You can wear some of these items right away, like the belt and the sneaks. If you’re heading into a cool spell like we are in Seattle, you might be able to wear the others too. Some of the items are discounted. They are fabulous quality all round.
1. Madewell Medium Perfect Leather Belt
This belt doesn’t look like much because it’s very basic, but it’s a cut above the rest. I have two in black and brown, and they are extremely soft, lightweight and lie very flat against the midsection. You forget you’re wearing a belt. Classic and versatile. Substance without the bulk, and robust too. Sufficiently wide to wear with jeans, and the brass hardware is subtle. No wonder it’s a repeat style from Madewell.
2. SAS Free Time Sneaker
Don’t turn your nose up at these sneakers because they might remind you of orthopedic shoes — and what’s wrong with that, anyway? Remember that it’s all about how you STYLE an item that makes the difference. My ‘80s gene drew me to these because they remind me of a pair of white Reebok-esque sneakers I wore to Varsity in 1988/89. I LOVED those sneakers and bought another pair when they wore out. The SAS Free Time are extremely comfortable, well-made, supportive, all-leather, and fit beautifully because they come in six widths and a range of sizes. It’s like walking on air. They run long so size down half a size if you don’t have long toes. I bought them in a narrow size, which works well for my low-volume feet.
I got the white because they look the most pretty and crisp in that colour. They are perfect for plane travel and long walks. At first, I thought they were overly chunky for my narrow ankles, but the width fits so well, that they work. Greg likes them, and that’s all the validation I need. Here you can see me wearing them at the airport.
3. Boden Ellie Sweater
This Modern Retro pullover is stunning if you like a gently fluid fit and a playful neckline. Beautifully made, soft, and versatile. It could not fit me more perfectly. A little roomier on me than on the model, but still an impeccable fit. It’s versatile because you can pair it with most bottoms, AND it works on a range of body types. Quite forgiving on the midsection. The structured neckline makes it work on long and shorts necks, and multiple bust sizes. The neckline looks bulky but it’s not. It layers under jackets, coats and scarves surprisingly well. PRETTY.
4. Boden Horsell Jacket
A lovely FLUID fit with a very structured shoulder and V-neckline. It has a subtle shoulder pouf so consider yourself warned. Lots of room on the arms and torso. More roomy and trapeze-shaped on me than on the model, but works nonetheless. The sleeves are slightly bell-shaped to accommodate trendy exuberant sleeved tops. I’m going to adjust the position of the buttons for an even better fit. Excellent with all sorts of layers underneath. The jacket has the most beautiful tortoise shell buttons too. The red is a blue-red, and the blue a true navy. The animal print is hairy but VERY smooth and soft. Not furry or scratchy. Impeccable quality.
5. Boden Muriel Sweater
Fit is perfectly fluid, JUST like how you see it on the model in the striped version. Very good structure on the neckline, shoulders, upper arms, cuffs and welt – which makes all the difference. I do not think it runs big if you want it to fit fluidly like the model. You need long arms to wear the style because the blouson silhouette can overwhelm. Soft and not too thick, and with a neat and tidy neckline. Works on a range of bust sizes. The red is a shade of watermelon, and not tomato. The stripe is very bold. Not good on petites unless you have regular proportions up top. Read the rave reviews.
6. Boden Tie-Neck Shirt
A versatile blouse that looks as casual as it does dressy. Best on a straighter figure unless you tuck or semi-tuck for structure. I prefer the look on a small or regular sized bust. Layers well under a jacket and looks extra fresh in mustard. Read the rave reviews.