Advice needed for styles for my mum, once tall and shapely, now stooped and skinny

[prettybird]

The title says part of it: my mum (70 this year) was tall (5' 7") and had a lovely shapely figure - about a 14, good boobs and waist and nice legs. She had real presence, full of life and loved nice clothes. She was fit and energetic and looked much younger than her age.

However, now she has lost more than two stone and is stooped and has practically no boobs She now looks like an old woman.

Some of you may recall that she had an accident 3 years which involved a head injury. She made a reasonable (but not complete) recovery, but in the few months she has deteriorated further. My dad is keen to help her look good - but we are both struggling with ideas as to what new clothes to get her.

Mum is not capable of going out to the shops (it would distress her too much), so I'll need to get stuff mail order or from M&S. She has bought stuff in the past from Boden and Artigiano - so money isn't really any object. Dad used to buy her presents from Jaeger, but no longer has any feel about what she would like - both becasue Mum's figure has changed so much and because she is no longer capable of giving him not so subtle hints.

My first step is to try to measure her for some new bras (that'll be fun ) - but does any one have some recommendations for clothes to get her?

This is much for my my dad as for my mum, as helping my mum to look good in the way that she used to take such pleasure will give him some comfort.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Has the lunchtime mob got any suggestions?

Why don't you try a personal shopper session in one of the department stores - Debenhams or John Lewis?

If her figure has totally changed she will need to rethink everything and I'm sure they would have some hints.

Otherwise maybe consider a style session with someone you pay (I saw a woman for my "colours" who did style for less than £100), it might sound like a lot but if it stopped you/her making silly expensive mistakes it would be worth it.

Just seen that she can't go out, but could you get someone over to yours ?

Mum can't go to the shops any more - they would distress her too much and would start screaming.

I have thought about seeing if I could get someone in - but again, mum really can't cope with other people (it is bad enough with friends and family - although at least we are learning to ignore/tolerate the screaming ).

That's why I thought I would try getting some "virtual" personal shopping advice via Mumsnet

Oh dear, I am so sorry.

I remember a link to an American woman through flylady who would send tips and suggestions according to body type and could do more indepth help if you sent a photo.

Would that work?

here is the link just in case.

Good luck

Thnaks for that. I'm looking for some more immediate suggestions from UK based suppliers.

I might re-post this thread with a new title "Virtual personal shopper required"

not sure if this kind of thing is her cup of tea, but Hampstead Bazaar is online. Their website is truly awful, but I know they have lovely things - really pretty stuff, and people like Judi Dench go there. it's a very elegant place.

www.hampsteadbazaar.com/about-us-4922.html

also, how about www.wall-london.com/

and: www.peruvianconnection.co.uk/home.do

they are all places that specialise in elegant clothes for women of a certain age

Hope that helps, or at least gives you some new ideas!

thinking about what my mother, early seventies, also lost a lot of weight, would wear:
try Wrap online - models look young but some of the clothes are all ages
Or Lands End, nice basics in a range of sizes and shapes - some shown on an older woman
House of Bruar - trad plus more modern stuff such as jackets
Why not go for trousers from M and S so you can fiddle around with sizes easily then order nice tops from these catalogues.
My mother (who dresses well) often wears shirts with collars - proper cotton or polo style - then a v trendy stripey cardigan over - Monsoon or similar; plus boring navy trousers on the bottom!
Also, don't laugh, try a ladies golfing type catalogue for more fun trousers/tops - designed to be easy to wear.
Just thought, Sandwich clothes are good too, not sure if an on line site, also try Seasalt for some fun basics. Good luck

Thanks Faustina and cloelia. I had forgotten about Peruvian Connection - Mum has used them in the past.

Cloelia - thnaks for the ideas about styles: that's also where I am struggling. I have a simialr figure to mum (the one she used to have) although I am much shorter (5' 4") so should could carry off more than I could. I've got out my Gok "How to look good naked" book to get ideas about styling for different body shapes. SOmewhere I have Trinny and Susannah's book (NB: these were presents from SIL and ds repsectively )

It's also a distressing time for us so I am having difficulty thnking objectively about waht mum would llook good in now.

Does she like accessories like silk scaves that could brighten up an outfit & add/divert emphasis as required? Also Land's End has a good telephone helpline.

Just to add your mum is so lucky to have you & her dh looking after her like this. It must be difficult. I hope you get some good recommendations.

just wondered if this article was any use in terms of inspiration?

My mum is much the same, tall but not so thin, stooped, and can't go shopping.

I'd go with easy to wear things - pull on trousers, tunics, heavy jersey dresses for occasions. My mum is certainly not very tolerant of anything that requires fussing or in the least uncomfortable, so easy wearing is important.

She seems to like Lands End, and they are really good about returns, so you can try things with her and see what looks good.

I have recently had to dress mum for my brothers wedding, and bought a beautiful suit from Jacques Vert on Ebay, and the cut is obv designed for stooped ladies as it works perfectly - and very comfy too

If there are any little boutiques near you, then the ladies in there are often very helpful in choosing things based on a photo and measurements

My Mum has osteoporosis which causes her to be quite stooped and has also lost a tonne of weight having breaking her hip last year. We haven't sorted the clothes issue out yet ... she returns everything she buys but can manage some shops with help. With her stoop she just needs to be careful about the shape/cut of jackets as some will accencuate it.

Not much help but I think you're a wonderful daughter to both your Mum and Dad - and it must also be so difficult for you with your Mum's accident and her ongoing needs ... make sure you give yourself a pat on the back

Have you tried Toast? They do rather comfortable, stylish clothing that might be suitable.