Curvista's - A wardrobe AW14/15 planning thread

[adviceforme]

Hello

I really enjoyed reading a curvy summer wardrobe thread a couple of months back, so I thought I'd see if anyone is up for an autumn/winter wardrobe planning thread.

I'm nearly 40 and never sure what I should be wearing anymore. Coupled with a few post DS wobbles and...lets say new shapes to deal with, I find I am struggling.

Are there any other MNetters who would like to join me in planning for AW14/15? We could share links, advice on shapes/colour/bargains/accessories and even trends from blogs.

[mamijacacalys]

Poly I have the Boden dress in the blue abstract leopard and in a size 16 (so that the skirt bit isn't too flared).
I often size down with Boden viscose blend dresses to minimise the tent-like tendencies of too-flared skirts. Usually works because material is thick and stretchy enough to accommodate boobs!
HTH

[MillyDots]

Can I join too please. The only issue I have with colour analysis is that when you change your hair colour dramatically then it actually does affect the colours you can wear. Does anyone else find that?

[polyhymnia]

Thanks Mami, I think the shape of that dress would suit me well (tall, hourglass Size 22).

The blue leopard looked the best of the colour ways but I'm a bit worried by the red splashes on it, as I'm not a lover of red. Are they very bright/ dominant? What sort of red are they (scarlet, blue/red, etc)?

[mamijacacalys]

Poly more of an orangey colour so not too bright.

[polyhymnia]

Thanks.

[SweetieTime]

I would like to join you too. I have lost my style way. I am 40, size 14 and have 8 month old twins. I feel like I have had nothing new for a couple of years with maternity and then mum clothes. I seem to live in leggings or jeggings with tunics. I am not sure what else to try but would love to try things with more colour or pattern. I went to Debenhams personal shopper a few years ago and found this really good so might give this a go again.

[adviceforme]

Hello Millydots - welcome. Yes I suppose that is true, im guesinng you liek to try out different hair colours then!

[PinkSquash]

I am a convert to tapered jogger style trousers, I have two pairs from Dorothy perkins and they are flattering as anything IMO.

Houndstooth and checks were big on the AW14 catwalks so they would be a good nod towards the season. Houndstooth and therefore monochrome is always a good stylish look IME.

[MillyDots]

Advice thankyou . What it is is that I was a dark warm brunette with dark green eyes warm skin and a face full of freckles. So I believe I am an autumn but I have had very blond hair for the last twenty years which does change what colours I can wear somewhat.

[QueenLego]

Hi everyone, i'm loving this thread!

I'm a jewel winter (HoC) and end to be a size 18-20, but i'm trying to lose weight. I'm very dark brown hair, blue eyes and translucent skin. Have signed to dressipi and really like it!

I've been buying a few bits from Evans in the sale and really trying to buy clothes so I look good now at my size and stop thinking i'll spend money when I lose weight. I've just got an amazing job and need to look more polished so his thread is a god send for me.

[MrsTeeTotal]

Hello, marking my place! I am 38, have 4 DCs (youngest is 12 weeks), am size 16. I have had 4 c secs so, to others, I probably appear to have a horrendous tummy/overhang. To me, it's my war wound and I don't give a toss what anyone else thinks! Anyway.... my mum visited yesterday and commented, as I was cuddling my new born, 'ah, you're very mumsy'.... ahhhh, cringe!

So here I am.

Snatchoo, you sound soooo stylish, I'm jealous!

Queen, you have a fab attitude, live in the moment :)

[SingingSilver]

Place marking. I've nothing of value to chip in with at the moment. But I did buy a nice casual top from Sainsbury's today. It's a floral patterned dark blue/light blue long sleeved top made of soft material. My problem area is my tummy and it didn't look so bad in it.

[Snatchoo]

Thanks Mrs!

I'm not really, but I've got majorly in a rut with my clothing. Had a huge clear out and have genuinely thrown out about 80% that I have. The stuff I was wearing over and over was the only stuff that fit me as I have gained weight, so it was threadbare and horrible.

I have decided for now at least to embrace my shape!

[Snatchoo]

Thanks Mrs!

I'm not really, but I've got majorly in a rut with my clothing. Had a huge clear out and have genuinely thrown out about 80% that I have. The stuff I was wearing over and over was the only stuff that fit me as I have gained weight, so it was threadbare and horrible.

I have decided for now at least to embrace my shape!

[Jellypudmum]

Bump

[spookyskeleton]

Hi, love this thread I am 5ft 8, size 14-16. My stomach is my worse feature and I spend my life trying to disguise it. I have good boobs and legs though

I bought this last year and it is incredibly flattering as it highlights my boobs and legs but compketely skims my stomach. Have bought the pink one this year - still very flattering.

I have also bought this in 2 colours. It is very thick and heavy so skims my stomach rather than clings to it - looks fab with tights and winter boots.

[kahori]

Hi curvistas, I was on the summer thread but under a namechange, I think.

I have a challenge if anyone is up for it. My 40th birthday is less than 2 months away. I am going on a night away which will involve dinner and drinks and will probably also have a night out in the local pub.

I wear 16 on the bottom and 18-20 top. I am quite short and carry a lot of the weight on my middle.

I'm working on losing some weight but realistically will still be 16-18 on top.

I'd love some suggestions on going out outfits. I'm brunette, lightly tanned and usually wear black going out but I am open to change.

I usually wear skinny jeans and loose top. I own this which I love but have come to doubt how flattering it is on top

Any help appreciated. Thanks

[mamijacacalys]

Ooh Spooky.
Love that cord skirt - shape is just about right for me. Assume you got the long length? If so where does it come to? I am 1' shorter than you and like on the knee or just below in this style.
Could do with a few more skirts as have loads of tops already and not seen that many dresses for a/w that I like so far.

[spookyskeleton]

Mami yes the cord skirt is just gorgeous. I got it in pink (which is stunning) and the marine blue. Yes i got the longer length which is about 2 inches above my knee but with thick tights and boots, it looks ok. If it helps, it is probably a similar length as a 38 inch dress on me.

[kahori]

I love the Boden cord skirts. I like skirts but never wear them as I can't seem to get the proportions right. I need the skirt to be above the knee, which at 5''2 they rarely are and then I never know what length top to wear.

[mamijacacalys]

Ta Spooky . Will seek out a 20% code...

[spookyskeleton]

I cannot wait till the weather turns (not that it is exactly summery at the moment ) so I can wear them.

Haven't looked but have they got them in petite sizes??

[adviceforme]

In my quest for a pleated skirt I have tried

www.next.co.uk/x54104s3#675152x54 - collected yesterday and tried on, just didm sit right, even with heals, long blouse tucked in or not. So I tried a pencil skirt on and was amazed.

www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/products/sale/dresses/day-dresses/pleat-skirt-dress/black/pd163blk/?page=10 - this has just arrived, it fits (means I can get it on and hangs over all lumps/wobbles very nicely, has a nice weight to it. But I can grab uite a bit if material. It doesnt give me much definition around waist or bust. This is the first order for me from Pepperberry and I could probably go a size smaller (this was a curvy 18) But great price in sale at £39. More returns faff!

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/black-pleat-&-stud-dress/dresses/mint-v/fcp-product/4232 This is my favourite but crucially I have not tried it on - been trying the other above because it is £100, an expensive purchase for a 'school run' wardrobe. Most dresses from here fit me well except shifts. They are always a lovely in their fabrics and little different touches. But erring on expensive side.

more on the pencil omg why have I shyed away from this? If you havnt tried it already, do. After missing out on pretty hem lines re leg issues all summer I was delighted to try these on with heals in anticipation of winter tights (no more blue/white angst) I tried blouses tucked in/out and a very fine knit. By purchasing a siple £25 skirt I feel like I instantly got 3 or 4 more outfits when paired with existing wardrobe items. I got my winter coats out to check lengths.

As snatchoo said I have embraced my shape. We derserve to look/feel goog whatever stage we are at with our health/weight loss whatever. I mean in the skirts you can still look at me and see a wobbly low sitting tummy but you can when I wear jeans too. So in the same vain wear a long blouse. But also with skirts you dont have all the bulky area of zip an buttons. It did highlight my need for support knicker. I think I need a knicker intervention too.

So I may just wear the new pencil skirt, which leaves enough room in budget to buy some new heals and matching bag - think Im opting for red berry patent from Clarks.

[adviceforme]

kahori hi im a fan of Mint Velvent too. Have you tried their knitted dresses ith silk bubble hems - they have a plain black one which you could accessorise with bright.

The stretch on the top would allow for you bust whilst flattering your lower half with a tapered in hem line.

Have you tried that top on with a pencil skirt, tuck in or out - I promise it's worth a good try on.

Mrs I have had 2 CS's too - my last one seemed to really change the shape of my tummy area as it was higher up, I have a slight apron (I hate that term but it fits rather than getting into 'rolls' and hanging) But yes, It's like well its there I have two lovely healthy DS so I try to make the best of it ^but could do with dieting and moving a bit!

[MrsPnut]

Marking my place for when I get home and can look properly.