30 something mums please share your recent purchases!

[teacher1984]

I recently had a baby and although a reasonably slim size 10 I now have a tummy so absolutely none of my previous wardrobe works. I've found high waisted jeans to be a lifesaver but I went to the shops today and nearly cried because it was so overwhelming. I came home empty handed but really really need a whole Spring wardrobe ASAP - tops that skim rather than cling, outer layers, shoes etc. I'm a SAHM so just looking for machine washable casual wear.

Please could you do me a huge favour and share your recent purchases? I don't have the time to visit the shops and I don't even have the time to browse online. I just need to click and buy!

Or is there a UK blogger that I could steal ideas from?

After I had DD in my late twenties, my lovely DM offered to buy me some new clothes post birth. We went shopping for HOURS and I actually did almost cry in the changing rooms. It's awful. You spend 15 years learning how to dress for your shape and then all of a sudden it completely changes and you're expected to style a whole new body when you're sleep deprived and postnatal. So unfair, I feel your pain.

Anyway. If you're suffering similar things to me (slightly wobbly belly, a far less defined waist than I had previously), I would suggest:

NO1, which is THE MOST IMPORTANT: get yourself onto the bra intervention threads here and make sure you're wearing the right size bra. It takes pounds, if not stones off, you'll stand better and your back will thank you.

Secondly, I started going for slightly less fitted things over the stomach - or visual tricks. Patterns, wrap tops and dresses, tunics, camisoles with high(er) waisted jeans, scarves and layers all play a part in my wardrobe now.

I'm pregnant with DC2 at the moment so my most recent purchase probably won't help (although it was non-maternity, a Hogwarts Alumni top from Primark which I'm very pleased with!) but good luck.

I'm a 30 something SAHM. I am trying very hard not to overspend atm, but I recently bought an m&s full length denim skirt, some plain cotton t shirts and a stretch cotton, fit and flare tea dress from Lindybop, which I am soooooo thrilled with. Apart from the dress I bought everything new on eBay.

I am 5'8" and a size 14-16 (more like a 16 now if I'm honest). I have a tummy, and the dress is just great for disguising it. I am tempted by getting another as they do the same dress in two colour options, but I'm trying very hard to resist.

The denim skirt is a 16, but it's a bit baggy in places (m&s sizes are funny I find), so I'm going to have it taken in and wear it, (as well as a couple of nice skirts I already have), with different coloured t shirts all spring / summer. The dress too of course.

A top that I have found a flippin life saver. I have bought it in 3 different colours is river island swing top.

Just search for "black swing top" or "grey swing top" it's a gorgeous soft material and really flattering. £26

I've recently culled my wardrobe and am slowly staring to add key pieces in which should last - aiming for a capsule wardrobe.
Over the last few weeks have bought a few items (never been one for fashion so trying to gradually become stylish!) -
Suede loafers black - KG
Suede loafers tan - KG
Green wool coat - Topshop
Black leather Fiorelli handbag
Dark green shift dress - Primark

www.matalan.co.uk/womens/shop-by-category/blouses-and-shirts/s2616683/long-sleeve-shirt-tunic#

bought this, it looks better than on the model and has a split up the front and back you can't see. wear it with skinnies and tan Chelsea boots I got from next that aren't on their website.

Got this which iv been wearing with the same as above and a long gold necklace. will be nice in warmer weather with skinnies turned up and a pair of nice flat embellished sandals or converse.

m.topshop.com/h5/product?productId=23458391

I recommend the Mrs meldrum vlogs on YouTube and if you search her videos for her shopping hauls you see what she's bought I love her style and she does a monthly shopping haul video.

I'm thirty ten, so can I join in? What sort of clothes did you wear pre pregnancy? i know its the kiss of death on here, but I really like White Stuff tunics, and if you get them in jersey they hide all lumps and bumps. I would go for a pair of Converse. Coats are more difficult. Are you looking for waterproof? Jacket or coat? A parka would be practical.

It's probably more a going out outfit but I bought this whole outfit last week (the brown jacket with the long sheer black shirt). My baby is 2.9 now so my tummy is in better shape but I am bigger than I was pre-ds and I find long floaty shapes (dress or tops) slimming.

I am 36 and sahm with 3 kids.

I am trying to curb my spending at the moment, but did treat myself to this the other week. I think it will be great throughout the spring and is so comfy.

www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/jackets-4680203/camo-printed-shackett-5315995?bi=20&ps=20

I'm 34, two under 3s. Best two things I've recently bought are M&S jeggings (although quality is hit and miss) and the Boden super soft swing tee, very flattering to a pear shape. Very much a departure from my previous style, but breastfeeding and toddler chasing has put an end to retro print swing dresses. For now. 😄

Topshop Jamie jeans - hold you right in!

I recently got some lovely high waisted skinny jeans from h&m for £7.99 - they really are good!

exasperated I really like that Top Shop blouse. Does it come up big or small?

I already had an apple shape so dressing hasn't been that much harder for me since my mum tum. I was a 10. Currently a 12 with a post c-section overhang.
Yes to high waisted jeans and a good balconette Bra. Jasper conran high waisted jeans in debenhams are amazing. I dress to show my slim legs off so wear lots of skinny jeans, leggings and little skater skirts with dark colours on the top. A nice scarf well positioned can hide a bit of a tum in a more fitted top. Post c section suck it in leggings are good.
Recent buys are a long bright checked shirt to wear with leggings from top shop and A long slogan emblazoned top from river island ( slogan is "why not" if you are looking for it - can't do links) which has a bit of flare at the bottom making it flattering and not so sack like.

My youngest is 4, and I'm 38.

Intently night 2 shirts from asos

I recently bought that should say!!

And this one

Wear both with dark denim skinnies and ankle boots.

I live in Nike air Pegasus m, skinny jeans and some sort of long sleeved top for now.
Quite like a peasant blouse, Breton top or an oversized shirt.

French connection stretchy skinny jeans. In many colours. High waisted, good quality. A god send.

Also Cos. A lot of Cos.

And tops like this one:

www.jigsaw-online.com/product/silk-overlay-wrap-top/J27523_GY057

Op, where are you? Is there any chance you could get to a big Top Shop?

I know, I know, but they have a stylist service - I was taken there for my 40th birthday, sent sizes and the things I will not wear ahead of time, and the stylist (lovely) had put together two racks of fabulous clothes in her dressing room. No obligation to buy and as much time as I wanted to try.

I bought loads - wonderful high waist jeans, gorgeous boots that get compliments every time I wear them, a knitted skirt, couple of great shirts. And a scuba sweatshirt that I wouldn't have picked in a million years but is my new favourite thing.

I got a revamp and I didn't have to actually shop in top shop can't recommend it highly enough.

30 year old Mum of two here, shape definitely changed since having kids, I'm slim but I have an impressive Mummy tummy that needs careful disguising!

Ok, I'm sad enough to own TWO pairs of these jeans from New look [[http://m.newlook.com/shop/womens/jeans/black-skinny-jeans-_360567501]] They're cheap, hide the Mummy tummy and wash really well.

It's already been mentioned but Balconette style bras are pretty good if your boobs have changed, plunge style does me no favours whatsoever since having kids!

Primark have a really nice here which doesn't look much but is flattering on the neckline and skims the tummy! [[http://www.primark.com/en/product/blue-pinstripe-collarless-blouse,R1949914220150104]]

Oh crap my links didn't work

• Jeans m.newlook.com/shop/womens/jeans/black-skinny-jeans-_360567501

• Top www.primark.com/en/product/blue-pinstripe-collarless-blouse,R1949914220150104

I also have the same collarless shirt from primark as stephen. I didn't realise you could look at primark clothes online so will link what iv bought from there.

When dd was a few months old I got a personal shopping appointment in Debenhams, emailed saying I was looking for a capsule casual wardrobe and that's what I left with, it was really good, massive changing room all to yourself with room for the pram, tea & a biscuit!
I didn't know topshop did a styling service, I will check that out for after this pregnancy!

www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/navy-jersey-blazer-_362480141?productFind=search

www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/clothing-203535/jeans-203564/skinny-jeans-5230587/darcy-super-skinny-jeans-3203646/bright-blue-darcy-ankle-grazer-authentic-skinny-jeans-5273810?bi=0&ps=20

I have shorter legs than the model and probably more of tummy, so they're just above the ankle bone and I wear them with little shoes like this from H&M www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0179368035.html

These are also really ugly but you can't see them underneath and then your feet don't smell direct.asda.com/george/lingerie/socks/3-pack-fashion-footsies/GEM325412,default,pd.html

I have this in the opposite colourway from last year and wore it a LOT www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0238230001.html

Wow thank you everyone, this is really useful. Wondering if a shopping service might be the way to go!

Will get clicking on all these links :)