Help an out of touch old bird

[Landedmydreamjob]

Hi I’m hoping you can help me.

I went back to uni to get a qualification and straight out of uni I’ve landed my dream job. My salary has increased massively. (Almost a 5x increase) I’m wfh but there will be some office days starting soon ish I expect.

I’ve bought some new clothes out of Marks and Sparks which was always expensive to me before but I want to properly treat myself. I’ve done my house up and booked a holiday and now I want to spend on me.

I want a designer bag - something classic and leather and good enough to be noticeable but not in your face. Up to maybe £1000-ish.

I want a nice coat - some sort of work appropriate thing - I have no idea what’s fashionable!

I’m buying a warm puffa for the winter. 😁

I’ve invested in some shoes (hotter and wide fit sketchers I have foot issues)

Where does one go for even just one bloody nice outfit when one is not even 40-something anymore and a short apple with boobs? I need a sharp suit and blouse/top in a corporate colour but I want it to look absolutely spot on.

Be warned. I’ve lived on the clippings of a tin while at uni and put my kids first. I’m not joking when I say Marks and Sparks is upper level for me. I’ve lived in Asda leggings and charity shop kit for years and years.

Help please!!

If you want to invest in a bag, you could go for a classic Mulberry such as Bayswater or Alexa or something a bit different like YSL Loulou or Lou camera bag. What a fabulous problem you have to solve OP!

And congratulations on your amazing success; all the best in your new role!

Thanks everyone I’m honestly so amazed every day. It’s beyond my wildest dreams.

Congratulations on your successes. Working out how to dress the part will become easier with practice, and also when you decode your colleagues' and clients' professional style. A fabulous bag is a good place to start... for me it would be a Loewe Puzzle bag (in my dreams).

Winser London and The Fold would be worth a look for clothing.

One good reason not to go mad on a handbag, at least for a while - I spilled antibac gel on mine, yesterday, and it's left a nasty stain and dull patch.

As you have the cash now but are unsure of what suits you, Id highly recommend going to a House of Colour consultant to book both a colour & a style session to get really good guidance on what will suit both your colouring & your style & body shape. Best money I ever spent.
I too won’t see 40+ again & lots of shops cater mostly for younger women,they forget that lots of the spending power is in the older generation, their loss

I was just about to suggest this. I had it done and have never looked back. I’ll also never see 60 again but it’s made such a difference to me.

Also kettlewell for vest tops and camis as well as knitwear in spot on colors.