Fashion help of the Trinny and Susannah variety needed

[babyfedleaning]

I'm hoping someone out there might be able to help 'Trinny and Susannah' me. I feel like I'm finally emerging from 4 years of babies and small people and in that time I haven't had time/ been the right shape/ been bothered to go clothes shopping much at all. I now no longer have a clue where to go or what to buy.

Have just had major surgery to rebuild my shot stomach muscles and am pleasantly surprised to find I am still in here, after all. I am pretty well my pre-pregnancy shape but I haven't got anything to wear that doesn't date from pre-2010. I want to shop at 'grown up' places - but where?!

I am short (5'3) and curvy, size 10 and almost 35 years old now. SAHM in the countryside. Short bobbed brown hair. No major cities nearby so online or major retailers are my best options. Any tips or advice please - from footwear to dresses to every day wear. What do stylish 35 year olds wear now?! Thank you in anticipation...

[babyfedleaning]

Bump.

[Tanaqui]

I don't know :(

Bit bumping for you!

[phoolani]

Weeeell, it really depends on what your own kind of style is...? Dressy, make an effort, or comfort and ease? Also depends on your budget. I'm 5'3 size 8 with curves, bobbed blonde hair...I mainly wear skinnies with ankle boots and a top with some kind of interest about it. When I want to wow a bit, I always go Cos. If you can afford it, you'll rarely go wrong there.

[tomanyanimals]

I am a bit younger than you and now pregnant again but similar size pre pregnancy I was always complimented on slim leg jeans as they didn't taper my legs in too much if that makes sense I found Levi's best for me because I struggle to get jeans that fit my waist ( go over my arse) that weren't then to big on my legs so you need to think about that as well. Other than that I quite like midi dresses just simple ones long enough that I can bend over without showing everything but short enough I don't trip over all the time. My little trick is I have eyelash extensions since having them I'm always told I look awake and found I don't really need make up obviously depends on what you want but these three things made me feel good.

[pantsjustpants]

I posted something similar yesterday, it's the "I don't know what to wear" thread that my phone won't link to. I'm older, but it may help with some ideas.

[homebythesea]

I'm older than you but have found fashion blogs really useful- real people wearing real clothes. Others will I'm sure come along with suggestions as to good ones (my faves are for over 40's so probably not of great appeal) and it will be trial and error till you find one or more that really chimes with you, but way better than magazines with 15 year old models! Do you secretly admire someone for their "look"? No shame in asking where they shop. I would also think in terms of outfits not individual pieces which may not gel with each other, and second the suggestion of personal shopper or local stylist who could do a wardrobe cull/suggestions and go shopping with you- google to see if there is anyone near you.

[babyfedleaning]

Thanks everyone. This is really helpful. Are there any fashion blogs that people really rate? I feel so out of touch!!

[homebythesea]

I just put into google "fashion blogs for thirty somethings" and loads came up! Beware blogs can be a fantastic time waster ;)