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help please, nice top to go with jeans

39 replies

SmileAndNod · 11/02/2016 13:45

I never get dressed up anymore, I don't need to. I wear mostly jeans, stripy tops possibly a vest and a cardi if I'm feeling adventurous. I feel old and mumsy and not at all glamorous. I'm also suffering with PND and PTSD and I'm a grey shadow of my former self. I look unhappy, even when I'm having an 'ok' day, and have put on weight.

Soon, I'd quite like a night out with DH. Nothing fancy just maybe a pub and a meal so nothing dressy and then I realized I don't have 'going out' stuff any more (as I don't)

I came across these cecilia and kitty Are they as frumpy as me? Can I do a lot lot better?

I'm 43 and hate my body. 5'7 size 10/12 but fat/untoned with it. Which shops should I be looking in? Don't want to spend a fortune, though I'd rather buy something that will last a few years forever. I have a 'winter' colouring.

Please help. Am happy to shop online as some days I find it hard to be in busy places. Tia

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IntelligentPutty · 11/02/2016 13:55

H & M? - cheap and cheerful
Boden? - not so cheap but lovely quality long lasting clothes
Joules..

just a couple of ideas..

X

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mrsmortis · 11/02/2016 14:21

How about a nice white shirt? Or another colour if you prefer? I always feel a bit more dressed up when I put on a freshly ironed shirt. You can dress it up with a scarf or some statement jewellery. And a well tailored shirt hides a lot if you aren't comfortable with how you look.

It's also something you'll get a lot of wear out of as it's a real wardrobe staple.

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IDismyname · 11/02/2016 14:24

I seem to recall that Pure Collection have a few nice white shirts at the moment. All with a bit of stretch in them.

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lovefairylights · 11/02/2016 15:38

ok - no fashionista here but my gut feeling was the cecilia top could look frumpy if you are not a very tall, skinny willowy model. The kitty one might be nice but it depends on how it sits on your hips as to whether its flattering or bad.
I think online shopping when you haven't bought stuff for a while and are not sure of your body shape and what suits/flatters you can be hit and miss.

I'm probably a similar height and size with similar issues. When this baby pops out and I'm ready to leave the baby for a few hours I'm going to book a personal shopper - probably john lewis is best bet for me locally and treat myself to spending some money on myself to get some smart clothes for daytime/pub meals out etc. The benefit being I can sit there while they trawl the rails bringing me things to try on. Suspect I might try to rope in an honest friend/relative to come along just in case the personal shopper can't be trusted to give an honest opinion!

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MidnightHag · 11/02/2016 15:42

I Like both of them (but I am a bit older than you). Have you got a friend who could give you an honest opinion on whether they flatter you?

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lisbapalea · 11/02/2016 15:52

I would look in Mint Velvet for stuff that is casual enough to wear with jeans but looks like you have made a bit of an effort....

John Lewis also a good shout as you can do a quick whizz round a few different brands and if/when that all gets a bit overwhelming just go and have a cup of tea and piece of cake in the caff!

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RoganJosh · 11/02/2016 16:15

Ooh I love the Cecilia one. In fact I've just ordered it.

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SmileAndNod · 11/02/2016 16:25

The cecilia came today:
And the offending mum tum and fat arse that I hate.
I've never had much luck with collared shirts as I spend all day fiddling.
Will look at mint velvet thank you

help please, nice top to go with jeans
help please, nice top to go with jeans
help please, nice top to go with jeans
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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 11/02/2016 16:27

I don't like either of those, sorry. I think they do look quite frumpy and I know that they would make me (norky) look positively matronly.

Love this

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 11/02/2016 16:28

Just seen your pic - it looks a zillion times better on you than it did on the website!

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RoganJosh · 11/02/2016 16:32

I think it looks good on you, but not the drapey thing that it is on the website. I wonder if the sizing is a bit off/they put the model in a massive size to make it look better.
Now I'm worried I've made a mistake ordering it! Sorry, making it all about me. What size did you go for?

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DorotheaHomeAlone · 11/02/2016 16:32

You look great! Not at all frumpy. Love the shoes.

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HanYOLO · 11/02/2016 16:35

You look like you have a lovely, in proportion figure and you might have been skinnier before but many people would kill to look like you do now. So know that!

I think going too "classic" might be a bit unnecessarily ageing on you - have you tried warehouse - it's definitely not going to last you a lifetime but they have massively upped their game lately. Maybe also try Whistles?

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SmileAndNod · 11/02/2016 16:40

I ordered a size S roganjosh
Love that too Remus. Do you think it's more charcoal than brown. If only I had good arms...

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HalfStar · 11/02/2016 16:43

You look great op, very cool and appropriate but the look is confident. Honestly!
Whistles often has nice tops but try to get sales prices - I think they do 25% off in March.

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looki · 11/02/2016 17:06

I'm not a fan of the type of tops you linked as those types of tops highlight the stomach area in my opinion. I avoid anything that has elastic at the bottom as my mummy tummy tends to overhang it

Massimo Dutti are shit quality but I recently bought this and like it as it is so wearable www.massimodutti.com/ie/en/women/tailored-corner/top-with-bow-at-back-c1614001p7069058.html?colorId=251&categoryNav=911173

I'd have preferred this one but I wouldn't get to wear it enough but it would look great on a night out www.massimodutti.com/ie/en/women/shirts-%26-blouses/whites/double-breasted-dress-shirt-c1384018p6954065.html?colorId=251&categoryNav=911173

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looki · 11/02/2016 17:09

I meant to add - can you wear heels? I always feel more dressed up in heels as I live in flat shoes.

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SmileAndNod · 11/02/2016 17:49

Yes can do heels, as long as there's not a really long walk involvedSmile

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RoganJosh · 11/02/2016 19:16

Ooh I might be ok then, I ordered the M. Thanks. Sorry you're not happy with it on though.

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sheffieldsteeler · 11/02/2016 19:23

Blimey, at your great legs!

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SmileAndNod · 11/02/2016 19:24

I'm undecided - am rubbish at clothes these days, I used to be fairly well put together then along came three children..

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SmileAndNod · 11/02/2016 19:26

Ha!!! Sadly I inherited my dad's legs and not my mum'sSad. Her legs are to die for, even at 68. She wore barely covering her arse stuff late 60s. I only hope she knew how amazing she looked

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Puppymouse · 11/02/2016 19:31

I had a sneaky suspicion before you posted the pics you'd have a lovely figure. I hope you can get well again and come to terms with your post children figure as it's definitely what I would like to look like! I know that won't help much but you look great Thanks

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everythingsgoingsouth · 11/02/2016 20:54

wow, I think you look great! have a lovely time.

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WilburIsSomePig · 11/02/2016 21:00

You look lovely!! Can I ask where you got your shoes please, they're gorgeous and just what I'm looking for.

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