Professional Wardrobe

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

When I lived in Atlanta I used to pass a shoe store every day that catered to drag queens. I figured if anyone could do comfortable, large-sized high heels, they could!

I live in the West Village in NYC and was a time that 8th Street had nothing but shoe stores that catered to the Drag Queens. There's even a show on Broadway called Kinky Boots that's about a shoe company that makes boots for the queens. If you are ever in my neck of the woods, make sure to see it if it's still running.

Now..regarding your original post, first off lett me congratulate you @@Inner Surfer Girl. Going back out into the world is a scary thing and I applaud you. I wrote a post today that you should read. It's all about participating in our lives again. I think it's very timely for you. I've got no input on clothing tips but you've gotten some great advice so go with it.

What I can say is that once you are comfortable in clothing again, don't be surprised if you become a clothes horse. I know I have. I am playing with clothes and accessories like I was my own real life Barbie doll. I've overdone it, I know but I don't care at the moment. I have years of catching up to do so the fact that I spend on fashion jewelry, shoes, bags, and lots of clothes doesn't bother me at all. I've slowed down as my size has stabilized over the last couple of years.

I know you're not yet where you want to be but do try to have fun with this and buy yourself some good pieces. You are worth every penny of it!

Keep us posted on the job hunt. and enjoy your weekend.

Thanks! I can see how it can become an addiction.

I HOPE to be able to stick to quality, classic clothes and to develop a small, basic wardrobe.

In the meantime, I just need to cover my body.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,443]

I HOPE to be able to stick to quality, classic clothes

How did I know you'd say that?

I hope you and @@gowalking won't mind my throwing in my few cents although I'm tossing them not at the main subject matter.

Because Kinky Boots, which received top industry awards, including the Tony for Best Musical, was written by Cyndi Lauper (music & lyrics) and Harvey Fierstein (book), be sure it's awash with affection and kindheartedness.

The countless shoe stores on 8th between 5th & 6th Aves. disappeared years ago after many years in business. They catered to everyone, primarily the hip, young and young-ish. I wonder what the owners, Israeli immigrants, moved on to.

Now that you've brought it up, I'm recalling Lee's Mardi Gras on the third floor of a building in what has come to be known as the Meatpacking District, bordering and west of the Village. It, too, closed many years ago. The shop catered to drag queens and transvestites, carrying clothing and shoes in the larger Miss sizes and plus. I think 10 was the smallest shoe size; imagine mid-high Mary Janes in 13. Having heard about it for years, I stopped in for a look-around once when I was passing by. The visit was fun and unexpected, the atmosphere calm, understated, dignified, etc., etc. I'd expected the most flamboyant clothes, but found simple things, some definitely dowdy. My guess is that those were to suit secret dressers. Even the lingerie was simple, maybe only a few frilly pieces.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

My sister and brother-in-law saw a couple of shows in NY this summer. They LOVED Kinky Boots. Now, that is what I call the compression boots I use for my physical therapy!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I am heading in to a mock interview. Wish me luck!

[chycky 671]

Good luck!!!

[higher 966]

you got this!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Thanks everyone.

So, I did terrible but got some great feedback and have lots of homework/action items, and a plan of action going forward. I scheduled a second mock interview to follow up. Now I have lots to do to prepare for a second mock interview, and a reason to put together a second interview outfit so I will have more to choose from when and if I am ever called in for a second real interview.

By the way, I have found the whole process incredibly helpful. Prepping for mock interviews is making me get on the stick and plan ahead.

Hopefully when I get asked in for some real interviews I will be super prepared.

[gowalking 10,790]

I've been in my line of work now for 20 years. If you know you interviewed well, you can deal with not getting the job a whole lot better than if you know where you screwed up...or just that you screwed up. Mock interviews are a great idea and I'm sure when you interview for real, you will have the info and feedback you need to have a really good crack at the position.

[Christinamo7 4,041]

I wear a pair of Clark's mary janes for work. look good with a skirt or pants and have no heel.

Jjill's wherever line has sometimes a line skirts or gored skirts - and come in women's sizes and are very comfortable. they can be pricey - so I watch for sales. Don't know if there is a store near you where you could feel them and get an idea if you like them. they wash and wear very well.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

An update:

I ran into JCPenneys yesterday to pick up a top to wear to a football watching party on Saturday.

I found the shirt and also a Liz Claiborne (I think) black blazer in a size 20 and a dark teal blouse. I think I can wear them with a skirt I am getting altered. If so, I am on my way to my second interview outfit.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

The saga continues.

I went into the mall today (the first time in decades) and went to Soma for bras. I was able to get 2 on sale.

[highfunctioningfatman 2,675]

Good for you to want to go back to work! My sweetie is at that same stage. I've listed her as "hot housewife" on our taxes for the past 8 years. She has been looking hard since about June and it can be really tough. Best of luck to you!

[rolosmom7 740]

CROCS. I know that sounds crazy but it's true! We have an outlet mall nearby, and got 12 pair or so for 200. (Some for my husband). I get compliments on them all the time.

I have plantar fasciitis so good shoes were important. Don't like Clarks, Dansko is great but pricey. From Crovs I got black sandal wedges with a cork bottom, a pink pattern wedge with cork bottom, gray and red flats (just simple rounded toe), winter closed toe black wedges as well as brown wedges with tortiseshell edging. I got some fun blue peep toe wedges. And probably forgetting some.

They are excellent and don't look ugly at all these days. Higly recommend you wait for a sale and try them out. Can't beat the price.

Oh and I'm 5'10 , 310 at starting weight. So they held up a lot!

Edited October 20, 2016 by rolosmom7

[BooBee66 104]

Massey is another good online good quality shoe store

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