My Sister's Boden Party

This week I abandoned the family and headed down to Tipperary to visit my family and help my sister with her Boden Party. It was she who made me aware of Boden many years ago so when they started the Irish party programme, it was fitting that that called her.  Imagine the Boden girl's surprise when she heard we were sisters! I knew the space she has would be perfect for a party - this is how it looked before the guests started to arrive.

So when there were a few breaks in the day, I tried on as much as I could so here goes with a picture heavy try-on post...photos a bit dodgy but hopefully you'll get the gist! First up - there was major shoe love going on...very impressed with the selection that was sent:

I just had to try the Lille Lace-Up - only the orange colour was in my size but actually, it came up big so I'd order the 39.  I'd heard nightmare stories of how uncomfortable these shoes are but I can't agree...they were lovely to wear and I now have the navy on my wish list:

Lille Lace Up - Jaffa Orange

Next, these Sienna wedge sandals were a surprise hit. They are unbelievably comfortable and give great height. These are the size 40 and again, I would size down if ordering. I love the navy colour-way and will be watching out for them in the sale.

Sienna Wedge Sandas

Well, I couldn't wait to try on the Alice high heels - especially as I'd heard they were a narrow fit and I have the Alice flats on order so was concerned my foot wouldn't fit into them. Well I had no need to worry - I fell in love and now want the heeled version too! Size wise, these are a 39 and were neat so I was glad my Alice Flats are coming in a size 40.

Alice Heels in Amethyst 

I was delighted to see these metallic espadrilles in the party set in my size and as they were sold out online and my sister's party was the second last one this season, I was able to purchase this pair...and in fact, as it's my birthday on Tuesday, my sister bought them for me...thank you sis!! They're a size 40 and are so comfy. Only available online in the other colour ways. 

Espadrille - Metallic

Now these next shoes were a surprise also. I didn't like them to look at and there was some fading in the pattern under the big toe where they had been tried on during all the parties before this one. But as they were in my size, I decided to try them on and WOW - they are so lovely on. I predict they will be in the sale at a good reduction so am going to sit tight for now. These were a 40 also.

Roma Heel in Chilli Mini Compass

Finally, all about the stripes with the Vienne Point and the Kirsten Heel - the former were too big in the size 40 and without any strap action, are a no/no for me as I know the size has to be spot on to avoid them slipping off. The latter were a joy to wear - the heel is the perfect block size and height. If I was ordering, I'd probably go for the leather versions and size up.

Vienne Point in soft red & Kirsten Heel - navy/white

Onto the clothing now and these next few photos didn't have great light - apologies. This first top was almost purchased but I couldn't make up my mind on the colour. It also comes in a great pink shade and a couple of prints. Definitely on the possible list.

Shell Top in Sulphur

The Ravello top is a regular each year in Boden - loved this geo print. On the right, this wrap top didn't come in my size so this is an 8 and way too small...but I love the style of it and there's a gorgeous print with yellow available also, which I prefer to the green.

Ravello Top in Blackcurrant Geo & Drapey Cross Front Top In Viridan

The Betty Top was a huge hit at this party with several sold in the different colours. For me, the navy and cream were my favourites but I tried on the green as it was a size 12 and fitted me.

Betty Top in Viridian Compass

No sunny holiday for us this summer but if we were going, this is the kaftan I'd buy. Fab colours and a lovely flattering style. 

Printed Kaftan in Red Geo

The Tamara jacket was fabulous and while it didn't suit me, it would work so well on a more petite frame. The embroidery is just lovely on it. This is the size 12.

Tamara Jacket in Dark Blue

Of course, having a party gives you a great chance to try on the Johnnie B range which goes up to an age 16...equivalent to about a size 12. This breton is a steal - I'm wearing the 13-14 which was more like a 10 so I'd size up to the 15-16. It also comes in a navy/orange colour way.

Clio Top in Blue Multi Stripe

and these tops were another great find - look like nothing on the hanger but are really nice on and have a lovely stripe combo thing going on. They do need a vest underneath but are 100% Linen.

Priscilla Top - various colours in stripe and plain available

I loved the print in these jersey maxi skirts and was keen to try on but I wasn't sure...it's quite a strong print for a skirt I think? It worked well with the navy though - this is the Betty Top again.

Jersey Maxi Skirt & Betty Top

A few accessories - not much came with the party set but out of what came, I liked this scarf...

Cotton Dobby Scarf

and this necklace...

The Silver Circle Necklace

and the Selina Sunglasses in Nude. Thought I would like the Lena top and in fact, almost ordered it a month or so ago but it wasn't for me...the print was too unflattering and seemed to add inches.

Selina Sunglasses & Lena Top - Chestnut Graphic

Finishing with a couple of casual jackets - the Amanda Jacket in Vintage Denim and the Frances Biker in Chilli

neither got me too excited. I'm not a fan of fraying on jackets and can't help thinking the Amanda jacket would be so much nicer with a neat finished collar. Meanwhile, the coloured denim biker was nice but difficult to assess as it was a size 14. Some girls at the party tried the white one on (which was a tiny size 8) and it appealed more to me in the that colour than the chilli red.

Phew....all done with the pictures! I didn't buy anything at the party as the discount code didn't work for the UK but I have added a few of these items to my wish list for the next discount week...which it turns out is this week! 25% off selected stock only and specific days too so you might want to set a diary reminder:

Monday 1st June - Dresses

Tuesday 2nd June - Tops & Accessories

Wednesday 3rd June - Trousers & Skirts

Thursday 4th June - Holiday Shop

Friday 5th June - Everything in Clearance!! (I think the summer sale is imminent)

Will be back asap with my report back from Kildare Village Outlets, which I visited en route back up from Tipperary..hope you're having a good weekend.

Ax