Preparing for Return for Work

[PastaLaFeasta]

I'm hoping to get back to work in the Autumn after a six year break to be home with the kids. After so long at home, in casual clothes and two years without a hair cut, I don't know where to start on getting a polished look for interviews and the office. In many ways I'm still in the mindset of being a student/low earning singleton so don't spend a lot on clothes, make up, skincare or hair up keep. We have more spare cash now but I'm still careful with spending. So, apart from losing a stone or two, where do I start? What will help create a more sophisticated look after so long running around after the kids?

[mrsmortis]

First step get a good haircut. Something you can maintain at home.

Then get yourself somewhere you trust to fit your bras. A good foundation makes all the difference. I find that a decent bra even changes my posture. Get some basics in nude and black so you have options for under everything.

After that its down to what sort of look you want. And there are loads of people on here who are much better equipped for that type of advice than me.

I'd also suggest sorting out a skin care/makeup routine that you can do quickly but makes you feel put together. What that comprises of will be down to you. For some people it's just mascara and lippy for others it's a full face. In my case the minimum is concealer, powder, mascara and lippy. But that's because I'm ghostly pale so every little mark on my skin shows up for months after it first appears.

[Junosmum]

I second what MrsMortis says.

For bra measuring get yourself over to boob or bust on facebook- you'll be massively surprised. Or go to bravissimo or boux avenue (basically anywhere but M&S, debenhams or John Lewis).