I look like a haggard wreck with zilch style - help, it's depressing me.

[Afrodizzywonders]

It's got to the point I can barely look at myself in the mirror. I have no clothes that fit and not much money to buy anything, what money I could spend on me I spend on the children because I don't know where to start.

I have two DCs, ones 2.5 yrs and the other is 3 months. Since my first DC, looking after myself was a steady decline and it ground to a halt. I am carrying 1.5 stones more that my pre weight, was a size 12 but I'm now a 16 in most things. I'm breastfeeding which restricts what I can wear.

I can't fit in my pre pregnancy clothes without drawing attention to all the weight I'm carrying around my middle, it makes me feel self conscious. And my maternity stuff is way too big and I bloody hate it. Any ideas on tops I can wear that are flattering, bear in mind I am on a tight budget.

Then it's my hair, I used to get my hair done every couple of months, since moving out to the country I have had one hair cut in 18 months! It's shoulder length and mousey. With 2 children it's impossible to get to the hairdressers (got no family here, just me and DH).

I'm sorry this is a garbled rant, I'm just feeling so low, wearing 2 pairs of leggings and a pair of maternity jeans that look awful combined with tops that don't fit. I did have a nice pair of boots but the bloody things zip broke last week so now I have no boots as well.

Any helpful ideas on how I can pull myself out of this rut would be really appreciated.

Join my fitness pal.

Do some exercise every day even just pushing buggy for 30 mins.

Go and get your hair done, highlights or a new cut- get someone to watch the kids and just go and do it.

Good luck - hope u feel better soon

I think everyone feels like you do post kids (I know I did for a long time). Its hard with little sleep and no time to yourself.

Agree with join My Fitness Pal to track calories and get some exercise in everyday - even if it is juts a walk with the buggy.

Hair wise - could you get a mobile hairdresser to come to the house and cut your hair whilst the little ones nap? Maybe buy a home dye kit and get the hairdresser to apply it for you so its even (this is a very cheap option).

Clothes wise - what about getting a few bits on eBay? Is a stop gap until you get back into your pre baby clothes. Or pick up some jeans and tops at the supermarket? Also good for some new shoes and wouldn't cost the earth.

Good luck, you can turn it around.

Your baby is only three months old, so be kind to yourself! I found my body didn't spring back so easily after number two or three, so regular, gentle exercise and low expectations are good.

I went to Primark and H&M and bought 'fat clothes' of high waisted jeans (to tuck my belly in until it retreated!) and long vests (perfect for breastfeeding), and some cheap tops. Get a couple of decent, supportive breastfeeding bras, as a good bra will improve your figure no end.

Ebay is great if you're short of cash.

Have a haircut, do your eyebrows, buy and wear some BB cream and mascara, or whatever the things are that make you feel good again.

Heroine. Omg. That lady in your link wears more "everyday" makeup than I had troweled on, on my wedding day. Wow. Too ambitious for me but its certainly quick and very very polished.

Sorry back to matter in hand. Give yourself time. I know how you feel though. My youngest is 20 months and I still can't get back in to my pre pregnancy clothes (sob).

I second all the suggestions re mascara and bb cream/tinted moisturiser.

As for clothes and limited budget, how about looking for a few things which will work even when you lose a bit of weight? Again it will be leggings/jeggings and long tops but plenty of bargains to be had. I saw a 60% sale in gap which you could buy online. Uniqlo online? Their sizes are usually reliable. H&M but you need to try on as sizes are all over the place.

As for hair cut. Not sure what to suggest. How about getting a really blunt bob next time which you can leave for ages before doing again? I started this after the DC as I don't get to go to the hairdresser more than twice a year now. It works well. Perhaps a bit boring but I like to think classic

Loving this - keep them coming!!
What is bb though ?

Thank you all so much for your really helpful posts.

I sorted my clothes yesterday and I have 1 drawerful of clothes that are utter shite, I need to buy some so will do eBay and the sales as suggested.

I know I need to be kinder to myself, DH says it all the time but my confidence has gone and it's making me miserable. Thank you all again for all these ideas, they are all great x

Picking your brains some more....what are the most flattering tops to cover the mummy tummy?

The mommy make up looks more night time to me? Pretty girl though.

Glad you're getting tips. I still have a mummy tum and my dcs are pre/teen Good for you thinking about it now but please do be kind to yourself you have a tiny baby. And remember you are a goddess with curves!!!

3 months is nothing! be nice to yourself!

I'm 30 weeks pg with #2 and feeling shite too :(

after no 1 I wore long stretchy vests from H&M with long boyfriend cardigans and big scarves over the top. Easy for breastfeeding and the scarves hide the tummy. I wore maternity jeans till DS was 5 months ish

Make an effort with hair, wear foundation and lip gloss and sunglasses whenever you go out and you'll look great :)

Am in similar position to you. (except ds is now 11 months).

As a temporary wardrobe basics I can reccommend new look vests, uniqlo jegging trousers or primark skinnys. Ballet flats or flat boots (over trousers. Long line cardigans then cover lumps and bumps and bottom - h&m have some cheap decent ones. Also those loose jersey blazers with a simple T underneath will make you look smarter and feel better.

Good luck :)

Some links:
m.newlook.com/mcs/publish/4923/76718?prodid=274724101&cat=cat20002&name=basic-tops-and-vests

In black: www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/goods/073545001?r=2351547857590594231

m.dorothyperkins.com/mt/www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=21&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=9315333&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=229998&parent_categoryId=208600&pageSize=20