please someone tell me what to buy

[miche8]

i've lost my way since having 3 children, the youngest has just turned 2 and just started pre-school and now my appearance is starting to bother me, i had my long hair cut into a short bob at a very expensive salon just before xmas, big big mistake it looks so mumsy, i guess thats what they thought i wanted by the way i dressed, so i'm growing that out. Sorted for neutral makeup use bare minerals. My footwear is ok too i have converse, boots similar to those ash ones with a heel, and flat tall and ankle boots. A couple of younger trendy women have asked about my footwear so i'm confident thats right and i have a nice collection of scarves but no one ever asks about my clothes....

I need help with:

a new bag the kipling and cath kidston ones are doing me no favours, i like quite big but would be lost without the option to carry across the body for chasing toddler moments.

Jeans not sure what suits me i have topshop baxters and those soft jamie jeans but don't feel confident in them probably because the rest of my outfit is wrong. I am a size 14 apple shape by the way.

Tops/tunics, just casual everyday ones which don't make me look pregnant. Have plenty of leggings.

Coat/jacket - badly need one, currently have a ski type one its very warm but depresses me.

my budget is highstreet ideally i'd like a uniform of a couple of outfits to choose from each morning, i'm a sahm so my days are several school runs and the supermarket, i did the personal shopper thing a few years ago and the young girl dressed me in clothes from wallis and principles i only wore them a few times. I'm 32 by the way. Can't wait to see what you kind ladies suggest.

How about a couple of reasonably slim fitting jumpers, that come to just below your bum? They would be okay with your jeans. Or some tops which just skim over your tunny, worn with a slightly longer open front cardigan?

I would start by a) ditching the leggings and b) getting a new coat - how about a midweight parker for the spring?

tunny? I meant tummy!!!

thanks remus, any links for a parka? you think the leggings need to go? i've struggled to find the right kind of tunics to go with them, i'm beginning to think tunics are mumsy. Any suggestions for a bag?

Orla Kiely bags are great for day to day use when you have DC. They can be worn on the shoulder or across the body. I use mine loads. Check out the sales if you're on a budget (I never pay full price ). here

A parker is a good suggestion. Or what about a trench that looks good over jeans or dresses? here

What about a good pair of dark denim straight leg jeans that work with the footwear you already have. I would then invest in a few Tops ad T-shirts that you can wear with them for casual days - maybe a breton - they are everywhere!

French connection has some nice jersey dresses in atm and they can be dressed up or down.

I have no links but wanted to say I think you are focusing on the right bits shoes, coats, purse are key is that what people see whne you are walking about. Next focus on tops -- I'm not an apple so don't know what apples should wear but I'm sure you will find something. I think leggings are OK - but I agree tunics seem a bit mumsy. I can't imagine my twenty year old niece seeking out a tunic.

Can't find any links to parkas, now I've suggested them. DD got a nice one in H&M though - it was v cheap and has lasted well.

A cropped trench would be nice too.

I'm 32 and some things I've bought recently are:

waisted jeans&pageSize=20 these dp jeans

waisted jeans&pageSize=20 this spotty top

top&pageSize=20 this butterfly top that I'm in love with

And a grey oversize knit Nougat cardi that I got reduced from £198 - £60!

I wear long sleeve tops underneath these tops to make them more casual. Fling in washing machine - great buys!

PS I think you are far too young to shop in Wallis!

I'm a similar shape to you and also a SAHM albeit older

I find the leigh jeans from tosho work better than the jamies.

I'm wearing mine a lot at the moment with roundneck jumpers with a scarf wrapped round several times. So depending on budget - either a cashmere jumper or one like this. I like pale grey with bright skinnies at the moment. Or I also rather like shirts - either thick cotton or silk.

Now I have this coat for spring and yes I know its white. But it is so flattering when worn with skinnies. I have the winter version in navy wool and have worn it to death.

A trench could also work well provided you tie the belt at the back as if you're anything like me - belting it will not do your apple shape any favours.

Handbags - well depends on budget - mulberry do some lovely messenger ones but zara and massimo dutti do lovely bags too.

I really like the bright shoppers that are everywhere at the moment too.

A pair of bright skinnies would also update your look.

Yes - you are deffo too young for Wallis. In fact, I think nearly everybody in Britain is too young to shop at Wallis! And if ever you do feel inclined to go back, whatever you do don't light a match in there - everything is polyester and the whole shop would go up in flame.

First of all thank you to everyones suggestions, i will never step inside wallis again, it was a debenhams personal shopper that picked the items.

I can't remember who said what but i fear the orla bags are too similar to my cath kidston one. I'm worried that anything across the body will be mumsy, i did almost buy an over sized mulberry alexa before xmas but we are now moving house so can't spend that kind of money on a bag.

Just checked it is the leigh topshop jeans i own which fit well, i only ever wear them with boots though, just need the right top, how long does my top need to be as they are not leggings. Too scared to try coloured jeans, have only ever seen teenagers wearing them...

Belted coats don't suit my apple shape, really like the idea of a parka, river island has one but possible a bit too short although not sure why i want a longer one.

I like the gap jumper, love the colour grey, i see gap do a personal shopper service, anyone used? my mission tomorrow is to get a parka or at least order one.

Hi miche8. You have had some great advise so far! SO if you go to gap today and look at jumpers -Do try the coloured jeans. Honestly they have some lovely bright coloured jeans and other trousers at the moment. I was a bit hesitant at the start and love them now. So just try them on......you might be surprised! An instant update! Don't know if gap do a personal shopper service but the staff are usually very helpful. Also agree- step away from wallis YOU ARE FAR FAR TOO YOUNG!!!!
Happy shopping though. Hope you enjoy it!

Try red direct for bags they had some nice ones in clearance section
I wear a lot of tips
From Zara overt jeans with a layering cardi ontop.
I love the idea of a log skirt with t shirt for the spring / summer with a pair of ankle boots / gladiator sandals .... Topshop ad river island have nice ones
Actually try Topshop and river island for bags too they had lots of messenger type bags
Whistles also do lovely coats and bags sometimes you can get on eBay or sale reduced online

If you do fancy a long skirt, as Dwarf mentions, Topshop have some excellent plain black maxi column skirts - look for 'double layer maxi' online. They are bargainous and very slimming. I never thought I'd go back to long skirts post my Goth days but these are really, really flattering. I wear mine with heeled ankle boots and a biker jacket. It may not be 'fashion' but I do think it looks quite nice in a sort of 'elegant grunge for 40 somethings' kind of way. :)

Be careful with coloured jeans - I have seen some pretty awful versions of them wandering around Birmingham city centre lately. If you do go for them, do make sure that they a) fit properly (without the arse all slumped down) and b) are worn with good shoes - wearing them with Converse or something of that ilk will make you look like Frankie whatshisname off of X Factor, or like a Play School presenter.

Yes, get rid of the leggings and tunic combo, it can be very ageing and you are only 32.

Why not try some very subtle coloured jeans? Like these.

Whistles have some lovely lightweight parkas at the moment, in both khaki and navy. Might be a bit ££, but would be a real investment buy.

With tops, I would start off with some good quality t-shirts that have a flattering fit and neckline. Again Whistles are very good but this one in white is lovely.

I would go one further on the wallis advice. Step away from Debenhams altogether!

Whistles parka is called Billy. Can't link to site I am afraid.

River island have some fab parkas, reasonable prices and great quality. Look on their web.