Can anyone help me get the basics for a stylish wardrobe?

[BelinaTheChicken]

I'm 28 with two DC, the youngest is 13 months, and now that I am not breastfeeding I have finally started to shift the baby weight. For the last 4 years (since getting pregnant with DS1) I have dressed mainly from car boot sales and charity shops, so some really nice stuff, but a lot of stuff that was bought mainly because it fitted me and was cheap . Having just done a huge wardrobe clearout and got rid of anything that was too big, or too frumpy, and am left with very little.

I really need help to find my style, I'm fed up of throwing on whatever fits and is comfortable. My birthday is coming up, and DSis and DM have said they will get me clothes, but I have no idea where to even start. I know I need new jeans, and probably new boots, but just feel a bit clueless .

I am about a 12 at the moment, and heading back towards a 10 (sometimes fit in 10, depends on where it's from) and 5'7"

Also, any good style blogs to follow? Thanks

[aftereight]

Hi, there's a good blog called doesmybumlook40.blogspot (sorry can't link but easily google-able!)
And I will be interested to read any replies, being in a similar predicament!

[Dollydowser]

I think that finding your style depends on knowing your bodyshape and finding what shapes suit it best. While Trinny and Susannah may not be to everyone's taste, their body shape bible is a great starting point. There is a basic version on line (sorry can't link, on iPad),

[Hopefully]

Suburban Style is good, and she's a MNer.

[AmberNectarine]

[]www.appliedstyle.co.uk/ Applied Style]] is very good - the author is queen of the capsule wardrobe, so should be a great starting point for you...

[AmberNectarine]

www.appliedstyle.co.uk/

Link fail!

[vitaminC]

This is my favourite style blog: www.insideoutstyleblog.com/

This section is pretty helpful in determining your shape and then you can look at style, colouring etc: www.insideoutstyleblog.com/category/body-shapes-explained/real-life-body-shapes

I would recommend buying mainly neutral pieces with a few statement pieces to dress it all up when necessary. Scarves are a great accessory that will add colour or interest to an outfit and that won't get broken by children tugging!

To start, I would invest in a smart coat or jacket and a nice pair of boots. That will smarten up any outfit if you have to pop out of the house in a rush :)

[suburban]

Thanks hopefully

Hope you like my blog really it's about looking at lots until you find one that you like.

I also love Susie so so and Chocolate Cookies and Candies, there are links on my page.

Applied Style is shaping up to be a good one too.

What sort of budget do you have? I really rate Topshop and New Look for affordable jeans and Uniqlo for knitwear.

[blossoming]

Can I be predictable and suggest a style and colour day with house of colour. Bloody hell they're under-represented in Wales

[BelinaTheChicken]

Thanks for all the replies, will check those blogs out.

suburban very low budget tbh, but I know my DSis and DM will want to spend a bit, so was thinking of asking for some boots from DM and jeans from DSis. Oasis jeans fit me fairly well, I prefer them not to be too low cut as they always cut me off at my widest point and give me a muffin top, but the Oasis ones seem to be a bit higher. I used to wear Topshop jeans, but probably won't be able to wear them until I've dropped a bit more weight.

Then my budget can be spent on cheaper tops and accessories to brighten things up. I love big knitwear, but I seem to be rubbish at picking out things that look good on me, and end up impulse buying things that never get worn. It doesn't help that I rarely get a chance to go shopping without DC in tow, which doesn't really help my impulse buying of innapropriate crap. Argh!

blossoming I looked on the house of colour website but I don't think they have one in Jersey, so that won't be happening for a while!

[SaraBellumHertz]

I rate does my bum look 40 - she has lovely clothes but not loads and knows what suits her.

[suburban]

Ah I am low budget too, sigh. I think your on the right track though, I go for expensive, coat/boots/bag everything else dirt cheap. Topshop Kirsten high waisted jeans are good for keeping a muffin top at bay and Gap has some really good knitwear deals at the mo. Let us know how you get on.

Another good blog //here

[BelinaTheChicken]

hildebrand I know exactly what you mean about not even knowing what you like, I'm the same. Pre DC I had my own style, not particularly interesting, but I knew what suited me, but I seem to have totally lost it now. Glad you are able to learn your own taste now.

suburban I love those Topshop boots, do you know if the sizes are accurate? Would have to order them online, so can't try on in the shop. Really like the blog too, just taking ages to read with my shitty internet connection taking its time loading each picture

[BelinaTheChicken]

Will just add that I am in Jersey, so no Primark, H&M or Gap, will check if Gap deliver to us though. Really want a Primark, that would make things a lot easier

[suburban]

I sized down in mine because they are quite long and I have short fat feet. Topshop boots often stretch, but if you have long feet they would probably be true to size. Really recommend them though, have worn mine loads.

[suburban]

Oh no, although I would gladly swap my Primark for a Zara and an H&M. Gap do international delivery and also have 25% off. Asos delivers everywhere as well.

[Hopefully]

Asos is awesome, great delivery and returns policy, and a good range of stuff.

Primark is the work of the devil and you are lucky not to be inflicted with those godawful brown paper bags and clothes that fall apart before they even leave the rails. I bloody hate Primark (I know it did one decent dress recently, but that is not enough to redeem it).

[BelinaTheChicken]

FFS bastard Topshop doesn't deliver to the Channel Islands, stupid fucking islands. Very much doubt they have those boots in store over here, and not sure if they can order in store

[suburban]

If you copy down the name and product number, Topshop should be able to order them in for you.

Ah Primark is not the worst. A lot of it is dreadful, but a lot is really no worse than Topshop, Dotty P's etc in terms of ethics or quality....

[BelinaTheChicken]

surburban could you redo that last link please? It's not working