Do you have a "polished" appearance?

[Jen_in_NH]

Well, I would have to say I'm low maintainence. My full time job is at the fire department, so I'm given a uniform, and need to have my hair in a ponytail. Fairly easy

For my other job, I work with brain injured residents. No jewelry in case they grab at it, no tight fitting clothes so I can move easily. Hair in a ponytail so it's harder to pull it.

I don't actually own makeup (other then Chapstick), and I don't own a blowdryer. I wouldn't even know where to start with either of them

Jen

 

[OceanAnnie]

I always have to do my hair, some make-up and look decent, even if I am not going anywhere. It's just the way I am. It doesn't take me very long. If I am pressed for time I can get from shower to being ready and looking good in 30 minutes.

Me too, Miss Jasmine.

Even if I'm not planning on going out, I like to have that option without stopping everything to get ready.

I'm low maintance but I do try to look my best. My comfortable best that is. Nice clothes, hair done, a little makeup.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I always have to do my hair, some make-up and look decent, even if I am not going anywhere. It's just the way I am. It doesn't take me very long.

Same here. Even if I stay at home all day, I take my shower, blow and fix my hair, put on some makeup, and decent clothes. No, I don't have to dress up , but I try not to look frumpy. DH appreciates it, and as they kids get older I think they appreciate I am not a slob around their friends. It makes me feel better to look ok!

 

[Steffi]

My name is Stephanie and I am a frumpy housewife. I don't want to be, I want to be groomed and coiffed and polished and well-dressed...but I don't know how! I just can't seem to pull myself together! I've never been terribly high maintenance, spending tons and tons of time on hair and makeup, but it seems like that low maintenance looked worked way better when I was younger. Now that I'm nearly <gasp> 35, it seems like a daunting task to try and pull together some kind of look that's not comletely blah.

I wish a makeover team would snatch me out of the grocery store one morning and burn all my frumpy clothes, spray paint a ton or so of makeup on me, and do something with my hair!

I definitely feel your pain, OP! We need fairy godmothers!

 

[beckmrk04]

I'm pretty low maintenance most days- shower and blow dry hair (that's all I have to do to style it). I reccommend if you are going to get a new cut, tell your stylist exactly how you feel about styiling hair (hate it, scared of tools, love spending hours on it, whatever). My stylist- who has been cutting my hair for about 9 years KNOWS that I am a 10 minutes sorta gal- anything over that just probably isn't happening, so she gives me versatile cuts that I can air dry, blow dry with a round brush, or- if I'm feeling ambitious, flat iron.

And make-up for me is a bit of foundation, a peachy-pink blush, eyeliner, mascara, and gloss for everyday. For special occasions I add eyeshadow and lipstick.

I am plus-size, size 18- and working my way down; but I shop at Lane Bryant and buy cute form fitting clothes and bootleg jeans.

All in all, I can't zap the weight off my body, so I always strive to look my best; it really helps my self-confidence, and my dh thinks I'm adorable. You'd be amazed at what a great outfit, great haircut, and a little makeup can do for your self-esteem.

 

[onyx8]

My friends always joke that I am "high maintanence". I never leave the house without my makeup on and I never wear sweats or baggy clothes, even around the house.

There are some easy things you can do to make yourself look for polished. Stop at a makeup counter in the mall and ask for a new look that takes minimal effort. You don't have to buy any of the products used, but it will give you an idea of colors and techniques that will work for you. And, makeup is one size fits all!!

I also find that wearing earrings finishes off a look. Get some great shoes or purses to make you feel more stylish!

 

[Snoopymom]

I was just thinking about this and I've come to the conclusion that some people just have "it".

I try like heck. For my son's adoption yesterday, I wanted to feel good about myself and look great for the pictures, etc. I shopped for a month for the perfect outfit that was soft but sophisticated, that fitted exactly right and wouldn't wrinkle, etc. I got up super early so that I could shower first and have time to straighten my hair, remember my jewelry, etc. Well, I looked ok considering I was either laughing or crying in most of the pictures, but my sister (who is heavier than me, so I don't think weight has to do with it) and is holding her baby (so it's not just a mom thing either) looks like a million bucks wearing khakis and a sweater.

Today I just pulled my curly hair back, put on some jeans, a button down blouse and sandals, and I think I look a lot better, so I give up, low maintenance it is, LOL! Plus I justify it by telling myself that it's time I'd rather spend with my dh and ds, oh and I'd love to have the $$$$ back I spent on that outfit.

 

[Chicago526]

I wouldn't say I'm "polished" or "finished" but I do wear clothes that show my figure, "non-Mom" jeans (I'm not a mom anyway, but you know what I mean), and my clothes are clasic without being outdated. I don't do anything fancy with my hair and don't wear make-up unless it's a special occasion.

 

[Mom21]

Nope. Just a big, fat mess here and it makes me sad.

 

[imsorry]

I blow dry my hair and put on make up EVERY day - even if I am not coming to work. Not alot, but I never had a "naked" face. I try to look as professional as possible - jackets, sweater sets, etc. for work. Weekends, the clothing is jeans and sneakers, but always make up!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Nope. Just a big, fat mess here and it makes me sad.

Awhhhh Why don't you pick one thing and start with that. Start with your hair, go get it cut, maybe colored ifyou feel adventureous! Report back here.

 

[blondewithbrains]

If I'm going out or going to work, I'm somewhat high-maintenance (and I've noticed that it differs depending on whether there are going to be guys around, as well. Even though I've got a boyfriend, I still like knowing that men find me attractive.) Around the house, I'm pretty low maintenance.

 

[pjlla]

I must agree that being happy with your weight has a lot to do with it. I can ASSURE you that I dress nicer and take better care of myself when I am happier with my weight. I am not thrilled with it right now, but I am not at my all time high either.... somewhere in the middle.

I am definitely on the "unpolished" end of things, even on the days when I try. I'm a frumpy slob at home (how's that for honesty), but I think I look presentable when I'm out at work, shopping, or church. I don't EVER wear high heels anymore (well, twice I did last summer at weddings). And I NEVER wear dresses any more (okay... twice last summer at the aforementioned weddings). But I usually have on nice khaki type pants or at least really nice "Mom" style jeans (I cannot STAND those low rise things.... sorry!!). I usually prefer a knit top over a cotton button style blouse. And I do wear foundation, powder, blush, and mascara most days when working or out, but I don't even own any eyeliner or eye shadow and haven't touched a lipstick in months. (But Chapstick is my best friend!!)

As for jewelry... my earring holes closed up when I stopped wearing earrings right after DD was born (just too busy for jewelry) and I haven't really even cared. I own three or four necklaces I really love, but sadly two of them broke last week (including a sterling silver mickey I got for Christmas), but I will have those repaired soon. I own just a few bracelets that I occasionally wear and my watches cost under $10 from Walmart.

I use the same inexpensive pocketbook for months/years on end until it "dies" and then I buy another. Right now it is a quilted Vera Bradley knock-off that cost about $3. IT does the job!

I guess I fall into the "unpolished but not a total slob" category. I don't think that I am so bad that I embarrass my family. And I am comfortable, so I guess that is all that counts.

To OP: Maybe if you found a few nice outfits to wear when you are out (even if they are not in the size you WISH you were) and invest in a new hairstyle you would feel better?? Good luck.......................P

 

[ashjohnson80]

When I'm at home, I am a wreck. Messy hair, baggy tshirts, pajama pants... But when I go out I try to look nice. If I'm going out with friends I'll usually wear a trendy pair of jeans with a nice top. I also try to keep my hair cut in a up to date style and I wear makeup. I gained a lot of weight a few years back and I just let my hair grow long and always wore those really long sweater things, but then I realized that they probably made me look bigger.

 

[FreshTressa]

My biggest problem right now is that NONE of my cute pants fit! I'm stuck wearing my old baggy pants that are too big because I REFUSE to buy clothes in this size.

I'm working on it..but till then...I'm a frump!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Nope. Just a big, fat mess here and it makes me sad.

Me too.

I try to look nice when I go to work (I work at a bank, but it's fairly relaxed). I do not wear make up (I have no idea how to even begin with that). My hair is a mess. I have REALLY thick, coarse hair. Half the time it's frizzy and poofy. I usually wear it pulled back. I do love jewelry, so I am usually wearing some.

At home I am a complete mess. T-Shirts and pj bottoms. I mainly wear t-shirts and jeans when going out.

I really would like to be more pulled together, but just can't seem to get it together. I'm another one who is unhappy with my weight (but I am trying).

 

[NikiM20]

Nope. Just a big, fat mess here and it makes me sad.

I think we are sisters......... i am 80 lbs overweight, i can wear whatever i want to work (preschool teacher) my hubby works out of town, our daughter is 6 and i think why bother? I havent worn makeup in ages and its sad that i dont even love me enough to do something about it

 

[FreshTressa]

I think we are sisters......... i am 80 lbs overweight, i can wear whatever i want to work (preschool teacher) my hubby works out of town, our daughter is 6 and i think why bother? I havent worn makeup in ages and its sad that i dont even love me enough to do something about it

 

[Cindyluwho]

Awhhhh Why don't you pick one thing and start with that. Start with your hair, go get it cut, maybe colored ifyou feel adventureous! Report back here.

What a great idea! One little change is so easy. If you feel like doing another little thing after that - go for it!!

 

[happybratpack]

OK, this made me tear up. I'm such an emotional mess lately.

Thanks for all the tips and support. I'm surprised (and feel better) to see there's a lot of women out there that feel the same way. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one but I guess not.

I've thought about the makeup counter thing. I admit I'm intimidated a bit though. I have NO makeup skills whatsoever and dread the thought of going in for the pretty women to work on. Sad, I know. I bought the Bare Escentuals (sp) and love the foundation and such, but I still look blah. I need serious eye makeup help I think.

Regarding the weight - I know part of it is the meds and that's just how it's going to be for a while. I guess I should get out and try clothes on that are made for my body type (short and fat) even though I can't tell you how much I don't want to go clothes shopping anymore.

Now that I read these posts I'm starting to realize how much I've changed the last few years. I used to be a big shoe girl - always sandals, boots, etc. Now I have just a few "sensible" pairs and that's it. Hardly any jewelry, costume or otherwise, etc. When I was at WDW last week I thought I looked "ok", but once I looked at the pics I want to cringe.

I really don't want to be a frumpy Mom, I don't want Lily to be embarrassed when she's older. If anyone makes any changes from this thread pls post and let me know how it went. Anyone in the DFW area wanting to hit the makeup counters? There's safety in numbers.