JL gift card

[Myheartgoesshalalala]

I received a JL gift card worth £180. Haven’t shopped there in a while.

Thinking of buying something nice for myself size 18 - apple shaped (huge tum and bum). Would love to stretch it to buy perhaps 2 -3 pieces. Tops / dresses - something that could be used at work.

Any advice / suggestions.

Thanks

Personal shopper session, top it up if you need to.

What’s your style? If you have to do this online we might be able to suggest things if you can tell us a bit more about yourself.

If you can go in store a personal shopper session might help but I’ve found it completely useless as JL doesn’t apparently stock anything I like. I had £200 in JL vouchers from work recently and after the session I went down to kitcheware and spent them on a toaster oven.

I'd probably sell and purchase from my usual place.

If that’s an option, I agree. £180 will go nowhere on clothes at JL, you’d be lucky to get one piece with therir current offering (Max Mara etc are £££££) and if you (generic ‘you’) don’t normally shop there it would really just be a waste of time.

OP, as we don’t know your style all I can suggest is that you have a look at their website and see if anything appeals, then come back and show us if you fancy anything and we can maybe join you in looking?

I’d do my Xmas food shop in Waitrose but that isn’t what you asked 🙈

I’d forgotten you can use them in Waitrose (we don’t have Waitrose in Aberdeen).

If you live somewhere with Waitrose, I’d do that OP, I think £180 to spend on luxury food would be amazing.

Thank you. I tried personal shopper experience ages ago but the lady was suggesting pieces according to her style rather than what I wanted / or would suit me.

My style is comfortable. I don’t like jeans that stab me in the stomach. I hardly wear them. All my work trousers have stretch in them. Same for tops - comfort.

Dresses I usually wear Apricot , also own a few M&S or Next but only the shift style ones. That basically hide my flaws and are comfortable. Mostly in midi length (below knees).

I do my Christmas shopping from Ocado (M&S)

I do have a Waitrose about 5 miles but not very keen on exploring it.

That was my reservation, they don’t know you at all and have their own interests, which combined with their position as an ‘authority’ on the outfits…it doesn’t sound like a good time.

I’ve just had a look and they do have some comfortable looking tops and trousers from about £40 upwards, all the high street brands and some I’ve never heard of, like Gym&Coffee.

The John Lewis site is easy to navigate, I might give it another good look myself as I usually use M&S for basics & everyday but their website still seems very poorly after the cyber attack and nothing is in stock at the moment.

What do you think of a bag and hopefully a perfume as well or jewellery?

Thank you. I tried personal shopper experience ages ago but the lady was suggesting pieces according to her style rather than what I wanted / or would suit me.
It might depend on the stylist.
Those who I know have done it found it helpful.

Some people are great on picking clothes and colours that bring out the best in you, and will pick things and shades that you wouldn't have looked out.

Others will encourage you to buy something that looks nice on a hanger but doesn't suit you.

@Myheartgoesshalalala , you could order something like a kitchen appliance or vacuum cleaner, but treat yourself to something you like from clothes stores you normally shop in.

I would go for a bag, shoes or sunglasses. Perfume when they have an offer on. Or if you really want clothes then some Levis.

I have a similiar style and buy a lot from John Lewis. Some of the brands I buy are and/or, Hush, Mint Velvet

John Lewis sell the Jolie Moi range. I am an 18, busty with a tummy and have had a few lovely dresses from this range. They are reasonably priced - £60 to £70 for a dress. They are well made and wash well. Good range of styles and lengths.