Fashion Savvy Girls - I Need a makeover please hel

[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

[Erin_25]

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.

[Salad]

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.