I give up. Help needed or I'm becoming a hermit.

[Yeahthatsnotgonnahappen]

After another fruitless half day traipsing round the shops feeling old and frumpy, I give up. I can't bear to walk into another shop but leave empty handed. Does anyone know (or want to be one) a personal shopper who does online stuff? Or gives you a list of things to buy from particular stores? I don't have a massive budget but would be willing to pay for someone to sort me out as I'm feeling dreadful about the state of my wardrobe.

How about giving your basic details here (age, size, height, body shape, style preferences). Or PMing Hopefully or MrsCB on the W&A thread.

I started out like you about two years ago - these days I'm fully sorted out and get a lot of compliments for my looks (am 39!). You can get there too!

Do you have a lovely but honest friend whose style you admire who you could ask to come shopping with you? And if they suggest things you wouldn't ordinarily try, try them as you may surprise yourself. Also shop in stages, for example initially shop for smart casual wear and then when you have built up some nice outfits the next time shop for occasion wear etc. otherwise it can feel very daunting. Don't forget accessories!! Not just jewellry but scarces, belts etc. Look at mannequins for ideas and don't be afraid to ask sales assistants too. Also some shops do free personal shopping appointments.

Good luck!

Scarves*!

I like shopping online and all the shops are putting their autumn/winter ranges on at the moment.
Give the basic details-can't do much otherwise.

W&A thread?

Thanks for replies. I don't know what the W&A thread is but I'm 30, 5'4", size 10 top 12 bottom, sadly small chested fairly straight up and down (but am weirdly proud of my collarbones). Preferences? Well I suppose smart ish with a bit of feminine side, no big ruffles and have to be practical.

I've just moved 100s of miles away from friends and family and can't ask them to trawl shops listening to me dither. Bloody hell I need to buck up! My pinterest board is filled with lovely clothes but I seem to come all unstuck when in a shop. I'm determined that in my new job I'm going to look more stylish :)

Sorry can't help with stylish (well not at work). Was going to say don't forget the supermarkets for basics.

39, 5ft 8, size 10/12, not curvy, like smartish feminine here are my style Pinboards. SS and AW boards are my actual clothes, many of them can be easily sourced by clicking on them.

W&A thread, W&A blog and Suburban blog for outfit inspiration. HTH!

To get you started I'd say you'd need to make sure you have a good pair of jeans, a dress, a good shirt or blouse or top, a dress, and a blazer or jacket. Plus boots and a pair of either wedges or ballet flats. Add trousers and blouses and pencil skirts and court shoes if your job is conservative.

I order most of my clothes online - it's easy to get distracted in shops.

I am very happy to help if you think I am what you are looking for. Great suggestions above too!

OMG DonaAna, hope you don't mind but I love your Pinboards and will be following :) I need inspiration now - DS is 5 months and I need to find my sense of style again!