Jigsaw

Having worked in the Knightsbridge branch of Jigsaw as an impressionable eighteen year old not hen versed in such things as the odious British class system or the magnificent British high street, I have complex feelings towards Jigsaw.
A classic British high street brand which, much like Whistles in its previous incarnation, stocks the kind of somewhat shapeless knee length frippery designed for long walks across the Heath and mucking out in the country, it’s fair to say that Jigsaw is not one of my favourites.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. I’m not fifty and I don’t really like florals. Credit where credit is due: Jigsaw’s boutiques are always beautifully designed and merchandised. This is a military — if genteel — sartorial operation.
Prices are steep at around £160 for a jacket and £200 for what can only be described as the antithesis of the It bag. These are clothes for people that don’t really like fashion, and, noble as that is, I’m afraid I don’t buy it.

Jigsaw on Upper Street is lovely to look at, let alone go inside. It is a shiny red brick building with interesting curved windows. As those of you Jigsaw lovers will know, these shops are always immaculately well presented and the Upper Street branch doesn’t fail to impress you. I’m writing about this because it is a great branch to head to for the sales — not many people seem to head to Upper Street for their sale shopping which means there are plenty of items left and reduced from the fairly steep prices to pretty decent bargains. For those of you who haven’t heard of Jigsaw before, it offers beautiful clothing for the well dressed, whether it be an effortlessly gorgeous evening outfit or an effortlessly gorgeous daytime outfit: glamorous dresses; glamorous cardigans; jeans; boots and shoes; accessories; shirts with really original designs (but still nothing too flashy); skirts of all lengths and widths — the list goes on. Definitely a shop for those who want to look great without having to rely on much other than putting on their Jigsaw clothes.