Basically, I've spent the last 2 evenings at the mall. Well, the fake mall. I live a 10-minute walk from a decent mall and shopping center near the Pentagon, and with the weather all a-changing on me, I'm on the hunt for some wardrobe stables I just never got around to investing in. Read: fall and winter clothing is expensive. And don't even get me started on work-appropriate fall and winter clothing. Add on that I'm technically supposed to be wearing a suit jacket or blazer to work every day (my office is business-professional, not business-casual) and it's hard to look put-together, warm, and not like a nun.
I have a sort of shopping strategy. I check out outlets and stores like TJMax or Nordstrom Rack first. I want to know what the discounts are, what's available, etc. For example, Marshal's has a huge boot collection out right now. Good to know what brands and designers they're offering and for how much before I hit up, say, Macy's, and come across the same pair of Lucky Brand riding boots for twice as much.
So, that's where I've been the past two evenings. I'm probably a weirdo, but I like nice things, and I'm picky about things. And I'm not willing to pay real-Nordstrom-prices for them. And by not willing, I mean now that I just signed over to my Virginia address, I can't afford them, thanks to this lovely surprise called state income tax. (What the hell is that crap? Florida had it right sparing us all). And I didn't find anything I loved (well, except for this one sweater, but my roommate and my boyfriend would never be seen with me in public if I wore it... hmph). So this weekend, I'm hitting up the real mall.
To put this shop-a-holic-ness into perspective, I'm not just being a brat about wanting more clothing. In fact, I really don't have the closet space for much more. (I live in a house built in 1939... apparently everyone was just naked in the "old days".) Let's keep in mind that I moved from Florida. You know what I wore in the "winter" in Florida? Leggings and some Ugg boots and a Northface. Like, every day. Oh, in addition, half of my undergrad daily wardrobe consisted of sorority tee shirts. And then add into that mix that I purged my closet when I moved, of everything too-small or too-ugly or too-worn-out. And now I'm in a state with seasons and I wear business clothing 5 days a week. Case-in-point: I need clothing. I don't think I can get through fall and winter with the two sweaters I own. I'm probably going to need a real coat. And some gloves. I can't wear Uggs to work. Or leggings. See my dilemma, people!?!?!? It's a wonder I'm not showing up to the office in a Snuggie at this rate!
So, after thinking long and hard about what my wardrobe needs, I've compiled a list, to save me from making any more shopping blunders (*cough* Lilly end-of-summer-sale *cough*). I know you're really curious about what I want so that you can buy me a gift and mail it to me...
- A coat. Like a cute, not-flared-at-the-bottom-because-I'm-not-seven-and-don't-wear-hoop-skirts coat. I don't want doo-dads and hoo-haas all over it. I don't want it to be a tacky black felty fabric that collects more lint than a Swiffer. Just a normal. freaking. coat.
- Boots. Not cowboy boots. Not rubber boots. I need a black pair and a caramel colored pair. I don't want buckles and straps and bling. I despise suede. They must be real leather. And no awkward heel.
- Booties. Specifically, this pair of Vince Camuto black suede stiletto booties I saw in the Macy's catalogue. Because who said booties can't be work appropriate.
- A bright-colored cardigan. I'm thinking a pretty yellow or coral. I'm starting to look homeless, relying on the same black one every time I'm chilly at the office.
- Thin, soft, not-turtle-neck sweaters that can be tucked into pencil skirts and slacks. Sweaters that don't make me look like I should be in a cottage with ya-ya baking bread while Pa herds the sheep in the mountains. And I honestly don't know who ever thought a turtle-neck was attractive, but I'm just going to go on record saying it totally isn't. And turtle-neck-tank-tops are not only heinous, but incredibly pointless. Your neck gets cold but your arms don't? What?
- A colored pencil skirt for work. Who says winter and fall needs to be all brown and black? I'm definitely on the hunt for a pretty darker teal color.
- I could probably use a good pair of tights. Like, a textured black pair. And some thick socks for boots.
Kidding!
Love,
N
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