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Original poster

I am stuck in a fashion hell and I don't know what to do....

52 replies

gemmummy · 09/02/2011 20:31

Basically I am 29 years old and I dress like a pensioner. Not because I want to, but because clothes buying is so hard. I'm a 36 J cup size but a size 16 every where else and 5 foot 6 tall. I don't want to dress like an old lady, I love some of the fashions that are around but have not got the fashion savvy to put them together on me in a flattering way. My legs are good, my tummy not so good and my boobs are massive and I'm not a big fan of too much cleavage. I'll put a picture of me on if it will help anyone to picture it. I need help, I don't want to look old before my time. (Oh yeah, and I have got a massive shoe habit but I think part of that is because they're easier to buy than clothes)
Please help me, I need to reinvent my wardrobe and I'm happy to pay money for well fitting and flattering clothes but I don't know where to start.

OP posts:
cyb · 09/02/2011 20:33

You need the big boob brigade

Hold on, I'll sound the horn

Someone will be along shortly

SixtyFootDoll · 09/02/2011 20:35

Try a pesonal shopper in Debenhams they are free and can hel find what suits you?

HuwEdwards · 09/02/2011 20:38

36aa here - can I have some of your boobage, please? (Some good legs would be nice too)

Oh and I'd love to be 5' 6

HuwEdwards · 09/02/2011 20:39

Personal shoppers at John Lewis too.

I bet wrap around dresses would look fab on you

HuwEdwards · 09/02/2011 20:40

one last thing - would also love to be 29 (am 49 this year!)

NancyDrewHadaClue · 09/02/2011 20:41

What sort of body shape are you? Pear/apple/hourglass?

And what sort of clothes do you need? What do you spend your days doing?

Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 20:41

huw, you are welcome to some of my boobage (only some though, I do quite like them most of the time, just not when shopping)

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NancyDrewHadaClue · 09/02/2011 20:42

Oh yes and of course what sort of clothes do you like?

animula · 09/02/2011 20:46

Yes, what sort of clothes do you wear at the moment? ie what is "pensioner"-look to you? My m-i-l is a pensioner and dresses rather well, so ... it's not immediately obvious what you mean.

Also, what sort of person are you? On the "inside"? Dreamy/romantic? Hippy? Neat? It all helps, otherwise advise is just v. general.

Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 20:46

nancy, i'm in the air force so spend most of my time in a sack like uniform! Out of work, days out with my dh and ds, meals out. I'm after smart casual stuff really, but still quite trendy. I'll stick a picture on here so you can see my shape, as I don't know how to describe it. Hang on (and thank you to everyone for replying!)

here is me

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Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 20:48

i tend to wear jeand and long sleeved t shirts, sometimes leggings and tunic type jumpers but i know i look shapeless.

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Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 20:49

i am also a big fan of the maxi dress but i think because i need them so big for the boobs they look like a tent

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StopTalkingAndEatYourDinner · 09/02/2011 20:50

link not working! I am a fashion editor and would happily give you some advice. Stick a piccy on your profile so I can see your colouring etc.

Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 20:51

hang on, does that link give everyone access to all my pics? If so, how do I delete it please (just realised that was dumb to link to facebook)

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Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 20:52

phew stoptalking i was worried then that I'd linked to my entire facebook profile. ok, give me 5 mins, i'll put a few pictures on as I would really appreciate your help thankyou.

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Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 20:59

ok, i have put a few pictures on so feel free to constructively criticise!

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Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 21:02

animula i always feel very envious of the real classy looking girls, casual but perfect scarf, lovely smart coat, i don't like anything too outrageous, but i like a twist on things iykwim, such as black dress and green tights and things like that.

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ellangirl · 09/02/2011 21:05

If you look like a pensioner I'm sunk! Looks like you've got good legs. I'm with Huw, wrap dresses could be fab on you, but I'd say stay away from black - can't imagine that after seeing you in sunny holiday photos :o

Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 21:10

lol holiday pics are always a bit false though, I always wear stuff on hol that I wouldn't dream of back here! My day to day clothes I tend to buy in Next or Fat Face, more down to lack of imagination than anything else. I don't tend to wear dresses in the winter, mainly jeans and a bulked out jumper that makes me look huge!

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StopTalkingAndEatYourDinner · 09/02/2011 21:13

had a look - you look gorgeous. Great legs!

You need to define your waist as much as poss so wrap dresses would work. something like this dress or this dress To avoid flashing to much cleavage layer them over a plain vest that is cut straight across at the front. You can wear them over leggings if you like that look or dress them up for evening. Would show off your legs nicely!!

I would avoid tunics as they will hang from your bust like a shelf. For dressing down go for kick flare jeans or trousers (to balance out your top half) and wear them with a fitted V neck top (no high, round necks or polo necks). You can layer a longerline cardi over the top if you're not keen on shorter tops.

A jacket with a nipped in waist would be good too, maybe something like this jacket that would work over jeans, trousers or a dress.

Don't belt anything as it will make your boobs look lower and avoid necklaces that are very long or very short (choker style) If you find some good basics that will work for every day then a load of fab accessories will liven them up. Dorothy Perkins have really good jewellery at great prices.

StopTalkingAndEatYourDinner · 09/02/2011 21:17

forgot to say - do you know bravissimo do clothes now? They are not wildly exciting but they do have a few good basic pieces which would really work for your shape. Worth a look!

ellangirl · 09/02/2011 21:20

Try a dress then! They can be quite practical with leggings/boots this but not sure about the colour, just think the style might be flattering to norkage

Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 21:21

stoptalking, love those two dresses, not sure about the jacket, it's a bit posh for me but I loved the dresses. Off to debenhams tomorrow to see what they've got!

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Original poster
gemmummy · 09/02/2011 21:24

ellangirl, i like the style of that dress but it's maybe a bit floral for me. How would you clad your feet in these wrap dresses then for day to day stuff?

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SixtyFootDoll · 09/02/2011 21:25

You have a fab figure
Wear what you like!