I would like to look effortlessly elegant......

[PussinJimmyChoos]

How do you even go about this? Or is it something that you never learn....you just 'are'.....

I think the first step is to be born French. Or Italian.

Oh god, Puss, me too... I have been considering throwing out all my "non-elegant" clothes in favour of a sort of uniform of slim tailored trousers, shirts and sweaters, pretty skirts... but I know I will still look a scruff

I think some people are just born with it.

You should read this - it's a lovely book.

Bollox......

Bollox that I'm not French or Italian that is, not bollox to your thread!

Ooh Lapin! Help me in my quest for a yummy mummy bag?!!

I think some women just are, Puss.

Never mind. Harvey Nicks are coming sooooooonn!!

It takes a lot of time and reinforced underwear. DH grandmother was an ambassadors wife of the ferrero-rocher kind in the 50's and she told me. She looked glorious mind.

Desi! You've met me...you are supposed to say oh Puss but you are elegant...I don't care if you have to lie through your teeth...do it dammit...do it!!!

Hows your lovely DS? Mine is tantrumming all over the place.....had three in Slimbridge Bird Centre at the weekend and DH helpfully just watched....I didn't want to say help me as didn't want too look as if couldn't cope in front of all the lentil weavers in their hiking boots and North Face jackets so I just waited for him to come over and then hissed with cat's arse mouth 'thanks for your help'

He bleats back 'oh....looked as if you were coping'

Men!

Tell me about the bag?

I want something that I can take to Syria with me that just screams elegant...have had a look on Babes with Babies website and like the Julie one on there but am wondering if am better off with just a normal big bag iyswim? Can I justify over £100 on a bag fgs?!!

Oh ho! Don't talk to me about Slimbridge, Nikki.

I took J there about a year ago, and the little sod jumped straight in

I had to fish him out, covered in duck and fish shit

Anyhow, of course you're elegant my darling. But it should be effortless. £100 on a bag is a big effort that doesn't say much, other than that you're a sop.

Get yourself to a good charity shop (and I don't mean in Bemmy). And it's all in the walk. Practice with some books on yer 'ed.

Desi, you talk sense..as ever, but am seduced by all marketing that expensive = elegant.....

I need to go on a trek in Peru or similar and rediscover my real, non material self...oh and lose excess baby weight in the process!

I know I shouldn't psml at duck and fish shit but that made me roffle!!!

PS Where are the charity shops where you can get designer stuff? I've never found one!!

Ahem... have just sent you message about a topshop bag...

WHY did you have to tell me about that site!

Are you looking specifically for a changing bag? I bought a lovely big dark brown fake leather bag in Asda to cart around all of DS's crap - £8

Have a look here - cheaper than your site for the same bag

Groovy stripey one for £20

Herve Chapelier bags are the VERY best as a changing bag and for effortless elegance imo.

here are some on ebay

Ooh the inanna bag is lovely! Doesn't help with the money issue but I like it so much I wish I'd got that one.

Jeez, and you're the Muslim

You need to take up Yoga ... honestly. That will give you elegance.

Oh, and buy the bloody bag if you must. But explain .. you're going to Syria, (Damascus I believe), so what's the dress code?

Is it all bags and accessories? Is make-up frowned upon? Explain, woman. Then we might be able to help

Well, technically make up is only for your husband but you get women who don't wear hejab and cake themselves in it, women who wear hejabs and cake them selves in it and women who wear hejabs and no make up! DH's family are a mixture of the two so I tend to meet the middle ground with a natural made up look iyswim?

Shoes, bags and accessories are all v important in the M.East! They speak volumes about your status, as does the size of the rock you wear - the rings over there are bling, in yer face and depressingly, all real.... I could go on here about having a small ring but wouldn't quite sound right would it....

Ah ha! So the bag must be real

OK, get some lurvely shoes, and that bag you covet. The ring .. .. is a small ring better than no ring at all?

Middle road on the make-up is always a good idea, whoever the PILs are