Color Me Fancy
This new gig is going to require a wardrobe adjustment. I got a memo telling me my first engagement is business casual, but that many of the other offices in the building are formally dressed. Well, well. I can take a hint. I’d better buy some pantyhose and full suit outfits.
Luckily for me, when SingleMa and I went outlet shopping, I found a place that has pantyhose in multipacks for cheap and a shop that sells er, women’s suits. I hesitate because these are the kind of outfits that make me think of my mom, church ladies, and women politicos, i.e. dull cuts with shiny buttons. ICK.
This is also a reminder to step up the personal grooming. No more chopping the hair off. I am going to have to get a full on real haircut and invest in a curling iron. The trainer with the blonde hair looked simply fab. Her hair was extremely long like mine, but she finished the ends off with some slight layering and a twirl of an iron. This means less time for sleeping, but worth it for the first month to set a good impression.
Last thing is that I’m going to invest in a manicure. I have this problem during long training sessions. I bite my nails in boredom. Never down to the quick, but I gnaw on them like so many pieces of beef jerky. They’re looking terrible and I don’t want to show them yet at a client site. Also, for some reason, a little flash of polish, even the clear stuff, goes a long way to a professional impression. In the world of consulting, first impressions and appearances count. So off I go to plunk down a serious chunk of change to do this.
I have no fixed budget, but I have a set amount I am going to spend. What’s the difference? The former is something specifically planned that you KNOW you can afford. The latter is something you FEEL you can afford without knowing if you really can. At this point, my budgeting is simple. I only spend what I have in cash. More about that later.
Sjean wrote:
Eeek. I’m also starting a new job, and this reminds me to take care to look good the first few months. Luckily, the office seemed pretty casual, but no need to start off on a bad foot.
Good luck with this!
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 12:20 pm | Permalink
Thibeaux wrote:
Don’t spend too much. I heard that some clients did ‘business dress,’ but every time I wear a suit to a new engagement, they request that I stop it and come in more casual the next day. The only exception was the Department of State, where EVERY man wore a tie, even though there was no policy about it. Maybe your customers will be different from mine, but a couple suits should be plenty if you’re buying them ‘just in case.’ You can buy more later if you need them.
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 2:01 pm | Permalink
Mrs. Micah wrote:
Eesh. My goal is to shop for items that are as mix and match friendly as possible.
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 2:22 pm | Permalink
E.C. wrote:
I loathe pantyhose; I can never wear a pair more than about twice before they develop huge runs.That goes against my goal of buying quality items that will last.
I really need to get a couple of decent pantsuits for occasions that require I not dress like the college kid I am.
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 2:45 pm | Permalink
S23 wrote:
Mapgirl, I’m a lurker (off and on) but I’d add that you don’t have to spend a lot to look well put together. Get some basics. Black jacket, pants and a skirt and nice classic jewelry and rotate your shirts. It doesn’t take a lot to look really professional. Also a crisp white button down goes a long way. Don’t go broke trying to dress the part.
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 2:48 pm | Permalink
Alison wrote:
I used to have the same problem with biting my nails and picking at my cuticles. So i started with gel tips so that my nails could grow out. Then after a few months, I got the tips off and started getting weekly manicures. Now, my nails are natural and long, and I’ve stopped picking at them because they look so good! It’s an investment, but you quickly become addicted to your shiny nails
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 3:56 pm | Permalink
Sistah Ant wrote:
This is one thing I hate about professional work. One of my best friends is a social worker in a group home, and if she wants to, she can go to work in a track suit and tennis shoes. On the other hand, if I don’t want to feel and look like a scrub, I have to actually put more effort into my look - hose and all. Sheesh. I get what you’re talking about.
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 5:11 pm | Permalink
Msminiducky wrote:
Yikes, I have been working on the wardrobe improvement for a while, but still only have one nice suit. Mix and match has worked fairly well, but I have the feeling that I’m going to have to bite the bullet and get another one soon.
E.C.: I don’t know if they’re still like I remember, but back about 7 years ago, I used to get Silkies pantyhose from a mail order place. They were the toughest dang pantyhose I’ve ever seen, and I couldn’t put a run in them, ever! I eventually lost them, sadly, but am considering buying another pair or two.
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 5:15 pm | Permalink
Karen wrote:
I have to wear a suit 4 out of 5 days. I have a whopping 7 suits. I need pants more than skirts for my job and pant suits in petite are hard to come by here.
I bought most of mine at Dillard’s (not sure if there’s one in the DC area?) on sale. I paid less than $100 each for mine. Tahari and Kasper have decent petite lines.
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 6:56 pm | Permalink
Single Ma wrote:
Aaaaaaah sooky sooky now! Professional attire - right up my alley. Let me know if you need a shopping buddy. You already KNOW I’m a bargain hunter. Your staples (blazer, pencil skirt, black slacks, a few shirts, and good pair of shoes) will cost the most, but we can find the rest for next to nothing and even a ton of suits for less than $40. Call me!
Ugh! And please, STOP biting your nails! That is so high school!
Posted on 14-Jan-08 at 10:01 pm | Permalink
misskate wrote:
Be thankful you’re in D.C. and not NYC or LA. D.C. is more conservative and you can get away with not wearing designer. Second, buy nice suits. Your new company is paying a you a decent salary, look it. Skip the mix and match (save that for business casual) Check out the consignment shops, there’s one off rte 29. I worked at Booz for a while and found that Jones New York had everything I needed. I prefer skirts to trousers, though. Macy’s always has sales and coupons. Get the best quality you can. Invest in your wardrobe.
I know this is running counter to some of the advice above, but I’m assuming you’re about my age (around 30) and it’s time. If you need to buy full suits, buy the absolute best quality you can. There is a *huge* difference in spending the extra hundred dollars or two. And underwear! Never underestimate the power of a good bra!
Have fun with the hair. I’m still learning how to straighten mine with a hairdryer. I don’t know what your skin is like, but mascara and a neutral lip color are essential for looking finished, too.
I am so excited for you!
Posted on 15-Jan-08 at 1:50 am | Permalink
Sistah Ant wrote:
I had to come back here - can I go shopping with you and SingleMa? LOL! I want to look good at my new gig, too. I need a makeup makeover and age and work appropriate suits and coordinates… I don’t wanna go, but I know I should.
Posted on 15-Jan-08 at 10:43 am | Permalink
mapgirl wrote:
Thanks everyone for the advice, but Miss Kate has nailed it on the head. After a certain age, suits of high quality make a difference.
More about this later, and Sistah Ant, you are welcome to come on down to DC and get a little shopping done. But that’s a lot of driving for nothing when you can shop at home, tax-free on clothing!
Posted on 15-Jan-08 at 2:16 pm | Permalink
Vixen wrote:
I concur with EC. I utterly despise pantyhose. That stuff was made by the devil.
Have fun getting your manicure.
Posted on 15-Jan-08 at 8:28 pm | Permalink