Crazy about catalogues
When I first moved to America, I was stunned at how many catalogues dropped into the mailbox every day. I was appalled at the waste of paper, but secretly thrilled at all the shopping I could do from the safety of my home. I would spend hours poring over Pottery Barn, Victoria's Secret, and my favourite of all, Williams Sonoma.
Then I decided it was just horrible for the environment and I put myself on one of those lists which is supposed to stop all catalogues. It hasn't, but it has significantly reduced what I get, but yesterday I found myself, as always, slowly turning the pages of the Boden catalogue.
For those who don't know, Boden is an English mail order company, who have now come over here. They have wonderful photography featuring models who are supposed to be just like you and me, and on every page they ask the model a clever question. I really, really, intensely dislike the clothes in the Boden catalogue. The kids stuff I adore, but the adult clothes are just the most horrible colors I've ever seen. Everything seems to be a shade of sludge. Purple, brown, teal...yeuch.
But here's what fascinates me: the answers the models give to the 'clever' questions.
Autumn 2008 starts with Thais and Sarah. Sarah's kind of cool. Her second question: 'If only:' Her reply? 'I had all the answers.' I like this girl. She moves on to 'Favourite song to drive to: Sweet Home Alabama'. Yup, agreed. This is my kind of gal, and I turn the next page to see, 'Signature Karaoke song: America by Neil Diamond.' She gets it. You don't need to like Neil Diamond, but the point of Karaoke is to sing songs everyone knows.
Then, on page 38, we meet Anouck. We start with 'Guiltiest pleasure: 80's music'. Uh oh. This is off to a bad start. I hate 80's music. All that Duran Duran, Human League rubbish. Couldn't bear it then, can't listen to it now. Anouck continues. 'Favourite song to drive to: every song. Love driving.' Anouck, this isn't the point. Pick one. Any one. Just pick a song.
It gets better. 'Greatest DIY achievement: (by the way, they misspell achievement - remember friends, i before e, except after c). If you're confused about what DIY is, it's Do It Yourself, the English term for Home Improvement. Her reply? I need to give this a line all to itself because her answer is so extraordinary
making jewellery.
Riiiiiiiiiight.
All is explained however, on page 45. Skill I wish I had: social skills.
I couldn't agree more, Anouck, but thank you for the compelling reading. Off to read about Vanessa now.
Hi Jane! Just wanted to tell you that I just finished "The Beach House", and it is fantastic... I loved (and was shocked by) the Everett-twist. I've never been to your website before, and I love it. Keep up the awesome books.
Hi Jane! Just wanted to tell you that I just finished "The Beach House", and it is fantastic... I loved (and was shocked by) the Everett-twist. I've never been to your website before, and I love it. Keep up the awesome books.
Oh - I just finished reading the same catalogue, on this side of the pond. With the same quotes. I actually do like the women's Boden clothes, not least because there is such a lack of mail-order available here, compared to the States, that it stands out. Also, they do tall sizes, which are REALLY hard to find in the UK. There was a really funny parody of the catalogue in a column in one of the Sunday papers a few weeks ago, but I can't remember which one. It is definitely a cultural hot button here though, in a way it isn't in the US. I think because of the preoccupation with "class" and the fact that everything is always being scrutinized for its class symbolism.
Oh - I just finished reading the same catalogue, on this side of the pond. With the same quotes. I actually do like the women's Boden clothes, not least because there is such a lack of mail-order available here, compared to the States, that it stands out. Also, they do tall sizes, which are REALLY hard to find in the UK. There was a really funny parody of the catalogue in a column in one of the Sunday papers a few weeks ago, but I can't remember which one. It is definitely a cultural hot button here though, in a way it isn't in the US. I think because of the preoccupation with "class" and the fact that everything is always being scrutinized for its class symbolism.
LOL...Oh Jane, I'm with you on everything you've said about dreary Boden. I sent for a catalogue (like you I'm addicted to them even if I don't order) thinking that I'd get to see all these wonderful clothes I'd read about in novels and magazines...Eewwwwwwwww!!!!!! Is al I can say...I may be 48 but I refuse to join the "granny set" just yet thank you very much!
American's just dont "get" us Brits do they? They spell everything the wrong way round (although achievement is probably not one of them!) and generally don't have a sense of humour. I apologise to any reading this but it is true, you have to admit! ;0) xxx
LOL...Oh Jane, I'm with you on everything you've said about dreary Boden. I sent for a catalogue (like you I'm addicted to them even if I don't order) thinking that I'd get to see all these wonderful clothes I'd read about in novels and magazines...Eewwwwwwwww!!!!!! Is al I can say...I may be 48 but I refuse to join the "granny set" just yet thank you very much!
American's just dont "get" us Brits do they? They spell everything the wrong way round (although achievement is probably not one of them!) and generally don't have a sense of humour. I apologise to any reading this but it is true, you have to admit! ;0) xxx
I've never noticed the model comments until now and I've been getting the catalogue for well over a year! I blame the small print. I do like the clothes since I'm into boho chic, when I can afford it. Most of the things I wouldn't wear, but I did order this season's leopard print trainers- they are too cute.
I've never noticed the model comments until now and I've been getting the catalogue for well over a year! I blame the small print. I do like the clothes since I'm into boho chic, when I can afford it. Most of the things I wouldn't wear, but I did order this season's leopard print trainers- they are too cute.