I thought I was doing pretty well. I shop clearance racks, thrift stores, and yard sales, and I rarely feel a burning need for novelty in my wardrobe. I've been wearing the same pair of black dress shoes to all formal events since seventh grade, including to senior prom when I wore them with a brand-new gown I'd purchased the preceding August for an even twenty-six dollars, including sales tax.
In other words, I pride myself on being a bargain shopper. So when I pondered the possibility of getting a snazzy new interview suit, I headed to T.J. Maxx. When I was invited to my friends' wedding, I did a mental run-through of the contents of my closet, decided I'd like something a little less matronly than the suitable choices I already own, and started checking clearance racks and browsing the online J.C. Penney outlet store.
Then I asked two of my female friends for advice on dresses. After looking at the website with me, S. piped up, "You should look in my closet first! Hey, what about my Italian silk?" It fit, and, assuming I work up the courage to show that much decolletage, I now know what I'll be wearing March 15. Her roommate, J., offered some lovely and surprisingly comfortable shoes to go with the dress.
When I talked to my mother about interview attire, she surprised me by digging a very nice grey wool suit out of the back of her closet. She'd once lent it to her best friend to wear to interview for the job she's held for the past eighteen years. I suspect it hasn't been worn since then. I'd never seen this suit before in my life, but it fits like it was made for me. Luckily for me, it's a little too snug for my mother these days so I'll probably get to keep it.
If you need clothing for a special event, check with your friends before heading to the mall. I've happily lent clothing before, and I see nothing wrong with borrowing it. Why spend money on something you will only wear for a few hours if you can get something equally nice (or in the case of the silk dress my friend bought while studying abroad, nicer) for free?
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7 comments:
I had one roommate who was the same size, very handy for both of us! That's an excellent idea. Sometimes there's really no point in purchasing new stuff for just one time. And being willing to be the person who shares, of course.
Definitely a great idea (luckily, most of my friends were never in my size). Good luck on your interview.
I wouldn't try shopping at TJ Maxx or any discount store for any sort of suit. They tend to be high polyester count - NOT exactly something you want to be wearing while you're already sweating through an interview.
Sigh... it's not exactly something I look forward to, buying a real suit instead of the polyester crap that's riddling my closet. I suppose I should start saving up for one - after all, I've got some time.
Sadly, I don't think I know a single person who is the same size as me, but great idea nonetheless.
If you need some pumps, Amazon is the best. If you dig, you'll eventually find a pair in your size and any color you want for about $25.
That's how I got five of my work pumps.
Like these, as just one teeny example.
Or these.
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