Pick of the Party - Boden High Summer 2013

Last week, instead of having the Boden High Summer 2013 catalogue land on my door mat, I had the entire collection arrive in bags in my living room. What a fantastic experience - it allows you to judge the quality, colour and fit of the collection and there were many instances where I fell in love with items that I wouldn't have looked at twice in the catalogue. That's what this post is about - the items that impressed me the most from the party and that I've either already bought or are on my wishlist.

First up is the Biarritz Tunic - stunning colour in real life and a gorgeous silky material. I tried this on and did a photo but it didn't show the colour in all its glory so I'm sticking with the catalogue one..

Biarritz Tunic

I was very impressed with the leather goods, especially the folded clutch which I'd been looking forward to seeing in in the flesh. The party set had it in navy and black- both of which were gorgeous but quite a few customers ordered in the brighter colours for summer

Leather Folded Clutch

Boden is famous for its breton tops and the dipped hem, pocketed version in the current collection didn't fail to impress. The cotton is soft with a stretch and the curved hem is oh so flattering. I bought in the TUR colourway as featured on last Friday's blog but could easily buy this white/navy version

Stripy Breton

I featured this denim jacket in my wish-list prior to the party and it didn't disappoint. As I'd hoped, it's beautifully made with a just perfect denim wash and cute floral lining which isn't visible unless you roll the sleeves up.

Denim Jacket

I wasn't in the market for a dress, but this one stood out for me amongst all on the dress rail. It's a dressier number but perfect for a summer occasion. It's special enough in terms of the material and the style but it's plain so can be dressed up in so many ways.

Selina Dress

Stripes again but this sparkle tee was just a bit special. It ended up being a great seller on the day - I remember putting through at least 3 of them. The sparkle is very subtle and the shape is nothing like it looks online. Quite boxy and on-trend. Dina from My Superfluities is wearing hers on this post in the ivory/off-white colour but the white striped on blue is a gorgeous colour-way also.

Sparkle Linen Tee

Swimwear next and I loved this tankini which was in the party set in the navy with yellow stripes. Fabulous quality and great colours. It's another wishlist item for me at the moment.

Twist Front Tankini

Now for something I bought as soon as I saw them. The reviews have been mixed online as many people didn't realise when ordering that they are a toe-post sandal and found them uncomfortable. For me, they didn't do much for me when I saw the picture but in reality, they are lovely. In a beautiful blue/purple patent with a small heel and a supportive back to them, they are perfect for wider feet like mine, look delicious with skinny jeans and if you're not bothered by toe-posts, they are actually surprisingly comfy - I know this as I wore the party pair around my kitchen on Wednesday evening for a while. I eagerly await my spotty post-bag!

Leather T-Bar Sandals

Spots again and this sleeveless spotted shirt was another hit on the day. It's a gorgeous fit and just a bit different. Perfect for the office in the warmer weather as well as open with a white vest and skinny jeans/crops.

Sleeveless Shirt

I've spoken before of my love for the Bistro Crop trouser so I was super excited to see the pink patterned style in real life. They didn't disappoint - rich colours and a gorgeous pattern. Definitely my favourite colour-way and I can understand why they are on delayed order online at the moment.

Bistro Crop Trouser

I'll finish my pick of the party with this spotty blazer - another great seller on the night. It's in the clearance at the moment and definitely worth taking a look at. In my party set, I had this spotty one in a 12 and the grey in an 8 and the sizing seemed pretty good. I'd order in a 10.

Blenhiem Blazer

Oh and confession time - I bought one more item but it wasn't in my party set so doesn't strictly count as a pick of the party. I was looking for a short sleeved tee and fancied this one in the yellow colour-way. Similar to the long sleeved one above so I'm hoping the cotton is as nice a quality. 

Pocket Breton

Overall, my love for Boden was re-kindled. I admire how the brand is not just delivering its trademark flowery prints, which are much loved by their loyal customers, but also a chic range of stripes, denim and neutrals that are effortlessly wearable and can be integrated into the most modern/on-trend of wardrobes.