Fashion Savvy Girls - I Need a makeover please hel

Hi Girls, I had a bad hair bad skin bad wardobe kind of day today. I love trackie pants but it is getting ridiculous I am pretty much living in them.
My problem is when i go down the street in my trackies and hoodies I feel like people are looking at me like a dero or something. I want to look nicer when I go out shopping. But I have no idea what to look for because I have been in trackies so long. I dont own jeans because I am short (5f 4") and I can never find a nice pair, I am also not very good at shopping as I feel self conscious when I am in the shops like the shop assistant is looking me up and down thinking what is she doing in here.
Anyway I was telling DH how I felt and he has been so good (god I love him) he said we will go shopping together and get me a new wardrobe, so I just wanted to hear from you stylish girls on what I should be looking for.
What brand jeans are good for shorter people, what do I look for when buying jeans. (please no skinny leg jeans).
What other things should I be looking at buying, shoes etc, tops, jackets jumpers.
I am a size 10-12.
Please give me your best tips and advice, make me over please.
So sorry to ramble on.

I am shorter than you and find the short length jeans in Target are the only ones that fit me lengthwise. If I buy a bootleg jean and have them shortened the knee part ends up at my shins and they just look out of proportion. Myer also have a petite section but I find their sizing to be quite small, if you're a size 10-12 you'd be right though.

Hiya Salad
My dh gave me a personal stylist for Mother's Day, and it's been the best thing for me. My wardrobe used to consist of items that really only went with one thing. I now know to buy items that will go with at least 3 things in my wardrobe. I also bought some of the basic long sleeve tee's from cotton on. $10 each. white and grey. I wear these under a short sleeve t-shirt. The main colours I now have are beiges and greys - not colours that i'd ever have chosen before, but i have to admit they look good.
A scarf also brightens up an outfit.
A rule the stylist told me - always make sure you repeat at least 1 colour twice. That might be handbag and belt match. Shoes and scarf match etc.
Hope i've made some sense.
btw - i would never had worn skinny jeans, but she's got me wearing them with ballet flats. ( i have to wear my gutsucking underwear though ;) )

Bootleg jeans and flares will make you look shorter (I know coz i'm a shorty lol). A straight leg with a heel adds heaps of height. Carpenter jeans are great for shorties.
I just make sure the fit is perfect on the waist and butt and get them taken up.

Have a look at what you own already and think about what you can buy that would go with them. Try to buy things that will fit into your existing wardrobe.

Thanks Girls, I never would have thought anyone would reply to this message so thanks.
Jazahmum - what a great gift idea.

I've been giving myself a bit of a wardrobe makeover. These are my rules:

1. Check out Trinny & Susannah's website to work out what your body type is and what will suit you best.
2. Try on LOTS AND LOTS of stuff. Don't feel that you have to buy everything in one day or you'll end up buying anything that looks half-decent in a panic. The more you try on the better you'll get at working out what suits you. And throw some things into the mix that you would never normally consider trying.
3. Only buy something if it fits properly.
4. Only buy something if it's comfortable - that means easy to put on as well.
5. If you're not an ironer (like me) don't buy anything that needs ironing. You'll never wear it. I've just about trained myself not to buy any shirts.
6. Remember to buy a pair of shoes that will go with your outfit(s). Ballet flats are a good option. Again, make sure they're comfy. Nothing worse than having a fab outfit but no shoes to go with it.
7. People watch. Constantly. Work out what looks good and what goes well together.
8. Dresses with leggings are mega comfy as is any stretchy jersey fabric.
9. Jeans can be a complete nightmare to find but don't lose heart.
10. Go through your wardrobe - you might find some things you'd forgotten about and save yourself some cash.

Have fun!

wow thanks fiona great tips. i will go check out that site now.

One question about buying jeans, when you try them on in the shop and they fit great and you get them home and wash them and then wear them and they seem to loosen up and dont fit anymore, how do you avoid this??

I'm shorter than you Salad (5'2"!!!) and I live in jeans. I do the same as brontide, make sure they fit nice in the butt and hip and get them taken up. Before I got pregnant the first time, I had a fabulous pair of Esprit jeans. I wore them until they got holes in them lol. Currently in maternity jeans again (pumpkin patch).

I always chuck on a bit of foundation, mascara and lip gloss. Makes me feel a bit dressed up. I'll also sometimes throw on a pair of heels with my jeans, makes me feel taller and makes my legs look a little bit longer.

Salad - i think the key is to try and go a size smaller than you are. I was wearing size 14's and now get into a size 12 in the skinny's and straight leg jeans.

Thanks for your advice jazahmum.
Fiona - that trimmy and suzannah site is really good thanks.

salad, the jeans should be pretty tight in the shop (but not so tight that it's hard to do them up). When mine get a bit loose I just dry them in the dryer or wash them in hot water, it shrinks them up nicely.

Thanks Brontide you are a gem - what would I do without you BB girls :clap:

Keep the advice coming I am learning stuff here.

With jeans, honestly, take a friend. I don't really look at my butt, except when I'm buying clothes, and if I don't take an objective friend it can turn into a time of depressed mourning about my butt, because I haven't noticed it before. You need someone to go - that's not the jeans' fault, you've had kids, these jeans actually look great, short of giving you a butt transplant.

I agree about the skinny (not super skinny) or straight leg, they will give your leg some length, which will help if you're shorter. Also if you want to look taller, tops that aren't too long. Same with jackets - there are some pretty cute pea coats out there.

If you're a bit more casual, consider some cargos, they can look cute with ballet flats and a knitted top, or a tshirt (short or long sleeved) and a cool scarf - it doesn't need to be cargos and hoody, you can really girl cargos up.

If you're wanting longevity from things, then stick to plain tops and find some great accessories - if you're wearing jeans and a long sleeved grey t-shirt - red ballet flats, and a bright beaded necklace will bring it to life. To use a w***y cliche.

I could waffle on for hours, but here are my parting pearls of wisdom:
- write a rough list of what you want/need, so you don't make impulse buys that don't make sense in hindsight. :p (maybe have an impulse buy ratio, eg 3 things not on your list) You can always come back for things.
- don't buy anything you don't love (or really need, like staple long sleeved tees). I have learned the hard way with pretty much anything you buy (food, clothes, furniture) - if you don't love it, you won't use it. Alternately, if you REALLY love it, then can you sacrifice something else on the list to get it? Eg, I have a pair of ballet flats I love, and I wear them pretty much every day. So really, they give me my most value for money (helps that I got them on sale).
- If it's no longer fun, even after several coffee breaks, then walk away. The shops will be there next weekend, and the weekend after that, and you will traumatise yourself if you shop long after you've stopped having fun.

A makeover sounds so fun. Have a really clear idea of what look you're after, so you don't get too confused or overwhelmed by different trends when shopping - decide on what your style will be and stick to that. :D

Salad,

Don't which part of VIC you live in, but i'll give you a makeup lesson if you want ;)

you have been given some great tips here.

the only thing I will add is even if I wear my trackies out, which I do often as I walk with DS everyday. I always put on some powder & gloss & a killer pair of earings....makes me feel a little nicer. And if you can't find jeans or have trouble I second the leggings, lots of different tops can be worn with them....look great with a nice pair of flats.

:loveshower: Thank so much you girls are great. When I woke up this morning I remember that I might be going shopping today and I realised that I am very serious about this makeover so I am excited now.

I am taking my DH with me shopping, yes I know he is a bloke and yep he is real blokey but we have been together since we were 15 (26 now) and he is the most honest person I know, afterall, he is going to be seeing the new me everyday so he will have to approve. Just for the record he likes me as I am but doesnt want me to not like myself he is a real sweetie.

Turkish Delight - gee you must have sensed that I sucked or at least was non existent in the make up world, I actually freaked out when I was planning my wedding a couple of years ago because I remembered I would have to wear makeup, and I just do not wear it at all. Ok well since then I have got myself some mineral makeup which is great but I have no idea when it comes to putting it on right, I always say to DH after I have put it on "does it look right, do I look stupid, funny enough I have more confidence without it but I know if I was 100% it looked right then I would be more confident with it on. I live near shepparton (I am sure you know where that is) and you have blown me away with the offer of a makeup lesson - what a beautiful person you are, wish you were closer. Thanks so much.

Nelle cargos are for sure something I would be keeping my eye out for and ballet flats are something I could see myself wearing. Thanks for the other tips too, you can keep waffling as you remember stuff if you like - I am listening to everything lol :)

Thanks everyone else I really do appreciate it, like I said earlier when I started this thread I thought I would not even get a reply so I am very grateful.

Keep adding tips if you think of anything.

:D

Ohh how exciting! Hope you have fun!

The only tip I'd give would be to find some black dress pants. I wear mine with everything- a vest sometimes over a long sleeve coloured top... or a cute little cardi with a scarf...

And leggings! I think I own a ridiculous amount of leggings. They can go with anything! Fantastic with a skirt, cardi, scarf and boots! :)

Have fun today! Great tips from all the others :)

I'm not fasion savvy really but I am the same height as you. When I made the move to straight leg jeans and shoes with a heel I got heaps of comments of 'have you lost weight' and 'you look taller'. Was nice to hear.

Lee Riders are a fave jean of mine. As others suggested, get the fit right and then take them to get taken up (costs about $15 but so worth it).

Tips from me: accessories are your best friend - chunky necklaces, funky earings, bangles, belts, scarves etc - and most of this stuff is inexpensive. Get a top or two that's a little dressy to wear with your jeans - maybe something with a tiny bit of beading, sequins or a ruffle or in dressy material. Worn with jeans you still look casual enough for every day but a little dressed up.

I just brought a cropped leather jacket that I am in love with. You can wear it with anything and it's really 'in' right now. If you have the cash could be worth keeping an eye out.

Good luck, I'm sure the 'new you' will look fantastic. Let us know what you brought!

Yay for you Salad! I have been trying to lose the trackies as well...it has taken a concerted effort to do, lol. In addition to the wonderful advice you have been given perhaps also consider making a semi regular date for your hair too - it has made me keep up with the clothes as I am not hiding my hair in a pony tail everyday. Also try and window shop more often - I am going once a week for a look see and trying lots on, with the pressure off to 'fix everything all at once'.
I look forward to hearing about your purchases!!!! Enjoy yourself too ( I sometimes forget this one .... :redface:).

ETA - when you find something fabulous - buy it in several colours!!!!!!

I wish I could take all of you girls shopping with me lol imagine that.
Mamabones - I agree with the black dress pants, if I am going out for tea this is what I will wear, you can wear anything with them.
Mak - yeah I know what you mean about the hair, my hair is so long and straight just how I like it but it is always up in a ponytail, not a nice ponytail a really boring ponytail, :wall: god I am really hopeless at all this stuff, you guys probably have this image in your head, of some trackie wearing, no makeup, scraggy haired person, trust me I am not that bad - ;) might have to post some before and after photos.

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Turkish Delight - gee you must have sensed that I sucked or at least was non existent in the make up world, I actually freaked out when I was planning my wedding a couple of years ago because I remembered I would have to wear makeup, and I just do not wear it at all. Ok well since then I have got myself some mineral makeup which is great but I have no idea when it comes to putting it on right, I always say to DH after I have put it on "does it look right, do I look stupid, funny enough I have more confidence without it but I know if I was 100% it looked right then I would be more confident with it on. I live near shepparton (I am sure you know where that is) and you have blown me away with the offer of a makeup lesson - what a beautiful person you are, wish you were closer. Thanks so much.

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No worries hun. I wish you lived closer to have been able to teach you. Nobody taught me how to do it, but i want to teach others.

If you always tie your hair up...cut it off. Get a hip new hairstyle, make it short. It looks more modern and it will boost your confidence levels. I had hair down to my bum and was told i looked matronly as i always had it tied back or plaited. Now, i look younger and more modernish too. Plus easier to manage. Added bonus.

Turkish Delight - Its is great that you want to teach people, many people would love that kind of thing, especially me. Maybe you could just type the basics that you dont really need to show if that makes sense or if it is even possible.
I cant cut my hair off - it is actually my favourite part of me and the bit that I like most of all about myself. When I was about 5 I had long beautiful hair and I went to stay with my step grandmother and she stuck a bowl on my head and cut it all off like a boy and she didnt ask anyone and tricked me saying that my dad wanted it done, I cried the whole time. When my stepdad came to pick me up he cried too and that is a big thing for my stepdad to do because he never showed emotion or hardly spoke to me but to see him cry over it was sad. So now I have this thing where I dont want my hair short, strange I know but I love my hair long.
Update - I didnt get to go shopping today because my friend has ended up in hospital very sick so have been there, but will do it soon.

Salad, so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she is better soon.

Just to add about the jeans - since i've been wearing the straight leg, people have asked if i've lost weight too. I just tell them i've stopped wearing the baggy clothes, (and also tell them i'm wearing the shapewear underwear too - got to share the secrets ;) )
If you buy t-shirts and short sleeve tops now, and wear them with a long sleeve cotton tee underneath, you can then wear them again in Spring and Summer too.

Do you have a factory outlet near you?

jeans west have "jeans fitters" so they can recommend jeans for your shape and size. it helps coz i never know with them either. have fun shopping. i wish i had a hubby that would do that for me too.

Thanks Jazahmum re: my friend, they are not sure whats wrong but still running tests.

Have lined up another friend to come shopping too so we might make a trip to melbourne or something, no real factory outlets near me unfortunantly.

Thanks Liz28 re: jeans fitters I didnt know that.

Hi Girls, I just wanted to say a huuuuuuuuuuuugggggggggeeeeee thank you to everyone that replied and offered me advice - today I went shopping by myself ... well just Georgia and I and brought myself some new clothes. I am soooooooo happy and I cant get the smile off my face.
I got myself some JEANS yay I didnt try them on silly me but they were on sale for $18 bucks down from $50 and I thought what the heck I will get them and see how I go well guess what they fit me perfectly , maybe a bit long but I am used to that i will just have to get them taken up slightly.
I also got some more trackies :redface: i know I know but they are different to what I normally wear and they were only $15 each so a bargain. I also got myself some cargos and they are georgous and so so comfy they were $60 but they fit so good I could not leave them there lol.
And I got about 8 different casual long sleeve and short sleeve tops in a variety of colours for layering - see I did listen to what you said. I didnt try on anything (except for cargos) its too hard with the pram....and when I got home I put them all on and they all fit soooooo great. Like I said I am so happy.
Just got to get some shoes now and get my hair done and find a nice mineral makeup and learn a few make up tricks and I will feel much better.
I think i might go back shopping tomorrow with my sister since she has the day off and then I can try some more things on.
So a big thank you for all your assistance, I already feel like a new woman.

Salad - so glad that you're so happy!!!! Another tip - if you find a brand that you like- or a particular style of clothing - you can search for it on ebay and get it at a fraction of the cost. I've just bought my capri jeans and some cotton cardies for spring - all Country Road brand - really cheap (I even apologised to one of the sellers for how little i had to pay lol)

lol
Thanks I love ebay so will keep my eyes peeled.
Thanks again.