[Nat]

I've decided to stop being quite so self-expressive at work and to begin trying to look promotable. I'm currently in a position which requires 2 years time before the next promotion at this company, but I've decided to attempt to dress like a professional for work. This is a new path for me, since I've tended to think of work as something I have to do and at the clothes I wear as whatever I can get away with. Anyway, I'm currently attempting to revamp my work-wardrobe in order to make me appear more professional. Thank the gods for the Austin Goodwill, where I have found some lovely snappy blazers and vests. I don't want to go to work looking like a corporate automaton, but it's occurred to me that my goals in life are changing. I would like to put myself through a sort of self-styled finishing school. I am proud of my upbringing and my class as well as my eccentricity and general fashion silliness, but in order to have a position that pays well enough for me to do things like purchase a home, have children, put them through college one day - I need steady work and a higher income. I want my boss to not think twice about having me in meetings with the higher-ups or to task me with things that require the competence I already possess.

Anyway, I've been reading some books regarding the current "rules" of corporate dress for women, and I may be posting some of this info here in this thread. I would love to hear about other femmes' professional wardrobe choices - including finishing touches and the like. <3