A summary of what I posted on the fump thread:
I'm realising I've reached frumpsville ahead of time. I'm 34. I wear cheap jeans, trainers, and t-shirts, not hugely baggy ones, but not nice ones. I don't make much effort because I have no idea what looks good on me. I have got quite fed up with my wardrobe recently and got rid of quite a bit, but I've no idea where to start replacing it. Not many decent shops here, and I don't have lots to spend.
I don't know what's really suitable for my age - probably not New Look and Peacocks any more, but surely not M&S yet, either? I'd hate to be wearing something "too young" or wear something fashionable but completely mis-matched. Basically, I would rather look shit because I haven't tried, than because I've tried and got it wrong.
So I got up this morning and made a bit of an effort - a reasonbly fitted t-shirt, (still my bleach-splashed cheap jeans, no alternative unfortunately) but did my hair, put on some make up, thought I looked ok. Had to go out, needed some groceries and thought I'd look in a couple of clothes shops on the way. It's windy here today, my hair is shoulder length and very curly, so tying it back means lots of ends sticking out everywhere, or glue it down with lots of mousse. Or I can just let it blow across my face, preventing me from seeing anything, and generally ending up like a bird's nest. Today I went for option 2. Well, DD (1yo) started screeching within ten seconds of me getting in a clothes shop, so that was a write off. I did the grocery shopping, the shop was so hot, and with wrangling the pushchair and a basket, by the time I had done the shopping I was a hot, sweaty, windblown mess. Basically I end up looking a bloody state no matter how much effort I make, so what is the point?