Feel like crying tonight- fat 45 and frumpy and fed up.

[kansasmum]

That's how I feel tonight. Going to a wedding tomorrow so was doing my eyebrows tonight's it dawned on me that I have become fat and frumpy:( I just never seem to be able to get that ' pulled together' look.
I have a lovely outfit from Monsoon to wear that I do feel good in but while doing eyebrows etc I realised I hardly make any effort with make up etc on a day to day basis.

I need to make more effort. I am 45 and need to kick my butt.

But where do I start? I have limited time in the morning to do make up but have been using mineral foundation thingy which I like and does improve my face!
Skin care routine consists of: Clinique face wash and Aldi moisturiser twice a day ( most of the time).

Make up if I bother, is mineral foundation, black eyeliner and mascara and reddish- pink lipgloss.

I need to lose about 5 stone ( have lost 1 so far) have mid brown highlighted hair and a medium skintone. I live in jeans and tops from stores such as Next /Fat face or dresses from Boden with tights or leggings.
What wardrobe staples would be good and what make should get?

Help me drag my sorry ass into some some of style or at least presentable! All ideas welcome.

Thank you all so much! Lots of great tips. I shall try the running thing- I'm rather unfit but do walk the dog an hour a day so will try jogging too!
My skin is actually not bad. My lovely daughter who's 20 helped me do my make up for the wedding yesterday and I did like how I looked so will definitely make more of an effort with make up.

I'm going to change my hair colour. Going darker as I think it suits me better.

Wedding was fun and I did love my outfit and felt good. I wore a light navy colour maxi dress and silver/blue jacket with 3/4 sleeves and a fascinator!

My daughter is getting married next year so I really want to be sorted for her wedding next May so I do have a good incentive!

Glad you enjoyed the wedding Kansas . Your outfit sounded lovely.
I second what Hopefully said re House of Colour too.
I now only buy what really suits in terms of colour and style.
I only have time to buy online so that means lots of trying and sending back but it's worth it to only have flattering stuff in my wardrobe that doesn't take much thought to put together each day.
Despite my weight loss I can be anything between a size 14 and 20 depending on the shop and style of the item of clothing in question. It is not about what it says on the label (and no one but you knows what that says anyway!) it is whatever 'size' makes you look your best.
You will be a fabulous mother of the bride - good luck!

Thanks Mamij.

So, in the hope of dragging my makeup into the 21st century, what are the basics I need?
I have a No.7 BB cream foundation thing that I like and gives good coverage. Do I need powder over the top?
All my eye shadows are browns and beiges!!! It's just what I've always worn!
Really want some new ideas. Is it worth going to one of the make up counters or will they just want to sell me loads of stuff regardless of what it looks like on me!

Help?!

Kansas - yes do go and get a makeover at one of the stores. Obviously you need only get what you want there. If you can only afford to get a few things -go for the eye make up and maybe a lippie. However if you like everything, go ahead and buy it all! In any case, the assistant will write it all down for you.

If you like Boots no7 then go to Boots. Or go to the Bobbi Brown or Laura Mercier counter. I went to a Lancome counter and was very happy with what she did.

You can always go back again nearer your daughters wedding to have a makeover ready for the day!

bin the fascinator next time

5-6k three times a week.
I started off doing 3k and only able to run the distance between two lamposts before walking the rest.

Burnished- wow that's me I can barely run 50 yd's let alone 5k but encouraging to know you couldn't run far but now do 15k a week.

God help but tonight I'm going to my first Zumba class with my oldest and dearest friend who is over from her home in Sydney for a month. She has lost an incredible 110lbs so is really inspiring me

Hopefully I will survive Zumba!!