Got a school reunion in 10 days and am crapping it. Can someone pimp me, fast?

[Bluegingham]

I'm 41, 5'7", size 14 jeans if they've got a bit of stretch in, 16-18 top due to big (and quite good!) knockers.
Decent facial bone structure, highlighted shoulder length hair (needs a cut) and I think I wash up fairly well.

But, I'm SO dowdy these days! With v young children I live in (stained) jeans, fatface tops and a quilted coat. That's it really. And I've got a school reunion and most of my peers from school are v v thin, rich and glam! Think Made In Chelsea types!

For the love of God help me! I'm booked for more Botox tomorrow, eyes and brow, and thought about a good tan before too. What else can I do? What shall I wear?
Healthy budget but clueless!

(and noone tell me to "just go natural, be yourself" etc. These women are seriously groomed!)

Help!

You're so right about the heels! My best friend from home, a Cheshire-set wife extraordinaire, said the first thing she notices is heel height and if they're flat, she judges.

So, had the Botox today. Asked for a bit of a brow-lift thing and he's foucyssed on getting my eyes to look more open, plus of course the crows feet etc.

The woman who runs the spa where I had the botox has put together a series of appointments all in the right order, for nails, tan and eyebrows and I'm also getting some extra lashes put in.

Then went into local boutique with my list. I said I was looking for:
Nude heels
Tan wedges
A good white shirt
Candy coloured jeans
Good floaty silk top for jeans
Nice glam drapey dress

As it was they didn't have anything suitable but the owner came out and said "clearly you've seen a stylist. That's an excellent capsule". I smiled smugly. Ladies your work is very very good!

Just arranging a mobile hairdresser for a killer blow wave on the morning, new contact lenses and going to rifle through my stylish friend's jewels for some statement pieces.

I. Am. CRAPPING it. It's been years, there's history, the ex, his wife he only married her cos I dumped him and we both know it her friends and my friends and we will all be charming. But with you lot on my side, I shall triumph!

You know that you are going to have to come back and do a full debrief for us don't you?

A few thoughts (btw you sound like you are going to look fabulous)
Understated quality jewellery is far far classier than big flash costume pieces
What perfume are you going to wear? how you smell is crucial too, it needs to be appropriate to the clothes
What makeup? Are you confident with the look you want?

I hope you have a great time

Wow, you sound so organised. Where are you going for your clothes now? When is the event?

Why not have a few hours with a personal shopper? I've just had one today (new mum, going back to work) and it was great - I've now got some stuff in my wardrobe that I'm actually looking forward to wearing.

If you're in Surrey/SW London, try Caroline of the Style Bureau www.style-bureau.co.uk/ She's great and not associated with a particular shop so you don't feel there's pressure to buy things you don't want.

For drastic body shape try Jillian Micheals 30 day shred and a protein
diet. All meat and sugerless dairy - zero carbs and sugar - no fruit,

brilliant thread.

i can't comment on the fashion. i am clueless, but usually happy in my own unique erm, eclectic? style.

Bluegingham...i hope you look fantastic, but i hope you FEEL great too. You sound brilliant...funny and witty and i bet everyone will be blown away by you! have a great time...look forward to reading all about it!

Maggot mummy, I hadnt even thought of perfume! I smell of metanium on a good day! Will address this today. Good thinking!

Agathafusty, next weekend! Snowgirl1 I'm not near there sadly but am going to John Lewis today to have a word with the shopper there. And anyway I've got my list!

Valdeeves what can I do in 6 days? Not got time to order the DVD etc!

Chimchar youre v kind!

The Botox is kicking in already! I look more alert and serene!

"Valdeeves what can I do in 6 days?" - if you wanted to do anything, I would go carb free for the 6 days. No normal carbs, but also no fruit (sugars) and avoid things like cooked ham, diet drinks etc too. Basically just a natural, basic diet. It's amazing how much weight drops off when you start this, I have lost half a stone in a week with this.

The key is in the details (and you sound well on your way!)

Good haircut/highlights and blow dry - at 41 very few woman can pull off the touseled look so go for glam.

Manicure, brows threaded (and top lip of course!) top up your Botox if you must (I would ) I'd avoid a spray tan because they're just so obvious but semi perm eyelashes are great.

Jewelery is essential - large diamond Swarovski studs and a huge ring work wonders necklace/bracelet can be more "fashion". Decent bag and decent shoes.

Add to that something that makes you feel good thin and you'll be fab!

Agathafusty, I'm inspired! Had grilled chicken for my dinner and for the first time in 41 years, went for a run! Had a 3 year old scootering with me so a bit stop start but we made it round the block twice! Half a stone is half a dress size, and that would be very handy!

Bet your 3 yr old loved it

Some people feel a bit yuck on about day 3 of being low/no carb (I never do, but the books say some do) but that should be a short lived thing. Also, you need to drink loads of water.

Hope you have a great time.

What a fabulous thread - you've had great advice and top tips for anyone wanting an updated look. Although you've be outing yourself but before (pre amazing 5 stone weight loss) and school reunion event pictures would be incredible.

I hope you have a great night and enjoy yourself - and that this make over makes you feel good. Do you think you'll keep up with the 'look'?

SaraBellumHertz you've made my mind up re hair. And I've added your comments to my notes!

The Spanx have arrived! Haven't tried them as their arrival coincided with the arrival of my period, which accounts for yesterday's less than great shopping expedition to John Lewis. Let me tell you something, Ralph Lauren's sizing is nonsense. Utter nonsense. Attempted to enter a v nice silk shirt dress and couldn't get my arm in! WTF! It was meant to be a uk 14! From the next cubicle I heard some woman say "Oh this is faaaar to big for me" and I saw myself, lumpy and hot in the mirror, give her the vees! Thank God she didn't see me!

Saw this dress in Monsoon which I didn't buy because the 16 was too tight on the (giant PMT) bust and the 18 looked a bit big on the waist. Might go back later today to local store and get it anyway but take a different bra.

Also saw this in Ted Baker which I loved, but also suspected was a PMT buy, and resisted. What do you think?

Awaiting NEXT order!

mrsmoodypants I might try and do a Before and After, if this week goes well! Obviously I'll have to disguise myself in some way but I feel like I owe you all some results for your hard work with me!

Low carbing today. Had cheese omelette for breakfast, and we're all having Mince Surprise for lunch. The surprise is it's just mince! No mash! And for dinner we're having steak followed by dust. Yum.

Agafusty - that's it! No carbs high protein - I lost almost half a stone in a week xxxx

Blue - liking the sound of your mince surprise and dusty steak

Valdeeves - tis brill isn't it? I'm going to start again on Monday - post holiday pig-out etc.

Blue - your Ted Baker link doesn't work. Have you looked in Hobbs or Whistles - I love their clothes for flattering fits

OOohh! Am loving this thread, so much good advice!

In my mind, I can picture you in your navy flared Karen Millen jeans with navy silk shirt, diamond studs, perhaps a Butler and Wilson statement necklace and nude platforms for the evening before. Do you know anyone with a 'named' handbag you could borrow as well, eg Mulberry?

Then, for the actual event a red VW style dress with the nude platforms and an oversized clutch.

Sorry to add this, but just a thought... If you're staying overnight at your friend's house do you have some glam pjs and a robe for the morning? Possibly also a Breton style top to go with some straight leg jeans and ballet flats for the daytime before getting ready for the evening??

Make up wise, I always think the 'polished nude' look is so classy. Good foundation, a neutral shimmer eyeshadow e.g. stila kitten, some bronzer, a pop of colour on the cheeks (Nars orgasm??) and a lipgloss. Not forgetting some chocolate brown eyeliner - Bobbi Brown is always good.

Would love to see photos - you are going to look amazing!

So, have just skim read again, am I right thinking you haven't got your dress yet for next weekend?

I highly recommend [http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Pied+a+Terre+Slinky+knot+jersey+dress/167327993,default,pd.html this dress]], very very flattering and I feel v elegant in it. Which is Very unusual for me. Might it suit do you think?

Hope it goes brilliantly!

My NEXT delivery was a fail. Jeans were too tight, top was too short. Sent them back.

Last night I sat on the computer and ordered:

1. high waist straight leg jeans in blue black from NYDJ. (Flattens Tim, lifts bum.)

2. good bra from bravissimo in white.

3. This cream top

4. this blue silk top inspired by Schmaffy

5. the dress from monsoon linked up the thread

6. This top, which will either look fantastic or crap

For travel I've got flat fronted navy linen mix trousers, Breton top (thankyou again Schmaffy!) and red flats. I also have a plain red slash neck top as an alternative, and a navy velvet coat.

Ok for jammies - nice set with matching bed jacket in cream satin with coffee embroidery. Nice idea about handbag, will source from stylish friend or failing that use my own, which are a bit battered.
Shoes: nude platforms to go with jeans, and patent Mary Janes to go with evening dress. I do have a nice pair of Loubs but they really hurt. I'll take them and if I'm having a Good Foot Day, will wear them instead.

Think that's everything! Am low carbing diligently, please God let a couple of lbs drop off! And please let this ton of mail order stuff fit!!!!!