If you had £80 to spend in Boden and were a size 10, 5 ft 2 relatively new mum, what would you buy?

[BabyLabyrinth]

I was given Boden vouchers for Xmas, but have no idea about fashion Boden clothes.

What are the sizes like? What's flattering on short people with big boobs and a bit of a tummy, even though DD is now nearly 9mo ...

I usually wear casual skinny jeans with boots, and cheap C&A T-shirts and cardigans I can wrench open to feed DD. A-lines look pretty dreadful on me. I like to be comfy, but would love to look a bit more put-together, as my granny would say.

So what would you buy?

[snowgal]

I would buy breton tops as they are reliably good, not entirely practical when it comes to BF but brilliant staples

[BabyLabyrinth]

Are breton tops the stripey ones? It doesn't matter too much if they're not great for BF, as we're down to just a few feeds a day now and I don't imagine DD will feed much past a year.

I've been looking on their website at dresses, but they all seem to be empire line, which just makes me look pregnant again ... Why does everyone claim it's so flattering?

[snowgal]

Yeah the stripey ones, I've returned quite a bit to Boden over the years but the breton tops are reliable and come in a good range of colours each season, they're just a classic item to have in the wardrobe. I think the main thing with Boden is to get natural fibres, most of the cotton and merino wool stuff I've had from there has been good quality and has lasted. I guess it depends on whether you're looking for something for now (i.e. wooly and warm) or for spring?

[snowgal]

I've found Boden to be pretty true to size, actually they may be a bit on the big size and I'm just kidding myself I'm a 12!

[Mumelie]

Yes too to the Breton tops. Good quality, I've had one last for years now! Look at their sale stuff at the moment and you should be able to pick up some fantastic bargains. I find Boden true to size but smallish on the waists (maybe I'm kidding myself). Good for big boobs too (I'm a 30GG and wear a 12 there). I cant buy trousers or skirts from them as need a Boden 14 waist but 12 everywhere else (so hips and legs are huge on me). Tops, dresses and knitwear are great.

[rubytutu]

I would buy either a lovely leather bag or some boots for yourself. Or some 12-18 month clothes for your dd. all of which I would later sell on eBay and use funds for buying something in shops you really like. But would use or wear them all first so I didn,t feel the giver was being taken for granted. Also they may see you using gift and get alot out of it.

[snowgal]

Depending on size you could get a snuggly gilet for under £80, I'd love one, if only I could justify it.....

[Gingersnap88]

I quite like the jersey shirt dress. It comes in navy, khaki or a burnt orange colour, has a fitted waist and buttons at the chest. I'm thinking it would be good for breastfeeding too (my DD is 10 months)

[Elegantlywasted]

I'd probably get baby clothes and sell on when finished with. There's not much that floats my boat in the current women's Boden collection, I'm pretty much same size as you. If you do find something you like the look of, I'd go a size down, they are cut rather generously.

[BabyLabyrinth]

Ooh, lots of tips. Thanks!

I've done their style thingy on their website. It claims to know exactly what I like and what will suit me now

The breton tops look great on the skinny models, but with my boobs and tummy, I don't think I'll look very good in them ... Same with the jersey dress. But maybe I should just try them before I write them off, seeing as that's what I always do.

I'm really grateful for the vouchers, so definitely want to spend them on something I'll wear! Since I've got you all here, can I ask you what you think of the following?

I really like the Hotchpotch Cotton Dress. It seems to have a bit more structure about it, so I would feel more held-in, I think.

I like this dress, too, but wonder if it will make me look pregnant again ...

Does this look like pyjamas or am I missing some vital piece of fashion knowledge? I quite like the shape of it.

[worsestershiresauce]

I was given some vouchers too and bought the rainy day mac. It's great for showery days, and has a hood that actually stays up! I'd advise you to go for a coat or jacket as imo the dresses are a weird cut and never look good on.

[babooshkadoll]

Their coats and jackets are good value in the sales.
Rainy day mac or waxed jacket?
Or the Marylebone coat is down to around £85 from £179.
Practical options if you do a lot of walking with the buggy.

[snowgal]

I like the wrap top you linked to, shame it's a viscose mix. Not blown away by either of the dresses.

[BabyLabyrinth]

Sold on the idea of a coat. My current one got a bit stretched last year with the pregnancy ...

I think I'm going to go for this. I'm not brave enough for the spots, but I do think they're fun.

Thanks for everyone's help!

[starfleet]

Don't waste your vouchers on the Jersey Shirt Dress. It's a very strange fitting garment! Tight on the sleeves and just generally narrow everywhere else. I wear a size 10/5'-4" height and it was an odd length not knee but looked odd at above the knee! But there are still quite a few nice things left in the clearance section

[MildredH]

Maybe too late but I'd suggest a cashmere cardi.. Great investment, a good colour will go with lots you already have and just feels lovely and luxurious!