Deborah Ross: Dear Johnnie Boden, this is why I'm returning your catalogue

If you ask me: My husband wouldn't recognise moleskin if the mole was skinned right under his nose

Deborah Ross
Monday 07 May 2012 20:04 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

If you ask me, and are like me, you will receive catalogues through the post on a daily basis and, if you are like me, you will toss them straight into the recycling bin, but how to save yourself even this trouble? I believe this can be achieved by returning the catalogues along with a note explaining why you should be removed from the mailing list, as follows:

Dear Johnnie Boden: And a great big, swishy, sassy hello to you, too! My name is Deborah Ross (Style icon: Olive from On The Buses; ask anyone) and I would love to buy into the Boden lifestyle but the fact is, Johnnie, we're a household of non-aspirational losers. My husband, for example, not only wears the clothes his mother buys for him from the Blue Harbour range at M&S, but wouldn't recognise moleskin if the mole was skinned right under his nose, the saddo! And our children, Johnnie, far from rock-pooling companionably, or jumping off jetties, are more likely to be found kicking the shit out of each other or drinking vodka behind a bush. Should the situation change, I will be in touch, but I am not hopeful at present. Shame, as I think I'd look good draping myself fetchingly on driftwood, but there you have it.

Dear Lakeland: As it happens, I've promised myself that one day I will deserve an easy-fill jam funnel and banana bag, plus a Remoska Electric Cooker – "a joy to use; what a gem!" – although I'm going to have to do something big to deserve that, like save a small child from drowning in a fast-moving river, or forgo Peter Andre: The Next Chapter and discover the cure for cancer. Should either happen, I will certainly get back to you. You can be sure of it!

Dear Jack Wills: Somewhat fortuitously, your catalogue landed on my doormat when I was just in the mood to purchase a vastly overpriced hoodie with your name splashed all over it just so I could show everyone I'm the worst kind of showy-offy capitalist whore-bag... hey, I'm just having a bit of fun with you here! I'd rather be dead than wear anything from your catalogue, and dead from something terrible, like falling off a cliff onto an upturned spike. Still, thanks for thinking of me.

Dear Orvis: You are right, my beloved canine companion would adore a £325 Tempur-Pedic bed and the unparalleled sleep experience this would mean, but he's not having one. Good day to you.

Dear Cotton Traders/Lands' End: Although you may not believe it, I do not need your catalogues because I am still a little bit interested in fashion. As for the swimsuit with the little skirt attached, everyone still knows you are fat under there. Get over it.

This should do it, I think.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in