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I have money to spend on myself.

166 replies

user1474792594 · 25/09/2016 13:20

I am in a fortunate position of having what is to me a lot of money to spend on myself.

I have 3k set aside.

I need make up and clothes. I am 48 and size 16 and 5ft3. My belly is huge - I am very definitely an apple. My feet are broad and a bit flat.

Can you help?

So far I know I want a down arse covering coat for the winter and a pair of Chelsea boots / ankle boots and a pair of long boots.

Other than that, I have no clue.

Help me!

OP posts:
Ausernotanumber · 25/09/2016 20:09

I really really like that wrap jumper. I'd definitely wear that.

Saurus72 · 25/09/2016 20:13

It just looks so soft and lovely.

Ausernotanumber · 25/09/2016 20:14

See the old me is going "a hundred and twenty nine fucking quid for a jumper".

Need to adjust my head I think.

Saurus72 · 25/09/2016 20:18

No doubt it's expensive. Have you looked at the Jaeger Outlet website? They do brilliant knitwear (and other stuff) for really reduced prices. I just bought a dress reduced from £199 to £60.

Ausernotanumber · 25/09/2016 20:19

No but I shall look now :) thank you.

Saurus72 · 25/09/2016 20:22

You're welcome Smile Banana Republic does good knitwear too. I just stocked up for work for the Winter (Arctic office) with a 40% discount code. V nice.

YvaineStormhold · 25/09/2016 20:23

Just wanted to say congratulations, OP - you sound like you completely deserve to spoil yourself.

Have you thought about making a Pinterest board? Just put things you like on it, and eventually you should start seeing your style emerging.

I can't recommend Levis highly enough for jeans. The staff are really helpful and the jeans are so comfy. Also, GAP.

Boden are great for basics - t-shirts and cotton shirts are really long-lasting. I'd only go for plain stuff though, as the patterns are a bit lairy and you might get bored.

Clarks do the most comfortable brogues in the world. Hamble Oaks are great and this season I've got some burgundy Somersets. They look great with rolled up jeans, and dresses or skirts with tights.

Hush do an amazing plain black blazer that goes with everything. Their ruched skirts are fab too, and are flattering on a tummy (I know the feeling).

Whistles do brilliant wool coats for not too bad prices.

If I were you, I'd go spendy on a set of basics - a good coat, bag, pair of boots and pair of leather shoes, a really good white shirt and a decent jumper (cashmere). Also a classic dress in black or navy. Get things that will last forever, that will form the backbone of your wardrobe.

Then have some fun with the rest - get some fashion stuff in colours that you like, scarves, funky t-shirts, colourful Converse, etc. Funk your classic pieces up a bit, iykwim.

And buy yourself a really lovely signature scent. Every time you spray it on you can remember this time in your life when you started building the new, glamorous you!

Ausernotanumber · 25/09/2016 20:23

I want Songmics 153 x 36 cm Jewelry cabinet Floor Standing Jewellery Box Cabinet With Mirror Organizer (White) JBC77W www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J97PSRA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_wqc6xb86SVGZN

OCSockOrphanage · 25/09/2016 20:35

NIce socks come from Corrymoor. Made from fine mohair, warm, smooth, and wash beautifully. Do not allow the DC to borrow them; you will never get them back.

Power to you. Your achievement is fantastic. Take it gently, money is much easier spent than earned as you know, but do have a bit of fun and take time to analyse what and why you like other people's looks. ANd yes, buy a glossy magazine, not a celeb sheet, or several; decide what you think looks fantastic, and savour the time you spend looking around and admiring. Then leave time to let the ideas filter.

TheForeignOffice · 25/09/2016 20:39

www.jaegeroutlet.com/Stretch-Edge-to-Edge-Jacket/666006Z,en_GB,pd.html?dwvar_666006Z_color=75000&dwvar_666006Z_size=8&start=4&cgid=women-jackets-outlet

This is a nice jacket. Looks more stylish than a blazer IMHO. I'm a huge Jaeger outlet fan. Lots of knitwear and silk scarves. It's definitely worth going to a physical shop first to check your size. Beautiful coats too.

Ausernotanumber · 25/09/2016 20:41

Omg that jaeger stuff is amazing. The sale is fab. It's going on the list.

Gruach · 25/09/2016 22:58

For shame Auser! If you're planning to throw all your money at random Amazon nonsense - well, I may need more wine. Which will be a great sacrifice as I have deadlines looming. Don't make me do it ...

Ausernotanumber · 25/09/2016 22:58

Lol.

I may need to take wine with me. For the shop assistant who gets to see my Lardy bod

Thecatgotmytongue · 26/09/2016 11:00

I love that jacket Smile

Ausernotanumber · 26/09/2016 22:08

Just to update this for myself.

Cleared out my chest of drawers. Binned stuff that doesn't fit or I don't like.. Not even going to charity shop because I won't. Also sorted and binned shoes. Old flip flops are gone.

Ausernotanumber · 26/09/2016 22:10

Wardrobe tomorrow. Not looking forward to that.

Also threw out old knickers. Some were very baggy elasticked. Affronted.

BeaLola · 27/09/2016 00:42

Enjoy. Enjoy Enjoy and ENJOY? You sound lovely and it's time you looked after you.

I'm no style bod but love the great advice on this board.

If I was in your shoes I would do the dentist - teeth makes big difference , have hair restyled, keep eyebrows threaded and tidied and manicures.

Re skincare - I used to use dermatological but have switched to La Roche Posay with amid of Bobbi Brown stuff and garner leaning oil and my skin is looking really good. I buy most products online at Escentual when they have 20-25% off. I would try Mac or BobbiBrown for foundation, make up etc - both I have found helpful and I'm an old frumpy so and so but I liked how I looked when I came away - like myself but fresher IYSWIM.

I would do a tote and shows from Russell and Bromley and definitely do the J Lewis personal shopper. Have found some lovely classic pieces in Jigsaw and got lots of bargains in their summer sale.

Stop and enjoy the experience with a glass of something fizzy. also for me a new set of matching underwear (colour not necessarily style /brand) and some lovely perfume make me feel a million dollars and a fab lipstick for the bag.

HAVE A FAB TIME

avamiah · 27/09/2016 00:48

Go to Harrods .

Gruach · 27/09/2016 05:11

Perfume! Absolutely.

In fact - forget about clothes for the moment ( ...) Here's a new hobby for you; spend your leisure hours for the next few weeks on the websites of Bloom and Les Senteurs. (You can safely ignore all other places unless you're desperately in love with Tom Ford's offerings, which neither of them stock.) Read everything, chase up perfumes you like the sound of - they will all have their own websites - take your time to choose which samples to order. And don't send for too many at once. There is such infinite variety in "proper" perfume that you should have no reason to buy a full bottle of anything for at least a year.

The reason I'm labouring this point is that perfume can help you discern exactly how you see yourself; who you secretly want to be and, consequently, how you might wish to present yourself.

Ignore publicity, adverts (though niche perfume houses don't go in much for such stuff) "signature" scents ... Just learn and discover. Look for things that seem to tell you a story about yourself (this is different to simply being a nice smell).

Two completely personal examples - one perfume I'm totally besotted with is, on me, an extreme "skin" scent - so much so that I'd be reluctant to wear it away from home. If I'm stressed or upset it smells vile - rotting mushrooms and despair - but on the rare occasions when I've wrenched life into some sort of harmony it smells of perfection - quiet mornings, pen and ink, silk, mohair, oolong ... Another - even thinking about it I see myself wrapped in velvet and fur (ish) on the way to the opera - so it directly influences my clothes shopping.

Try it!

Ausernotanumber · 27/09/2016 06:06

Gruach. You would despair of me. I wear lidl knock offs! 😂

My boyfriend has said he will do Mac in the duty free for me this weekend on his way home. What do I need? (He mentioned eyeshadow?)

Ausernotanumber · 27/09/2016 06:20

What I am going to do when I do my wardrobe unless you all shout at me and tell me it's a bad idea - is get my jewellery out and add a statement necklace (aka a cheap costume one I like) to each outfit. Or a scarf. Or a bangle. Something.

Also going to get prescription sunglasses for myself. Decided that this morning.

OCSockOrphanage · 27/09/2016 09:31

Rx sunnies are definitely a good idea. Please, do go to a good independent optician and try on a lot of frames. If you wear specs most of the time (I do) they will be one of the items that define your whole look. If I may suggest, look for frames that are just a bit more fashion-oriented than safe classics. By that, I mean a colour that is a little off-beat, or a shape that is a bit bold. They will please you for longer and be more distinctive. But don't head too far off the piste; there are some very whacky "seasonal" frames and they date quickly. As well as the obvious 'designer' names, look for ranges like Face-a-Face, Pro-Design, Oliver Peoples and others; also Maui Jim, a Hawaiian company whose frames are comfortable and flattering, lightweight and with very high quality polarised lenses.

polyhymnia · 27/09/2016 14:27

Sorry haven't read whole thread, but I'd start with really good hair cut and colour, regularly maintained, plus new glasses as above if you wear them a lot. Then get fitted for a few really good bras - recommend Rugby and Peller. Those three things - hair, bra, glasses - are with you all the time.

Also second brow tidy and tint, visit to Bobbi Brown counter and Russell and Bromley for shoes/ boots and bags.

polyhymnia · 27/09/2016 14:29

I personally wouldn't get someone else to buy makeup until you've had a good play/ consult at one or more counters and know what colours suit you.

FinallyHere · 27/09/2016 14:51

I agree that you would be well advised to take your time, start maybe by buying some things to get you started and then stop and do some planning. I picked up the first reference to these people in Mumsnet.

www.lookingstylish.co.uk/welcome/

I would encourage you to go for the executive ( meet in person) option, its hidden away in the vip links. They will tell you the colours and shapes that suit you, then you can start looking for styles and finally clothes. Enjoy, you are going to have a fabulous time

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