Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Boden Weekly Review Roundup: Leap Day Extra!

Hey, all.  Happy Leap Day!  No leap day baby for this expecting momma, which is okay by me...he would have been a month early had he come today.  (Although it is kind of cool birthday, admittedly.)

Thank you for your well wishes and ideas regarding my illnesses of late.  I have gone the homeopathic route with many of my symptoms, especially the sore throat, which I have been fixing with good ole hot herbal tea.  I also have a peppermint rubbing stick thingy (hard to describe) that helps open up my nasal passages, allowing me to breathe.  It appears I may be on the upswing, although I am tempted to only leave the house with a surgical mask on (like the people you sometimes see on flights) to prevent getting any further germs (I blame you, preschool!).

Onto to tonight's Boden roundup.  :)

If you would like to see an item on me close up, click on the photo (remember, you can right click to open it on its own page)...if you would like to see the item on a blog friend or in their polyvore, please click on the link I have provided you...if you would like to go directly to Boden's page for that item, click on the stock photo, which will give you an idea of other colorways, sizing, measurements, and availability.

Right now I have a coupon for 15% off with free ship and returns, which you can either access in my sidebar or at the bottom of this post.  Remember it only works on current items, not the items in the clearance section (although you can get free ship and returns on those).

Regular Boden:
Twist Jersey Top.  This was one of my fave tops from the Spring Preview back in October.  I loved the soft look added with the jersey fabric.  When I received it in January, I immediately put it on and realized that it was stretchy and long enough to be worn even before I have Gus.  :)

This is a 6 regular, which is one size bigger overall than I would normally purchase in Boden jersey tops (and sometimes dresses).  I am glad I bought it big, though, as it is perfect through the shoulders.  So I don't recommend sizing down at all in this unless you are itty-bitty through the shoulders and bust.

I paired it with a Gap Maternity Skirt and a pair of Naturalizer booties.

Please pardon the bad lighting, sadly mother nature was full of rain and gloom today and this was the best I could do for photos.  ;)

From the side.  That is a 36 week belly, you all.  I am officially big.

Yet the top still works.  Holla!  (BTW, that will also allow me to highly recommend purchasing the petite top if your size is sold out in the regular section...once bad boy is born, I will have a fairly long top on my hands, which isn't an issue, but I looked at the length on the petite 6 and its length may be better for my shorter torso normally.  I have gone ahead and ordered the petite 6 in the pink shade, and will definitely let you all see that in real life once I am able to actually wear it properly.  Till then it is all dark grey, baby!)

So the color is dbl, which I gather is dark blue, but it is also called storm, which makes me think grey.  Huh.  In my eyes it is a very deep rich grey with darker blue undertones.  It looks different to me in real life, color wise, than it does on line. 

I do like the twist detail, keeps the top interesting, but I still view this top as more of a foundation piece that you dress up...

So to that end, I dressed it up with my J. Crew Hacking Jacket in Midnight Ocean and a J. Crew wool scarf from last year.

Close up of the top with the jacket and scarf.


Twist Jersey Top
Twist Jersey Top. Oh, my. Watch for popbacks if you need a regular size. I am sure someone will return eventually. If you can wear a petite (I go into who might be able to below the side shot of me wearing it), then you should be fine. Sadly the petites stop at a size Petite 10 (Johnnie, come on now), so bear that in mind. However, the larger regular sizes seem better stocked.

Essential Short Sleeve Tee
Essential Short Sleeve Tee. Molly, over at My Closet Travels, has given us some big news AND shared with us her latest outfit which included this pretty little striped tee. :) Yay, Molly!

Retro Bikini Top
Retro Bikini Shorts
Ruffle Trim Bikini Top
Ruffle Trim Bikini Top
Retro Top and Bikini Shorts (top two images) and Ruffle Trim Bikini Top and Shorts (bottom two images). Poppy's Style has a very thorough review of both of these delightful bathing "costumes" over at her blog. :) I am a fan, especially of the polka dotted one. They will definitely look fab at Tybee! Have fun!

Essential Long Sleeve Tee
Essential Long Sleeve Tee. Poppy's Style shows off the lovely aqua shade of this top, worn under last season's fair isle cardigan. :)

Leather Biker
Leather Biker. Sarah, a blog friend, wrote back regarding her experience with this jacket, which she had been thinking about purchasing for a while: I thought I would follow up with you since you were so helpful with my decision in ordering the Leather Jacket. I got it today and I hate to say that it's going back. Positives - tan color was exactly what I was expecting, leather was very soft, but sturdy at the same time. Negatives - it was too big. And not too big in that if I went down a size it would fit. It will never look like it does in the picture unless you take the time to button and tie the waist every time you wear it. When it's open, it's completely shapeless and unflattering. It just felt kind of matronly. Boo. The hunt for a great leather jacket continues...thank you!

Sarah, I feel for you, but I know you will find that great leather jacket!!! :)

Summer Wedges
Summer Wedges. Math Teacher gave us a wonderful written review of these pretty sandals last week at the roundup and says of them: I have been on the hunt for a silver wedge sandal for 2-3 years and Boden came through this year. I tried their strappy wedges last year but found them too narrow and too long. Back they went. This year I ordered the summer wedges and I love them. They are just the look I wanted. I've only worn them for a short time around the house (it hasn't been that warm here :D), but they felt comfy. I'm hoping they are comfy enough to wear all day at school.

Stripy Tunic
Stripy Tunic. Math Teacher also reviewed this delightful top: I also got the stripy tunic. I wanted this last year but never ordered it, so I didn't want to let it get away this year. It is just barely long enough to wear as a dress, but not at school. Leggings will allow me to wear it there. It is cut flatteringly. The radish stripe is a pretty pink and ivory.

Thank you so much, Math Teacher!!! :)


Boden Limited Edition:
Florence Top
Florence Top. Kit's Mommy created a polyvore with this gorgeous printed silk blouse and was more than happy to do a quickie review for us of the piece: Yes, I did get it. I ordered a 6 and need to reorder in a 4 as this runs really big. It is pretty. I like the higher neckline as most flowy tops are too big across the shoulders and neck on me. I wish the sleeves were a bit more narrow as they are more full than they appear online. Also, the background is more of a nude color and not at all ivory as it appears. The silk is lovely and weighty and the top is made beautifully.

Thank you, Kit's Mommy!

Clearance Boden:
Ribbon Flower Cardigan
Ribbon Flower Cardigan. Pramak1 created a polyvore highlighting this Limited Edition Cardigan and also gave me a review for any of you thinking of it (definitely in low stock, but popbacks!): It fits TTS, though I find Boden cardis to be generally a tad bigger than J.Crew ones (which I think actually fits me better). I ordered in a size 2 (my J.Crew size is XS). The material is super soft -- I'm guessing it is because of the silk and cashmere. It has a lovely pattern of flowers in dark green, mauve pink, and deep purple and the cardigan itself is light grey. When I saw it online, I was worried about that the flowers would look cheap -- however, it is very well made -- and definitely unique :) I think the best part is being able to mix/match it with different things -- and give the outfit an elegant flare.

Thank you!!! :)

Everyday Jersey Tunic
Everyday Jersey Tunic. Poppy's Style looks super chic in her black, grey, and cream ensemble. (I actually prefer the way she styled hers to the way they styled the model.) She also points out that this tunic is only $34, which seems like a good deal to me. :)

Okay, mobile users...here is a direct link to receiving an additional 15% off and free ship/returns (remember, clearance items only receive the free ship/returns):
Save 15% at Bodenusa.com with Free Delivery and Returns!
(This link takes you to the mini Boden home page, but it will give 15% off all items, including non-mini items.)

If you do have another code (like from a catalog, etc.), you can enter that in the shopping bag page. There is a box on that page that allows you to enter the code/details.

You all have a nice night!

P.S. I realized toady that the Summer Preview 20% off will end on March 5, which means I HAD best publish my picks before then. LOL. Does tomorrow work for you all? There are some cute as pie items for the whole family, definitely think all three of my little ones will make out like Boden bandits...