How can anyone afford to shop in Boden?!

[Elfina]

DH and I are both on pretty good wages, but I'm shocked at how expensive it is! Even in the sale it's pricey.

So who shops there? Maybe I'm just being tight?!

I buy second hand boden kids stuff on eBay. Usually get two pairs of trousers for well under a tenner and most of the time they look new.

The kids clothes last and you can sell them on. The pointelle tshirts are great, and I would rather have fewer of these for DD than loads from Tesco/Asda etc.

I don't think it is as simple as they can afford it, charliesierra.

Perhaps the OP is new to Boden and don't know about the constant discounts, regular Boden items on ebay, etc. Lots of people have come on here to say how Boden can be more affordable, so to speak. Not many have just said that they buy their whole DC's wardrobe from there because they can afford it (not that it would be a problem if they did, obviously).

Pinkfrocks Wed 20-Aug-14 09:27:03
why has this turned into a 'child's style and beauty' thread

Why shouldn't it?

Yes, thanks Summerberries, its been really helpful to understand how people can make buying good quality clothes more affordable than just paying the initial price you see on the screen.

Do people have other recommendations for him quality clothes (kids and adults) that wash and wear well? I've always felt a bit robbed by M&S, next etc which do not fair much better than super market clothes really...

Thanks elfina and sorry for my terrible English in previous post.

For DC, I have bought in Gap (with good discount/ sale), careful picks in H&M, Zara, John Lewis, ebay and sometimes supermarkets/ Matalan. I am also lucky and have had some v nice clothes given as gifts by relatives over the years. Worthwhile looking at NCT sales too, although I haven't personally used them as I have several children and they wear hand me downs a lot.
I have never found anything that I like in Next and v rarely in M&S (except school uniform).

I buy a lot for my dc, but I look out for 30% off at least. Last week there was a double discount so bought some bits for 35% off. I use the Facebook groups to find codes and buy nearly new. Tbh with a toddler I would buy nearly new - a lot of people on FB sell stuff worn once. eBay also good. My eldest son has 70% Boden wardrobe because it will last for his 2 younger brothers. Nothing else will. I find with a discount code that a lot of stuff is then same price as Next but will resell better.

Elfina, Zara do good girls basics as do Gap who have excellent discounts regularly. And check out Jojomaman as they have brilliant sales,,excellent for toddler girls. I buy dd Monsoon dresses via eBay as they are great quality and often a complete bargain.

Ah, I love Jojo, too. Thanks!

IMO, it's not much more expensive than Next and the clothes last longer and can be passed down. I have three girls so I buy. Not of their stuff there. The Johnny B stuff is also great for the pre-teen stage.

Quite a lot*

also using natural fibres in some things as oppose to synthetics on high street at similar prices. as a 40 something there are a make that have things which suit me and don't date too much,

even my dds like it and borrow the odd thing, dd has a bretton top

OP I completely agree!

I lust after some of their dresses but couldn't justify spending that amount!

Having said that, I've been after a good Breton top (timeless, classic!) for ages and notice that Boden's is £25 and free P and P.

I'm hoping the quality is good!

I could afford it, but I'm not willing to pay those prices for viscose.

me neither I don't want to buy viscose full stop as it makes me sweaty.

My goodness - do they use viscos? I'm really shocked now!

most designers do as well. phase 8, monsoon, east all do

The clearance section is fab, I've just got some skinny cargos for £11. T be fair, sizes and colours are limited but there are bargains to be had.

I wait for a code - ideally 30% - or sales. the codes come out so often you'd be mad to buy anything without at least 20% discount.

agree that the kids' stuff lasts well and makes excellent hand me downs, so quite cost efficient.

Last year they sent me a £10 voucher & there was also a 30% sale on. The coat I had had my eye on for DD went down from £34 to about £14. Waterproof, fleece lined, a fantastic pattern & bought large enough to do this winter too.

DS Mini Boden and now Johnnie B clothes have been fantastic quality. His Winter jackets especially have all been superb.DH loves the jeans. I have had a few bits too. All wash and wear very well.
I usually manage to come across a 20% off too.

What I like about them is that they will accept returns for any reason up to a year after purchase, even if you've just decided you don't like it.

I sent back a dress last year as I realised the nasty drab brown colour did nothing for me. It had been worn & washed several times - I had even cut out the scratchy label. Full refund.

I suppose this could be abused by people deliberately planning to send stuff back after a few wearings.

Ooh, remember that clearance weekend well, I got 2 pairs of cords for £9 each and a jumper for £14, both for this autumn. Iirc there were cashmere jumpers for about £20.

Hope there's another like that

"actually i was thinking more why has it turned into everyone apologising for be able to afford to shop in Boden, or making excuses about discounts and quality - circumstances vary, one person's 'good wage' represents hard up to someone else - the answer to the OP is because they can afford it, there is no mystery."

I agree, Charlie.

I shop at Boden and didn't think it wasn't particularly expensive, just one of the middling priced high street shops. I think the quality can be hit or miss, and it's very identifiable and becoming ubiquitous nowadays. So I don't buy as much as I used to.