Tuesday 18 February 2014

My Boden Review - Stripy!

Boden isn't an online store I frequently ever shop in. And you might be thinking I got some items gifted for this post because of the way I am about to gush about them, but I promise you nothing was gifted. I wanted to try them out because I've heard so many good things about them over the years. I have ordered from them before but their dresses and me don't get on. They always sit at the wrong place on my body and I end up looking really frumpy and dumpy in them.

I spent a few mins last week browsing through the extensive catalog and I wanted something that wasn't typically Boden - I can spot a Boden dress/skirt from 1000 paces. When my package arrived (promptly) I laughed out loud when I opened it because all I'd bought was stripy things and I didn't do that consciously! I'm after a new breton top and that's why I went there in the first place.

I thought it might be fun to show the model vs the flat item vs me in it.

Jersey Maxi Dress - £89
Don't bother with this if you are under 5ft 9. It'll be far too long. It oozes quality and I was in love with it when I felt it in my hands but .... I think it's too low on me - my boobs (of which I don't have any) appear to be the only thing you see! Also wondering what Boden was thinking by ONLY showing the back view of the model? I also noticed in the link that this is apparently from the petite range - urm petite what?
Verdict - returning



Easy T-shirt Dress - £49
I knew this was going to be gorgeous the moment I slipped it on over my head. It fit like a glove and I can see me wearing it A LOT. That would be if I wanted to spend nearly £50 on a dress! I am so tight, like really tight right now as I have a lot to save for. I want to keep this but the bank balance says no :-(
Verdict - Returning only due to finances, the dress is a beaut!



Full Stripy Skirt - £69
Again this is a stunning skirt but it's heavy. I know that means quality for some but for me it was a bit too heavy. If I had an office job it would be GREAT teamed with a blazer or dressed down with a tshirt as I have worn it. I did feel a bit Kirsty Alsop in it too which is why I've reached my verdict below.
Verdict - Returning



Essential Crew T-shirt - £15
Yes yes yes yes yes - that is all!
Verdict - KEEP


Modern Stripy Top - £35
I like this as it's slightly baggy and it would hide things that need hiding. It has a cute button detail to one side on the shoulder and splits either side on the hem. I love it with the lemon shorts, how cute does that look?
Verdict - Undecided



Out of stock until May was this beauty. I've cancelled this as I can't wait until May!
Embroidered Skirt - £89




And on its way to me this week is this
Breton Tunic £49


I have been very impressed with the ease of ordering via Boden, the speedy FREE delivery, the little notebook I got as a thank you gift for ordering and a free scarf! The quality of the clothes is amazing, there is not doubt about that at all and I guess I should remember that if you buy well you need only buy once.

Do you order from Boden? What's been your best buy of late? Do show and tell on Avenue 57 if you have time.

Fiona
xoxo




32 comments :

  1. Shame the dresses are going back they look lovely on you. I quite like a 'booby' dress in the summer and the maxi looks fab.

    Keep the modern stripy top it suits you.

    will have to look at Boden adults clothing again, I buy a lot for the children but stopped buying so much for myself as I must have a knack for picking the mumsy stuff.

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    1. I've actually returned it all and am awaiting a 20% discount code! I will rebuy the simple breton long sleeved tshirt and perhaps the other dress .. just not sure

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  2. I love the maxi dress on you - be brave - when it's warmer you won't feel so 'exposed'! xx

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    1. I'm not one to shy away from a bit of boob action but it was seriously booby!

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  3. Some great pieces here Fiona, I dip into Boden every now & again - mainly their accessories which if you're lucky you can pick up at great discounts in the sales...I may just have brought two new bags this January :-0
    Jane xx
    www.mymidlifefashion.com

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  4. Loving that modern stripy top on you ... definitely keep that too. Shame that finances have dictated otherwise on the striped dress. Actually both look good on you. I've only ordered from Boden once - the free returns and delivery doesn't apply to Ireland, which frankly pi*ses me off ... so I don't bother with them much. I'd imagine if I lived in the UK or N. Ireland, I might give them a whirl a bit more often. And I laughed out loud at the Kirstie Alsopp comment on the skirt ... yep!!

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  5. How cute do you look in the short dress. Love anything with a stripe so all hits with me. You are soooo restrained x

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    1. The short dress is nice - I've sent back and will await a % off code

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  6. the Boobie shot....funny!! I love the short striped dress on you, especially with the white pumps and you are correct with the Kirstie comment. The two striped tops love fab on you! I do love boden, I just keep to the striped & plan bits not a fan of the 'traditional' boden look/print. A little tip for you Fiona is to try the Johnnie B bit for tops they are cheaper... 15-16 yrs is a size 10 and 16yrs is a 12 in my experience. x

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    1. I always like a good boob shot! I am going to keep the simple breton top - all else goes back unfortunately

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  7. Love the shorter dress with the sneakers.....you rock that look! I would wait for a code though!! I have never had a lot of luck with Boden but have found their customer service to be excellent!! x

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    1. I love it too but do think it's a tad over my daily budget for just a simple dress ... maybe if my money tree flowers I can go back and buy it!

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  8. I'm a huge fan of Boden as you know! I love the shorter striped dress and the Breton and the striped top on you - all gorgeous. I normally only buy with a code or from the preview (which is fab as you get to fab things before they are even published in the catalogue and you sometimes forget about the order until an email tells you it's on its way... Love that!). Their customer service is second to none. Lynne x

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    1. I ordered all at full price which is silly apparently - I need to wait for a discount code!

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  9. You can't go wrong with a breton, shame about the yellow skirt - looks lovely! I've never got on with Boden womenswear (except for the very nice Fair Isle scarf I got for Christmas) - they often seem to be out of stock and I'm not a big fan of their habit of telling us what the model's favourite coffee or 'perfect day' is in the catalogue. Kidswear on the other hand is completely different experience - great quality and sells really well on eBay once the little ones have grown out of it!

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    1. I am gutted about the yellow skirt - it would have looked amazing with mint green coloured shoes I'm ordering from New Look

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  10. Easy T-shirt Dress - £49 - wow, if you can, you should get that dress. It looks great on you, it may otherwise, end up being one of those items you always hanker after with a little regret!

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    1. I shall bite the regret bullet - it's in the returns bag but I will keep my eye out for a super discount code!

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  11. that skirt is amazing it looks super expensive, are you sure about returning it?!

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  12. I love this review, it is so good to see how the products look on when not bulldog clipped in and styled within an inch of their lives! You are a fab model, tall and slim so actually every one of those pieces look fabulous on you! I love the bretons they look fab I always get mine from Boden, I am actually liking the stripe skirt too but I completely get the Kirsty Allsop vibe would look cool with red courts! Good haul and fab review xxx

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    1. What a lovely comment, thank you :-)
      I'm loving the on the model vs real life and currently doing another order from another retailer! Watch this space!!

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  13. Really good review I have been looking at that shorter stripey dress for ages and now I have seen it on you I am going to order once I get a discount code!

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  14. The skirt looks amazing on you! Seriously can't believe you are returning it but if its not right then you are doing the right thing! I'm not so keen on the larger striped top but the classic Breton looks fabulous & I think the tunic will be perfect on you! I've never ordered from Boden but you girls are tempting me! Ax

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    1. I'm re-ordering the classic breton because I have a £5 voucher for Boden (they messed up last week and this is their way of saying sorry which I totally accept)! And Rachel below has a 22% off code - perfection!

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  15. I'm a new follower and love this post! Y607 will get you 22% off if that helps!

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  16. Hello Rachel and thank you! That's 2% more than the code I have ready to use today!!

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