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I need an image overhaul (not to mention some pride!!) Advice please

40 replies

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 11:47

Had a bit of a wardrobe clearout and was horrified to discover that soo much of my stuff is at least 6 years old and I just keep dragging it out, sticking it on . . . Thing is 6 years ago I was 25 and I think there is probably a big difference between what a 25yr old can get away with and a 31 yr old mum of 2. The major problem I have is that if I decide on a whim (or whinge!!!!) to go for a walk with LOs I dress them really nicely etc, then chuck jeans, jumper coat on and off I trot. I cannot allow myself to do this anymore I do not want to be 'tired looking mum'. I want t o have some pride and style.
I'm ok with getting dressed up (for those rare occasions we go out at night). What I am struggling with is a 'uniform' for the day. You know something fairly low maintenance that is going to be comfy, washable etc, but that I won't be ashamed to open the door in or nip round the shops in. Then I need stage 2 - The weekend wear - for going out on family outings etc - again casual, but trendy/nice etc.
So stats then - I'm 31 (as mentioned) 5 foot 1, size 8-10 bottom half, have 32E norks(I know I know - but relevant info I feel for the whole body shape thing) so that usually equates to 12-14 top. What would suit me?
Please don't slate me too much - I've just got a bit out of touch....

OP posts:
MAMAZON · 16/01/2008 11:50

8-10 and 32E norks if you tell me your pretty too i shall cry.

what on earth are you still wearng frm 6 years ago though?
im guessing either jeans or combats?

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 11:59

not particularly pretty (but don't suppose anyone looks at the face!!). Trust me the norks cause some problems sometimes (have been known to cry in M&S at the old lady selection available to me - I love cami type tops/basques etc as I'm hideously ashamed of my tummy since babies, but that is a mission and a half to find something that fits) but I know I shouldn't grumble!!!

Yep combats, jeans t-shirts - stuck in a huge rut!! I have quite a few little skirts which are lovely with opaques and long boots but I always struggle with tops to go with - shirts look officey (can't stand the word blouse it sounds too . . . well blousey!!) t-shirts obv. look shite??

OP posts:
Slouchy · 16/01/2008 12:01

I am similar shape to you but altogether fatter. (size 12 with 30J (!) norks. I am a SAHM.
What works for me is decent jeans that fit well (don't have to be ££ but you do need to shop around to get right shape). Long sleeved fitted t-shirts and wooly jumpers (never fleeces!) for around the house. I have several nice hats for school run (so hair is not a problem in morning), also scarf, suede gloves, good boots. I always wear light makeup cos this makes me feel better.
Today I am wearing sage green l/sl top from sainsbos, black cord knee legnth skirt, opaques and a green zipup cardi thing. Wore with suede jacket and cerise gloves and scarf when I was out.But all practical, washable et6c.

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 12:01

forgot to add - fairly skint so this will be a buy bit by bit as and when . . .(so no boden please!!!)

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chrissnow · 16/01/2008 12:12

thanks slouchy (J!?) size 12 is NOT fat btw. Sounds good. Can't do hats I always look like a bag lady (DH laughs at each and every one I have ever tried on) luckily I have a 'messy' spiky type short hair cut so that's never an issue for me.
Glad to hear good jeans is a good thing. I know dorothy perkins jeans always seem to fit me in the right places and aren't expensive so stock up there then!!!

OP posts:
brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:16

how about :
cord skirt
knee length flat boots
v neck jumpers
camisoles for layering

jeans or cords with above tops

that's my uniform

do you have decent bras

brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:20

this top is lovely
they have an 8 left and the sizes in fat face are generous so I am sure it would fit(i'm f cup so do know)

isaidno · 16/01/2008 12:20

always wear make up, even if it is just abit of foundation and mascara. It makes me feel tons better.

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 12:24

that top is my fave colour!! must buy. Yes I went and got fitted just before christmas by the most wonderful woman ever. She even advised which makes tend to be best for my size, what to look for in other shops, how to check fit properly, even how you're supposed to put a bra on!!! Again I've got to slowly build my underwear collection back up.
isaidno - you are right a bit of foundation and gloss always makes me feel a bit better. Strangely for someone so style unsavvy I'm ok with make-up (but then I do the same routine with that as my face is the same as ever - bit more old but new foundation for old slappers sorted that out!!!!)

OP posts:
brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:25

would you wear a short skirt?

not mini but to mid thigh with opaque tights and flat boots?

brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:28

something like this but maybe brown or navy

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 12:30

absolutely!! My friend bought me those funky opaque tights with a bit of a pattern (one diamond and one crochet type) What type of top though? Lop sleeve tee?

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brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:31

yes long sleeve t shirt with vneck jumper if chilly over top and funky necklace

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 12:31

sorry meant long sleeve not lop sleeve? Won't flat boots make me look like a pygmy?

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brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:31

have you got boots

brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:32

how tall are you

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 12:33

I have black long boots (chunky heel) leather. And 3 pairs of ankle boots I only wear 1 of them as well. Have size 2.5 foot sometimes an issue in boots!! Am I the most impossible person or what!!

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brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:33

ah your 5ft1 sorry

Well a little heel say no more than 2in for comfort and a bit of height I think.

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 12:34

sorry xposting like mad here!! I'm 5 foot 1

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brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:34

black long ones sound good

brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:34

what are the ankle boots like

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 12:36

built for comfort not style!!!! clarks circa 1998!!! (I only wear them when driving dh's car so I can reach the pedals!!!)
The rest of the time it tends to be those velcro trainers things. (oh dear god I'm just getting more and more here)

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brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:38

nah

you sound completely normal

chrissnow · 16/01/2008 12:44

Trinny and Susannah would have a field day with me!!!
I have a wardrobe full of mistakes too. Which I think also has put me off shopping as I'm too afraid of adding to it!! I bought some tailored shorts in the summer - wrong wrong wrong. And a white peasant style dress!! Its just all boobs!!!! I look like a dumpy brunette pamela anderson in it!!!
Today I'm wearing 10yr old jeans (with baked beans on one knee and a pea soup coloured jumper. Going to drop kids off at PILs now. Be back soon for more pearls of wisdom.

OP posts:
brimfull · 16/01/2008 12:55

try this to find out your badyshape