What's still worth it from Boden?

[BoogleMcGroogle]

I used to love Boden, and it was certainly the focus of much MN worship. But like many others, I've lost my faith.

I think the prices have gone up and the quality down, although I sometimes find a gem. I still really like their swimwear and bought a lovely summer pencil skirt this week. My kids still wear their things, although DD is currently favouring Fat Face. On the other hand, their insistence of making all dresses out of either cheap t-shirt material or crackly polyester is deeply depressing. I really miss their lined cotton sundresses ( but not enough to lose a stone to fit back into my old ones).

Anything I'm missing that you still rate? Where can ex-Boden lovers ( the clothes, not the nippy little man) move on to?

i too miss the cotton sundresses...think there was one called riviera which i still get compliments on when i wear it despite it being old. I also miss their vest tops that had lovely little additions like velvet, and pretty tape. Good quality cotton things with a slight twist that made them unusual.

I'm actually pleased now that i bought too much 3+ years ago, as i really dont need any new clothes at the moment

I have a riviera sundress too! Cream and green cotton. It'll never be trendy, but felt so comfy. I might dig it out and try it on....

Oh yes, those little velvet trims. After I had my daughter I had a tummy skimming baby top with an orange velvet trim. I wore it all the time. You'd never get a velvet trim now :(

I just miss being able to shop somewhere where things were always good quality! I used to get all my workwear from there, really lovely silk tops, jumpers and cardigans etc. Now when I try to replace like for like its so obvious how much the quality has deteriorated. It’s daft really, I get that they must be making more profit, but they will start losing customers who have been loyal to them for years. Why not just keep making good clothes rather than chasing a fast buck?

I posted about this a few days ago ... I generally hate Boden but their relaxed v necks cashmere jumpers are fabulous and just about the most flattering jumper I own

I've looked at those cashmere jumpers before. I normally wear the same style of jigsaw button-back sweater in one of 4 colours. Might look again at the Boden cashmere though, the colours are often very nice.

Agree Ellllle the relaxed cashmere v necks are fab, I have two - but I too am tired of jersey dresses in ‘ditsy’ prints. I’ve never seen anyone make one look chic.

I like their leggings. They retain their colour and shape after lots of washing.

I think their silk or linen shirts are nice classics. Always buy in the sales or with discount codes (or both)!

Just in case you're not aware - there is 25% off everything at the moment online - until Sunday.

Ffs! Just read this thread then ordered some swimwear and leggings - I'm so bloody suggestible!

smiled Nothing like a bit of reverse psychology! If it helps, after writing this scathing thread I've since purchased a belt from Boden. Which was recommended by precisely no-one.
Their leggings are very good though 😉

@smiled - this happens to me all the time! I was reading a thread about a dress required for a wedding (I'm not going to one by the way!) the other evening and ended up ordering some of the dresses that were suggested!

I've recently bought a couple of Jersey dresses, one sleeveless in coral with gold stars, which is a great colour on me, and a plain navy.

They have permanent sales now! I never ever buy at full price. The original prices are very high for the quality and finish. Johnny Boden is seriously rich! He has mega bucks from many years of selling clothes.

I don’t mind paying for high quality fabrics but some of their fabrics are man made and are not breathable. I do have a few great silk tops but pullovers often bobble and their shoes tend to be narrow and expensive. Bags are boring. I quite like some of their linen but cannot stand over embellished items that scream “Boden”.

Their Brighton biker jeans are the most flattering trousers I own, as well as being lovely and soft. I have them in khaki and black.

Stop it!

Their shoes are great!

yes...stop it - she says adding Brighton biker jeans &the Ada midi dress I read about on another thread to my 'look at' list for the morning...

peanutbutter Fortunately my feet are the dimensions of tiny kippers, so their shoes are off my radar. They do look pretty though. Following this thread, I am now interested in their jeans, which had previously evaded me. I get the message to steer clear of anything ditsy. I've just come back from a holiday in Washington, where wearing anything ditsy possibly incurs an on the spot fine. Oh my, those Washington ladies dress cool and sharp 😉

If you look well you can still find some gems. A green midi pleated skirt that hangs like a dream and can be dressed up or down with plimsolls or heels, pale pink belted shorts, a squishy gold leather bag big enough to fit a laptop for work

I have a few of the simple jersey dresses for work. What annoys me though there seems to be either print dresses or black or navy dresses. There are other colours you know?

I like their t-shirts - good quality and they wash well. And I bought a pair of their chino-y shorts last year which I wore loads. Just bought a pair of their Richmond trousers, which I really like, but its too early to tell if they're going to really work.

They're going down the Gap route.
And some of the clothes they sell for children aged 11 to 16 are just ridiculous.

Jeans are out of my size so that’s saved some cash!