A well chosen outfit, and I am glad that your 'first day' went well.

I hope you had a succesful first day, you looked the part. Once you've managed the commute it should be a breeze. I was thinking about you when I got an email about Talbot's now having personal shoppers. Another option? Bring some young blood in there please.

You truly did Dress for Success today, Rae! That outfit looks fantastic, and even more important, *works* fantastic for the challenging not-the-norm day you had --- yet you couldn't even resort to gear, and you turned up in style. I hope DFS is impressed. I certainly am.

Adore the blouse.

And thanks for explaining the choices you made --- I love posts that do that, because it helps the more 'challenged' of us (per moi) figure out how to put together a 'working' wardrobe that also looks super stylish.

You passed the initiation, Rae! You look great. I already know your clients will adore you.

Rae, you indeed look amazing. And what dedication--using half-arsed public transport and traipsing all over the city! They are so lucky to have you.

I'm so impressed that so many women here are starting to volunteer for this organization.

Claire, you are right about the booties. I could have worn them just fine due to the dressiness of the rest of the outfit.

Mona, Dress for Success is a non-profit that helps disadvantaged women get jobs. They partner with groups that do career counseling, and DFS provides interview outfits and starter work capsules. It's a really great program!

Jeanne, that's great news! I would not mind working at Talbots at all - I always seem to see great coats and jackets in their catalog. The closest one to me is not all that close, but it's not all that far, either.

Manidipa, thank you! Not all my outfits are this based in practicality, but this one was all about it.

Oh yay, Rae! So happy you're going to join DFS (and you too Ariadne!). Your clients will be sooo lucky to have you! Your outfit was perfect--you look radiant in cobalt, and you rose to the challenge of finding an outfit that works for public transportation and walking. In SF, it costs me about $10 each time to park in the garage downtown near DFS but I'm pressed for time so that's the only option. I can't wait to hear about your first session! So excited for you!

BTW for anyone else considering signing up, I can't vouch for the other DFS branches, but for ours in SF the volunteer orientation was more of an informational meeting than a screening process. I was half wondering if there was going to be some sort of tryout process ("Create a full suit with accessories in 5 minutes!") to be selected to be a shopper, but of course that wasn't the case. They are happy to get all the help they can and anyone can sign up for the personal shopper shifts. So if anyone else is considering volunteering, don't be intimidated! I have zero experience with personal shopping for others but it went fine! As long as you are enthusiastic and willing to pitch in, they are happy to have your help!

Others have already said it, but you really look great. Not just your outfit, but what a radiant smile!!