Does being in debt make you frumpy?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Does being in debt make you frumpy?
19
Wed, 03-04-2009 - 9:22am
I will admit that I have never spent much money on myself. I got pregnant at 19 and ever since then, the focus has really been on me clothing my kids, but it's starting to really bother me. I look at myself in the mirror and I'm fat first of all! I also have a very limited wardrobe. I have 2 pairs of jeans and 1 pair of black pants that I rotate over and over and over. I have 1 pair of sneakers and some brown boots, which never work with my black pants but I make them work anyway. I have a limited amount of shirts and most of them are summer shirt so I look like an idiot unless I just keep my jacket on. I'm frumpy! I look awful. I haven't had my hair cut in a year and it's just long and hangs there, my ends are a mess. I have no money for anything personal. I don't know how to make myself look good with my sad wardrobe. And I feel that this just feeds the cycle of fatness because why even bother trying when I look horrible anyway...of course, if I lost weight, I'd have a lot more clothes in my closet that fit me!

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2008
Wed, 03-04-2009 - 5:34pm

I definetly feel frumpy a lot of the time.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2006
Wed, 03-04-2009 - 5:40pm

((HUGS))


Hi Abi,


You certainly have brought up a topic that every woman can relate to.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2008
Wed, 03-04-2009 - 9:37pm

I do not spend a lot on clothes but I feel when I have a cute outfit on or am dressed "up" that I feel better about everything else.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2007
Thu, 03-05-2009 - 6:25am

I totally agree with Stacy. $20 goes a long way at a nice Goodwill or Salvation Army. I buy 90% of my clothes there and people are always amazed. I'm not a fashionista or anything, but I don't look frumpy.

Dee









iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2007
Thu, 03-05-2009 - 6:31am

You also might be inspired after looking at What Not to Wear (there's a book you might find at the library) or looking at websites. It's more about body TYPE than body SIZE. You'd be surprised at how great you can look. But, yes, it is work. If I were you, I'd focus on getting one decent outfit you look great in and is comfortable, or one great looking jacket (at Salvation or even eBay) and just add slowly but thoughtfully.

Dee









iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Thu, 03-05-2009 - 7:31am

I agree with the PP's. You need to set aside some time and a little bit of money for YOU. You are no good to your children if you are stressed and stretched too thin!


When I am feeling down, I find something as simple as a bubble bath and a self manicure/pedicure helps. My nails are forever breaking, but just filing them nicely, putting on hand cream and a layer of clear polish makes them look great. For feet, I use a pumice stone (dollar store purchase) to get rid of dead skin (gross I know) and cut down the cuticles (cuticle cutter also from dollar store) and put on a nice colour.


Thrift store finds make all the difference in the world. A nice shirt or pair of pants can totally change a look.


My friends (who are not hair stylists) would cut my hair all the time. A box of dye from the drugstore can totally change your appearance (and your


Bex -

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2009
Thu, 03-05-2009 - 9:56am
I live not too far from a beauty school that got great deals - $12 for shampoo, cut, and style. The students take a little bit more time (and understandably so, after all, they are still learning), but all the work is supervised by instructors. It may be worthwhile to check out if you any in your area.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-07-2003
Thu, 03-05-2009 - 11:16am

Hopping on the "frumpy train" (late, as usual.)


Teresa
http://www.affordingpickles.blogspot.com

Avatar for cmbren
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2000
Thu, 03-05-2009 - 1:26pm

I hope you don't mind; your post just spoke to me and I had to jump in and offer a bit of encouragement and my own little 2 cents. ;-)


I think most every mom has gone through what you're feeling at some point in time; we do tend to focus so much on our children's needs and put ourselves at the back of the line. We tell ourselves we can "make do" a little longer... then a little more longer and finally, it catches up with us

Pages