Feeling Frumpy - money-saving new me advice

[alyth]

hi - I'm feeling extremely frumpy at the moment, I had a wardrobe full of clothes, but nothing seems to either fit me or suit me. I tend to wear black suits & v-necked jumpers or shirts for work, and out of work it's either sloppy Primark tracky bottoms or jammies! I'm 36, and quite frankly have no idea what suits me. I'm saving for a big holiday and need to find out what styles suit me! I thought about the Trinny & Susannah books, but the reviews on Amazon weren't very good, and I'm just sitting here feeling that as it's coming into summer, I can't face wearing the same clothes all the year round! I don't have a massive budget, in fact I have no budget, I do trawl round charity shops but just end up buying the same black things.

How can you change the way you look without spending a fortune? The rest of me isn't too bad, it's just my dress-sense that needs a kick-start! I don't really follow fashion, and I don't like showing any part of my body and I was going to go shopping tomorrow (round charity shops!) but not sure whether I can face it! Any help would be so gratefully received!

[Jayar]

Why don't you try this
When you go in the shop, stop being yourself - be someone else. It could be someone you know or someone famous. Be that person, act like that person: a bit like method acting. You will find your mindset about the type of clothes you usually wear changing.
Go for it!

[grunnie]

Have you any jewellery or scarves you haven't worn in a while? When you reach for jeans wear a nice skirt instead. Wear a different blouse if you always wear the same one with a certain outfit. I found when I was working I always wore the same things till one of my pals raided my wardrobe for an outfit and hauled out loads of clothes I had bought and never really worn. Now being skint I shop in my wardrobe and often wear differnt combinations I hadn't tried before. Also try Mary Spillane's books on Colour and Style - they will be in your local library.

[jw1096]

I got my sister to take me out shopping and I came home with a wardrobe full of clothes I would never have normally worn because I wouldnt have thought they suited me - but now they are my favourites! (I still love my Pyjamas when im hanging around the house though!)

Do you have any friends/family who a great shoppers and very frank when it comes to advice? Alternatively, you should take yourself out and try and look objectively (what you think your best/worst parts are and maximise/minimise those, looking at your skin/eyes and figuring out colours/shades that complement/clash, what cuts of items look best for your shape etc). Look for celebrities who have a body shape that mirrors yours and see what wardrobe references you can find that you could try yourself. Always avoid the latest trends though unless you buy them cheap otherwise you will look dated very fast. Try looking at classic styles that wont date and experimenting with funky accessories to change the look of an outfit.

Dont be afraid to try new things though, thats the best part of shopping! Just make sure you can return anything you change your mind about and if you really arent sure about something - then dont buy.

Oh, and all great outfits start with 2 fantastic things - Underwear, (get professionally fitted every time and choose the most luxurious fabrics you can afford) and Shoes (always try on in the afternoons after feet have swollen a bit - never wear straps around your ankles unless you have very skinny & long pins - and dont wear strappy type sandals unless the feet look well groomed)- they really boost confidence!

All that said - it can be achieved on a budget by having a swap party with friends, trawling charity shops can be gold (but dont panic/impule buy just because it will fit etc), and looking in sales for basics.

Jo x

[princess jane]

Topshop do a free stylist service and you don't have to buy anything.

The lady at our store (Newcastle) is lovely and you get to play dress up in a private changing room with sweeties and drinks.

Tell them you are being treated for your birthday and you want to pick out some outfits, so there is no pressure to buy anything on the day.

I tried it and she picked out stuff I wouldn't have but looked great.

Then whack your old clobber on ebay and use the cash to treat yourself to a new top.

[Gingham Ribbon]

There is a beauty and health board that I think this thread would be ideal for. I'll move it there for you and hopefully you'll get lots of ideas.

[Rachie B]

i wear mainly "plain" clothes eg jeans and a plain top etc but then i add colour / own personal style with accessories

a belt,bag,bracelet colourful flat pump style shoes,scarf etc

cheap n cheerful way to make an outfit look different :)

so its not only about the actual outfit but how you accessorize it too :)

i have been shopping @ Primark,Peacocks & Matalan more lately,their summer ranges are really nice and wont break the bank either :D

[alyth]

Brilliant advice, thank you all so much. I have actually have loads of scarves hanging around, so I'll try that with my work clothes, I have loads of jewellery that people have given me over the years, I was going to ebay it as I never wear it, but I'll have a look at it today. I'm going to go shopping today, I'm working part-time at the moment and instead of working on my house I'm going to have a day to myself and see what I can treat myself to, so I really appreciate all your advice, and thanks Jayar, I'm going to try being someone glamorous instead of an old frump!

[Moonbeam]

You can also try a makeover - a lot of the cosmetic departments in big stores will do this for you free of charge - I think body shop also do something similar. Sometimes just a change of make-up can really lift your mood. I'm 39 weeks pregnant at the moment so have a really limited wardrobe, am off for a file and polish this afternoon so if nothing else my hands will look nice :)


I'd also recommend New Look and Primark for great fashionable, but cheap accessories....

[spiddy100]

I'd second the recommendation of jewellery, especially big chunky costume jewellery which Trinny and Susanna always seem to use on their makeovers. You can wear a really plain pair of jeans and a top, and make it look really special with a great necklace.

Superdrug have a nice range, as do all of the supermarket clothing sections. Even better is to make your own - have a look at other people's jewellery for some inspiration then buy yourself some beads and make your own version.

Having said all of this, I am in major need of a wardrobe revamp too so will be recruiting an outspoken friend and making a personal shopper appointment I think.

For those who have used the personal shopper, is there alot of pressure to buy the things they choose? Is there normally a minimum shopping budget they cater for - e.g. would they help you to choose £30 of clothes or would it need to be £300?

[Moonbeam]

I used a personal shopper in Debenhams about a year ago - no pressure to buy anything and it's nice and relaxed. They pick things out for you that you just wouldn't dream of trying....can also be good to take along some basics from your wardrobe whilst you're trying i.e. black trousers & jeans to check if a new top goes with both!!!!

I asked the shopper to put things to one side whilst I went for a wander and then went back to pick the items I was sure I wanted.

In the end only bought 1 top - £25 - but would definately do it again.

[alyth]

Unfortunately I'm still sitting here in my jammies at 9am, trying to get myself motivated! I'm swithering whether to go into my local town this morning actually, as they have brilliant charity shops, Matalan, etc but also as Moonbeam has just suggested, to have a bit of a makeover as I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed with things and feel like having a treats day but with spending as little money as possible! Unfortunately none of the shops there have a personal shopper, as again I was thinking about doing that. And I bought a magazine over the weekend, a crafty one, and they had some fantastic jewellery that you could make yourself, from what seemed really cheaply.

Must now motivate myself to get dressed!

[Plum Pie]

Have you any jewellery or scarves you haven't worn in a while? When you reach for jeans wear a nice skirt instead. Wear a different blouse if you always wear the same one with a certain outfit.

I definitely second this. I work somewhere where quite sober (ie dull!) clothes are normal which I don't mind. But dressing up more, just for a casual drink/meal/trip to cinema in the evenings has really made me feel better about myself. I also realised that as I owned nice clothes, I should wear them otherwise it's a waste of money!

If you can find a Trinny and Susanna book in the library, they do contain good advice about flattering shapes for different body types. (I have vv wide shoulders (like a rugby player - mmmm, so feminine!) and when I realised that I should shun polo necks/tie necks/high necks, I suddenly realised I looked much slimmer!)

The other thing I see other women getting wrong frequently is skirt length - the bottom of a skirt should fall ABOVE or BELOW the widest part of the calf muscle. The widest part of a calf muscle varies according to genetics and whatever exercise a person takes. If a skirt stops at the widest part of the calf, the lower leg looks as though it's that thick all over!

I know I sound like a ranting madwoman and it is true that I'm overweight. but often people are shocked at quite how much I do weigh :o as I pay attention to things like this. :rotfl:

[paddy's mum]

You may want to go to a Colour Me Beautiful consultant. I did this some years ago. It isn't cheap but I had the fee paid as a birthday present. It was the best money I ever spent. They go through everything with you - best colours, body shape, best styles for your figure, what colours NOT to wear etc.

I really cannot recommend them highly enough. Although I too often slop around in the jeans and joggies, when I go out, I am now absolutely certain that I am wearing what suits me best, and lifts me out of the frump category!

[alyth]

I'm now dressed and ready for my shopping spree! I had a quick look through my stuff, and have found a scarf that looks really good with a t-shirt I've got, so hopefully I will look respectable enough to not be intimated by the make-up girls now....... wish me luck, I bet I come back with nothing!

Thanks Paddy's mum about the colour me beautiful tip, I'm sure there is someone round about here who does it, I'll look into that.

[morganlefay]

Don't be scared of the make=up girls. I'm 64 now and the (more or less only) good thing about being older is that you aren't scared of things like you used to be. They get all that expensive slap for free, but they have to get up really early to put it all on and then they commute like everyone else. Just treat them as if they were a nice neighbour and they'll usually turn into humans instead of being superior and over made-up scary beings. Tell them you want to be shown how to do a make up for a wedding, or something nice like that, and then say that you need a good list of the things she uses as you are going to ask for all/some of the stuff for your birthday - that way you don't need to buy any of it if you don't want to. If there's more than one make up counter near you you can do that with each brand, and get different ideas from each one. Smile a lot and enjoy it - it's their job to make you look nice. PS I always start by saying I like their eye make-up, or how wonderful their skin looks or something like that, which helps ! Good hunting and don't forget to enjoy it !

[FrugalFairy]

I have always been hopeless at clothes shopping and choosing things that suit me. This has become even worse since I suddenly became a fattish 40-something instead of a svelte 20-something.

Now I use the following method and it works reasonably well ...

When I'm out and about, I always look at what other women are wearing. (Especially the ones that are the same shape as me.)

If I think they look good, I take note of what I thought made them look nice e.g colours, trendy/classic clothes, combination of clothes etc.

Conversely, and I feel this is more important, if they look awful I think about why that is e.g. unflattering colours, shapes, wrong size, wrong underwear etc.

Then, when I'm in that cubicle trying on clothes, I try to look at myself objectively and decide what I would think if I saw myself in the street dressed like that.

I still manage to make mistakes, and I still find it incredibly depressing when I look awful in some item of clothing that I really like (usually because it bulges in the wrong places!). HOWEVER, most of the time I feel confident in the clothes I am wearing.

[alyth]

A quick update - and frugal fairy, I followed your advice inadvertently without having read your post!

I have a lovely day out, knackering though going in and out of shops and trying stuff on though! I browsed through probably every shop in Perth, tried stuff on, realised what didn't suit me at all, realised that I'm always going to be a classic-type dresser rather than trendy, but I picked up some fantastic tops in New Look's sale (I always thought I was too old for them!), bought shoes and boots and a few odd pieces of jewellery from charity shops, then came home and went through my wardrobe and seem to have tons of stuff I didn't know I had, and I count myself as a really frugal person! I couldn't face the make-up girls, despite one of them smiling at me, so I'll save that for another day. But it was really interesting to see what other women wear, good and bad, I sat and had a coffee and just watched people going by and looked at them, and realised I'm perhaps not that bad! I had have stuff to accessorise with, so I'm going to try and move out of my black comfort zone, even if it's with scarves and jewellery, but I really appreciate all the advice you all gave me, thanks so much.

[belfastgirl23]

You could be me :)

Just to add it is worth going into shops you wouldn't normally go into. I got two new suits for £20 in Woolworths the other day. I hadn't been in there in YEARS! I suddenly realised that of my friends, the ones who dress best use a very wide range of shops. It amazed me when I thought about it that I only really have a list of about 5 shops I go into when I'm looking for something to wear.

Still struggling to get away from the black though :)

[dianadors]

You could be me too - infact, I think that we are in the majority rather than minority.
I am in my 40's and am a stone heavier than I was (and it wont shift!!). I am between a size 14 and 16 so when I try things on they are too big or too small. I tend to try on things that suited me when I was in my 20's and 30's and they dont suit me at all now! but I dont know what would suit me. I absolutley hate the bright abstract smock tops that are in every shop at the moment - hopefully they will be short lived! I also have forgotten how to "dress up" (when I have to, I feel and look overdressed) I'd love to look smart/casual, but end up in combats and a T shirt for comfort and practicality. I dont know what to do with my hair - Ive paid a fortune for a consultation with the most senior consultant in a top hairdressers in the nearest city to where I live - only to have her doing the managers job simultaneously whilst listening to me/cutting my hair - it didnt look any different when I left! The more I try to "makeup" the worse I look!! I have kids, work and my husband does shifts, so I dont get much (almost none) time to go shopping. If I go with the kids, dd ends up coming home with a load of stuff and ds strops!! aaagggghhhhh
I do need advice - I would love a date with Trinny and Susannah - I will book some time with a personal shopper as it is inspiration I need.

[beachbeth]

I feel the same. Im 42 and weigh nearly a stone more than I did in my 20's and 30's and just can't find the incentive to try to lose it. Added to this, I am only five foot tall and also have a big bust as well as hips! Its hard to find clothes when you have curves and even harder when you're not very tall either! I would like to lose half a stone for the summer but don't know if I'll manage it.

Whether I do or not I have just lost interest in clothes (not that Ive ever been that interested!). I hate the fashion at the moment - those brightly coloured tops that look like pregnancy tops to me!!! When I try things on I end up looking at my excess flab in the mirror and feeling depressed!

My sister-in-law and I were driving into town last Saturday and passed a lady walking along who was late 40's and not exactly skinny who looked really lovely! She wore a skirt and brightly coloured top and I think a scarf and looked so well put together and we both commented that it just shows you can look really nice and trendy too even if you're not 18! I just wish I knew how to dress myself! I end up in jeans and a jumper all the time.

[tanith]

I have terrible trouble with buying things as my top half is much bigger than my hips so I end up buying 18 tops sometimes even these are too tight and a 14/16 depending on where I buy , for my bottom half... I look rediculous trying on dresses as they drown me from the waist downwards so always end up with a big baggy top and a nice slim pair of jeans or trousers or skirt it looks awful sometimes... I have a wedding to go to soon and really would love to wear a dress and nice little jacket.... any ideas ladies?

[vik6525]

Ladies (and gents who are having fashion crisis!)... Im a trained fashion stylist, so any qs, ill be happy to answer... Tanith, I hope you dont mind me asking but... You say you're 'big on top'? If im not being cheeky, are you round shaped, or have you just got big boobs?

[alyth]

I think it's maybe the style of fashion that's so depressing, I mean, smock tops, who on earth can wear them and get away with it! It's actually quite interesting though if you just wander about and look at people (discreetly!) as i did - everyone under the age of about 25 looks exactly the same, and I found that most people over probably 30 seemed to be wearing jeans, a t-shirt and a jacket, with perhaps a scarf round their necks. Fashions seem to go round in circles, I noticed that shift dresses seem to be in fashion again - I used to wear them years ago for work and sold them all! And as for wearing those 3/4 length sleeved jackets... I must be showing my age!

I think you have to try and be individual. Whilst I admire M&S clothes, no way would I walk into the shop and buy something I saw on one of their ads, and I certainly wouldn't pay their prices! I wonder how many people over the summer will be wearing the clothes Twiggy's wearing in the ads!

Tanith, try Planet clothes - get them on ebay! If you get a shift dress from there, you can maybe run the sides in a bit.

[tanith]

Vik I don't think its cheeky at all and yes its big boobs that are the problem 38E/F and my waist is quite big 36" but my hips are much smaller 14/16....

Alyth I have tried taking in the sides of dresses but it ends up looking awful it just pulls in all the wrong places.....

I will have a look at Planet thanks for that....

[alyth]

vik you will regret offering your advice! Tanith, it's just that I'm larger on the bottom that on top, and Planet do really nice dresses and jackets, and the material is sometimes a bit stretchier, and I found their clothes fitted me better than a lot of designers. And I didn't know about the altering of dresses and it making them go all funny, there's a lot to be said for me learning to use the sewing machine I've had for the last four years!

[vik6525]

Nah, I wont regret it! Tanith, instead of wearing big baggy tops to cover yourself up, try something a bit more fitted, like a fitted shirt which will give you some 'shape', and dont be afraid to show off a bit of cleavage either (god, what i wouldnt give for big knockers!). If you really want a dress, try a wrap one.. It'll flatter your shape, pull you in at the waist, and accentuate your boobs. A big necklace with that will draw the eye upwards too, so you'll be drawing attention to your best 'bits' ha ha!

[iceicebaby]

Those long shirt dresses that are about at the moment are a godsend. All the skinny ones where them over leggings but i wear mine over jeans and they cover a multitude of sins.

[princess jane]

Ladies (and gents who are having fashion crisis!)... Im a trained fashion stylist, so any qs, ill be happy to answer... Tanith, I hope you dont mind me asking but... You say you're 'big on top'? If im not being cheeky, are you round shaped, or have you just got big boobs?

Hey Vik,

I am a money saving 20-something just going for my first big interview for a daily newspaper (I am a journo BTW).

My usual style is quite trendy and funky - wide-legged black trousers, ballet pumps, layering of shirts and vest tops, !!!!!-cat bow shirts and statement jewellery.

I could do with some cheap tips so I look uber professional on the big day.

I'm tall-ish with a petite frame so big suits jackets look ridiculous on me.

Oh and my budget is about 12p LOL.

Any suggestions - anyone?

Jane

[vik6525]

Hey Vik,

I am a money saving 20-something just going for my first big interview for a daily newspaper (I am a journo BTW).

My usual style is quite trendy and funky - wide-legged black trousers, ballet pumps, layering of shirts and vest tops, !!!!!-cat bow shirts and statement jewellery.

I could do with some cheap tips so I look uber professional on the big day.

I'm tall-ish with a petite frame so big suits jackets look ridiculous on me.

Oh and my budget is about 12p LOL.

Any suggestions - anyone?

Jane

This may sound like a stupid question, but what paper is it? Pm me if you dont want it flashed about on here....

[unixgirluk]

Vik I don't think its cheeky at all and yes its big boobs that are the problem 38E/F and my waist is quite big 36" but my hips are much smaller 14/16....

Alyth I have tried taking in the sides of dresses but it ends up looking awful it just pulls in all the wrong places.....

I will have a look at Planet thanks for that....

Hi have you tried Bravissimo? They do clothing for big boobed women. The cut is so that it fits round your bust not drowns you. I'm same as you 34F/FF and size 12 bottom half. Bravissimo have a sale on at the moment.

http://www.bravissimo.com/bravissimo/

They tell you how to pick your clothing size and do dresses as well. I used to have to buy size 14 or 16 tops but with their range I can get a 12 (really/super curvy). Once you know your size you can look on ebay as some of their stuff springs up there too.

[twinkle162]

The answer to all your situation is . . .

EBAY!!!

You can buy the Trinny & Susannah books quite cheaply on Ebay - a lot cheaper than in the shops anyway!
I buy about 80% of my wardrobe/accessories on Ebay, generally things I wouldn't be able to afford, ie. Per Una, Monsoon etc. There has only been a few things that I haven't liked, but I just sold them on again.

It's also a good idea in terms of selling on clothes that you don't like!

But yes, I would love a date with Trinny & Susannah too!

[twinkle162]

Smock tops make me think of pregnancy and I feel make me look about x2 sizes bigger than I am!

[alyth]

I must admit I buy all my clothes on ebay now, I'm very specific about the makes, e.g. Planet, Hobbs, as I know exactly what size I am in those labels, I'm just a bit wary of buying a T&S book and I don't want to buy into their theories!!! Although given the state of my wardrobe and the way I look, I may just move onto ebay now....

And totally agree with you Twinkle about the smock tops, I'm large enough round the middle without drawing attention to it!

[twinkle162]

Lol, I got given their latest book for Christmas.

It includes a section on 'how to treat basic ailments' and encourages you to make a career change if you feel the need. I find it laughable - they should stick to clothes!

So unless you can get the books dirt cheap...

[verynewmoneysaver]

I love buying clothes, but have had to cut down and now buy mainly in charity shops. I have noticed that clothes can work out a lot dearer on ebay than in the charity shops. How much a month do people spend on clothes? Just being nosey! But it gots that I feel guilty whenever I buy anything.

[vik6525]

I love buying clothes, but have had to cut down and now buy mainly in charity shops. I have noticed that clothes can work out a lot dearer on ebay than in the charity shops. How much a month do people spend on clothes? Just being nosey! But it gots that I feel guilty whenever I buy anything.

I swear I darent work out how much I spend on clothes in a month! But, I only spend what I can afford! I have some (single, no kids!) friends who will go without food in order to buy clothes... Thats just blinking crazy...

[twinkle162]

I find it easier to buy on Ebay. I've looked in charity shops before, but I've never seen anything I liked.

[alyth]

I think it depends on where your charity shops are, the ones in Perth are fairly good, but again you have to go in a regular basis, I got a Jigsaw suit a few weeks ago for £15 which is in brand new condition, so it'll go on ebay!

I tend to spend in splurges, e.g. on my day to myself last week I probably spent about £50, but now I won't spend anything for months. I only buy if I really need something, I have a stock of probably 8 black jackets and 8 pairs of trousers for work, and if one gets past its best I'll buy another jacket, I just got a fantasic Per Una one on ebay for less than a fiver today! I'm not seasonal at all, I realised I prefer black and have been using the tips on here and accessorising with scarves and I'm looking slightly less funerial now!

[verynewmoneysaver]

I was so lucky in a charity shop the other week. I bought a Monsoon dress for £7.50. I also got a nice pair of shoes with labels still on for £4. I was so suprised that they fitted, as I have trouble with shoes because I have such wide feet!

[npsmama]

Vik, would you be able to advise me on what to wear during pregnancy ?

I'm already a size 16 (18 on top ), this is my 2nd baby and although I'm only 8wks I'm showing a lot! I'm a full hourglass figure and 5'3 with rugby-player shoulders (to my great dismay).

Would a smock top over jeans look OK do you think?
I'm open to any other suggestions!

[Cat72]

hI all
Just found this thread. If anyone is on a budget I would suggest trying your local colleges that specailise in beauty & hairdressing, as they are always looking for volunteers from anything from massages,facials, pedicures , make up or hair cuts. Usually you book in and its free. Great for relaxing or having your make up done.
I am 35 and tend to feel I dress frumpy too- ( im so bad at buying underwear ! mine is all that grey opast its best look ! ),However I was at college the other year and therewas a girl in my class a year older than me and she always dressed great, fashionable and sexy.I was kind of jealous.But when Im trying to moderise my self I pretend im her and buy clothes like she would wear, usually more modern tops from new look or primak, at it makes me more daring. My other friend is really sophisticated and buys by primaks jewellery and bags and she looks brilliant, she is 56 and looks in her early 40s and is far triendier than I will ever be!.

[vik6525]

Vik, would you be able to advise me on what to wear during pregnancy ?

I'm already a size 16 (18 on top ), this is my 2nd baby and although I'm only 8wks I'm showing a lot! I'm a full hourglass figure and 5'3 with rugby-player shoulders (to my great dismay).

Would a smock top over jeans look OK do you think?
I'm open to any other suggestions!

Dafty daft question... Have you got a nice pair of pins?

[npsmama]

Yes, I do! :p They're not sticks but they're not massive either. A nice sexy shape...in my opinion anyway!:p

[vik6525]

well dont cover them up! How about leggings (thatll strech over your bump!) with a smock top? Or a v neck dress thatll draw attention to your legs, skim over your tummy, and then draw attention to your bust?

[Pink_butterfly]

Ok Vik, i'm going to bug you for advice too!!

I've lost loads of weight recently but i've still been wearing the same big clothes and as you can imagine I look awful!

I have huge boobs but I am a 12/14 size on the bottom. I have ridiculously long legs and I'm quite tall (5ft 11).

The only trouble is, I have a horrible 'mummy tummy' and everything just looks awful. I feel like a tree trunk on top!!

Any suggestions??

Thanks hun!!!

[vik6525]

Ok Vik, i'm going to bug you for advice too!!

I've lost loads of weight recently but i've still been wearing the same big clothes and as you can imagine I look awful!

I have huge boobs but I am a 12/14 size on the bottom. I have ridiculously long legs and I'm quite tall (5ft 11).

The only trouble is, I have a horrible 'mummy tummy' and everything just looks awful. I feel like a tree trunk on top!!

Any suggestions??

Thanks hun!!!


Argh! Dont dont dont get tempted into buying smock tops whatever you do! they'll drown you if you've got massive knockers and make you look pregnant!
Ive still got my 'mummy tummy' too if it helps, even after 7 years, and 7 stone weight loss... Its just one of those things! Another one of 'viks stupid questions'.... Have you got a small waist?

[vik6525]

Just so you know... Im insanely jealous of all you people who keep telling me you've got big boobs! lol

[Savvy_Sue]

Just so you know... Im insanely jealous of all you people who keep telling me you've got big boobs! lolI haven't, so please can you tell me where to get larger bras with smaller cup sizes? I'd quite happily get a proper fitting if I could see ANYTHING on display that was likely to be any use, but in M&S the other day the lady thought I was a 42A, and she had NOTHING in that size! It's been bad enough when I've been looking for 40B - shops seem to assume that if you're more than a 36, you must be at least a C cup!

Oh, and ideally high percentage of cotton, and NO underwires!

I've looked on Figleaves, and there's very little there either ... most of what there is is described as 'prosthetic' ...

[Tiff]

Ladies (and gents who are having fashion crisis!)... Im a trained fashion stylist, so any qs, ill be happy to answer... Tanith, I hope you dont mind me asking but... You say you're 'big on top'? If im not being cheeky, are you round shaped, or have you just got big boobs?

Hi vik!:wave:
Hope you're well hun.
You've really opened the flood gates here angel!:eek: You should be charging us for this hun.;)

I've never had much self confidence being on the larger side, so I've tried to pay interest to fashion suggestions for different shapes. Problem :
What do you do when you seem to fit in various or all the different categories vik?!http://scriptureforums.org/images/smilies/sob.gif :rolleyes:

I'm just under 5' 4", blonde and fair skinned, bust and hips measure about the same large amount though I have some kind of waist, 'heavy' thighs and calves, bingo batwings - the list goes on!:eek: :D Lots I feel I want to hide but I want to look like Twiggy too!:rolleyes: :D

It always seems to go like this -
If you have a large bust, wear a good bra and show your cleavage
If you have a tummy tyre problem, wear something loose.
If you have a waist wear something more fitted.
If you are short, wear petite clothing (up to a size 20!:D ) and avoid long skirts.
If you have larger legs, hide 'em with longer skirts! I don't know whether I'm coming or going!:confused: :rotfl:

Is it just me?:rotfl:

I think too that it's because I've hit 42 & my son is 17 so not needing my time and I want to look feminine and attractive - I'm not ready for polyester smocks and kaftans vik!!!:eek: :rotfl:
I think I'm beyond help.:rolleyes:
Take care hun.http://scriptureforums.org/images/smilies/hug.gif
PS - I have got great collar bones though!:rolleyes:
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

[Pink_butterfly]

Have you got a small waist?

Unfortunately no. I am getting some semblence of a waist back but i still look definately 'trunkish'.

[snugglepuss]

I haven't, so please can you tell me where to get larger bras with smaller cup sizes? I'd quite happily get a proper fitting if I could see ANYTHING on display that was likely to be any use, but in M&S the other day the lady thought I was a 42A, and she had NOTHING in that size! It's been bad enough when I've been looking for 40B - shops seem to assume that if you're more than a 36, you must be at least a C cup!

Oh, and ideally high percentage of cotton, and NO underwires!

I've looked on Figleaves, and there's very little there either ... most of what there is is described as 'prosthetic' ...

Whereabouts in the country are you? There is a really nice shop called Leia at Bluewater, and they stock all sorts of sizes there. I've got a large bust, and they were really helpful when I needed to buy something strapless. I've recommended them to friends, they are so good. One friend was told by M&S that she was one size, but none of the bras felt right. I took her to Leia, and she loved it. They are happy to spend time with you, working out what is right for you. I think my friend was in the changing room for about 90 mins!!

They do have a couple of shops around the country - i think Cardiff and York are their other ones. And they have a loyalty scheme too. They don't sell online yet, but their website is http://www.leialingerie.co.uk.

[Savvy_Sue]

Whereabouts in the country are you? There is a really nice shop called Leia at Bluewater, and they stock all sorts of sizes there. I've got a large bust, and they were really helpful when I needed to buy something strapless. I've recommended them to friends, they are so good. One friend was told by M&S that she was one size, but none of the bras felt right. I took her to Leia, and she loved it. They are happy to spend time with you, working out what is right for you. I think my friend was in the changing room for about 90 mins!!

They do have a couple of shops around the country - i think Cardiff and York are their other ones. And they have a loyalty scheme too. They don't sell online yet, but their website is http://www.leialingerie.co.uk.I am in Bristol. BUT the in-laws live near Bluewater, not sure how they'll feel if I disappear for 3 hours on a bra buying trip, but I will bear it in mind if I want to escape! And I am sometimes allowed to go to Cardiff (they have an Outlet floor in their Lakeland Store! :rotfl:)

Anyway, today I went into Debenhams, where a lovely lady spent a LONG time sorting me out. Royce bras are part of the answer, they had three styles in my size, and Triumph also have some.

Alas, none in bright pink ... but at least they are comfortable and respectable, which my last batch from Primark barely are!

I also bought some pink shoe polish so I can dye the white sandals I bought the other day: I've been looking EVERYWHERE for comfy pink sandals for a couple of years now.

My fashion dilemmas are solved ... for now!

[vik6525]

Ok Vik, i'm going to bug you for advice too!!

I've lost loads of weight recently but i've still been wearing the same big clothes and as you can imagine I look awful!

I have huge boobs but I am a 12/14 size on the bottom. I have ridiculously long legs and I'm quite tall (5ft 11).

The only trouble is, I have a horrible 'mummy tummy' and everything just looks awful. I feel like a tree trunk on top!!

Any suggestions??

Thanks hun!!!

oooo.... you're doing really well on the weight loss!
Anyway, what you need to do is to try and 'create' some shape... Are you a jeans or skirts kinda girl? If you're a skirty girl, then go for 'A line' skirts, which end at the knee.. They'll skim over your tummy, but the shape of them will balance out your top and make your waist look smaller.. If you're a jeans gal, then wear bootcuts, cause again, the kick flare at the bottom will balance you out...
As for tops? well, id try a 'crossover' type shirt if you know what i mean? They'll accentuate your boobs, and if you wear a fitted shape, itll also give you the illusion of a waistline.... (ooo, the a line skirt and fitted shirt look is great, and makes you look really 1950s sexy!)
Dont wear polo necks, cause they'll just make you look like a sausage! Try and wear V necks too if you can cause theyll draw the eye 'up' and detract from what you think is your worst bit! Argh, Im rambling now, but I hope that made a bit of sense? Im cream crackered today, I only had 2 hours sleep last night, and im flagging!!!
Viks xx

[vik6525]

[QUOTE=Tiff;4862956]Hi vik!:wave:
Hope you're well hun.
You've really opened the flood gates here angel!:eek: You should be charging us for this hun.;)

I've never had much self confidence being on the larger side, so I've tried to pay interest to fashion suggestions for different shapes. Problem :
What do you do when you seem to fit in various or all the different categories vik?!http://scriptureforums.org/images/smilies/sob.gif :rolleyes:
[LEFT]
I'm just under 5' 4", blonde and fair skinned, bust and hips measure about the same large amount though I have some kind of waist, 'heavy' thighs and calves, bingo batwings - the list goes on!:eek: :D Lots I feel I want to hide but I want to look like Twiggy too!:rolleyes: :D





Righty oh!
My two dafty questions for you are...
1) are you a trousers or skirts kinda gal?
and
2) Other than twiggy, who would you most like to look like??
(twiggy? really? Ive never got that.... Did you see them pics of her the other week with no slap on?:eek: :eek: )

[Tiff]

Hi vik!:hello:
Bless you hun - you sound exhausted! Hope you're well angel.
quote=vik6525
Problem :
What do you do when you seem to fit in various or all the different categories vik?!http://scriptureforums.org/images/smilies/sob.gif :rolleyes:
[left]
I'm just under 5' 4", blonde and fair skinned, bust and hips measure about the same large amount though I have some kind of waist, 'heavy' thighs and calves, bingo batwings - the list goes on!:eek: :D Lots I feel I want to hide but I want to look like Twiggy too!:rolleyes: :D

Righty oh!
My two dafty questions for you are...
1) are you a trousers or skirts kinda gal?
and
2) Other than twiggy, who would you most like to look like??
(twiggy? really? Ive never got that.... Did you see them pics of her the other week with no slap on?:eek: :eek: )[/quote]
Q1 -I've worn trousers, not jeans, the last few years out of lack of self esteem etc vik, though never did when I was younger. Very happy in sweat pants most of the time at home. Couldn't be bothered to make an effort as I've had a lot of health problems in this last few years.:o
The trouble is, now I can see how unflattering trousers can be on size 22 me - how they seem to to accentuate the weight iykwim? Funny thing is I started wearing trousers to hide the weight!:D :rolleyes: So, I'm a skirt gal at heart hun.
I've just started to buy long skirts now with busy patterns. But the tummy/legs are still there!:eek: :rolleyes:

Q2 - No, I wouldn't really want to look like twiggy hun. :D Anyone under a size 18 would do. ;) I am just starting a diet and working on my self confidence. I've decided to be realistic - no outfit will take your weight away. Soooo, I'd like to be the most beautiful 'fat gal' I can be! That's the theory.:rolleyes:

I'm not as big as her but the prettiest, well-dressed overweight woman I thought of when I read your question, was Dawn French. I remember seeing her in a beautiful bright patterened jacket on TV last year. She kind of showed me that fat doesn't mean frumpy iykwim hun? Plus she's nearer my age. I'm on disability and IS so I haven't got her budget.:D But I'm trying to follow her example and get away from buying only black or dark colours to hide in. Scary though!:o
Anyhoo, thank you for your time hun. Don't burn yourself out ok angel? Take some you time!;)
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

[Vashti]

There's some great clothes in the shops just now for people like us :)

Matalan are cheap, and they have some lovely long line tops that look great over trousers, with one big chunky necklace. If you are funny about your bum like me, look out some summer dresses you haven't worn for a while and team them with white crop pants or jeans, with a low slung belt. Look for waistcoats in the charity shop - a skirt, white t-shirt and a waistcoat with funky jewelery looks great and is very youthful.

[Vashti]

PS

Try some fake tan too...it does wonders for your self confidence!

[Savvy_Sue]

white crop pants :eek: I NEVER wear white - I just KNOW I'll drop food all down it and not be able to get the stains out!

Plus crop pants - I'd feel I have to do something about my hairy legs! :rotfl:

[Vashti]

:eek: I NEVER wear white - I just KNOW I'll drop food all down it and not be able to get the stains out!

Plus crop pants - I'd feel I have to do something about my hairy legs! :rotfl:


Well.. you can only wear them the once then wash...but they do look fresh and lovely with brown legs

As for the hairy bits...yeeeuch, if there is one thing that makes me feel old and unattractive its hairy shins...it only takes a mo in the shower with a bic...or go treat yourself to a wax!!

[K9cuddles]

I defo recommend taking a friend! I'm not shopping guru but I picked out all sorts of close that suited a friend at Asda once, she's not looked back and always has a bit of colour on her now instead of boring black and white!!

I also agree that copying an image you like or seen is a good thing. I'm no fan of skirts or dresses I find them far to impractical! But I do own 2 outragous dresses I figure if I plan to wear them people better notice I've made the effort! And shockingly I have 2 skirts ready for this summer!!! Some times it's nice to break the norm and it helps you to discover what you really like/dislike!

At work I'm normally a sucker for black trousers with a hooge variety of tops, but found even by buying grey trousers totally transformed my wardrobe. Also laying its really and gives a super impression of variety in clothing when you've got a small range.

My mum's 50 this year and everyone comments that she get younger and younger every year. Hair has so much of an impact on impressions it's unreal, she regulary has her done and it seems to work wonders!!! I think it's also having the balance of whats in fashion/trendy and what suites your and fill comfortable in!

Good luck!!

[Savvy_Sue]

Well.. you can only wear them the once then wash...but they do look fresh and lovely with brown legs

As for the hairy bits...yeeeuch, if there is one thing that makes me feel old and unattractive its hairy shins...it only takes a mo in the shower with a bic...or go treat yourself to a wax!!I'll stick to full length, I think. If I shave, I end up cut and scratched. If I wax, I look like a plucked chicken until the hair starts growing again. And I've tried that Johnson gradual fake tan and STILL felt I was going orange rather than brown.

Besides, I don't ask anyone else to look at my legs! :rotfl:I get grief from one of my colleagues who doesn't believe you should wear sandals without nail varnish on your toes, and I can't be doing with that either ...

[Yorkshirechick]

Hi Vik.

I just wondered if I could get a bit of advice from you too?

My usual style is jeans, t-shirt and trainers, with maybe a hooded top. But I'm trying to look a bit more grown up. I'm 25 and still dress like i did when I was 15! I wear the same clothes for work too when I know I should be making more of an effort really as it's a smart office environment.
What would look a bit more grown up, or at least like I've made an effort? I'm 5ft 4, size 12 don't really have a waist although I do have hips :confused: , average sized boobs, and I look quite young too. Oh and my budget is quite limited

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Yorkshirechick

[Vashti]

I'll stick to full length, I think. If I shave, I end up cut and scratched. If I wax, I look like a plucked chicken until the hair starts growing again. And I've tried that Johnson gradual fake tan and STILL felt I was going orange rather than brown.

Besides, I don't ask anyone else to look at my legs! :rotfl:I get grief from one of my colleagues who doesn't believe you should wear sandals without nail varnish on your toes, and I can't be doing with that either ...


Hey, good for you for not conforming.

I just hate hairy legs. I would rather look like a plucked chicken than a gorilla on extra testosterone pills.....and the goosebumpy look only lasts an hour or two..then it's sexy smooth legs all the way for at least a month.

[Savvy_Sue]

and the goosebumpy look only lasts an hour or two..then it's sexy smooth legs all the way for at least a month.Nope, not for me, the plucked chicken look lasts several days! By which time the hairs are growing again ...

It's weird, I have my underarms waxed regularly and although I'm sore afterwards they settle down quite quickly. And the regrowth does seem to be lighter. But I tried doing my legs regularly last year, and TBH the regrowth didn't seem any lighter, plus I still couldn't show them off because I'd either got the plucked chicken look or the hairy look! AND it took forever ...

[vik6525]

Hi Vik.

I just wondered if I could get a bit of advice from you too?

My usual style is jeans, t-shirt and trainers, with maybe a hooded top. But I'm trying to look a bit more grown up. I'm 25 and still dress like i did when I was 15! I wear the same clothes for work too when I know I should be making more of an effort really as it's a smart office environment.
What would look a bit more grown up, or at least like I've made an effort? I'm 5ft 4, size 12 don't really have a waist although I do have hips :confused: , average sized boobs, and I look quite young too. Oh and my budget is quite limited

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Yorkshirechick

Hiya!
Ok, my stupid questions to you are...
1) If you could look like anyone, who would it be?
and
2) Would you wear a skirt?

[Jennifer_Jane]

Just read the whole of this thread and wanted to say a special word to you, vik6525. What a wonder you are, giving so much advice. So thanks for everything said, very helpful to a lot of us even if we're just lurking.

I would also endorse the 'Colour me Beautiful' option. I won a 'House of Colour' colours day and that changed my life (not to mention my clothes and make-up). I then did their image day, and was surprised by so much she said. I now go on their Spring and Autumn open days to get loads more advice and current trends. I buy their make-up too. Is it 'Money-saving'? Well, yes, it makes shopping much quicker, easier, cheaper, as you go straight to the things that suit your colour, size, style, personality.

The consultant will also go through your wardrobe and advise, and go with you on shopping trips which is really excellent if you're looking for a special occasion.

I've been lucky to have been given lots of cast-off clothes by my boss (a woman!) and can go straight to the pile of clothes and say "this, this, and this"!

PS - I DO NOT work for this Company!! Just very grateful for the help given and being given.

[Yorkshirechick]

Hiya!
Ok, my stupid questions to you are...
1) If you could look like anyone, who would it be?
and
2) Would you wear a skirt?

Erm really had to think about these!!

I'll answer the skirt one first, I do sometimes wear skirts, but they tend to be short denim ones with again the usual t-shirts and maybe some pumps. I don't really mind skirts, but am not sure how comfortable I'd feel wearing one for work, it's more to do with the shoes - I don't know what to wear on my feet with them!!

If I could look like anyone who would it be? - I like Kirsten Dunst, and Rachel Bilson I like the look of the layering and stuff, but I'm not sure if you have to be super skinny to wear that stuff. Other than that I don't really know, and I think that's my problem, I don't really know the look I want to achieve, so just end up throwing on whatever's in my wardrobe.

Sometimes when I go shopping I try on new stuff, but because I'm not used to it, I always think I don't suit it.

Not sure if that was the answer you were looking for ??

Yorkshirechick

[vik6525]

Have you got a god set of pins on ya? If you have, with your age, your size and your height, then the fashion world is your oyster my friend!!! If you dont mind wearing skirts and dresses, the maybe you should try an empire line dress that stops by the knee? They'll show off your boobs, but skim over your middle, thus hiding the fact that you're not sure about your waitst. You could wear it a bit 'dressy' with opaque tights and wedge heels, and maybe a cute little clutch bag, or dress it down with skinny jeans or leggings underneath, and some little ballerina pumps. If its nippy, you can stick a polo neck underneath, or a cardie (very this year!) on top...
If you're not sure of the look you're going for, then try buying accesories like necklaces, scarves etc, and seeing how you go with that. A pair of jeans and a plain black t shirt can be changed totally with a bit of jewellry. Primark in particular have got some fabby necklaces, really funky ones too, that are like a quid each or something!
As for what not to wear? As you're a little bit 'little'... (sorry!) DOnt wear long skirts cause theyll just drown you, and please please stay away from smock tops! You've got to be about 7ft tall, and have absolutly no boobs to carry them off, otherwise you just look pregnant!
Oh, and my other tip? And this goes for EVERYONE! If you're going to buy stuff from Primark, Peacocks, and any of the high st stores, buy plain colours! Not patterns! Theres some fab stuff about at the mo, with big flowers on and stuff, but if you buy it, EVERYONE who's even so much as been in that shop will know where you got it, and if you go out, you can betcha @ss you'll se about 5 other people with it on. If you buy plain, then it could be Dior or Dorothy Perkins, and no one would know!!!
Hope that helped a bit!
Viks xx

[alyth]

I'm so glad I started this thread, the advice that's been posted has just been amazing! Vik, your advice is just fantastic, I absolutely second your advice about buying plain colours, what I've been doing over the last week or so is trying to sort through my wardrobe, I've bought tons of fantastic stuff on ebay, I've stood and looked at myself extremely critically, done some research on the internet, and am starting to look a bit better now! I've never going to follow fashion trends, I'm always going to stick mainly to black, but I've bought scarves, shoes, I'm not a bag or belt person, I've been doing a bit of layering, and I'm feeling much better and not quite so old and frumpy now!

I just need to start wearing a bit more make-up and will have to pluck up the courage to hit those make-up girls!

[vik6525]

The make up girls are easy! Just remember they human like anyone else, and want to help!!

[teedy23]

well done VIK, I dont agree with you on the smock tops cos I luvvum but you could be right. It,s all about attitude and confidence in the end though is,nt it. If you have no self-esteem you wont want to dive in and go all glam and glitz, starting with small changes must be the way to go. I constantly hear that when you reach a certain age you shouldnt have long hair... how rediculous, or you shouldnt wear certain types of clothes.... sometimes I must agree on that, but by and large I think people should do what they like as long as it doesnt frighten the horses. Keep it up kid your doing a great job

[davidspd]

I treated myself to a Colour Me Beautiful consultation for my 40th and it was well worth it. I was stuck in a rut of wearing black but since I have moved to more earthy tones I have actually started getting compliments :eek: BTW I came out as Warm+Clear.

Another thing which has helped me was to look at http://www.mystylediary.net/Default.aspx It allows you to search by age group, and although a lot of it is not in the UK, you can get ideas about what looks good. I wish they would allow you to search by size as well ;).

Gill

[belfastgirl23]

Can anyone recommend where you might get v necked tops/tshirts that don't make you look like a hooker? :) I'm trying to move away from polo necks but I keep finding that v neck tops that are anyway long (ie that don't show your tummy if you reach upwards) are also very low cut. I seem to spend my whole life pulling them back to cover my cleavage to decency level then pulling them forward to cover my tummy. And they're always too big around the shoulders in to the bargain! I know I know that you shouldn't be afraid to show a little but in my office it is just not done at all.

I know I know I should be wearing shirts really but it's even harder to get one of them that fits. While I'm at it, anyone know where you can get a fitted shirt that will make the most of a reasonable waistline and proportional boobs and yet will fit over womanly hips!

[ailuro2]

M&S do great fitted shirts in all colours for work that are stretchy but very smart too. Hardly need ironed. I like their long sleeved Vee neck Tees too.
I know what you mean about the tee shirts being low cut- I hate showing any cleavage as I work with all men and prefer them to talk to me,not the boobies:o

[vik6525]

Tesco do really nice v neck t shirts that arent too low cut, and new look always always have some really nice fitted shirts in the sale. I bought one there last week for a fiver!

[Justie]

belfastgirl - H&M do good v neck tops and they tend to be a little longer in the body. Tesco do basic t shirts (including 3/4 length sleeves) that are good but sometimes a little short. Best thing to do if you're unsure about tops showing too much cleavage is to pop a vest top underneath, makes for a more polished look too.

I hate shirts, I have a wide back and shoulders (even though I'm a size 10)and find that shirts make me look boxy so I stick to knitwear and tshirts and they look just as smart. If you have a good waist then a couple of wrap cardigans (again H&M are cheap) are a good buy as you can wear them with everything from a dress to a vest top.

[belfastgirl23]

Thank you all, alas we don't have H&M in Belfast yet though I do make a point of going there when I'm in London. New one opening later in the year I think though! Good idea about wearing 2 tops, might even be a way of dealing with the belly showing thing too if I could get some longish vest tops. I always wondered why on earth people bought them, guess you've enlightened me. I will try new look and tesco for sure. I've tried the M&S shirts but they don't fit both top and hips unfortunately. As for dresses, can you hear the hollow laugh, I've given up on them totally.

I did just buy a sewing machine and am about to experiment when I can figure out how to thread the damned thing :) I think realistically this is the only way to get clothes to fit properly.

You may finally help me to become an appropriately dressed woman for my age. Many thanks!

[vik6525]

Ladies! There seem to be loads of you who've given up on dresses... Listen to aunty vik now (lol)... Go and try a wrap dress! PLEASE! If you think you're a 'funny' shape then theyre perfect, cause you make the waist fit yourself... you can pull the waist as tight or as loose as you want, so you can make it fit your boobs, and then make it fit your waist too iykwim?
Go on... give it a try... A black one can take you from day to night, theyre versatile, dressy, casual...

[alyth]

I was looking at them in Tescos tonight as well, it was a lovely black one and only £20 - might have to go and have another look tomorrow then, but don't they make your bottom half look bigger???

[vik6525]

Heck no! they skim! and make your waste look tootsy tiny, and flatten your tummy! theyre the dogs!!

[Savvy_Sue]

tops that are anyway long (ie that don't show your tummy if you reach upwards) Hallelujah I am not alone!

I find browsing for tops currently takes VERY little time - no, that's too short, too short, too short ... and trousers are hardly any better, as I really don't like hipsters!

I can't BEAR having a draught round my middle. And what is it with showing your underwear? I just can't do it, that's why it's called UNDERwear ...

[vik6525]

I have terrible trouble finding tops that cover me up, im 6ft1, and most tops stop somewhere between my boobs and my belly button, but topshop and dorothy perkins do a 'tall' range where everything is in proportion... Maybe you could try there for tops as you know they'll be longer?
viks xx

[scotsgirl]

Thank you all, alas we don't have H&M in Belfast yet though I do make a point of going there when I'm in London. New one opening later in the year I think though! Good idea about wearing 2 tops, might even be a way of dealing with the belly showing thing too if I could get some longish vest tops. I always wondered why on earth people bought them, guess you've enlightened me. I will try new look and tesco for sure. I've tried the M&S shirts but they don't fit both top and hips unfortunately. As for dresses, can you hear the hollow laugh, I've given up on them totally.

I did just buy a sewing machine and am about to experiment when I can figure out how to thread the damned thing :) I think realistically this is the only way to get clothes to fit properly.

You may finally help me to become an appropriately dressed woman for my age. Many thanks!


I think I'm probably a similar shape to you - big bust, big hips, little waist = pain in the a** to dress! I find wrap over tops are very flattering, and if they are too low I wear a little camisole top underneath to avoid showing too much. i also have the same problem with stuff being to big in the shoulders, but these don't tend to be as bad.

In terms of dresses, definitely 100%, try wrap dresses, they are very flattering. Try to make sure you get one that is "proper" wrap - i.e one that actually ties closed, rather than one which is stitched in place, as they never fit as well.

[belfastgirl23]

Okay you've persuaded me that I might manage to wear a dress again. If I can shake off DH I will try Tesco at the weekend and see if they have the LBD you're talking about. I was put off by the fact that I had bought one before and it looked awful but realistically it was £1 in the primark sale and didn't fit properly :) I didn't think of wearing anything under a wrap top either so thanks scotsgirl. The need for new tops is becoming urgent, you look plain odd wearing a polo neck on a sunny day :)

Now that I'm looking I see a lot of people are wearing vest tops under v necks etc (I'm normally very oblivious about this sort of thing). Ithought it was some kind of fashion statement, didn't realise it was a practical yet smart solution to the low neck problem.

[twinkle162]

Can anyone recommend where you might get v necked tops/tshirts that don't make you look like a hooker? :) I'm trying to move away from polo necks but I keep finding that v neck tops that are anyway long (ie that don't show your tummy if you reach upwards) are also very low cut. I seem to spend my whole life pulling them back to cover my cleavage to decency level then pulling them forward to cover my tummy. And they're always too big around the shoulders in to the bargain! I know I know that you shouldn't be afraid to show a little but in my office it is just not done at all.

I know I know I should be wearing shirts really but it's even harder to get one of them that fits. While I'm at it, anyone know where you can get a fitted shirt that will make the most of a reasonable waistline and proportional boobs and yet will fit over womanly hips!

I find that too - pop a vest top underneath. Very cheap and come in a variety of colours.

[belfastgirl23]

Thanks, I went to tesco last night and bought a new vest top (£3) and a way too low cut t shirt that I can wear it under. I had a look for the wrap dress but the only one I could see was the kind of thing that would wrinkle easily (looked sort of broderie anglais) - was this the one you were talking about? I'm not the sort of person who can wear things that wrinkle easily :) Gonna maybe try New Look today.

[vik6525]

Thanks, I went to tesco last night and bought a new vest top (£3) and a way too low cut t shirt that I can wear it under. I had a look for the wrap dress but the only one I could see was the kind of thing that would wrinkle easily (looked sort of broderie anglais) - was this the one you were talking about? I'm not the sort of person who can wear things that wrinkle easily :) Gonna maybe try New Look today.

New look do fabby wrap dresses! ive got a plain black one from there, and every time i wear it, people comment on how tiny my waist looks...
If only they could see the 'spanx' pants underneath holding everything in! lol

[belfastgirl23]

Didn't make it to new look, got stuck into housework instead which was totally necessary. But will try to nip in later in the week. Thanks! Plain black sounds just my thing :)

tho typically now we're back into polo neck weather...