[blueangel]

I'm a Talbots girl! You can't beat their petite sizes. We have three different Talbots stores within a half hour drive from me-- so I'm pretty spoiled. Talbots has the best sales!

Think "classic" when you buy, and look for good fabrics that will last you. If something costs more-- so what-- if you will be able to wear it for the next ten years. I literally have an Ann Klein skirted suit that I've worn for 15 years. It looks sensational, and never goes out of style.

I'd rather see you buy a few good pieces that you can mix and match for years to come.. then to buy lots of cheapo outfits.

Go to the nice stores (Nieman Marcus, Saks, etc) just to LOOK. Feel the fabrics. Look at how the buttons are made. Pay attention to seam construction and the zippers.

Then... go to lower priced stores and look for that same type of construction. Sometimes you can get very fortunate with some great buys at TJ Max or Marshalls... but you really, really have to look.

Look for natural fabrics-- or at least natural fabric blends. But a caution about linen-- it wrinkles like crazy. You can find beautiful linen blends that LOOK like pure linen but stand up better to a full day at work.

Try to avoid rayon at all costs.. it looks cheap.

John Molloy wrote a book called "A Women's Guide to Dress for Success" many years ago. The styles are outdated, but he gives VERY good advice on building a wardrobe and how to find expensive looking clothes for less. You can probably still find it in your local library. Worth reading.

I think you made a great start with a black pair of pants and a black skirt. Now, go crazy with blazers! Look for some good wool blends (Lands End has some beautiful career jackets), silk blends and linen blends. Buy some different color cotten or knit shells to go under them.

You can also buy a pair of white pants (they go with most colored blazers) for summer, and a pair of tan (khaki) colored. Grey is nice too. Just keep them classic. Pleats don't look good on anyone-- keep them flat fronted. I would also avoid cuffs on the bottom because they go in and out of style, and unless you're very tall, you probably can't carry them off.

I agree too with the advice to go easy on the shoes. Get two comfy pair of shoes for your dress pants (black goes with nearly everything), a pair of shoes to go with your skirt outfits, and maybe one pair of summer shoes.

I also have a very good black leather "portfolio bag." It's a soft-sided (over the shoulder attache case) that I put my purse and my lunch in. It looks very professional.

Do not wear flip flops. Do not buy "bar clothes" for work. Don't dress sexy, dress classic and professional. No plunging necklines, no "too short" skirts. Don't get caught in the "dress down Friday" trap. Dress down doesn't usually mean jeans.. it means khakis and a blazer or button down blouse.

Remember, you want to be taken seriously. You want to look professional. Always dress for the job you WANT not the one you have.