Boden or Pretty in Prints

Before I started shopping extensively at J.Crew, I used to buy much more at Boden. I got into Boden after buying Mini Boden during my childrenswear obsession, that I blogged about HERE.

Boden clothes are cheerful and feminine, geared toward stay-at-home moms and weekend wear. It was a nice escape for me, at the time when my Banana Republic/Theory wardrobe was full of trousers, solid button downs and menswear inspired blazers.

I haven't bought anything from Boden in the last year, but they have a lot of cute stuff for spring and summer in the current collection. The items I will share with you are not current, but Boden continues to make certain staples with almost identical cuts and fabrics. I have added links to similar items in current collection, but if you explore the website, you will find even more.

Hotchpotch Top, Similar HERE

UK size 14, Tailored

UK size 12

Crinkle Top,  Size Medium

Similar top in solid  HERE 

Whimsically printed button downs is something that Boden also does very well.

The fit of their shirts is similar to J.Crew. I was always size 12 in Boden tops. They have since switched to US sizing but size 12 falls somewhere in between US size 6 and 8, which worked perfectly for me. I think they currently translate UK size 12 to size 8 US.

Essential shirt in mustard yellow, similar HERE

Essential shirt in red

Essential shirt in red

The essential shirts usually have some details in other fabrics, mustard shirt has pink trim around neck and cuffs, red shirt has brown trim and purple flower print has green trim around the collar and inside of the cuffs in the same print but in green. This is nice touch when you turn your cuffs up.

Other shirts that I was buying in multiples were their crinkle jersey shirts. They are so comfortable, it is basically a t-shirt but cut like a button down.

They usually do them in 3/4 sleeve in the spring and long sleeves in the fall.

Size Medium, 3/4 sleeve

Crinkle Jersey shirt, similar HERE

Long Sleeve Version

You can wear it crinkled or you can iron it

Boden makes great colorful linen tunics, perfect for resort vacations. The print below reminds me of Lily Pulitzer.

Size 12 with hem let down

Perfect summer vacation tunic dress, similar  HERE

And if you need super comfy jersey dress that feels like a nightgown but can also go to a casual office, Boden may just be a place to look:

Size 12, shortened, similar HERE

Comfy like a nightgown but put together

And of course nobody does a playful, feel good, retro print better than Boden. Now, I have to admit that I loved this print but I was not too happy with the fit of the dress. It is cut low and high waisted, more suited to those who are pear shaped. But it works with the cashmere wrap from Banana Republic (very old).

Fun print

Low cut, but OK for vacations

I would say Boden's signature dress fit is fitted in the shoulders and accentuating the chest area, then skimming over the waist and draping slightly a-line around the hips. This works for many shapes and it is one of the most flattering, feminine cuts. 

Boden clothes don't look borrowed from the boys. Their dresses are made for women, not girls. Boden is imo not so great with color, they use color a lot but some of their combinations are jarring. Same goes for prints, some a great and some are just too whimsical or too retro and after a while it may get repetitive, but if you like prints in general, you will should be able to find something you love at Boden.

Last but not least: shoes!

Boden does have some great shoes. Their ballet flats are leather lined, padded an dwith leather soles, They fit me better than J.Crew ballets and they have some great colors. Again, I am size 8.5 in J.Crew heels and 8 in ballet flats but I am always size 39 in Boden (and other Euro shoes).

I like the slightly higher vamp and velvet bows

Padded and leather lined, similar HERE

That's all folks

I own more of each category above, plus skirts, jackets, pants, t-shirts, bags and even coats from Boden. I have been equally happy with fit and quality. Compare to J.Crew, there were very few items that I returned, probably around 10%. Their returns are free most of the time with the code and all shipments come with pre-printed return labels and resealable bags but you have to wait about 10 days for them to be processed. Their site features reviews and their customer service is wonderful in my experience. The shipping time was about one week for me to NJ.

Their prices are similar to J.Crew and they also have some very good discounts and sales. If the colors and prints appeal to you i would recommend them. For deals, promo codes and more up to date reviews check Dina's blog HERE.

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Have you bought anything from Boden?

Do you like their clothes?

Please share, there would be no fun without you!!!