Help me find my new 'single me' style - please!

[OohMrDarcy]

I ended my marriage almost six months ago after finding about about 'D' H's affair... Am now finally starting to feel like me again, and wanting to get out of the mummy drudge style I've been stuck in for years!

I am overweight - but losing slowly (1st 3lb since I kicked his arse out). Around a size 18 at the mo, though varies.

I am 5' 4" , long dark hair and brown eyes.

I want to slowly develop a more stylish look - but with very limited budget / stylish flair!

I have dyed my hair (medium brown mahogony or something) and am getting it cut for the first time in 18 months (yep - I know!) on saturday ... can't bloody wait!

So what do I need to be thinking about clothes / makeup wise ? I will add a pic to my profile temporarily so you can see what I look like now

I'm not normally a makeup person, unless going out somewhere special - but would like to look more polished so thinking a mineral powder / clear mascara or something - would that work?!

Anyhoo - any advice will be most gratefully received! Am also working on getting fit again and basically finding the old me under all this baggage!

Starting to think I might be ready to date again - but have never really done the whole dating thing before so this is partly kicking me to think about my image

I stopped wearing black trousers years ago - I think unless you have access to massively fashion-forward styling and Alexa Chung's body and budget, they're just a style black hole. There are few things less stylish than the whole River Island polyester black suit trousers/coloured top/cardigan look. Awful. Ditch the fuckers.

I have two coats - neither particularly stylish! The green jacket one I'm wearing in my old hair pic and my winter coat.... need something a bit smarter / nicer too (on a budget!)

I have comfy trainers that are nice, but need fixing / replacing as the sole is seperating slightly (might just glue back for now)

I know Amethyst.. I hate them too - but no idea what else to wear... absolutely hate my lower half at the mo!

What is the general thoughts on getting colours done? Was talking to a friend about it this morning... I can't afford over £100 to do it but might be able to research a bit online and work out some of it myself?

Hair day tomorrow - can't wait!

I am a similar age and clothes size to you and getting out of my baby bubble. I had my hair cut from long bob in a mousy blond colour to chin length and blond and i love it - it has made me feel so much better. Def yes to having eyebrows done - they make my eyes look bigger and make me look more groomed.

I am rubbish at makeup and cant really be bothered but have started using a tinted moisturiser and a bit of eyeliner (benefit big eyes kits - powder so easy) and i actually look like i have eyes now! I also wear a pink lipstick ( almost my natural colour) and i feel so much more put together.

I also dug out my fashion jewellery ( mostly charity shops or supermarket) and it really makes me feel more done. I am still living in my mum wardrobe
boots, striped top, gillet and jeans as i am also loosing weight but have my eye on a few new things. I am not very stylish so this is where i struggle!

Well done on the weight loss and good luck with the haircut ! Post your after pic.

I wouldn't pay to get your colours done - just look it up online and ask friends for opinions. Have to say black is definitely out as a colour.

Ooh you are pretty!

Your hair colour is lovely, it reminds me a bit of Kelly Brooks - some heated rollers or the babyliss big hair thingy would make it more polished (for a night out - deffo too much faff on a daily basis!)

Your eyebrows would look great threaded and dyed. I know it seems like a lot of effort, but if you go to a salon and get that done and your lashes tinted at the same time you don't have to bother for another 3 weeks. I'm all about lazy tricks! haha!

This sort of hair is what your first photo reminded me of :)

I'd just research colours online I think and save your money for clothes/makeup :).

Love that Kelly Brook hair!

With the wavy-ed up, I was thinking if you get your hair around shoulder length and a few longish layers in it, you could put some styling product in (either beach spray or texturizing product) when it is wet, shake it about a bit or scrunch and leave to dry naturally and get a texturized/messy look. Something like these:
www.pinterest.com/pin/25614291606201257/
www.pinterest.com/pin/323837029427745629/
www.pinterest.com/pin/315603886361880300/
www.pinterest.com/pin/391461392583364029/
www.pinterest.com/pin/571535008935334357/

Even if it didn't go very wavy/messy, it should add some volume and texture.

ooh lots of replies, and you are all being so lovely!

I'd love that glossy lovely kelly brook hair - not sure mine would ever cope with it mind!

Ok - have also ordered a babyliss big hair now (secretly coveted them for a good year so any excuse and all that!)

So much to think about! Like the look of the next jeans whoever suggested them (and definitely need high waist too - thanks c-section!)

Anyone know where I can look online re- colours?

Hi OhMr just wanted to say you are very pretty, your skin is gorgeous! I think you might suit layers through your hair to give it a bit of movement and maybe a side fringe if you can cope with it.

Good luck with the dating, I had a break up over a year ago and am considering getting back out there again! It's daunting isn't it?

thanks Bexicles

Seriously not coping with these compliments! Will definitely get a photo post hair cut tomorrow! Hoping to get threading done whilst there as have discovered they do it!

Still not sure if I am quite ready for dating tbh, but I miss certain aspects ahem of a relationship so must be ready to start thinking about it at least Not planning anything serious any time soon, but some fun / a few dates could give me a boost! Good luck to you too if you decide to go for it - I don't even know where to start tbh!

Hair Cut day is here - am a bit nervous, but also feeling reckless! Am considering giving haidresser free reign!

Another one saying you are very pretty.

I dont think those glasses are flattering. They look nice enough, but deffo get some new ones when you go to the optician.

I agree with whoever said you could carry off quite a cute hipster look.

Hair cut done (pic uploaded)

dalekanium - what style of glasses do you think would work better? and whats a hipster look - clueless!

thanks!

I've been googling colour analysis - This is what some american site came up with after a free quiz :

Color Intensity: Medium to deep shades, some brights
Accessories: Silver and gold
Best Neutrals: Black or dark brown
Pop Colors: Purple, true red, persimmon, royal blue
White or Ivory?: Both
Best Shoe and Purse Color: If your hair is medium to deep brown, choose dark brown for your best shoe and purse color. If your hair is dark brown to black, then choose black.
Best Makeup Shades: Browns, neutral, berries
Hair Advice: Your dark natural hair is best, so when highlighting, don't go too light. Medium shades of caramel and toffee are great choices of highlights for you. Keep the highlights minimal around your face.

Anyone who knows what they are on about - do you think this seems accurate from a quick nose at my pics?

Hello again lovely ladies, been a few days!

Well my babyliss big hair and ELF bits arrived, only used some but have added a pic to my profile - I can't belive how much the babyliss thing has smoothed my haiir already

I had a look at the book Tiz, problem is I'm not great at self analysing skin / hair etc

Any thoughts on the colours would be greatly appreciated guys!

... or any next steps in the continual improvement plan!

I think you might be a cool autumn????

Have had a google - I can't see cool autumn anywhere?!

Found this pinterest thingy www.pinterest.com/pin/116882552802882067/

suggests autumns can only be deep soft or warm

Have a look on pininterest

Update for anyone still reading - Eyebrows have now been threaded, which wasn't as painful as I expected! Planning to get them done regularly now, and next hair cut booked to stop me accidentally slipping 18 months!

Am staying on top of the bit of lippy / powder every day and I am in love with my babyliss big hair - it helps me shape the layers around my face lovely and I only spend a few mins doing it before I leave the house :)

As well as makeup and scarves you'll need tops:-

I think this is really pretty - the 18 is sold out online but you could find it in store.

www.oasis-stores.com/bold-bloom-print-tee/clothing/oasis/fcp-product/3190432400

the other top below is pretty too:-

www.oasis-stores.com/the-jessie-top/clothing/oasis/fcp-product/4490160859

Warehouse also have some really nice tops in 18 too - from daytime to evening. here are a few in your colours:-

www.warehouse.co.uk/all-tops/dept/fcp-category/list#filters=MASTER_COLOUR!blue%2Cpurple%2Cred%24AVAILABLE_SIZE!18&page=0

Thanks Super - have never bought from those places so will have a good look!

PS OP - I think any little thing you do now will give you the oomph (some people call it getting your mojo back!) you need so you look good on a regular basis.

I know it sounds silly sometimes but yes, hair, colours, eyebrows all help with your everyday look.

Don't be scared of looking in charity shops for the odd update item, they've turned up some gems especially jewellery, scarves etc in the past for me.

It's really exciting seeing you embrace the new emerging you, go you!