Anyone interested in forming a "shop more wisely and less compulsively", "no more expensive mistakes" and "make the most of what you already own" thread?

[LetThemEatCake]

There seems to have been a digression from the original intention of Penth's very worthy thread so, rather than cause anyone any offence or detract from what Penth and others were setting out to achieve, would anyone like to do a thread in a similar vein? Discussing potential purchases (advising each other for/ against in sensible fashion!!) and talking about how we're wearing existing pieces etc

Am off to Sunday lunch with friends but will check back in later.

Wearing purple Tam Tam dress, grey opaques, grey slouch suede boots, charcoal travelwrap for discreet bfing. Pretty exited about the sunshine so nearly cracked out the new OP sunnies but am saving for summer proper

have a good day all

me. am pg and wearing bobbly top from previous pg and jeans that are slightly too short (i hate that). Desperately want to look cared for instead of in need of care...

I agree completely!

It is very unrealistic to think that I wont spend any money in the next year, but I really do need to check myself and take better care that what I am buying will be used. I am already fairly careful what I buy myself, the problem is the dc. I tend to buy them more than they could ever wear and we now have too much!

I am on the lookout for a nice charcoal cashmere wrap. After I've found that, I am sure there will be something else.

Ooo yes yes. I have the 'problem' that I have recently lost a lot of weight I'd put on with ds (3 stone in total, getting me back to pre pg size 12, but now want to lose at least another stone).
My issue is that all the clothes I had put away when pg are now at least 2 or 3 years old, and a lot of them are work clothes. I am now a sahm with pretty much nothing to wear, and no real idea what size I'll end up (hoping for a 10). A friend of mine just hosted a clothing swap, which was great to get rid of all my big clothes, and now my wardrobe looks much tidier, I don't want to fill it with crap I'll never wear. I'm also trying to rediscover my own style, having spent the 18 months since ds was born wearing whatever would fit.
Today, I'm off just to run some errands and take the dcs to feed the ducks. Am wearing a fabulous Primark red teadress, black opaques and vintage black brogues which I adore
The things I really need to buy are a pair of decent jeans and some nice skirts and dresses for summer. Not to mention underwear, but since I'm still shrinking there's no point spending much as it won't need to last.

Ooo Riven, I'm not a million miles away from you I don't think (Exeter). Would love to go shopping!
Have you tried charity shops? I have found them great while I'm not at my ideaql weight as I can get great stuff that won't break the bank. And people are pretty surprised when they find out most of my stuff is second hand, I've had a new plum coloured cashmere jumper and an amazing vintage coat just this week.

Count me in.

Riven - you are perfect for this thread - a makeover - ooh very excited.

Right - what size/shape/colouring are you?

I'm right in thinking you're Bristol aren't you - so you've got Cabots near by . . .

Ooo we need to do this!
I had the same problem Riven, and it took going out with a friend who is the same size, and who made me try on clothes, to see that I could look much better. At the time I was still fat in my head. I never would have even picked up the dress I'm in today if it wasn't for her, and I love it (helped by the fact that a delivery guy said I looked very nice in it ) I think to get a good basic wardrobe, you do have to be prepared to spend some money, but it needn't be much. And the effect it will have on your self esteem is worth every penny

Just been for a run and I need a new sports bra - so where can I get a nice cheap but uber supportive for bf boobs one from please?

And lordy - its so nice to have some sunshine.

oh it's so unfair that you are all so far away. I want to go shopping with someone who knows what they're doing too.

I think I have the same thing as riven, only have also lost alot of weight since last summer. Literally couldn't wear any of my old clothes. it's so hard to know what to buy though. The charity shops round here are rubbish : (

Tracey-, I picked up 2 Shock Absorbers, bnwt, on eBay last week for about 12£ each. Seller was intimatetouch I think

Riven- you are perfect for this thread, we need more info re height size etc

Joliejolie- have got my grey cashmere wrap on today, 15% off until end of Jan at the travelwrapcompany.com

hello all - I'm a defector from the thrift thread as I do realise my problem is more that I buy too much that isn't right. But want to feel free to make judicious purchases without feeling guilty.

Sounds like we a have a fun time ahead planning our spring/summer outfits!

Hello, can I join? I am a sahm to 20 mth old DD. I love clothes but always end up in jeans. I need to be more sensible with my money and buy things I really love that I'll wear to death.

I think I'd be better on this thread too.

I definitely want to restrict my buying, but in the past couple of weeks, when I've been sorting through my existing stuff and discovering forgotten things, it's become more apparent (a) what suits me and (b) what I actually need to pull things together and make more use of what I have.

Blardey hell Riven no way can you be a size 20! At 5.10 and 10 stone something you're probably a 12 at most. My goodness we need to get you to the shops

Riven - at 5 ft 8 and 10 1/2 stone I was no bigger than a size 12 (in pretty much any make)...so I suspect those size 20's are very very baggy??!!

Riven, are you brave enough to post a photo? Headless if needs be

I pretty much promise you can't be more than a 12 (perhaps a small 14 absolute tops). Good idea on the headless photo badiet

I can understand the photo thing. But that is a leftover from my very fat days. I went out this weekend and there are pictures on facebook which previously would have mortified me. But now I see that I am much smaller than I am in my head. Can you get someone to take a picutre of you?