Oh god I need help

[HappyAsIAm]

I own nothing, absolutely nothing, that would be considered fashionable or even slightly cool. I haven't shopped for myself for 4 years, and I am in serious need of some advice and suggestions as its getting me down.

DS is 3 now, and I am still wearing the clothes that I bought just after he was born 'to tide me over'. Hmm. I need some nice, practical stuff for everyday (not for work), and I have no idea what that could be. I also have absolutely no idea what type of shoes go with anything. I need head to toe suggestions please!

I am a size 10-12, 5 foot 1, with a small frame (used to shop in petite ranges whenevr I could find them), so scoop necks and full length sleeves and very long things look awful on me. I can't wear heels as I have spent so long in flats and trainers. I think my budget is probably high street prices.

Please could you help? I would really appreciate it. I am 35, and would very much like to dress as a 35 year old, and not a 60 year old, as I am at the moment.

HappyasIam - can you get to a big Topshop or John Lewis (or if you want to trade up, Liberty or Selfridges) and try out a personal shopper there? They'll be able to let you know what the current trends are and then you can pick what you like from them, and what suits your taste and your bodyshape and lifestyle too.

If you're starting from scatch, I'd look for -

Jeans, black/indigo (skinnie or straight leg - if you like that style).
A tea dress (on or above the knee).
A denim or cord skirt (on or above the knee).
A pair of leggings.

That gives you some basics to find tops/ tunics cardies/ sweaters to match. Go for the same colour range (e.g. blues/grays) and then you can mix and match.

Lots of nice boots around in the shops right now (I prefer calf length), I'm not so sure about shoes but there have been a few threads about spring shoes on here recently.

Also some scarves and maybe a new bag.

Before you do anything else I'd treat yourself to some magazine subscriptions. Grazia and Red are a good place to start. If they don't whet your appetite and kick off the crazed shopaholic in you then I don't know what will!
Make a note of anything you see that you think would suit your shape or that you really like... then take pics and notes into a personal shopper somewhere like John Lewis. Remember if you buy too much 'cool', 'fashionable' stuff it won't last long so I would suggest majority classics with a few key on-trend pieces each season.
Enjoy it!

Good suggestions - thanks very much. As I am completely clueless, I think I will go with some magazines and then a personal shopper. I am really embarrassed to say that I have no idea where I would get a tea dress from, and I know I wouldn't recognise one if I saw it, that I don't know what I would possibly wear with a denim or cord skirt, and as for what type of shoes to wear with leggings or a dress or even a skirt for that matter, its all a different language to me.

I have no confidence in choosing things, and I get so down in the dumps when everything looks awful that I just take myself off for a Starbucks and a slice of cake. Which doesn't help!

I think you'll surprise yourself when you read the magazines and you might know more than you think, it's just all in the back of your brain somewhere! :)

You could also subscribe to some websites like SheerLuxe and asos since they send out email updates every few days and you can get some good idea from there, too.

I think you should try and see this as an exciting new adventure rather than a chore, so throw yourself into it - I guarantee that once you have your new wardrobe you'll feel a million times better. Don't forget some lovely undercrackers too as they are not only an important foundation for the new clothes but they'll also really boost your confidence.

I'd go for classic basics like

nice straight leg jeans IF they are a bit long they look great with a turn up

www.gap.eu/browse/product.do?cid=57401&vid=1&pid=842441 spring/summer chinos]]

Both look great with ballerina pumps or in summer with sandals

Get a selection of casual tops, places like H&M and Dorothy Perkins do these at great prices. Id suggest a few stripe tops and a few plain, like this or or this

Then I'd add a jacket or piece of knitwear that would go with all of these things, I like this and its petite this is nice if you're not too busty

For good measure Id finish off with a nice tan leather bag maybe like this and a gorgeous scarf or two along these lines

Hope that helps

sorry, gap link didnt work above, try again..gap chinos link

Thanks for the suggestions - I will take them on board when I go shopping later! You make it sound so easy, so I am going to just try everything on and go from there.