Please help me out of my 'new mum' style rut!

[lagrace]

So basically i had twins a year ago, have lost most of my weight, apart from my tummy but its actually not too bad.
I am now a size 12/14 and back at work full time but i wear a uniform so never have to worry about clothes for that.
I now feel like i can actually buy 'proper' clothes IYSWIM, as up until now my weight loss has meant that i would wear something for a couple of months and then it would be too big so i only bought cheap stuff as i couldnt afford to keep buying even reasonable priced clothes as they were redundant so quickly.
My problem is that because i havent bought anything 'proper' for nearly two years i feel like i dont know where to start or what to buy.
I am 34, 5'4",size 12/14 and want to move on from either pre mum jeans and trainers and now new mum comfy top and trousers.I want to look smart and groomed but still young!
Hope someone can help as i had a look in town today and felt lost to be honest!

I feel your pain!!! Have a look at wearingittoday.blogspot.com/this blog for some great starter ideas (I found it on the Wise & Avid thread which is great!!). When you've thought about a basic capsule wardrobe you can then hit the high street looking for certain things.

Sorry link isn't working properly but click where it says it doesn't exist!!

Yes, Petit Donkeys idea good - also try looking at Net a Porter, which has mainly fairly expensive stuff on, but really nicely styled - this is great at giving you ideas of how to wear things. Then go and buy them from cheaper places!

Perhaps some good flattering jeans - either skinnies or the new skinny flare? I have recently bought some Gap coated skinnies and they look quite different and funky.

A dress that can be worn in the day with knee high boots or dressed up more with heels. Phase 8 not bad for that - but also Warehouse.

How old are you and what kind of budget?? Where do you usually shop?

petitdonkey- thanks for the link,had a quick look, twins have just realised how much fun it is to stand up in their cots and make each other laugh so last night i spent most of the evening upstairs basically trying to get two hysterical monkeys to settle down and sleep,so will have a more thorough look tonight and will have a look at the wise and avid thread.
notyummy-im 34,before pregnancy used to shop mainly in Oasis, Warehouse,Monsoon,Topshop and H&M but as its been so long i just feel like fashion has passed me by and when i go out i feel scruffy and like i have lost 'me' and i dont know where to start.Budget i suppose maybe £60-£100 for jeans as long as they are nice.Will look at Gap,at the moment Gap=Baby Gap so i never even thought of there!
Any other suggestions very gratefully received!

I feel your pain, Lagrace. Do you feel like you have anything you love in your wardrobe?

I'd go for a really great pair of cheapie jeans (the coated skinnies are getting lots of wise and avid love). Premium denim tends to start at over £100, so maybe save that for later. I'd also get one cute skirt, and a pair of Falke merino tights to keep you toasty. Maybe a good stripey top? I have a denim mini from gap which has done sterling service winter and summer with all sorts of things.

lagrace - those are the shops that I shop in and I am older than you, so I think you should get right back in there. I think def get down to GAp and try on a whole load of jeans. Skinny; skinny flare; long and lean cut. Have a look at the website as they also do a good range of trousers cut for all different body shapes.

Breton top also good, and perhaps funky scarf (animals print?) to dress up outfits. H and M have some great ones that are reasonably priced.

Yes I agree, get some decent jeans, nice tops and a pretty sacrf or too.

I found H&M good in your situation, the prices are lo so its no big deal if you make a mistake or two.

I just bought a fab cotton/viscose cardigan in there this week for £15 which looks mush more expensive. Its long enough to cover my bum but slim fitting and not too bulky and looks great with jeans.

Also get yourself some decent footwear, boots are still good for a few more months.

thanks for the replies! have had a couple of trying days at work so very little me time, but had a look at Gap website and saw some really nice jeans and tops so will go on Sat after work as i dont have to rush back to collect the twins so will actually have time to try something on.
I'm liking the Breton top idea and the scarves to make my outfits look a bit different, sounds so silly but i sometimes am so exhausted that i cant think straight, let alone put an outfit together, but at least now i have something in mind for Saturday.
I used to enjoy shopping, but since having the twins it has become a hassle,as you can imagine!

My confidence took a real knock after having DD a few years back, knowing how to dress new body shape and switching from work wardrobe to SAHM wardrobe.

I asked my relatives to buy me a 'Colour Me Beautiful' consultation voucher that Christmas. Was just over £100 I think and it was fab. I followed it up with a style consultation without the same lady. Not cheap, but it has saved me a fortune in buying clothes that don't suit me, and given me confidence to try new colours. When I walk into a clothes shop now (not very often, admittedly), there are racks and racks of clothes I can ignore instantly due to being unsuitable colours.

Maybe you could ask for something like this for next birthday?

First Id choose a colour palette (eg,navy and grey plus one brighter colour for interest) then Id go for:

1 pair dark wash jeans (skinny or straight leg)
1 pair black jeans (same again)
Knee length denim or cord skirt
2 stripey breton tops
2 neutral tops (black/white/grey...)
1 cardigan to coordinate with tops
1 sleeveless cardi/knitted long waiscoat to go over the tops
1 smart blouse type top in silky or chiffon type fabric
Printed scarf
statement necklace
satchel type or cross body bag
metallic trainer/pumps or converse
Knee high boots

Phew, didnt think that was going to be such a long list...anyway, hope it helps

Id agree Gap for jeans, H&M for cotton and stripey tops,M&S for knitwear and oasis or warehouse for blouse and accessories. Enjoy!

mum295- thats a great suggestion as w had some photos taken and i was wearing a lovely top but when i saw the pics it made me look really washed out and was quite unflattering.
Gillybobs-that is a great help thankyou especially the colour palette idea.

So i went to Gap and tried probably every pair of jeans on, they were either too small or too big, so i came away with no jeans-and a bit upset as well-but i did get some lovely Breton style tops which look great.Was reading a thread about someone getting great Levis jeans, so thats my next stop!