What do 30 year olds wear????

[emsyj]

Help, I am a frump and don't know how to climb out of my frump hole.

I am very into my make-up and keep my face up to date but never get my hair done and never buy new clothes. I look a fright. Had a baby 11 weeks ago and am definitely in the 'old before my time' category now.

Someone tell me:

1. How to have my hair (it's naturally darkish blonde, long and very straight)
2. What to buy in terms of clothes and shoes. I'm size 12, 5' 7" tall, pretty well in proportion but with thunderish thighs.

I am frightened of shops and find them stressful. Would a personal shopper be worthwhile???

And are there any other companies aside from Duo Boots who do wide fit calf boots? I don't like any of the ones on their website at the moment.

Many questions - all help welcome. Going off to have some dinner now but will check back later in the hopes that someone out there will take pity on me and give me a definitive capsule wardrobe shopping list to save me from black trousers and manky old tops hell....

thanks in advance

PPS re. hair, get layers cut into it - fairly low maintenance way to make long hair more interesting. Also, invest in straighteners, which may seem daft for straight hair but it really makes a difference when you're getting dolled up.

Boots: www.bigshoeboutique.co.uk and also Evans does wide-fitting boots.

Make-up: Yves Saint Laurent do a great foundation with brush which is pricey (c.£30) but lasts for months and is AMAZING. Go to a YSL counter at John Lewis or Debenhams and they can make you over for free. Another good beauty essential is a skin-tone or slightly paler, non-sparkly eye shadow, Bobbi Brown or similar is excellent.

The most important things with clothes is that they FIT well, and it can be helpful to llook at European sizes as they tend to be more uniform from shop to shop, look for a 40 if you're a bigger size 12, or 38 if more petite. Think that's it for now! Hope this helps xx

Ah, some advice thank you all!!!

I think I have concluded that I need to visit a personal shopper as I am just not confident enough to pick up things like skinny jeans etc and try them on in case people look at me .

I am in the north west, so Manchester, Liverpool or Chester are accessible. I will probably call Selfridges in Manchester and see if they do personal shopping.

I am breastfeeding so a bit restricted at the moment, although I am not limiting myself to nursing tops. It does make dresses a bit of a non-starter though .

I am back to pre-pregnancy weight but my waist is a couple of inches saggier than before: I hope it will tone up. I had an emergency c-section (which has healed pretty well, no overhang!) so I'm looking forward to getting back to the gym when I am able to - end of this month is the 3 month marker. I would like to lose a bit of weight but don't want to put off buying new things until I've lost weight - want to feel good NOW!

emsyj - don't worry about people looking at you. Honestly, the last thing on my mind when I am out shopping is to be judgmental about what other people are picking up!

ah ha! I too thought that dresses were off limits when I had dc3 last year - until I discovered the joys of the Princesses Tam Tam lounge dress!! Cashmere/ wool mix so feels cosy and luxurious, buttons come far enough down to breastfeed with ease. Owned it in brown and purple, dh wrecked the purple. Brown (size 12) in going on ebay in the next few weeks unless you are keen, in which case PM me.

this is the dress

I am 30 and have recently gone off Topshop, New Look etc and started liking and thinking about more non-fashion items in better quality of fabrics, in places like Wallis, Monsoon, Coast, Fat Face, Joe Browns.

Just after having DD, I lost my way a bit and made a few v daft choices which remain unworn. Back on track now though.

I feel just like you op, so will watch the thread with interest!

Do you have any stores with personal shoppers near you? I hear the Topshop one is good though most of their stuff won't fit me.

I'm a different shape to you, but 28.

stressheaderic, I'm really similar to you in that respect - I love quirky/vintagey prints, but most of the high st copies aren't designed to fit ladies with boobs. I find Monsoon, Uniqlo and White Stuff work for me (I have a casual office which helps). I used to love Dorothy Perkins but their quality and fit has declined sharply.

If you're a size 12 you have a lot more options on the high street than I do

Ooh, also Zara and Mango - can't go wrong there. Quite small fits though as designed for European girls with skinny waists and peachey bottoms.

I think there is a personal shopper at the Liverpool top shop and also at Selfridges in Manchester.

My next project is getting my hair done - been recommended a fabulous (supposedly!) hairdresser who works mobile so that is more compatible with DD than visiting a salon. I'm going to stay long, but discuss an alternative style (possibly fringe, some layers etc) and get the dishwater blonde sorted out into hopefully a very light cool blonde, which is what I had for my wedding and seems to suit me best.

Keep the ideas coming...

What I really want is a definitive list of pieces to buy, but I suppose I need to see the personal shopper for that so that they can take into account my shape and tastes. I'm not mad on jeans (never have been) and prefer a more tailored look, but will investigate skinny jeans with tunics etc as I think that would look more 'me' than bootcuts etc.

Definitely need a link to the mumsnet haircut????

30 is soooo young.
I am 40 in 2 days time and wear whatever I feel like - skinnies, leggings, dresses, long floaty skirts, boots, gladiators, leather, hippyish stuff, denim.

I probably wouldn't wear hot pants or a mini skirt but that's about it.

Just be bold, experiment and wear what takes your fancy. Enjoy colours, textures, sparkle, accessories - don't be frightened of making mistakes. It doesn't matter if you sometimes look a bit silly - that's all part of the fun.

Dress to show off your good bits and then people won't notice the less good bits.

Have fun with your clothes and don't be scared of doing the wrong thing.

I'm a tad older than you at 36 and 3/4 but I agree that I also switched from High Street fashionista styles to more quality stuff - I tend to shop at Gap, Fat Face, White Stuff, M&S and Principles for work clothes.

I also get stuff from ebay too such as Monsoon silk tunic dresses and wear them with leggings or wide leg linen trousers and pumps.

I think you can grow into yourself more once you have left your 20s behind and buy what you like that's good quality and not worry about it so much.

I like being in my 30s :) It's the best age so far.