Next Christmas Sparkle

I joined the group – who had spent the morning looking at the new Next store at Straiton – at the beautiful Norton House Hotel and Spa after school. There, I chatted with the Next team before being pampered ready to get into the festive spirit; I’m not in the habit of having massages but this one reminded me why I ought to be! I left the spa a new woman and feeling utterly spoilt. After chatting with Wendy and Amanda and taking some snaps, we met with the rest of the group for our festive fashion preview downstairs. We were greeted by the most fabulous display of footwear: ladylike fringed loafers in chic pewter, velvet heeled ankle boots and leopard print booties. It’s hard to pick a favourite pair, but the gold sparkly lace-up pumps (from the lead image) were giving me the eye; they would go with so many different outfits with their versatile colour and pretty but practical low heel.

The clothing rail was also groaning with seasonal colour, shininess and texture. My favourites were the vintage-inspired designs, of course – from the ladylike Victoriana blouse to the ’60s-style tweed two-piece. The colour palette was quite muted, which I loved: blush, khaki, charcoal, cream – with the occasional highlights of emerald green and mustard. I adored the fabrics too – jumbo cord made a retro pinafore perfect for the colder months, while velvet transformed a biker jacket into the perfect party piece; delicate lace and chiffon added elegance, and gigantic sequins shimmered.

Excellent for magpies, but perhaps not so good for bank balances! I had my eye on the emerald green sparkly pleated skirt (I’ve already got its rose gold friend) as well as the star print ruffle detail blouse below – both ‘seventies with a seasonal twist – and both of which are winging their way to me, hopefully before Christmas. I can’t wait to style them with my silver Miu Miu Mary-Janes (a charity shop bargain) and a vintage midi coat to dress up during the seasonal festivities.

After perusing the collection we were treated to a delicious dinner and chatted about all things Scottish fashion with the Next team and local journalists, before I whizzed home in a taxi across the city to be up bright and early for work the next morning – I could have happily curled up with the cute cat below though. Oh what a strange double life I sometimes lead! Thanks for having me, Next.

I was a guest of Next for the evening, who treated me to a massage, meal and a preview of the collections – but long-time readers will know I am a huge Next fan and, as ever, all love of festive sparkle entirely my own!