Up for a challenge? Boy, do I need help!

[MyAngels]

OK, here goes...

I'm just coming out the other side of 7 months cancer treatment, and so physically and emotionally I really need a style boost. As a result of treatments I have...one boob, no hair (but have a wig), no eyebrows, no eyelashes, a nasty rash on my chest from radiotherapy, no big toenails, fingernails on the way out too, bit overweight from chemo and comfort eating (think a large size 12). Not a good look really..

I did go to a make up session whilst on treatment, so have makeup mostly sorted, but could do with a clothes boost too.

Boob and chest problem means I can't wear anything plunging or strappy(no V-necks), but would like some new spring/summer tops or dresses. I am off to Egypt in May for a holiday so something nice for that would be good.

I usually live in Fitflop sandals for the summer and paint my toenails - now out of the question as I have no toenails to paint. Any ideas for nice summer shoes which cover up toes?

I can never wear skinnies or any other slim trousers as I have huge calves (always have, nothing new!) - everything stylish seems to revolve around skinnies - what are the alternatives?

I have a moderate budget for an update - I'm just back at work, but work from home so don't need an office wardrobe. I have 2 DC (8 and 5) so need school run comfort too.

Thanks

Sorry you have been ill, 7 months of treatment must have been horribly gruelling. Hope you're on the road to full recovery now

Now, as to styling.

How about some thin flare-style jeans? I've got muscly calves too so have been very happy about the resurgence of flares recently! And if you can get the length right they look great with flat shoes. Actually if they're long enough I'd wear them with flip flops even without a big toenail, I don't think it would be that noticeable. And then at home you could still wear your normal shoes underneath.

There are also loads of nice really thin cheesecloth type tops around (sort of beach kaftan style but proper tops. I don't know what the difference is between each side of your chest is now, but if your remaining breast isn't too big, I reckon that sort of style would cover that well, and lots are high-necked or have string tassels to tie at the neck. I'd just avoid ones that are too long or floaty with flares, need something more fitted (but not too tight).

Would denim shirt-dresses suit you do you think? Lots of nice ones around too for the school-run.

Congratulations on coming out the other side! Good news for you is that flares and wide leg trousers are coming back in a big way so skinnies needn't be a problem. I would suggest some ballet pumps in colours you like, and there are also some lovely simple blouses around in light fabrics that finish at the neck. Might be worth having a look at Boden for some dresses and tops that suit? Good luck!

www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Dresses/Day-Dresses/WH758/Womens-Blackberry-Dress.html?NavGroupID=4

www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Dresses/Day-Dresses/WH782/Womens-Verity-Dress.html?NavGroupID=4

www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Shirts-Blouses/WA580/Womens-Evelyn-Shirt.html

Places like Zara etc have loads of tribal-print stuff atm, which I think is a nice look for holiday. You could also try the kind of harem-style trousers (lots around atm), maybe not the kind that have tight ankle cuffs, but the looser kind, and there are loads of patterned, thin trousers in lots of high st shops. Not to my taste personally (maybe I'm too old, they just look like pyjamas!) but they're pretty on trend. They'd be great on holiday.

For everyday dresses I get quite a few from St Tropez, which is cheap but nice. There are a few shops near me which sell it (independents), but they have online store too.

What about espadrilles for holiday shoes? Lots of them around too in great metallics, leopard print etc. Love things like these from Office

I have some toenail "issues" at present too, and bought a pair of these to keep them covered when the weather turns hot:

www.marksandspencer.com/leather-strappy-sandals/p/p22378554

The sizing is quite small.

Sounds bizarre but I glue fake big toenails on with nail glue -they fall off after about a fortnight (or I flick them off). I buy them on eBay (but have to buy sets so have a lot of littler toe ones left over)!

I knew someone without big toenails and she used to use nail polish on the skin where they used to be! It wasn't noticeable at all.