Frugal Frump to Fab/Winter Solstice

lessonlearned

Suits

Should always buy the best quality you can afford. You are going to be wearing them day in day out (at least until you can afford more than one).

You might be lucky with a Charity shop find, but it's going to take a lot of mooching and trawling around.

If you need one quickly or if you need an interim one to keep you going whilst you lose weight then Next is as good as any, for something a bit cheaper then Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's all do some basic blacks. I don't know what they fit like - never tried one.

My top tip is to go to a big department store, Debenhams or John Lewis and look at all the Concessions (sorry don't mean to patronise here but some of you asked for a Janet & John guide - a concession is a shop within shop, Jaegar, Planet, Windsmoor, Eastex etc) Try as many manufacturers as you can and see which cuts, lengths and styles suit you best. A shopping buddy whose opinion you trust and value would be a boon here.

Once you know what is right for you then I would suggest you check out some Nearly New Shops. I used to get a lot of my work clothes from Nearly New. They have good makes, the styling will be more up to date and they will be practically immaculate.

As a general rule - the nearly new option will have premium makes such Jaegar, Wallis, Jigsaw, Gerry Webber etc - you might even hit gold and pick up an Armani or a Donna Karan.

The charity shops suits will be high street, Marks & Spencers at best, or Next. They will generally be older and more worn. They will of course be cheaper than the Nearly New Option. You might strike it lucky - I did once come across a Gerry Webber.

If you are buying a suit from new - it's often worth buying both trouser and skirt so that you have more options on how to wear it.

Some workplaces are quite happy with a nice dress, a simple shift dress with a good jacket is a really chic, elegant look.

The Shirt or Top

Every style guide I've read has extolled the white shirt as a wardrobe essential. I gave up with shirts years ago.

No 1 - I can never find one that fits. It doesn't matter whether I am size 10 or size 18, they always gape open. The buttons are always in the wrong place. I've tried safety pins, sewing "invisible" press-studs you name it. I've given up with any kind of button through shirt - they just don't work for me.

No 2 - What on earth do you with the shirt collar. If your jacket has lapels which most do - you've got lapels and collars to sort out, in or out, over the lapels or what. It's just one big untidy mess.

My answer was T-shirts, fine-knit sweaters, shell tops, or camisoles. It gives you a nice clean line, no fuss, no mess. You can add colour if allowed, or stick to a neutral palate white, cream, navy or black. If have a nice long slender neck a fine knit polo necked sweater under your jacket is a great look for winter.

If like me with a er hem "generous bosom" a slight scoop or gentle "v" neck (not too much cleavage for work) works wonders.

If you intend removing your jacket then make sure your top skims your body rather than clings. I rarely took my jacket off - I didn't want to spoil the illusion and show everyone I had muffin tops etc (Since my new exercise regime they've gone:j)

How to put it all together ..................

lessonlearned

Assuming your employer allows it, tweaking the essentials will enable you to personalise your look.

You could swap the jackets for a nice cardigan - softer & feminine.

The suit could be a softer version, say a jersey knit (oh my poor lost Jean Muir - what an idiot)

Colour

Again assuming you are allowed - here's your big chance to stand out from the sea of black/navy and get yourself noticed.

Anyone remember Hilary Clinton's suits when she was First Lady - all colours of the rainbow, always soft pastels because they suited her colouring.

Ok so maybe baby pink isn't a good idea, but there are pale silvery greys, creamy whites, caramels, soft sagey/mossy greens whilst a rich burgundy is great for winter.

A word about red - I love, love, love it - it is the colour of fire, energy, passion - it is a life force in itself. If I want to impress I wear red.

However, not for a suit - not pillar box, fire-engine red. It's just too much - unless you want to look like Cabin Crew. A red jacket or cardigan with grey skirt or trousers and a cream top on the other hand .............

Coats

A suit isn't very warm in winter - you'll need a decent coat. Same rule applies with the suit - best you can afford, wait for the sales or hit the Nearly New shops. When buying a coat remember you need it to go over your jacket.

Depending on your job - if you are out and about a lot, a good raincoat might be better than a woollen coat. Trench coats are my favourite, they can be smart or casual - equally happy on a city slicker or over a pair of jeans for a weekend walk in the country.

Now the final touches ...................

lessonlearned

Bags

You'll need to carry a lot of stuff around, fold-up umbrella, laptop, phone maybe A4 files etc. Sorry but a cheap handbag and a plastic supermarket bag just don't cut the mustard.

There are some lovely briefcases/work bags now for women. They will cost you though so you'll just have to save up - it's an investment, trust me. If you can't afford the real thing, a smart canvas tote should see you through as an interim measure.

Shoes

Sandals - maybe, but you might be better with a "peep-toe" shoe instead. Def. no flip flops - are you kidding - you're a serious contender with your eye on the prize.

Shoes - leather only with a heel - even if its only a small one - flats and skirts are a no go area - they say "Frump" louder than anything. For comfort add some insoles or those gel insets that go under the ball of the foot.

If you can get away with it try a pair of cute little ankle boots with a knee length skirt.

No bare legs, not unless your legs are absolutely perfect and only if you are allowed.

Unhappy with your legs, opaque tights for winter, trousers for summer.

Jewellery - no bling, small discreet, two pieces only. (Wedding rings don't count as your two piece rule).

If you are lucky enough to have a statement diamond engagement ring - be sure to put in your jacket pocket when you wash your hands. Don't leave it in the ladies room.

Make up Natural looking and discreet. However, that doesn't mean going without. Remember the no make up/fewer promotions research.

Smell gorgeous but not too overpowering. A light cologne type is best for work, the heavy sensual ones are better for evening.

Maintenance at work

Your work look should be simple and easy, once it's done you shouldn't need to worry and fuss during the day.

However, it's nice to have a few emergencies to hand in your desk drawer, locker or whatever.

A spare part of tights, a spare top is nice in case you get invited out for drinks after - freshens the look, some plasters, perfume, peppermints to freshen your breath, hand cream, lip balm.

That's it - job done.

lessonlearned

Phew

This fashion week has been real fun folks but now I've got typistitis - I'm off for a drink next door.

:rotfl:

maman

No time to post but I'm loving the advice LL. So much to provoke thought and...discuss, but that'll have to be for tomorrow! Hope you enjoyed your evening and DH his cricket outing.

Jellybaby

Hi, thanks for the warm welcome everyone:) I can't keep up with this thread, I can only read during the day at work and reply at night when I sneak DS2s laptop! Anyway you've all given me loads to think about and I've decided on the following 'to do' list from tomorrow (or that might be today) -

Ditch Jillian's DVD until I've cleared the garage (I ache as it is, so getting plenty of exercise and I can only do so much)
Handcream on after every wash
Footcream on day and night
Book manicure for w/b 18 July (I'm on holiday all that week)
Every lunchtime go for a walk around the shops - not only exercise but I can start planning my new wardrobe!
Take lunch with me every day to work - saving money and a whole lot healthier

LL love your writing style!

Have a good weekend all

Jill x

Carmen

Good morning everyone, what a beautiful day again. As I write this I'm sitting outside under the walnut tree with my coffee watching my cats play in the sunshine, the cockerel is crowing (his timing is odd :rotfl:)across the valley, no deer yet, maybe this evening? Relaxing day ahead for me so in no hurry.

Wow LL thanks for all the style advice.
Coats: I have never been one to really wear 'big' coats. I do remember many years ago having having a lovely long cream and camel coats, also a double breasted reefer jacket but that was when I used to walk a lot more than I do now These days I just have a couple of sensible 3/4 length jackets and a car coat.
Bags & Shoes: Now that's a different story I tend to stick to kitten heels these days, much safer! Reminds me of the platform shoes I wore in the 70's, how many times did I go over on my ankles! All for the sake of fashion! My O/H still comments on how I was 6' tall when he first met me :rotfl::rotfl:
Make has changed dramatically over time from thick Biba foundation (70's) to tinted moisturiser now. I usually just concentrate on my eyes and some lip gloss. I have decided to get some advice on changing my make up style, maybe go into body shop and have them do it?
I'm with Phoenix and lizzie and love to have my eyebrows threaded.

Yummy, don't worry about your blip we all do it, your weigh in will put you back on track. Enjoy your 'free' time over the weekend and make loadsamoney at the boot fair.

Mrs W I hope all goes well at the weekend. Which dress did you decide on?

LL, did O/H have a time at the cricket? I will be nice for him to be home again even though I'm sure the respite has done you both some good

Jelly, don't worry about keeping up, we all seem to be having difficulty replying to all the comments, this thread has become very popular. I see you have a plan already, good for you

:wave:

OK enough waffling for now.

Upwards and onwards


Carmen xxxx

Siren1974

Hi there, I'm late to the thread but would really like to be a Christmas cracker. It's my 5 year anniversary this month and in the last 5 years have gained about 6 stone! We moved away for work and then had a baby so have done nothing but be a stay at home mum for 4 years. The youngest is now attending nursery daily so I have some time for me. I started on my pilates machine a few days ago and hubby wants to take up yoga so hopefully I'l be slim enough to attend his works Christmas "do". Good luck to all and lets aim for a great 6 months!

floss2

Dawning wrote: »

....Also am going to London at the end of September to an ladies group afternoon tea. No clue at all what to wear for that. :think:...

Ooh, where are you going for your afternoon tea?

lessonlearned wrote: »

Suits

Should always buy the best quality you can afford. You are going to be wearing them day in day out (at least until you can afford more than one).

You might be lucky with a Charity shop find, but it's going to take a lot of mooching and trawling around.

If you need one quickly or if you need an interim one to keep you going whilst you lose weight then Next is as good as any, for something a bit cheaper then Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's all do some basic blacks. I don't know what they fit like - never tried one.....!

Tesco are actually very good for work wear - they tend to have skirt / trousers / jacket and also shift dresses in some fabrics, so have a look

Am off to get ready to hit the Trafford Centre - have got an hour's drive to my BestFriend's home first though!

Carmen

Hello Siren,
Welcome to the WS wagon, jump on and join the fun.
As LL has said, we seem to be a mix of ages and want to achieve a mix of goals by the Winter Solstice or beyond, maybe.
From reading the posts you will find inspiration and like most of us you may fall off the wagon sometimes, but don't worry we shall give you nudge a up the bum to get you back on

Carmen xxxx