Practical ways of looking nice

[Jenny TipsforME]

What about stylish pyjamas which you don't mind people seeing you in? For me need to be 100% cotton and preferably stretchy jersey style and less than £20.

Places I've found these:
-Primark though mostly non stretchy and not always stylish!
-La Redoute are my latest set and tick all boxes (they often have 50% off everything and you can get free postage and returns so a good Spoonie online shop)
-New Look seem to have a lot of 100% cotton but I think you actually have to go there
-Lidl had really cheap 100% cotton pyjamas recently but I couldn't get there

Where do you get pyjamas/lounge wear that doesn't embarass you?

 

[hellytheelephant]

Thank you @Jenny TipsforME - i am loving this thread, it is like a girly pajama party! I am emerging from a year or so of just not feeling up to bothering with how I look ( due to low esteem from putting on weight) and just starting to enjoy thinking about clothes again...and finding a way to dress my new bod.

Will look into the bras! £2 a bra is unbelievable!!!
I saw this yesterday which is a nice little blog about ideas on what to wear. http://www.pajamadaze.com/blog go to the one 29th March 2016.

 

[hellytheelephant]

What about stylish pyjamas which you don't mind people seeing you in? For me need to be 100% cotton and preferably stretchy jersey style and less than £20.

Places I've found these:
-Primark though mostly non stretchy and not always stylish!
-La Redoute are my latest set and tick all boxes (they often have 50% off everything and you can get free postage and returns so a good Spoonie online shop)
-New Look seem to have a lot of 100% cotton but I think you actually have to go there
-Lidl had really cheap 100% cotton pyjamas recently but I couldn't get there

Where do you get pyjamas/lounge wear that doesn't embarass you?

For leggings, t shirts etc, I go for M&S 'outdoor wear';They are various outlet stores on ebay and you can get basic cotton tees, leggings,fleeces etc at big discounts- they are usually last season stock and have the label removed.. Being M&S the quality is good. It is usually worth buying tees new. I daren't buy a onesie as I would never wear anything else!

I think a good dressing gown that covers everything is important ( unexpected visitors)...again ebay...I got a full length plush dressing gown, hardly worn for about £12.It is also good if I am too tired to dry myself immediately I get out of the shower. I do the limbs and face and just being in the robe does the rest!I have also noticed on ebay that the supermarket brands- eg hardly worn F&F, George and TU are really good quality, nice styling and a fraction of M and S/monsoon/fatface stuff.

 

[hellytheelephant]

@Jenny TipsforME - re Marielle bras- I see they are not cotton- do they make you sweat?

 

[Strawberry]

Short hair actually requires more effort.

This is so true! I had decided I couldn't put up with the skin reactions from coloring my hair, so decided to embrace my white hair while less than 50 and quit coloring it. I was going to do the Jamie Lee Curtis thing ( http://cache3.asset-cache.net/gc/48...HtoUikFm8j4dTuc19hBvxVuFlj8FZnzCepzdoALY1yQ== for those who don't know who she is). I did the short short when I was young, and had to get it cut every two weeks. I get in 3 or 4 times per year for a haircut, so decided not to go short. Besides my hair is thin and my scalp would burn. Its past shoulder length now (and high maintenance!), and hoping to go longer and simpler. But not sure what. I can't do straight, my hair is too wavy. But done styling my hair! I only use the hair dryer for styling, so minimal, but it needs to be no maintenance. UGH.

I keep forgetting about dresses. I want to do long skirts on weekends. To warm up I can wear long underwear, or compression leggings underneath. I guess I need to just buy some. Stretchy waist bands for ease.

What do you all do about shaving? Thinking of skirts scares me as my legs have not seen a shaver in a couple of months..... And it is still dark brown, hasn't gone white yet.....

 

[Jenny TipsforME]

@Jenny TipsforME - re Marielle bras- I see they are not cotton- do they make you sweat?

yes they can do but best alternative I've found yet to uncomfortable underwires or letting boobs just go saggy!

 

[hellytheelephant]

@Jenny TipsforME - Am sick of the sag-I am going to order the ones with additional padding!

 

[hellytheelephant]

I have just treated myself to Burt Bees all natural, tinted lip balm. It leaves a nice flush on the lips, but is subtle enough you can apply without a mirror. Ihave also used as a blusher- great as I am allergic to every other make up brand. AND it cost me less than £2 from ebay ( Calla Lily is the shade).

 

[JaimeS]

I found an awesome natural mascara that delivers on length and doesn't sting my eyes.

It's Physicians Formula... then the name is, er, something nutty...

*looks at bottom of mascara*

Er... "Sexy Booster Cat Eye Collection Mascara" in "Ultra Black".

 

[hellytheelephant]

Looks good....but the packaging is a little 'moulin rouge'! What do you use to take it off @JaimeS

 

[perchance dreamer]

I love Earth Organics Eye Makeup Remover. It works well and has no scent:

https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Scienc...-1&keywords=earth+organics+eye+makeup+remover

 

[JaimeS]

Looks good....but the packaging is a little 'moulin rouge'! What do you use to take it off @JaimeS

A little Argan oil as necessary, though it comes off in the shower with soap and water. And yes, the packaging is ridiculous!!!

 

[IreneF]

I found an awesome natural mascara that delivers on length and doesn't sting my eyes.

It's Physicians Formula... then the name is, er, something nutty...

*looks at bottom of mascara*

Er... "Sexy Booster Cat Eye Collection Mascara" in "Ultra Black".

My black cat doesn't wear mascara, but all tabbies do!

 

[rosie26]

What do you all do about shaving? Thinking of skirts scares me as my legs have not seen a shaver in a couple of months.....

Previous summers I have lived in shorts but now mixing it up in long sleeveless summer dresses which reaches nearly to my ankles. Easy to slip in and out of and cool. I try to keep my legs shaved in the summer months but you could get away with it with cool lengthy dresses.

My armpits are another story though. I leave them a bit hairy longer and don't mind showing some hair there. I make sure to wear deodorant each day though because I think they can get smellier with more hair growth. I don't know if any one else has noticed but mostly whenever I have seen women with long underarm hair I find they smell of sweat quite strongly. Maybe they were the 'all-natural' kind and don't use deodorant or shave.

 

[tudiemoore]

A fun, girl-y distraction--and I am getting some good ideas! I don't enjoy shopping (never have, now less than ever)
but find that when I can make the effort to look a little more "put together" it lifts my spirits--but clothes, make up, skin care have to be really easy.

I have been on an upswing so to speak and wanting to pay attention, ready for now, (who knows for later?) to look for a few new clothes, play with makeup some.

A few things that work for me:

Really look less washed out when I wear a little eye liner--I use a powder liner before I put on eye shadow or anything else I am putting on eyes.
Revlon, I think they are called lip butters, currently has a comfortable to wear sheer lip gloss and leave a bit of color when they wear off
Could look better with concealer, etc. but don't bother usually with those things
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, takes off my eye makeup as well as cleanses, then a moisturizer with 30SPF
Very, very rarely I will play with a mask or something. The sheet masks are easy (I didn't know they existed until about 6 months ago!) Five or so in a pkg for just a few $ at T. J. Maxx or drugstore--
A night cream if feeling up to it--I am very dry

Like others I sometimes entertain myself with YouTube skin care and make up videos--main takeaway is that the women blend, blend, blend after finishing makeup and have consistent skincare routines.

Clothes: I have a real mishmash in my closet right now. About twice a year I notice I need a few clothes. Most often these are to fill holes, find something more comfortable and/or flattering. I just go for Petites (I'm not petite, just short), watching for sales. A third layer, vest, jacket helps.
Now that I know what size fits in which clothing line I sometimes order or just whiz in shop and get out.
I get better brands when I need a jacket, etc. but keep an eye out for anything I like.
Currently I wear stretchy jeans, tights and long top. Long top is essential to cover ample backside!
I get these at Walmart, Target, etc. or anywhere else. The less expensive things, read cheap! are rather skimpily cut. Hard to find the long, tunic-type shirts.

Comfort is paramount! I am very fortunate not to have problems with sensitive allergies and such.
This has been long. I will save hair and shoes for another time!
Look gorgeous, "girls"!

tudiemoore

 

[Jenny TipsforME]

Someone on Twitter recommended Little Ondine nail varnish as it doesn't cause headaches. I haven't worn nail varnish for years due to this problem. I ordered Red Red Wine which is very dark red. I read that it only lasts a day but I've been wearing it a few days and it's only just looking chipped. This may say more about how little I housework I do!

When you want to take it off you don't use stinky nail polish remover, you just peel it off.

I want to order several other shades but being a specialist nail varnish it isn't cheap enough to justify doing that.

 

[Chocolove]

Hair and nail products can have some very toxic ingredients. Here are some that appear to be safer:

1. 13 Best Non Toxic Nail Polish Brands in 2016 - Non-Toxic and ...
   http://www.bestproducts.com/beauty/g965/non-toxic-nail-polish/ Dec 7, 2016 ... Make sure your manicure is free of harmful chemicals with these 13 ... Layer on These Nontoxic Nail Polish Brands for Healthier Fingertips ...
2. More Bad News About Nail Polish | EWG
   http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2015/10/more-bad-news-about-nail-polish Oct 19, 2015 ... If you wear nail polish, you might be applying more than glossy ... Also avoid products that contain toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

 

[Jenny TipsforME]

@Chocolove sorry if I wasn't clear Little Ondine is 'non toxic' nail varnish: natural resin, organic colourants and water.
Having a quick look Miss Nella seems cheaper but it's branded at little girls.

In terms of hair products I've made hairspray using sugar water and vodka. I've not used it much (not having the spoons to put effort into hairstyle often) but it does have some staying power. It amuses me a little because I usually avoid refined sugar in food, but it does need to be white refined sugar, and I also don't drink vodka!

 

[JaimeS]

I don't know if any one else has noticed but mostly whenever I have seen women with long underarm hair I find they smell of sweat quite strongly. Maybe they were the 'all-natural' kind and don't use deodorant or shave.

Heh! No, it's not just you, and it's not just their other habits.

I went camping on a week-long trip, once. I bathed every day in a nearby stream, but didn't bother bringing a razor. (Psssht! Seriously!) But, er, there was more smelliness. Sweat really does get caught in those hairs and lingers, whereas if that area is clean-shaven, your clothing wicks it away to some extent. I guess?

Anyway, I use Jason unscented aloe deodorant for that.

Little Ondine nail varnish

Ooooooh, Jenny, cooool!

Word to the wise, ladies (and gentlemen, if you are so inclined). Don't. Use. Gel. Polish.

"This may sting a little," said the first -- and last! -- person to apply it to my nails.

What. Sting?! How can nail polish actually sting?

Answer: if it dissolves your nails a little.

Say it with me: eeeeek!

It did sting a very little, but of course it destroyed the surface of the nail. I think the point is that then you have to go back to get it removed specially by the salon, and get more added specially by the salon. Win-win for them... lose-lose for you.

And for anyone who's chemically sensitive: it STINKS.

In terms of hair products I've made hairspray using sugar water and vodka.

That is SUPER-creative @Jenny TipsforME !

I use Deva Curl Mist-er Right -- the scariest thing it has in it is hydrogenated castor oil, and it has a really nice scent. I also use Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Styling Creme when my hair is still wet, although I think it's much scarier ingredients-wise.

Here's a trick, though: usually things that are meant to go on your face are gentler than what you'd put in your hair. I often use MAC's makeup fixative stuff for my hair. It's super-gentle and smells nice.

Edit: I should say two things:

1) I hate my hair to be stiff, so all of these are very laid-back styling products.
2) My hair is WILDLY CURLY which you can't see in my photo because it's yanked back in a bun, as it often is IRL.

...so take these two facts into consideration when you look at what products I use on my hair...

-J

 

[IreneF]

This is so true! I had decided I couldn't put up with the skin reactions from coloring my hair, so decided to embrace my white hair while less than 50 and quit coloring it. I was going to do the Jamie Lee Curtis thing ( http://cache3.asset-cache.net/gc/489025835-actress-jamie-lee-curtis-attends-2014-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=X7WJLa88Cweo9HktRLaNXhLlqFWHcwKzRlerVIbynLCHtoUikFm8j4dTuc19hBvxVuFlj8FZnzCepzdoALY1yQ== for those who don't know who she is). I did the short short when I was young, and had to get it cut every two weeks. I get in 3 or 4 times per year for a haircut, so decided not to go short. Besides my hair is thin and my scalp would burn. Its past shoulder length now (and high maintenance!), and hoping to go longer and simpler. But not sure what. I can't do straight, my hair is too wavy. But done styling my hair! I only use the hair dryer for styling, so minimal, but it needs to be no maintenance. UGH.

I keep forgetting about dresses. I want to do long skirts on weekends. To warm up I can wear long underwear, or compression leggings underneath. I guess I need to just buy some. Stretchy waist bands for ease.

What do you all do about shaving? Thinking of skirts scares me as my legs have not seen a shaver in a couple of months..... And it is still dark brown, hasn't gone white yet.....

I've been layering dresses with leggings or tights. I really like wool tights. I also wear tights under loose pants.