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!

[Lucked]

One of the reason I love Boden is that almost all there dresses come in tall and are correctly proportioned for me at 5'10

[Itsautumn]

I don't really get the constant discounting. It's such an obvious marketing tool to make you believe you are getting a bargain. This now seems common practice amongst loads of retailers not just Boden tbf

[balkanscot]

Used to buy a fair few pieces "back in the day" (circa 2002 or so) when I genuinely loved Boden stuff. Right now it just seems… bland, despite garish prints and such like.

I also wasn't impressed by DS pyjamas - bought them 3 months ago and they all look soooo washed out that you would think they are 3 years old! Plus the fact that even though I sized him up (based on reading the reviews) it looks like he has already grown out of them (bought size 7-8 even though he is usually 5-6 at 4.8 years).

The only thing that I would consider, maybe, just (with a discount code and waiting for a few reviews to appear) is the Freya Denim Dress in indigo only.

[BangBelly]

Its a bit frumpy. Colours aren't nice, either - horrible orangey reds, peachy salmon pinks and primary school-ish green and blue. They really need to get some nice, deep, classic colours going on.

Also...too expensive! £80 for a thin, frumpy jersey dress that could be from Matalan? NO.

I like Boden in the summer some years...hope the summer range isn't so disappointing.

[illegitimateMortificadospawn]

Echo what others have said about not earmarking the catalogue this season.

[BlueEyedWonder]

I loved Boden back in 2003. The clothes were well made and quirky which appealed.
I'm now 40 and I buy very little from there. The quality isn't as good as it was and I feel a bit grumpy in some of their stuff.
I have £100 account credit to spend (left from a competition win) and I hoped to buy some new bits for spring. Hoping the April arrivals will be better.
The classic shirts are usually good but the patters are hideous this season.
Other places I shop are Topshop, M&S, Jigsaw, Gap and French Connection

[polyhymnia]

sonotkylie, which long grey cardigan did you go for? Always on the lookout for stylish long cardis.

[CointreauVersial]

NOT a fan of this season's prints! A trellis pattern in brash primary colours, or, dear god, medals. The belt with the shiny gold disc on it is awful too.

Normally I do spot a few things I like, but I never pay full price.

Generally, I find places like Whistles/Jigsaw/Hobbs etc. too expensive. My budget is more M&S/Next/Mango/Zara.

[polyhymnia]

Yes, that awful belt with the shiny gold disc is literally one of the worst things I've ever seen in their catalogue.

[illegitimateMortificadospawn]

The weird embroidered military shoes that look like slippers come pretty close.

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

THe medal dress is like something that would pop up on a Per Una Speziale thread.

[OhTheRoses]

I loved it in the late 90s/early00s. Just as I loved Laura Ashley in the 80s but like Laura Ashley (and Per Una and also Next post George Davis) it hasn't moved on.

I buy bits from White Stuff, Per Una (trousers fit), Hobbs, Coast, Jigsaw and some investment pieces from Basler.

[lilyborderterrier]

Not keen either and disappointed with the mini boden stuff for girls, I love the summer stuff with my nearly 4 year old and nothing grabs my attention or hers, I'm hoping this is a Spring brochure and brighter funkier summer stuff will come out.

[PollyPerky]

Allpizzas I am very old- well over 50! New Look is where DD shopped about 15 years ago and even she's moved on! I agree jeans are jeans a lot of the time but generally the quality and fabric of cheaper shops are not for me.

[GiddyGiddyGoat]

I bought this dress in the discount preview thingy a while ago - it arrived today and it's actually very nice - proper thick crisp cotton with a leeetle bit of stretch and a good neat shape - nicer than it looks and will be v useful in a few months time. I bought Long even though I'm 5'5 and the proportions are better than in the photo... mind you that was the only thing I fancied!

[OhTheRoses]

Actually I like the navy one goat. Would be lovely for work. What size are you - wondering I it could make me look hippy.

[woodhill]

It used to be brilliant till about 3 years' ago. There were lovely tops, skirts, knitwear but then I think the quality was not as good. I used to buy loads but rarely now.

The Boots and shoes were also fab and I still have some. It is expensive and there doesn't seem to be as much choice.

[GiddyGiddyGoat]

I'm a 14 Roses - it's quite fitted on the top half, "neat" iykwim, with a defined waist seam then fuller in the skirt.

[OhTheRoses]

Thank you giddy

[MrsCocoa]

Not sure the catalogue has been 'aspirational' since that glorious winter season with Helena Christensen and lots of interesting dark velvets and silk.

Took a look at the new one and recoiled - so boring, so much repetition. And what happened to 'Icons'? Pricey, but at least the design was a bit more interesting.

[Freeatlast2017]

I haven't bought anything from Boden for years and years.

The overall effect for some outfits is lovely but only because the models are tall and skinny and wear high colourful stilletoes which I never ever see women wearing in their day to day life. So it's a look for me that is not achievable.

[Sonotkylie]

Polyhymnia - I am trying the Shawlcollaredcardigan bu I am a bit doubtful as the fabric looks as if it will bobble ... and I am about to bin my Hush 18 month old one as it has bobbled to pieces and looks like a rag. I want one that looks sensible to chuck on as a coat replacement but I wouldn't feel like I was wearing a coat if I wanted an extra layer for a chilly night on the sofa. I am also debating this from Uniqlo www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/goods/173624. I will report back ...

[Revealall]

I amazed that people buy Boden with only 20% off. It's mostly very boring and horribly overpriced.

I'm amazed by the comments about supermarkets and high street fashion chains. I thought MN was a bit more savvy. It's like the shows where people can't live without brand name food and then get told it's all been own label value for the last week.
So many clothes are made by the same factories anyway.

[lyricaldancer]

They always did have some ghastly pieces of clothing and prints, but I could always find something nice. For the first time in years I didn't buy a think from Autumn/Winter. Somebody said they'd streamlined some sections, as there seemed to be less choice I thought. Yes, have they put up prices? I thought so.

A few people complained, that I know, that we didn't get access to the limited edition Roald Dahl collection for children Now selling for silly money on ebay.

[lyricaldancer]

The skirts are nearly all pencil skirts again!