I would go on the hunt for a killer blazer or classic handbag. Would definitely blow it on one big item that will always remind me of the gifter.

Specs! I just fell in love with some really pricey imported frames and after the lenses are added, they will cost nearly that amount. I keep telling DH they're like an important piece of jewelry, because you wear them every day. Have fun with your windfall!

Hmm, this is one of my favorite daydreams. Spending it on one or two designer items sounds great, but I don't think I would actually do that - too many wardrobe holes still to be filled, and too many interesting things I could buy for smaller amounts of money.

I would probably buy sandals and flats for spring, cute dresses, and fashion jewelry. Also some boyfriend jeans.

If I WERE going to buy an expensive item or two, I might go here:

http://www.katykane.com/index.htm

and get one of the less expensive items - or maybe contribute some of my own money toward something over $600.

This vintage Hermes dress would only cost $50 of my money, plus the gift:

http://www.katykane.com/s338693.htm

Okay, $600 is about £400. I've been in a very similar situation before (I get a clothing allowance with my job) but the last time I really didn't have a strategy in place, didn't know what suited me and didn't know what I liked, so I wasted it on subpar so-so items that I mostly don't own any more. D'oh! When my clothing allowance rolls round again I shall be prepared

Now, this isn't how it'd go down in real life, as my allowance is only for clothes that I can wear whilst travelling to hot countries. But in this imaginary scenario I'd allocate the £400 as follows:

- A really good winter coat in brown or olive. Nicely nipped in at the waist and falling to about knee length. This is on my actual shopping list for the latter half of this year. My budget is £150.

- A pair of dressy winter knee high boots in brown with a small heel. £80.

- Three smart casual dresses. Up to £120 for all three.

Which leaves £50 that I'd probably spend on a couple of belts and a pair of wedge sandals for the summer.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I find the idea of spending a large amount of money on multiple cheap items a lot easier to swallow than spending the same amount of money on two or three really good quality things. Maybe I still have a poverty mentality hanging over from childhood, like it's an extravagance to spend money on quality things that last. I'm only just starting to get my head round the idea that spending money on something that'll last five years or more is a good investment. Anyway, this was a fun game!