A Few Boden Picks

Don't ask me how but during the manic school holidays I managed a very quick flick through the latest Boden catalogue.  Ok, it was spurred on by the £15 voucher they sent me with it which expires soon and would wasteful not to use it but still, nice to have a browse! Naturally I homed in on their bretons, I love the velvet lace up on the shoulders of this one and think the pink version is gorgeous.  It also comes in an ivory with navy stripe and navy with black stripe.

Velvet Lace Up Breton £32 (currently)

They've also got a few quirky bretons in, with spots, hearts and a vertical pink stripe but I really like the simple twist of this one with the gold pocket.

Make A Statement Breton £31.50 (currently)

Last season they bought out this baseball style top in a pale pink, I wasn't quick enough but they now have it in white with navy sleeves which is a great neutral top to add to my mix of mostly breton long sleeves.  I'm thinking this may be the one my voucher goes towards!

Lightweight Baseball Tee £19.60 (currently)

I have a glitter spot breton from them that has washed really well, despite me thinking the glitter would go after one wash.  This t-shirt version (minus the stripes) is a classic and if I didn't already have a few spotted tees then this would definitely be winging it's way to me.

Glitter Spot Tee £23.60

I've always played it safe with Boden, I have never personally tried their trousers but have seen them on clients and they look brilliant.  On the eternal hunt for something khaki, these are also on my little wish list.  There are 3 different leg lengths and I can be funny with trousers so unsure of size however my voucher also has free delivery and returns so contemplating these.  Anyone else got some words of wisdom on Boden trouser sizing?

Bella Chino Trouser £47.60 (currently)

The Classic Lace Top

Just to set the record straight from the start, this isn't a sponsored post, I just seem to be on a bit of a roll with Boden at the moment!  I had my eye on this lace top when they asked me to pick some items to review but it was out of stock.  When they had one of their discount sales it was amazingly back in stock.  It worked out at just over £60 however I had been sent a £10 voucher with one of the catalogues so it was a no brainer.  You know when you open the package and just know you're going to love it and it fits?  This was one of those.  

Top; Boden
Jeans; MiH
Shoes; Bally

It has a detachable camisole underneath (that also has adjustable straps - major bonus) and three quarter sleeves.  The fit is true to size but not tight so it you want it snug then possibly size down although I think it is just the most flattering fit.  I put it on the same day it was received - a true sign that I loved it and felt good in it.  

I was rushing out to a little local orchestra concert so woke my poor husband up when I got back to grab some shots, hence the grainy ones as he really wasn't impressed and they were done quickly!  You get the idea though.  The detail is stunning.  Unfortunately the cream is no more but they do still have it in navy with 10% off making it just over £80.  It isn't cheap I know but is utterly gorgeous and won't be a one hit wonder in your wardrobe so worth spending a little more than normal.  

This was a really quick shot at the concert to try and show a bit of a close up!  Bows on my shoes and lace on my top!

Floral Lace Top £89.50

Use code 4V6C for 10% off currently. 

The Boden Shop

Has anyone else ever visited the Boden shop on the A40?  I have been passing it for years and finally on the way home from an over night stay in London I made my husband swerve in and stop.  It was the day after his 40th I should add so was pretty nice of him but my argument was that we had no kids so best to do it now!  It's a lot bigger than it looks and very spacious.  I am always browsing through their catalogues so it was great to see items in the flesh.  I didn't push my luck so it wasn't a long visit but I will definitely go back again.

After living in my Alice flats from them last year I headed straight for the shoes.  As a long standing fan of suede shoes their collection didn't disappoint.  I love how they put just a little twist on a classic shoe either with a bow, tassel or scallop edge.

Amelia Heel £119

Daniella Flat Point £69.50

Scallop Point £48.65-£69.50 (price colour/print dependent)

As much as I loved the suede I quite liked the stripe for a bit of fun!

This t-shirt style top was so soft and had a smarter feel to it as it wasn't cotton.  Pretty Printed Tee £20.65

I didn't see this in the shop but you can't really go wrong with a Glitter Spot Tee at £20.65!

A few shots of the shop including a play area to amuse the little ones - so I will definitely return!  It had mens and kids as well as womens wear, the picture below was just one area.  

A quick note to say the prices shown are current but Boden do have several offers on at the moment so no doubt will change.  When I was browsing their website to get prices on the above I found these - how gorgeous are they!

Pom Pom Sandal £69.50

But enough about the shoes, this top has been on my wish list since forever and currently has 30% off.  Very tempted as it's back in stock in a week so I can order it now.....me + cream + lace = winning combination! 

Floral Lace Top £62.65

30% off their tops and tees ends this Thursday so be quick.  May have just checked out my shopping basket.  I had a voucher, it deserves to be tried right?!?

Beautiful Bargain Boden Buys!

I got carried away with the title, apologies (can you tell I've been revising my written English knowledge with my eldest!?).  This post is being split into two as before Boden contacted me I had visited their shop in London and taken some snaps to share.  Then this post got so large so there's going to be a part two next week.  I was so excited when they asked me if I would like to pick a few items to review over on my little blog, I spent a while perusing their website as there was so much I liked but I ended up with some classic staples and one thrown in for fun.  I do browse their Clearance section quite frequently as they always have some great bargains.  I had recently featured this lightweight jacket on my 'Bargain Buy' so I didn't hesitate in trying this.  I copied their look as I loved it with a stripe and simple jeans.  Unfortunately now it's out of stock and I'm not surprised as it was £59.50 down to £29.75.

(1 million shots later - it honestly felt like that, this was the best but the pram made it's debut)

Please note this blog is real - I just can't loose the kids.....However I did dash to the hairdressers straight after seeing this shot!

The breton was also from Boden and is in charcoal grey.  I bought it in a raspberry red last year and it's one of my favourites as far as fit, quality and price go.  It washes so well, only needs a quick iron and hasn't shrunk like other ones I have so I've added a second to my collection.  They come in a huge variety of colours and the fit is true to size and not too tight either.

Later in the day with less hair!

Long Sleeve Breton £26.50

This colour combo of it is currently on sale at £18.55

Because one breton wasn't enough with the order and I'd had my eye on this one a while, I chose a classic navy but with a gold glitter spot - spots and stripes all in one with sparkles thrown in for good measure - genius creation Boden, genius!  It does come up slightly longer in the body than the above style, but being long waisted this doesn't bother me at all.  It has some great little splits down either side so it sits well on the hips. 

My 9 year old is really persevering with trying to take my photo's but the 4 year old insists on getting in on most of them.  Life of a working Mummy.  Sigh. 

Last but by no means least, what else do you think I headed straight for?  Yup, their cashmere in our Spring/Summer.  I harp on about buying out of season staples and this is the perfect time to invest in really good knitwear.  I have a cashmere cardigan I bought from Boden years ago and it really has stood the test of time.  Initially I chose this raglan style however it comes up large and was out of stock in my size.  At £139 down to £69.50 this is a great purchase that you won't regret (and may even wear before Autumn hits if our current weather is anything to go by). 

Raglan Cashmere Jumper £69.50

So instead I chose this polka dot cashmere jumper.  Now this does fit true to size so I actually sized up as I wanted a more loose fit.  This is the same price as the above but has a more structured style to it, especially with the black panelling around the waist.  I am yet to wear it as it has been so warm of late but I don't doubt that this will be a great addition to my wardrobe come the colder months.  If you can, out of season buying really is a great way to build a classic wardrobe that works hard for you.

Cashmere Crew Spot Jumper £69.50

Also worth mentioning that I always wash my cashmere in my machine on a hand wash cycle then air dry.  I haven't ever paid for dry cleaning and as I know this can put people off buying decent fabrics I thought it needed a little note!

Thank you to Boden for allowing me to choose some fabulous pieces that will be staying in my wardrobe season after season. 

Breton Bows & Sparkles

Well I have some wifi finally!  House moving is never easy so please bear with me as I feel I have so many posts to catch up on but still feel worn out.  I am starting back with a simple post on a breton I found at the J.Crew store in London.  I saw it when I had a day out with my Mum and Sister but stupidly didn't try it on, as I thought we might make it to the bigger store down Regent Street with more sale items in.  Needless to say we never did so when I was in London next I managed to pop in and grab one as they were sold out online in my size.

J.Crew striped t-shirt with bow embellished back

If you look closely you'll see a little sparkle to the bows.  I loved how simple it was, just a plain breton with a twist at the back in the form of some bows.  They did it in red and black but I kept with a traditional navy stripe.  It was £59.50 down to £29.00 (a much better price for a cotton top) with only size XXS left online I'm afraid (it comes up true to size and pretty tight in the arm) but check back in case other sizes come back into stock.  It was a very windy day as you can see and after working a Sunday (it's a good job I love my clients!) I just wanted to get inside so please excuse the next shot. However below is just to show you it really is a classic breton from the front, no frills, just a good hard working stripe.  Then from the back, magic!

I am a pretty classic dresser, I like to add a twist to an outfit with accessories or sometimes an all out there top but something like a breton is just my go to.  I can wear a print up top easily, it suits my shape so I tend to stick with what I know works on me.  Bretons just never go out of style.  I have my eye on this swing style one below from Boden as they sent me a Birthday voucher.  Another classic with an additional small twist, this time in the cut.

Boden Supersoft Swing Top £29.50 (or £50 for two/3 for £72 - different colours available)

Boden Clearance

A quick post to let you know (in case you missed it!) that Boden have an additional 10% off their clearance prices.  Do be quick as items go fast.  I had a voucher so I've just ordered this cashmere jumper.  I have always loved their cashmere and the fact that it washes so well in the machine also helps.  Along with Marks & Spencer I think they are the best on the high street for quality and value for this luxury wool. 

Boden Cashmere Jumper £62.37

There are other colours available at a variety of prices and a few with stripes.  This one below is even cheaper at £46.44.  I went for the above as I have enough print at the moment and wanted something more neutral.  I have a cream cashmere jumper that is well worn so feel this will be an update of that.  

Boden Cashmere Jumper £46.44

If you're looking for something a little more casual they are doing this baseball style cashmere jumper, reduced to £62.55.  Again, for me, it was not the style I needed in my wardrobe but would be very easy to wear with jeans.

Boden Cashmere Jumper £62.55

I was a little too slow for this merino jumper in my size which is now £32.04.  The plum and green version is even better still at £24.03.  As I type I'm wondering why I didn't just go for this colour and get the next size up for a more relaxed fit.  At that price, it really is a bargain for merino wool.

Merino Wool Jumper £32.04

Merino Wool Jumper £24.03

Posts may be even more sparse in the next few weeks due to moving house and waiting for the internet - not quite sure how I will cope without it.....wish me luck!

Monochrome

Back when it was mild in early December I had a Christening to attend.  I didn't feel like wearing tights and a dress or skirt so dug out my old faithful Topshop crop trousers.  I bought these on a whim for a job interview about 5 years ago as I was desperate for a smart trouser.  They have worn so well and am yet to find anything that comes close to them.  I love how they taper in at the ankle but have a slightly looser, masculine look to them. 

I decided to keep it a really simple monochrome look and wore my favourite silk Sandro top.  This was bought from the Bicester Village outlet and I remember squirming at paying £50 or £60 for it a couple of years ago.  I have since tried to buy less cheap items and invest slightly more as this top reminded me that you really do get what you pay for.  I would pretty much say it's been worn monthly since.  I love how floaty it is and the lace detail is a timeless style.  It still looks as good as new.  

Taken on purpose for you to see the top swinging in action....Um no, I wish I was that good at posing for photos,  probably my youngest making a break for it causing me to turn!

My shoes were another Bicester Village find a good few years back also.  They are by Bally and yes, for my regular readers, they are suede and leather lined - what a shoe!  You know me and suede shoes and leather lining, gets me every time.  They have a little gold detail around the heel that I love and really are comfortable.

Just in case you were on the look out for a white/cream top to add to your wardrobe, Boden have this gorgeous lace one.  They are so easy to wear, from jeans to trousers and skirts, it's an item that every wardrobe should have.  It is currently on offer with 10% off with free delivery and returns until the end of January.  

Boden Floral Lace Top £80.50 (also available in navy)

It's All About The Footwear!

I'm just a little bit bored with clothes at the moment.  It happens to me at this time of year, I just want a cozy jumper and jeans (and my thermal vest of course) and be done with it all.  That being said, shoes are still floating my boat quite a bit and I do have a Christmas party coming up.  On the flip side, there really is only so many times a fancy pair of shoes can be worn and I do have a few - I know, I too have just fallen off the chair at that statement.  I'm reaching for the chocolate and G&T to bring me round, don't worry.  But really, how gorgeous are these from River Island?  Available in black as well and I don't think £65 is an unreasonable price tag.  I was a little slow on the uptake and missed out on the Grazia code of 25% off so I haven't purchased them - yet!  Oh and did I mention they are suede - my all time favourite for shoes!

River Island £65

While we are on the suede front, I may as well continue.  My obsession with suede footwear is perhaps getting worse.  I was in London last week for some press days.  Boden as always, didn't disappoint.  The only thing you have to bear in mind is that this is what is to come, they aren't yet available as this is their Spring/Summer drop.

I have their Alice flats which are super, these look like a updated version complete with some great studding detail

Tassels are still in for next season

Just throwing these in there as they were so stunning and stood out a mile.  They are by Giuseppe Zanotti, a truly premium brand.  These definitely had the 'wow' factor going on.

And yes - they were suede too!

Back down to earth with some every day footwear that also offers something a little different to the norm.  You may have heard off the brand Minnetonka and if not, then you'll probably have seen a certain Miss Moss wearing a pair of hers.  Flat, suede, fringing, they pretty much tick all the boxes. They have gone straight on my wish list after seeing a collection in the flesh.

Finishing with a boot I've got my eye on.  I'm not a huge Ugg wearer anymore, I have 4 pairs, all pretty old now but I find them very heavy on the end of my little legs.  My favourite are the short pair but I mainly wear these for ease when I go to Yoga.  Office sent me an email introducing their exclusive Ugg Petra boot and I was immediately transfixed.  They are in a nubuck leather so won't mark as easily as suede Ugg's but still have that sheepskin lining.  On top of that they are short, which I love with skinny jeans.  I'm yet to see these in the flesh and try them on but they may go on my sale shopping list!

Ugg Petra £130