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Big changes are in store for me. I'm going to return to work after 15 years of being at home. I've been on some interviews and am waiting to hear about a couple of positions (fingers crossed!) and exploring my options. Fortunately, my previous experience looks like it might lead to a great job and I'm getting my ducks in a row while I think about what the future has in store for me. I managed to cobble together a couple of outfits for my interviews but, scanning my closet, I'm realizing that though I didn't spend the last decade in tee shirts and jeans I certainly don't have what could be considered a "working wardrobe."
With this in mind, I've spent some time browsing the internet for suitable outfits for this next step in my life and have seen some things I like. And then I was offered a terrific opportunity from TJ Maxx in the form of a $50 gift card and an invitation to shop.
I have very little experience with TJ Maxx but jumped at the chance to look for some back-to-work clothes and thought about what I'd go in search of. I want easy to wear pieces that look professional and polished without being stuffy or dowdy. A tall order - or so I thought. I was in for a pleasant surprise.
My trusty photographer (Youngest) and I set off on my mission.
Is it possible to find a dress or separates worthy of my strict guidelines for $50? Apparently, it is.
The TJ Maxx near my home isn't especially large but it's well laid out. I quickly saw that there were quite a few areas in the store that I needed to scope out lined with racks of blouses, skirts, dresses, trousers and Junior-wear. After walking the aisles I had a cart of 18 dresses. 18 dresses for $50 or less!
We hit the fitting room.
The first dress I tried on was typical of many of the dresses I gravitate to. Sadly it "did nothing for me." It was boxy and heavy and not at all flattering despite its sweet round collar and open knit-work. I realized that it looked exactly like my winter coat. NEXT.
Wrap dresses are always a flattering option. The vee neck draws the eye upward, the ruching near the wrap hides bumps and bulges and the deep brown fabric of this dress favored my skin tone - I liked the sleeves too. It was too much dress for me though, and, although it was my size, the neckline dipped too low for me to be comfortable with in an office setting. There were plenty of other wrap dress options in the store, in a multitude of warm autumn hues, but I moved on.
I like to bring one or two pieces that are out of character for me into a fitting room. You never know when something you'd normally ignore might turn out to be a good choice...that's what prompted me to grab this patterned silk dress.
It was pretty and flow-y and still ONLY $50, but too far out of my comfort zone for me to choose it. It would look great on a tall blond, and I am neither.
This little dark blue number was another dress I might not have grabbed under different circumstances, but it turned out to be really lovely. 
It had wonderful pintucking all down the back and was beautifully tailored. Between the pockets, buttons, sleeves and belt it seemed like there was a lot going on but the cut was very flattering. I might have bought it...except it occurred to me that it might possibly be out of season before I had a chance to wear it! As a spring/summer dress I felt it should have been reduced (and it might be by the time this posts) and I returned it to the rack.
My optimism was still intact when I tried this one on -
Gorgeous, black (my favorite), easy to wear, and from a famous designer, it had all the qualities I was searching for. It fits me beautifully, has just enough detail to not be boring and feels great on. It's cut beautifully and hugs my curvy frame without
