Blog recommendations, style advide and general help for this dumpy one please!!!

[MrsBonkers]

I'm 5'3" size 18.
Shops cater for short people or large people, but I really struggle to find stuff for as I'm short AND fat :(

Mum to a 2.5yr old and have got stuck into the rut of comfort over style. My idea of dressing up is jeans without snot on them.

Know I need to change, but feeling delicate so please be gentle.

My first task is to get some nicer jeans. Have ordered myself a pair of Evans 'pear shape' jeans and if they fit will buy some more.

Next will be some (non-mum style I hope) boots. Was thinking maybe some brogue chelsea boots.

Please point me in the direction of some good plus size, mum friendly stuff to wear.

Anyone?

I don't have any blog recommendations as I am very boring, but I read your post and absolutely insist that you smile and embrace what you have!

I am a 5ft3 pear and was a size 18 (more like a 20 on the thighs) earlier in the year, I found that the Wallis petite trousers seemed to fit quite well. I love their navy twill jeans/trousers as they are nice, sturdy and dark and don't scream for attention. I find jeggings really comfortable for being in the house but need a slightly firmer fabric for when I am out to feel less wobbly.

Dorothy Perkins short leg jeans and trousers are also often good for pears.

I have heard good things about Next petite high waist jeans.

Why not start with some nice, classic wardrobe basics and then begin to add in things you see that you like?
Nice jeans/trousers
A cotton t-shirt top that is not too tight and skims over the tummy and top of trousers (probably not white)
A blazer/jacket to give you some structure and nip you in
A scarf that you absolutely love (nice colour, silky, pattern etc)
Ballet flats / ankle boots / brogues that are comfortable

Some people will sneer and say that is a sort of Mumsnet uniform, but it is a really good way to build up a useful wardrobe you can add to that doesn't have to cost a lot.

A nice haircut and a touch of makeup always make me feel more positive.

i could never have fannied around with a jacket when i had toddlers, I would get some jumpers that suit and a scarf/earrings to make it Look Like You Have Tried.

ALWAYS make up and hair - it is only one kid and it will just have to wait till you are ready tbh.
Embrace colour a bit - boring old black can just make you look tired

Can't help with the clothes side of things as I'm pretty crap at that myself but would recommend you come and join us on this thread-it really is inspirational, lots of people all with different goals just wanting to look and feel a bit more polished and together in 2013.

Also just to point you towards my blog, where I'm having a bit of a style crisis of my own at the moment, but holding the hair and beauty side of things together pretty well (for now!)

Please don't feel too down-you have a 2.5 year old, so I'm amazed you have any jeans or clothes without snot on them to start with! If you want to change how you look, you can do, but you really must give yourself a hard time for it. Have some and a and join the new year thread-hope to see you there!