Looking the Part

I can't remember where I read it at, but somewhere in the blogosphere I read an article about things you should/shouldn't do in your attempt at acting like a grown up.  Things like taking a book or your kindle with you so when you have to wait you'll appear like you're doing some worthwhile and not just Tweeting on your phone (I am so guilty of this).  Another point I remember from the article was something about tucking your shirt in and wearing glasses because it makes you look schmancy smart.  I was reminded of this post as I picked out what I'm wearing tomorrow in hopes that I won't tear apart my closet in the morning.

Tomorrow is my first day interning/volunteering at B.  I'll be doing a variety of things ranging from front desk customer service, giving tours, and setting up meetings and weddings and marketing for B's events and venue.  It's a small gig, four hours a week and it's unpaid obviously.  The big thing about it though is this is the first gig I've gotten that directly ties in with my hospitality degree.

So of course I have to look the part.

Here's the thing about me.  I've gotten to the point where I enjoy dressing up in something other than athletic shorts, a tshirt and trainers or jeans, a tshirt and trainers.  The problem?  Finding clothes that fit and look right that aren't athletic shorts, tshirts, jeans or trainers or my beloved hunting boots.  I am a self proclaimed problematic picky shopper.

Let's start with my feet.  Big and wide feet, the Johnson Woman Curse.  Check it.  Every single woman in my family that is a blood Johnson has big and wide feet. I've come to find specific places in the Wichita area that has trainers that are relatively well priced and are comfortable.  However, on the other end not so much.  I've spend entire days in shoe stores trying on dress shoes and flats to find just one pair that my big fat feet fit in that I can wear all day, walk in them without blisters and still not hate myself at the end of the day.  I have had no such luck so far.  I should be thankful that I have a pair of flats that I can pass as work appropriate even though they are in the color of glitter.  The pair of low heels I have, the ones that are also slip resistant so I can wear them in a kitchen, are good as long as I don't need to do a bunch of walking because I trip out of them easily like when I first toured B's.

Next: pants.   I've finally been able to find nice slacks that are wide enough for my waist/hips and don't drain the bank account.  However, it means that they are a few inches short.  I've always had this problem with pants so it's no surprise that I'm having to deal with this.  This is why I've been so focused on trying to find dresses or skirts in my size that hit my legs just right so I don't have to fuss about finding pants long enough. I mean, give me a pair of thick stockings to go with my dress and I'll be set for the rest of winter.

Shirts are the second frustrating thing to shop for after shoes.  My shoulders make it damn near impossible to find blouses that fit right but don't look over sized.  I have man shoulders basically and it's a pain in the ass to shop for cute feminine blouses when the shoulders make it impossible to put both arms into the shirt at once.  Oh, and let's not forget that I'm super picky about shirt length too, so there's another for the list.

Even though I have this long list of issues that makes me a super problematic shopper for anything clothing related, I really enjoy dressing like a professional.  I know it's me growing up finally and accepting that not every place will let me wear jeans and boots to work on the daily.  I think I also really like the idea of making myself appear all put together and confident when really my life is a mess and I think I'm going to trip going up the stairs at B's every time I have to give a tour.  I like looking the part, it's fun!