Lesson 1: Pearls look good with EVERYTHING.
So do diamond earrings. ;
Going much better. I look like a freakin model in black jeans!
Yeah! Hang in there! You will learn a TON! Be sure to take selfies that you can share with your D and figure out what works and what doesn’t and WHY.
If those jeans don’t come in black perhaps you could have a pair dyed black?
Should have read ahead if you’ve found a pair of jeans that makes you look like a model buy them!
Pearls aren’t really my style, but they do make you look like a grown up! I pull mine out from time to time, but artsy necklaces are more my style.
We love you, LM.
And if all you end up with is one black jeans and something outfit, you have taken a giant leap. One lesson learned is One Lesson Down. 
I scored! :-D. Details tonight.
YIPPEE!!!
Can’t wait for the details. Glad it was a success.
Giving me hope, LasMa! Maybe I’ll force myself to go shopping tomorrow.
Eagerly awaiting details… Yeah LasMa.
BEST news of the day!!!
Just prior to turning in, I had to check for the results of this shopping trip. This and the marriage/engagement threads, definitely have my full interest.
Sorry, this will be long. I will skip over the crying part. 
Regarding the jeans – thanks for the suggestion that I have 2 fits. I actually did order an 8L when I ordered the 10L. I’ll take it out of its package, wash it and put it into the rotation. I now have 2 pair of everyday jeans. Done and done!
So my basic work look which I posted the other day – neutral trousers, knit top, close to the body sweater – changed a little bit. Knits make me nervous because they show every little bump, but I thought that’s all there was these days. But no! There’s a thing that’s crepe-y which “floats” and does NOT show lumps. These tops are cut a little long for work but can be tucked in and bloused a little at the waist. Combined with a small, close-to-the-body sweater, it’s a look that’s streamlined and professional looking AND a little bit fun especially if the blouse is a print. The sweater can be taken off if it’s too warm, to reveal – wait for it – sleeveless! Which I was totally comfortable with, since I’ve been working out and even D commented on my new shoulders in the pics I sent her.
But wait, it gets better. It turns out that ALL of those work looks can be turned into date night looks if you substitute black jeans for the black trousers. That’s, like, double the wardrobe! And it fills a slot that was completely empty in my closet, the slot between work and everyday. Oh, and most of those work looks can ALSO be worn with the everyday jeans for, say, going to the movies.
But wait, it gets even better. If you pick the sweaters and the tops in the right colors, everything can mix and match. As it turns out, wearing the same top but with different pants and different sweater can change the look a lot! Who knew!
So here are the foundational things. I was willing to spend a little more on them:
The trouser. It’s plenty long: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-taylor-stretch-suit-pants-regular-petite/3919931?cm_em=&cm_mmc=email_tran--080915--dtc_order_confirm-_-proddescr2
The sweater. I got it in black, teal, and royal: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-three-quarter-sleeve-cardigan-regular-petite/3320328?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=RED+GERANIUM&resultback=268
And the jeans. I didn’t even ask for them, the shopper just brought them. (Good call on the brand, @amarylandmom ). She suggested the 8 rather than the 10, so you guys were right on about that. And again, plenty of length; in fact, I may need to have them taken up a little. Not a problem I often have lol. I LOVE them! http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nydj-hayley-stretch-straight-leg-jeans-black-regular-petite/3783014?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=1026
Now the shirts: This was the first I tried on. I don’t quite know why, but with the black trouser and black sweater, it just looked really put together to me, plus exciting without being scary. With the blue sweater, it was a different feel. Loved both looks. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-chelsea-stripe-crewneck-top-regular-petite/4054069?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=3356
More fancy and professional, for days when the directors are meeting at our office. Floaty: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-broken-flowers-funnel-collar-blouse-regular-petite/4054260?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=258
I got two of these, in Ivory-Red Heart and Navy-Blue Plaid. (They feel/look silky, not like t-shirt material.) They’re modelled casually, but trust me, with black trousers and one of those sweaters – and tucked and bloused – they’re a great work look.http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/caslon-scoop-neck-woven-tank-regular-petite/3946921?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Grey-+Green+Heart+Print&resultback=0
Another blouse for director-meeting days. It’s silk-y looking, and again can be worn with two different sweaters for different looks. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-pleat-front-tank-regular-petite/3896156?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=TEAL%2F+IVORY+SQUARE+PRINT&resultback=2967
And finally, this tank in white. (I could pay less for a tank at Target, but the quality was really obvious, so I splurged). I got this because I tried it with the black jeans and the teal sweater, and really liked the whole color-block thing. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/niczoe-also-perfect-tank-plus-size/3239998?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=White&resultback=0
ETA – I did go a little over budget, but not by that much. Totally worth it. I’m thrilled with everything I got.
Wow!!! You did very well!! Great looks!!
Really pleased that it worked out so well!! I really like the pieces you selected!
Can you talk a little bit about the personal shopping experience? How did they figure out what you wanted, etc.? If it is not too personal, what induced the tears? How did the stylist deal with that?
Was it like having your own personal session with Stacy and Clinton? (Of What Not to Wear fame).
Love everything you selected!! and love that you sound so happy about your new clothes. I hope you feel special and beautiful every day from here on out.
I’d love to read details as well.
So, so happy you found items you loved and feel excited about!!! Love the cardigans with the three quarter lengthbsleeves and the turquiose print blouse and of course, the jeans!!! Enjoy!!!
Success!
Great. You found lots you like, and learned some things too. Choices look good to me.
Perfect! Awesome choices. Glad to hear it was a positive experience despite the crying setback.