Frump to Fab 2024

2Scratters

Morning Fabbers,

I haven't posted here for a while I'm sure. RL keeps getting in the way and I end up missing me time - or do I?? As I am here now standing at a shelf with the lap top (as I spend too much time sat down) trying to catch up. What I do tend to do is flop down and get my phone out then end up down a rabbit hole.... far too dangerous it is a thief of time, my time anyway. So here I am focussing on what I am doing. 

I am and still will be for a very long time using up products, of course they are generally out of date that's what I do  Then  I too am getting out of date so life is in balance. Nothing I am using is causing me immediate harm so will continue. I will at some point think to myself why have I still got this? and may decided to discard it hmmm.

I do though keep going through cupboards and boxes where I have stuff stored and found not long ago a box of Jo Malone stuff seriously I will never need to buy any more. I dread to think of the cost of them over the years. However turn that around and I will be saving so much money now not needing to buy any  all part of the bigger plan that I did not know about  :smiley

Take care all

2 Scratters xx

helensbiggestfan

Good Morning Lovely Ladies. 

Scratters....your post made me chuckle.  I too have "stuff" stored all over the place.  It's starting to get to me. I forget where I put things, even forget what I have sometimes.  The plan is that I shall get properly organised when I move. 

As you say Scratters RL has a habit of getting in the way.  And like you, when I'm tired I get into a nasty habit of mindless screen time, and it has to stop.  I'm wasting far too much time and at 73, it's not a commodity I can afford to waste.  

One of my big issues is that for the last few months I have been plagued with tummy problems which has left me feeling drained and exhausted and I just haven't felt like house hunting or doing much of anything, but I think I've finally cracked it.  After carefully monitoring my food intake I discovered that not only were certain foods triggering episodes but also I had been blithely taking a sleep aid which was also affecting me quite badly.  But after dropping the sleep meds and tweaking my diet I seem to have sorted myself out.  Feeling much better. Still tire easily but at least my tummy is happier.  Now that I'm feeling better I'm hoping to crack on with moving house.  

Fabwise. I'm doing well.  Had my final implant session this week.  Nearly 20 months and £15k poorer but the end result has been well worth it, far exceeding my expectations.  I am thrilled.  Yes I've had to forego fancy holidays and upgrading my car but to me it's been well worth the sacrifice.  

My dentist said replacing my missing teeth has changed my face shape.  I agree, my face seems to have rediscovered its youthful curves, looking less drawn with a definite improvement to the marionette lines.  Something which I really disliked and which were rather aging.  

I'm still using the tretinoin cream. It's been around 3 months now and I'm starting to see a marked improvement  in skin texture and a reduction in fine lines and skin discolouration (sun damage).  So all good.  

Just need to tackle my weight and lack of fitness now.   One step at a time. I'm just glad I seem to have  sorted out my digestive problems so I can move forward and tackle my next goals.  

Had a little shopping trip.  Three pairs of linen trousers, a couple of tops, and a couple of pairs of pjs.  Nothing fancy just everyday basics.  I haven't bought much at all this year.  Just not seen anything to get excited about.  Maybe when I've lost weight ....In the meantime at least I now have a few essentials to see out the rest of the summer.   No excuse now for looking like a bag lady. lol. 

Had a good massage yesterday, my shoulder feels a lot easier today.  I think I need to schedule a regular massage from now on,  they do help loosen me up.   Have booked a haircut for next week.  

Anyway thats about all my news for now.  

Hope you are all well, happy, healthy, wealthy and wise. 🤪. 

Keeeeeeep fabbing.  

Floss

2Scratters said:

I am and still will be for a very long time using up products, of course they are generally out of date that's what I do  Then  I too am getting out of date so life is in balance. Nothing I am using is causing me immediate harm so will continue. I will at some point think to myself why have I still got this? and may decided to discard it hmmm.

Please be careful using ood products.

FreetodoasIlike

Just a question about using old products. I would never use old make-up but can anyone advise how long perfume keeps? I was gifted my favourite perfume last year (Chanel Allure Sensuelle) as a special expensive treat. I absolutely LOVE the scent but don’t really wear it much as I keep it for special occasions, which never really occur! It still smells OK to me so I think I will use it sparingly when I shop etc.  In fact, I wore it in Tesco once and a lady, probably in her late fifties/early sixties asked me what perfume I was wearing as she said she loved the smell. So rather than let it eventually evaporate, I’m going to use it most days just to cheer me up. I’m not really a perfume person but this particular perfume smells heavenly to me! Does perfume last years if you don’t use it up? I think probably 3 years before I’d goes “off”?

helensbiggestfan

Ok here's me with my beauty therapist hat on...........

You should be very careful about using out of date cosmetics, especially mascara.  

Mascara should be replaced every three months, whether you have used it all up or not.  It can harbour very dangerous bacteria.  And of course you should never share mascara with anyone else. In fact it's not a good idea to share cosmetics.  You could share a pot of cream provided both users used throwaway spatulas and not fingers.  Lipsticks and lipglosses are another no no. Herpes anyone??  

Remember Megan Markle saying Princess Catherine was mean and spiteful to her because she didn't want Megan to borrow her lipgloss.  C was quite right. 

Perfume should always be stored in the dark.  If you leave it on say a sunny windowcill  it will go rancid very quickly. 

How long can perfume it last.  Put it this way perfume oils as used by the ancient Egyptians have lasted over two thousand years. Lol When the tombs were opened at the beginning of the 20th century the oils they found were in perfect condition.   

I have some oils I purchased in Egypt in 2002. They are stored in their original glass containers in their original cardboard box, inside another cardboard box so always in the dark and they are absolutely fine. In fact I recently made up some body and facials oils using some of my Egyptian oil stash.  

Sun tan lotion and moisturisers containing SPF are no longer viable after about a year.  The active ingredients for sun protection are pretty short lived.  You could still use them up as moisturisers but they would not protect you from the sun.  

A good guide is smell, you can usually tell if a product is rancid and of course if it's ingredients have begun to separate then it's no longer viable. 

As far as possible all preparations should be stored away from daylight.  They might look nice displayed on the dressing table but light will shorten their lifespan.  

FreetodoasIlike

Thank for your wise comments Helen. Sound advice, as always. I shared make-up in my youth (think disco/club toilet days) when it was passed around - ugh!! I regularly change my make-up (small bag, as I know what suits me) and replace mascara as I don’t want to risk an eye infection and used to regularly replace lipstick. In fact, I only now buy cheap tinted lip balm and it really does the trick, providing the protection, with a hint of colour.

I store my (only) perfume on my dressing table away from direct sunlight, but thanks to your comments, will now store it in the dark and hopefully it will last me a few years more. As you say, suntan lotions and sunscreens containing SPF are no longer viable after a year so I always throw the used ones away and buy new the next year. 

I have a see-through plastic make-up bag, which I keep in the drawer under my bathroom sink and I make sure that everything is within date. It’s so much easier to keep a small supply that you actually use. I ditched relatively expensive moisturisers in my 40s/50s when I realised that they weren’t having any effect and now only use E45 lotion as a cleanser/moisturiser and my skin has never looked better, so it just goes to show that you don’t have to pay loads to get the same result.

Right! Weight loss. I know people on here would like to lose a few pounds (stones) and there are some who don’t need to but maybe would welcome a bit more info on how to dress a bit better for their shape. I need to lose about a stone and a half. Weighed myself this morning and was exactly the same as I was last month. At least I didn’t put any weight on, but come on, I’ve been (relatively) watchful of my diet and should, have least have lost a few pounds! Need to increase the exercise me thinks, but with my sciatica it’s not easy. 

Hope everyone is fabbing in their own way.

Floss

I keep my perfumes in their boxes. I have two Dior ones that are over 7 years old (bought by my ex-husband!) and they still smell the same.

Makingabobor2

@FreetodoasIlike, with regard to your exercise. Have a look on FB at Virtual Village Hall. There sessions are free to watch & there is a lady comes on there who does seated exercises. Might be some use to you. 

helensbiggestfan

Good morning lovely ladies.  

Free.  Good questions about dressing to look slimmer and diet and exercise.  I agree with MB, start slow and easy.  You don't have to slog it out at the gym, walk a little if you can and then take a look at you tube videos.  Chair exercises can help ease you back into exercise mode.  Then maybe swimming later once you've got a bit stronger.  

Re clothing choices.  Again I know I sound like an old worn out record but take a look at some videos to get ideas.  

I definitely need to lose at least 2 stones but without being cocky I do know how to make the best of a bad job and know how to make myself look slimmer. 

Before I began shrinking a little I was 5ft 7in. I am lucky because my height allows me to cheat and through correct styling and colour choices I can appear to be slimmer than I really am.  

 I don't know if this helps but this is how I dress to "cheat".  

1.   Top to toe one colour dressing. Keeping to the same colour palette makes you look taller and slimmer. It doesn't have to be black or navy - camels, creams, winter whites etc all work the same way. I like denim/air force blues. 

2.    Block colours, no patterns.  Occasionally something striped, but only vertical, never horizontal.  

3.    Rule of 3.  Always add a third layer, cardigan, jacket etc. 3rd layer helps cover up lumps and bumps.  

4.    Structured, tailored jackets or coats.  A structured shoulder and fitted silhouette helps give the illusion of a smaller waist and hips.  I avoid boxy shapes.  They can make you look dumpy.

5.     Having a generous bosom and a shortish neck I avoid round neck tops, going for v necks, scoop or boat necks.  Same with polo or turtle necks, I opt for a cowl neck instead.  However, I do take care to avoid a low neckline, not keen on showing too much cleavage.  

6.    I never wear frills, flounces, gathered skirts etc.. they add inches.  I find it better to keep it simple, pencil or a line, or wrap around skirts etc. 

7.    I avoid shiny fabrics, choosing only mat, again disguises lumps and bumps. 

8.    Nothing padded, or bulky such as duvet coats.

 If I want to layer up and allow room for a heavy winter sweater then I go for oversized loose fitting "boyfriend" style coats, with raglan type sleeves.  I have a lovely knee length black and white pure wool herringbone tweed one. £5off EBay. 😂. And a navy blue cashmere long topcoat (calf length). Another eBay bargain. £8. Both oversized and with raglan sleeves allowing plenty of room for thick winter sweaters underneath. Super warm and cosy but without undue bulk.  Paired up with jeans or trousers for a casual winter daytime look. 

9.    I avoid anything that clings, preferring fabrics and styles that skim and drape the body. 

10.   I always choose dresses, skirts and where possible trousers that are lined, again helps hide lumps and bumps.  

 I know it seems a lot to remember but now I've  worked out the styles, cuts, fabrics and colours that flatter me the most it has become much easier and I rarely make mistakes now.  

Hope that helps.  

Once you've got the basics right then you can add your own styling and little quirks. 

For example, I like to add little "dramatic" flourishes......I especially like a colourful jacket or coat. A red jacket or coat can really brighten up a dark miserable winters day and lift my spirits.  I am with our late Queen on this one.  I love a brightly coloured winter coat and am building quite a collection.  And although some people say they are not practical I love winter white or cream for coats.  Nothing suggests luxury like a white coat ....sod the dry cleaning bills.  Lol.  

If you don't want to wear bright coats then add colour with accessories, scarves, gloves etc.  I have a collection of leather gloves in all colours of the rainbow, and a selection of pashminas and scarves. A navy or black coat can look lovely with red, turquoise, orange or mustard yellow accessories.  And of course accessories will still fit you when you do manage to lose the weight so they can be a very good investment.  

You know me, I love my vintage and good quality pre loved bargains.   I have found that better quality clothes in " luxurious" fabrics such as pure wool and cashmere, high quality cotton, leather, suede etc are far more flattering than new fast fashion with its garish colours and cheap fabrics.  They just seem to fit and hang better, draping the body rather than clinging in all the wrong places. .  And of course you can't beat a dash of faux fur or velvet for a bit of added glamour.  😂.  

They just don't make clothes like they used to......unless you can afford the "quiet luxury brands" such as Loro Piana or The Row. I can't afford £2k for a cashmere sweater.  😱😂.  And if I could, I wouldn't, not when I can buy a good quality made in Scotland cashmere number for around £30 off eBay.  

I may look expensively dressed but I can assure you it's all done on a shoestring.  

If you want to see the power of clothing to transform the body watch "The Dressmaker" staring Kate Winslet.  It's a black comedy.  The clothes she creates are stunning and really illustrate how the right outfit can hide a multitude of sins and transform even the most dowdy downtrodden women into goddesses,  

SandyShores

Thanks for the tip re. The Dressmaker, looks really interesting.  I've a few hours to spare on Saturday evening so I'll try and find it on the box.