Frump to Fab 2019 - Here We Go Again

Elmo_luvs_you · 22 August 2019 at 8:46AM

Hello ladies!

I'm lurking a bit. I've been reading and keep meaning to reply but I keep getting distracted. Not sure where to begin

I definitely agree about "grooming and posture"

I don't watch TV, but I do read a lot and watch movies (in cinema and on Amazon Prime). I tend to avoid violent films, but with cinema membership I go often. BTW, most "children's" films are wasted on children :rotfl:
I really enjoyed Dora the Explorer, and Good Boys was great too - a bit silly /rude humour but fun. Uglydolls was cheesy, predictable and I actually thought about getting up and leaving.

Thought I'd share a few wee achievements in my defrumping quest since joining in here:
Finally got back to swimming at the weekend. I realised last year I only went swimming when on holiday even though I *love* it and had been going regularly. Somehow lost the habit, so gonna start up again.
Used Boots points to buy hair dye (mega roots and fading need to-be addressed) - which I'll use in a few days. Heading to haircut appointment now. I used to only go once a year, but I'm trying to go 2-3 times.
I've taken some clothes that aren't suitable for /anyone/ to wear to H&m to-be recycled (take carrier bag of textiles/fabric from any brand in any condition, they recycle 'em and give you a voucher for £5 off £25 spend :j but I'll save the vouchers for my knitwear investments)
And I've bought some clothes on eBay - I've decided to only buy 2nd hand except stuff like swimwear and undergarments. Finding a bikini/bras is tricky, I'm petite but busty.
I love that you're all talking about coats and knitwear and I've been buying shorts, and short dresses. I'm going to visit family in the Caribbean in a couple weeks. My best friend/cousin had a baby. So excited to meet my tiny niece.

And I'm amused about you all being 5'6 and complaining about maxi dress lengths when I'm Kylie Minogue height :rotfl: I do wonder why shops think everyone in a maxi is 6', but I guess it's easier to take up a dress than add to it.

Ooh, also, I joined the "no buying Unnecessary Toiletries" thread, and have started to actually use more of my toiletries. I have so many samples I bought on eBay, and a beauty advent calendar I got in 2018. I'm now determined to use them up or give them away, figure out what works for me.

Thank you so much for the boost to put myself first a little more

crazy_cat_lady · 22 August 2019 at 8:51AM

Good luck with your meeting next week LL. It sounds perfect - just what you're looking for.
I'm off out to work this morning for results day - first time I've been in since I had the brows and lashes done and discovered a tinted moisturiser... hopefully people will think I look less tired, even though I'm exhausted.

lessonlearned · 22 August 2019 at 9:30AM

Good morning lovely ladies

Nice to hear from you Elmo. Sounds like you've got off to a cracking start. Glad you are enjoying the journey. It's truly amazing the difference just a little bit of Self care makes. Better, not just for our looks and appearance, but also our physical health and mental well being.

SFT I think you are right, it's the simple swaps and small steps that, when all added up, make the difference. Nothing drastic, just being consistent so that over time the effects become accumulative.

CCL sorry to hear you are so exhausted even if you no longer [STRIKE][/STRIKE]look it. Hope the day goes well and you don't tire yourself out even more.

Well last night was lovely. My GS was a bit grumpy at first because he had been to nursery for the first time and I think he was just tired and overwhelmed. But I keep a toy box here for him so he was easily distracted by having different toys to play with and then he got his second wind.

I can't believe how time has passed so quickly and he's now at nursery. More like a little boy than a baby. Time just flies.

Well I've updated my CV ready for next week and decided what I'm going to wear for the meeting......a plain pale grey dress rather than a suit because the weather looks set to be hot next week. It has short sleeves so I think it looks suitably professional. If I do decide to return to work I will have to buy some suits because I got rid of mine years ago. Unfortunately they will probably have to be black......ah well corporate dress goes with the territory.

I will be working with an agency rather than directly with a major builder and unlike many developers the agency doesnt provide uniforms. So I will just devise one myself.

I watched a film the other night called The Children's Act staring Emma Thompson. She plays a high court judge specialising in child protection cases. Great film. Anyway as you may know barristers, judges etc have to wear sober clothing, usually black. I would like to know where the costume dept got her wardrobe from - her suits and dress and jacket combos were really nice and I loved her haircut, very sharp and crisp. Just the type of look I will be aiming for. :rotfl: I may only be doing casual hours but I still need to look professional and want to be taken seriously.

I too am quite tired today so I'm going to have a quiet day, hopefully cut the grass now that DS2 fixed my lawn mower. I ran over the cable and cut it in two. :rotfl:

maman · 22 August 2019 at 10:08AM

Glad to hear your family meal went well LL . Good idea to rest up today.:)

Most children get tired with a change of routine like that but he'll find the transition to school easier in the long term.

Congratulations on the job interest. :T. I did consultancy/advocacy work until last year and found that business dress has changed considerably over time. I used to wear suits too but separates are much more acceptable now. Dresses are very much a thing and often with little cardigans rather than a jacket. I sometimes wore jackets but over a tailored dress or coordinating skirt or trousers. I enjoyed choosing outfits like that because, not only does it present a professional image but, it made me feel confident knowing that I looked good.

You're making great progress elmo. :T I definitely agree with the regular haircuts. The H&M deal sounds good. I must look in there to see if I fancy anything.

I think maybe I should join the toiletries thread. I don't want to fill my new bathroom with stuff that will just sit there taking up space.

Sorry to hear you're so tired cat. Is there anything you can change to give yourself a rest?

It's a glorious day here. We're off for a 'health' walk.

lessonlearned · 22 August 2019 at 10:39AM

Interesting Maman......I think you're right and corporate dress has changed. I think dress and jacket combos can look really nice and of course trousers are always practical, especially in winter. Although mud can be a problem.......

Im not going to rush out and buy a whole new wardrobe, I'll see how the land lies and play it by ear. Get a feel of what other people wear first.

It's a bit mixed here, quite windy. The forecast is good for the BH. Fingers crossed.

chanie · 22 August 2019 at 11:01AM

LL how exciting about the potential job offer. I am currently working on a project with lots of people who are semi-retired. They work a couple of days a week but also have lots of free time.

I agree with Maman about corporate dress. Most organisations I have worked in have had fairly relaxed dress codes. Even the posh Solicitors I have worked with have pretty much abandoned suits for women in favour of dreseses. Have a look at Anna Wintour (Vogue Editor) as a very high end example of the soft tailoring look for corporate wear.

lessonlearned · 22 August 2019 at 1:37PM

Thanks for the tip re Anna Wintour.

I have just been looking on EBay for ideas. I googled work dresses and I saw several I liked. I think dresses would be much nicer.

I am going into the city tomorrow so although I probably won't buy anything yet it would be a good chance to see what's out there.

Getting quite excited now.....:D

[Deleted User] · 22 August 2019 at 4:22PM

I have been reading up double cleansing today, so popped onto to the boots website and thought I'd see if there is a second type of cleanser in the brand that I use to try it out... found my normal cleanser, £12 for 200ml. What is right next to it? 400ml for £15.50. Thinking of how many bottles I have used since I found this brand, that's loads I could have saved! It's the different type of packaging/bottle that means I've never spotted them as the same product, but just been through the product descriptions and they are identical, it's just £3.50 more for twice as much! What a fool I feel :rotfl:

Anyway, they only have a gel cleanser so will have to look and see if I can find another brand that use similar ingredients so as not too cause any irritation.

Does anyone have any experience with double cleansing?

maman · 22 August 2019 at 4:39PM

Not double cleansing but there is an offer on at Boots which might be useful. It's on this site somewhere but what I saw in the paper was if you buy anything from Boots you get a voucher for £10 off a £20 No7 spend. I think that's the gist of it and it ends on Sunday. If it's a brand you use, read up what Martin has to say he's probably better at explaining it!:money::rotfl:

maddiemay · 22 August 2019 at 4:47PM

SSDD23 wrote: »

I have been reading up double cleansing today, so popped onto to the boots website and thought I'd see if there is a second type of cleanser in the brand that I use to try it out... found my normal cleanser, £12 for 200ml. What is right next to it? 400ml for £15.50. Thinking of how many bottles I have used since I found this brand, that's loads I could have saved! It's the different type of packaging/bottle that means I've never spotted them as the same product, but just been through the product descriptions and they are identical, it's just £3.50 more for twice as much! What a fool I feel :rotfl:

Anyway, they only have a gel cleanser so will have to look and see if I can find another brand that use similar ingredients so as not too cause any irritation.

Does anyone have any experience with double cleansing?

I have been double cleansing for quite a few years now, I prefer a balm or oil cleanser for the first cleanse and then a creamy one second, both removed with a muslin or flannel and warm water. I have sensitised areas on my cheek bones so have to be careful what I use. I have tried lots at various prices, but would like to work towards only buying less expensive/mid range going forward.

I love some of the Elemis and Emma Hardie ones, but too expensive. Currently keen on Body Shop Camomile Butter and Oil cleansers, No 7 Radiant Results, Superdug Vit E Oil, but the wash off cream ones are a no-no, Superfacialist rose cream cleanser and Liz Earle Cleanse and polish. I do sometimes use the same thing both times, i.e overnight stays away or when I am nearly at the end of a product and want to get it finished.

Very annoying about the price and size variations:( I hope that you find something that you like.

Frump to Fab 2019 - Here We Go Again

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