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Style and beauty

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Starting again

14 replies

Oomph · 30/05/2014 12:13

Today my husband made a video of me playing with my daughter. As I was watching it afterwards my heart sank: I did not recognise the sturdy, frumpy, lacklustre and matronly middle aged woman that I saw. I was shocked, and I was sad. How did that happen?

So I am resolved to do something about it, to the extent that one can fight the inexorable passage of time.

There are a few positives, which I'm clinging on to cheer myself up: I cycle and do yoga regularly and am relatively fit. I have a good head of hair with no grey. I am on the whole happy and fulfilled at home and at work. But I look like a bloody frump, so here is my list of targeted interventions:

  • Cleanse face every night, no matter how utterly knackered (major slacker)
  • Give away about 80% of my wardrobe, made up of stuff I wore in my twenties and thirties (I am now 42, ladies, fourty fucking two!)
  • Stop gobbling up all my children's leftovers. (I need not be a human compost bin).
  • Buy some proper skin care and make up (no idea where to start)
  • Take the 5:2 diet a bit more seriously. 5 kilos will do it.

And finally, and here is where I'd like your advice, despite having been rather contemptuous about it in the past, I am seriously considering investing on a personal shopper somewhere like Selfridges to renew my wardrobe with a set of good, fashionable essentials from the 21st century.

So where do you think I should go? What are your experiences with personal shoppers? Have you met any who were able to understand your needs and your style and advise you accordingly? What budget do you think I will need? Is this worth doing at all?

Many thanks. I am aware that this is rather a protracted rant. I promise to keep you all updated with my progress.

OP posts:
Oomph · 30/05/2014 13:28

bump?

OP posts:
TigsytheTiger · 30/05/2014 13:34

I've never used a personal shopper but find fashion blogs great for ideas and inspiration. Maybe as well as making a personal shopper appointment you should start to get an idea of what styles and looks you like.

Also never had it done but lots of people recommend getting your colours done and I certainly believe the right colours can make your complexion pop whereas those that are wrong can be very draining, however great the outfit.

Good luck

Floisme · 30/05/2014 13:58

I think a lot of us lose our style mojo when we have children so don't despair! For me, the most useful thing was working out my body shape, do you know what yours is?

Tiggywinklespinny · 30/05/2014 14:56

In with you on this! I've booked myself in with the personal shopper at Bicester Village as I was going anyway.

I heard that John Lewis were good also.

Oomph · 30/05/2014 16:15

Thanks all! John Lewis sound like a good idea, and they do your colours as well. Just as well, as I checked Selfridges London and there is a minimum spend of two grand!

No idea about my body shape, how does one find out?

Good idea about fashion blogs! Any in particular you rate?

OP posts:
moomin35 · 30/05/2014 16:34

Hi try "mymidlifefahion" she wears high street pieces but generally looks good :-)

TigsytheTiger · 30/05/2014 16:43

Allwornout is a good blog and by mumsnetters, I've bought quite a few pieces I may not have thought of having seen them on this blog.

Floisme · 30/05/2014 17:28

Op, this is really going to age me but I first worked out my body shape by watching Trinny and Susannah Grin I know they're totally out of favour now but you can still find their books in charity shops and, although the clothes will have dated, the stuff about dressing for your shape and making the most of your best features, is timeless, I think.

If you can't suss it out then that's where a personal shopper should be able to help. Good luck.

Oomph · 30/05/2014 18:19

Many thanks ladies. Off to check them out.

OP posts:
Blueuggboots · 30/05/2014 18:27

I don't know where you are in the country, but I went here:

the look good club
Had an amazingly interesting and lovely day one to one and learnt so much!!
It's saved me a fortune as I know know exactly what suits me.

Oomph · 30/05/2014 18:32

That looks great, Blueugg. I am based around London, so any recommendations for London would be great.

OP posts:
SuperFlyHigh · 30/05/2014 18:43

Bloggers are great but maybe do a Pinterest board of things you'd like to try/aspire to etc.

I was petrified of animal print a few years ago now I've got a Boden pair of leopard ankle boots, did have dress but gave away but if I saw the perfect top in it I'd try it.

Same with parkas I'm currently on the hunt for the perfect one.

And though I've liked it when younger am embracing red more and also stuff that suits (blues). But I mix light turquoise with say orange and gold accessories.

I also got bright pink gap jeans last year can mix lots if navy etc.

I wouldn't do trendy trendy unless good quality but certainly experiment more!

Blueuggboots · 31/05/2014 05:33

Have a look for image consultants in your area. I'm sure someone would do something similar

Blueuggboots · 01/06/2014 08:48

here you go

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