The thing is… once upon a time I used to LOVE shopping. I used to love hitting the malls and the stores, trying on clothing, and getting new stuff. These past two days, however, have been grueling. I returned the suit I’d bought at Filene’s Basement because it really was too big. Then I went to New York & Company to see what they were all about, as Kelle Belle suggested it. There shirts were AWESOME. They fit right, and were made for someone built like me. The pants were another story. Size 2 petite were too baggy and long for me. I don’t have time to get pants tailored, so those went back on the rack. I got great shirts there, but not so much for the pants. 🙁

Went to Old Navy… no luck. Didn’t even have anything for me to try on remotely close to my size. Went to The Limited (I knew The Limited or Express would have pants that fit me) and got two pairs of nice pants. Expensive (sigh) but I know they’ll last me and I know they will match the other Limited stuff I have in my closet. My other choice of pants is the Editor pant from Express. I am not sure where an Express is in Chicago yet.

My other big purchase was some bath bombs and that Ring of Roses stuff from Lush. That was something I promised myself I’d get once I got a job. I got two free bath bombs too, thanks to coupons and a special.

At any rate, today was exhausting. I got some stuff, and I am hoping and praying that this place doesn’t require suits all the time. I can’t find anything affordable that looks good on me, and I will have to wear the two I have over and over for a while. I am hoping the nice shirts and nice pants will be professional enough. I’ve been living in the business casual world for so long, I have no clue how this professional dress stuff works. And on top of that, I felt GUILTY for buying stuff, even though I need it for work. I’m so used to not spending this much money at once, and I just felt uncomfortable hearing those totals. But these are one offs, and because they’re decent quality, I shouldn’t have to buy too much more. I still need brown shoes and a bag. *sigh* Maybe next week.

(Originally published at Anywhere Is…)