Wardrobe update help

[MontrealMum]

I found out yesterday that I've been hired for a job - in my actual field! But now I'm realizing that after years of SAH/WAH, some weight gain, and my feet growing, that I really have very little that fits that's appropriate to wear.

The job starts in Aug. and I'd like to pick up some things in the summer sales to save a bit. Could you give me some suggestions of how many pants/shirts/skirts/dress shoes etc. that I should aim for? The dress standard is business casual. At this point I own 3 prs. of dress pants, a skirt, and 1 pr. of appropriate shoes. I do own a lot of nice sweaters but my shirts are mostly Ts.

TIA!

[crl]

Congratulations! That's awesome.

The You Look Fab blog has some posts on wardrobe capsules that might be helpful. Here's one of them: http://youlookfab.com/2011/03/24/bui...sule-for-less/

Catherine

[TwinFoxes]

Garnet Hill is having their summer sale 30% off plus FS. Congrats!

[DrSally]

Good for you!!! Right now, I would check out BR and Ann Taylor for blouses. Check my previous momwear post, I posted a lot of links. Great prices, and many things you can use for layering pieces under sweaters in the winter too. I totally commiserate with changing foot sizes. I would get rid of everyting that doesn't fit and start clean. DSw has some great in store clearance right now.

[MontrealMum]

Thanks, everyone, great advice! That website is great for deciding how much you need of everything and I now have a bunch of stuff in my cart at 4 different stores. Obviously, I need to reread the guidelines but there sure are some great sales on now!

The shoe size thing is very frustrating as I had quite a collection of shoes pre-DS. I haven't needed to dress up much recently so I've just been cramming my feet into too-small shoes but I can't really do that anymore now.

[fivi2]

Someone linked to the corporette blog the other day (http://corporette.com/) and I have been enjoying it quite a bit. Some of it may be dressier than you need, and some (a lot) of it is prohibitively expensive, but if you dig around I think there is good advice.

When I went back to work not too long ago, I picked up a couple of pantsuits (black and grey and brown). I could wear them as suits and change out the shirt underneath (shell, t-shirt, button down, blouse) or I could wear them as separates and change the look - a cardi or sweater or a patterned blazer with the pants. Find machine washable pants if you can!

I also picked up a few no-iron button downs at various sales (I keep an eye out for those). A couple of Target cardigans - I just got one on clearance for $6 yesterday. Target also has a couple of cute skirts right now.

I probably started with a pair of black heels, black flats, black boots, brown flats and brown boots. (DSW and Target level).

Good luck and Congrats!

[pomegranate]

Congratulations! That's awesome! I second a PP's suggestion about Ann Taylor. Great sale right now. I got suit separates and tops at very affordable prices. Suits you can mix and match to make it more biz casual. Nordstrom's anniversary sale is coming up. Presale starts July 11 (I think). And don't forget simple accessories like belts, scarves and jewelry. They can really liven up an outfit!

[marge234]

You might take a look at vivienne files blog for wardrobe building. She does a lot of posts about packing light, but also puts together work wardrobes. Her thing is creating a uniform, and using accessories to get mileage out of basics.
Congrats on the new job!

http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/

[goldenpig]

You've gotten some great links already so I just wanted to say congrats on the new job!

[MontrealMum]

I just wanted to say thanks again! I was able to take advantage of some of the great sales this past weekend and I think I've chosen a bunch of versatile pieces that work with what I already own, and that should be able to do double duty. I've also ordered a bunch of shoes - some may go back based on fit - in a mix of both neutrals and fun colors. I already own some great coats and accessories, and I updated my winter boots last year. So, I think I'm all set. Please keep me from shopping still? Really, I need to be done