Getting out of my comfort zone

gilligansyle

Following on from the clothes talk on KC's thread, I've had a look at what I generally wear.
Two issues, nothing fits, most of it is black.
Work wise, no problem, need to sort out the hems on some trousers, but have a selection of tops, need some smart shoes, but thats it. My trousers tend to get ruined by wearing them with different height heels, so occasionally treading on them etc.(work trousers have to be short enough to wear with safety boots)
In larger sizes they tend to assume you are tall but I only have short legs and a long body.


Casual is definitely a problem. I have jeans that fit me, but are decidedly 'working around the house' ones, I have smart jeans,with spangles on, but they don't fit. I have combats that don't fit. Tracky bottoms and hooded tops I have by the plenty, but what I don't have is good trousers that aren't black work ones and have had my smart boots ruined by salt/snow combinations.

I think I've spent too much money on food over Christmas, but did quite well on other stuff.
All nephews got cash - Lightspeed money - Paypal. Also got some vouchers again through surveys, so that took care of friends, Mum and sister. Mr T double up vouchers bought the wine for brother and BIL, so the only actual money was spent on DS, and even some of his was using e-vouchers from Lightspeed.

Regarding the food though, have finished with the turkey, froze some stock, made curry with the remains of the meat, and made soup. DS has had some nice lunches to take to work, and has come home to a cooked meal each night, so he's been happy with that. Have lots of veg, so will think about what to do with it, but veg box had far too much turnip (or swede as they call it now) and its quite an uninteresting veg, with few options. Not too much left over, need to check the dates on some cream and use that up.

Enjoying my time off, but need to be back working and earning. Will also update CV and get that sent out in January.

Karmacat

You have a pm, gill. Interesting analysis up there of your clothes needs - I've got the list today of all that I dare to do, but I think I'll stick that on tomorrow's list, sales are an ideal time to plug the gaps.

It sounds like you did really well on vouchers and lightspeed/paypal - I think I might try to keep going on those, its so handy having those bits of money isn't it - I bought that River Island dress with paypal money, its a good feeling.

Turnip ... hmmm.... mashed in with potato to make fritters? Not sure ...

gilligansyle

I don't mind doing the surveys, its quite fun sometimes if you've given feedback to then see it on the telly. I don't do loads of them, but even if I only get a couple of quid a week, its more that I don't have to spend. Lightspeed are now part of something else so seem to be getting more at the moment.

DS has just rung from work, can we have junk for tea! He thinks he's had enough of proper dinners and wants to save himself for New Year! You can't please some people :-)

Off to OS to see what I can do with veg.

Karmacat

Can we have junk! Thats funny

Lightspeed is now my survey, is that right?

Its tax free too, isn't it...

gilligansyle

Karmacat wrote: »

Lightspeed is now my survey, is that right?

Its tax free too, isn't it...

Yes, and I think so.

gilligansyle

Silly mouse on silly computer just acted up, so lost what I was writing. And its also managed to scramble a document too, so not very happy.

Have just had HM soup with HM bread, plenty left for lunches.

Been to visit Dad's grave, it's been too cold and frozen over up until now. Walked there and nipped into Mr A, got some bargains. Pack of 4 baking spuds, 25p. Tomatoes 25p. 1kg bag of carrots 10p, bread (use by 30th) 15p. Wish I'd been in the car, I could have bought loads.

Back to the ironing.

Karmacat

Thats an up and down sort of day ... hope its not too upsetting to go visit the grave.

macgirl

gilligansyle wrote: »

Following on from the clothes talk on KC's thread, I've had a look at what I generally wear.
Two issues, nothing fits, most of it is black.
Work wise, no problem, need to sort out the hems on some trousers, but have a selection of tops, need some smart shoes, but thats it. My trousers tend to get ruined by wearing them with different height heels, so occasionally treading on them etc.(work trousers have to be short enough to wear with safety boots)
In larger sizes they tend to assume you are tall but I only have short legs and a long body.


Casual is definitely a problem. I have jeans that fit me, but are decidedly 'working around the house' ones, I have smart jeans,with spangles on, but they don't fit. I have combats that don't fit. Tracky bottoms and hooded tops I have by the plenty, but what I don't have is good trousers that aren't black work ones and have had my smart boots ruined by salt/snow combinations.

In that case, it is definitely worth investing in someone to shorten them for you, or do it yourself. Please don't take this the wrong way, but as we get older, our complexion pales and black can draw all colour out of ours faces. Adding colour does take courage, but can make so much difference.

Years ago when I was at college, some Colour Me Beautiful ladies came in (or whatever it was called) and told me I was a "Cold Winter" (insert your own joke here). But it was right, I suit black, navy, red, white, greys but not brown, cream, orangey shades etc, as they make me look sallow.

That, together with dressing for your shape - I have to say Gok is the maestro at that, might be worth Googling for free online info - I think are the key to looking good.

My Mum is a size 14, 5ft tall and hippy. She always wears tailored styles, shift dresses, shorter fitted jackets and pencil skirts. She often has too take things up - at the hem and shoulders, as she's a stickler for properly fitting clothes. She's also more MSE than Martin himself! Makes a lot of her own things and loves raiding M&S sale rail.
She sometimes gets stuck in a rut, but goes back to the shapes that suit and updates with bolder jewellery and scarves.

It's easy to get stuck and then lose confidence and not know what suits, but maybe you could have a day window shopping - try on loads of different styles/colours of trousers one day, dresses the next - until you hit on something that works. Sales assistants can normally offer impartial comments on what works and what doesn't.

Sorry for that long-winded ramble, but clothes *are* my specialist subject!

gilligansyle

Karmacat wrote: »

Thats an up and down sort of day ... hope its not too upsetting to go visit the grave.

Strangely I don't find it upsetting, mainly because I choose to go. There's really only me that goes. I just have to pick the days, avoid Christmas Day etc. and Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary. Otherwise you get tied up in 'what if's' and 'if only's' and that gets upsetting. It's something I've been brought up with so have got used to going to the cemetery, someone always took Nan, and it was usually me.

Have now got loads of stuff to freeze, so need to tidy up the freezer. Mr A also had some frozen party food on offer,so got some veg spring rolls for 50p.

gilligansyle

Thanks macgirl, I know what you mean, my problem is the opposite to your Mum's so I can't wear shift style as they hang wrong. It was better when I made my own stuff, but am a bit scared about doing that now. I once had colours done and was 'autumn' so avoid white, but can't remember the other colours now.
Most of the advice on dressing for my shape involves accentuating the area I want to hide! My mum once bought me a beautiful red, wrap over top, that she had been told was ideal for my shape, but it was far too low cut and would have spent all my time hitching it up! Lack of self confidence doesn't help. I need someone neutral to come shopping with me, so may plan something like that for myself.