Fashion Savvy Girls - I Need a makeover please hel

[Salad]

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

[fionas]

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!

[Salad]

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??

[Laranna]

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.

[Patooties]

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.

[Salad]

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

[Phteven]

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.

[Salad]

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

Keep the advice coming I am learning stuff here.

[Nelle]

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. (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.

[Turkish Delight]

Salad,

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