The fact that it’s black tie didn’t really sink in until after I’d committed to take the place of another coworker who had to back out. I’m sure I can swing the attire — I have some black velvet stuff from the night I photographed Bocelli (*sigh*) – but I’m already self-conscious and stressing about it. I just keep telling myself that it’s worth it for a really nice free dinner.

I heard that my former boss will be there too, which is cool because the last few times I’ve tried to have lunch with my cohorts in higher ed, she’s had to skip for various reasons. I also heard that her dog of 14 years passed away last week. I hope it doesn’t keep her away. There will be several dogs (pets of dinner guests) there as well.

Tonight I made an unplanned trip to Kohls after reading my email. They had a one-day sale today, plus I discovered that the style of bra I currently use is still available. This must be the only time in my life where I needed a new bra, liked the type I currently have, and could actually buy the same style again. So while they were on sale for 1/2 off today, I decided to go get a couple.

Well, let’s just say that I had to pass the women’s section, in particular the part with business clothes…. and walked away $350 poorer. I didn’t forget the bras either.

What happened? I found some basic wardrobe pieces that I didn’t have yet and that fit well. That’s the key: they fit. And you can’t turn your back on that. I’ve learned the hard way that you have to seize the moment when that happens. So now I have….

by apt. 9:

• 1 basic black jacket (I’ve been wanting one to wear with some of my skirts)
• 1 basic med. grey jacket (I have a grey jacket, but it has a zipper… buttons are better in corporate. Plus this new one is better tailored.)
• 1 basic brownish suit

by Villager:

• 1 basic warm gray, faintly-striped suit and a coordinating blouse

I paid more for everything than I usually would have been willing to pay (except the bras), but it’s usually so hard to find formal stuff that fits and looks fine, and these are basic elements that I can now mix and match with both each other and things I already own.

AND………… I saved the best part for last. The 3 jackets by apt. 9 …… Are. Machine. Washable. How cool is that?!!

Thanks to a great reminder from my supervisor that thrift stores are the perfect place to get cheap suits and jackets to test my ideas on, I intend to see if I can make a “corporate goth” wardrobe. I don’t want to give away too many ideas so I’m afraid my readers will just have to wait for the results (and photos, if the style works).

Where did the idea come from? well, all signals in my current job are saying “abandon ship!” And I had a nice interview last week in the first step to landing a job in corporate-land with a former boss. If I do end up in corporate-land, I still need to have some fun (or go completely crazy). 

So why not?