How to smarten up with a toddler?

[graysor]

I'm fed up of looking a bit of a scruff. I know that with a bit of time and effort I can scrub up reasonably well. But I'm finding it really hard while also looking after my 18mo dd.

I always end up scraping my ( long thick wavy/frizzy) back in a ponytail which looks a bit rubbish.

Default outfit is boring jeans and simple tshirt/ top with pumps or boots. And I seem incapable of keeping my clothes free of smears of toddler goop ( toothpaste, banana, cream cheese, etc etc ).

Do you have any tips for making myself feel a bit more put together and well presented?

I am very pragmatic, so have realistic expectations for what is practical with a toddler. But it is affecting my self esteem feeling so shabby all the time.

Any tips gratefully received!

I'm in a similar situation. I now paint my nails every couple of days and have started wearing jewellery again- just studs and rings. Really small things make a difference to how I feel.

I've bought some nice trainers and a handbag, a couple of new scarves. A ted baker body spray for £3 in boots.

Little things like that help.

Really wish I had a solution for the pony tail though.

I feel for you OP, I have a 16 month old and feel the same a lot of the time. I work part time so save nice clothes for work days, while on at home days I always throw the same things on - tees that wash well, jeans, trainers, flat sandals. It's boring but we are always running around in the park, mucking around in the sandpit etc, so it all has to be washable and practical.

A few things that I do ... I always feel miles better with a little makeup, at least a bit of BB cream, blusher, lip colour etc. 5 mins, you may not be looking your best but won't feel too 'shabby'.

A little jewellery and a nice backpack help too. And taking the time to consider what's the most stylish version of casual wear staples you should buy. For example the most flattering Breton tee you can find, or a pair of fashionable trainers that go with everything.

If you're always wearing a simple top and jeans, nice footwear and bag can really lift things. And also nice sunglasses!

Some funky necklaces, shoes you like - funky flats or wedge sandals that you can chase a toddler in, lots of good easy to wash tops that are a little different, I like Cos or Other Stories for those. And a good haircut that's easier to manage?

Glad to hear I'm not alone!

I do have a nice backpack which makes me feel better about all the toddler tat I cart about!

I definitely need a hair cut, and an easier to manage style. But I don't know what it would be. Anything short just turns into a bushy mess, unless straightened vigorously (which just isnt practical ). But anything long is hard to manage, takes ages to wash and dry, and is just in a messy ponytail. Sigh.

Can you You Tube and practice a couple of speedy alternatives for your hair?

I do an ace 'messy up do' after a bit of practice that looks much more 'together' than a basic pony tail. I also do a big bun which is a bit more glamorous too.

Get an invisibobble (or similar - H&M do them) for your hair. Basically you can wash your hair, comb it, then put it back in the invisibobble into your usual ponytail.
Then when you step outside, you take the bobble out, and your hair won't have that kink that regular hairbands give. By then it's probably mostly dry and the remainder will air dry. You can put it in and out throughout the day and it won't ruin the look of it.

Hope that makes sense!

I have thick naturally wavy/frizzy hair. I got a good cut in January, about 6 inches off & a perm to tame the frizz, now I can wash, run through/scrunch in curl creme from boots & go. It gives me a good wavy curl that looks very natural. I tend to pull up into a messy top knot when dry .

Invest in a good tinted moisturiser, quick hit of mascara and a bit of lippy will help with minimum time or effort needed

Fusion - I like the idea of a messy up do. Do you have any links to good tutorials? A quick search has just brought up loads of really complicated stuff!