My (Tentative) Shopping List

So here's the thing. Since I am in the midst of a weight loss journey as well as a new personal style journey, I am conflicted as to when I should buy my new wardrobe items.

I need new clothes now, because the (few) things I have are getting more and more loose as the days pass. But, I'm nervous to buy anything now as it may also start to fall off of me in the coming days!

Ughh! What to do?!

I don't plan to get many pieces to start off, just basics to mix and match and add to it over time.

The tentative list includes -

Pants (black, gray, tan)

Blouses (black, white, a few fun colors)

Camis (black, white, gray, fun color)

Cardigans (black, white, gray, fun colors)

Blazer (black, another neutral color, maybe a fun color)

Pencil skirt (Neutral color)

A-Line skirt (Neutral color)

Basic wrap dress (Neutral color)

Basic shift dress (Neutral color)

A few pairs of tights (black, gray, fun colors)

I'm not including things like shoes or accessories for now. I also haven't considered outerwear (I've always wanted a classic trench!). I'm really focusing on my teacher clothes, just because I feel like I can salvage a few casual pieces I already have. Plus I'll probably be spending most of my time at school anyway.

I use the term "fun color" a lot. Really, I'm referring to anything that couldn't necessarily be paired with everything in my closet. Orange, bright blue, neon green, pink purple, etc.

Welp, on to actually buying things!

P.S. - What do teachers wear on their feet?

A Girl In Uniform

Like I said before, I am a firm believer in finding what works and sticking with it. I have my own version of a "uniform", pieces I can put together without much thought for those days when I have ten minutes to get out of the house.

The most chic and stylish people have their own sort of uniform. Janelle Monae with her black and white ensembles, Beyonce in her high/cinched waist outfits, Michael Kors in his black shirt and aviator shades. You will usually see people in some variation of the same outfit. We don't always have the time to obsess over fashion the way we'd like, so having a go-to outfit can save time and effort and still look good.

Some of my own favorite teacher-like pairings include:

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 Dress and Cardigan

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Skirt + Blouse/Cami and Cardigan

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Ocassionally I'll wear slacks (with a blouse/cami and cardigan)

In cooler weather I may swap a cardigan for a blazer. Throw on a statement jewelry piece, structured bag, and a comfortable heel (but usually a wedge or flat).

See the pattern?

So when I'm putting together my wardrobe, aside from basics and special occasion pieces, I plan to focus on and invest in items I'll wear most often and have the most variety with.

On to making a shopping list!

Starting From The Bottom...

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"To build, you must begin with the foundation." 

 My closet is empty.

I've given away all of the clothes I've accumulated during my college years. Aside from a few keepsakes, a few favorite pieces, and a couple of dresses I adore but have only worn once, I am re-starting my wardrobe from scratch. Why?

1. My college style is/was very loose, flowy, hippie-chic. While I love it and it's very comfortable, I'm starting to yearn for a more put together look.
2. I have lost a significant amount of weight, and my clothes no longer fit well, nor are they really worth trying to tailor.
3. I begin my student teaching in June, and the real thing starts in August. I need teacher clothes!
4. I want to set a positive example to my students (and my peers for that matter) that a woman can embrace modesty while maintaining creativity, fashion-forwardness (is that a real term?), professionalism, and even a little bit of sexy (for after work hours!) 

I am a firm believer in finding what works and sticking to it. Over the years I have tried to be trendy without regard for proper, flattering fit. We live and learn, and now is as good a time as any to reform my old habits.

To new beginnings!