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.