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.
OMG. Soooooo much temptation! Really, really tempted by the Blenheim jacket .. would love a navy blazer and the white spots would really work for me! That Selina dress is divine .. Avril, you need to stop now! There's only so much temptation I can resist!!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same Helen....finding it hard not to buy more...really keen on the Blenheim jacket too! x
DeleteI love those patterned trousers and the Selina dress!
ReplyDeleteNic x
And they are both even nicer in real life, Nic. Much brighter colours - divine! x
DeleteI have a boden stripe sweatshirt in breton orange stripe and I love it - easily the best quality breton I have :)
ReplyDeleteThankfifi
thanks so much for your sweet comment - hope you are well.x
I know - I was showing your blog to someone on the day of the party Wendy as they were wondering about the colours in that breton sweatshirt. It's fab...such gorgeous cotton. Hope you're well too...thanks for dropping by! x
DeleteI persevered and finally got the cyan breton, and also ordered the navy/white. I am thinking about the summer breeze tee. It has a print that reminds me of a Calypso tunic I wore into the ground.
ReplyDeleteYou'll not regret the breton - my short sleeved version arrived today but I don't like it as much as the long sleeved one...tempted to change for the cyan one! x
DeleteI ordered the orange Selina dress a couple of months ago and it just arrived yesterday - it's beautiful! I've bought it for a summer wedding but also off to a christening soon so think ill wear it to that too. I'm quite short and it's a great length on me (not too frumpy looking!). Lynne x
ReplyDeleteOh that's great to hear Lynne as I didn't get a chance to try on. Wishing I had an event to wear it to now..enjoy wearing yours x
DeleteHi there-the total range is amazing and I particularly love your choice striped Breton top-the perfect item to go with everything this summer xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon - glad you enjoyed my picks! x
DeleteGood grief Avril - I'm struggling to choose a favourite from all this lot! Denim jacket, clutch and tankini. Love the dress too - I have a lippie that would match it perfectly! xx
ReplyDeleteGreat choices! Wouldn't it be great to buy them all! x
DeleteI love blazers and that spotty one looks fab :)
ReplyDeleteThanks - it is lovely...and way nicer in RL too..a lovely weight x
DeleteOh I love this short sleeve pocket Breton - had spotted this online and was temped to order. As you have probably now guessed, I love my Newquay dress, my first Boden purchase. Think I'm converted!
ReplyDeleteMine arrived yesterday and I can't make up my mind about it. I miss having the stripes all the way up to the neckline. It needs a scarf or a statement necklace to lift it...oh well, another excuse to shop! So glad you're happy with what you ordered Rosanna - thanks SO much for coming along x
DeleteOh I just love to buy womens short sleeve tees , that this blog contains.I like your styling sense very much and it's really a productive step in womens clothing that tells us about every nook and corner regarding women's fashion.
ReplyDelete