I've lost my way

[Bettyonholiday]

Please help... I am post 2babies, I used to be quite hip, but I have completely lost my sense of style, I have no clothes!!

Where do people get their clothes from? A few pointers would be grand, otherwise I will have to accept this is when I start wearing elasticated trousers.

Where is Gok when you need him?

Well heaven forbid you'd want Gok to dress you unless you like big belts and gloves

So what shape/size/budget etc . . .

Step away from the elasticated trousers.....So do you need clothes for work or home???? What styles do you like and how did you dress prechildren because the hip you will still be there.....it just needs a little reminding. But give us hints as to what you would like to look like.

Ah, good questions.. Well I am probably about size 12, used to be less but there's still weight to lose. The look I want is to look modern and effortlessly cool.... Some mums I see at the nursery look amazing, and I'm in shabby converse and Ill fitting jeans .. Muffin top on all sides!!!

I think the problem is I have no idea how to shop, I am really short on basics but have a lot of striped tops. . It seems I get one every time I go out! So maybe thats a good place to start... What basics do you think I need to help build up my wardrobe?

I would start with getting some well fitting jeans. Skinnies are good at the moment....depending on your budget i would look in topshop and right through to j brands or james. If its hard to get to the shops and you want opinions i would buy online and get a good friend round to let you know what looks the best. Jeans can take a while to find the ones that flatter most. I would buy a dark denim pair first and then have a look at the colourful ones in the shops at the moment.
I team my jeans with shirts/blouses often....covers the most hated stomach for me. Then look at a really nice scarf- you can pick up some cheery ones in primark and a lot of supermarkets cheaply now. Then look at a big bag that can go with a lot of your clothes and carry your life in it!! Weather is getting warmer(mhhhh) so i would look for a trench coat.
Another really easy throw on everyday look is a knitted dress and thick tights at the moment.
I am rubbish at links but am sure some other folk will come up will some!
Do you need work clothes too???
Also a big key to feeling that you look good is a good hair cut, files nails with a neutral polish and a little make up!!

Agree with alwaysrunning - and leave the stripey tops alone - they're really not that flattering or chic to be honest. But I wore them when preg/bf so I may be biased as they have that association with me.

Nice coat for spring - be it a mac or light cotton single breasted/mid-thigh length. Very slimming - wear with good scarf, the best bag you can afford and good sunglasses. Good pair of skinnies some nice ankle boots/sandals and away you go.

Take a look in zara which is good for coats and skinnies.

I'm agreeing with all so far. Would just add that a nice long/boyfriend thin knit cardigan is a good buy. Black or navy and a casual blazer can add chic to your jeans and blouse.
Tesco have great jeans, macs and blazers atm. Also some nice floaty tops for tummy hiding. (not endorsing everything on these links btw! Some shocking checked shirts on that last link )
Primark good for long cardigans, scarves and floaty tops that are nice under blazers and cardigans.
Hope that helps a little