Boden Party SS16 Part 1 - Shoes & Bags

I was delighted when my sister told me she'd booked a Boden party for this season. I get to head down to Tipperary without the kids, see the family and try on clothes...all kinds of therapy!

First up, it's apparent that Boden have reduced the amount of samples coming out in the party set. I can appreciate why, as the first time I did a party, the volume of items was overwhelming and not everyone would have the room to display it all but even at that, my sister and I both agreed that more shoes, tops & jackets in this set of samples would have been better. But being the trooper I am, I made the most of what was there, trying on what I could so here goes with part 1 - shoes and bags on this post and tops, jackets and dresses will come in the next one.

Kicking off with my favourite from all the shoes - the stunning Sienna Sandal. Loved these - perfect with my wardrobe as I wear so much cream. They were slightly big on me in the size 40 so I'd need the 39. Beautifully made and well priced with the party discount.

These next ones are new to the range - the Tassel Mule. These look amazing but I couldn't walk in them as they caught on the front of my foot. There are no reviews to date so it will be interesting to see if that's an issue for others. I do have a wide foot at that point so that could be the issue. They're a size 39 - so a 40 might have been looser on me.

Next up - one that looked just ok in the flesh but really worked well when worn. They're only a 38 so I'd be sizing up to the 39 in them but they're so comfortable and simple. The tassel makes them a bit dressy too so they'd work well on lots of occasions. Only gripe is that the tassel may be annoying if you're striding about in them.

Boden Tassel Wedge - Navy (also in 3 other colours)

These next ghilli style shoes have been featured on a lot of blogs recently and they're lovely and quite comfortable but not for me. These look a bit loose on me as they're a 41 so I'd once again go down to the 39 if I was buying

Florence Flat Point - Black (available in 6 other colours)

Loving the detail on these sandals - with the tan, leopard and rose gold. But they were a bit flimsy in my opinion and too narrow for my foot. This is the 39 so I reckon I'd need the 40 in them.

Ingrid Sandal - Tan/Leopard/Rose Gold (3 other colour ways)

These next two pairs are in a similar vein - loved the flip-flops though these are a bit small on me. The 39 would be perfect. The gladiator ones were a bit too much but were super comfy and easy to put on with the zip at the back.

Georgia Woven Sandal - Pink/Black & Gladys Gladiator Sandal - Rose Gold

Some more formal shoes now and the Vienne Mid-Heel was super comfy and I was able to try on the black/nude version here. They were a 40 so I'd size down to the 39.5 if buying. The navy/black is a great colour way - but too small for me to try.

Vienne Mid Heel - 3 other colour ways 

The Boden homage to the Valentino Rockstuds - the Ashley Heel in Caramel is lush....so comfortable too! I much preferred it to the more practical Bonnie Flat - this grey colour is great but even though both were the size 39, the heeled version was a better fit and the straps on the flat ones seemed uneven on my feet - seemed off-centre when I looked down at them

Ashley Heel (also in Navy/Black) & Bonnie Studded Flat (also in Rose/Red/Stripe & Navy)

Finishing the footwear try-on with two pairs from Johnnie B and these metallic sandals were a real hit with lots of the girls who came to the party. This pair are a size 41 so I'd go down to the 40. They're also quite a wide fit so might not suit if you've a narrow foot. But for just £26.25, they're a really lovely sandal with a nod to the current tassel trend.

Tassel Sandals - Johnnie B (up to size 42!)

and these Johnnie B boots are super comfortable and a good neutral colour. I tried on the 39 and it fit me perfectly. A little round in the toe for me but definitely a good option if you're looking a flat boot for spring/summer. They look much better in the flesh than they do online - the colour is deeper in real life.

Suede Boots - Johnnie B

So moving onto bags and there were only 5 bags in the delivery, which was a little disappointing. This is the Tilly bag - an ombre suede tassel bag which is beautifully made with great neutral colours for this time of year. Not for me though - I don't think I could cope with all the tassels!

Tilly Tassel Bag - also in blue/green and a quick shout out for the shades - nude coloured with tortoiseshell arms...LOVED them and they're on 25% off on this link

This next bag again wasn't for me given the shape of it. I do like the yellow tassels though and the navy colour way is gorgeous (check the link below)

Abbey Bag - also in Navy and Tan

This bag was so unimpressive - out of shape, a bit creased and didn't hang well on the arm. It gets great reviews though and is low stock in some colours. So what do I know?! Lol

Fearne Slouchy Bag - in 4 other colour ways also

This navy leather bag is a more formal one - great for work. I loved the structured shape of it and the stitching and metalwork is very good.

Amanda Bag - Navy (also in Tan & Yellow)

Finishing with this fun beach bag....LOVED everything about it but the price. Seriously Boden? For a beach bag??? 

Pom Pom Beach Bag (brace yourself) PS not sure why this photo is smaller than the others...

And that's it for the shoes and bags....I'll get the rest of it up asap!

Ax