Fat & Frumpy

[Mybeautifullife1]

2016 has been shit. I now face 2017 as a separated, fat, frumpy, 49 year old. I live in jeans, shapeless tops and flat shoes. I rarely wear makeup. When I look in the mirror I feel sad. I look like I've given up (I have).

So, on the basis of new year, new start - where do I start? I intend to overall myself but haven't got a clue. I'm a size 18-20 and big everywhere.

Please please please help me find some more stylish clothes to wear during the day.

Thanks keepon. That's the sort of change I need. By this time next year I want to be back to the old me but I think I need to evolve rather than do anything too drastic.

There's a thread!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/2694299-If-you-are-old-and-fat

Why don't you concentrate on changing one thing per month in 2017? Write down 12 things...For example, January start exercising for 10 minutes a day, 5 times per week, February start a skin care routine, March 5 fruit and veg a day, April wear a little makeup every day etc
Making one little change at a time until it becomes a habit will make it easier to stick to.
Imagine how much better you will feel this time next year

Definitely read the thread Gruach linked to. 6 months ago I was definately where you are. I was dressing out of mountain warehouse, and looked and felt a total disaster. I committed initially to perfume, mascara and earrings every day, then I ordered masses (and I mean masses - I needed an excel spreadsheet to track my returns) of clothes, and built up a decent basic wardrobe. Maybe not super stylish, but all things I felt good in. I bought a lot of stuff from a Boden, Poetry, Wrap and the odd thing from independent shops and Monsoon. My wardrobe isn't huge now, but everything fits and I enjoy wearing it - mainly trousers/Bretons/cashmere jumpers/wrap dresses and tunic dresses.

Sorry to hear that you have had such a difficult year, OP.

I hit rock bottom in terms of S&B a few years ago, after a long period of PND. I found that, as I started to pull things back together, quick wins were really important - it's vital to see immediate results when just setting out, IMO. For me, that meant putting together a manageable makeup routine (to begin with, just BB cream, mascara and a tinted lipbalm), getting a load of pretty earrings from ebay and also a few colourful, vaguely trendy outfits from Primark (didn't want to spend much because I had 3 stone to lose). I also joined Slimming World. I hated the idea of having to go to a slimming club, but it turned out to be transformative. The weight came off really quickly, but even after the first week or so, I felt so much more body-confident and in control.

Good luck, OP. I hope you really enjoy re-discovering your style and giving yourself some TLC.

Thank you ladies. Starting today I'm going to start wearing makeup. Im also going to get my ears pierced (one hole has closed up) and book a hair and brows appointment.

I'm going to wait until spring stock is in the shops and then get some smarter clothes.

Oooh, yes - brows. Five minute face-lift!