In need of makeover (long) ... starting from feet up. I need shoes.

[MidLifeMakeover]

Hello. I need help.

I'm 38 with an approaching three year old and at some point over the last decade my sense of style ran away with a younger, more confident woman.

I've gained weight, wrinkles, body hair. My hair is broken and frizzy, I've noticed my teeth are stained - probably thanks to the gallons of tea and coffee I drink to get through the working week and as for my skin ... 10 hour days in front of a PC followed by harried household tasks until midnight before being up at 6am haven't helped.

So I'm investing in ME! I'm dropping to part-time, doing four days a week, starting next week with three days in the office and one day working from - saving me a three hour round commute! My amazing DH has suggested I take a bit out of our savings for my me project. I'm very excited!

I'm starting my makeover from the feet up because they seem the easiest place to start (and I want to lose weight before moving upwards). I only own three pairs of shoes after my feet changed size during pregnancy; a pair of Dunlop welly boots, Sketchers Go Walk in grey and a pair of very plain and slightly frumpy black shoes for work (not actual pair but very similar). Oh I have some plain black flip flops somewhere too ...

So I kind of need everything. For reference I'm 5"3 and currently size 14/16.

What would you say would be a good basic shoe wardrobe to work from? I was thinking:

• Casual trainers
• Exercise trainers (had some running shoes fitted yesterday)
• Sandals
• Ankle boots
• Smart flat shoes
• Smart heeled shoes
• Welly boots and flip flops (which I have)

For casual trainers I was thinking of one of these. Which do you think would be most versatile, be good for spring/summer and are just generally nice?

Converse Dainty Dolphin
New Balance Pastel Grey/Lilac
New Balance Blue Suede
Vans Classic
New Balance Grey Vintage
Converse Dainty Red

Thank you for your help!

Good for you :) it's too easy to lose your way ! I would start with good skin care , a trip to the dentist , a hair cut and a manicure , pedicure . Some pampering body products and maybe a leg wax .. And a fab perfume ! This works for me and I still feel good in a old pair of jeans and a vest top !!
I'm not much good at clothes ! Live in the above but I'm sure some one will be along to advice on the clothes side :)

Thanks Itsalldrama

I've booked a hairdressers appointment for next week - first time in four years! I've got a hot cloth cleanser and some moisturiser for my face yesterday too.

Browsing shoes still but just can't decide if I'm looking at things that are too young.

Hi Midlife,
Firstly congratulations on your ME time! Sounds like an amazing plan. I'm totally with you, after being pregnant for basically 2 years with a a now nearly 1 and nearly 2 year old I pulled out my 'going out' dresses from the back of the cupboard stuffed under the bed to wear to dinner for my 34th birthday, only for my darling husband to point out that they were all worn out, faded and suitable for the me of 10 years ago. I was so excited to see them again I hadn't noticed! It's now dawned on me that most of my clothes and myself are like this so it's time for ME time!

I like your idea of starting from the feet up, I've just painted my toe nails and my feet look happy again!

I would say your basic shoe wardrobe sounds great and I would sway you towards new balance trainers, they are so so comfy and either of the grey options would go with jeans of any colour.

Good luck on your quest!

I live in uggs then switch to silver or black gizah birkinstocks when it's warmer ( the toe post ones ) so not much help ;) .. I do have a penchant for high heels too but rarely go out to wear them !!!

Sounds great! I invest lots of time ( err and money! ) on myself and I enjoy it.

Re shoes ... You've got to stick with what suits your lifestyle so even though you may covet some 6 inch high Loboutins, they may not be practical

As for me, I wear the following ( I'm 43, and my 17 year old daughter is always trying to wedge her feet into my shoes so I'll take that as a compliment )

Black leather Toms ( they're comfy, they go with current jeans styles and they're relatively 'with it ' )

Acne Pistol boots - these were a considered purchase and they're very expensive but they're lovely

Ash Jalouse boots - look nice and they're comfy

Nike huaraches in several colours. Can wear out and about as well as to run in

And that's about it. I've got various other shoes but the above are what I go to again and again

Good for you! I'm also doing the same as I have recently had dc4 and I have three under five so feel like I've been pregnant for ever.
I have NBs and I love them. I also have converse in a few colours. I bought some two strap birkinstocks which I love.
Like you I'm losing weight and trying not to spend too much on clothes but h and m is great for bits and bobs to help me feel better until I get to target. I plan to lose 5 stone and I'm almost at three stone weight loss now but even though I know that I won't be this size in a few months I still get a few thing to keep me motivated.

And get a new bra!!!! Life changing