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Original poster

SAHMs of toddlers, where do you shop for comfy yet stylish clothes?

40 replies

GrumpyOldTroll · 03/02/2017 21:56

Help please! I look frumpy and sloppy. I'd like to look a bit smarter, but comfortable and easy for crawling around softplay hell and warm enough for standing around at the park. Pockets so I don't need a bag for phone/keys/wallet. I need a total new wardrobe. And not too pricey. Also would love some denim flares - anyone seen any?
Mid-Late 30s. Size 12. 5'8''.

OP posts:
Newbrummie · 03/02/2017 22:01

Baukjen's jumpsuit is bloody amazing I think, I've lived in the cold shoulder one all winter.

Newbrummie · 03/02/2017 22:02

You always need a bag .... you're not a dad Grin

Original poster
GrumpyOldTroll · 03/02/2017 22:06

A jumpsuit, with a toddler? Too much hard work when I need the loo.
Lol. I hate bags! I need my hands free.
Thank you though! :D

OP posts:
Newbrummie · 03/02/2017 22:10

Works for me takes no longer to whip down than leggings

Original poster
GrumpyOldTroll · 03/02/2017 22:13

Link?

OP posts:
vengabus · 03/02/2017 22:18

Hush. It's not cheap but their clothes are amazing and don't look like you've raided Primark or H&M.

Newbrummie · 03/02/2017 22:22

www.baukjen.com/uk/m/shop/baukjen/jumpsuits/crofton-jumpsuit-caviar-black.htm
My favourite, it just saves looking for a top and bottom to match, I wear it daily basically with slouchy boots

Original poster
GrumpyOldTroll · 03/02/2017 22:23

I need something mid-range - more than Primark, less than Hush, ideally! Thank you though!

OP posts:
Chickpearocker · 03/02/2017 22:25

Joules?

Original poster
GrumpyOldTroll · 03/02/2017 22:26

Also to add, I'd like to try and wear less black.

OP posts:
Original poster
GrumpyOldTroll · 03/02/2017 22:32

£110!!! Thank you anyway! Even if I could afford that, it's not really me.

OP posts:
Original poster
GrumpyOldTroll · 03/02/2017 22:40

Looking at Joules, not loving anything though, price decent at least. Thank you.

OP posts:
MiniAlphaBravo · 03/02/2017 22:41

What about a cross body bag? I think you would struggle to look stylish with loads in your pockets... though I am a fan of my Barber jacket which has some very practical pockets. Expensive but I've had it for years.

Original poster
GrumpyOldTroll · 03/02/2017 22:44

I just find them a real pita when I'm crawling after toddlers in softplay, or trying to rescue them from up in a tree.

OP posts:
Chocolatepudding85 · 03/02/2017 23:01

Newbrummie - I love that jumpsuit! How tall are you? I'm short so don't know if it would look awkward on me.

Op- I live in Lulu Lemon leggings, H&M shirts, trainers and use a small cross body bag for keys / purse / phone instead of pockets. Leggings + shirt combo is mega comfy and not too scruffy. Don't know if that helps you...

Original poster
GrumpyOldTroll · 03/02/2017 23:06

Thanks, Choc - what do you wear on your feet with leggings? I struggle out of trainers, and I don't like trainers with leggings. I don't want to wear boots as I find them hard.

OP posts:
Newbrummie · 03/02/2017 23:09

I'm 5'9" but you could take it up yourself easily with that wonder web stuff, worth tryingbit on I think it's so practical

NewBallsPlease00 · 03/02/2017 23:13

In the nicest possible way, if you want pockets and trainers you are relatively restricted in terms of giving your look the overhaul you say you'd like- pockets will always look combat heavy or bulky and soft play has a habit of emptying them anyway...?
Fwiw I'd have suggested leather look coated skinnies and longer line oversized shirts (intended that way not just too big) with boots but would work with fashion led trainers ie smart black Nike/ air & gace pumps etc
Main think would be to ensure what you wear fits well, and you're groomed ( ie still make grooming effort- tamed hair, clean nails etc)

MightyMunki · 03/02/2017 23:15

Uniqlo- very good jeans and basics
On my days off I try, I still like to dress a bit smart, they have some really nice non-iron blouses in TK Maxx, not too pricey and tey look nice without feeling 'formal', comfy but pretty.

Also maybe just worth jazzing up outfits with accessories, nice scarfs etc.

I use a small north face backpack when out with the kids as I love having my hands free. There are some really nice leather/faux leather ones about at new look/ tkmaxx.

GinIsIn · 03/02/2017 23:26

The quickest way to look stylish is to wear clothes that fit really well so as MiniAlpha has said that's not really feasible with loads of stuff crammed in your pockets as it distorts the line of what you are wearing.

Chocolateteabag · 04/02/2017 01:24

Have a look at Dress like a mum on Instagram? She wears colourful but practical stuff?

Original poster
GrumpyOldTroll · 04/02/2017 12:00

lol ok. Hm, can I bring bum bags back into fashion?! Grin
I guess I'll have to embrace the bag.
Thanks.

OP posts:
hecallsmebunny · 04/02/2017 19:25

Had never heard of lulu lemon. Just looked up. What the heck makes leggings worth £80+ Shock

VioletHornswaggle · 04/02/2017 19:59

I have a radley rucksack hand bag. Easy to be hands free.

ChishandFips33 · 04/02/2017 20:10

Just going to say a small rucksack - leather rather than the hiking type

What type of things do you wear now?