An idea of what is to come

So, today I set out to find some sales, since inevitably every Memorial Day there will be sales. I started by going to H&M, didn't expect or find any sales there but I did managed to find two very versatile pieces. This is why I love H&M they're good for the basics and for pieces you can really dress up or down. First off I found this top for $17.95, it's white with navy stripes and has a really nice faux wrap look to it. It's really flattering and goes will with a nice set of Trouser jeans (which I found a pair of today! Denim was 30% off at Banana Republic).




The other piece I found was a very versatile black dress. It could be formal or if could be worn to work, it was also very flattering. The best parts about it were the boat neck, the length (knee length) and the detail on the top half of the dress.

I then wandered over to Ann Taylor Loft. They were having this awesome 40% off your entire purchase sale, which unfortunately for anyone else ended today, but fortunately for me was still there today! I managed to get some great pieces there as well. Such as this youthful, flattering, but professional top/sweater. It's light but substantial enough to wear in San Francisco spring. It's also a great coral color, which really seems to be the color for Spring/Summer this year. I had to take a photo since they apparently don't have it online yet, but it does seem to be in store for $34.50 and in several fun colors.





After that I headed over to Banana Republic and they were also having a fun sale. They were handing out cards with either 15%, 25% or 50% off your entire purchase for the day. I got really lucky, so I was happy to spend some money there for the day. I ended up finding a good work outfit with some help from a sales girl. It entailed the following pieces:

Together, they all look great. To get an idea of what the top
looks like with the jacket here you go.

Growing Pains

So, I've graduated from college and have successfully managed to get a nice job. The nicest thing about my new job is that I can wear whatever I like to work. However, this has made me slightly lazy, rather than trying to dress for work I'll end up wearing my usual jeans, t-shirt, converse and a hoodie to work. Honestly, if I were a computer programmer that would probably fly just fine, and really, it flies just fine at this job as well. But, I heard something important the other day, "Dress for the job you want" and it really struck a chord with me. I like where I work, I'd like to stay there and move my way up but if I look around the office women are definitely dressed more professionally than I am. Sure, I'm comfortable, but I can dress nicely and be comfortable as well. So, I now I'm on a mission to find comfortable, affordable (because let's face it, who's made of money?) and professional clothing that would not only exude professionalism but also stay true to my way of dress. It's become time to learn to dress like an adult.

I used to shop at places like Pacsun, Forever 21, Old Navy and while those are fine establishments they're not the best places to find great quality work clothes that will stand the test of time. I've now learned about such stores as Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft (which I seriously thought was just for old ladies), and for basics Gap, and H&M. I've even learned about some pretty awesome websites like Ideeli.com that sell quality name brand clothing for a fraction of the price. For shoes the new God sends are Piperlime, Zappos and Endless, who all have free shipping and returns.

The best part of all of it is that I have yet to pay full price for any piece I've added to my wardrobe. This is partly because I shop the sales, but also because I've become more proactive about finding out when a new sale or promotion will be happening. I've even signed up for email alerts for sales (online and in store) at my favorite haunts, which believe me, is incredibly helpful. One of my new best friends has become a little thing called Shop it to me. Shop it to me is essentially like a personal shopper, you choose your favorite brands, choose your sizes and everyday you get an updated email letting you know what is on sale and if there's a promo code involved 90% of the time it tells you what it is. Shop it to me is usually only good for online sales though, so another thing I've learned to do is go to the store, most of the time you'll get some really awesome additional savings just for showing up.

I've slowly started accumulating a real wardrobe with classics, essentials, fun pieces, colors that pop, variety and best of all clothes that I am comfortable in both because they are comfortable but also because they're still a reflection of myself. I'm actually excited to get dressed in the mornings.