It’s a tough job, finding clothes that work at work

Approximately one week into my new job, I had a startling realization: I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

Unlike most women, who claim they have nothing to wear but actually have dozens of perfectly suitable outfits, I was completely out of options. Don’t get me wrong, I have jeans and cute little tops coming out my ears. But when it comes to attire that is reasonably businesslike, I’m sorely lacking.

Yes, I’ve been resisting the business-casual wardrobe and all that entails for some time now. I am not cut out for tasteful-yet-boring shoes. The idea of separates nauseates me. And I absolutely draw the line at hose. Tights? Yes. Hose? Never.

But Seven jeans and a smock aren’t going to cut it at a task force meeting – regardless of the fact that those jeans cost almost as much as my best suit.

Part of the problem stemmed from the fact that I recently completed a massive closet purge. I boldly threw gorgeous but ill-fitting pants and not-quite-right skirts on the Goodwill pile. I tossed two blouses that were white at one point in their existence. Anything with a stain, hole or pill got the boot.

Which meant I needed some grown-up clothes. And I needed them fast.

Any woman in her late 20s or early 30s will tell you it’s next to impossible to find professional, age-appropriate attire in the Bangor area, and I’m no exception. Dressbarn is good for dresses.

And I occasionally have luck at T.J.s – If you ever want a great-fitting pair of pants, snap up a pair of Theory trousers if you find them in your size. They’re a splurge, even at T.J.s, but they’re worth every penny. I have also snagged great Max Studio clothing at T.J.s and Marshalls. I like the selection at New York & Co., but if I’m going to buy a suit, I want something a little less trendy.

For work clothes, Macy’s just doesn’t work for me – I’m either too old or too young for pretty much everything there. Ditto for J.C. Penney and Sears. Clearly, I needed to travel.

As ShopGirl readers know, I’m wild about Mardens, – especially since I scored an Ann Taylor Loft suit there for $30 last fall. During a recent visit to L.A. (Lewiston-Auburn, not Los Angeles), I found another round of Loft clothes, and I couldn’t be happier. I treated myself to capris that match my suit, a great pair of pants and a cute jacket. I also bought two button-down shirts by Esprit, a cropped Express jacket, a $5 little black dress from Target, and – this is critical – a pair of Nine & Co. mules. Total grown-up shoes. The whole shebang set me back $80. The good news is, you don’t need to travel that far for bargains – the Ellsworth Mardens is loaded with Ann Taylor Loft goodies, too.

While in L.A., I had to stop at Steve & Barry’s, home of Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bitten line. Everything in the store is less than $10, and most of it is pretty cool. I liked the idea of a $20 suit, if not the execution. But what really caught my eye were the tailored blouses, dressy chinos and embellished shells – perfect for layering.

Since I was in the neighborhood, sort of, I made a jaunt to Freeport. And thank God I did. Banana Republic was just loaded with beautiful clothes, and everything was on sale. After nearly an hour in the fitting room, I settled on a pair of cream wide-leg linen pants, a plum shell and chocolate brown bootleg trousers. I briefly contemplated buying a suit, but I couldn’t find a jacket that fit.

That’s OK, though, because I had money left over for the Brooks Brothers basement (tucked behind and below the regular factory store). It was like they were giving things away. I scored a cashmere sweater for $19.90, a golf shirt for $17.99 and a seersucker dress for $24. It’s perfectly professional. It’s tastefully cut. I haven’t worn it yet, but I know it will be fabulous.

Oh, and there’s one other thing I know: I’ll never, ever wear hose with it.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. For exclusive online shopping tips, click on the ShopBlog icon on the bottom of the BDN homepage: bangordailynews.com.