Please help me sort my image out....I'm a mess!

[MumblingRagDoll]

I'm 38 and seem to have lost my way in the style stakes. I'm a sie 14 which I'm not very comfortable about and that's part of why I dont know what to wear.

Having always been a 10 or 12, 14 is just too big for me to feel comfortable...but I am on a diet and by Autumn would like to be a 10 or 12 again. I want a new image to celebrate the AUtumn....but I never buy the right things....

Historically Ive always been a bit of a hippy/vintage fan and while I don't want to lose my individual style, I know I need to buy better quality thngs as I get older.

I like jeans and boots....but usually buy things from high street shops....I think if I begin to invest in better qualiy things then I will look btter all round...and the odd quirky top will look more grown up then.

What jeans, coat and boot brands look good? Which are the better makes?

Sigh. It's time to grow up and I need some help please?

Oh yes...I'm 5.7 and quite flat chested....probably a bit pear shaped.

[MumblingRagDoll]

Is there no help available?

[Oblomov]

I am a different shape to you, and alot smaller... but,
I can't help with the jeans, becasue I find jeans very difficult to buy.
What about for starters, a good pair of quality black trousers. Wallis. Thy would look good with boots. Smart top. Colourful ? do you light bright colours ? You could dress it up with sbangely top and heels/boots. Do you wear heels ?

[whoneedssleepanyway]

If you like Jeans, then I would advise finding a pair you are really happy with, this may take some time and you may need to try on loads...

If you find the perfect pair of jeans they are worth spending money on as they will make you feel good.

I have in the past had drawfuls of jeans from high st to designer none of which have been quite right, I have finally found J Brand to make the perfect pair of jeans for me, they were pricey (I am lucky to have a sister in NYC who can send them over me at vast reduction).

I def advocate buying better quality, and also I think if you go for a colour palatte everything will go together. I have found the colours that suit me and all my clothes can be mixed and matched really well now, if I want something brighter I tend to buy shoes or a scarf or accesories.

[WhoseGotMyEyebrows]

I'm a hippy too! I think it's important to look at which colours really suit you and start from there with a new wardrobe. You know how sometimes people think they know but don't really? Hence why so many people wear colour draining black. I know this isn't what you asked but I think it always helps. As for good quality . . . not a clue as I can't afford quality!

[HuckingFell]

I would recommend good jeans - one bootcut one skinny, very dependent on your shape but a trip to a good department storewith a good range would work - let the assistants sort you out. gorgeous tan boots - chunky heels one pair short, one pair knee length - try mooching round jones the bootmakers. Leather bag - tan/brown for wearability or a colour you love I like Peony and Moore.

Coats - depends on what you are after/budget but Jaeger do gorgeous stuff which often turns up in sales.

[MumblingRagDoll]

Thanks people....can anyone reccomend a brand for jeans? I will defiinitely have a look at Jones the Bootmaker *WhoseGot"....good tip about tan boots and bag....you see that's what I'm crap with....I would just buy a pair of boots I liked and then not think about a bag!

I will look at Jaeger too...I don't mind spending extra if it lasts longer.

[wicketkeeper]

Use the personal shopper service at Debenhams. It's completely free (you only pay for what you buy, and there's no pressure). They'll ask you what your size is when you book, and what sort of clothes you're looking for (eg 'autumn wardrobe' in your case), and there'll be a selection ready when you arrive. You can also take your own stuff in - a pair of trousers that need a new top or whatever. The autumn ranges are coming into the shops now, so don't hang about, you want to get in there before the good stuff goes. When I used it, I found she suggested things that I would never have even looked twice at, and it really bounces you out of your comfort zone. It's also a very efficient way to shop - you have a fitting room all to yourself, and if something isn't quite the right size the shopper will scoot off and find another one - and picks up a pair of shoes or a necklace that will go with it while she's at it. Ooo, have fun.

[WhoseGotMyEyebrows]

OOh that sounds good! I need to do that one day!

[homeaway]

I went shopping with two friends and we all picked out things for the others to try on, it was great fun and we all tried things on we would never have picked out ourselves. Some things looked awful but there were a few great finds and it was a great day out ! Might be worth a try ?

[WhoseGotMyEyebrows]

That sounds fun!

[MumblingRagDoll]

Yes....I don't know if I'd be comfortable about an assistant scuttling about for me...I get very stressed when I'm clothes shopping....all flustered. But I do have a friend who is great with style...I should just ask her shoudn't I? Obvious. Like the tan bag and boots!

[wideawakenurse]

With regards to the jeans, I would go to a denim specialist shop, such as Trilogy, or Donna Ida. They will spend ages with you helping you tending the right pair for you.

[Bonsoir]

In this month's Vogue there are some really lovely coats featured that are short but wide - super flattering if you are tall and quite flat chested. You should take a look! And you then need to wear tight jeans and boots, so you are wide on top and slim underneath.

If you aren't feeling happy about your body, try going swimming and doing some lengths - I always find that's a great way of feeling a bit slimmer and more toned quickly!

[MumblingRagDoll]

I can't swim very well Bonsoir....but I have got a bike and am aiming for 20 miles a week which is apparently the optimum for making a difference.

Thanks for the Vogue tip and the denim specialists wideawake and Bonsoir...

[mittenkitten]

Get your colours done, definitely -- I honestly think that's the starting point for it all. Wish I had done it YEARS ago.

I am a jeans/ boots / ageing boho type person too and really second that point about good jeans. Also, a lot of the hippie / boho look is actually conveyed through accessories like earrings and scarves, an unstructured (ie hobo) bag or something that looks like tooled leather, leather with whipstitch trim, etc. The rest of your clothes can be quite simple and get more grown-up looking, but the accessories are crucial. Good quality blazers are so helpful: you can put them over other layers and they make the whole look more planned.

[daimbardiva]

Also, leggings and tunics. This is a good look once you've got your boots too, and can be v flattering, and should allow you to express your hippy-ness!

[MumblingRagDoll]

I always think of tupperware parties when I think of getting my colours done! Isn't it all a bit "Bridget Jones' Mum"? to do that?

I think I know what colours suit me already having never been afraid of colour or print.

[Puffykins]

If you are a bit pear-shaped, how about thinking about skirts rather than jeans? I am, too, you see - my bottom and thighs are never going to be my best assets, and I like a skirt because they cover them up, totally . . . . And one can wear skirts everyday, seriously! (I do!) Add opaque tights, knee-high boots - think Spanish riding boots rather than anything too clumpy. The boots work well with the leggings and a tunic that daimbardiva recommends too. In terms of where to find them, well, Russell & Bromley is often a good start! Oh, and what mittenkitten says about blazers too - or indeed any jacket. They instantly pull a look together. Zara is great at jackets. Or, if you're really serious about potentially investing a little more, Matthew Williamson (maybe wait until autumn/ winter goes on sale . . . ) Good luck!

[MumblingRagDoll]

I do wear skirts and dresses....but I'm only a small size 14...not like a whale...so jeans still look good imo.

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Agree with others about just trying on loads of jeans in a good dept store or donna ida etc. But then order them from www.revolveclothing.com where they are generally a lot cheaper even with customs charges.

I'd think reiss would be a good shop for you and they've got loads of new stuff coming in - also whistles. Both of these are stocked in john lewis so could be worth taking your friend and going to see the personal shopper.

Hobbs generally do lovely boots - I've got some belstaff ones which were £££ but they are lovely and go with pretty much everything. these ones

I'm also loving all the barbour jackets around at the moment and the international could work for casual stuff. And there are loads of cheaper versions on the hight street.

I would also be tempted to get a good bag and scarf but then I love accessories.

[wideawakenurse]

Agree about Whistles they have some beautiful things at the moment, including some pretty lace tops that will smarted up a day time outfit. I really rate their plain t-shirts. They are much smarter looking than other ones, have a good scoop neck which is very flattering. Add a big scarf and skinnies, and a blazer and you have a smart daytime look.

Well, that's what I wore yesterday.