Tardis | Poppy's Style

It’s hard to shop in Bury and Bolton. Nothing to do with the stores or the towns themselves – in fact both have been greatly improved, though it is a little sad to see more and more empty store fronts. Does everyone go to the Trafford Center these days? Maybe we need help from Mary Portas? Don’t get me started about Bury Market. It used to be the destination for food – pies, vegetables, deli meats and of course black pudding. Now it seems to specialize in tat.

Anyway back to why it’s hard to shop. It is bloody freezing here (though sun was seen today). It makes it impossible to imagine anywhere being too warm for a jacket, or furry boots for that matter. instead of lusting after bright colored shorts and skirts I have been drawn to woolly knits, big coats and scarves. I have to keep reminding myself that these items won’t get worn in Atlanta till Christmas – plus they’re not packing friendly.

On a couple of instances though I have managed to persuade myself that it may get worn through Spring – maybe even in the air conditioned office in the Summer. Hence I may be found guilty of the following purchases.

There is a plethora of knitted biker jackets in the stores. I love knits and I love biker jackets so guess what – I am like a bear to a honey pot when it comes to these gorgeous things. The first I spotted was in M&S. I was generally unimpressed again with M&S – they are trying to be all things to all people – but this cardigan was lovely and jumped right out at me from the racks. So lovely I got both the cream and the black. I had to go up a size, but the only review online also says it fits a bit small – especially the arms.

Mum and I went in River Island yesterday. I remember vividly when our Chelsea Girl in Bury became a River Island – so it makes me giggle that they are now proudly displaying their ‘year founded’ on the clothing labels – 1988 – seems like only yesterday when I am back here. I probably haven’t been in one since if I’m honest – and I only went in yesterday for research purposes. Well of course I saw something I needed. Now I might not get as much wear out of this until Fall, but the color, the knit and the style made it too perfect to leave behind. It is lovely and you might see me in it tomorrow if I remember to take photos when I go shopping with my sister.

Tips on TARDIS-like packing are warmly welcome.

After the launch of the Boden Spring 2013 season yesterday, I spent quite a lot of time surfing the Boden site – well it would be rude not to. I’d briefly seen the preview site late last year but chose not to order then – my wants/needs/wishes always change so even with the 20% discount I wasn’t tempted. It was lovely to navigate through the new season at my leisure.

My first impressions after a couple of hours surfing the site are:

1. I LOVE the color palette used – the yellows, blues and soft reds really speak to me for Spring and Summer.

2. I love the knits like the Notting Hill jumper – just a shame I can’t wear them here in the spring when it’s already climbing to the 80s.

3. Where are all the tunics? – Normally my staple, go to items for summer dresses and so far only two styles to choose from:( The Breton tunic does nothing for me with the contrast pockets I’m afraid – the pockets are an unnecessary distraction. I’d probably take it in all 4 colors if it weren’t for the pockets!

Unusually for me – my top picks are mainly accessories. I’ll take the leather folded clutch in every color please! What a fantastic, versatile bag for all occasions. The Greengage, Sunset and black are top picks for me.

The oil cloth bag is another favorite. I bought my first Boden oil cloth tote last year and it has turned out to be the best bag ever – easy to keep clean and dry, stylish and Tardis like in it’s ability to hold everything – a true Mary Poppins bag. I love this season’s irregular spot and have my eye on these two to use for my various trips this year. I also think the folded leather clutch will drop easily into either of these so you can carry a bag for all occasions.

Given all the Boden in my closet I only own one dress – the cream sixties dress from a couple of years ago. I struggle with their dresses given my boobage and lack of hips, plus I don’t wear a dress very often anyway. Having said all that I LOVE this drop waist dress. It’s almost the antithesis of Boden given the muted colors and absence of pattern – but I think it’s really youthful and looks a really comfortable, yet sassy dress. I’d like this in grey and black please.

Finally a beautiful neutral scarf – with my 15% off it might be worth nabbing now at just $23.80 – the chincilla color is lush!

What have you seen that you’ve ordered or are lusting over? Don’t forget to click on the banner here for 15% off plus free shipping – grab them while they are in stock! Oh – and some new items are on promotion this week with 20% off and this 15% code stacks! Apparently there will be a different selection of items every week with 20% off – I love it! Take a look at the short rainy day mac (gorgeous in yellow) or the palazzo jumper for example!