Lots of people ask me when, how and where I shop and I never really know the answer, which sounds a bit bizarre really. Obviously I spend a lot of time in the shops but I'm usually working and concentrating on whoever I'm styling. Then, when I do have some spare time, going back into the shops isn't always top of my agenda. But occasionally, I really enjoy spending some time just looking at things that I like. Today there were things that I wanted to look at in Primark, Zara, Jigaw, Whistles, Jack Wills, Topshop and Warehouse. If you want to come along, I'll take you on the first part of my shopping trip with me.....
Primark was slightly freaky I felt - far too many My Little Pony, Barbie, Mr Men and Marvel t-shirts for my liking. There were one or two things that I saw but then I thought to myself "Really? Can I be bothered to take my clothes off to try these things on?" As I found myself leaving the store, I knew the answer. Having said that, for anyone on the lookout for a printed short/skort suit there are two amazing floral ones which are made of a lovely fabric.
Jigsaw was a much more pleasant experience. The girls were unpacking a new delivery and there were lots of things that I loved and a couple of things that I bought. This is what I found:
Silk front sweater (£89) - the back is plain and it's just one of those easy, pretty, tops for when something more than a t-shirt is needed but full on bling isn't required.
If you can, I think that you'll have to try and look past the styling of these Tencel trousers (£79) because they are actually really lovely. I didn't buy this chambray pair as, already having boyfriend jeans, I didn't feel that they added that much to my wardrobe but I did buy a pair in navy. They would be brilliant for anyone who gets really hot in the summer and who wants a lighter weight, non-linen, trouser. They won't necessarily work for everyone but it's worth being open minded about them and giving them a go. They also come in charcoal and I put them with....
......the Jane Suede Court Shoe (£139) which are top of my list for a (rather generous) Mother's Day present. I've seen them a few times but given that I was in Jigsaw for a while today, I had a chance to put them through their paces. Despite their heel, they don't feel too high, the suede makes them really soft and they have padding in them too. I like the lighter coloured heel as it makes them less work like and more spring like and the pointed toe makes them feel really fresh.
You can't go wrong with a good Breton top and Jigsaw does them each season. This Amelie top (£35) also comes in a navy stripe and a pink stripe. It's horses for courses when it comes to Breton tops but I have always got on well with the Jigsaw ones.
This is one of the items that did make its way into a bag and out of the store with me. The Jigsaw striped dress (£75) is quite close fitting but it's pretty thick and supportive with it. It's one that I could wear now but I'll probably try and hang on to it for when it's slightly warmer.
Sophie is the Manager of Jigsaw in Birmingham and has been for ever (by her own admission!) Today she was wearing this Double layer jersey dress (£49) which had arrived in the new delivery. It looked great on her in as much as it was fitted but really flattering even though she's not straight up and down (she wouldn't mind me saying that!) Even if you don't normally wear fitted clothing it's worth trying something different from time to time as styles vary and it is possible to hit on an item which, when on, looks amazing, even though you might not have though that it was for you.
If I had a wedding to go to this Spring, or Autumn, or probably any time other than July or August, this Audrey Coat (£179) would be part of my outfit. It's lovely - stylish and simple - and also comes in navy.
When I saw one of the girls in Jigsaw earlier in the week she said to me "Hey, look Beth, Jigsaw's getting trendy, we have bomber jackets!" I really like this Quilted Jersey Jacket (£69) but it's so similar to a grey quilted sweatshirt that I have that it wouldn't have added much. Jigsaw are also going to do a silk one in about four or five colours - the white version is shown with the tencel trousers above.
I know I've featured these Slip on plimsolls (£59) before but today I got to try them properly and they are so comfortable that they are definitely on my list. They gave a different look to the striped dress and also the tencel trousers. I'll wear them in exactly the same way as converse.
I also tried the Zipped sweater (£89) which comes in five different colours. It's described as cropped but it's not really - it's just not long and oversized. It's neat and fitted and a really good all rounder.
There were so many things that I could have written about. They had a great emerald coloured sweatshirt which isn't online (at least I don't think it is) and which also comes in orange. There's a good selection of basic T's and long sleeved tops too. Over the last couple of seasons the new design team has (apparently) been drip feeding the odd slightly non-Jigsaw type piece into the collection, which explains the brighter colours and more on trend shapes and styles. Although I have always loved Jigsaw, I'm starting to see it a whole new different light. Some time soon I'll show you what else I bought....
