Changing my Wardrobe with Next

When I became a mother my wardrobe underwent a drastic change. Previously I had worked in TV, so my clothing choices weren't restricted by any office politics, I could wear what I wanted and I went for smart and fashionable. I was known for my heels and a colleague once commented that I never wore the same outfit twice (I think that says more about his powers of observation than it did about my wardrobe).

Practicality never came into my working wardrobe, I was never required to crawl around on the floor or run around. Clothing has never hindered anyone in answering the phone (unless maybe you chose to wear a balaclava to work). Now my wardrobe is all about practicality, but that doesn't mean I don't want to look smart. So when I saw the Next challenge to come up with 5 key pieces from their Autumn Winter 2012 collection I couldn't resist working out what would work best for my lifestyle.

My first choice is this beautifully simple shirt. I like tops about this length because I'm very long in the body and wearing anything shorter will usually result in muffin top and builder's bum exposure when playing on the floor at toddler groups.

It would look great with leggings or skinny jeans and I'd be able to wear it all year round.

Next is this gorgeous printed maxi. Wearing skirts and dresses when looking after the kids can be troublesome - lots of opportunities for pants-flashing, so a maxi is perfect. This one is great because there is plenty of fabric, so its not going to stop me playing football in the park.

These boots are excellent, I rarely find a pair of boots so perfect for my life (I might have to get 2 pairs, so I can keep one pair for when the first get worn out, because I'd never find something so lovely to replace them).

Because I'm 5'11" it is important that I don't add any more height when out and about with the kids, its back-breaking enough teaching the kids to ride bikes without adding a heel.

Also Next is one of the few places that makes shoes in my size (UK9) without them looking like tranny-shoes.

As a pear shape I have shied away from skinny jeans for years, but recently discovered that as long as I wear boots and a long top they really suit me. I think its now time to be brave and go for a bolder colour. Plus, how amazing would these jeans look with those boots.

I don't get to go out dancing much these days (and I'm not sure I'd want to any more) but the last few times I have been out its to go to a Zumba party (Zumba and alcohol - great mix!). With all the Zumba moves to perform a pair of shorts would be a great addition to my wardrobe, easy to move, cool and no knickers on display.

If you want to try this challenge and be in for a chance of winning 3 outfits from Next the competition details are here