ability to get dressed up with only one pootling (our nickname for all the kids, it is pootlings in multiple) to care for.  Fortunately pootling #3 gave me a full thirty minutes to get ready for the preschool run (plus errands), so I totally ran with it and came up with this J. Crew/Boden outfit of the day.

All the info on the outfit is in the photo, however, I will provide links to the individual items just below (for the items still available).

Tee: Johnnie b (Boden) Skinny Graphic T-shirt.  I am going to do a more involved review of this tee in tonight's Boden Weekly Review Roundup, so be on the lookout for that if interested.  This is a size medium, my true to size Johnnie b size.
Skirt: J. Crew No 2 Pencil Skirt in Feather Paisley.  Size 8.  LOVE this skirt.  Bit big in the waist, but all J. Crew skirts are like that on me (so I can fit the hips, I go up a waist size). The colors are wonderful, a mix of orange/red, navy, cream, a minty-grey, and brown.  Easily matched the tee.
Shoes: Boden Essential Wedges. Size 41.  I have a lot of thoughts on these shoes, so definitely check out tonight's roundup.  They were comfortable, and I felt sleek wearing them.  I highly recommend them (once you find your correct size) if you are a fan of J. Crew's Seville wedge espadrilles, but want something in leather.
Bracelets and Earrings: J. Crew.  No longer available.

Another view.  The bracelets were exactly the right coloring for the skirt and tee.  I have had those stretch bracelets forever, btw.

I am wearing a nude cami (very common, btw, big fan of the nude underthings), but it clearly peeked out in the photo.  This tee is not that see through, but I always err on the side of caution (likely stemming from my conservative nature).  Once I noticed that, I tucked it into the skirt.  Too bad I can't blame silly mistakes like that on pregnancy brain.  (I guess there is "mommy" brain.)

Paisley Feather and a Cool Cat. by dinagideon featuring vintage jewelry

Above is the polyvore with all the pieces all nicely laid out.

Okay, that's it.  Easy peasy and without a whole lot of talky-talk.  You a fan of talky-talk?  Come on back for the next post.  :)

Boden: Lavish Tunic Plus Other Updates.

Oh, man.  The backlog...the BACKLOG!

I seriously have some ungodly amount of photos of ootds to publish, plus other info, etc. to relay and I just don't know how I am going to get it all done.  Gotta love being the sole source of food for the world's largest man baby.  (See photo of Gus with my dad at the end for proof.  I will remind you that Gus is barely a month old.)

Okay, so I will just try and kill a couple of birds with one stone...namely this post.

I had the chance to go out with my husband to see the amazingly wonderful film Damsels in Distress a couple weeks ago on an afternoon (yay! matinee!).  (Thanks, dad, for taking the kids!)

Since I had been not really dressing up beyond an hour here or an hour there (yay! sweats! postpartum!), I really enjoyed getting a dress on (no! need! for! nursing! access!) and chilling with Mr. Dina to watch a movie about other women who love to dress up, too.  (And solve problems...and talk about their problems...and get depressed...and create dance craves, etc.)

Dress/Tunic: Boden Lavish Tunic, Size 10.  This is from the limited edition line.  I had worn the light blue version last fall (size 8), but when I got this one on sale in December, I decided I needed to let the light blue one go (I listed it for sale--finally--at the JCA exchange this week).  This new size fits me better (especially through the hips) and the color really works better for my skin tone.  There is a similar Limited Collection tunic available now, the Beaded Embellished Tunic.
Tights: Assets.
Shoes: Clarks Artisan.
Purse: J. Crew Collection Frankie Bag.

Yeah, as much as I like the previous color, this one is deeper hued, and seems to look better with my fair complexion.  I think someone with gorgeous olive skin could wear the light blue really well.

No purse!  And when I did have the purse, there were no diapers (!), wipes (!), or a breast pump (!!!).  :)

Aww!  My dad is in heaven, and so is Angus.  He likely just ate.  Ha.

Look at Gus's legs!  Good gracious.  Any bets on height?

Okay...onto Boden updates (non-Boden fans, you all can leave now.  Chortle.)

1) I found an article recently about Boden and its infiltration into the American market.  I was really surprised by a couple of points.  It turns out that though we (readers of this blog) think Boden is taking over America, in reality, it has BARELY MADE A DENT.  They believe that the country is becoming more receptive to Boden's quirky styling and fun prints, etc., so expect that there will continue to be more media presence (like seeing their products in the pages of Marie Claire and Glamour), and expect that products will more often come from the Pittston warehouse instead of the UK (thank goodness for shorter shipping times, an issue for many of you).

2) Speaking of Pittston, a fellow blog friend, Carrie, let me know that the Boden outlet has officially opened in Pittston (a city close to Scranton, NOT Pittsburgh like I originally thought).  They have fairly regular hours and carry quite a few prior season's clothing.  I have not yet gone, but maybe one day some of my fellow MD/DC/VA Boden friends and I can make the trek?  The address is: 73 South Main Street, Pittston PA 18640.  Has anyone gone yet?

3) Finally, my Boden affiliate sent me a wonderful coupon for those of you that like to have an extra % off with free ship and returns.

Who doesn't?  I am sure even the girls in the Damsels in Distress movie like extra money back on their fab clothing purchases.  BTW, one of the girls in the movie is a DEAD ringer for one of the Boden models.  Here is the girl from the movie (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and here is the model (says Angela in the catalog).  Yeah, I thought so!

Okay, so the coupon is for 15% off and free ship and returns.  If you are a new customer, they will even throw in a beach bag to say thanks for trying Boden for the first time.  (Hey, if any of you do get it and are not new customers, would you let me know?  I have always been curious how well they actually track that.  I have received "new" customer promos before, and clearly NOTHING about me says new customer.)

If you are on a mobile device, the link is below, but if you are on a traditional computer, you can also find the link in my sidebar.  Enjoy!
New Customers receive 15% off and a free printed beach bag. Plus free shipping and returns!

P.S. I plan to do the Boden roundup tomorrow (yeah, I know I have said that before)...if you have a review or a link to your blog and you fear I won't see it (not an unfounded fear, btw), you can e-mail me the info at dinagideon AT aim DOT com. You all have a great night!