How to achieve the middle class / posh girl look and lifestyle?

[stuckonchapterone]

Hello everyone.

I was seen, and read some threads similar to this, however I was wondering whether anyone could give me some advice, it would be much appreciated

I have long been a 'fan' of the posh / middle class fashion look e.g. long hair, joules, white stuff ect. I was wondering what staples you would suggest purchasing in order to achieve this look and lifestyle e.g. I am looking into buying a barbour coat, once I can get to the shops (currently recovering from an illness at the moment, and part of this post is get some advice before I update my wardrobe to make myself feel a bit better) Advice on where to shop / eat and act would be great too

Any tips / advice to help me achieve this look / lifestyle would be greatly appreciated. No negative comments please.

Thanks all!

If you really want to put a stop to the queries, why not just say "Look for complicated reasons (including illness and job), I have decided to entirely reinvent myself, Coppelia-style and am starting at Chapter One as per my NN. I realise this is an unusual request. I don't want to go into my complicated reasons so please don't ask " ?

Just acknowledge the eccentricity of the mission. It will stop a lot of it, I think

Everyone needs a good, honest friend who says "why on Earth are you doing that!" or "don't wear that, you'll look silly". People care, that's all. I'm sorry that people seem harsh but I do think that it's never wise to pretend to be something that you're not. Find out who you are, and don't reinvent yourself for the wrong reasons.

Buxhoeveden You're on to a winner!

Look for complicated reasons (including illness and job), I have decided to entirely reinvent myself, Coppelia-style and am starting at Chapter One as per my NN. I realise this is an unusual request. I don't want to go into my complicated reasons so please don't ask

stuckinchapterone

But whyyyyyyyyyyy?

I think the problem is OP that while you continue to address the comments re your look, you haven't addressed any regarding your initial request for advice on what to eat and how to act. That's entirely your prerogative, you don't have to answer anyone. That's why you're continuing (and will continue) to get speculation and comments, however.

I'm sorry you were upset by posters' comments OP, but to be perfectly honest if a grown woman asks for advice on how to dress and act to appear middle class, I think most people are going to question her sanity.

I am not, and will not, answer my self to anyone from now on. I have attempted to explain my back ground, provided insight into myself e.g. job & age, and will not disclose any more information

That's fine OP, as I said it's your prerogative. Expect continued speculation though!

I am not, and will not, answer my self to anyone from now on

This is precisely the attitude you could use in your life right now.

Say: I'm recovering from illness. I do not have to answer to anyone, I do not have to change myself for anyone, and most of all I do not have to alter my clothes, my lifestyle, where I eat and how a I act, in order to 'feel better'.

Because she is Stuck on Chapter One Happy

Or, more precisely, struggling with characterisation bf her protagonist, by the sounds of things.

There's a very good board that might help you OP, without worrying all these kind people

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/creative_writing

(Or of course, you could have used S&B and been upfront )

Ah, sneaky A very novel thread, indeed.

Can I just thank sparkles and Zero for the introduction to Henry James's 'The Ambassadors'? It looks great!

maybe she is riding a horse around waitrose while sipping prosecco from an emma bridgewater mug & swishing her long caramel highlighted hair petite

Why don't you just come and clean and carry on OP?

I think it's clear a lot of people are happy to discuss manicures and swishy hair under any pretext.

It would just be fairer to those who were/are/could be concerned about 'your' state of mind

I think you've had some good pointers OP, but would say a lot of the 'detail' if you like will depend on where you live.

I probably fit into that style bracket, although I couldn't care less if anyone thinks my Michael Kors handbag is for secretaries or my Miu Miu a bit Eurotrash That said, it is undoubtedly an easier look to do cheaply if you're reasonably slim and not too curvy. I am small and large of boob, so I tend to find myself spending a lot more on jackets and jeans as I can't 'get away with' some of the cheaper brands my leggier friends can pull off. (For the same reason, I won't be sporting the ubiquitous cross body bag any time soon. I guess what I'm saying is, 'take what works, ditch the rest and add your own twist).

Yes to pearls, simple diamond studs and understated jewellery. Up here, understated but unusual items in silver or enamel are quite popular (think local jewellery designer pieces rather than high street).

For cashmere, I favour Jaeger which is cheaper than Brora (although not cheap), washes well and often available on BrandAlley. (BrandAlley also good for high end branded jeans).

Minimal make-up, but a good non-clumping mascara and a decent base or tinted moisturiser. (I am still searching for the latter as I'm also very pale).

Not sure about the where to go query, but since you asked gastropubs are popular where I live, real ale and craft gins. Cocktails yes, but think classic or prohibition era, rather than sex on the beach.

If you really want to be up to date with what 'we' are supposed to like , the Sunday Times supplements will do the trick.

Gralick - it is great. Apparently HJ's own favourite iirc. Tricksy and disjointed and speaking almost directly to my particular brain.

Henry James made me to some extent. I was just about young enough, when I first read Portrait of a Lady, to still believe the best of everyone I met. I was not the same person at the end of that book as I had been before I opened it.

A sudden gust of damp Spring air flicked grass clippings into Sukie's face. Pushing her dishevelled black hair away from her eyes, she marvelled at the young women around her. Their long, caramel-coloured hair rose and fell with the breeze, never tangled; strands of grass never stuck to their faces; their light chatter never ceased except for a swig of Prosecco. Sukie sneezed. This was her world now: must get stuck in, as offhandedly advised by her mother-in-law. She took a step forward.

Thanks, OP! Much appreciated.

Re Henry James - Edith Wharton is also expat American and of approx the same era. Also v. thought-provoking, IMHO, but I don't know if others agree....

Fab, Zero, that's the best accolade you can give a novel!

Like you OP I have dark hair and pale skin, I dress a little avant-garde, more Helena than Middleton and I am often mistaken for being "posh" (which is quite irritating because I think it's all very unnecessary). I know that breton tops, gillets, and loafers, brown belts and satchel bags do not suit me. Why not have your colours done. It doesn't matter what impression you make in terms of class. And going back to my original point, you cannot buy class. Its far more to do with breeding, bearing, deportment, mannerisms, attitudes, manners, speech, height/weight/health, experiences, shared culture, education, sense of entitlement (don't develop that, although it helps, its not endearing). What proves this beyond doubt is that you cannot escape class. You are what you are, embrace it, be proud of it (I am not, it gets right up my... I hate what it all stands for) I am trying out the "rude girl" look at the mo, all very Fred Perry, punk skirts, Dms, and fishnets and white socks...can't get more working class than that...I will let you know if anyone still thinks I am posh (they will), because that is how it works unfortunately. It won't matter a jot where you shop. As soon as you open your mouth, or move the game is up!

Yes, Mini, you still look posh What fab photos!

flora - shall I tell you about the Christmas Day I ended covered in snot and unstoppable tears over The House of Mirth?

So I suppose Sukie will be examining the depth of the blue of her eyes (and the pertness of her other body parts) in the mirror in the next chapter Gralick?

(Btw I want to pronounce your name with an umlaut over the 'a'. Would that be wrong?)

flora - I'm a major Edith Wharton fan and would recommend her to anyone. But I guess that's really for another thread.

I feel a bit sorry for you OP - coming on Mumsnet to ask how to look middle class and how you can act and behave like a posh person to 'improve yourself' was a little naive. You must have known you would get quite a ribbing unless you are very new to Mumsnet . 'Copying' others is something you'd expect from someone quite young who hasn't really developed a sense of his or her own self. I'm not being nasty - I just think it's great you've got over an illness but you could maybe focus on some of the positive stuff that makes you an individual and be yourself. I get the style thing a bit more - maybe your question just came over the wrong way. Good luck anyway. You've had some good style tips on this thread.