FOUND - Making a Break from the Pack

I found this 100% silk top at the Cancer Research charity shop not far from Ealing Broadway Station. It's from Jigsaw, one of my preferred high-street retailers. Jigsaw, Toast, Boden and a few others create clothing that occasionally capture my imagination. It's their shops that leave me uninspired. Rails and rails of what are referred to as 'size runs' hang with lifeless organization; two size 8s, three size 10s, 3 size 12s, 2 size 14s and 2 size 16s. Repeat with dresses. Repeat with trousers. Repeat. Lined up like identical inmates waiting for day release, they take on a mob mentality. The lack of diversity on the rails leaves me stifled. Each piece's individuality is muffled as the spectacular order imposed on the merchandise serves to blind me to any sartorial potential. Of course, the sea of sameness inspires many shoppers, compelling them to reach for their wallets. But not me. Give me a rail full of one-offs, a riot of colour and texture, singing chaos and dancing diversity. Give me a typical charity shop selection and my style sense soars. This Jigsaw top, hanging hopefully between a purple cotton t-shirt and an 80s green print blouse, was just £5.