Frugal Frump to Fab/Winter Solstice

floss2

Just creeping in to see what you've all been up to....am still sans bathroom but the tiles are on, the grouting is half done and the loo & floor go in tomorrow, so hopefully by the end of the weekend I'll be able to have a bit of beauty treatment time in there!

Am wearing perfume everyday, along with tinted moisturiser with SPF, I am trying to straighten my posture but am lapsing when sitting in my chair at work I am keeping both feet on the floor though, rather than inviting varicose veins by crossing my legs!

I need to sort my wardrobe(s) out...I sorted out my makeup whilst watching The Apprentice tonight, couldn't do a face mask as DH has put everything from the bathroom cabinets "somewhere safe" whilst the builders are in :rotfl:

Have got clothes out for tomorrow along with shoes, I work in an office so it's work-wear during the week and casual or going-out at weekends.

Meant to say FC - have you looked at Tesco for suits for work? I am a size 12 pear-shape, 32DD, 30, 39 and find they are a great fit....their shift dresses don't have enough fabric around the hips though

Also :wave: to Mooloo and JackieGlasgow

lessonlearned

OK - let's get the snobby bit out of the way.

Track suits, shell suits, joggers and trainers. I don't care how much they cost they are not smart, elegant, or even remotely attractive. They are however, comfortable and practical. We all know how comfortable a pair of favourite joggies can be - they are perfect for lolling around the house.

However, all of the above items belong strictly on the track, on the playing field or in the gym - not shopping centres, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, airports and anywhere else you can think of.

Whoever came up with the concept of tarting them up with logos etc and marketing them as must have fashion accessories was a genius. I hope they got big fat bonuses because the manufacturer's have made gazillions. They have also made fools of their customers.

No-one - not even the great sports god Beckham himself looks good in trackie bottoms. Even the ill fated sarong was a better style choice.

If you have any pretensions to being stylish - just say no.

Right - now I've got that off my chest - what's left.

Well let's look at two the greatest style icons of the 20th century and see what they came up with.

They come from different sides of the Atlantic but their choices are surprising similar.

I think that if you take these as your base guidelines and then tweak them a little with your own individual preferences you'll find your perfect style solution to how to do Smart/Casual.

I'm sorry to have to keep splitting posts - I think the computer has a "time-out" feature. If I prattle on for too long it just cuts me off and loses my post. ..........

lessonlearned

UK - Princess Diana

Who else?

When Diana got divorced and was no longer required to do the royal rounds, she concentrated her efforts on her charity work. Yes she still did drop dead glamour for her evening gigs but she radically simplified her day look.

I call this look "Euro Chic" because it is so closely linked to how many well turned out continental women dress, minor royalty, the jet set.

The basic wardrobe would be a well tailored jacket, or blazer, trousers or jeans, a nice simple top or t-shirt. Leather flat loafers and a medium sized soft leather shoulder bag, all topped with a pair of Jackie O (again) sunglasses.

She would ring the changes with a tailored shirt, or a simple shift dress. When wearing a dress she would swop the loafers for a simple medium heeled court shoe. Add a nice sweater, sometimes worn as a sweater, sometimes just draped round the shoulders.

The look was clean, simple, fuss free. She looked comfortable and relaxed.

It's a very versatile basic wardrobe which you can add to and personalise.

It can be dressed up or down as occasion demands with jewellery, scarves. For urban chic you can go for a buttery soft suede jacket and light wool trousers in shades of camel or grey.

For a young funky look you could add a leather biker jacket or a denim jacket. For winter you can add layers of knitwear and a good wool top coat or trench coat. It can be countrified with corduroy, tweeds, wax jackets and the obligatory green wellies.

Jackie Kennedy/Onassis

You just knew it would be her.

Jackie's dress down look is often referred to as the "Preppy" look so beloved of the Ivy League/New Hamptons set. We're talking serious old money here.

The look is very similar to "Euro Chic" - after all money talks the same language the world over. It's a look the Japanese have long loved and the new Chinese middle classes are snaffling it up too.

The Preppy also often has a bit of a nautical vibe going on,- the New Hampton influence, so you will often see a fair bit of navy and white, white trousers/jeans, navy and white stripy tops, canvas sailing type jackets, canvas deck shoes, and for colder weather the wool 3/4 length "Reefer" jacket. The Reefer jacket was originally a sailor's coat. Very warm and practical.

The Preppy often features really good knitwear, long cardigans and long sweaters over shirts, cotton knits for summer, fine wools and cashmere for winter. I love a good "Sloppy Joe" sweater- covers a multitude of sins.

Those two basic looks can be adapted to a whole variety of scenarios and tastes - a days shopping in the city, lunch in a country pub, out and about, travelling, pony gymkhanas, you name it.

The look is practical and comfortable, can be warmed up with boots, knitwear, coats, pashminas, scarves etc to keep out the chills, - can be cool in summer with lightweight linen jackets, fine cotton knitwear, linen trousers and skirts. A wedge sandal works well for hot weather.

Hope you've found this helpful.

maman

:wave:hello ALL!!

I don't know where to start, responding to all the thought provoking posts. It's just like having a good chat with old friends.

First, my holiday was great. Weather fantastic, plenty of books to read, lovely scenery, met up with old friends. The last bit was really great because as I hadn't seen them for a year everyone was extremely stunned and complimentary about my weightloss!;) I ate fairly sensibly but empty alcoholic calories also played a big part.:o Today I think it's catching up as I feel a bit bloated. Tomorrow is weigh-in day so I'll know exactly how much I've gained and then it's onwards and downwards towards my target.

elantan, vite seche was featured as a 'must have' in an article in today's Times. Where do you buy it? I often put a coat of something clear on my nails after a professional manicure (especially French) as it makes it last longer so that sounds like a good idea.

I think I'll just comment on this week's fashion theme (while sitting up very straight with beautiful posture:D). I've been thinking about this through the day and I think my preferred style is a modern classic/classy, sort of preppy. If you think Boden or Zara or White Company or White Stuff that's what I like best as a look. I don't often buy full price from any of them but that's the sort of look I'm trying to create. That being said I don't ignore current trends but I like to pick and choose what suits. For current fashions I buy cheap like Matalan or George. So my lovely striped Jigsaw top was teamed with some white cut-offs from Asda!:rotfl:I call it a top but it is actually a sort of mini-dress and I did wear it on its own on holiday once my legs had a bit of colour. I wouldn't do it in the High Street though!


Apologies for filling the screen but I'm not much good at posting photos!

While I've been losing weight I've bought quite a few bits from CSs for just a few pounds. I've been reluctant to spend too much until I'm at my target weight. However, a close friend has just announced she's getting married in November. She's late 50s and it's 2nd time so it won't be a meringuey wedding BUT it will be my opportunity to buy something really nice for my newly rediscovered shape. So, a bit earlier than Christmas but that's a goal for me; to get to my target weight and buy a completely new outfit.

I'm off to try and get some sleep got a busy day again tomorrow.

P.S. For those of you having problems with losing posts, have you thought of typing them into Word and then doing cut and paste?

lessonlearned

Hey Maman

Lovely to hear from you, don't worry about a few holiday pounds - they'll soon go the way of the others. And they were all gained in a good cause:D

Your friend's wedding sounds a really good goal to aim for, a really stylish new outfit is called for.

Thank's for posting the pics, yep thats the "Preppy" - did you wear it with your Jackie O glasses

I really must learn how to do pictures. I'm such a technophobe - still I suppose could use being "arty" as an excuse.

I know, only joking, there's no excuse really - just need to get a grip.

Off to bed now folks, but before I go, I gather that there's a whole load of High Street shops going into receivership this week. I understand that TJ Hughes is going under - might be worth looking out for a closing down sale - they do good leather handbags.

G'night all x

Carmen

Good morning ladies,
Well, my next big 0 finally arrived today and I am pleased to say "I don't feel any different" I slept so well that my intentions of a lie did not happen! Going out for lunch later so lots of time to "scrub up well" :rotfl: Going to try a new bistro that has veggie options, fingers crossed!

LL, How is your O/H aftre his fall, better I hope?
Thank you for your smart/casual/euro chic analysis, I find that look with variations can take me most places and is very comfortable.
I find Italian women/men seem to have such a natural flare for looking stylish, one of my favourite countries to people watch, yes I do other things in my life :rotfl::rotfl:

Here comes the sunrise, I want to try and get some photo's, be right back.......

....thank goodness for digital camera's, saves a fortune in having bad photo's developed

Whatever your likes in fashion it can be carried off much better with weight loss and posture. I still have a fair way to go to achieve this but I feel so much better about myself than I did six months ago.

Yes, joggie's seem to have taken over the world! Unfortunately I feel they has allowed people, myself included, to 'expand' and neglect themselves when worn away from what they were first intended for,sports.
O/H and I have reunions in September and I actually feel that I might be confident to go, for the first time We hope to turn it into a bit of a holiday also.

Maman, never mind about any holiday weight gain you will soon lose it. Sounds as if you had a nice time, the outfit looks lovely, I look forward to the day I can wear hoops, maybe when they are in fashion again :rotfl:
Mrs W, did you sleep well? I hope today will be not so loopy for you. I like the virtual pom pom idea :T

Sometimes I wake up grumpy, sometimes I let him sleep...sorry I could not resist.
Now I need to clear up the fact that this does not apply to my O/H. He is a very kind,considerate person, Gawd am I digging a big hole? :rotfl:

FC, great bargains from Debenhams, was the BJ jacket a close match to your trousers? I bought a couple of sun hats at a bargain price. I had to resist the clothes until I lose more weight.

I hope you all have a nice day, upwards and onwards.
Carmen xxxx

lessonlearned

Hi Everyone

Just lost a post again:mad: So gotta be quick now

Carmen

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You:T:T:T

Sorry still can't do the Birthday Cake

Have a lovely day & enjoy your lunch.

I'm off to a nice lunch today, oooh we're turning into Ladies Who Lunch.

Going to see OH first so need to get cracking now.

Laters ............

MrsWoolfe

Happy Birthday Carmen!!!:bdaycake:

Will be back later to post properly, but just wanted to say that before you head out- have a lovely birthday lunch!

Savvy_sewing

Sat doing my nails last night. Remembered to put the rubber gloves on this morning when I did the washing up.
Perfume on. May even go as far as putting some lipstick on, as Molly and I are going out later.

I do feel much better for the hair, and I will look at the Sparks exercises, and see what I can gently do, to strengthen my core. I would love to loose the waist line. Not quite up to 32" but creeping that way.
always been a bit thick middled for my shape. I am very straight up and down! Although having said that, I am getting a little bit bigger ontop and an liking that bit of cleavage on occasions. (Like when with BF!).
Have gone for a pair of white jeans, and a tiedied long sleeved top today. Bringing back the 60's child in me!

phoenix_dragon

Hi all, can I join in? I'm 24, pregnant, and looking rather rough at the moment. I was trying to lose weight when I found out I was 'in a delicate condition', so now I'm not allowed to diet or do strenuous exercise, which I know is necessary, but does make me feel rather like 'what's the point in looking after myself?'. I need a kick up the bum, and I think this might be the place to get it I got my hair highlighted yesterday and put on perfume and makeup this morning, so I'm feeling a bit better already.