Frump to Fab 2016 - Lets make it AWESOME!!!

indiepanda

Enjoying all the comments on fashion. I would just add to that and say it's important to dress with your body shape, colouring, personality and lifestyle in mind.

So for example, although neutrals for more expensive items sounds sensible, I look at my best in rich warm colours, so actually the wool coat I got from Hobbs full price in my best rich teal colour gets more use and more complements than the more sensible chocolate brown one I bought in the Hobbs sale a couple of years earlier. And because I dress from an autumn palette, that teal coat goes with lots of the other colours I would wear. I suppose jeans are my neutral, but even there I am trying to branch out into colour - just bought myself a khaki pair for a change as they will go well with a lot of my wardrobe and really want a tan pair too.

I also know that my body is quite curved, so the fashion for looser styles doesn't really work on me - If I wear a top that doesn't go in at the waist, I look like a tree trunk. High necklines are a no no with my bust, and I look best in scoop necks rather than more angular v's. I don't look right in cropped jackets either as my upper legs are long compared to the rest of my body so I look out of proportion in short jackets. I also don't look great in boxy / angular styles. So, if fashion happens to follow my style I will buy it, but if it doesn't, I just ignore it. House of Colour that I go to for colour and style advice have a list of which shops do best for each clothing personality and also issue a guide to customers about the latest seasons fashion and what will work for each colouring and style, which is quite helpful.

I have found my work environment has become more informal over the years (I think it's business in general) and so I buy less suits than I usd to and more jersey dresses for work - some of which can double for out of work use, especially for family stuff. This fits more with my personality, I am not a formal kind of person, and look more "me" in softer styles. And now I work a 4 day rather than 5 day week, I prefer not to have so many clothes that only do for work.

chanie

Emptypurse I have laser treatment on my upper lip and its working really well. My old clinic used to charge me £60 per session, but I saw a groupon deal for 6 sessions for the same amount and its working really well, so far. It does hurt, but its over really quickly. I'm thinking of saving up to get my bikini line done as well - I do get it waxed, but I'm quite sensitive down there.

I will second what others have said about classics. In my mind, classics are items that never go out of fashion e.g. a white shirt, pencil skirt, black trousers. The theory is, to spend more money on these items as they will never date. Think the Audrey Hepburn look - to this day, people still try and emulate her look and she doesn't look dated.

savings sorry you had a skincare disaster. I think that some primers and foundations can react with each other and make you look terrible. I've heard good things about the Benefit primers (porefessional) if you are thinking about trying another one. My mum recently had a makeover and I told her not to buy her foundation then and there, but to have a walk around the shops to see how it feels and check out different lightings before buying. I remember once coming back from holiday and got 'caught' by a counter lady who insisted on testing some new foundation she was trying to flog. I told her that i'd just come back from holiday and was tanned and she gave me a shade that was too dark. Lesson learned there,

Today is my last day in the office. Yesterday really felt like Thursday, so I really didn't want to come in today!!! Oh well, the day will be over soon.

We have our new washing machine coming tomorrow. Hopefully, they won't come too late, so I can get a wash on early.

lessonlearned

Good afternoon Lovely Ladies

Brrrr it's freezing today so having a nice stay at home day. Have been browsing recipes etc and am going to spend the afternoon playing at being a domestic goddess in the kitchen.......

Have just done a menu plan ready for a top up shop. I'm doing well with my "use up" month. Still have plenty of meat and fish in the freezer and store cupboard ingredients so it will be mainly fruited and veg and some nuts and seeds for paleo recipes.

Hope you are all well and managing to keep warm.......

Just spoke to my sister, she hS caught the knitting bug. Apparently she has just finished knitting me a bobble hat.....l:rotfl::rotfl: perfect for nipping out to the little shop when it's cold or if I'm having a bad hair day.......

maman

chanie wrote: »

I will second what others have said about classics. In my mind, classics are items that never go out of fashion e.g. a white shirt, pencil skirt, black trousers. The theory is, to spend more money on these items as they will never date.

That's exactly the sort of thing I meant. I'd add perhaps a good, tailored jacket to that. I agree with indie and LL that while the classic colours are the neutrals we do have to go with colours that lift complexions not drain them particularly those close to the face. I can only wear white tops in the summer when I have a bit of a tan so I don't wear white shirts. Other ideas are decent court shoes, boots, leather gloves, good leather handbag, perhaps a cashmere jumper.... I'm sure others can add more.


Some 'timeless' items would be more individual. For example, I have a lovely tartan scarf/pashmina from Cath Kidston in a fine wool, a black velvet jacket and a black velvet coat. These come out year after year and always look smart. If I wore them this year I'd probably wear the coat or jacket with black skinny jeans and my new red boots. So the boots and scarf brighten up the black.


chanie, I'd definitely agree that Benefit make up is worth a try. The new moisturiser I bought is Benefit and I've got a number of other products including the Porefessional (that's great on the nose and chin for disguising large pores).


You sound in a happy place sugarbaby. Delighted for you.:)

selement

J_emptypurse wrote: »

Also more advice needed, I know you lot will give me good advice. What do I do about the hair on my top lip? I have always had fair hair (now dyed but darker eyebrows) but recently the hair at the sides of my lips are more noticable. I admit to plucking the odd one but I know this is not the way to deal with them. What is easy, best for the long term. The joys of getting older eh!! I wouldn't find it easy to ask a beauty place this - I would be nervous about them persuading me into something I am not sure about.

I hope you don't mind me stepping in here since I haven't been posting on this thread.... (I might join! I'm getting married this year it'd be nice to be making more of myself... especially for when we'e married dont want to seem like a frumpy wife!)

I have found hairs at the sides of my upper lip more noticeable the last few years. I have tried bleaching but I'm not convinced it made it less noticeable (it almost seems to weigh down the hair), I have had it threaded which is quick and inexpensive but soooo painful (also hair still grows back fine). I refuse to try shaving it.
I have now started electrolysis. I figure I don't want a regular regime I have to do to feel good about it, I'm getting rid and once it's gone it wont be bothering me again! The electrologist said she'd just thin it out a little at the sides, it might look odd to totally remove it all and my hair is mostly light just similar to you a bit darker at the sides.
Electrolysis does hurt and it does take multiple sessions. I'm really looking forward to my hair not being a problem anymore though, I think it'll make it all worth it for me!

chanie

selement I tried electrolysis, but it left marks on my skin, so my therapist recommended I stop and the marks went away. I'm pleased it's working for you. Hair removal is the bane of my life and I hate having to pay someone to inflict pain on me!!!

Today is my last day in the office and I'm looking forward to the weekend. Our washing machine is due tomorrow. Me and OH have a friendly bet as to what time it will arrive - OH said 11am and I said 4pm.

indiepanda

maman wrote: »

That's exactly the sort of thing I meant. I'd add perhaps a good, tailored jacket to that. I agree with indie and LL that while the classic colours are the neutrals we do have to go with colours that lift complexions not drain them particularly those close to the face. I can only wear white tops in the summer when I have a bit of a tan so I don't wear white shirts. Other ideas are decent court shoes, boots, leather gloves, good leather handbag, perhaps a cashmere jumper.... I'm sure others can add more.


Some 'timeless' items would be more individual. For example, I have a lovely tartan scarf/pashmina from Cath Kidston in a fine wool, a black velvet jacket and a black velvet coat. These come out year after year and always look smart. If I wore them this year I'd probably wear the coat or jacket with black skinny jeans and my new red boots. So the boots and scarf brighten up the black.)

I am the same - most "classic" colours don't much suit me. I can also just about cheat and do white in the summer with a tan, but it's never going to be my best look, a block of black by my face is a complete no (I accept it's the easiest option for workout leggings and just wear with a bright top), grey is pretty dismal, even navy isn't brilliant, though much better than black or grey. Beige also tends to drain me, richer creams are better. Only neutrals that really do it for me are chocolate, tan and camel.

If you can only afford a very limited wardrobe, I agree neutrals brightened up with accessories in your best colours is the best bet, but I usually wear more colour than that, it's just the best option for me.

House of Colour talk about 6 different clothing personalities (and you can be a blend of two). I am not a classic so some traditional classics look a bit too formal and stuffy on me. I am a natural romantic, which basically means I love my jeans, but like to wear with pretty tops, and am also fond of dresses, but generally ones which have some flow or drape to them - I have one formal shift dress for work (and even then it has some cute pin tuck detailing to make it a little more feminine) but the rest of my dresses are either jersey (not tight) or slightly retro prom / tea dress styles.

I am doing pretty well on the exercise this week so far - 7k run this morning and a running interval session yesterday morning. Off for a yoga and juice retreat near Cambridge tomorrow morning, heading down to the boyfriend's in Kent shortly, so better get back to my packing.

Have a fab weekend all x

Rose_Wood

Evening All

I'd just typed out a really long post and then dropped my laptop and lost it all!! Normally, I sit at my desk with my laptop but am babysitting and am curled up on the settee at DS's house with the computer on my lap.

I shall probably not remember everything I'd put now so shall just have to start again.

Since I succumbed to the chocolate at the weekend my 'healthy' eating has been anything but so I am determined to get back into it tomorrow. I've been doing lots of research and am intending to follow the LCHF (Low Carb/High Fat) way of eating recommended by Professor Tim Noakes. Last week I got rid of all the high carbohydrate items from my cupboards such as pasta and rice and donated them to a friends daughter who is returning to Uni this week. I think I have persuaded DH to join me, certainly in ditching the carbs, but he wants to wait till he has finished all the mince pies we have left first. Fortunately, they don't appeal to me so I won't be tempted to eat any.

Today I've been doing lots of clearing out so have been wearing jeans and a Breton striped top. I have also been sorting out my handbag. I don't like big handbags and had a nice sized black leather one I used constantly. However, the zip went last week and I had to fish out a really small one - not much bigger than a paperback book. I was going to look for a slightly larger one but yesterday managed to find a really neat small purse which meant the small bag is now perfectly adequate. I had a really good sort out of everything I have in it and was able to condense it all down to fit.

The weather has been atrocious just lately, and was really cold, wet and sleety today so I'm finding it hard to keep my step count up. I had a short walk today but haven't reached my target, although I have done over 10,000 steps.

Rose

J_emptypurse

Thank you all for taking the time to help me.

I had already decided that shaving was a no no. Looking at all your comments perhaps I will try waxing first but it is not something I have ever done. It had not occured to me to just do the annoying sides. I have seen people with a totally bare top lip and that looks odd as well, so if I could just do the sides maybe that will solve it. I will let you know how I get on but it could takes weeks for me to pluck up courage.

I believe my best option over classics is to take ll advice and see what I wear most now and spend more on those items and then try to free my mind to a few cheaper/brighter/more fashionable/younger items. I admit to being a very poor shopper. It is not something I enjoy but it is really time I stopped dressing older than I think I am because I am too lazy to put any effort in. I have nearly always worked somewhere that provides a uniform and that has suited my very lazy nature but also made me afraid to try new things.

I find that reading all your inspiring comments get me thinking about clothes more/looking after myself more. For the first time in ages I have painted my nails in clear polish and every time they gleam in the light it makes me smile.

sugarbaby125

lessonlearned wrote: »

Sugarbaby. So glad that you've had such a good time.......the outfit sounds fab.:D

Thanks Lessonlearned I am trying to make the effort to be a fabber every time I leave the house. It gives me confidence to know that I look the best that I can and I sang songs out of my comfort zone and had fun.