Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Thank you to the poster who framed it so well: I want something between My First Job and Art to Wear. Thanks also for the poster who suggested Lafayette 148. I'll think about that. Some of the looks appear a bit older than I want, but I agree J Crew can appear too young (I especially think the shrunken jacket look skews young).

I have a small frame, so I can't pull off the super large/bold jacket/jewelry look. I'm a curvy size 4/size 6. A bit pear-shaped - delicate shoulders.

I liked some of the pieces (not necessarily the entire outfit) here: (sadly, this does NOT reflect my budget)

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306427543&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446888825&R=722557284855&P_name=BOSS&N=306427543&bmUID=l6BcwFe

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306427543&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446881279&R=888812098107&P_name=Nanette+Lepore&N=306427543&bmUID=l6BcwFA (jacket only)

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306427543&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446829243&R=8033781309200&P_name=Max+Mara&N=306427543&bmUID=l6BfoKL

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306427543&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446860760&R=889079182530&P_name=Diane+von+Furstenberg&N=306427543&bmUID=l6BfoK7 Maybe with a black shawl neck or mock-wrap fitted top, not a button up

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/prod182080047_cat19670732__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat19670732%2526pageSize%253D30%2526Nao%253D30%2526Ns%253DPCS_SORT%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod182080047&cmCat=product

I can probably swing some $400 jackets if they are amazing, but the $1000 jackets are a no go.

Anonymous wrote:OP - I am the same shape as you and luckily, there is a lot out there for us. I think your instincts are spot on point based on the links you posted. With those types of outfits in mind, I'd go to Nordstrom Rack and try to locate similar pieces. They often have a good selection of Hugo Boss and Tahari suits and dresses. They have a lot of Theory suits and separates too, but those are hit or miss for me (the blazers fit me well but I'm too curvy for a lot of their pants). I'd do a mix of classic with more modern cuts. I would stay away from cropped pants as a PP said, BUT a lot of dress pants are now ankle length, which is different. I think ankle length would be fine for you -- I wear mine with a classic blazer or blouse to stay somewhat conservative.

What is the attire of your potential clients? Do they tend to wear business casual? If so, then I'd take it up one notch from there - a blazer over a dress for instance. If your clients are mostly wearing business attire, I'd do the same -- classic suits with a pretty blouse, nice shoes and bag, interesting jewelry.

One final point and I might get flamed for this: wear some makeup. Do something to even out your skin tone, add some color (if you tend to be on the pale side), etc. You don't necessarily have to wear a lot. Even a little makeup will make you look even more polished and put-together, and I think it tells your clients that you care enough to put in a little effort.

Anonymous wrote:I highly recommend getting to a Saks the morning after Christmas when it opens...all sale stuff is an additional 50% off and a huge amount of my favorite work dresses, sweaters, suits, shoes, etc...were purchased at 8am on 12/26 at Saks! I can't normally drop $$$ on Saks clothes but the prices look more like the Gap when you are getting 70+ percent off.