The woman that style forgot

[meowmix]

I've just seen myself on a webconference and am in the horrors.

I'm so bloody frumpy these days. For example today am wearing white linen shirt (straight cut so not shaped) and brown jeans from Next c. 1989 with trainers and a cord jacket. WTF? Did a geography teacher die and leave me his wardrobe? Normally at least I manage a black trouser suit/heels/tshirt combo but even thats stultifyingly dull. Plus none of it fits anymore because I've lost so much weight lately so its frumpy and saggy.

Oh god. [places hand on brow in manner of one despairing]

Please help me... where do I start? whats "in vogue" as I believe you fashionistas say?

Only caveat is I'm in the middle east so have to be reasonably covered up, not too much norkage or thighage and def. no camels feet, and nothing too hot making... we have most UK shops so suggestions please. Am size 8, scrawny and 5'4.

Oh I'm sorry but PMSL @ your OP. Bloody hilarious

awwwww bless meowmix. but at least you're dressed so already doing better than me today, unless too smal pj bottoms and a ratty camisole are in vogue these days?

stop laughing at the back! I'm IN HORROR here - I've been misguidely thinking I'm all Erin O connor and I'm more Barbara Dickinson on a bad day. Its a disgrace I tell you

PT I'm dressed cos its 4pm here and I'm in the office. If I was at home and it was UK time I'd be in pyjamas. [it gets worse doesn't it?!]

You need MrsBadger - she's brilliant at coming up with constructive advice and a capsule wardrobe.

Soooooo, cool, chic and modest is the aim...

and sexy in a devastating "why miss jones, you're beautiful without your glasses" kind of way.

Hmmm

You need a couple of fitted suits which you can dress up or down accordingly with tops showing appropriate norkage.

Would you get away with showing toes, peep hole shoes or nice sandals with a bit of a heel?

Accessories are a good way to go - I find that if a top is low cut if you wear a chunky necklace with it you cover up without looking frumpy.

[am just havign lunch - will think about it and post a bit later. Really you have answered your own question though - Wear More Shapely Stuff - not skintight, just properly fitted]

psml at Barbara Dickson in a geogo teacher's clothes.

Anyone you can go shopping with?
You've obviously got the figure.You just need the gear.

I have a brown corduroy jacket. Frumpy in the extreme but much loved by me nonetheless.

does DS age 3 count?

prob is with fitted is I am going to put weight on at somepoint (lost it due to illness and galloping stress) and I have loads of suits that will fit then, all semi-masculine type from Jigsaw, black.....

Where I really fail is cute smartish non suity type things and my tendency is to run into a shop and buy 3 things without any strategy. I should be a boy, it'd be so much simpler.

and I work in media, if this carries on I'll be drummed out of the Fluffy Bunny School of PRs.

Gap skinny black trousers? Make one feel frightfully Hepburnesque, instantly.

oh good god, the receptionist just said that I always look "comfortable". she's 21. Thats code for "f-ing dull actually" isn't it?

ohh I ;thought people who work in media always had it sorted clothes-wise........ Actually I had a similar experience to you today and thought how dire I look......I'd like to be a boy too - so much easier....

Skinny black trousers with fitted shirt over?

skinny black trousers, on list. Ironically Gap we don't get here. We get: Principles, Oasis, Warehouse, Massimo Dutti, Zara, Mango, top shop, Next, M&S, Debenhams (but the 1970s version) and BHS, Monsoon, er, H&M..Dotty Ps. So any recommends from there ... appreciated

BLACKDUCK!!!! Twist the knife why don't you?!

I'm the exception that proves the rule.

.... I bet you look better than I do....

you can be elaine paige to my dickinson then BD

LOL (well I am small enough....about 5'2 and a size 8 too...)
Nice pair of black trousers in Autograph in M&S ...can't find them on line...

MrsB, have you finished lunch ???

titter at you

but I think you'll f ind the correct phrase is camel toe