I had every intention of going shopping this weekend but after just three days of feeling well again, I got another cold *sighs and snuggles down under blanket*.

Not to be deterred I sat in my PJs with a lemsip in one hand and the Next A/W catalogue in the other.

I have a lot of Next stuff in my wardrobe and around my home, I have jumpers, tops, tunics, sleepwear and accessories from them that I simply would not be without. Sadly though their trousers have space for hips that I just do not posess and I find their ballet pumps to uncomfortable to wear, which is such a shame as they always have a great selection.

This time though I was on the hunt for a winter coat and some going out tops.

I'm fickle when it comes to coats, as a general rule I dislike fur collars, hoods, belts, patterns and voluminous shapes. Recent though, I feel in love with and subsequently bought a coat with a leather belt - see how fickle I am?

As for going out tops I mean the kind you need for Christmas parties and festive events. The sort of thing that can be dressed up with trousers and killer heels or slung on with jeans and pretty shoes for something more casual but equally festive.

I tend to go on a bit of a spending spree at the start of a new season, this one has been no exception. Here is what I found flicking through the catalogue - angora mix sweater (£35). Okay, so it's not exactly party wear but would be fab for visiting relatives over Christmas, (it's October, I'm allowed to say the C word now right?). Stud blouse (£38), I thought black skinny jeans, a simple black heel and a clutch for work's Christmas drinks?

PU trim crombie coat (£60), smart and sleek, not a hood in sight. Love the PU trims.

Black collar trench coat £68), I loved the contrast sleeves, but the belt concerned me. I decided to order this despite the belt, thinking that I could always tie the belt at the back, but sadly it was out of stock in my size. Navy textured military coat (£75). I liked the texture mixed with the military style, nice shape to the hem and deep pockets - excellent for mooching about with your hands in.


Going off topic a little these two berry dresses, cowl back sequin dress (£40) and bead trim dress (£50), are top of my shopping list should the perfect occasion arise. New Years Eve maybe?


Embellished vest (£32). Christmas eve in the pub with my friends. Super cute, not too girly, perfect with a statement necklace, nice with a maxi skirt for a meal out. Sheer black sweater (£25). Cute. Could be a Christmas Day contender...


Wax jacket (£60) I couldn't possibly justify a second wax jacket but if I could this would be heading for my shopping basket. I liked this a lot. Fabric mix parker (£60). It's a parker, it's got contrast sleeves, could it be anymore on trend? I had a sneaky suspicion that this would be out of stock. It wasn't, hurrah! But I do have to wait two weeks for delivery.

All images from Next

What are you buying in readiness for the new season?

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