I have money to spend on myself.

[user1474792594]

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!

Possibly going against the grain here...... just because you have decided to splurge don;t give up being critical. When I first started allowing myself to buy stuff for me I wasted a lot of money on stuff that was sold to me and didnt suit me. The getting colours done s thing didnt work well for me. I kind of already knew what colours suited me.... but there is a definite 'look' of people who have had their 'colours done' and to me it looks very odd and unnatural and frumpy - but i am an'autumn' and can spot a fellow autumn a at 1000 paces as they seem to be dressed as tree trunks!
Think you and what you are doing is fab. It takes a long time to figure out your personal style though so take some time. x

Absolutely wot Pcat says!

What about concentrating on fitness as well? Gym? Or membership somewhere.

Ooo I'm so excited for you. I keep wanting to do something similar so I'm very jealous!
This is a small thing but you mentioned nice socks...
I kept seeing people say that the seasalt bamboo socks are the best ever and you won't look back once you've got them. I wasn't convinced but got some for OH as a present and when they arrived I was so jealous I immediately bought two boxes and I'm not convinced I'd ever by any others now.
Apart from white company cashmere bed socks for wearing round the house of course, they're amazing :D

Funny. I was just thinking about the colours. I don't agree with all of them. But. I know what I like - yes I have my own style I just need to be more switched on and less buying stuff that's just bought because it's cheap and will do.

Does that make sense?

I'm also a Summer. There are some lovely shades. Try a top or a scarf to get you started with jeans - a muted pink top with grey jeans and a bit of soft burgundy can look great. I've just bought a burgundy biker jacket - try something on like that and then try on a black one and you should see the difference but most of all just have fun!

Any chance of a link to the burgundy jacket Sunshine? Cheers!

I agree you have to be careful with the colour consultation thing. I've never seen a consultant's own website and thought 'yes, I'd like to look like that!' I do know one ex-House of Colour woman who's now independent and looks fab though - but I think she's probably a rare person with natural flair, which helps.
Same with the style day; it's useful to know your 'type' but not necessary to try and channel the look from head to toe every day!

The jacket is great for me as it is a really good fit but it is pleather not leather -
http://www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/jackets-coats/faux-leather-biker-jacket/059108.html?dwvar0591088_color=37&position=25&cgid=coats-and-jackets#page=3&start=25&categoryID=coats-and-jackets
There do seem to be a lot of burgundy ones about this season so Im sure there would be leather versions.

OP I did what you're doing. Enjoy it. Don't think twice about it.

Go to a style/colour consultant person. Have you're hair done. Then go to a department store that stocks a more upmarket brand of affordable clothes and get their personal shopper to help you out along with the info from the style lady.

You are going to look fabulous.

Thanks Sunshine - nice!

What a lovely thing to do.
Wait for your style day.
It made everything come togetherfor me.
My very fashionable teenage son said it made me look years younger.
Finish off with a good haircut.
As your consultant to recommend someone
I remember on all the makeover programs, the haircut completed the transformation

Any updates? :)

Monsoon does lovely clothing. As for make up try estee lauder or laura mercier both are great for mature skin; also estee lauder will have loads of samples you can ask for in terms of skincare products and you can try before buying as they aren't the cheapest.

If you want to move on from tinted moisturiser you can try liquid foundation but beware as you may find it 'heavy' on the skin. But you can also try a great base product/primer and use loose foundation on top. Have fun with it. Go to a big department store and take your time

I had my colours dine - liked it but not 100% convinced on some of the darker colours.

Wear a tin of make up - need to reign that back.

The dentist made me cry in a good way. I'll have a mega watt smile. He promised.

And me and the boyfriend are for Amsterdam for my birthday

I actually lied on here. I don't wear hardly any make up. I'd like to. I kid myself I do. But I put it in with a trowel to hide behind and I need to stop.

I have booked myself some counselling to sort my head out - my boyfriend is wonderful and we are hinting at moving in getting engaged and I can feel myself getting incredibly anxious. I have never lived with anyone in 15 years and I'm scared he will turn out to be like my ex.