Sick of being scruffy.......

LeedsLass_2

Hi guys, sorry if this is in the wrong place!!

I desparatley need a new wardrobe, and i need everything, shoes, underwear etc etc. Trouble is, i never have enough spare cash to buy anything. Im sick of wearing the same stuff all the time thats faded, bitty and mis-shapen. Might sound a bit dramatic but its really getting me down. All the girls at work always look nice and manage to buy new clothes all the time.

Ive tried opening a catalouge account but keep getting refused. Does anybody know of any catalogue companies that might accept me??

Thanks in advance

JoeyEmma

Can I be a voice of reason? If you are getting turned down for catalogues, it suggests that you aren't in a good place financially. Don't get yourself into debt just to cheer yourself up. In the long run you'll feel worse about it. What happens if something happens like the fridge breaks and you can't afford to fix it because of the catalogue debt? Getting into debt will make you feel a lot worse.

Put some money away and save for some new clothes. In the meantime, get yourself on the freebies boards and find out which makeup and beauty companies are giving away freebies. Go on to the competition boards and enter as many as possible!

neas

Am wondering why they wont accept you? Is it because your credit rating is bad?

DO you have debts? Have you not paid back thing son time in past?

What occupation do you do? Are you due a rise? (maybe others get paid more than yoU)

We need more info i.e incomings/outgoings and your previous credit history and occupatuion and potential for you to maybe get a better job etc?

I.e are you a 16 yo schiool leaver with no expereicnce, minimum wage job and no qualifications

or a degree graduate but not found a good job?

you might be eleigled for tax credits ?

Bronnie

Hi leedslass

Have you seen this thread from a few weeks ago?

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1746139&highlight=wardrobe+clearance



There are lots of people who feel the same way as you, some of us decided to make a go of getting our clothes situations under control. It's quite a long thread, but if you dip in and out, you'll get the idea!

Definitely, before you start buying do the wardrobe clearance, wash, mend, iron and organise what you've got first, THEN decide what you need to buy. Put what you don't want in bags for now, there'll also be some ideas coming along for maybe turning them into cash!!

One of the other posters, Sharron, has posted a lot on the benefits of having a 'capsule wardrobe', a small carefully collected selection of clothes that all go together so you can mix and match. Sounds just what you need for work! I'm sure Sharron will be along to answer your post herself before long!

We do all this with MSE principles in mind, to suit your own budget.....so hang on a bit, do some reading and get a few more answers on your thread before you jump into spending is what I say!!

HTH

Bron
X

GrammarGirl

Hello, I'm guessing from your name you live in Leeds (and are a Lass) - me too, on both counts!

There are loads of carboot sales around Leeds - why not see if you can pick up a few bits and bobs somewhere? There's a great big one at Cross Green, another massive one near the airport and loads of little ones dotted about. If you want some inspiration, take a look at the 'Best charity shop and car boot sale bargains' thread on the eBay board - this really inspired me to go rummaging and there are lots of new clothes to be found, many with tags still attached, never been worn!

I'd agree with others - don't get yourself in debt to compete with people because it's really not worth it. What about a cheap hair cut, even a trim? Trim and paint your nails, shine your shoes, iron your t-shirts - there are loads of things you can do to stop you looking scruffy if you feel you are.

Good luck!

LeedsLass_2

Thanks guys for all your replies.

JoeyEmma- i totally understand what you mean, i will try and start saving. My boyfriend wants us to go on holiday together though so i need to try and save what little i have for that as well so its a bit of a catch 22, no clothes, no holiday.

Neas- Yes, my credit rating is bad but i thought catalogues were given to anyone!! We're all on a similar wage where i work.

Bronnie- I dont have any clothes to get rid of, thats how little i have. I wear the same stuff for work as i do at weekends, except for my jeans. The capsule idea sounds good, but as mentioned, i dont own enough things to be able to do that.

GrammarGirl- I will keep an eye out for the car boots. I dont want to compete with people, i would just like to feel better about myself.

I know this thread may sound pathetic to some people and i can almost hear them say "god, get a grip, there's more important things in life" I suppose there is but i need all the "boosting" i can get right now

spugzbunny

Hey LeedsLass - don't fee blue - I know how you feel. I went through a stage of hating my work clothes and never looking smart but I found that just a few smart shirts really changed the whole look. Don't feel bad - it is in no way pathetic - if you don't feel you look good then it can really effect your mood.

My advice - have you got many female friends you can swap with? My friends and I get together every 3-4 months and do a clothes swap. We get all the clothes that we no longer like or no longer fit into and get together with a bottle of wine. Everybody always comes away with something and the left overs go to charity. The best thing is, you don't need to be the same size as often the clothes are from pre-weight or post-weight gain!

LeedsLass_2

Hi spugz, i dont have anything to take to such a thing as you've suggested. Thanks though, its a good idea

LeeSouthEast

Never underestimate what can bring down your mood. A lack of a decent wardrobe is just one of many.

However, getting yourself into more debt is so not the answer to cheering yourself up. Save for what you want, and get twice the "feel good" factor when you go shopping!

LeedsLass_2

Thanks Lee, glad its not just me!!

floss2

Ok, start with basics:

Undies - keep an eye on Primark when you go into town - they have gorgeous undies at very good prices (will see you through to the time when you can afford to spend more )

Shoes - Again, Primark or even charity shops.

Clothes - Look in charity shops - you may be surprised at what you can pick up for a few pounds! Work wear, smart going-out stuff, jumpers, t-shirts, jeans, coats etc - I've had all from various charity shops over the last 10 years.

I'd agree with Grammargirl - start with small things to boost your self-esteem like painting or even just shaping & buffing your nails, plucking your eyebrows, keep your hair shiny & clean. I think you will always look and feel smarter if you keep on top of these things, and then you can slowly & steadily work on the clothes issue