Co-worker?

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I had those too. About the comfiest dress/casuals you can get.

ETA: You know you're on GC when a discussion about office romance turns into a shoe discussion.

Mine had an awesome beaded Native American gentleman on them. They were blue and he was red and white - very matchy matchy with the kilt.

Scandia, I understand that you like Mary Janes but if you are having a hard time wearing them without socks, maybe it's time to get some cute, stylish new work shoes! I bet if you make a separate thread about that people will be happy to help you e-shop.

[adpiucf]

Scandia, I understand where you're coming from. You get COLD. I sympathize. I'm cold in 80 degree weather! And for some reason, the hotter and more humid outside, the colder the A/C inside at work!

Ditch the skirts. You need tailored slacks, button down shirts and sweater sets or fitted cardigans. You can wear trouser socks which go up to just below the knee, and loafers or a closed toe and all over shoe with a little bit of a heel. Knee-high boots and low boots really are only for fall and winter, so you may want to invest in some simple flats for the summer.

I love DSW for shoes. For clothes, Ann Taylor is a great place to start. I used to work at an Ann Taylor Loft in college, and their associates do a great job of helping you build pieces for your wardrobe. It helps to start with a basic dark color like navy, black or brown and build a look around that color with items like 1) Slacks, 2) long fitted skirt, 3) just below the knee skirt, 4) blazer in the dominant dark color. And then going with complimentary shoes-- loafer, closed and open toe heel, sandles, boots. Then finding complimentary tops in patterns and solids and in a variety of colors. There are plenty of books on building a classic wardrobe out there.

The other posters are right. You walk a fine line between the styles you wear as a child, a young woman and an old woman. Your clothes (right on down to your shoes) can make you look old or frumpy, and not like the lovely young woman you are. When you dress a certain way, it can change your entire outlook on life and the way others see you!

If you can't find the right stores in Tampa, take a field trip to Orlando for the great outlet shopping!

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

Scandia, I understand that you like Mary Janes but if you are having a hard time wearing them without socks, maybe it's time to get some cute, stylish new work shoes! I bet if you make a separate thread about that people will be happy to help you e-shop.

Thank you J. Crew:



Classic argyle. Cute. May work better with Mary Janes and still look semi-professional.

[Rudey]

Why can't people just be straight up with someone else and tell them the truth?

Scandia you are a social anomaly.

-Rudey

[Jimmy Choo]

I would only say do the mary jane and sock thing if you are making it really punky. My LSAT instructor wore multistripe knee-high socks with the Doc Martin mary janes. I would never wear that b/c it's just not my style but since that does seem to be yours that's one way to wear it and make it funky, not old maid or childish. But if you want to branch out, like everyone has told you....DSW is awesome! You can get fanastic name brands at reasonable prices. And for something a little bit more stylish, amazingly I recommend Express for some very nice suiting pieces. I got a wonderful suit from there yesterday and it cost hardly anything, in terms of what a suit can cost anyway! I would have never thought I could wear their stuff b/c it's usually cut very small and the pants aren't always flattering on anyone with curves. But I highly suggest giving them a look b/c it's actually very classy and a hot suit can impress a man! I know my bf was highly impressed!

[VandalSquirrel]

I'm just going to say that this is based off things you've posted, so I may be way off, but it doesn't sound like you've had a lot of experience with relationships, and work relationships require finesse to handle even if they are good, or even more to handle if they go ugly, really ugly. When you date someone at work, even if it is the most perfect relationship ever you are going to have to deal with your coworkers making comments and everyone being all up in your business. I don't know if you're as open at work about yourself as you are online, but you may work with people who will use it against you. Why not just attempt a friendship with this guy as it seems you have common interests and if it becomes more than friends with common interests look at the situation then.

On to your work attire:
I find it odd that you work in a public library as a youth librarian and they made an issue of socks and Mary Janes. Most public libraries and library staff I've seen really rock whimsical stuff hardcore because of the kid factor. It isn't the way I'd dress, but it always felt like that was one of the only acceptable places to wear vests and sweaters with cats on them or earrings and socks with a shape or design. If you were a plain old reference librarian it wouldn't even be that odd, but a youth librarian it is the norm for a lot of places. One of my bosses is totally awesome, but wears socks with Teva rafting sandals and it makes me super sad Maybe you need to write Library Journal to the column on work place issues and they have people write in with their analysis. Just don't wear farm animal toe socks with Birkenstocks (I've seen this before )

[adpiucf]

I disagree. You should dress your age-- those kitten vests and funky socks look ridiculous unless you're a 7-year old child or a 70-year old grandma. Or you're a crazy eclectic punk rocker who can pull it off. I have yet to see a librarian I'd classify in the latter category.

Invest in some age-appropriate clothing and shoes. Look like the 20-something you are, and not a frumpy caricature of your profession.