The February Fabulizers - Where we turn chores into habits and accept compliments gracefully

[TrampyPants]

New thread for a new month! Everyone is doing so well, we are forming some great habits and, hopefully, feeling better for it.

some good links:

How To Be Groomed thread

Discount Make-up and Toiletries
Cheap Smells
Fragrance Direct
Xtras Online
Look Fantastic

Its also worth joining groups like wowcher and Groupon for discount manicures etc.

Baby steps are the way forward, and if you fall off the wagon and have a pj day (or week) its ok, just jump back on. We want to take more pride in our appearance, make an effort. As one poster said, "we think there's no point making an effort if we are just at home with our DP's and DC's, but they are the most important people in our lives - why not act like it?" I certainly feel better, my self-esteem is higher and I have more confidence.

All welcome.

Happy Fabulizing Dahhlinks

Well I reckon theyd look great with the dress but dont take my word for it... I usually look like Ive got dressed in the dark

Im not feeling so great, thing with looking at fashion etc a lot is that you really see what you can and cant afford. I want to pop over to Peacocks and Matalan, places like that yet Im experiencing a driving phobia (long story but I passed my test almost 5 years ago, then had dd a month later and never really did the 'driving all the time' thing because I never had to. Its not the actual driving, its the 'what if this happens/that happens etc etc') Obviously once Id passed I had a newborn and a 2 year old and I guess somewhere then I got it into my head that I couldnt take them out in the car incase we'd encounter a crazy driver etc, you know how hormones are when you've had a baby... Ive had cbt, hypnotherapy etc, and I know it just leaves me to actually just get in the car.... Sorry to drag the thread down but its getting to me today, Im bloody 31 in may and feel pretty pathetic. Id love to take myself off shopping for a day and manage just fine

Im stuck with pulling things together - I need perfect black, white, blue and grey skinny jeans so I can get rid of my 'not perfect' ones that I make do with, but dont know where to start. I want a couple of jersey blazers and a denim shirt too. Where can I do all this on a budget?

Hope those of you off out for Valentines have a lovely evening!

Today Im in boyfriend jeans that Ive rolled up a bit, a long sleeved purple top and a grey sweatshirt over the top (h and m, £3.99!) Chelsea boots. Not awesome but Im least Im not in jeggings and that bloody dress!!

Thanks Guy, I think I'm going to go for the boots.

I saw some nice jersey blazers in Peacocks yesterday, they were £20. There were also some in New Look and H&M.

How far is it to the shops from you? Is it do-able by public transport? I don't drive and live in the sticks, I catch the bus to the nearest small town (5 miles away) to shop or the train to a bigger town (2hrs away) if I want M&S etc.

Or there is always online shopping, I do that a lot.

Jemima, ds loves fossils etc too. We live in shrewsbury, ds wants to be darwin when he grows up.
And I'm a big fan of make-up free days. It's so good for the skin. The dress will look great with boots.

Kate

Guy, that's awful. I don't drive, but it must be so frustrating wrt jeans, I'm a huge fan of baxters. Not too skinny and great fit. Flatters my rear end too! Try h+m for denim shirts and blazers too. It's ace.

My big night out has been cancelled. I can't walk again, so staying at home and watching telly. I'm going to do my nails tonight though.

Thanks guys

Im sure I could get there on a bus, but its the feeling of wanting to get there in the car, not having to rely on public transport etc you know? The fact I know I could take myself anywhere I wished and yet feel so stuck is horrible. Id have to take a couple of buses too, it all just feels like a pain.

I do online shop a lot, and so often end up with stuff that are a disappointment, and then its all returning and being skint until they refund you etc! Plus I want to go out and go shopping, or at least feel I have the choice. I'll keep trying with it all, today it was just a bit much. I imagine once the weather is nicer that'll improve my mood a lot too.

Baxters? Are they from Topshop?

Yes, they aren't too skinny but skinny enough to fit into boots, iyswim.

I live in mine!

Could you do a refresher course, just to boost your confidence?

Ive met up with my old instructor, shes lovely and when we go out I feel much more confident, she says I still drive well enough and havent picked up bad habits etc its just then afterwards my confidence vanishes again. Ive been driving with dh on a sunday but its still not enough, I know I just need to get out there and do it. And theres the hard part! lol

Next time Im in town I'll go and look in Topshop then. Thank you

Public transport isn't that bad, and you never have to worry about parking it. Plus on a serious day of shopping you can have a little drinkie at lunchtime without worrying about how you are going to drive home!

Can your DH drive you to the shops you want to go to?

Do you have a credit card? I always put any online shopping on that, then if I do send it back it isn't real money in my account that I am waiting for them to refund IYSWIM. I pay it off every month in full so never accrue interest, but it is very convenient for things like that.

Winter tends to make people feel depressed. I was having a real low point at the start of the year because I had (literally) nothing to wear since I lost weight, but this thread is helping me stay on track. And probably encouraging me to shop a little bit too much

Trampy - that your big night out has been cancelled. Will you go out another time instead?

Guy I passed my driving test when I was 19 but never really drove regularly - just the occasional shot of my Dad's car. I left home at 23 to live in the centre of a big city so had no reason to drive. I finally bought my first car at 36 and I was petrified! I did a refresher course which really helped. But then I just had to force myself to go out in the car. I didn't go anywhere to start with - just short drives around streets that I knew would be quiet. It really helped me to get used to the car and feel a bit more confident. It was hard but it got a little bit easier each time. Maybe just go out for very short trips - round the block or something and gradually build it up. I know it's not easy so don't beat yourself up over it.

Guy, you can do it. I bet you're a great driver, careful, iyswim.

Jemima, I've been the same. I love winter, but it seems to last so long. Wrt the shopping, You are simply restocking your wardrobe. I have found this thread reallyhelpful too, we are becomingfriends (sorry for being soppy) but I'm inspired to try harder too.

Hopefully we can try againnext week. I'm gutted, cried about it earlier today.

Ahh, you lot are lovely arent you

Always - I tell myself to just go round the block a few times but I then worry what if I cant park when I get back? Im awful arent I lol With my instructor we went over parking etc again and logically I 'know' I can logically do it, but the low confidence side of me says I cant. What I might do is get up earlier a few times and have a tootle about whilst the streets are quieter. Funny thing is, if you saw me drive past my face is like this >>

Im just in the jeans and top from yesterday as havent really got dressed yet. I'll make an effort shortly when I see what you're all wearing for ideas

I want a pair of those Next harem/hareem trousers too but my local store doesnt have any

issima - Id never thought to look in m&s, but I will do now Awesome on the running, go you! I like running but tend not to bother in the winter... Hence each spring Im back to getting up to 5k and so on but to be honest Im fine with that. Spring mornings are so nice to run on, the air is so fresh.... ahhh I think I'll have to dust my trainers off soon!

Trampy - I think that too [soppy emoticon] its lovely to have others to bounce ideas off. Sorry about your night out sucks when something youve been looking forward to is cancelled or you cant make it. Dh has his leaving 'do' in a couple of weeks, I cant go because we dont have a babysitter. We're 250 miles away from my family, and a bit less away from his lol so not a huge support network here.... We do fine but Id really like a night out sometimes or even someone to watch the kids for an hour so we could just go for a walk or a coffee etc

Jemima - winter sucks doesnt it! I find that sometimes its nice at first and you can wear massive jumpers etc but I get so fed up feeling bloody cold all the time!

One thing I completely blame you lot for - Ive started dreaming about clothes!! Was in Topshop and had to take some brown trousers back as Id picked up maternity by mistake and guess who was working behind the counter? Howard from Big Bang Theory He was lovely though, really helpful! Was funny, I woke up all 'wtf?'

Sorry for the emoticon enthusiasm....

Guy - I was late learning to drive and I do understand your anxiety. But you sound like a great driver! How about this for a plan? When your dh is next around you leave the dcs with him and go in the car on your own. Don't go too far, stick to roads you are familiar with. If it's tricky to park when you get back then you could always get dh to do it. But I bet you will be able to do it. (Tbh what's the worst that can happen? You might make a hash of it - I do this all the time - but you can always start again.)

I found after a while things clicked and it wasn't as stressful driving in unfamiliar circs any more. It's definitely easier to get out on your own ime.

Sorry totally off topic! Am really enjoying this thread. Making a mental shopping list as I go.

I'd love some ankle boots with a slight heel to wear with skinnies. Bit worried my legs are too short though!

Dew - thanks, I think thats the only way isnt it. Ive convinced myself I'll stall at every junction I'll come across (mainly the one near my house - I cant avoid it and its a bit of a blind one so you cant see completely whats coming to your right until you're out in the road.) I guess the worse thing I can do is continue as I am... its not going to get any better by me doing nothing.

Hugely sorry for going completely off topic, however Im really grateful for all of your kind words and support.

Dew - Im a shortarse and still wear ankle boots... I say go for it

May I delurk?

I'm just coming to the end of my maternity leave and I feel like I've had a year of churning out the same tatty tops and trusty jeans. I look in the wardrobe each morning and my heart sinks - I so need an overhaul!

Some great ideas on here and some lovely clothes. I'm going back to work at the end of March and seriously need to up my game - both on and off duty!

Oops - and have an extra ' > ' at the end of that last sentence.

Grrr, DH has man-flu so I have cancelled the meal tonight. I am sulking ever so slightly...

Anyway, went to the beauty salon and had my Shellac soaked off. My nails aren't great underneath, they are slightly stained and look really dull. I'm not sure whether to put some nail varnish on to make them look better or leave them recover for a few days first.

Popped into Poundland (classy!) and bought a peel off mask and some Rimmel nail varnish in a sort of orangey coral shade. Also bought a copy of Marie Claire magazine (only £2 this month) as it said "The Big Fashion Issue" on the front so I'm hoping it will have some ideas in it.

Today's outfit: Black and white stripey tunic, black leggings, grey oversized cowl neck jumper, black knee high flat boots, red tote bag.

Sorry for cancelled nights out :(

Anyone else feel like they're skin is really dry if they don't moisturise?! I'm so in the habit now!

Today's outfit:

Purple long sleeved dress
Black tights with stars
Grey cardie
Long boots

Have written a list of things I need when I get paid. Need ankle boots and new tights for sure.

We ended up going to Wetherspoons, not quite as glamorous as the planned evening but still a nice evening. Oh and DH apologised for being a grump with his man flu

Trouble is the calories consumed were immense so I need to concentrate on the healthy eating and exercise today to make up for it.

Currently I am wearing track suit bottoms and a long sports bra as I've been doing stationary bike and Wii Fit. Not sure what I am going to wear yet when I get dressed properly.

My cardi came from La Redoute - it was enormous! The reviews did say it was big so I ordered a 10/12 (I am usually a 14) but it was still huge. I know it is supposed to be oversized but it was ridiculous. I have sent it back and re-ordered a size 6/8 in exchange. The free bag that came with it is nice though, it is a red tote.

Twinkle I have always suffered from really dry skin, even when moisturising every day. But since I have been losing weight my skin has got much better, I'm not sure why! Maybe it is because I am eating healthier stuff, lots of fruit and veg etc. I still moisturise every day, but now it actually stays soft for more than 10 minutes.

Stripey dress came from H&M. It is quite different to how I imagined, it is definitely a dress rather than a tunic. I bought a black and white stripy tunic to go with leggings earlier in the week in store in H&M and had though that this would probably be returned, but it is so different that I am going to keep it. It will make a fab spring dress with black heels or sandals, quite 1960s looking. Really good value too as I stacked codes (a 25% off and a £5 off) which made it £10.14 including p&p.

Jemima I can't believe that it was only £10.14 for that dress once you used codes etc - what a bargain, it looks really nice. Your trip to Wetherspoons might not have been as glam as originally planned but sometimes it's good just to go somewhere you can chill out with a few drinks.

twinkle have you found the boots you want when you get paid or are you going on a shopping trip to find them? I do most of mine on the internet now as where I live has nowhere decent to shop. I get envious of people who can have a good look about the shops for what they want!

Hello notjustamummy, I am a part timer on the thread (not hardcore like some of the others) but look forward to hearing about what you are getting up to .

Guy good luck with overcoming the driving fear - you will go out a couple of times and then wonder why you were ever nervous, no doubt!

issimma I am the same as you, very hit and miss with what I am doing! I can't even say that I am doing one good thing at a time! Definitely all or nothing with me so some days full make up, nice outfit and hair sorted. Others, I am a total scruffbag

Trampy how are you feeling at the minute? Hope you are well.

Sorry if I have missed anyone, haven't been on here for a while so loads to catch up on. Am also trying to decide what to wear tonight as the big fella is taking me out for a meal. Not sure if should go for dress in a navy ish blue colour with fav red shoes, or jeans and lace blazer which I love but never wear. Decisions, decisions. Have bought the app I mentioned the other day but not put anything on it yet - if I wasn't so lazy I could have used that to make wardrobe choice easier. must get myself organised!

Why did I think it was a good idea to take the kids into town with me for 4 HOURS whilst I looked for a pair of jeans?? I think I tried on 15 pairs... and then bought the first pair I tried on I went with the topshop leigh skinnies. I tried the baxters but didnt like the fit of them around my knees. Im going to try the ones I bought again later with various boots etc

I tried on a bright orange skirt too and Im really wishing Id bought it now.. thing is it stops at mid calf length on me and I wonder if I just look too daft in it. (However I did buy a black dress that stops at this length a couple of months back, was planning on wearing it with biker boots) I reckon if I wore it with biker boots and a slouchy cardy or jumper I might pull it off? I dont mind the 'I got dressed in the dark' thing, if anything I prefer it and would like to really be able to pull it off.

I then went in new look and tried on jeans, they all did that awful gapey thing and I dont do jeans with belts. I did buy a shirt though, khaki I guess it is.

Letme - dont get too envious of people going round the shops - I too thought I was missing out until today... fair enough my fault for going in around 11.30 with 2 kids, Id usually go first thing before it gets busy. The changing rooms were busy, the shops were bloody boiling, and I was dressed completely wrong.

You should wear the blazer if its fab and you never wear it, would it go with the dress?

I hadn't thought of them together - doh! Not sure actually, will have to try and see. not sure if the blue of the dress is too dark. Will defo try it though - good thinking!

How old are your DC Guy? Mine are 10, 8 and 7 and the 10 year old has got a great strategy for shopping - he looks for the shoe department and sits down there until I have finished It was much harder when they were younger though.

Right, Friday night is pamper night. Long soak in Radox bath reading Marie Claire. Exfoliate, shave legs, pluck stray hairs from eyebrows, moisturise, condition hair, face pack. I will emerge like a butterfly from a cocoon...