Anyone created a new you?

[Postcardsfromtheedge]

I recently saw someone I had not seen for over a year. I could not believe the transformation. She looked amazing... lost weight, new hairstyle and different clothes... has made me wonder as I would like to do this after such a rubbish year where my self confidence is zero..

How did you/would you create a new you?

I would need to lose weight, change clothes style, have fillers...

[Wishfulmakeupping]

I think I'm on my way and not just on the outside I think I've changed a lot.
Before I had my dd I used to be a bit of a party girl I was overweight smoked, drank too much and was a bit bitchy. I hung around with who I thought was the 'right' crowd and pushed others away.
Since trying for dd I gave up drinking and smoking, nearly 5 stone changed my look- I grew my hair long and toned it down to a more natural colour, gave up the fake tan and nails and toned my make up to a more natural look my look these days is trying to look like Kate middleton rather than a towie lookalike. From losing weight I could wear clothes I would never have tried before too.
I've made some lovely new friends really nice genuine people through having my dd and I probably would never have spoken to them before but dd has opened up my world. I'm the happiest I've ever been. The changes I've got planned are to start exercising more and there is a cosmetic procedure I would like to have done at some point.
Honestly just go for it and good luck :)

[JemimaMuddledUp]

I did.

2 years ago I went from a size 20 to a size 12. I then cut my hair off into a pixie cut. Then I left the going nowhere job I'd been in for 9 years for a better one.

I have no regrets at all.

[Postcardsfromtheedge]

Thanks for your inspiring stories. If you don't mind me asking how did you lose weight? I have 4 stone to lose. Once I have done that I am going to get some fillers and a new wardrobe.

[JemimaMuddledUp]

I used My Fitness Pal and just basically ate less and moved more. I lost 6 stone over 12 months, I have put some back on but am happy where I am now. I took up running as exercise but injured my knee so now swim 3 times a week instead. I try to keep up exercise and healthy eating (most of the time - obviously not including the Bucks Fizz and Croissants I have in my hand right now) to maintain a healthy weight.

[YouThinkImUgly]

I did before, and to be honest I've lost sight of myself recently and need to do it again!

I think it's amazing for your confidence and outlook on life. It's incredible the amount of change that can happen from just altering your appearance to one that you're happier with.

For me, it was in my early twenties when I dropped from a size 12 to a size 8, through exercise and eating well, starting taking care of my skin, wearing more 'classically cool' outfits instead of cheapy stuff from Primark that didn't suit me, started wearing my hair with my natural waves instead of straightening it to within an inch of its life!

By doing all that my world opened up... Got my dream career, met my DH and let go of a lot of self esteem issues and negativity.

Now, nearly 10 years later I need to do it again... After a period of illness and huge stress, I'm feeling fat and ugly and grey. I start the first phase tomorrow.

Good luck with your transformation!

[Karbea]

I fully intend to do this next year, top to toe.

[MadameJosephine]

I am mid transformation at the moment, I've lost 3.5 stone through clean eating and exercise, I've got another 1.5 to go. I've cut my hair shorter and changed the colour to something slightly darker and warmer and have started to wear skirts and dresses more instead of baggy jumpers and jeans.

I feel so much better and have had so many compliments. My OH is worried that I'm after a new man!

Go for it! Good luck :)

[Karbea]

I always think of what Cheryl Cole looks like now compared to when Girls Aloud started, I know I'll never look like her, but that's a pretty amazing transformation.

[BigPawsBrown]

Yep, got ill and during that time actually learnt about fashion and make up. Went from hardly any make up sort of 90s studenty/dowdy office worker look to a lot more fashionable. Then got job as lawyer and feel pretty stylish in the office most days, plus get asked to do people's wedding make up constantly

[BigPawsBrown]

Oh and I now spend quite a bit of time (and money...) on my skin. I never actually had spots but skin looked pretty grey.

[Karbea]

I'd still like to know exactly what happened to her to take her from what she was, to what she is...

[Wishfulmakeupping]

Karbea I always think the work she had to her teeth made a huge difference she's always been very pretty but with her new smile she's stunning. Think the hair/stylists have helped too :)

[Misssss]

I intend to do this this year, I've just had a traumatic break up and need to start looking and feeling better. I'm in the chrysalis phase at the moment! I've got a personal trainer who I'm seeing twice a week and she's done me a diet plan. I've invested in some great new skincare and as I lose weight I intend to spend lots on nice clothes and shoes. Looking forward to revealing the new me in the summer!

[Fabulassie]

Four years ago I had short, sensible, greying dishwater drab hair. I wore spectacles and my dress size was a 16. I never wore makeup and my clothes were sort of frumpy and silly (aiming for bohemian funky but looked like eccentric granny). Now I'm a size 10, I have long brown/black hair almost to my waist, and I wear short skirts over tights with high heel boots, leather jacket, etc. I get my brows done, get botox, etc. I definitely look different.

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

I was late to a dinner last week and the whole table, including a friend of 20yrs, wondered who was giving DH a smooch when I joined them :-) Like a previous poster, I've gone from a size 20 to 10/12, and now have a great pixie cut. I'm wearing body con dresses (the one last week was nothing but sequins) and other clothes have a bit of style rather than mere coverings to hide the bits I hated most. I've lost 4 stone in 17 months. Another half planned for easter, then I'll see if I'll go a half more depends on how vain I get about my face. I don't wear much make up but I've got better at making the little I do use have more impact.

To achieve it, I drastically reduced calories and do a good bit of exercise and feel great. It's definitely do-able!

[FergusSingsTheBlues]

This is so inspiring......I'm so happy I read this thread. I've done it once before, size 22. To 19, but after a second 11lb baby am a mess. Well, a big size 14 but feel v saaaaaad about it.

Can I just ask.....is it true about weight loss affecting your facial ageing?

[FergusSingsTheBlues]

22 to 10! Not 19 haha

[motherofluvlies]

I LOVE reading these ...i find the fact that so many have actually done it so motivating .
Thank you

[frankie80]

I'm definitely going to watch this thread! 2 years ago I started WW and lost 2 stone. Lots of people commented on my weight loss and how good I looked. I felt so much more confident too.

But now I'm back at my old weight :( so in 2015 I'm determined to start over.

[GeorginaWorsley]

Have had a bit of a reinvention this year.
Started exercising and MFP in Jan 2014 and have list 16 kg
I now actually enjoy exercise and my skin has improved as well.
I used to wear things that suited a size 12 curvy figure such as Boden dresses and lots of scoop necks.
I also wire quite a bit of drapey stuff and chunky jewellery.
Since losing weight I wear more fashion led things I think,iv bought a couple of dresses from Whistles which I would never have worn before plus some jeans from Whistles and Mint Velvet
I actually buy fewer clothes now as I am much happier with my body and feel so much more confident that I don't need the constant buzz of new purchases.

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

Fergus,I've no idea about the aging process, but my face is much thinner than a year ago and I think it might start looking gaunt if I drop much more than the half stone I have in mind. I'll be at a bmi of 24/25 then, so hopefully my vanity will balance out!

[trainersandaches]

I have lost 2 1/2 stone, gone from (badly) home dyed brown hair to hairdresser highlights, started wearing better fitting clothing, do my nails and wear make up most days now.

I got a much better job shortly after my 'transformation'. Tbh I still feel a little bit chrysalis-y sometimes but most of all I feel protective towards my 'former' self as I was so unconfident. I don't look gaunt in the face now (now an 8-10) but was a bit chubby before around the cheeks anyway. More than anything, I'm much more at ease than I used to be and find I feel a bit more like I 'belong' whereas before I felt a bit scruffy, particularly at work.

[Postcardsfromtheedge]

Thanks everyone I have been inspired by your stories.

I started my diet today. I want to lose about 3.5 stone in 6 months. I do facial exercises so hope my face won't suffer too much. After I have got to correct weight I will get cheeks and tear troughs done.

I am worried about my arms sagging so will try to do Tracey Anderson arms twice a day.

Any other suggestions?