Fat and 40 no longer, need new work wardrobe - any takers?

[SharonGless]

Thanks to BIWI and her LC thread I have lost nearly a stone plus the stone I lost before Christmas has meant that my target of being 12 stone by my 40th is about to be realized. Yippee!

Now I am asking for help from S and B for new work wardrobe.

Best place for suits for taller ladies? Especially ones who seem to have gorilla like arms?

Had colors done and I can't wear black so looking for charcoal or navy?

Would you stick to the three colors rule and co ordinate or get lots of different colored tops? Was considering suit with skirt and trousers, shift dress, wide leg trousers plus a few nice tops.

Any thoughts please?

Congrats.

What is 3 colours rule?

Basically choosing 3 main colors which coordinate and choose clothes around that.

Bumping for the clever night crew- pleeeassseee help

Yippee! well done

what season are you?

I'm a spring and we're meant to always wear three colours. I stick to that pretty religiously as it does really to help 'build' a look and also does look more pulled together.

What body shape are you? Are you planning to have your style done too? If so, would be sensible to wait til after then before making any big purchases. I ended up getting rid of almost all my work gear after my style as the shapes were almost all too classic and therefore too straight for me.

I'm about halfway through building up a new wardrobe of work stuff and feel sooo much better in the new stuff.

The kind of thing I wear now might be:

Navy dress (eg i have this one in red and navy: www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Episode+Crepe+belted+dress+with+3/4+length+sleeves/161300812,default,pd.html)
Red belt
Red shoes
Turquoise jewels

or

Same navy dress
Tan belt
Tan shoes
Coral jewels

If I needed a more formal look then I'd include a non-matching jacket/blazer and change my accessories to tie it in.

Gah! sorry! www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Episode+Crepe+belted+dress+with+3/4+length+sleeves/161300812,default,pd.html

I've just realised I have a pic of the look described above and have uploaded it to my profile in case it helps to get your head round the 3 colour thing (it took me a while!)

I really like that dress, SW.

I am warm and golden in colour me beautiful shades so probably autumn.
Coral suits me, red is a bit harsh.

Body shape: am 5'11" tall and a bit of a column shape. Broad shoulders and hips with little waist to speak of. Small boobs, bum ok but saddlebag thighs (although they are much reduced!) have good legs especially round the ankle area.

Due to my height and big feet (size9) I don't wear heels every day.

I was considering a personal shopper but what does "having your style done" mean?

Season - you are gorgeous!
Love the look too. I don't know where the hell to start :$

Bumping for any inspiration please

Thank you

So you're lovely and tall then, you lucky mare!

Style day... I meant the House of Colour style day: www.houseofcolour.co.uk/image.htm not sure if cmb do similar or if you could just go to HoC without having your colours done there first (they're v good). I really recommend it - brilliant when you want an image overhaul or your body's changed lots and you need a new wardrobe.

I learnt so much about my shape and what suits me. It sounds ridiculous but it was almost life-changing.

You sound like you could be a 'natural' in HoC speak and most people have another type as well (I'm a natural ingenue for instance). Most (but not all) naturals shouldn't have too much waist definition or belts and should wear clothes with a bit of fluidity and draping.

How smart do you need to be for work?

Lots of the usual high st stores do tall ranges now and once you've figured out what will work got you, with a bit of hunting around you'll be all good.