help a frumpy mum not to be frumpy

[romi]

i am sick of tracksuits, leggings and t-shirts, jeans and jumpers, naf naf naf naf
i need some inspiration.
i am a mum of 2 and i need NOT to look like a mum of 2.

Trouble is i dont have a lot of money, i dont mind looking in charity shops or ebay but i dont know where to start or what to buy.

Please can some one give me some ideas, going away this weekend and want to look like a lady in her 30,s not a mum IYKWIM !

cant help i live in jeans and tee shirts but there comfy and can look ok

sometimes i stay in pyjamas i im not going out anywhere
can anyone else offer suggestions
thanks

there's nothing wrong with wearing jeans. If you want to jazz it up a bit wear a fitted shirt and a jacket to make it look a bit smarter.

the green top and jeans \link{http://order.next.co.uk/page.asp?b=X36&p=112&o=1\here) is nice to give you an idea. Or is that too casual?

oops

yes that does look nice thanks compo

have just bought a baragainous 3/4 (grr)sleeved top in marks for £8
v necknd teal colour
will wear with white vest underneath and nice necklace

having observed all the mums at our school gates, I think the secret to non frumpy is fitted clothes, no trainers, lipstick, brushed hair and plucked eyebrows... ironed clothes as well... ie loads of preparation the night before...

..

Have just discovered the virtue of fitted crinkle shirts-lokk smartish and no ironing!

Polish your shoes and wear jewellery, even if it is just earrings.

so should i ditch the tracksuits then!

I have a problem with tracksuits

get some nice jeans from Top shop or nice combats with a bit of embroidery on instead

i was a 16 but have lost weight and am continuing to do so, i dont want to splash out on a brand new wardrobe just yet as i want to drop a couple of sizes.
i am petite, height 5.3
i have brown hair with a few blonde highlights, the hair is ok ive just had it done its the rest of me!
its my stomach thats the problem mainly, i had dd by caesarian and still have the wobbly belly that despite eating very carefully since i had her and losing 1 and a half stone due to b,feeding is still there-it refuses to budge and u can see it when i wear jeans-hence the tracksuit bottoms

where are you going ? have you checked the weather ? ie may need a jacket/mac or something warm. Are you sightseeing/shopping/going for walks ? Will you be having lunch/dinner out ?

Just a quick one about your weight, how old is your daughter ? Reason I asked is I felt like a was wearing a fat suit for about 10 months after giving birth. Decided I HAD to lose some weight & cut right down..DD was still have BF am & pm & I found the weight came off very quickly. As you've got 5 days, you could try cutting back..something like porridge for brekkie, tuna sandwich for lunch, latte for afternoon pickup & then soup for tea. This will help your tummy go down a little...honest

aww thanks everyone u have all cheered me up now i know what to look for and what to eat!

Try shops like Matalan, tesos and asda they always have the latest styles but a lot cheaper.
I used to live in my DH's big baggy t-shirts but Now I have a few fitted casual blouses and posher t-shirts to wear with jeans and a couple of pairs of tweedy type trousers if i really want to "glam up".
It suprising how much slimmer I look in the fitted shaped t-shirts and blouses rather than trying to hide under a massive t-shirt, they make you look huge.
I usually put on a quick slap of foundation too, but I wouldn't bother if my skin wasn't so bad. I feel a bit more dressed up if I curl my eyelashes and put mascara on, Quick to do and makes you look more awake.

Tracksuit bottoms are HIDEOUS. They make you look super-vast. Decent dark denim jeans with a bit of stretch and subtle boot cut much better. Mine are from Phase 8 and a very sympathetic cut for the tubby. Plus nice belt with big turquoise buckle distracts from the chub. Wrap top or fitted t more flattering than baggy.Leggings suit nobody - not even Kate Moss - bin them all NOW. Ballet pumps or cool trainers or boots. A bit of colour can cheer you up no end.

Can I add Tescos Florence and Fred - had some lovely stuff in the other day (you need a big branch for the good stuff though). And Primark for a quick cheap fashion fix.

Wrap dresses still very current and flattering for everyone I would say (although you need good undies with them).

Pencil skirts are in this winter which I think are very flattering if you get stretchy material and go for fitted rather than tight. Wear with long boots with a heel, little cardi, vest top underneath?

I can recommend Matalan jeans boot cut stretchy ones are good, I know they won;t suit everyone though.

Have a flick thru NOW magazine.. they usually have clothes/ new season fashion from high street stores.