I need a major transformation in 2014!

[MsFiremanSam]

Just had my second baby and due back at work in the Spring, by which time I need a major makeover.
I literally have NO idea about clothes or makeup anymore. I'm 35, size 12 pre-preg (size 14 now but hoping to lose the weight) and have had the same long hair with layers since I was a student. I haven't got a clue where to shop for my age and budget. I've lost my way and my confidence!
Where on earth do I start? I don't have loads of cash now I'm on mat leave but perhaps I can start to make small changes. There are always great tips on here. Any advice on shops/websites? If you are my age and size, what do you wear?
Thanks!

A few tips

1. haircut - something that is easy to maintain. You can always add hair accessories to glam it up.

2. throw away all tatty clothes that don't fit.

3. ladies on here have recommended booking a session with a stylist in places like house of Fraser. It is free and there is no obligation to buy.

4. Dressippi website - you input your stats and it recommends clothes based on your shape. It will give you an idea as to what may suit you.

Thanks Chanie44, great tips. I'll have a look at that website. Been working through wardrobe to sell stuff on eBay, give to charity shop etc but finding not much left that I like! Suitcase in loft of pre-preg clothes but fear I am dramatically glorifying what is in there!

Now is a great time to go for a personal styling session as the sales are on. I did JL but everyone says HOF and Debrnhams are also good. Wear decent underclothes as you get undressed a lot to try on all the lovely clothes! It totally transformed my post maternity leave style at work (saving up for a stylist session focused on casual clothes now!)

Makeup. What sort of look do you like and do you want something quick?

I'd do BB creams (Dr Jart do a nice one), benefit cheek/lip tints (but there are others), 2-in-1 brands etc.

Hair go for a free model night (you pay far cheaper) if you're brave let them loose with color and cut.

What shape are you? Any celebs dress sense or trends you fancy trying? Eg skater dresses often nice for curvier figures.

Oh there are also dual purpose styling stuff like Aussie Dual Personality Mousse (gives volume and shine).

How about accessories new necklace etc? Sales or primark.

Seconding the John Lewis "Fashion Advice Service" - great for getting an idea of colours/shapes to fit you.
I went post-DC when the idea of having to choose something off the thousands of items on the shop floor just felt too 'enormous' to contemplate. I've taken a lot of the learns from it and while I still hate shopping (new size/shape post-DC) it makes it much less painful because I can home in on what will suit me much quicker. They will also listen to what you need to buy, so can focus on work/non-work wardrobe

Also, you could book an appointment with one of the beauty counters (I love Bare Minerals but obviously it depends on what sort of look you like) to give you ideas of what suits you makeup-wise

Oh, and they will bring you stuff from the sales racks too so you can gget some great bargains without having to wade through the chaos!

How about having your colours done?

Sounds a bit meh but I had a session when I went back to work after DC1 and it definitely pepped me up and gave me confidence. The lady who did my session paid me loads of compliments about my hair/skin/figure (I still had baby weight and big old bfing boobs) and felt so much better.

It also made me prune my wardrobe and has made shopping easier for me - I can walk into a shop and ignore half of the clothes because I know the colours won't suit me.

Personally I'd keep the hair long (love long hair) but maybe try a colour change - take advice re the colour though, it needs to suit you. Sell old clothes on eBay and get yourself to Primark when it opens or as early as practical. You'll find with a different hair colour you will suit different colours.

Then there's little stuff, if you don't wear jewellery buy a pair of small studs and wear them every day. Paint your nails and toe nails. Buy a lush bath bomb and a £1 face mask.

Confidence can be your most attractive feature. No doubt you don't get much time to think about or treat yourself. Take time, even if it's a small amount, to just focus on yourself. Xx

Try the Mumsnet exercise pages for inspiration. C25k podcasts are great. Keep the size 12 clothes you love - the shortest day has passed already & light bright mornings great for 3runs a week. It costs nowt to put trainers on & go!

Wow, thanks for all the replies. Great tips and inspiration.
Will definitely do a stylist session, that sounds ideal. Anyone know how I would go about getting my colours done? (Reminds me of Bridget Jones' mum!). Never seen anywhere that does that.
Make up wise, I tend to do BB cream, blusher and mascara-some eyeliner across top lid if I'm going out. Occasional attempts at smokey eye but no idea what's modern/flattering anymore!
I'm 5ft 8 and pre-preg was quite toned - best feature prob legs. Now decidedly wobbly in the tummy area, huge bf boobs, thighs a big problem area. Doing the Shred and tons of walking so hoping to get back to some sort of shape. Been holding off spending any money on clothes before losing weight so currently living in jeggings and bf tops/tunics. Feel really frumpy and bleurgh.
Toyed with White Company and Boden pre-preg but usually safe options. Agree with the point made about shops seeming overwhelming. Just really want to go back to work feeling good about myself!