Want to be my personal shopper??? Help!!

[Iambubbles86]

Its my 30th this year and the last 6 months have been a massive change for me. I've spent my 20s being between 5 and 3 stone overweight and am now finally slim. I've also started getting my hair cut and dyed blonde on a regular basis vs getting my dp to cut it with kitchen scissors ever six months and a home dye job every 4-8 months (meaning roots were frequently on show and significant). I only used to shower once a week and brush my teeth every other day (yes I know but I had serious low self esteem and spiralled).

I'm now getting much better in hygiene and looking after myself but as I've spent the last 10 years not giving a shit I don't really know how to do this. For my 30th I want to treat myself to clothes to help reinforce my new image. I've decided i want a nice quality autumn/winter coat, a real leather handbag, and good shoes/boots (I normally buy cheap as I wreck heels as have extremely high arches yet step very heavily although I've heard having metal bit added at a cobblers can save this)

Does anyone have any recommendations for these. With the coat the only thing I'm particularly fussed on it that it shows off my waist as I'm thrilled to finally have one. With the bag I like them large with lots of compartments. Also any suggestions to anything else I should treat myself too? Budget is £1000 approx

[Iambubbles86]

As an addition to above can someone also reccomend a really really good bra retailer as
1-i have no idea what size I am
2- I'm significantly different sizes on each cup. Probably 2-3 at least
3- they are really saggy with lots of loose skin now I've lost weight (also breastfed 2 kids)

[MrsRonBurgundy]

In terms of a coat, there's a few things you probably need to consider or tell us so people can make recommendations:
How tall are you?
What size are you approx?
What body shape?

I'm the same age as you and it depends on your style, but I wear my Chelsea boots an awful lot so they might be worth investing in if that's your thing? I just wear with skinny jeans and oversized slouchy jumpers or fitted tops and big scarves.
I also invested in a really nice leather jacket which I get a lot of wear out of. It's sort of grungy style but it's nice with jeans and ask on nights out is good with black dresses and red lips.

I think you probably need to consider what your style is or what you want it to be before you start splashing out. What a lovely task you have ahead of you though!!

[Iambubbles86]

I'm 5" 6. Measurement's are 37-31-36. So I think I'm a 12 but all the 12s I bought recently have actually been quite loose (asda jeans). I'd like to look quite classic I guess. I have some fitted leather jackets and suede jackets my mum has given me so sorted on that front. I don't really like patterns. Just simple clean lines (I think I heard that on devil wears Prada lol). I love knee high boots. Simple jewellery.

I've just thought of a massive issue though, I have sensory processing disorder and am really fussy about fabrics, I don't know how to describe what I can or can't wear. I guess I didn't think this through. Thanks though

[ShoppingBasket]

How exciting! I've got no advice as I am crap at fashion!

[MrsRonBurgundy]

Don't let that put you off! It just means that you're going to be better going out shopping and trying things on.

try Kurt Geiger for boots - I could spend all my money on their boots. I'm not good on the bag front, I can't get excited by bags.

Go and have a trying on day I think but don't feel pressured into buying things you aren't sure of just to have something to take back. Even if you don't end up buying anything, it'll help you get an idea of what you like

[MrsRonBurgundy]

Ps try Jaeger for coats. I got a really nice charcoal coloured belted wool calf length trench thing last year that is so easy to chuck on over everything but looks really classic and won't date.

[HeffalumpTrap]

coat I really like

[mothersdaughter]

Sounds like you have been on a amazing journey OP, good that you are looking after yourself.

Before you buy I would suggest a few things to help make sure you spend your money wisely

Have a look in Pinterest to get some examples of what looks you like. Post them on here and I'm sure lots of us will help you find pieces to create the look

Also ( I always dish this out ) make a list of every occasion you need to dress for. As basic as : school run, coffee with friends, casual work outfit. Then start to think about what you want to look like when you are doing those things. I find this helps me think of the whole outfit.

If there are items that seem to crop up in most occasions then they are the ones you need to really invest time in getting them perfect for you. For me that's been skinny jeans, black blazer and also good heels

Hope this might help

[Wagglebees]

mothers you should put the list advice on the 'how to look expensive' thread, it's really good advice. I'm going to do that.

[Iambubbles86]

Thanks for advice everyone.

Ron, the coat sounds lovely and I will browse Kurt Geiger now.

Heffalump gorgeous coat but dosebt look too warm unfortunately, I need a bit of warmth as well as fashion as I don't drive and walk everywhere

Mothers thank you. That is excellent advice. I will have a think.

[cathyandclaire]

If you're browsing Kurt Geiger also check out shoeaholics it's their clearance site and lots of bargains.

[marriednotdead]

Get your bras sorted out as a priority before getting other clothing, you have to build foundations first.
Look at it as a separate wardrobe- perhaps you have a particular style that suits your shape or if you wear clingy fabrics, you'll need a t shirt bra in a colour close to your own skin. Try Bravissimo or a good independent rather than M&S!

[Iambubbles86]

Sorry i thought this thread had died. I'm more used to chat and aibu where if there arebno posts for an hour it disappeares into the ether.

My closest bravissimo s are Cheltenham or Cardiff. Will they be able to find a bra that will fit nicely even though I'm such different sizes?

Any one with any experience of shopping in Cheltenham/Cardiff, which do you think would be the better option if I also wanted to browse other shops for clothes/bags/shoes?

[Twinklestar2]

Hope I’m not hijacking thread but wanted to say to mothersdaughter, your advice on thinking about the clothes you need NOW for the different occasions has helped me so much. Made me realise that my wardrobe full of pretty dresses that I wore to weddings years ago were just not needed anymore. So thank you :D.

[Smellyrose]

OP, I got my bra size measured at John Lewis (and was vastly different to what I was wearing!) - it's made a huge improvement to the overall look of my outfits.

[Catpants123]

The Pinterest idea is a really good one. I did it the other evening and I identified 5 or 6 things I needed to achieve the look I wanted, went on house of Fraser website and it all arrived yesterday. Eeeeeasy.

[Kaz2200]

Coats for the short and dumpy

Just that really, I am OK for jackets but would like a longer length coat for going out in on an evening when I do like to get dressed up. I am 5'2,and a size 14 with large boobs and no waist. Anything belted makes me look like I'm wearing a dressing gown, also would like it to go with some beautiful patent over the knee flat boots I have, also on a tight budget.

[Iambubbles86]

Twinkle star- don't worry about hijack, mothers advice is very good and deserves recognition.

Smelly - I do have a john lewis near me so will try that too thanks

Cat- unfortunately I got waaay too addicted to pinterest previously & have weaned myself off it

Kaz- I don't mean to be rude but if you start your own thread you may get more responses. I was kind of hoping this thread could mainly be to help my particular query. I'm really sorry to be selfish.