Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Want to get out of this style rut but huge hurdles in the way!

24 replies

KaySamuels · 10/02/2008 16:45

Erm help!

I currently have two pairs of next jeans that have seen better days and are a size too big, plus various faded and/or bobbled tops. I own one black bra that fits and one that is too small in cup. I have had my winter coat 4 years, the lining needs stitching and the zip is falling off. I had my hair trimmed last in September.

Trouble is I am seriously financially challenged so am kinda of stuck in frumpy miserable hell!!

Any ideas? Maybe I could rob a fashion warehouse or something?? This is a dire situation that is getting me down so any thoughts/tips/ideas would be appreciated!

OP posts:
Furball · 10/02/2008 16:49

go to sainburys/tesco/asda - all have very cheap but very good clothes/bras/knickers etc

Only buy stuff for now that you will wear alot and add gradually to that over the weeks/months.

With your hair - try going to your local college, they would gladly give you a cut (supervised!) at very low cost

Original poster
KaySamuels · 10/02/2008 16:55

Never considered local college I think they do have a training salon will ring tomorrow and find out.

Is an asda near me but a clothing expedition will be dependent on funds.

OP posts:
brimfull · 10/02/2008 17:05

what sort of suggestons do you want if you say you have no funds to buy different clothes?

Slouchy · 10/02/2008 17:20

Trinny and Suze would say start with the bra. get fitted, then when you know your size, buy lots of good value ones.(Supermarkets good if you DDcup or smaller. I , alas, am not and have to wait for bravissimo sale).

Then - matalan.

dippydeedoo · 10/02/2008 17:43

what about charity shops ive had loads of bargains in there for under a couple of quid ...my neighbour who always looks fantastic buys most of her stuff at jumble sales,car boot sales too,i know its harsh but theres no excuse to looking badly dressed even in poverty ....plus why dont u stitch your coat? check out the zip? ive had my everyday coat for 7 years still in good condition and that was from tesco...

Original poster
KaySamuels · 11/02/2008 09:41

Hi thanks for further replies I went off for my sunday roast and forgot to check back!

Will check charity shops on Friday I have got DS some great bargains in the past but for some reason have never looked through the ladies racks.

So charity shops for some clothes, college for my hair cut, and will try asda or matalan for some bras.

DS is dressed omn a shoestring (primark, george, handmedowns and scope) and people always comment how nicely he is dressed so time to start doing the same for me!

I will be stitching my coat, mainly because I love it, I just listed it to show my dire and restricitive wardrobe!

I genuinely wanted money saving style tips so thanks those of you who have posted me helpful advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
KaySamuels · 11/02/2008 09:42

Slouchy I am an E cup and get really sick of seeing all the lovely cheap bras everywhere that only go up to a d cup!

OP posts:
Slouchy · 11/02/2008 09:44

Kay - I long to be an E cup.
I am a (gulp) J. That's right J.

And my back size is only a 30. I look ridiculous.

ladette · 11/02/2008 09:51

would definitely second browsing charity shops, try those in well-to-do areas as people often just fancy a change and the clothes can be better quality and in good nick. I'm lucky enough not to be financially challenged (tho not rich by any means) and the buzz I get from bagging a charity shop bargain is far greater than just buying something from a regular shop. It takes more time, but recently I got a wool coat, as new, for £7 and a 3/4 length jacket for £3. There are always tons of jeans and tops . For hair, as well as local college, watch out for hairdressing salons looking for models. IME they aren't looking for "models" rather "mugs willing volunteers who will let trainees loose on their hair under supervision of a qualified hairdresser".

fishie · 11/02/2008 10:08

m&s often have a sort of heap of end of line stuff, worth a poke around in there. debenhams sale fantastic for underwear bargains too. have you been measured for bra lately? you say your trousers are too big, have you lost weight? you could be measured without buying anything so that you are sure of your size and ready to pounce on any bargains.

Furball · 11/02/2008 10:46

I have met slouchy 3 or 4 times and I can honestly say she does not look ridiculous. The only thing I can say about her size is......I was totally gobsmacked at the size when written down as I didn't notice them in real life. Not that I have a habit at looking at norks!

Slouchy · 11/02/2008 10:48

Aww furball, you are sweet.
They feel ridiculous then!

pelafina · 11/02/2008 10:53

Message withdrawn

pelafina · 11/02/2008 10:53

Message withdrawn

Original poster
KaySamuels · 11/02/2008 11:02

Aw slouchy you sound similar size to my sis, she has nightmares about buying bras!

Am size 14 (ish - 12 in some shops) 34E, 5ft6, 30" leg. Pretty standard really I guess.

Wouldn't want to post on wanted boards would feel daft I think! Am gonna go look in charity shops though, have unexpectedly got today off as mindee came down ill so am off bargain hunting.

OP posts:
Original poster
KaySamuels · 11/02/2008 11:04

I do like debenhams for bras - they are good quality, got measured there before. Will check sale racks when I have some cash on pay day. Don't think I have changed size up top, have two bras the same size, one fits one doesn't.

OP posts:
pelafina · 11/02/2008 12:02

Message withdrawn

Original poster
KaySamuels · 11/02/2008 15:36

That's a lovely offer pelafina thanks.

I popped into town and bought...
a pair of jeans for £4.75
a green next soft fine knit top £4.50
and a lovely shirt style top £3.75
all next all from charity shops.
Also got ds four books and two videos for £2.

I am hoping to get in at the college for a trim n Saturday, haven't had time to ring yet.

If I can get one or two things a week I figure my wardrobe will soon be back on track! I was so tempted to buy for ds today - realise this must be why my clothing is becoming so shabby! Much easier and cheaper top buy for him.

OP posts:
pelafina · 11/02/2008 17:51

Message withdrawn

pelafina · 11/02/2008 17:53

Message withdrawn

dippydeedoo · 11/02/2008 21:06

kay im glad you got some bits today for yourself it is tempting to always buy for the children tho isnt it .....dont forget to keep your eyes open for a really funy handbag....my most admired handbag isnt a designer one by any stretch of the mind but 2 people have offered to buy it from me ....it cost me a pound in the rspca shop!!!!now i know you either lov em or hate them but im currently looking at a trinny and susannah book and getting tips on what to do with the clothes i have and theres some good ideas in there .....maybe u could borrow it from the library?

Original poster
KaySamuels · 12/02/2008 12:03

pelafina I don't have cat but my email add is on my profile, pics are lovely, could pay you?.

dippydeedoo what is the name of the book will ask at the library next time I take the kids.

OP posts:
Original poster
KaySamuels · 12/02/2008 12:08

I have to say I have never looked at the grown up clothes in charity shops, too busy buying for ds but I was quite impressed at what I saw yesterday!

OP posts:
pelafina · 12/02/2008 16:16

Message withdrawn

New posts on this thread. Refresh page