Help me unleash my fabulous!

[NC4Now]

I'm not my usual self. After a shitty year (divorce) I've emerged the other side happy-ish and relatively ok in my head - but 3 stone heavier.

I've never been skinny but my curvy 14 body is now a decidedly chubby 18.
I'm getting by with leggings and stretchy stuff with a view to trimming down but it's not the best time of year.

Which brings me to my dilemma. How on earth do I go about looking gorgeous for all these Christmas do's I've got?

I was pretty stylish before it all fell apart. I just want to look (or at least feel) hot for an evening.
Is that too much to ask at 42 and frumpy?

What's your best bit? If you have put on weight, has your cleavage increased? Or is your weight round your middle but you've got fabulous legs? Whatever it is, show it off!

My best bit is my face, without a doubt, and I have pretty hair.

I've bulked round the middle, and my boobs feel matronly now. I suppose my bum is pretty good but unfortunately it's offset by a bulgy tum on the other side.

My go-to outfit last year was a pencil skirt, biker jacket and heels. Maybe I need to work round that theme.

Sparkles aren't flattering, are they?

I have a lovely sparkly sort of kimono ish top from Gap, plus another poster link to some batwing ones from Phase 8 that look lovely. Have you tried on any leather/pleather skirts? And get your hair done and treat yourself to some new makeup? I don't know if it's your thing, but I just treated myself to a couple of helix piercings and nice earrings to feel better about turning 40 x

Actually, that’s a point. I have a lovely black kimono style top I bought from Oasis in the summer. Perhaps it will do with say, coated jeans, a black vest and statement necklace?
I don’t know if I have the balls to try coated jeans but they are a bit more dressy than normal ones, aren’t they?
God I’m so mad. Three years ago I wouldn’t have had these worries.

I bet you'll look fab. I fancy some leather/pleather leggings or jeans but currently worried I'm too old. Can't find any short enough for my stumpy legs anyway!