im in a rut

[jessicaandrebeccasmummy]

im 5'1

size 16

bad legs, bad arms and sweet fa in the way of norks (b/c cup if im lucky)

Want to feel like a 24yr old - not a bloody mumsy 50 yr old.

PLEASE help.... and cheap too.

TIA xxx

what kind of thing are you wearing these days?
what would you like to wear?
do you need work clothes or sahm clothes?
what's your colouring

Universal tips are:
No sportswear unless actually doing sport
That includes no trainers
No fleece in any form unless camping
No wearing men's clothes

Things you can sling on in the dark and instantly look groomed:
Well-fitting dark jeans
Well-fitting tailored-ish jacket (try DP )
T-shirt with appropriate neckline (probably scoop but try lots - DP again, also Primark etc.)
Boots with a block heel
Shell necklace thus or similar
Good big handbag

Other things to consider:
Reassess haircut
Reassess colour scheme - think about avoiding black as it actually suits very few people.
Get measured for bra even if you think you know what size you are. Get opinions from more than one place.
Wear more skirts - always look like you've made more effort whilst taking none
Wear more bold jewellery - ditto

Not sure how much this helps on the 24yo thing as I have left 24 far behind, but dressing in things that suit you and make you feel confident and feminine, rather than latest-fashion things, means they'll last longer and won't date and you'll look less like a fashion victim...

i agree about teh skirt thing

also, a good instant pickme up is a bit of fake tan

mkaes you feel slimmer too

m&s also have lots of nice tops just now, good, scoop necks, v necks, next are the best for jeans imo too, and the petite usually have at least 3 pairs to choose from

also, try and wear heels as much as poss. im 5' and i do this

i currently live in long black skirt ive had for about 6 years, or cargo trousers with vest tops.

i have 2 pairs of jeans that i dont like... so dont wear.

hundred of nice new tops so not too worried about tops, its bottoms and shoes!

agree i need a good fitting bra - m&s ok for that or do i need la senza or somesuch place?

shoes = i live in birkenstocks, have quite wide feet, and although i love heels, dont actually own a pair since my boots died last winter.

so, shopping list is new bra, new boots and dark jeans?! yes?

im a SAHM so no need for smart stuff - stuff that a 2yr old and 10 month old can have a mummy in but still make me feel good!

OMG im rambling so much.... i need a complete makeover.... my hair is growing out of a short style, middle parting, front is almost chin length now and back is at my shoulders - straightened every day due to major frizz issue.

colours wise - i have naturally dark to black hair, pale skin, but hair currently died red/auburn colour.

i have no nails - serial nail biter - will full set of acrylics help me feel more feminine?

GOsh, so many questions!!! SORRY!

re bra - go to more than one place (I recommend M&S and Debenhams) and see if they come to the same size. I don't get on with La Senza myself - their stuff always seems polyestery and poorly-made. Of course if you can get to Rigby and Peller then you'll get the best bras ever but your budget will be in shreds...

Definitely new boots, with any kind of heel you like if you can walk in them - I only suggested block as it's less scary for non-heel wearers to start with.
They'll also be a good starting point for choosing winter skirts...

I like Next stretchy jeans too. Think about the little jacket though, and do you have a nice-looking wool coat for winter?

Wouldn't advise false nails unless you have time and money for the upkeep (no way I have), but a manicure to get them in trim is always nice.

m&s have some gorgeous swingy coats just now

dont go to la senza, cheap shite

debenhams or m&s

next for jeans and shoes (they have quite a few wide fitting)

dot p's have nice skirts and jeans for petites

La Senza are generally over-padded and uncomfortable 'fashion bras'

La Senza are generally over-padded and uncomfortable 'fashion bras'

If you are on a serious budget like me - New Look have some wide fit shoes.

Yes, jackets are good! Really easy way to smarten/dress up any outfit is to pop a nice jacket on over the top.

also, next have s ome nice 3/4 length-arm jackets, with big buttons, in nice colours like green etc, that are great for slinging on when going out with the children (ie us sahm's!)

also, i have foound recently, if you are feeling a bit boring with t shirts all the time, new look have some nice little lacy/flouncy shirts and blouses that look great with jeans and are just as easy to wear

new look are dead cheap too

agree about their shoes too

right, so M&S and Debenhams for a bra or 3

New look for shoes and possibly jacket (do have brand new woolen winter coat from last year hardly worn)

Next or DP's for petite length jeans (do next do fat petite stuff?) DARK jeans im assuming??

Where else is good for cheap but decent boots? will deffo go for chunky heel and my kitten heel boots last year died with 2 months wear.

I feel a shopping spree coming on - once finances permit - maybe 1 or 2 items this month and the rest next month!

I think the sort of jacket you are being recommended is more of a jacket shape (like a suit jacket but more informal) than a coat shape. And would do until it is cold enough for the winter coat and also for going places like indoor shopping centres. I like the one that MrsB linked to. My boots from last winter were about £35 from DPs which I thought was cheap for full knee length boots. Took me ages to find them though.

clarks have nice chunky boots