Boden AW15: All Hail New British

I’ve waxed lyrical about Boden’s contemporary, quality classics before so don’t need to labour the point, but the brand’s New British Collection heralds the start of an exciting new chapter for the company. Boden’s AW15 offerings are centred around the principle of reinvention: taking the signature strands of Boden’s heritage DNA and marrying them with fresh twists and innovative design details.

But what does all that mean? Traditional pieces are rendered in contemporary cuts, embellishment adorns classic designs in unexpected ways, typically tailored looks are left a wee bit rough round the edges. Boden’s embracing its rebellious streak – and I like it. This is about daring to be different while celebrating the heritage, quality and fabulousness for which Boden is so well known.

Modern reinterpretation of retro style is right up my street, so when Boden asked me to pick out some pieces from the new collection to style up for Everything Looks Rosie, I had a hard time deciding what to go for. Their selection of dresses is particularly strong this season, and being an unashamed dresses girl (you’ll never catch me in jeans, sorry!) I knew it had to be one of them.

The Aurelia Ottoman dress is a contemporary take on the retro ‘wiggle’. This is usually a style that’s a wee bit out my comfort zone for its figure-hugging capacity and general activity-restricting potential! However, the clever cut and panelling and contemporary textured jersey render the style wearable and flattering for such a fitted number (not wishing to toot my own horn!). I immediately fell for the ‘seaweed’ hue – there’s just something about jewel tones in Autumn that I can’t resist, perhaps as they tend to suit if you’re peely wally like me!

I paired my tailored dress with the Curzon jacket in dusky pink. Made from 100% Merino wool, its semi-fitted shape makes it the perfect trans-seasonal piece. It can be dressed up or down, and I loved the shade with the teal of the dress. The Bloomsbury bag is likewise incredibly versatile; made from the softest suede and leather, it has an adjustable strap that can be worn on the shoulder or across the body. Extra points for sharing a name with one of my favourite literary groups!

I’m also head over heels for my pewter and black fringed loafers – a contemporary twist on the design classic. The silver goes with everything and has made all other shoes seem immediately less fun. These are the kind of shoes that put a spring in your step as soon as you put them on, the ideal antidote to dull grey Autumn days in Edinburgh, and great for running around town too!

What are you coveting from Boden’s New British Collection? There are some cracking discounts and free delivery this week, so now’s the time to invest!

Outfit c/o the lovely folks at Boden, but all love of retro dresses and shiny shoes entirely my own!