I’ve been preparing a long time for the internship in New York City this summer, and it’s been intellectually and emotionally challenging: writing and re-writing the lengthy application to sum up my life and spiritual development, lining up people who know me well enough to write recommendations, going through the intense interview process, sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear back, getting the ridiculous but required background medical check and uploading all the paperwork, not to mention forking out way too much dough. It’s been a long haul, but I’m almost there. Start date is June 1st. New York is waiting for me, and yes, I’m excited!

Now, the last big job is at hand ~ putting together the wardrobe. I was looking for these specifics:

1) Lightweight for the high heat of a New York City summer, but with a little throw of some sort for the air-conditioned workplace;

2) Beautiful, flattering, and colorful, to inspire the people I work with ((no looking like a minister, please!)

3) Comfortable and care-free ~ I don’t do ironing^^

4) Professional, but casual;

AND

5) Inexpensive to the MAX.

There was only one place to go. The Thrift Store, of course! Where else??

This is the Natick area’s fantastic second-hand store, Savers. It’s only an hour and 45 minute walk from Emilie’s place. Without a car and determined not to waste a single moment sitting at home, I put on my walking shoes and took off with an empty bag and high hopes. I wasn’t disappointed. A few blisters and sore legs and feet later….

Here is my New York Summer Collection.

This sheer black Lord and Taylor polyester dress shirt looks good with anything. It has roll-up sleeves, packs into a tight ball in the suitcase and always looks like it just came out of the dry-cleaners. My first find ❤

The polyester/spandex patterned pants I’m wearing with it are my latest craze. I found these new at Beall’s in Florida, and bought a couple of pairs in different colors and materials. They are soft, flowing, and gorgeous anywhere!

I can spend hours inside a thrift store creating ‘Looks.’ This jacket and pants ensemble by American designer Snoskins is one I expect to wear a lot. I love the color and the fact that I have a little jacket in case Sloan Kettering is chilly inside, which it probably will be. The capri length pants are one of my most exciting finds. Made by Staples, they’re 100% linen, fit perfectly and look elegant. I’m in love! The shoes had never been worn, and were exactly my size. Flat, pointed, and comfortable~ how cool is that!

I love the way I feel in black and white. The top is a DIY project from last year. I took a knee-length dress two sizes too large and turned it into a tunic top. I’ve kept shortening it depending on what I was wearing it with. Now it’s just long enough to cover my midriff, and it works with a skirt or slacks. The elbow-length sweater is by derek heart. Made of a blend of rayon and polyester, it’s light and a perfect arm cover-up for summer. Love this look! ❤

I was thrilled to find this Alfani top, and with the original tags on it still. The color is cool for summer and the design is womanly and flattering for a well-endowed woman like me! ha ha. I like that the fabric is stretch cotton. I am going to have to do a little altering, as it’s a tiny bit too large for me under the arms. Next post will show how that comes out.

I found this turquoise pullover at the Salvation Army Family Store in Clearwater while I was visiting my mother. It’s an Ann Taylor, so they had it on the ‘designer’ rack and I had to pay $8, but I was still pretty happy. I love the neckline, and the 3/4 length sleeves. It’s a great fit and the color really seems to make my eyes pop. Although it may be a little too warm for New York in the summer, I’m going to take it with me and see.

 

More black and white. This is a harve benard linen shirt that Susie gave me while I was visiting her in NC. It was too big, so I took off the sleeves and took the whole thing in, and put it back together. Now it’s a perfect fit.  I like the flower print and the crisp look, and the buttonless collar. Very feminine and practical!

These Vera Wang sandals make me feel like I’m walking on marshmallows. Worn, yes, but there’s still a lot of mileage left on these little puppies 🙂

I put this skirt by Merona together with a black top from the Dressbarn. The top has to be shortened a bit to make it look more youthful. In this picture I’m holding it up with my hand in the back to show how it will look after alterations. I loved the top instantly. It’s sexy but still demure. Will I ever wear it? Not sure, but it was only $4 and I was in the mood to be a bit daring.

Last but not least is the all-important robe to throw on in the middle of the night when nature calls. This hand-sewn kimono-style bathrobe is made of a linen blend of some kind, and feels cool even in the heat of the night. I love the colors and the shape, and how I feel when I have it on.

The total cost of this entire collection: $93 (includes senior discount). Not bad for a fashion lover on a budget.

I’m feeling happy, following my dreams, and wondering where they’ll lead me…

and in the meantime, enjoying the ride 🙂

See you in New York!