My DD16 has decided it's time to get her first job. She's thinking of starting with a seasonal holiday position in retail. She has her heart set on a particular store (leaving out the name for her privacy).

This weekend I helped her put together a resume, then we hit the mall to find her an appropriate interview outfit - something conservative but still youthful - she doesn't need an interview suit, but she thinks she needs something a step up from jeans.

We ended up at Express - partly because I have some coupons but also because she has always had good luck at that store. With coupons plus buy-one, get-second-free plus discounts, she chose:

1) Charcoal grey Editor slacks, that fit her like a charm;
2) A pin-stripe, crisp cotton button down shirt that has adorable ruffles.... if you've been in Express, you have probably seen this adorable shirt!!
3) A cobalt blue vest to go over.

(and also a sweater dress!)

I helped by fetching different sizing - but with exception of suggesting the addition of the cobalt vest - the other choices were all hers! I was impressed with her good taste. She looks spectacular in this outfit - it's tasteful, conservative, but has flair - of which she definetly already has plenty!

This is the kid who makes her own clothes out of old tee shirts and dresses in what I would label "euro" and often edging into goth. For example, for our shopping trip she had on a black Amanda Palmer tee shirt, black and white striped skinnies from H&M, black and white checked scarf from Paris (borrowed from me), and black high top converses.

So the transformation into Editor dress slacks with crisp cotton pin-striped shirt was dramatic for this mom to see........ yet the ruffles were really all "Her." She strikes just the right note - professionally appropriate - but with her own personality shining through.

Meanwhile, she asked around at the mall, and was depressed to discover most stores require you to be 18. She's two years shy. The clerks at Express told her to try the grocery store as a good first-time job. She likes this idea, but was despondant because she wanted to wear the new clothes. I told her "go ahead and wear that outfit to apply - shows respect!"

I also cautioned her not to get too disappointed or discouraged if she doesn't land a job, because with the economy the way it is, there are lots of people older and with experience who may need the job more than she does.

Then ....

We came home to discover a letter in the mailbox inviting her to apply for this year-long teen volunteer program!! She has to write three essays and it's a highly selective program, but she is excited.....

She doesn't want to work for the $ (although that wouldn't be bad)... she wants to work for the experience; so she is quite fine with volunteering.

And now she has the interview outfit - whether it's a paid or volunteer position!

Wish her luck!!

"Proud momma"