Thanks for the thoughts on salaries, etc. It’s just so WEIRD to be even there, you know? More good news, too, in that my advisor emailed today to say she hadn’t yet written my reference letter (I’d asked for a generic one for my files) but "I did give you a great recommendation for Private College." Which means that they are calling my references, so, yay. With the money thing, for the last 5 years, I’ve made … not much. Americorps (small stipend), teaching (contracted wage, about average for the state), GA (stipend), LLBean (may have even lost money on that deal. Great discount!). I have zero perspective on the scene, truly, but am taking Ann’s advice (and Jeanne’s) to shoot for at least what I’d make teaching with a Master’s. That gives me a good frame of reference.
My mom gave me a giftcard to Lame Giant before she left, and with a coupon I have "$50 off purchse of $150," I’m planning to go on Sunday to look for some work clothes. Teaching, I pretty much lived in khakis and a v-neck long sleeve t-shirt, but I’m feeling like this will require more professional clothes. I’d planned on going today, while Ingrid was at daycare, but windchills of 30 below kept us inside. So, instead, I’m window shopping online. I’m thinking I need at least one pair of black pants, and a couple button downs. Maybe these (jeanne says cuffs) and some of these? I’m looking for classic, and LB veers wildly from classic to trashy, it seems. Maybe a jacket, too? Jeanne also thinks I need shoes other than Danskos, and even FANCY Danskos don’t count, it seems. Dammit.
What are the staples of your professional wardrobe? I’m not anywhere near where i want to be weight/size wise, so i don’t want to spend a ton of money, but I also know that I won’t magically shrink in 2 weeks, so I should dress well despite being a size I don’t like. (I’ve seen What Not to Wear, oh yes. It’s one of the shows I wish I had cable for…) What should I have? I’m fortunate that the office I’m in will be air conditioned (it’s a rarity up here, and on that campus, even) but, I will be pumping so ‘shift dress’ won’t work at all. I have already the pants, blazer and cami I wore to the interview, as well as a basic brown short that goes well with the pants for a less formal look. Any ideas?
think separates. go for blacks and greys. black pants, black jacket and grey checked pants and jacket. You can put ANY color shirt with those and alternate pretty easily.
I worry about those pants because if (like me) you have ANY cellulite on your ass, that material shows it like a mofo.
This is a great jacket…modern but cute and can easily be worn with jeans, too (and the pants are great): http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/lane_bryant_product_page?item=8897340&pagesize=3
These are nice: http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/lane_bryant_product_page?item=8833352&pagesize=3
I love having a dress. Maybe get a plain, black wrap dress to wear with tights and boots now and with shoes in the spring. Ideal for doing presentations, etc. I don’t like button down shirts, I always feel like they are gapping unprofessionally around my boobs, but they do look professional and nice if they fit you well.
I like the fancy Danskos. Those would be perfect for working at my job and at the Private College nearby me.
Wide leg pants and flared bottom type skirts help take the edge off hips. The empire seam jacket w/the skirt they show to the right is cute.
http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/lane_bryant_product_page?item=8606436&pagesize=3
I like my button up tops but it does have that gaping potential. If you get wide leg pants wear something more fitted on top so you don’t look…roomy. All this makes me want to shop!
Good Luck with the job!
Congrats on the interview!
Workwise I have to look fairly smart. I’ve found if you are going to go with suits get two or three pairs of trousers for every jacket. Lets face it you are going to wear the trousers all day but the jacket not so much. I love black so I have a number of black suits but go with whatever colour suits you.
Materialwise I favour a part wool/polyester blend in winter (great for hiding cellulite) and a looser part linen/cotton mix in summer (light yet dosen’t have the overly creased look at the end of the day).
Tops. I love the classic white form fitting t shirt. If your boobs are on the larger side a v neck is the most flattering . If I have a particulary dressy day I wear a shirt with a vest top underneath which counteracts the gappy thing. If a not so dressy day then a round neck tshirt with a lightweight v neck jumper does the trick.
I definitly recommend getting a wrap dress. If you get one that is knee length you can wear it with trousers and it will look v flattering and funky. For summer simply omit the trousers.
I loooove the fancy danskos!
I am too disturbed by the pose of the pants mannequin to respond about clothes… wtf weird position have they put it in. Human bodies can’t bend like that!
I love the Daskos (they look like a pair of shoes I have, actually).
Remeber that velvet jacket you use to have? WEll, Im not sure iof it fits, but something like that would look great with a pair of black pants. .. . Get LONG pants, and wear with those heels. . . .make you look good.
I think jackets, with plain shirt under with nice pants, all around look great. Clean, and classic. OPull the hair back, or a nice pair of earrings.
You will look fantastic, regardless. . you clean up well, gretch.
http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/lane_bryant_product_page?item=7939655&pagesize=3
http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/lane_bryant_product_page?item=8992398&pagesize=3
http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/lane_bryant_product_page?item=8606436&pagesize=3
http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/lane_bryant_product_page?item=8656159&pagesize=3
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/7990151/c/6363.html
there, tha’s the outfit that I would put you in! lol
Re. shoes, the fancy Danskos aren’t bad, esp. since the heel would be hidden by your pants. I really like aerosoles, and relied on them for low and high heels when I was working outside of the house! They tend to have really solid heels that are comfortable to stand in.
Love this in blue (with jeans or any neutral/black outfit, or with tweed): http://www.aerosoles.com/product1.asp?P=HANDSEM
These are kind of like my very favorite go-anywhere shoes, though mine are a more pebbled leather with contrast stitching. Super comfy (and on sale): http://www.aerosoles.com/product1.asp?P=RACKSTAGE
Cute flats on super-sale: http://www.aerosoles.com/product1.asp?P=BALLCELONA
cuffs tend to make my legs look a lot shorter, so definitely try them on before you buy.
Buttoned-up, dress shirts that DON’T have to be ironed are great. The cotton/spandex kind look great in the store, but area bitch to iron.
Cardigans are my wardrobe expanders, I picked a bunch at TJMaxx the other day for under 25 a piece. (TJ’s is having a huge clearance sale, so that might be a great place to check out).
I live in black/grey/khaki dress pants with a dress or long sleeve T and cardigan. With A black or grey pant suit for dressier days.