New Year, New Me Help Please.

[HermiioneSnape02]

I'm just coming out the other side of a flare up of IBS.

I used to make an effort, contacts, eyebrows shaped and coloured, regular hair trim and shopping regularly to boost my wardrobe.

Last winter I had a lovely wool coat, stylish and fitted with a belt, nice warm, comfortable boots. I had a big collection of scarves which I mixed and matched, and as you can gather I felt good, put together.

After a horrendous year, I have been diagnosed with IBS and my weight has fluctuated, my skin is terrible and I won't mention my hair.

I've now been started on a course of tablets and am starting to feel like me again.

I've just had a wasted journey to my local clothing shops and have come away with a vest top and some new underwear.

I used to be a comfortable 16, in most shops, 34G, 34, 44, hourglass.

I'm now a 14-16, my boobs and bum haven't changed, but I've lost weight everywhere else. Some shops I'm a 14 others still a 16 but they are baggy around my shoulders or waist, so need a belt.

Basically I would like some help with some nice clothes and also some help with a skincare routine - my skins shocking at the moment, going from really quite oily to dry patches and the occasional chin spots. Also some nice going out tops, to go with jeans and heels. Maybe a blazer?

Thanks HS x

It sounds like you might need to have your clothes tailored. If you've still got some clothes that you like, but are a little big around the waist, then take them in to a tailor so that they can nip them in. It shouldn't cost too much, and will save replacing them.

Other than that, I would suggest what so many on S&B recommend - book in a session with a personal shopper at John Lewis and see what they come up with. You're going to get a much better idea of what suits your shape, and it will give you ideas for what you could also order online.