Ok (deep breath) I am not curvy I am fat but I need advise to look presentable...

[waitingforbedtime]

Ok so Im a size 24 on top and bottom. Hate my tummy all the way from below boobs to the bottom, its all just horrid. Dont like tops of arms either and legs are not amazing. Argh, Im so embarrassed writing this!!

Am 28, a SAHM and dont have much money BUT I want to get out of crappy jeans and jumpers and trainers.

Help? Big ask I know...

[waitingforbedtime]

advise?? advice I mean!

[Northernlurker]

How tall are you and what colours do you like?

Don't be embarassed by your size - we're all different shapes and we all have wobbly bits!. Personally I'm a 22 with very substantial thighs and boobs. That doesn't mean that the size 10 or 12 people I know are better people than me and EVERYBODY changes after becoming a mother. Some people just show it more than others.

I will have a hunt for you.

[Amandoh]

We had a similar thread to this a few days ago. Unfortunately the OP didn't reply to say if she liked any of the suggestions offered.

Thread is here so take a look and see if there's anything linked to that you fancy or that you really hate and we can go from there.

[Clure]

this is fabulous with leggings

[Northernlurker]

I really like this
(Apart from the size of the model!)

and this

[Northernlurker]

and these will be cheap and smart

[brimfull]

bonaparte was lnked on another thread today and they do plus size

[Clure]

tunic 1
www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/plussizes/11/3 tunic 2]]
maybe with something like these?
sorry if I'm way off the mark!

[Clure]

sorry link to tunic 2 again

[waitingforbedtime]

Thanks for the replies, am off to have a look at the links now.

I am 5ft 7.

Leggings terrify worry me and tunics I always think make me look pregnant?

[Buda]

I am a 22/24 and also 5ft 7 waitingforbedtime!

It is so hard to find nice clothes. I am also fed up of jeans and jumpers so this thread is fab! Thanks for starting it.

[waitingforbedtime]

Ok .... from the other thread.... the tunic suggested by cybil + heated are a bit scary to me because they are very loud and feel a bit 'dressy' for every day?

Like the wide legged trousers Amandoh suggested, like the cardi too but £30 for a cardi is pretty expensive for me.

Really like the Joe Brown dress but with leggings - argh!

Like teh 2nd top Northern lurker suggested and the trousers.

Defo not the 2nd tunic Clure - sorry! First one nice but again worry about looking pregnant!!

[hatesponge]

I am anything from an 18 to a 22 depending on the shop....do try leggings, I know you're not keen (I wasnt at all at first, but wore them loads last winter & will probably do so again this year) - I only buy cheap ones from Peacocks £5-6 or so (the large size fit me easily, but they go up to XL)

If you really cant face leggings then go for for narrow leg trousers like those suggested by NL - I tend to avoid trousers mainly cos I have to wear them tight otherwise they fall down & then end up with a horrible muffin top situation, but its either that or have them round my ankles!

In terms of tops, I dont think I can better the Joe Brown one (which am now seriously thinking of buying for myself, its so pretty!)

At the more budget end of things - where I normally find myself - I bought this recently which is very flattering & only a fiver

It looks good with leggings

[Ronaldinhio]

I'm not so sure about leggings if you have heavier legs
Perhaps narrow trousers or some form of cigarette pant might be preferable?
I don't know if leggings suit all to be honest

[Ronaldinhio]

Have you tried the cheap M&S jeans that everyone raves about on here?
Sit on the waist and very flattering?

[paddingtonbear1]

my best friend is a similar size to you and has bought some pretty tops from Evans recently. I know you didn't want jeans but hers from there were really funky!

[waitingforbedtime]

See I like that top from Asda but once again, teh fit of it makes me think itd make me look pregnant?

Leggings - hmmmmmmmm - maybe I will try a pair???

what cheap M+S jeans?

Evans are ok but very weird sizings and also pretty expensive imo.

Any other suggestions?

[waitingforbedtime]

PS Thank-you all!

[waitingforbedtime]

Ok so I like things like this but worry I will look like a box shape with no waist.

Like these too but not keen on diamante

Like these but never know what sort of thing to wear them with and also are quite expensive on my budget

Like long line waistcoats and waterfall cardis but cant find any that are in my size and nice and also never know what to wear with. My main problem I would say (besides small budget!) is that my tummy above my navel kind of sticks out since I had ds and is just horrible so even when something like long line tops look nice from the front from the side I look weird.

I am getting panicky to be honest because we dont know many people here and ds starts nursery in Jan and I worry people wont associate with me because I look a mess (sounds pathetic I know) but I feel like screaming 'this isnt really me!!' if that makes sense?

[slug]

Right, what you need to do is work out what suits you and what you want to wear the clothes for (work, home etc)

For basics, uniqlo t shirts can't be beat. They say they go up to a size 18, but fit fine on my size 22 F cups. They are good quality, wear incredibly well and are frequently on sale. For jeans, New Look Hula jeans fit the apple shape very well. I usually find I buy them at least one size smaller than I would any other pair.

For smart looks, don't underestimate the power of a good pencil skirt. Betty Jackson Black is fantastic for the fuller figure. Her clothers go up to a size 20, but it's worth trying them on as I find they come up quite large. Added to this, they are frequently discounted in the sales and can come in quite cheap

If you are going to invest in something a bit more expensive, a good pair of boots make a world of difference. Duo are worth the money, especially as they are so damn comfortable.

[waitingforbedtime]

Thanks slug. I dont work so everything just needs to be casual but not scruffy and I want 'a look' if you know what I mean?

Think dh would drop dead if I wore a pencil skirt!!!

[pollywobbledoodle]

hula jeans seem to have RIP'd...

[waitingforbedtime]

bump

[hatesponge]

I second Slugs suggestion re boots! - I bought some nice ones from Evans 2 years ago, have worn them to death - both resoled & heeled at least twice!

I know you're not sure about smock tops but this top is another of my recent bargains, it has a tie at the back so doesnt look too maternity like (I think) Looks good with narrow leg, bootcut jeans, preferably dark colour ones - though narrow leg trousers probably also good

I hadnt been in QS for years til I bought this - its mostly still awful but they have the odd cheap but nice item - bit cowgirl but I liked it or this, though not sure about the neckline...or the name!. Their jeans are v cheap but seem a bit stiff - my fave ones at the moment are from Primark,even though I cant really breathe out wearing them

[waitingforbedtime]

Thanks!

I can never get boots to fit me

Like the first two blouses, but have never heard of QS before?

wTF is a faggot blouse?!