What I bought-but not for me!

One of my youth group girls has been selected for two leadership
trainings in the next few months. She needed clothes for these
trainings and internships, so we went shopping! The first session
she's going to is called Presidential Classroom, in Washington, DC, for
a week, the second is for Rotary International. Both require business
attire. She's a HS senior, from a very financially disadvantaged
family, and most of her current wardrobe is from thrift shops and
hand-me-downs from churches. I've been a mentor/mother figure to her
for a few years now, as her mother is disabled.

We worked out a shopping & packing strategy that involves matching most
everything, without being boring at all. She was allowed one splurge
piece that would have some longevity, but was really stylish. Kim has
light brown hair and *greeeeen* eyes, very athletic, size 4-6, about
5'4" (just tall enough to be too tall/long armed for petites, but not
quite tall enough for average).

We hit the clearance racks at the mall, Marshalls and TJ Maxx.

So, here's Kim's haul:
Skirt suit in forest green (classic cut, stunning color)
Bias-cut long-ish skirt in forest green, cream & gold
Wool slacks, kind of tweedy, herringbone dark beige, grey and a stripe
of green
Corduroy slacks in a paisley(!) pattern of browns, burgundy, greens,
golds (she chose them and surprised me-they're a little busy)
Pant suit in burgundy
Blouse with some interesting weaving details in cream
Fitted turtleneck sweater (silk & cashmere) in cream
Forest green wool cardigan sweater, with nice knitting details
Tunic with gold, green and burgundy print
Striped blouse, pink background with stripes of greens, blues, purples,
wine, yellow (much girlier than Kim usually considers)
Gold fine-wale corduroy shirt
Wool peacoat in camel (she's never had a wool coat)
Ballerina flats (kitten heel) in brown suede
Brown leather purse, good length straps, lots of inside zippered
pockets (her first purse)

And the splurge: Riding boots, brown with a slightly
weathered/broken-in look (clearance at Marshall for $60)

Total bill for the day: $307 Most of the pieces are Jones New York,
all from one grouping, so they work together beautifully.

We had a great day and she looks so pretty all dressed up. It was kind
of like "borrow-a-daughter-for-a-day."

Smokey...

I loved reading this! Thanks for sharing it. I'm sure you make a huge
difference in this young woman's life.

ahmward...

great shopping haul! Both programs are excellent. I've known students
who've attended them. Her wardrobe sounds perfect and it is one she can
use especially if she is working full or part time after high school.