Jigsaw

I won something! I actually won something for the first time in my life. Well that's not strictly true. I did actually win something in my early twenties at a nightclub. I won a dodgy photo shoot - you know the boudoir type set up where you throw a feather boa over your bits, straddle a chair and do your best come hither look. I didn't take it up - surprise surprise! Anyway, I digress, I won something. I won a £250 gift card to spend in Jigsaw after submitting an entry in to their #ForLifeNotLandfill campaign on Instagram. I don't normally enter competitions but I have a soft spot for Jigsaw and I spent many a happy hour and lots of money in there in my BC (before children) years. BC, I had more disposable income and Jigsaw was my go to place for my working wardrobe with a few bits from M&S thrown in. Infact the Grumps preferred me buying something more expensive in Jigsaw than M&S as he liked the idea of fewer people wearing the same things as his missus. I took that as his blessing to go forth and spend money ;o) Anyway, things have changed - my budget, figure and life but every now and then I still flutter in to Jigsaw and have a touch and feel of some pretty clothes. And every now and then ... I treat myself to the odd suitable piece. because basically old habits die hard ;o)

Anyway, treat myself I did with my £250 gift card the other Tuesday. 

Alicia Bag, Ottoman Jumper, Amelie Retro Top

I had one thing I knew I definitely wanted and I reserved that over the phone so I knew it was going to be there ready and waiting for me. My new Alicia tan leather bag. Complete with dangly tassels. She's pretty yes? And soft. And squidgy. And useful. She comes with a detachable handle and a messenger strap. And enough space for me to stuff her with my usual junk with room to spare. Yup, she's a winner.

Alicia Bag in Tan

And the navy Ottoman jumper got wrapped up too. On first appearances, it's a plain navy jumper but on second glance, you will spot the little side zip detail which is not evident on the online pics. That little zip detail earns it it's bonus points. I toyed with getting it in one of the other colours just to be different but settled on the navy in the end. I don't know about you but I find when I slip on one of my comfort colours, the world basically feels good. Navy jumpers feel like I've come home and we all know what a lovely feeling that is.

Ottoman Jumper in Navy

And the last item was the Amelie retro stripe top. This one was not in the plan at all. The lovely sales assistant (Alexandra) in the York store suggested that I might like to layer the Ottoman jumper with a top and brought it to me. I put it on and you know when something is just right? It was just right. But I didn't buy it because I thought I already had too many stripy tops. Instead, I bought a pretty little camisole vest in Ocean blue and then I ended up returning the vest for the stripy top as I knew I would wear the top so much more than the vest. By the way, it's a perfectly cut top (for me at least) with enough shape without being overly clingy. Fab for layering. It's also very soft and a good summer weight. I have stripy tops in different fabrics so some are heavier for cooler days but this is a nice light summer top.

Amelie Retro Top

So these are not earth shattering pieces in the fashion world but they are strong workhorse pieces in my wardrobe and that's basically what I need right now. I don't get out much and the heels are pretty  much redundant these days but a navy jumper, a tan bag and a stripy top - they will earn their keep and go on and on and on .... which was the point behind their whole #ForLifeNotLandfill campaign.

So that's my £250 gift card spent with a bit of a top up from me. The thing is ... £250 doesn't actually go that far in Jigsaw. The clothing is not that cheap but the clothing has always been well made and finished in my eyes and that's why I have pieces which have lasted me years and years and are still in my wardrobe. Like my 20 year old cream chunky cable cotton jumper which won me my prize. 

Looks good for a 20+ year old jumper doesn't it?

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Last Note :

• The 100% linen tees are lovely. This one is in a shade called eucalyptus and skims the body. It's a kind of deep grey/green colour which would work fabulously with the khaki shades out there currently. This is one I took in to the changing room and was on the short list before I talked myself out of it as I don't wear tees that much. #sensiblehead 

Linen V Neck Top

• Jigsaw also do these fab lace trimmed vests in every colour you can wish. They are very soft and long enough to tuck in or leave out to show the trims peeking from under a jumper and they do not shrink wrap your torso as some are known to do. I took a picture of the one I initially bought but returned so you can see. 

Modal Lace Vest worn with old Jigsaw linen cardigan

• I don't shop as much in Jigsaw these days but when I did, I have to say, I always had lovely customer service. And I remember when I did shop there a lot, I had a favourite sales assistant who always looked out for me and knew what would appeal to me and would suggest lovely pieces. I saw that happen in the York store when I was picking my goodies and it brought back some fun and happy memories. And what happened to my favourite sales assistant in Leeds? She left many years ago to go back to Spain and on her last day, I popped in to bring her a present and we had a coffee together. Nice times. Nice times :)

• Last last thing. My budget, figure and life may have changed but I've never been happier. #blessed #apartfromthewrinkles