Oh, Boden!

Oh, Boden! 

Via

That's what I say to every single page of the Boden USA catalog, every season. "Oh, Boden! You did it again! Oh, Boden! Look at you! Look at that!" My dogs must think they tuck treats in between the pages; I'm that excited. Here are a few of my favorites, understanding that choosing favorites is like choosing among favorite coconut milk ice cream: it's nearly impossible. I love their patterns, their quality, their fit, and I love that they offer sizes 2P-18L on almost all items. No, they're not a sponsor of this blog, by the way.

Via

This time of year, think about what you want to wear now-and what will carry you into the spring and early summer. It's pretty unrealistic in places where it gets cold, like here, to think you can buy something now and wear it through the summer when it comes to pants. However, Boden comes close.

Pants Galore!

The thing to keep in mind about Boden is that they sometimes highlight the craziest version of what they're selling. For example, the image that comes up on their website and in print is this one:

Via

Very fun, but not likely something most of us want to wear. However, if you ignore the print and click through to the different patterns based on liking the potential shape of the pants (although they don't do a great job here of showing that off, either), you'll see much more appealing patterns do exist!

Via

Much better, right? I can imagine these paired with a simple black shirt and a blazer over it or a red shirt under a stripe, while the striped pants above just made me wonder how those stripes would, ahem, highlight my rear end. What about this blazer, on sale, with a striped t-shirt under it?

Sizes available vary by color

Or this beauty, also on sale?

Ditto on the sizes varying

As far as basics, those are covered, too, and tend to be less expensive than some of the statement pieces that Boden is known for.

7/8 chino

These chinos are gorgeous. They come in sizes 2-18L. They come in a variety of colors that make me think spring could be just around the corner, but I could also see immediately putting them into my winter rotation with low boots and my emerald green Loft sweater or t-shirt and moto jacket. For the spring, I imagine myself skipping through fields of daisies wearing these, a simple t-shirt, and a pair of soft sneakers, ideally made by Toms but more comfortable....sorry, I got a little off track! These would be good to buy now.

Dresses to Wear For Months Ahead

On the other hand, you might wait to see if you can get this Ella dress (love the name!) on sale. Although Boden stuff is good quality that lasts, I understand that it might be too pricey.

Ella dress, Sizes 2P-18L

However, this is also a dress that is long enough that you could wear it to work, you could wear it with tights this time of year (what about a gray instead of black?), and you could layer it up with a cardigan or blazer. The waistline is exactly right, and the print is a classic that won't be too trendy anytime soon. You would wear it during the summer without a doubt, especially since it's a dress that you can actually wear a regular bra with! Considering the cost-per-wear, it might be a good purchase.

Similarly, at first glance a long-sleeved dress like this one wouldn't be a good buy at this time of year, since you'd likely only wear it for a few months before retiring it for the summer. However, if you work in a freezing cold office, you might consider buying it knowing that you'll wear it all summer long, especially in that bright color! I'd love this dress with a dark navy belt this time of year.

But boy, oh boy, the sale section has some great dresses, too! Some I've loved for months, like this one that allows for a bigger bust and bra straps while also feeling modern and fresh, or this incredible one with the cut outs, or this one that I want my friend Erika to own so much, or this one that looks so boring in the black the model is wearing but really cute in the patterns, or any of these maternity dresses if you're expecting or want to send a friend a sweet gift during her pregnancy,

Bags for Days

I've never purchased a bag from Boden simply because their clothing is so good that my cart is usually overfull by the time I either abandon it all together or check myself out before I spend more than I budgeted for. However, their accessories are great, and I assume the quality is similar to that of the clothing, which is to say excellent. Maybe starting in the clearance section would help ease the burden? Here's a favorite.

$35.20 from $88

Also, I have these boots but in a wedge, and I got oil on them while cooking that won't come out despite all of the Martha Stewart and Real Simple tricks I try. I still kick myself for it-and I still wear them. I would marry them if I could, they're that comfortable and cute.

Happy shopping!