NEXT, Please!

I've been excited to introduce you to one of my new favorite catalogs, Next. Established in 1982, Next is a popular British retailer of stylish but inexpensive clothing for women, men, and kids. It's ubiquitous over there like the Gap is here. Anyway, Next has begun outreach to U.S. customers by selling its products online and shipping all U.S. orders for a flat fee of $5 with two-day shipping (wow). I've placed 2 orders myself so far and they've arrived lightning fast. (Note: I am also giving away 2 one-time-use coupon codes each good for $10 off your order plus free shipping! Scroll down to the end of the post for details.)

As for the clothing itself, I'm not a big fan of the adult designs (I think some of the women's clothing is a bit tacky), but I love the kids' threads, which I'd describe it as "Boden Lite." In fact, some of the styling (as you'll see from my picks below) seems copied directly from Boden. The construction is not quite as high-quality, but it's good enough. The few pieces we've bought have held up well so far after multiple washings. The designs are adorable and (for now) unique. Here are some of my top picks from the Spring 2011 collection:

Heart Print Viscose Playsuit ($26-$34, sizes 3yrs-16yrs). Yes, playsuits/rompers are still on-trend this spring. This one reminds me of the ones I wore as a 'tween.


Navy Stripe Flower Hooded Fleece ($16-$17, sizes 3-6mos to 5-6yrs). A definite Boden copy-cat, but a successful one and much signifcantly less expensive.

Pink Corsage Gladiator Style Sandals ($26-$36, sizes UK 9-7). I'm not usually fan of gladiator sandals, but the corsage makes these adorable. Note the UK sizes- they are one size "off" from U.S. ones.


Red Stitch Dolly Collar T-Shirt ($9-$11, sizes 3-6mos to 5-6yrs). A sweet, classic look at a bargain price.


Gingham Shirt Bodysuit ($14, size 0-1month to 12-18mos). This is just one of many great newborn boys' pieces from Next; in fact, I think the newborn boys' clothing is even cuter than the girls'.


Green Star Print And Black Plain Shorts Two Pack ($19-$28, size 3yrs-16yrs). Again, the design is obviously taken from Boden's, but these are a better value.


"I Am 12345" T-Shirt ($9, sizes 1yr-5yrs). S. has one of these and I'm glad that they run a little big because it's one size per age. At this price, they make super birthday gifts, too. Click here for the girls' versions.


Blue Monster Lace-Up Trainers ($21-$22, UK sizes 4-12). Love these faux lace-up sneaks with monster embroidery on back.
Psst! I have 2 coupon codes, each good for $10 off plus free shipping on any order of $50 or more at Next (new customers only). Want one of them? E-mail me with "Next coupon" in the subject line and I'll give them to the first 2 people to respond. Happy shopping!