Clothing help!!!

[Birdie07]

Ok girls I need some input. I finally got an awesome job. It's a reception kind of job. I already work at my husband's practice but we are super casual. We wear jeans and flip flops. But this is no jeans professional attire and I don't have ANY clothes that fit that. So I have to go shopping. I live in a SUPER tiny town. The only store we have is Maurice's and JCPenny (ugh). I want to get a card and buy a whole wardrobe. My choices are get a card to Maurice's and go in and shop online . Or get one somewhere and shop online. I've never shopped clothes online so I'm scared. But I'm worried. What store do you get your professional clothes at. I only want to get one card. I really love Kohl's clothes. But our closest Kohl's is 4 hours. For this week I'm running to Target (1 hour away) to get something for right now. I need really cute but professional. No cleavage allowed.

[Vikki]

Based on your options above I would suggest JCPenny's. Simply for quality purposes. Maurice's and Target are OK but you'll find the clothing probably won't hold it's shape or color as long. I have yet to purchase an item of clothing at Target that has lasted me more than 5 or 6 wears before starting to look cheap. The material and workmanship are on the cheap side. Not that JCPenny is perfect but I think you'll get longer wear out of your clothes for the $$ you spend. Once you get your basics watch for sales at places like Macy's or Dillard's, you can pick up a $300 suit for 75 - 80% off sometimes. I also like Burlington and Kohl's on occasion but it's hit or miss.

 

Also-pay close attention to how you wash your clothes. Consider handwashing and special detergent to help your clothes keep from fading and stretching/shrinking.

 

I hope that helps. I was in the same situation when I started my job 4 or 5 years ago. I had to go from wearing casual clothing to tailored suits. (I still miss the casual wear). It was a hefty investment but I still have some of those classic pieces that I can re-accessorize to keep fresh.

 

Congratulations on the new job!

[Birdie07]

Thanks for the advice! I don't need suits though. Just nice skirts and slacks and cute tops. So I don't need any expensive items just stuff to mix and match. And cute shoes!!

[finzup]

I would recommend ann taylor loft, ann taylor, banana republic, or j crew.

 

They are a bit pricey but you get a discount in most places for opening a charge. Ann Taylor loft is probably the least expensive of the list and I have found their clothing to be high quality and will look professional for the office. www.anntaylorloft.com

 

There are some great pieces in the ann taylor loft sale section...

[finzup]

Found a coupon code for 15% off a purchase of $75 or more at Ann Taylor Loft

 

15% off any order $75 or more with code 104002172 (9/4/2009 - 10/5/2009)

 

Note: I have no idea if it actually works, but it's worth a shot!

 

Edit: code FALL20 will take 20% off all regular priced fall items. (expires 9/27)

[shellk]

thats great im really happy for you.

 

i wear either pensil shirt with nice blouse or black trousers and great blouse.must get black high heels and maybe a black jacket.i would play it safe for your first couple of days and check the other girls out.

 

when do you start?good luck.shame about the hidden cleavage lol.

[jk1101]

Congratulations on your new job!

The best thing to do is get some "staple" pieces, and then you can mix and match - black, gray & brown pants - a black skirt and a gray skirt. White button down shirts are always in style and go with anything. Black jackets are good, or if that's too dressy, get cardigan sweaters. You can get knit shirts in all different colors and dress them up with scarves or jewelry, or put a sweater over it to look more put together. Wear a pair of heels or boots and that will dress you up as well. Target has some cute dresses too - just make sure they aren't more than an inch or 2 above the knee.

 

Take a look at this article about the 10 essential elements of a woman's wardrobe:

Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Elements: Must-Have Basic Wardrobe Pieces for Any Woman | Suite101.com

[*HOLLY*]

If its one card I would go with Kohl's. It can be a hit or miss but something is always on sale and I never had an issue with quality! Good luck! Congrats!

[Jessica]

All my past jobs have been super casual as well. My current job as a therapist requires a more business attire. I've actually found a lot of cute pieces at JCPenny. I was a bit surprised because I'm not a fan of the store, and just happened to go in there one day and found a lot of great things for not much money.

 

Marshalls, Ross and TJ Maxx also have some great stuff.

 

I honestly don't by many clothes online unless it's to re-purchase something I've gotten from a store.

[Patti]

Congratulations on your new job. How exciting. The ladies that have already post all had good ideas.