Schlumpy
You know when you are just starting a new job, and want to look your best? You wear all of your most professional clothes, and get up early each day to do your hair and/or makeup just perfect?
Ha.
Apparently, I am SO over that. I’ve worked at my job a little over a year. And I think I’ve become comfortable.
I’ve turned into a schlump. And if that isn’t a word, I mean I’ve turned a bit… sloppy? Casual? I’ve given up trying?
I still dress to impress when I’m meeting with clients. But I never wear heels to work anymore. I almost always wear my hair in a ponytail. I almost always wear some button-down shirt, untucked, with pants (never jeans).
I look unprofessional.
It’s time to start caring again.
I’m getting a haircut on Saturday, so that’s a start… but where do I go to buy professional clothes, for someone a bit “larger” and not break the bank?
Because when you look like crap, it affects your attitude too.
Themocracy
How about “frowzy“? Perhaps more extreme than you mean, but I like the sound of it.
We always know when someone is a new employee because they look… nice. Short of coming in pajamas, my office is as casual as you can get. Any time someone wears something nicer than jeans and a tshirt they can’t walk down the hall without someone asking why they’re so dressed up.
Macy’s and Nordstom Rack. Macy’s has sales every so often and Nordstrom Rack has a pretty decent selection of good stuff that won’t break the bank.
If neither of those two work, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s have always had some good deals.
My job is pretty much a “jeans and tee” job….it’s just my boss and I and there is no dress code. I find myself making sure to do my hair and makeup just so I can believe I am taking good care of my looks ;). So yeah, I feel ya.
Even though I work at a non-profit, I try to dress it up a notch because it makes me feel better about myself. I’m a bigger girl (bigger than you so maybe the stores I shop at won’t work) and have found good deals at Lane Bryant, Old Navy and Target.
I really like Ann Taylor Loft. For me it’s great, because they have a good petite section. It’s a little pricy, but you can get some good, long-wearing classic pieces, especially pants, that you can mix with lower-priced stuff from other places. Target usually has some nice tops.
I’m definitely looking to refresh and professionalize my business-clothes wardrobe this Saturday in anticipation of my new job. D & I are going to Kohl’s to find some nice new business-casual stuff to replace some of the older shirts and pants I have. I might even have to buy a cheap suit, just in case I’m working at a client site that requires one…
Ann Taylor and JJill. We don’t have a dress code, but I still try to look professional everyday. I think it’s hard enough for a woman to be taken seriously, so even if I am wearing jeans, capris, whatever, I try to dress it up a bit with heels, or a nice blazer.
Good for you on the haircut, that always makes me feel spiffy! It’s true, what you wear is a reflection of how you feel too…. so, hmph…. time for me to get back to looking professional too! Great post!
i keep MEANING to get up in time to blow dry my hair and put on makeup. so far it’s been about 3 months since i’ve done either. huh.
anntaylor loft – you can find some nice things, sometimes they have good sales, but hunt for clearances because they can be pricey
Try a great resale boutique! I love the one in Libertyville right on Milwaukee Avenue – it’s called Upscale Resale. Also if you’re going to shop online – try my favorite coupon website – it’s http://www.retailmenot.com coupons and discounts for so many e-tailers.
claire – Ooo, frowzy is perfect! A new word, hurrah!
Jenn – That’s funny. When someone is SUPER dressed up in my office, we always ask, “Do you have a meeting today?” Hee hee.
martymankins – There is a Nordstom Rack two blocks from my office! I should check it out sometime this week during lunch.
Hilly – Can I come work with you? tee hee.
sizzle – I have been getting pants at Lane Bryant lately. They have a lot of nice stuff! I need to go there more often! 🙂
Stephanie – Ann Taylor Loft has such classy nice clothing. I agree… I just need to make sure I have a coupon 😉 Otherwise, Target it is!
E – Were thew new outfits a hit? 🙂
Robin – I love heels and jeans. It looks smart, modern and SEXY! 🙂
javaqueen14 – The haircut worked! I’ve been wearing my hair curly since I got it, and I think it looks good… but I am already getting a bit tired of taking care of it. Ha ha!
Alice – The blow dryer is my arch nemesis. I know how you feel!
Gina (Mannyed) – Thanks for that coupon. I didn’t get to use it, but a few of my coworkers did. Dammit! I should have stayed in town this weekend so I could shop there!
Maris – I will have to check that place out. I love that downtown area on Milwaukee. And thanks for the link!