Boden's latest catalogue

[PollyPerky]

Is it just me or is it dire?

I can't see one thing I like except a jumper for £90 . There were a couple of sleeveless summer dresses on the preview but they aren't in the catalogue (yet) and have gone from the website as they are not out till April.

It's just same old, same old, and worse for us petites, the dresses are now knee length or below. I need a 36 inch length not 39!

[Ohtobeskiing]

I have just ordered another Casual Jersey Dress. I have about 4 already but find them great for work in the spring/summer.

I agree with you PollyPerky about where else to buy good quality clothes that aren't too expensive. Most of my wardrobe is now Hobbs, Joules, Boden, Crew Clothing and White Stuff.

[CallarMorvern]

Oh...and yes to the pp who said Boden is not expensive just overpriced. I have a stash of Mini Boden to Ebay, it's a few years old and the quality is fabulous, I stopped buying Mini, apart from coats and underwear, because the quality of the fabrics had gone down so much.

[CallarMorvern]

Apolgies for typos...sleaves...wtf

[polyhymnia]

I have 6 casual jersey dressses and expecting another one today!

I do buy my basics from Boden and don't think they are expensive as so far I've found the quality good and I never buy unless I have a 20% off code.

Also they go up to a 22 which other retailers I'd otherwise go to, e.g. Hobbs, don't, alas. (I'm not interested in the 'specialist' plus size brands such as Simply Be, etc).

[dotandstripe]

I liked them about 7 years ago when they did good basics like knee length skirts in thick cotton and cord, and their jersey shirts that didn't need ironing. And when they first brought out leggings, they were thick, soft and durable.

Now it's all mini dresses and knitwear that looks terrible after two wears. I got a couple of the printed sweatshirts from the sale recently and like those but otherwise I don't buy much from them these days.

[wizzywig]

yes pollyperky my go to shops are the same as you. i too cant get away with new look or supermarket stuff.

[MaryMargaret]

Well I was delighted -- that I could just flick through it quickly and chuck straight in the recycling! Hideous! Those colours! And agree that the clothes didn't look good on the models even - though their models are SOOO skinny they give me no idea what the clothes will look like on me.

I'd have looked proper mumsy in those flared-skirt dresses, I know that.

[CallarMorvern]

How can you not get away with supermarket clothes? Especially Sainsburys. Admittedly you do have to chose carefully, but there always are a few nice pieces.

[PollyPerky]

Thanks for the suggestions but I don't 'do' Sainsburys- it's not a place where I ever shop and just wouldn't buy clothes there.
I don't have a Primark or Peacock near me and when I've been I am underwhelmed by the quality.
I don't like the idea of 2nd hand stuff so I don't do Ebay. (Once bought a jigsaw cardigan there which was sold as 'unworn with labels.')
I do buy jeans and cashmere from Uniqlo.

I do have some summer dresses from Boden- a 60s shift style which I like, in plain navy which is fitted, and the ruched dress - but the casual weekend dress is too low cut and I always feel I'm flashing my boobs in it.

I'm willing to pay a reasonable amount for my clothes as they last for ages but I don't think Boden is worth the money- £100 for most dresses these days there.

[Floisme]

I may send for the Classic Botanical Gardens shirt but that's probably it. I quite like the ponte pencil skirt and blazer but I really don't need clothes like that any more. I'd have snapped up another ruched skirt and Favourite relaxed V neck jumper but don't like any of the skirt colours and can't see the jumper at all.

As for alternatives: I find it's best to keep moving as I think the way the industry is set up means nowhere stays good for long. A few years ago, I'd have said TK Maxx plus Me and Em for treats but I think they've both gone downhill. At the moment I'm into Cos and before you all go, 'Eww', I took the piss out of them for years too!
I think there's stuff in H&M that's wearable at any age but I concede you have to rummage. I'm a sucker for Whistles although they're £££ but the quality's not great and I'm watching them carefully now Jane Shepherdson's gone. I think Uniqlo are ok and I like the odd bit of Toast.
I've always found Pure Collection to be good quality although I don't buy often and I've seen lots of love for Jaegar Outlet on here although I haven't been inspired to buy yet.

[hiccupgirl]

I've only recently started buying Boden following weight loss and having to get a whole new wardrobe. I've bought quite a bit in the just finished sale and have a couple of plain dresses I love.

But the new catalogue is very disappointing. Horrible prints - agree what is going on with the nautical crap. And the prices have gone up more - I just bought a cropped cardi in the sale for £32 down from £46.50 and the new catalogue has the same priced at £50. There's 1 plain jersey dress I like but I won't be buying unless I get a voucher or there's at least a 30% discount because it's overpriced.

I also get clothes from M&S, Next, White Stuff etc but I've not been inspired by any of their new offerings either tbh.

[mumsnit]

Got catalogue though and I like some of the prints tbh! However the top I really like is £50 and 100% viscose no way!!

The Lara wrap is lovely but the neckline is always too low for me on those.

There is lots of copycat Boden around now so you can buy similar items for less from supermarkets/high st if you shop around.

[AllPizzasGreatAndSmall]

Not sure how old you are but 'can't get away' with New Look etc.? I've just bought another pair of their black super skinny jeans to replace the pair I've had for two years as they have faded a bit now, £20 and they are great.

I agree with Uniqlo for trousers, their ankle length smart trousers are brilliant. I also buy a lot of trousers in Gap, their stretch skinny ankle are really nice and you can always get a good deal on them.

[DubiousCredentials]

I think "can't get away with" actually means "wouldn't be seen dead in"

[CallarMorvern]

DubiousCredentials

Ohhh. Sometimes Mumsnet is another world.

[SeasickCrocodile]

I thought the mini girls stuff was ok but not nearly as good as last year. Boys was pretty disappointing and nothing except a baby girls cardi from the
Baby section. The women's was shocking. They tried to take the nautical trend and make it middle class wearable and it all got lost in translation. Not even the models looked good.

[illegitimateMortificadospawn]

The nautical stuff is appalling. I don't follow high fashion so it only a previous poster which has alerted me to it being 'on trend'. Makes no odds to me - I still wouldn't be seen dead in it, although if my gran was still alive she might have given it a whirl.

[illegitimateMortificadospawn]

I used to rely on Boden for half decently cut stuff in natural fibres. All the polyester means they're no better than half the high street but at silly prices.

[Floisme]

The quality issue (which I agree with) seems to be an industry wide thing. All the retailers that used to be known for good quality at medium prices seem to be struggling. There are threads all time time about M&S and Next. Gap look as if they're on a downward spiral too.

(I know Boden are pricier than some of these but I put them in the same bracket because they always discount.)

[ruthsmumkath]

Glad it's not just me - I usually fold over loads of pages my catalogue's gone straight in the recycling!

[Sonotkylie]

I thought exactly the same, but then ... I realised that the cashmere relaxed v neck is in colours that suit me and as the style is perfect on me (right slouch, right length and no dropped shoulders), so I snapped up one (or two). And the ruched skirt is back and I love my black one and wear it all the time, so it needs a friend ... And DS needed some new pyjamas. And I needed (honestly) a new long grey cardigan. And I saw 1 plain dress I want to try. So for a catalogue I didn't like, it's been jolly expensive. But I am hopeful it will all be good and it is all pretty classic (apart from the pyjamas)! I should say I have been buying less and less from them and I agree about quality and style issues. And don't start me on the patterns!

[illegitimateMortificadospawn]

I agree about the whacky prints & I used to like them. Why can't they do a wider range of accent colours in the dresses, instead of black or navy and then various permutations of rainbow spew? Some nice dresses ruined by pattern.

[TheFirstLastKiss]

All my clothes are from Asda, Ebay, Tesco and charity shops.

The fact I can't even afford Boden or mini boden on ebay is truly depressing.

[TheFirstLastKiss]

Actually I don't really like Boden women's clothes so scrap that but I love mini boden because Tesco boy's clothes are really boring.

[Lucked]

Most my Boden stuff lasts longer than everything else in my wardrobe so for me it is worth the money. Most of my purchase from supermarkets have been a disappointment and essential disposable fashion. I can't make knitwear last no matter where it is from though.

I am on a shopping embargo until I lose weight but I buy plain colours with the odd stripe and polka dot from Boden. I do agree that a lots of things seem fussy rather than classic at the moment but still plenty I would consider.

The question is do I forgive Johnny for not sending me a scarf?