Many of you may know that when I started my WLS journey I was on disability. After losing over 200 pounds (with a ways to go), I am starting the process of returning to work.

Up to now, I have been making do with my existing wardrobe with a few cheap additions here and there.

Before I moved to Kentucky I had a friend who sewed and made me skirts. I am harder to fit on the bottom off-the-rack and via catalogs due to my bottom-heaviness and lymphedema. My top is smaller than my bottom so even dresses are hard to fit. But, I can generally find tops online and now in stores.

I finally found someone here who can alter some of my skirts. I am going to see how she does and possibly see if she can make some new ones for me, too.

My biggest challenge right now is to come up with some basic pieces, especially for interviews, and shoes (absolutely no heels).

I don't know that I have any specific questions, I just wanted to put this out to the universe because it is on my mind right now.

Part of me really wants to be able to buy some nice clothes off the rack and have them fit perfectly! That probably will never happen but I do want to have the option of having a bigger selection.

The good thing is that even in our small town I have been able to find tops off-the-rack at several stores. I have been to a thrift store but may need to visit some consignment shops in Lexington. Whatever I do, getting some basic skirts made to fit me properly, even as I transition sizes, will be my best strategy for a while.

I am looking forward to building a good basic, chic wardrobe when I get to goal and s stable weight. In the meantime it is going to be an adventure!

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.

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!

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

Good luck!!!

you got this!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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, 20169 yr by rolosmom7

Massey is another good online good quality shoe store

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