Frugal Frump to Fab - 2015

lessonlearned

Good Afternoon ladies, love the dress Maman.

Newthrift - how exciting, glad you've found your dream dress. sounds fab.

Justamum - hello and welcome. I have to agree with Maman - your user name is a bit of a giveaway.....::rotfl: never mind well have you all sleek and gorgeous before you know it.

If you do some googling you will get loads of ideas on clothes. Try Advanced Style Blogspot, and The Style Crone, they also have links with other websites of really fashionable ladies over the age of 50 who are strapped for cash and who dress with style and imagination, shopping mainly from charity shops and thrift stores.

Also if you google for over over fifties and over sixties well dressed women you will get loads of ideas. Just look at some of our older actors and film stars, there are some great role models out there.

Our very own home grown stars like Helen Mirren, Joan Collins, Honour Blackman - she was in a play on TV the other night - over 80 and looking sensational;) Twiggy, Judi Dench, Charlotte Rampling, Jane Seymour, Jane Asher - all well over 50 and all beautiful, stylish women in their own unique ways.

Then there are the American actors such as Susan Sarondon, Meryl Streep, Candice Bergen, all well over 60 and looking wonderful. If you get the chance watch the film the Thomas Crown affair, the remake with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Rosso. The clothes are sensational and Rene gives a masterclass in grown up glamour and style.

Not forgetting the two most glamourous women on earth, Sophia Loren, now well into her 70s and the most glamourous granny of all time Tina Turner......

It doesn't cost a lot of money to look that good. However, it does take a bit of time and I'm Sorry to say it, a bit of effort - alas there is no such thing as "effortless chic" :rotfl: In the end it all comes down to good grooming.

I am a real charity shop fan, you can get the most amazing quality at bargain basement prices. I have a stunning full length cashmere winter coat with a fur collar. It makes me feel like a film star when I wear it - it cost me £3. You can't even buy a decent cup of coffee for that:rotfl:

For everyday wear ASDA, Tesco And Sainsbugs take some beating.

Don't be afraid to experiment. rules of dress are a lot more relaxed these days so have courage.

The one piece of advice I would give to avoid the "mutton look" is to remember the golden rule - don't show too much flesh. So......that's cleveage or legs - never the two together. Other than that have some fun and try different looks until you fnd your own signature style.;)

Well today I ventured into one of my favourite charity shops, bought a beautiful floaty multi coloured pure silk long dress for £10' in shades of blue, turquoise and lilac - very Stevie Nicks - perfect for going out for dinner in the summer or for exotic foreign holidays, a summer wedding or a posh race meeting, a silver grey sequinned evening bag £4 and a grey and blue bead necklace for £1. I couldn't make a necklace for that price...

Just having a little break before I continue with my "Kondoing" And then a nice cosy evening with a glass of wine and Silent Witness. The female lead in that is Emilia Fox, much younger than me but so pretty and willowy, a real English beauty - with a slightly quirky way of dressing but some lovely hairstyles.

Have a nice evening - keep Fabbing. Whilst watching TV I shall give myself a manicure and paint my toe nails.

greenbee

Rose_Wood wrote: »

I had a 3 and a half mile run this morning so am back into routine. My running friend got a Fitbit for Christmas which was quite interesting. We did 8,707 steps on our run - and I will have done more as its a quarter mile walk extra for me to her house and the same back plus I shall be walking to work later which is another 3/4 mile. I am very tempted by one so may put in on my birthday list for all the family to chip in for. Last year I did that for my new laptop (though I had to add quite a bit too) and the year before my Kindle. My birthday isn't till May so I have time to think about it and see if the novelty wears off for her.

I use the a fitbit flex with the fitbit mobile run app for my runs. It isn't 100% accurate (and yes, if I wave my arms a lot in meetings I do rack up some extra steps, but I can adjust that manually by going into activities and telling fitbit I was sitting on my bum doing nothing... or I can assume my arm waving was using lots of energy!). I do find it motivating, particularly the challenges you can set up between friends. My house is very tidy at the moment and lots of outside chores are being done because they keep me moving! I've even been getting paperwork done efficiently as the walk to the post office (after each individual item is dealt with!) helps me with my goals!

It's great for helping you understand your 'normal' activity levels and how to increase them. As I work from home, on a bad day I can come downstairs and spend all day at my desk with the odd excursion to the loo and the kitchen.

Justamum wrote: »

Oh dear, I feel there's a lot of work to be done with me then I don't even own a hairbrush I'm of the 'wash it and leave it' school of hairstyling (I have it cut short so it's easy). However sometimes it's stuck up all over the place in the mornings so I just go through it with my fingers :rotfl: Am I a lost cause?

No. Not if your haircut is good enough. My hairdresser knows I don't always have time to blow-dry and style my hair, but she cuts it well enough that generally it behaves. Although friends do notice when I've done it properly (which I usually only do for suit-wearing work :cool:).

maman

Oooh how exciting about your dress newthrift. Do keep us up to date with all the plans.:)

tooties

Evening all,

I have been really tired today my get up and go has decidedly gone.

Got all my usual fabbing done today and devoted the rest of the day to home fabbing.

Just popping off to put some varnish on my toes and fingers.

Have a good night everyone

regards

silvasava

Justamum - first of all you are NOT just a Mum! You are so many other things too. Friend, Counselor, Budget Manager, Home Maker - I could go on and on. This thread is all about re-finding the you that's buried at the bottom of all the other hats that we wear. As they say - You're worth it!
I'm sorry I didn't notice you live on the IoM - take a look at the Bon Marche website. They're clothes are also good for basics & nice quality. From you're post I would guess that you are more comfortable with home shopping but Country Casuals have some lovely things but more expensive so I only shop in their sales. You may find that just looking at the websites will give you some ideas. Baby steps & lots of support on here

Justamum

lessonlearned wrote: »

If you do some googling you will get loads of ideas on clothes. Try Advanced Style Blogspot, and The Style Crone,

I had a quick look, and some of the women in the second blog quite scared me - I wouldn't have the nerve to dress like that!

lessonlearned wrote: »

Our very own home grown stars like Helen Mirren, Joan Collins, Honour Blackman - she was in a play on TV the other night - over 80 and looking sensational;) Twiggy, Judi Dench, Charlotte Rampling, Jane Seymour, Jane Asher - all well over 50 and all beautiful, stylish women in their own unique ways.

I have to agree with you about some of these women, they do look fantastic. The problem is you only really see photos of them dressed for red carpet events, and I don't really need evening wear. I'd love to see how they dress on a normal day. Dear Joanie though definitely has a 'mutton' look these days.

lessonlearned wrote: »

Then there are the American actors such as Susan Sarondon, Meryl Streep, Candice Bergen, all well over 60 and looking wonderful. If you get the chance watch the film the Thomas Crown affair, the remake with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Rosso. The clothes are sensational and Rene gives a masterclass in grown up glamour and style.

I'll have a look for that film.

lessonlearned wrote: »

It doesn't cost a lot of money to look that good. However, it does take a bit of time and I'm Sorry to say it, a bit of effort - alas there is no such thing as "effortless chic" :rotfl: In the end it all comes down to good grooming.

Oh darn. I was hoping that it would be effortless :D

lessonlearned wrote: »

Don't be afraid to experiment. rules of dress are a lot more relaxed these days so have courage.

I'm not brave, but I'm sure I can find a way to feel good about what I'm wearing without anybody noticing me

lessonlearned

Don't panic - I know I chucked a load of info at you but Its just to show you that there are plenty of options, being over 50 doesn't have to mean bland and boring.

Just go at your own pace and you will eventually find you own style. The goal is to be comfortable in your own skin, to rediscover the inner you and to be happy and healthy.

do it in simple easy stages, starting with wearing perfume, then when you are ready, progress to looking after your skin and hair. Always make sure that your clothes are nicely laundered, your shoes are polished, that your nails are nicely shaped - nail polish is optional as is make up and colouring your hair.

As you progress you will realise that Fabbing is more than just frocks and lippy, it's about health, fitness, emotional well being. As Silva has said, it's about rediscovering the real you, the one that has somehow got lost along the way.

As Maman has also said, many of us allowed ourselves to become invisible bag ladies because we were so busy looking after everyone else and always putting ourselves last.

Sure change is scary but Be brave, stick with the programme, enjoy the journey. Take your time, and always remember the elephant.

Ellsbel

I really identify with you, justamum, and I sort of feel like I was meant to stumble across this thread because I was beginning to reach the point of no return!
Some great advice about style on here, I've loved reading through yesterday's posts.
leseonlearned, I agree with all you say and although it's going to be amazingly small baby steps for me, I'm determined to be in a much better place this time next year.
In the meantime, and thanks to the thread, I've bathed, moisturised, make up and perfume on, rather than the quick shower, and throwing on whatever I lay my hands on with barely a glance in the Mirror.
Having my hair coloured and trimmed today - wish I could find a new style but at least I'll feel better with fresh highlights.
Must also sort out a diet plan - losing weight would definitely boost my confidence.
Have a good day, all x

Justamum

lessonlearned wrote: »

As Maman has also said, many of us allowed ourselves to become invisible bag ladies because we were so busy looking after everyone else and always putting ourselves last.

That does seem to be what happens to women when they have children I'm at the bottom of a very steep climb, but baby steps will get me feeling better about myself. I don't want to shock anybody I know by suddenly appearing as someone different :rotfl:

I've chucked out a few tops I know I'll never wear/never wear again, so that's a bit of progress (by the time I've finished my wardrobe will be empty :rotfl:)

mummy2threeboys

Loads of hugs JUSTAMUM ..hopefully you will feel happier to become MORETHANJUSTAMUM?
Depression was sliding in again, so I made myself go out walking, seems to have done the trick so far. Also I have a little job , Ok it's only delivering newspapers, so only about £15 a week, but I want the boys to learn some Responsibility and Financial control. Plus it's 3 hours walking a week.
We are having a semi morning off, Lads are doing work books and worksheets unti lunch , then I taking them out Geocaching (more walking) , to pay some money in and hit the charity shops again ..I'm thinking 1 or 2 visits a month would be great, to make me smile again.
I have a lovely purple skirt which i do not wear as it's an unflattering length on me, so I will take that up in a while. After that We have some Star studying and guitar practice , so a nice day I think!
I hate ironing, but recalled I have a steamer lol..and it has a flat attachement to it, so now i will be steaming my clothes ..lazy hey ha ha ha.
Feeling better now cold has gone. Just embarked on a 2 week total detox.
Guess I should get dressed hey, like I say, lazy morning !
I will not weigh myself for 2 weeks..incase i'm not losing then I may just give up. And it's not about weight really , but healthy well being.

Loads of love all