Next

[skillsandtea]

Is it me or have Next upped their game recently? Just browsing through their latest Christmas catalogue and there are loads of things I quite like and not all are full on polyester rubbish.

Schmalzing

agree about mock layers!

I've had some lovely things for DS1, this season - some really nice grown up tops, not all with things emblazoned all over them. I've found a few for myself, too (though they could do to be an inch or so longer in the body) and some good skinny cords.

Their colour palletes have been particularly good, this year. Lots of plums and teals, which flatter a lot of skin tones.

ouryve

It's worth looking on the website for "tall" versions of blouses/jumpers. I'm only 5'3'' but I also find some tops a bit short

The only problem with that is I have short arms and legs, so that's fine in summer, and I can get away with it if something's meant to have 3/4 sleeves (I don't like sleeves ending too close to the elbow, anyhow, as I have arthritis and a lot of painful swelling in one of my elbows) but in winter, I've sometimes ended up buying petites just to have sleeves that don't completely cover my hands. I can't win!

The coats for boys are also good - so good to see some colours other than navy or black

Ao e clothes are reasonable and keenly priced

I actually bought a jumper dress from Next today and was quite tempted by a few other bits and pieces. I haven't bought anything from there for nearly 10yrs.

Does anyone else think their buyers have been getting tips from Mumsnet?

Agreeing about the boys' coats. It's consistently been the first place we look. DS2 has a fab one bought on sale at Landsend, at the moment, and a nice lightweight regatta raincoat, but all the other coats we've considered a real success have been from Next. DS1 has a lovely red one, this year, and it's really well made and didn't break the bank. We've had coats from M&S and Debenhams that have been relegated as spares because they've been crap.

I agree, I had all but given up on them, but recently got this Coat which is really nice and have seen a few other bits I like too.