Depressing reverse 'pretty woman' moment in Mint Velvet

[Nonemoreblack]

In a fit of excitement because I have finally lost a bit of weight and because DH has been put on a permanent contract and for the first time in 5 years I actually felt like I could go and blow some money on actual nice clothes, I went to Mint Velvet to try things on that I have been drooling over for months. And I looked shit. Still too fat. Not like the new me I was imagining. I wanted to shout like Julia Roberts (but fatter) "I have money! Look! " make me look nice! Etc. and then maybe throw some money at the sales assistants and then have sex with Richard Gere I didn't of course. I just had a bit of a cry in the car.

OK, I haven't seen this in real life, so I don't know what it is really like here BUT it has an elsticated waist,that can be dropped to the hips and then the material draped over, in a "hiding" kind of way, it has slightly capped sleeves, and it has a tighter skirt and a looser body. That suggests a flattering, forgiving shape. You can wear with or without tights. I think looking for things a bit like that might be better than Mint Velvet styleee.

I haven't posted that dress to say" "Get it!", jsut to suggest other styles that might be kinder.

Well done on the weight loss. I am far more than a mere stone and a half overweight! and am now resigned to "forgiving" styles!!

I really am sad that a trip out to celebrate life going well ended without you feeling good about yourself and looking forward happily. I'd love to take you shopping. I probably wouldn't let you buy anything (I'm a ruthless believer in try-not-buy days) but I'm sure we'd find you stuff you'd look great in.

Tsk. Now you've all made me cry again for being so darn nice. And not calling me silly and superficial. And blaming the clothes not me! I'm going to try again! Taking all of your fabulous advice. Annoyingly Boden are out of stock in size 14 Chelsea or Bistro trousers. I think 'trying not buying' is exactly what I need to do, thecat. I am very out of practise. Onwards and upwards eh!

Try Gap or Top Shop for trousers. Mint Velvet is eff all use if you've got boobs I've found. Mind you, I wish I knew where was good for giant norgs...

Why don't you wait until you get to your target weight and then buy yourself a new wardrobe?

restandpeace I know, that would be the most sensible thing to do. It's just that it's so slooooowww losing weight and I wanted a bit of a boost. And I really hate my clothes! But I also don't want to waste money on stuff that will (hopefully) be too big in 6 months. Maybe I'll stick to shoes, and try and get a decent pair of jeans/trousers for now.

Where you've lost weight you have probably changed shaped. You no longer the shapeless smocks that MV offer. You probably need something more fitted for your new smaller waist.

No no no. Don't hold off buying new stuff!
That's a terrible idea, to wait for some target weight!
You should start feeling fab now. Celebrate what you have achieved so far, it's the best motivator

Mint velvet is shit on a lot of people because they use flimsy wishy washy fabrics and their clothes have no structure and are usually not lined.

Go to a decent department store with someone who likes you and will tell you the truth.
Try on loads of stuff concentrating on the cut and the shape, not the colour or adornments. Try on stuff you would not normally wear.
I nagged my friend to try on a jersey wrap dress which she assumed would be too clingy and she looked awesome. She's got about five now.
You can learn the basic things that suit you're ally quickly and then spot those shapes in stores that match your budget.

I buy a lot from designers and good high street brands like Whistles and Reiss. But because I know what suits me I can spot a dress or skirt in Topshop and 50 paces.

Can recommend M&S jeggings - the pull on ones.Look like skinny jeans and are high waisted.They're also not too expensive.I wear them all the time and am a 12/14 with a flotation ring round my tummy .There are also some flattering t shirts in H&M at the moment that are not very expensive .I do agree some new clothes will make you feel so much better.

Those Next tops Gillybobs linked too are fab. They are cut really, really well and not at all clingy. They're quite smart too, but look great with jeans.

For casual skirts, if you don't mind showing a bit of leg, I really rate Whistles tube skirts. The one I've linked to is a short one, but they do midi length too. And because they have elasticated waists, it will probably fit you now and when you've lost a bit more too.
These are the M&S jeans I buy - they are excellent, especially the mid blue and pale blue denim ones.