As mentioned before, my 20-something status is ending very soon. In less than a year, I'll be embarking on my journey as a 30 year old. For awhile, I have felt that I wanted to project a new image as a woman in my 30's (whether I felt like I was truly that old or not!) I want to wear clothing that is a little more sophisticated, a little more classy. But, I wanted to be mindful, though, of obtaining this look on a budget. I've watched enough "What Not to Wear" episodes to know that I need to get some basic items in order to obtain my "look". These items need to be very versatile so that I can dress them up or down depending on the need. While I will still enjoy some days of "lounging" around in sweats, I want to be more put together on a daily basis.
Before I started shopping, I took inventory of what I already had and purged my closet of clothing that I no longer wear or doesn't go with my new look. I wanted to simplify my closet so that it wouldn't be difficult to pair items together. After doing that, I discovered that I had the basic pairs of jeans (minus a pair of skinny jeans...still trying to be brave enough to try a pair of those on!). Recently, I found a pair of trouser jeans at the Goodwill; it only took a few months of looking for a pair, but I'm so thankful to not spend a lot on them! Also, I have a few cardigans that will be great for layering. There were some shirts that would also be good under cardigans. But I was missing dresses, a jean skirt, shorts/capris and some shirts that could have multiple purposes. I also needed some updated shoe choices since my basic flip-flops aren't exactly the most fashionable footwear (oh, I will still wear them, but not as often!!!)
So for the past week and a half, I've been browsing the Internet for deals on what I need. If I didn't absolutely LOVE the item or if it wasn't versatile, I refused to purchase it. One store had a 25% off everything sale plus free shipping. I found needed items that were already on sale and then paired it with the 25% off, too. I'm was pumped =)
It's been a big mind-change, though, because I used to flock to the "Junior" section of a store. But I am now gravitating towards the "Women" section. Now, I will still shop the Junior section from time to time, but I don't want to project a "Junior" image anymore. I also noticed that I was attracted to more "womanly" stores i.e. Ann Taylor, Gap, etc. instead of Forever21 or Maurices (I did however find some basics at Maurices that were more womanly and for a good deal so I ordered them.)
Since I wasn't successful at finding a jean skirt that could be both causal or dressy at a reasonable price, I scoured eBay for one. I found a brand new Ann Taylor skirt that is right above the knees. It was under $10. Couldn't beat that, eh?
Saturday afternoon my shopping buddy and I went to the Goodwill and I found a few more basic items. I bought a pair of casual Bermuda shorts that will be great to go to the park in the summer; a pair of dark denim Bermuda shorts that can be worn with a wedge shoe or a simple sandal depending on the occasion. I also found a few more shirts. But I was super excited about a pair of Ann Taylor black wedge shoes. I've never worn wedge, but I was really attracted to these shoes (and the price!).
While a girl can't help but be excited about a new wardrobe, I'm also excited about how I am mentally trying to change my perception of the next decade. Yes, I still can't believe I'm not going to be in my 20's anymore, but I'm beginning to think about how this new era is a time to focus on what I do well and the things I want to change about myself. And that's exciting to me.
So watch out...I may not always be wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and a pony tail every time you see me. And that's a good thing!
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