Can you help an old clueless fat apple please

[exnewwifeproblems]

I'm a size 18. I have what I have seen described here as a blob. A fat menopausal tummy.

I am disabled and it's unlikely I'm going to lose the weight so I have to accept it and find ways to dress it.

I'm short at 5ft1 and I can't wear heels.

I'm moving jobs and I will be in a director role and I don't want to look ridiculous.

Marks and Sparks trousers in short are my go to as they fit me well.

I don't do florals or patterns they look silly on me and I don't wear dresses as they make me feel drowned.

I don't mind spending a bit but I don't want to end up with stuff that I feel is wearing me.

I'm a size 4 in shoes with ultra wide feet and they need to be proper shoes and supportive - I can't do ballet flats and I live in brogues and trainers and a pair of granny sandals from hotter.

Can anyone help please? I don't want to start this new job in the clothes I have.

Thanks everyone! Shopping at the weekend 😃😃😃

Someone mentioned Moshulu. I second that recommendation. I have small, wide feet and the fit was great. I think their usp is lots of colours. Lots of flats however I did also get a heel that is super comfy and I can walk in and wear all day at work. They have stores, including one nearish me, however I never get to go anywhere so I ordered on line. Daunting as I bought long boots too, however the returns are free.

Not sure if this type of service is still available but I am sure John Lewis would still be doing it, but book a personal shopper , you tell them what you want clothes for and your budget, they bring you a selection of clothes to try on you can buy or not as you choose. You will save yourself a lot of hassle and many trips into changing rooms . Good luck in your new job.

Congratulations, you have done the difficult bit. Now is the fun part.

I'd strongly recommend you get some style / personal shopping advice. There is lots of help out there.

John Lewis personal shopping appointment might be a good start. Longer term, though, I'd advise you to build up a relationship with someone with whom you 'click' and who can do all the hard work for you. Once or twice a year, you meet up for an orgy of trying things on and replenish your wardrobe.

It can become addictive to be offered a rack of have beautiful, stylish clothes all of which suit you perfectly and fit you easily. It very easily spills over from just work wardrobe to one special evening outfit and before you know where you are, you are getting suggestions for you 'home clothes' too.

Keep an eye out for where suitable advice might come from. Re there any small clothes boutiques around you. Visit at a quiet time and explain what you want. Ask anyone you see who looks stylish for recommendations.

I've had great help from personal shoppers I have contacted through house of colour.

Enjoy the process.

One more thought: I would encourage you to have a proper bra fitting, as everything rests on a good foundation. I make it a priority to visit https://www.rigbyandpeller.com in Knightsbridge anytime I've lost if gained weight. If I've not changed, then a buy more bras online.

Game changer.

Here is the website for the brilliant lady I found who can help in person and online, too.

After a discussion, you can be sent lots of links for things to buy. Or you can go shopping together. I'm still wearing the jeans Kerrie reccomnended, years ago now.

https://www.kerrieellis.co.uk

I also 100% recommend moshulu for wide feet and small sizes. I have bunions but am a 3.5, I need padding underfoot too. I buy their wasabi sandals every summer (this year, I have rai bow which is like a silver colour, blackberry and tan) and then bin them at the end of the season as I walk so much in them. They’re great. If you are looking for sizes that seem to be out of stock, or for colours from previous seasons, give them a phone call as they have more stock than the website suggests.

You sound exact same as me these days, with oesteo-arthritus is most joints I need to try on my shoes for extra width for my left foot. In clothes now that I dont work anylonger seems to be leggins which I buy from either in black from M+S and put a longer nice cotton blouse or patterned tunic top over them, as for comfort mostly as with m+s trousers the length is one that i cant get right myself. Lovely site is seasalt + only managed to ever buy one dress the other week in the sale, so dont know if they do trousers as well. But yes, try on any items of clothing to save having to post back/return with the p+p. Goodluck.

Hi! Just a thought..
black comfortable trousers.
interesting accessories, earrings, necklaces ? Scarf.
tops? Leopard print blouse? Plain bright coloured shirts with maybe a scarf.
must have Comfy shoes, check out hotter
I am sure u will look good and congratulations on your new job x

can i mention sole bliss shoes especially for bunions and wide fit?
i just bought some fur a wedding and they are so lovely and comfortable but not at all frumpy take a look

I ordered some moshulu slippers and ballet flats Wednesday. Amazing, Ballet Flats the best ever for wide toes /bunions and skinny ankles. Product name Tiber.