Help! New wardrobe and bra intervention!

[PrimroseEverdeen]

Stylish mumsnetters, I need your help. My son is 19 months old and I have lost all my baby weight, but somehow have ended up a size bigger and none of my clothes fit. I've decided that I need a complete new wardrobe as I just feel so frumpy and unlike myself that it's getting me down.

I used to be a definite hourglass but now I'm a bit like a spider with a large middle and skinny arms and legs.

I've been shopping but I can't find anything that suits me and the shops I used to like, seem to be full of stuff that is just too young for me but I'm totally not ready for some of the shops aimed at mums my age like sea salt, fat face, white stuff.

I'm 33, 5'4, just under 10 stone and a size 12-14. I've got huge Norks so tops and dresses are problematic and anything crew neck is out. I think I'm a 34 f ( measure 33 under bust and 41.5 over.) but I don't always feel like I'm getting enough support and feel a bit matronly in a lot of tops.

I look good in skinny jeans so I have bought some next high waisted ones which hold in my tummy, but now I'm stuck. I would like a few great tops/blouses, a couple of jumpers and cardigans, summer dresses and a lightweight jacket ( possibly leather).

I can't see the wood for the trees and would be very grateful for some advice! Thanks in advance!

Are you measuring your norks as described here? The bending over bit gets all the breast tissue forward

Hi CMOT, yes I was bending over when I measured.

Bump!

What sort of styles did you use to wear, and where did you shop?

I used to like shops like mango, Zara, abercrombie and fitch, h&m and topshop. I can't seem to find anything I like at the moment. All the shops seem to be full of early 90's style fashion and I'm too old for that!

I feel for you Primose, the biggest killer with being pregnant and the zombie aftermath is taking your finger off the pulse a bit. Suddenly when you refocus on what fashion is, it seems to have changed dramatically. My standard look of pretty dresses and Audrey Hepburn (style - not size!) is way out of date.

I am a similar bra size to you and find that Curvy Kate bras are good (JL sell them). Also if you have the funds, then Rigby and Peller are amazing. I feel like a totally new woman in those bras - but they are ruinously expensive.

Clothes wise, have you tried banana republic for a slightly more grown up take on the A&F look? Also Gap (when they have one of their almost constant voucher codes) is pretty good value and a step into the current vibe without being too young.

I find that H&M and Topshop are out these days, except for occasional items. I just look fat and frumpy in their stuff. New Look can be surprisingly good, if I choose carefully.

Also a good big JL, while not exactly rock and roll, does tend to have a good selection from lots of different high street stores which makes the process a bit less painful.

OP have you tried some alternative bra sizes? I think it would be worth trying 32 bands to get extra support so perhaps 32FF/G/GG.

Thank you freebutton and sorrel!

I'm going to go and have a look in banana republic, as we have one in the city I live in. I used to buy a lot of work wear in there but never thought to try it for casual wear.

I'm also going to have a look at curvy kate. I think you are right about trying a 32. I'm sure it will give more support, but in the past I have found that it has given me unsightly back fat! Thanks again for your help.

The back fat can usually be sorted by a bugger cup and lots of scooping!