Boden Launches Johnnie B Back to School

I remember dreading the end of summer every year when I was in school.  The only redeeming part about looming September was the shopping.

Chic British collection Boden knows this.  They launched its Johnnie B. line this year.  The clothes were smart, with preppy details like printed woven tabs, funky printed linings inside classic outerwear pieces.  Dresses and skirts had some terrific retro-styled prints.  The ‘prom’ dress had neutral colors, but with a graphic, contrast zipper and contrast tulle petticoat underneath.  The graphic tees had artwork that looked like   hand-drawn images of 1980's cameras, shoes and wildlife.

Johnnie B. buyer Polly Dymond was on hand in the showroom to show me all of the offerings.  She was clearly passionate about the collection and looked adorable in the star-print dress.  Other staffers vamped around their favorite pieces from the line as well.

The showroom was dressed up in a tongue-in-cheek version of a classroom.  Alphabet cookies, lockers flowing with knitted accessories. A big chalkboard and notebook stamped like a library checkout for everyone who was ready to order their outfit.

The Johnnie B. collection offers a great alternative for students who are tired of the same big retail chains year after year.  These pieces are casual, easy, with a subtle European edge.  The clothes are available online at a recession-friendly price point. Tops average around $24-$50, dresses $44-$80 and outerwear tops out at $200 for the leather jacket.

Watch Polly's presentation exclusively on MsFAB: