I’ve been wearing Boden since summer of 2009 and was, like many, introduced to their women’s line when I started buying Mini Boden for the children. Their fabulous patterns and easy to wear cuts were what first appealed to me, and all my initial purchases were tunics, perfect as summer dresses here in the summer heat. I have to say I was completely oblivious to any of the negative connotations that tend to be associated with the brand in the UK. Some adjectives I’ve heard used are a long the lines of ‘frumpy’ and ‘mumsy’ – we all know the stereotype. In my opinion though – and I am as guilty of this as anyone else – any item of clothing can be worn badly, or in an unflattering manner. The art to dressing and keeping clothes stylish is in choosing the right shapes for your body and then styling them so they represent you.
I’m not convinced I’ve articulated myself well, but let me use myself as an example. I am definitely not what I would consider ‘frumpy’ or ‘mumsy’ (feel free to shatter my illusions) but I wear A LOT of Boden. Sometimes I wear all Boden, sometimes just an essential t-shirt layered under another brand’s sweater. I pick items that I know can be styled and worn in what I consider to be a more ‘on trend’ fashion (in danger of disappearing up my backside here but bear with me). Other times however, I want to look a little more conformist and will intentionally dress a little more staid, a prime example is for a PTA meeting when I want to ‘blend in’ (though I am feeling less and less like conforming for these events, and being more and more the ‘eccentric English bird’ that I am). Boden works for all scenarios.
When I select an outfit I tend to pick one key piece that I want to wear then build the outfit around that item. Today I wanted to wear my lovely Boden stripy jumper. I had no idea that the entire ensemble would end up being Boden – in fact come to think of it brand plays little or no part in whether an item is picked from the closet that day. The grey jumper led me immediately to look for some colorful trousers – of which I have many – but I picked out the Boden cyclamen skinny jeans (SS 2012) today, because randomly I had already applied a purpley pink lipstick! The grey chic biker jacket (SS 2012 – sold out online) seemed like a no brainer with these two items. The only non-Boden items are the H&M vest dress layered under the jumper for warmth, the Guess Cardio boots and the scarf which I was a Christmas present from my sister-in-law a few years ago. Together I think this is a really fun outfit and a great way to take summer jeans into winter. I feel anything but frumpy.
So again Boden I thank you for providing great quality, stylish, classic items that can be worn by women of any age and in her own style. Your prices aren’t too bad either with a discount code;) I’ll always have a soft spot for you – I just hope to see more tunics appear for SS 2013!
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