Dreaded Clothes Shopping

I really hate clothes shopping, I always have. BUT I am in desperate need to update my wardrobe. I’m not the only one who needs A New Work Wardrobe.

Why? Because I need to start dressing for success. It isn’t just because my last semester of class started this month, but because my company is going through layoffs and my boss quit. If I look like  a slob, I’ll probably get treated like one.

The unfortunate part is that I have about 6 nice pairs of slacks in my pants drawer. Why is this unfortunate? Well, you see, I’ve put on about 40 extra pounds since they fit comfortably, and I just haven’t wanted to go shopping ,or spend the money to update my wardrobe.

It’s either go shopping for clothes or try to diet and exercise to lose 40 unwanted pounds while working full-time, going to class once a week, watching a baby once a week, and being a full-time mom to two children and wife to one Hubby. I’m drained just thinking about it!!

So- off shopping I went. Does anyone look good in the lights of dressing rooms. It made me want to cry standing in front of those mirrors in my bra and underwear- or it made me feel like some reality show about What Not To Wear or the one where they really make them look at themselves in their bra and underwear.

I sucked it up and went shopping last weekend. After spending $200 (and saving about $350) I now have 4 new pairs of slacks, 4 nice tops, 4 cardigans, and 2 dresses.

I’m excited by how much money I was able to save with coupons and sales. However, I could have saved 20% MORE at Kohl’s if I has signed up for the Kohl’s credit card. I think I had a 5 minute conversation with the cashier and her supervisor why I personally could not open an account with them.

The 20% sounded great- BUT I rarely shop at Kohl’s and I don’t want any credit cards hitting my credit score. On the positive, they said I could pay with my Kohl’s card, and then immediately pay it off at the same register. Thus I wouldn’t even walk out the door with a balance on the credit card if I didn’t want to.

Now that I have a few articles in my wardrobe- I need to work on updating the shoes and maybe find some jewelry that matches. Not to mention I could probably do with adding a little bit of makeup every morning.

Wow- one thing at a time! And that one thing was new clothes. I seriously don’t feel comfortable in slacks anymore. I do say ‘anymore’ because I used to wear slacks ALL the time and I didn’t feel comfortable in jeans, but it has changed. But give me a few weeks and I’ll be back to feeling at home in my slacks and ready to take the next step to my slow make-over.

Have you done any major shopping lately? And yes, this is MAJOR shopping for me.