The chicken or the egg?

Or, I think they could rephrase that saying as Monsoon or Marant?

Which came first?  The Boho Shop or the Boho Queen?  Because with the best will in the world there is more than a little similarity between some of their clothes.

Now I'm not saying you have to full on embrace La Marant - I know she's approaching 50 (not that you'd ever know in a gazillion years) but a) she's French b) she's impossibly cool and c) I bet she likes a bit of M&S every now and again herself (ok so maybe not point c).  I'm 41 and personally the head to foot boho chic ship has sailed.  

Granted, were I to be spending excessive amounts of time somewhere impossibly warm and glamorous, I may rethink this statement but seeing as I can almost count on two hands the days I spend basking in tropical temps, a wardrobe full of floaty boho beauties is not entirely necessary.  (actually you can make that one hand) 

But a nod to it, paired with outfit makers (ie other clothes to you and me - like jeans and stuff, maybe a cardie), pushing the boat out and throwing on a pair of sandals and a straw hat?  Yes, we can give that a go.  Which is handy as I have a Monsoon silk "vintage" number in my wardrobe that I drag out every year.  I bought this when I was pregnant (I seem to have great success with items bought when I was up the duff, this is true) with son number 3 who is 6 this year.  

I'll fess up.  I'm not a huge Monsoon fan.  I can't even remember why I went in a couple of weeks ago but in I did go and whilst the majority of it is so un-me it's true, there are more than a few gems it's worth hunting down. 

The website on the other hand is utterly rubbish.   What on earth is it with British High Street retailers and their totally appalling websites (John Lewis you are a shining beacon but even then, compared to the Matches and My Wardrobes of the online world, still not that great)   But the Monsoon website?  Holy hell, totally tosh. 

It must have crashed 10 times whilst I've been writing this blog (you know when you start something and wish you'd never bothered? well.....).  The only upside was then being able to go and look at Mango online which is pure unadulterated shopping joy.   Seeing the pics side by side - , Monsoon, if I were you, I would be wholly embarrassed.  I appreciate I am perhaps not your target market (although at 41, WAHM, living in the urban country, I probably should and perhaps could be?) but I struggle to see how these images are showing your clothes in their best light. 

Which is a crying shame as a lot of the clothes are great.  Really good quality, unique (you can argue the toss with La Marant over that) designs and reasonable price points.  

Athena Smock Top £55

Riva Print top £39.99




Fenella Tassle Top now £35






Farah Heritage Kaftan £45




Frida Floral Embroidered Kaftan £45 




Jackets is really where they do come into their own though and last year's were good but I think this year's may actually be better. 

I love this navy one - The Liberty Jacket £59





However saving my favourite till last - oh this is just absolutely gorgeous. 

Rawnie Jacket £89




Speaking of jackets, M&S have got their finger on the pulse this season - even Per Una.  Yes, Per Una.   There are others on the High Street who have cottoned on that Boho is good.

Paisley Print Trophy Biker Jacket £59






And whilst I was in there, it did also strike me that the Indigo Collection may also owe it's existence to the Boho vibe that seems to increase in popularity every year.  They have some lovely little Marantesque pieces at a fraction of the cost. 

Another jacket which I personally prefer to the one above - but then that is very similar to my Zara quilted biker one from last year. 

Pure Cotton Bandana Quilted jacket £55


And in a red mix (LUSH) 





This skirt is beautiful and whilst short, it's not as short as lots out there.  It's fuller than it looks in this picture and is lined as well.  For under £30 it's an excellent buy. 

Pure Cotton Anchor Hem Mini Skirt £27.50








Another decent length for a dress 

Block Print Border Dress £35







Now the other retailer who have totally nailed on all things Boho this season are Mango 



This jacket has been all over the blogoshpere but not surprising really as it's utterly gorgeous.  I need it like I need a hole in the head (and there may be another one that I actually prefer which I'm saving for the blog tomorrow but it is very different)  The detailing in this is stunning. 

Beaded Quilted Jacket £59.99








This is possibly my favourite piece from Mango in the short dress section. It's so not me at all but I love the idea of it (and the holiday on which you'd wear it maybe slightly more...) 

Flared Print Dress £44.99  I do think this may be on the short side for most of to bomb around the supermarket in so over white cut offs may be an idea?





Ethnic Embroidery Dress from Mango £44.99



A similar dress in different accent colours.  Gorgeous detailing at the back. 

Ethnic Embroidered Dress £39.99







Embroidered Paisley Dress £34.99



Beaded Embroidered dress £49.99 Now I'm thinking that this is slightly too short perhaps if you're on the vaguely tall side but I do think this would look fab worn as a top/blouse over skinny faded distressed skinnies and sandals.  Perfect for this country this summer. 



Exquisite detailing 




More dresses - again I would be perturbed about the length of this on someone as tall as me, but this is gorgeous and for less than £40, a bargain. 

Mosaic Print Dress £39.99



Silky fabric now in a Tie Print Dress £29.99



Finally something that's slightly longer.  The totally random thing here is that whilst the short dresses are really short, the long dresses are really long.  Go figure.

Strapless Long Dress £79.99



Honestly I've been pretty much ok so far without wanting to cave and order anything.  As I mentioned, I don't intend to splurge on the boho theme this season - am feeling the minimalist love a bit more.  But this has totally turned my head.  Oh god I love it.  I really really do.  So perfect for this country with a jacket for cool days or with a hat, sunnies and sandals for a BBQ or even just taking the kids swimming on the weekend.  Am talking myself into it as we speak..... Please don't let it be see through - please please please......

Embroidered Long Dress £59.99



There's also this one - the shoulders of which are very IM inspired - I'm not sure about the waist on this for me and it does look like the proportions are cut shorter than the two dresses above but a white dress is just perfect for the Summer full stop. 

Embroidered Long Dress £79.99






Will you be doing the Boho vibe this year?  I have a pair of printed trousers (the Forever21 ones) which I shall be dragging out and my old faithful silk Monsoon tunic.  And now of course, I have my heart set on the white embroidered dress.   And even thought it's pouring with rain today, throw on some ankle boots with the look and you're still set to go (and an umbrella.. ok maybe it's better to leave it till Spring decides to return) 

Actually having said that, yesterday it was glorious.  Took the kids swimming outdoors in the afternoon which was heavenly (for the record I do Not go in the water with them - I sit and murmur encouraging prompts from the bench on the side, sitting in the sun....) 

Then movie night before back to school today (HOORAH!).  Saving Mr Banks was the movie of choice - the 7 and 5 year olds escaped to watch something else after about 15 mins but the 9 year old proclaimed it the best movie she's ever seen.  I sobbed my way through the entire thing - a truly excellent movie that I had had no real desire to see.  Definitely worth a watch.