Please get me out of a frump

[Hayls]

I realised recently that I am more of a frumpy mummy than a yummy mummy. I constantly wear long sleeved t shirts and jeans or black trousers (not very flattering ones at that) and am determined to have a bit of a meakeover.
First step was getting rid of my glasses so I have had laser eye surgery and I@m going to get a new hair cut soon.
What I need to know is what I can wear that is comfy and practical with a toddler in tow but also stylish and most importantly inexpensive. I'm 26, 5ft 6 and size 10/12 with shoulder length dark hair and brown eyes. I don't have much of a waist or bum but have a few love handles and I'm quire flat chested- is there anything I can wear that will be flattering? I don't wear many skirts and not comfortable in heels. IS there any hope for me? I have never had a clue about clothing etc! I swear dd has a better wardrobe then me.
I've got a very very small budget to buy a few items to perk me up so any suggestions on what to get would be much appreciated. Dh's advice was slutty- defined as low cut and tight but I@m not sure about that...

just bunmping it for you. I live abroad so not really sure whats in the shops in the uk at the moment. I am sure you can find some bits in primark or is it primart(dont know sorry) jeans are fine as long as they are the right cut for you. Try some more fitted tops. If it is rouched around the middle(tummy area) it can hide any lumps and bumps.You can change outfits just by accesorising(excuse spelling)already had a few wines!!!Get a nice belt, some jewllery,new hair cut is a good idea, have you got any ideas of what you want to have done? Thats about all really. Im sure some of the uk based mums can help with specific items and of course prices.

jeans everyday is fine, just change the look with trendy tops, as you have a slim figure you will be able to find loads in places like new look, primark even asda and tesco. try more skinny fitting jeans with knee high boots (don't have to have heels) and some of the lovely chunky cardis that are about in all shapes and sizes.

go into one of the stores and pick loads of stuff of the rails,that you wouldn't normally choose take an honest friend and try it all on, you'll be surprised what suits you. i did this recently as had got fed up with my look, had alos been blonde for about 6 years and am now red! (which was a bit of a shock to dh!)

or if your budget is slightly bigger got to a personal shopper somewhere like debenhams, they are free of charge and if you expalain about wanting to get out of your rut they are very good (particularly the one in Reading that i know a few of my freinds have used) and debenhams isn't too expensive either.

I agree with Vickyyumyum - have a look in the shops and pick up stuff you would normally walk past - I frequently look terribly frumpy - Recently I have been trying harder to look nice. Ive bought some new tops that arent plain! nothing expensive more interesting.

Also i have never worn make up and never will probably but I still think if i try I can look niceish! I made a big effort a few weeks ago and a young man 10 years my junior said i looked nice huge pick me up!! - occaisional comments from dh also welcome!

HTH!

hello

sounds like a joke but trinny and susannah do know what they are talking about. they have some good suggestions on the bbc website in the lifestyle section

if i was size 10 -12 (never will be again, sadly, not at this rate) i'd head stright down to h&m or zara, they have some lovely things and really reasonable (except shoes at zara, v pricey). also apparently topshop are doing personal shoppers but it might only be in london.

have fun

Thanks for these. I had a look on Ebay to get an idea of what to shop for but I'm totally clueless! I'm going to treat myself to a new pair of jeans- probably dark blue(?)as I['ve got some lighter ones- and take it from there.
Any other budding Trinnys or Susannahs very welcome! I need to sort myself out quickly!
Finally, what is the general opinion on fringes? My hair is thick and a bit wavy, although I normally straighten it, but I've never had a fringe because I wore glasses annd it looked daft but do they just look daft whatever you look like? I mean a thin wispy one... any ideas?
TY!