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Style and beauty

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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?

988 replies

LetThemEatCake · 17/01/2010 11:42

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

OP posts:
BurningBuntingFlipFlop · 21/01/2010 22:33

Right. Hi all.

Can i please join? I've been lurking on here but it's about time i actually posted. I spend alot of money on clothes but never seem to have anything to wear. I need to refocus considerably. I think since children (2.5 & 8m) i've lost my way style-wise. I buy things i like with no 'personal style' iykwim.

I will get a profile pic up as that seems appropriate.

Feelingoptimistic · 21/01/2010 22:34

ps
I had a look at that link to the harem pants (and sorry, I think they are a bad look....) but then I saw this, which I love, so I am just as bad:

www.laredoute.co.uk/style/CHEMINS-BLANCS-Playsuit.aspx?ProductId=324170296&DocumentId=210010&Company Id=R&source=4

but I am short (petite sounds better !), so it would probably look terrible on me

isthatporridgeinyourhair · 22/01/2010 09:04

MM - what about?
this?

Or this?

Or this?

Or this?

Or this?

Or this?

Or this?

hellsbelles · 22/01/2010 09:51

mrsjuan - lovely pics I see Tracey is already on the styling case. I shall just watch on in wonder (and learn!)

MM - beautiful beautiful jacket. Now you have made me lust after it too. But horrible price point.

I had to go out again last night (last time for a while I hope) and dug out my Fendi dress again and got lots of compliments. No one would compliment me today though. I look utterly shambolic because of yet another hangover and lack of sleep. plum tam tam jumper, denim mini, plum tights. No idea what to wear on my feet if I venture out into the rain. brown boots least offensive match I guess???

BTW - I'm not always such a pisshead. I'm really not (used to be pre dc but am actually very boring now - all this going out is sadly rare right now as I can't bear hangovers while looking after DC's)

Just posted our tax returns and am feeling [green] - as in sick not envious. However am enjoying all the gorgeous links - cheering me up no end. Shall just have to work extra hard next week to ensure maximum spending potential!

hoxtonchick · 22/01/2010 09:52

i am sooooooooo tempted by the pink bag. it's what credit cards are for, right....?

are you a hackney girl too FO? we're near london fields.

mm, i got really lovely shrunken leather jacket from whistles last year, wore it so much. and look, they're doing a grey one this season. mine is lovely quality leather.

LetThemEatCake · 22/01/2010 09:54

welcome BurningBunting

I've woken up feeling a bit hungover miserable this morning, with a sore throat to boot - dh has been away all week and looking after the 3 dcs solo is not exactly a rest-camp .. think I'm a bit run down. Anyway, maybe that's why I've gone for an outfit that feels a bit mumsy today - am not sure about it, it doesn't feel like me (I know where you were coming from the other day esher) but can't muster the energy to rethink it.

Black leggings
dark brown boots
Sass & Bide denim skirt (bought in 2003, have really dug in the depths of my wardrobe for that one)
black l/s tee
deep plummy purple merino wool sweater vest (Gap, charity shop)

tomorrow will be a more stylish day!!

OP posts:
PCPlumIsMyHomeboy · 22/01/2010 09:56

Just added a pic-not with the new hair, as DH was home too late to take one last night, and no-one needs to see a pic of me in pjs.

Just done school run in wellies, navy leggings, long plaid shirt, but look a bit horsey, so going up to change once DS is asleep.

Need to pop tyo shops later to pick up Tara Jarmon top from John Lewis, and also have a couple of things to take back. Will try to resist using the 'free money' that the returns get me to buy anything else.

Have just gone thru the mini Boden catalogue, need to whittle the list down or DD and DS will be well dressed but severely malnourished this summer.

hoxtonchick · 22/01/2010 10:00

oh, today i am mostly wearing:

navy trapeze top from jigsaw
long purple merino cardigan from toast
v old (and short!) denim A line skirt from tk maxx
black opaques
teal boots previously mentioned

only for school run/working from home so uber styleishness not required!

traceybath · 22/01/2010 10:24

MM that jacket is lovely but tres expensive.

Hoxton - just saw this and it made me think of you're style after the link to the farhi dress.

LTEC - outfit sounds fine to me. Its raining here so we're having a quiet day at home. Must say my DD looks very sweet today in pink tweed pedal pushers from zara over pink tights. Gosh - it is much fun having a girl to dress after two boys.

Oh and I'm wearing roxannes again, scoop neck breton top and pink cropped cardigan on top. Looks fine although not massively exciting.

bunnymother · 22/01/2010 10:25

Morning!

Quick one from me... Sitting in tracksuit as been on cross trainer (mummy tummy, off with thee...). Off to a hen's do tomorrow night, so as am shopping from my wardrobe plan to wear my trust tarty dress here www.asos.com/Mina/Mina-Giraffe-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=872948 which I hope to style pretty much as the model looks. My dress is the cream w black sports, and am ignoring that its reduced below what I paid. Not sure whether can be bothered getting hair done or will DIY.

Purple Zara dress I bought is here cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300386256965&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_600wt_1165. Should be a nice casual day dress . BTW no point looking at my other purchases - they are pretty much all for baby DD!

Am also thinking of this cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230425533950&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1158wt_1165 dress, but not sure about Paul & Joe sizing.

Final point... Think this cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170432550025&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT dress is v cool, and the seller has many gorgeous vintage clothes (inc Christian Dior) for sale at low starting prices. But can I do vintage/do I need more clothes given that its all v SJP gorgeous, but my lifestyle is not.

Wishing you all super styling days!

becstarlitsea · 22/01/2010 10:42

Hello all

Yes, am very lucky with my DH's super styling skills!

Friday is never a stylish day for me - at 3pm I'll be doing a five mile walk uphill with a buggy to get some exercise and pick DS up from football. Since it's bucketing down with rain I will be wearing waterproofs and wellies - and I defy anyone to sex up waterproof trousers!

But while I'm working at home I'm wearing skinny jeans (Gap, in the sale, £17), green cashmere TSE jumper (ancient, really good fit though), with Tshirts layered under it (two shades of blue) and my slippers.

I really should put some make-up on though. Am thinking of going to a make up counter for a lesson/makeover as I haven't updated my make up in a long time and think I might be stuck in a rut. Thinking of either Bobbi Brown or MAC - has anyone got any good/bad experiences?

hoxtonchick · 22/01/2010 10:52

oh that is lovely tracey, very me . i veer wildly between flattering black & crazy prints....

hoxtonchick · 22/01/2010 11:14

i am eyeing these up too. may take that farhi dress back to pay for all this shopping which this thread is contributing to .

tattycoram · 22/01/2010 11:16

Oh I LOVE those!!!! Might have known I'd see you here and I'm trying to do a sodding application form

hoxtonchick · 22/01/2010 11:35

hello love. how was last night? aren't those shoes ACE, i so need them. but want to wait until the whole collection is out, there might be some even nicer ones....

tattycoram · 22/01/2010 11:38

It was great but I am hungover. Luckily DS with grandparents. But - back to shopping , please keep that Farhi dress, I love it. I am about to ring Toast and see if they have had any cigarette pants returned. I NEED smart trousers

hoxtonchick · 22/01/2010 11:41

oooh yes, you'd look fabulous in cigarette pants (& i love the name ).

tattycoram · 22/01/2010 11:45

Sophisticated no?

RE harem pants, my maddest purchase of last year was some maternity harem pants from Top Shop when I was ttc - still unworn. Doh

I do like those grey ones porridge, very nice

eshermummy · 22/01/2010 12:02

Bloody hell - how many links and how many things to comment on!
I didn't make it on last night as had (very) rare night out to book club (hadn't read book but think I managed to wing it )

right then, let me see

mrsjuan - hello and welcome. Tracey's list is pretty good really - you can't go far wrong with that lot really but my advice would be to buy slowly. £1000 is a great budget but now is probably not a great time to spend it as the shops are still ha;f sale/half winter/half spring. There'll be loads more good stuff to come in next few months . Also I second about buying whole outfits - don't be afraid of copying a whole look off of a manniquin if you like it - nothing wrong with buying a whole outfit in one place and much simpler to start with. Also get a load of magazines and look at outfits and if affordable, replicate . I actually find some of the cheaper magazines (LOOK etc) best for simply pages and pages of clothes. If something is a bit outside your comfort zone don't be afraid to trial run it in a cheap version first then if you like it you can look to upgrade to a better fabric/cashmere etc.

porridge - I say YES to harem pants. My DH hates em though. I finally bought a cheap mango pair in the sale last summer and am def going to get some more. I wear with flat glads and a vest or two.

LTEC - your M&S charity shop T - before you wash it check whether it is one of the ones with any wool in it. I bought lovely M&S (limited collection) top with same sleeves last year and although said machine wash it got steadily smaller and smaller. I took back for refund and apparently was problem with whole batch.

hoxton - love the pink Pauric Sweeney. I would be tempted myself but think I am holding out for a Mulberry Roxanne.

Monkeysmama - that is a lovely leather jacket but....omg the price! Have you actually seen irl? IMO there is great leather styling on the high street at Oasis, Top Shop, Reiss, Whistles etc but no comparison when it comes to softness of the leather - so as long as you don't touch the Rick Owens I think you could find a very good copy

Paul & Joe sizing - ime their 36 is an 8. If I am unsure about someone's sizing I always go on NAP/Outnet and check the measurements of other garments of same brand. Lots of Paul & Joe on outnet at mo.

Well, today I am wearing

black wet look leggings
long sleeve very thin black crewneck tshirt
grey/black check empire line shirtdress (GAP)
short black gap biker boots
black fringed leather handbag

last night at book club (which was round someone's house) wore same but substituted boots for black cone heeled round toe ankle boots with grey buttons (KG) and this shirtdress instead of the checked one.
Did (slightly rubbish as short of time) Claudia Winkleman goth makeup inspired by Traceybath's pic of her!
Massively overdressed compared to everyone else but plus ca change!

Didn't buy the farhi necklace in the end as picked up a bargain (£12) multi-strand thing in the Kew sale in a very unusual shade of gold.

Hush parcel arrived today - very pleased with quality of shawl cardigan I bought - seems too nice for indoors only!

bunnymother - is uncanny you have linked to a vintage velvet maxi as was poking about in the sale rail at monsoon yesterday and came across this. They had 2 left in my size but I didn't try as just thought WHEN would I EVER wear it? But twas lovely and only £48.50.......but it would be sheer foolishness right?

Fleecy · 22/01/2010 12:46

What is it with Fridays? It is raining here and I am wearing very boring clothes today - charcoal and black stripe jersey dress with grey flannel waistcoat over the top (adds nice curves and defines the waist) and black leggings underneath.

But my best friend is flying over from Jersey today and we're going out tonight so will be much more glam later on

I can't make up my mind about harem pants. I have a black pair but have a love/hate relationship with them. So I'm on the fence.

Like the Paul & Joe dress though.

hellsbelles · 22/01/2010 13:03

Hoxton chick - may I hazard a guess that you live in, umm, Hoxton? I'm from the far less cool islington. So in your neck of the woods (don't worry - not suggesting anything so scary as a RL meeting! Just being nosey)

Plum - am I being thicko...am assuming the pic of you at a wedding (which seems to be mid-summer) is not with new hairstyle (though lovely)? Is the pic up there cause I can't find it!

hoxtonchick · 22/01/2010 13:29

don't worry hells, i am a compulsive meet-up-er-er (that is so not a word). we used to live in hoxton when you and childfree, are now near london fields. which bit of islington are you in?

geordieminx · 22/01/2010 13:30

Bargin of today if you are a 6 or 8 fcuk

If you use code RRCP you get another 20% off...

monkeysmama · 22/01/2010 13:36

Ciao girls

Seem to be a lot of hangovers today! They say Thursday is the new Friday. Hope you all feel better by now.

Thanks for all the links Porridge. Interestingly I looked at the cheapest one and thought "that will do" before catching myself and remembering why I have tens of bin bags and wardrobes full of clothes I never wear. Tbh I want it for my trip to Paris and having agreed with dp that I wouldn't make any big purchases this month I feel a bit torn. I'm going to head to the high street and try some on. Much appreciated

Went out to our dancing thing this morning and I looked like crap. I'd decided what to wear last night and was going to look glam and manicured but then my knee popped out of joint last night (happens pretty often ) and so had to wear trainers today. I'm wearing H&M blue jeans, a maternity vest (I am not pg) and a Warehouse black polo neck under my mud splattered padded long coat with my lovely new gold Nikes though. I met up with my v well dressed mate rocking some lovely tailored harem pants, a beautiful cashmere v neck, brogues and a lovely leather jacket and felt positively dowdy .

This is what often happens to me. I get hot in our dressing room, dd runs around pulling my things out of draws and throwing them down the stairs, I try loads of lovely things on and then put them back in the wardrobe and think I need to save them and end up hot, stressed and not well dressed. I then feel down all day because I care about how I look. I am going to get changed when dd wakes up and start the day again.

I like harem pants because they're tailored but not too smart iyswim. I really enjoyed wearing them last summer and am pleased they are around again this year.

Esher I am always overdressed at my book club too. I was massively overdressed at our Christmas drinks. I rocked up in a black sequinned top with black skinny trousers and studded shoeboots and everyone else was in jeans and fleeces.

Right - dd's asleep s I'm off to get changed .

MM

hellsbelles · 22/01/2010 13:53

HC - I sort of the Angel bit? Do you know the Crown or The Albion pubs (not sure why I'm using pubs as landmarks ) - I'm very near them.