Frump to fabulous by September

[newchallengesahead]

I am starting a new job in September.
I think that it would really boost my confidence if I didn't look and feel so frumpy.
What can I realistically achieve between now and then? Money available to achieve this transformation is unfortunately minimal!
Need to lose some weight and I am thinking of joining low carb bootcamp.
What can I do to ensure I create the right impression and also ensure I feel better about myself.

What is the dress code? What do you currently have in the way of workwear?

Lots of threads like this focus on grooming: nails, regular hair cuts, brows, ironing your clothes, wearing what suits you... that kind of thing.

Grooming is boring but necessary, especially as we age, IMO.

Getting your colours done works for some. It can help you get a capsule wardrobe of things that a) suit you and b) go with each other. Since I did it I find I have fewer clothes but they are better quality and coordinate well with everything else. Getting dressed is just less hassle! No more impulse buys (who can afford them anyway?)

Good posture works wonders.

Low carb bootcamp may well work for you. But in the long term you need to have good habits that are sustainable (for you) if you want to maintain a healthy weight.

Good luck and congratulations on the new job!

How fit are you? If not very, then increase the amount of walking you do - aim for at least 30 minute brisk walking at least 5 days a week. This will help with weight loss and also with making you feel more positive about yourself.

Take a long look at your diet - could you get some more veg in there? Could you cut out some processed food and sugar? Cut down on booze and caffeine? Increase water intake? Reduce your portion sizes?

I firmly believe that all the most effective 'feel good' stuff happens on the inside - diet, hydration, sleep, exercise.

But on the outside:

Are you interested in make-up? If you are, have a look at Sali Hughes and Lisa Eldridge's websites - they have lots of videos which show you how to recreate different make up looks. Some of the products they recommend are very expensive but you can always find much cheaper dupes in Boots/Superdrug - the S&B crew on here can help you.

I absolutely love having coloured nails - it's one of my 'things' and cheers me up no end. Short, clean, well shaped nails in a colour you like will make you look groomed. You can do all this at home and get great nail varnishes for a few quid in high street shops.

Good luck with it all and enjoy it!

Congratulations on the new job!

Let me share something I did today which is still making me feel fabulous. I have brought in a new handcream in a pump dispenser (the hand lotion half from one of those hand wash and lotion sets I got half price in Boots post Christmas sale so effectively 2.50) and when I was testing to see if the top was locked I put some of the lotion on my hands, then applied it further up my wrists and arms. I am wearing a dress and cardie today and even though nobody can see my moisturised arms I know they are there and they just feel 'sleek'.

I second the painted nails- I was rubbish at applying but just kept practicing and now friends think I have been for manicures/gel manicures.

I would look at couch to 5k. Its an easy way into running and helps many people feel better about themselves. Also look on youtube for FitnessBlender. There are lots of free workouts on there. Including HIIT which is supposed to be the best way to burn fat.

I have started wearing make up recently mainly for work but find bareminerals foundation is easy to apply and makes a difference.

I did WW and found it easyish to lose the weight plus its pretty sensible and maintainable.

Thank you so much for your replies.
I will need to be smart. I usually wear dresses and I do have 3 or 4 which will be smart enough to wear to work. I thought that I could 'rotate' them until I can afford to buy some more. I do need to lose weight though to ensure that I can fit in to them and look my best. My nails are a mess and I have been thinking that this was an area to tackle - not sure where to start though.
I have looked at couch to 5K before even downloaded an app onto my phone will look at it again. I will also start walking more.
I need to get into good habits - I tend to start off enthusiastically but soon fall by the wayside. I an not sure why I sabotage myself when it just leads to me feeling worse about myself!

'My nails are a mess and I have been thinking that this was an area to tackle - not sure where to start though'

If you can, start with a professional manicure to sort out nail length and cuticles and everything in one go. Ask the manicurist for tips about maintaining them at home. Then you could go shopping for colours - some jobs will only allow you to wear very neutral tones so that might be worth checking first. Avoid any frosted or pearly type polishes as they can be very ageing. You will need a base coat and top coat too. There is a brand in Superdrug called NYC - all their polishes are around the 2-3 pound mark but the formula is quite good. Have a look on YouTube for nail painting tips if its been a while. Have fun with it!

Find an outdoor sport that inspires you.

If you have a passion you will glow.