Me and Mo: A Shopping Adventure

The Fashion Emergency

Monique, a dedicated orthopedic surgery resident, had been buried in hospital work for the past three years. Her wardrobe consisted mainly of white coats, worn scrubs, and tank top bras that did nothing for her figure. Despite her innate sense of style, Monique's wardrobe was more suited to the warm climate of her native Jamaica than the harsh winters of Connecticut. With her residency ending in May 2007, she needed a professional wardrobe that would last.

The Budget and Shopping List

Monique managed to gather $600 for her new wardrobe. Our goal was to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that her new clothes would last until the end of her residency. Here's the shopping list we created:

• Bras and new underwear: Always start with the basics.
• Layering tops: Great for wearing under suit jackets, sweaters, and other tops.
• Black velvet suit jacket: Sexy and slimming.
• Basic black dress: Versatile for dressing up or down.
• Earrings: Something basic and professional.
• Shirts: White and black.
• Pants: Black, grey, and brown.
• Shoes: Black boots and black heels.
• One fun item/shirt: To add a bit of personality.

The Shopping Spree

We headed to Westfarms Mall in central Connecticut, primarily because it had both a Lord & Taylor and a Nordstrom, essential stores for building a professional wardrobe on a budget.

Nordstrom

Our first stop was Nordstrom, which was having a semi-annual sale with an additional 30%-50% off. We picked up a pair of Ralph Lauren pants for $83.63, tailored to perfection. We also found black suede pumps and knee-high black boots for $80.00.

Total at Nordstrom: $163.63

GAP

Next, we went to GAP to find some basic layering tees. We found four t-shirts in black, white, pink, and purple, one of which was on sale for $3.99.

Total at GAP: $49.93

Lord & Taylor

At Lord & Taylor, we found a black Ralph Lauren cotton dress blouse and a pair of "diamond" earrings. Despite trying on several pairs of pants, nothing seemed to work due to Monique's improper undergarments.

Total at Lord & Taylor: $49.18

Filene's

Propelled by the need for better underwear, we headed to Filene's. After a heated debate over tank top bras, we compromised on a mix of comfortable and supportive undergarments. We also found a white cotton dress shirt, a black knit top from Kors, grey tweed pants from Ralph Lauren, and a beautiful Kelly green suede jacket from Inc.

Total at Filene's: $313.00

The Final Haul

Here's what we ended up with:

• 1 Bra and 6 pairs of new underwear
• 4 Layering tops
• 1 Pair of earrings
• 2 Shirts (white, black)
• 1 Black sweater
• 2 Pairs of pants (black, grey)
• 2 Pairs of shoes (black boots, black heels)
• 1 Suede jacket/top

Total spent: $575.74

Conclusion

We managed to create a completely new professional wardrobe for Monique, featuring designer items and tailoring, all within a budget of $600. The time spent with one of my best friends was priceless.

Interesting Stats

• According to a 2021 survey by Statista, the average American spends approximately $161 per month on clothing, which totals nearly $1,932 annually. Source
• A study by the American Psychological Association found that 64% of people feel stressed about money, making budget-friendly shopping a crucial skill. Source

By focusing on quality over quantity and taking advantage of sales, it's possible to build a stylish and professional wardrobe without breaking the bank.