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Original poster

are you a slob mum or a dressed up mum?

81 replies

dexter · 05/02/2006 20:26

I am fascinated by mums who manage to go out of the house in make-up, with their hair 'done'. and with an outfit on which is obviously chosen and well put together; how do you do it? What do your kids do while you do all this? How long does it take?

I am slobby slobby slobby and have blamed it on the fact that I'd rather be playing with my child than doing my hair - but now that he plays happily by himself for a good while I can't deny that I could do more with myself! For those amazing women, tell me what I need to do to get out of the house looking half decent! Advice please (if you could see me you'd know how badly I need it!)

OP posts:
Potty1 · 05/02/2006 20:29

Dressed up mum when working but otherwise slob mum. Not averse to going out without make-up on but always try to do something with my hair, which has a mind of it's own

Nbg · 05/02/2006 20:29

I'm quite lucky in that dh is home a fair bit so if we're going out he will entertain dd whilst I'm pampering myself.

If I'm on my own, I sometimes bring my stuff downstairs like my straightners, makeup etc and do it whilst dd is watching tv or something.

Potty1 · 05/02/2006 20:30

Dd keeps threatening my with Trinny and Susannah.

nitfreecod · 05/02/2006 20:30

a booooooooty

you need to get up earlier

i play wiht my kid and do my hair
two not exclusive] watch it or your dh will find omeone who does do their hair

Original poster
dexter · 05/02/2006 20:37

what does a booooooty mean?

Ha! cod you sound like my grandad, who EVERY time he heard of a relationship splitting up, blamed it on the woman 'letting herself go'. :0

OP posts:
nitfreecod · 05/02/2006 20:39

well go i look at s ome mums and dadas and dont blame either of themfor binning the other

you cant use kids as an excuse for looking rough

expatinscotland · 05/02/2006 20:41

Dressed up! I love it. Always have. I have two daughters, and DD1 (2.6) and I already dress up together. She can correctly identify: make up, blush, lippy, mascara, hairspray, etc. I pluck my eyebrows whilst she soaks in the bath.

I don't even go out the door w/o makeup and decent clothes.

I like to exercise and keep fit b/c I like to feel good about myself and look my best.

mistressmiggins · 05/02/2006 20:43

I dont weear make up during the day but always try to look presentable even though casual during the day

work always smart

evenings always dressed to kill - kids watch me get ready always - even try to do my makeup

FrannyandZooey · 05/02/2006 20:44

My hair is often a mess but that's just its own unique personality. I do dress properly, never fleeces / tracky bottoms etc. Would never go out without make up as I have no visible eyebrows or lashes without it, so look like strange person from Star Trek or similar.

northerner · 05/02/2006 20:45

Another dressed up Mum here too. Always wear tinted moisturiser, blusher, mascara and gloss during the day. Hair always straigtened, clothes carefully chosen. I'm a heels girl mostly, even when not at work I wear my heeld boots with jeans.

Am with Cod on the trainers are for the gym only rule!

Do have Timberlands for wearing with combats though - this is a dressing down day!

Honestly, only takes 10 minutes to make the effort. Makes you feel better about yourself.

I work out and run too.

expatinscotland · 05/02/2006 20:48

MrsM
Those were some of my fondest memories of my mother, watching her get ready for an evening out. The whole ritual of it. She'd let us spray her w/perfume and then spray us, too. She'd sip a G&T as she dressed, then put a dressing gown over her clothes and go outside and have a cigarette in one of those fancy long holders. We'd follow her out and as it is nearly always warm where I grew up, I'd remember how the garden smelled and mixed w/her perfume.

In every place I've lived, no matter how small, I always made space for a dressing table.

One of the biggest compliments I ever got was when a lover sat on my bed one night and talked to me whilst I was getting ready. I thought nothing of it, until he said it was one of the times he most loved sharing w/me and that no matter where he went, he'd remember me for that.

He still does . . .

nitfreecod · 05/02/2006 20:48

oh you old poof

Original poster
dexter · 05/02/2006 20:48

one thing that is getting me looking tidier is realising that kids like it when their mums are glam! I remember my mum going out in a long black evening dress and I just thought she was film star beautiful! Want my son to think his mum isn't a complete troll.

WILL do it, ladies, will follow your example! Used to wear make up all the time at college , just get out of the habit I suppose...

OP posts:
puddle · 05/02/2006 20:48

Dex it really isn't that hard.

My make up takes five mins - that's tinted moisturiser, blusher, mascara and lippy. Hair takes two minutes to put a bit of serum on or put up. I don't wash my hair in the morning - if it needs it I do the night before. My kids play together in their bedroom while I do this.

Don't really spend time choosing an outfit - it's a bit subconcious I think as I know what goes with what. If this is an issue for you get the clothes out for the next day before you go to bed. I usually race my kids to get dressed (and almost always have to slow down so I don't beat them both!).

blueteddy · 05/02/2006 20:49

Message withdrawn

expatinscotland · 05/02/2006 20:50

Well, cod, they didn't call me a 'fag hag' for nothing.

Honestly it doesn't take long, and once you get into a routine, you'll feel naked leaving the house looking like some frump.

No way!

Original poster
dexter · 05/02/2006 20:50

northerner, HOW do you wear heels? I just can't and never could - it's like someone is digging a knife into my feet. Won't suffer that for beauty!!!!

OP posts:
puddle · 05/02/2006 20:51

Heels is the one thing I don't do since kids. Incompatible with pushchairs and rushing around IMO.

Latz · 05/02/2006 20:51

Trying to het from slob to half decent - working somewhere decent helps plus does loads for me - feel miles more confident now. But do lapse ocasionally.

mistressmiggins · 05/02/2006 20:52

aaah expat - thats a lovely image of you & your lover....

I awlays loved it when my mum came in to say goodnight all dressed up & smelling of perfume

never felt fear at her leaving - just saw how pretty she looked and probably glowing cos looking forward to going out at my sentiment

I always make sure my kids know Im going out so they know its good to enjoy yourself, and that they can be sure I may go out but always return

Original poster
dexter · 05/02/2006 20:53

Puddle, thanks for message. Hair up! Also have got out of the habit of this, just leaving it hanging in a lank and yet and at the same time, frizy way!!!!! Always used to put it up, at least it looks neat then. God, I really am clueless. You are all making me ashamed and I am going to crawl away under a stone where I belong. And I'm going to be there with a bag over my head.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 05/02/2006 20:54

dex
you can train yourself to walk in heels. just start w/wedge ones that are only about an inch high. when those don't bother you anymore, move up a half inch, then another.

mistressmiggins · 05/02/2006 20:54

Im not confident with makeup though - eyeshadow, mascara, and lipstick
think I could do with a little more but unsure what to wear

I look OK to go out at night though

not so bothered during the day - maybe thats my brother & early boyfriends influences - telling me they liked the natural look - thatrs ok when young - now I have lines to fill

Original poster
dexter · 05/02/2006 20:54

thanks expat. If I need to venture out from under my stone at anytime I will bear this in mind....

OP posts:
Latz · 05/02/2006 20:54

expat - agree - never wore heels cos dh a short arse but love em now!

By the way where u live?