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Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

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Original poster

if you had 3k to spend...

40 replies

pamplem0usse · 17/08/2013 19:42

On clothes, then what sort of thing might you buy.
This isn't meant as a stealth boast. I've beeb stalking for weeks and wondered if you could help me.
I'll never have this.sort of lump again, I have virtually no clothew that fit (size 10 now after 3.5 years of pregnancy and breastfeeding). BUT i will have "maintenance" money so don't want to spread it too thinnly. I'm 5"11 busty and have a bit of a mum tum / c section x2 overhang. I'm 30 next year....
Fwiw my dh is insisting I spend.the money on me. after years of self esteem issues and refusing to spend anything much. i earnt the money doibg consultancy work when ds was 1mo-4mo from home when he slept. fine in practise but he was v v ill in and out of great ormond streetl while exclusively breastfed and not sleeping v much at all. So i used to work through the.night (when dd slept), often with him sleeping on me.
So there's alot of emotion attached to this cash, which resulted from an obligation fulfilled which really shouldn't have been.
In terms of the practicalities I look after ds (nearly 1) and dd (almost 3) 3-4 days a week, work from home 1-2 and will shortly be teaching 1-2 (16-18 year olds).
Many thanks in advance I'm a bit hopeless....
Oh and ds still bfeeds in the day so some bfeeding.friendly options.helpful :-)

OP posts:

lilystem · 17/08/2013 19:49

Wow,
What an amazing opportunity!! I'm sure some very helpful people will be along soon. I had 1k given to me by my dad when I lost 5 stone and I had one amazing shopping day where I bought a little black dress, fab jeans, a killer set of heels etc.

lilystem · 17/08/2013 19:49

OverIce · 17/08/2013 19:50

If I were you, I'd go for some good quality well made items.

For example do you have a pair of black trousers that fit really well, nice shape, etc? I'd spend a bit extra to get some that fit well. Also the same for some tops or dresses. I recently bought a couple of flattering pleated silk tops in Jigsaw. They were nearly £70 each but well worth it.

Take your time, try lots on and enjoy!

KatyS36 · 17/08/2013 19:51

Firstly, many congratulations on everything. Typing this in a hurry so apologies if direct.

I would spend 500 ukp on stuff for now. Maybe more if it included love forever boots, an amazing bag.

I would then open a separate bank account, and put the rest in it, but reserve it ONLY for clothes for me. Plan to spend another 500 ukp for next season, another for in a years time.

I know my style changed a couple of years after dd, and it would be great to have another update in the near future.

Feel free to ignore if you don't like this idea and remember to enjoy whatever you choose to do.

Katy

MarshaBrady · 17/08/2013 19:51

What do you need most?

If I had that, I would get a coat, ankle boots, jumper, skirt, skinnies and bag.

OohMrDarcy · 17/08/2013 19:55

arrange a personal shopper thingy in John Lewis or somewhere? I am useless with my own style so that is definitely what I'd do... along with the save some for future seasons

scarlettsmummy2 · 17/08/2013 19:56

I would be a really nice handbag- something in tan leather that goes with everything. Not necessarily designer.

I would also be a good casual winter coat, and some decent jeans.

BeaLola · 17/08/2013 19:58

Good luck to you -your DH is right.

I haven't thought about this much but just considering for a few minutes I think I would go for things from below ,

Decent boots
Classic tote/hobo bag but not in black or tan
Really well fitted jeans that make me feel amazing rather than just ok
Leather biker jacket
Quality warm coat
Cashmere jumper
A couple of quality scarves to give a pop of colour or support a neutral palate of clothes

An amazing pair of shoes just because
And although these aren't clothes if I had a bit of bulk money I think I would fancy visiting the hairdressers whose name I can't recall but who I read an article about who cut hair in a different manner looking at how it naturally falls etc IYSWIM

Probably would also go for a facial with one of those people that you read About with waiting lists

Great underwear

and now I'm thinking some more !!!

InMyShreddies · 17/08/2013 20:02

I'd get a beautiful coat - maybe Burberry or MaxMara. And a couple of pairs of perfect jeans in light and dark denim. And a bag you love, a big one in black or tan leather that will last forever. And a piece of jewellery. Don't rush to spend it - perhaps take your time making a list, then set each item as a project to really research and try on as many as you can. Book yourself some child free days to have in your nearest city and go to expensive department stores, be pampered and enjoy it. Maybe set aside £100 for makeup / skincare?

Dilidali · 17/08/2013 20:11

Don't buy cheap!!!! They not only do not last, but they'll not give you the boost you need.
Buy underwear first. Use the MN measurements and get two black and a nude one. Breastfeeding ones if it makes it easier. Spend some time choosing knickers, maybe high ones that would help with the post CS tummy.

Then look for shoes. Flats and boots. My boots last on average 5 years, so don't skimp on them. A really nice big bag, only buy the one that will make you smile. I buy large plain ones and attach a scarf to it if it needs a bit of help.

Clothes: do your colours first! Even if it is a t-shirt with cardie, if you chose the right colours for you, it'll look fantastic.

Spend some considerable time choosing one lipstick. One that you just put on without mirror and you get instant colour.

Enjoy:)

BlameItOnTheBogey · 17/08/2013 20:27

Can I strongly second the suggestion to arrange an appointment with a personal shopper. I buy a whole new work wardrobe every about 3 years and want top quality stuff that will mix and match and last for the full 3 year period until it is time to start again. I always save up a lump sum and then use a personal shopper.

For this kind of thing, John Lewis is a good recommendation. YOu need to make the appointment in advance and tell them what you are looking for and your budget (so that they book you one of the longer appointments). It means that rather than ending up with lots of great things that might work together, you end up with a wardrobe full of clothes that really fit well and can be mixed and matched.

I'd also recommend that before you do this, you get your colours done so you know what colours you should be aiming for. Good luck.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 17/08/2013 20:31

How exciting. Agree with not spending it all at once.

Personally I'd start with:
leather biker jacket

Chelsea boots

either a trench or peacoat, or parka - depending on your style

one fantastic dress: in my case, this would be a Westwood jersey dress and probably be black

a couple of really well fitting pairs of jeans

a couple of Whistles tube skirts

a couple of plain tops in good quality fabrics

a cashmere and silk mix jumper

a handbag (probably from Hobbs)

at least 3 bras and 9 pairs of knickers (3 for each bra!)

tethersend · 17/08/2013 20:35

I would go MENTAL on Etsy.

Crutchlow35 · 17/08/2013 20:39

John Lewis and a personal shopper is what I would do.

Diamondcassis · 17/08/2013 20:44

Perfect, soft leather jacket - Zadig/Joseph etc
Mulberry bag

Both will last forever.

ShoeWhore · 17/08/2013 20:44

I'd also go to JL to their personal shopper service.

A really great coat.
Fabulous ankle boots.
Amazing jeans.
A great bag that will last years.
A unique and special piece of jewellery (that might be from somewhere else)
Something totally extravagant and impractical

Then I'd try and get really good everyday clothes that are just a bit more special than the normal stuff I buy that will make you feel fabulous on a rainy November Wednesday when the baby's cranky and you feel shattered. Some things to make you feel good and raise a smile.

I also agree with Katy, I'd maybe spend a grand or so now, maybe up to 1500 and save some for future updates - your shape might change when you stop bfing for a start. How exciting!!

ShoeWhore · 17/08/2013 20:45

Oh and underwear - how could I forget that? Get fitted for some fabulous bras first.

SundaySimmons · 17/08/2013 20:49

One of my purchases would have to be an equisite silk scarf that would be timeless and become an heirloom for my daughter to inherit.

The very best would be from Hermes. They can be worn multiple ways and even attached to your bag etc.

Flo56 · 17/08/2013 20:51

That's so exciting, congratulations! Are you looking for a whole new wardrobe or stuff to supplement what you already have? Either way, my first thoughts are:
Get your colours done.
Then spend some serious money on:
Good underwear
A great but low maintenance haircut
A fabulous coat
Some jeans that will do amazing things to your butt.

I think a lot then depends on your own personal style and body shape and I second those suggesting a personal shopper/stylist.

I agree that it might be worth keeping some of it back but only if you're sure it won't disappear into another budget.

I would also go and speak to the ladies on the MN Vogue threads who really know their stuff and who I'm sure would love helping you (Just don't mention handbags )

gindrinker · 17/08/2013 21:02

I'd buy a really nice coat id wear for the next 10 years.
Flat knee high riding boots, flat shoes (black tan and patent) a pair of amazing going out shoes.
Several pairs of nice jeans
Cashmere jumpers/ cardigans
Something Vivienne Westwood.
Depends if you need smart work clothes. In don't work in a formal office setting so spending £££ on pencil skirts and jackets would be a waste.

shopafrolic · 17/08/2013 21:11

Wow! How lovely. I was lucky enough to be given a lump of money last year and went onto the MN Vogue thread to ask for help, I've been there ever since. :)
I spent £100 of it getting my colours done, which really helped and meant I didn't waste anything on colours that didn't suit me. I also spent some of it on a stylist that wasn't linked to a particular store - that why I got impartial advice but I appreciate this is money that could be spent on clothes.
The best advice I was given? Don't spend it all at once. Buy good quality fabrics, avoid man made fibres.
With Autumn coming I'd definitely get a great coat, some fab fitting jeans, some great boots, a gorgeous bag. Pinterest is a great way of looking for styles you love, that you can then try and replicate.
Enjoy spending it!

Original poster

pamplem0usse · 17/08/2013 21:29

Thank you all so kind :-) its.exciting but daunting at the same time. Life has been so child fpcused for so long. we're not rich but we tick along just fine; but I can't see being in this position again! I think personal shopper is definitely the way forward. and not to "rush" to spend it. I'm tempted to get a.fabulous.clutch and spend less on an everyday bag which will likely get a battering....

OP posts:

eurochick · 17/08/2013 21:32

Does spending it on you have to mean clothes? It's fine if it does, but what about travel. Could you spend some of it on a lovely 5* weekend away (to wear your new purchases)?

Original poster

pamplem0usse · 17/08/2013 21:48

Eurochick would love some time away but atm:

DS needs round the clock feeding and care.
His congenital issues include multiple allergies (wheat, dairy, egg, soya) which cause problems even when.ingested via my milk. So eating out is near impossible.

Hey ho! One to build up to!

OP posts:

MrsCampbellBlack · 17/08/2013 23:28

God, if you're in the south west, I'd be more than happy to help you spend your money on an amazing wardrobe for yourself!

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