I need an image overhaul - please help!

[AnnVeronica]

I look and feel like utter shit :(

I live in hoodies, FitFlops with boyfriend jeans or Monsoon white linen trousers. I feel frumpy and invisible. I want to change, I just need a helping hand and a nudge in the right direction :)

I'm 5'7 and a size 18. I am very overweight and trying to do something about it. The trouble is, I see clothes I like and think, "Oh, I can wear that when I'm slimmer", I then feel depressed and eat more! I need to feel ok about myself, or at least a bit better, now.

I look at this website sometimes and really like the clothes she wears. I'm not sure I could replicate the look though, as I'm so much bigger?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Not everybody likes them, but Trinny & Susannah website/books can help you work out your body shape as a starting point, so you can buy things that suit you.

Is it worth booking a session with one of those free in-store advisers?

Hi TFS, thank you. I've never read T&S, so can look them up.

Do you mean personal shoppers? I live in London, so can get to big department stores, etc. Is there anywhere you recommend?

you can be fashionable and you can look great whilst trying to slim down, in most cases the image you see is not necessarily what everyone else sees. I know how you feel though, as i have been in the same situation and i realised it wasn't necessarily about my size, it was about me being unhappy with myself and the situation i was putting myself in. if you need a chat you can pm me x

She does love her stripy tops so how about this top with some dark jeans?

alizee, thank you! I may just take you up on that :)

dexter73 - I really like that stripey top, but I'm not sure it would suit me? I'm quite top heavy with back fat, so not sure horizontal stripes would look good. I love the jeans, they're a vast improvement on the ones I'm wearing now!

I've just Googled Trinny and Susannah and found the different body shapes. I can't work out which one I am though? I always thought I was an apple, it looks like I might be a goblet (but with slightly bigger hips and legs). It's mind-boggling

a goblet? never heard of that lol :D

just looked it up, so that means you have a small waist? if you have bigger hips and a small waist with big boobs and shoulders that would pretty much make you an hourglass

Ok stop looking at that website, she is a Carrie Bradshaw wannabe

I woudl ditch the fit fops for starters, no one ever felt slim and glam shuffling along in those things. I also feel linen trousers are a NO NO, shapeless and unflattering.

If you are serious about losing weight I would buy a bare minimum of stuff now. By Christmas you could be 14 for heavens sake .

I think as you have height on your side you could invest in some slimmer jeans and some longer length tops and maybe a nice trench style coat for cooler days.

Some wooden sandals? With a bit of a heel will make you feel more elegant. Get your hair done too

Horizontal stripes are slimming - it's official!

alizee - I'd love to be an hourglass, I don't think I am with my big belly! I look about 3 months pregnant (I'm not).

cyb - thank you, yes, I want to ditch the FitFlops and linen trousers (was unaware what a sartorial travesty they are!) I am serious now about losing weight, will be heading over the the weight loss thread in a bit. I just need a few things to tide me over. Can I give a description of myself and maybe people could make a suggestion or two?

Starting from the top;

dark brown jaw length bob, side swept fringe

big, round eyes (think Princess Beatrice)

Round face with double chin

Broad shoulders and flabby upper arms, quite slim wrists and hands

Big boobs, with back fat under and around bra strap

Really flabby tummy that sticks out, but do have waist definition

Quite shapely hips but narrower than shoulders.

Slimmish legs in comparison to the rest.

God, I sound hideous!

If you have any remedies for the above, I salute you!

Thanks Dexter, maybe I'll try one! Will probably try New Look, H&M, etc as don't want to invest too much money, what with my weight loss plans!

Thanks for your input everyone, I really appreciate it x

Sorry no recommendations for personal shoppers - something I always wanted to try but never got around to. I think you have to be careful with some as they try to sell you lots of stuff.

Thanks, TFS. I'm going to try one of the shops on Oxford street, I'll just have to make it clear how much I have to spend from the outset!

Right. Firstly, I'm jealous of your good legs and slim wrists, I have legs like two cartoon hams and wrists like a hod carrier.

Arms: make the most of your assets with 3/4 length sleeves, you won't be exposing bingo-wing but 3/4 is more flattering than full length.

Back fat and knockers: make sure your bra fits properly. If the band size (the inch measurement) is too big it will drift up your back and you'll get paunch poking out underneath. Your bra strap should remain horizontal, also if it's too narrow there's room for extra flab to escape. Try a trip to Bravissimo for bosom scaffolding, if money is an issue you could just buy one and keep washing it. Pick up a couple of cheap silky camisole tops (underwear ones, not outerwear, try M&S), they help your clothes skim over any bulges.

Do you get your eyebrows shaped? You're lucky you have large eyes, good eyebrows could make the most of them and you'll feel extra groomed.

If you have big boobs and a bit of tum podge a mistake is to wear boxy things, eg sweatshirts or short t-shirts. A wrap around top will emphasise your waist.

It seems from the site you linked to that you like quite clean lines and muted colours, rather than flowery/vintage. Gap do nice jeans (the Curvy shape are great and v comfy, plus they are higher cut at the waist to avoid muffin top) and some nice t shirts that are longer and not boxy.

Shoe-wise, how about some wedges? They can give the illusion of height without being uncomfy, and you'll feel more groomed.

You've inspired me with your plans for transformation! I too could do with losing weight.

You can re-create that look in the cheap end of the high street quite easily.

Trousers H&M

Stripy top New Look

Lightweight coat Mango

Go-with-everything wedges New Look again

My tips...

Hair - invest in a good hairdresser. I've used loads and always end up going back to Toni & Guy/Essensuals. They can advise you on the best style for your faceshape, features and also colour can make a huge difference on your skin tone and general appearance.

Eyebrows - get shaped/threaded. Again, can change your whole face for the better! I plucked mine until they barely existed, so get them tattooed on now. They just make me look so much better!

Control pants - I love wearing dresses but wouldn't dare wear them without my special knickers! They do make a difference but you have to get the ones that are high rise - up to just under your boob - otherwise you will have rolls of fat seeping over control pant line (speaking from experience).

Clothes - some really great tips posted here. If you are serious about losing weight though, you might not want to splash out too much, H&M are very reasonable. Nothing to stop you from buying some great jewellery and other accessories though, sometimes you can completely change a dress by mixing up the accessories you wear with it.

If your used to wearing frumpy comfy stuff, then it can take a while to get used to dressing up a bit more, or just wearing a dress for example. Don't let your weight stop you from looking nice! You can wear a gorgeous dress and statement jewellery, even if you're going to Sainsburys! Why not! (Obviously avoiding mutton dressed as lamb look). I think it'll do so much for your self esteem. I love clothes, I like feeling proud of myself and the way I look, and I regularly get compliments because of it - which will happen when you make an effort.

Well done and enjoy your make over!

Go for a personal shopper. I would go to John Lewis (Marble Arch) as they are not commission based.

I've only just checked back - thank you! Was really lovely of you all to take the time to respond. I'm only 32, too young to be heading to Frumpsville.

OK, I'm going for an eyebrow thread and some clothes shopping this weekend. Will also be going shopping tonight for healthy food to cook from scratch. I need to wean myself off croissants, biscuits and other carby, sugary crap.

Aah, I love MN. I can really count on you guys* to give me the kick up the arse I need :)

*I know 'you guys' is not typical MN-speak, but indulge me, I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy reading these replies!