New Job

[mountainpuddles]

Hi Gals! I just got offered a job working for my local State Assemblymember. I am totally excited about this. I need advice on career clothes, is there a certain brand/type of blazer that you can't live without? I am willing to spend some extra bucks just need to find one. I have been to B.R., Gap, Anne Taylor, Klein. What's your suggestion. Thanks. B.

[IFjane]

Wow, Mountainpuddles - congratulations! Unfortunately I can't help with the clothes issue because I do not have to dress like that - consider me challenged in that department. Best of luck and let us know how the job goes.

[SalsaMTB]

Are you busniess or business casual? I'm a fan on Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Loft. Something with Banana Republic, the clothes just don't fit me right and I've had problems with their quality.

[indysteel]

Congrats on the new job. I buy most of my pants and suits at Ann Taylor. I don't have an incredible amount from which to choose in Indianapolis, but for the money, they are decently cut/made. I've had good success lately with J. Crew for separates, e.g., skirts, blouses and the like. I find a few thing at BR too, but it's more hit and miss.

I hate spending money on clothes (that arent' cycling related, that is), but I'm really particular when it comes to suits. I'd rather have two good suits then five not so good ones. I prefer wool and won't buy anything that isn't lined. Also, I would recommend staying away from pants--suit or otherwise-- with a low rise. I realize that stores that cater to professionals, like Ann Taylor, are selling them, but I don't think they're overly professional. I tend to mix and match my suits/separates too. I just bought some wool pencil skirts at J. Crew that I can wear with most of my suit jackets.

Happy shopping!

[DrBadger]

Hey MP-
Congratulations on the new job, that is very exciting!

As for where to buy suits and the such, I am a big fan of Banana Republic. Love Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft, but their pants don't fit me right. At BR be sure to try on the various different cuts of pants. In dress pants I swear by the contoured fit (I am a definate hour glass figure with BIG hips and thighs and these aren't too tight there as many dress pants are) Also, in the stores they only cary the regular length and petite in some stores, but online they also carry short and long versions of almost all of their pants. And if you buy full price they will do the hemming of pants and jacket sleaves for free. Also, if you get the BR store card you get %15 off your first purchase (did this when I bought my first suit) and then you get $10 and $25 rewards cards for each $250 you spend in the store (I think that is right, they keep changing it, for the better). As you can see I am a big fan :-)

I used to love J.Crew, but they have gotten really expensive, don't have great sales, and I have actually had problems with the quality going down. Other places to try to seperates are the big department stores, Macy's especially as they always have great sales. I don't have luck with suits there so much since they are mostly sold as sets, and I am different sizes on the top and bottom (in fact I am a petite on top, but not on the bottom) so I am a fan of places that sell their suiting as seperates.

Good luck, and have fun shopping!

[Melody]

mountainpuddles, Congrats! :)

Another option you may wish to consider is finding clothes that are a little bit big on you and then getting them tailored. Tailoring isn't necessarily too expensive, but when done it can make you look like a million bucks. :) This is particularly true with slacks on pantsuits and with jackets. You can also have blouses tailored so that they look just right. :)

Mel

[Bad JuJu]

Big congrats on the new job, and best wishes with it!

If you're looking for nice blazers, L. L. Bean sells some beautiful ones. Well-made and durable, too. I got a grey wool one several years ago, and it's held up great. I've also gotten a corduroy one from them, but only got that last year--again, well-made and fits great, but it doesn't have as long a track record as the woolen one. If you get the L. L. Bean Visa, they give you free shipping all the time, plus occasional $10 gift cards depending on how much you spend. Oh, and sales throughout the year.

I know most of us tend to think of Bean as a source of outdoor gear and clothing, but some of their traditional day-to-day apparel is excellent, too.

[Blueberry]

I know most of us tend to think of Bean as a source of outdoor gear and clothing, but some of their traditional day-to-day apparel is excellent, too.

I'll second that - even if you have to wear "suits" all of the time, you can still pick up nice tops to go under them. I just bought some beautiful cashmere sweaters from one of their stores (I wanted to try them first). Reasonably priced and beautiful!

[Bad JuJu]

And don't forget to check Sierra Trading Post too--great deals to be had there, but you have to be willing to check it periodically.

[mountainpuddles]

Thank you ladies for the great leads!!! I can't believe it, it has been over six years since I had a 9-5 job. I think the job fits me perfectly. I am such a social butterfly and love to network in my community. To top it off, I am a representing my state assembly man in my district!! When I find some great clothes, I will make sure to get them tailored. Ann Taylor, Anne Klein, Banana Republic and Crew here I come!!!:D

Becky

[SalsaMTB]

Have fun shopping and congrats.

Oh, also don't forget new shoes to match your new clothes!! With shoes, I've found very thin insoles help tremendously in heals in you're on your feet all day.

[pepe6599]

Tahari and Alfani (Macy's Brand) makes really great blazers; very versitile. They are on the pricey rang from $90 - 200 and most of them are dry clean only; I wear them and I love them.

[Bikingmomof3]

Congratultions!!! I have no clothing advise, but I do offer my sincere congratulations. :)

[horsemom]

Congrats on the new job! I too recommend LLBean. I have a few items from there that I have worn and worn - classic blazers and nice sweaters that never go out of style.

Good Luck!
Laura