Next Season.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been eagerly ordering new season items from the Next Directory as they become available. The Autumn/Winter 2013 collection looks like their best yet...but then I seem to think that ever season. There are lots of wardrobe staples to be had in wearable colours. Think dark grey, teal, berry and the most perfect shade of red. So far, I've managed to invest in 4 items.

This dress (866-665) is a cute 60s style shift in a purple dogtooth print. The colours are perfect for winter and the dress itself is perfectly paired with dark brown knee high boots and worn either with a cardigan over it or a roll neck under it. The neckline detail is really flattering and the contrast trim at the collar and which also forms mock pockets adds to the vintage feel. The material is a wearable and not too thick type which makes it perfect for wearing indoors as well as outside. It is also easy to look after and should be less prone to bobbling than other dresses. When it comes to tops, I often play it safe with plain staples. This hugely wearable top comes in several safe colours, one of which I have purchased and several more will be ordered once it comes into stock. However, I couldn't resist its diamond patterned variant either, in its autumnal berry shade. The retro chick in me loves the button detailing which is found on the cuffs and also at the nape of the neck at the back.

(773-207) and

(859-226) Finally, I bought a few crew cardigans from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection but for winter, they're back! This time around, they're thicker, with a tab covering the buttons for a sophisticated feel, and the top button as well as the cuff buttons have been replaced with diamante. Simple but effective, as the dark grey one I purchased thus far shows (772-991)