So, while I was culling my wardrobe the other day, I noticed something. I have a lot of tee shirts and jeans. A lot of worn-out sweaters. A couple of fancy dresses.

But the grown-up stuff in between? Nada. The interview suit I had from college no longer fits. (They tell you about the 'Freshman 15' but not the 'Real World 20.') I effectively have no pieces that are professional and pulled-together. I first noticed this about a month ago at a wake... all the other women had a skirtsuit or a pretty little black dress on. I had pulled together a dressy-ish black top and gray slacks. While I didn't look bad, it lacked a certain degree of polish. So I've been looking for "wardrobe pieces" ever since.

The problem is that I don't fit a lot of standard sizing. I am a medium frame with big' ol curves. If it were the 50's, I'd have it made. I could just steal Joan Holloway's wardrobe and call it a day. But for the most part, they just don't make clothes like that anymore... and if they do, it's either way out of my price range or flimsy crap. (Or perpetually out of stock... I'm eyeing YOU, ModCloth!)

This week, I am going on round 1 of a retail buying spree that will help me build a grownup wardrobe. It is hurty to the wallet, but it is an investment I seriously need to make.

( The first outfit...Collapse )

...in other news, I've been quite the holiday elf today, playing Secret Santa and also buying some of J's gifts. :)