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First "grown up" purchase

bj1111

Veteran

When i got paid from my first proper job that I found, interviewed for and got by myself, I bought a cream linen Adrianne vittadini jacket with huge linebacker shoulder pads and a chevron pattern. I felt so grown up when I wore it. Wore it to class, took it on a tour of hostels in Europe, wore it for a job interview where I was so inappropriately dressed but managed to get the job anyway.

My best recollected outfit was on a disastrous trip to Paris where the weather turned so cold that I wore literally every top I packed including a tank, a long sleeved tshirt, a burnt orange wool sweater from the gap and this jacket. Filled empty water bottles with hot water from a tap in our hostel room to help me sleep.

kept that jacket for 20 years before purging.

What about you?

General

31 replies

Latest reply was from Ledonna N.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, what a wonderful topic for a thread!!

My first "grown up" purchase was an absolutely sensational coat that was way over my usual budget. I was in school and working as a waitress to support myself. One of my colleagues, Vittorio, was the most elegant man I'd ever met. He loved to shop and one of his favourites was the small Toronto designer (alas, I've forgotten the name) who had a shop next to Holt's on Bloor Street on the second floor. They made updated classic garments with gorgeous lines. (I wonder what happened to them -- although their designs were expensive for me, they were very inexpensive compared to most designer stuff, and for a while they were the darlings of the fashion press in TO.)

Vittorio bought a suit in a colour he dubbed "Manhattan Vanilla" and also a camel coat, and I went with him to pick them up. He persuaded me to try on one of their women's coats. Was I more in love with him or with the coat? Who knows...

It was a just-below-knee length navy blue double breasted shawl collar wool gabardine, with -- yes -- shoulder pads. It cost me a full month's salary. And it made me ridiculously happy. It was lightweight, far too light for our cold winters -- so really, an impractical spring and fall coat for my climate -- but I did not care. I think I had it for a decade at least.

And I still love coats in that approximate style.

kkards

Veteran

bought one of those iconic coach handbags, circa mid 1980s...still have it....haven't used it in about 25 years, but it was such a luxury for me at the time...and really was the start of my buying for myself by myself instead of shopping and buying my mom's way.

Staysfit

Veteran

I purchased a coach purse. I recently gave it to my DD. It is one of the classic styles. Cognac colored leather. Fairly small. It needs some TLC but DD likes the worn look.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

My knee-jerk response is to say that I am still waiting...I'm almost 50 years old and I still buy things according to the wrong impulse or look back and feel like the things I bought and happily wore for a long time were inappropriate and foolish. So...still working on "being adult". It'll come eventually, I guess. That's one reason I read this blog and forum

One time, I tried really hard to be adult, though. I was just about college age and I had to buy something for a summer wedding. I shopped at a higher-end store than I usually frequented--can't remember if it was a NM or Bullocks's or similar. I came away with a purple silk dress--very simple, sleeveless, with a gathered, circular neck, gathered elastic waist, and full skirt that was actually a split skirt, if you could even tell. I had it hemmed to length which was a HUGE step for me and had the spare material used to make a wide, self belt. Soon after the event, I saw that the same dress was worn by a lovely and stylish character on a soap opera. I felt so proud of my choice! Because it was "vetted" by the stylish character! I never did feel comfortable with my accessory choices and shoes, though, and didn't often wear the dress after and it lived out its life as a kind of trophy.

rachylou

Veteran

What comes to mind is a Donna Karan outfit. Rib knitted leggings and matching tunic length swing sweater. Looked like something the mom from Lost in Space would have worn. $300 (my rent was $600). I was very proud of it. I hit crazy and a fair amount of money with one stone. Now I wonder if it was a bit too much. Then again, those weren't depression times like now. My Ferragamo aunties noticed tho with titillated delight. They love slightly spendy scandalous stuff so long as it isn't garish.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

When I think adult I think money and suits or similar work clothes. But my first special purchase was a dress that I saw in a boutique when I was single and living in the city. It was white, black, red and purple vertical stripes, cut like a dream, with a thick black patent? belt that if I were to fit in it today I would replace. My hair was very dark brown, and I looked fabulous and I loved how I felt in in. It cost more than $100, oh, my!

Diana

Veteran

This Nanette Lepore skirt, probably 13-15 years ago. It's a little tight at the moment but I still wear it.

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Anonymous

Cream linen for me, too, bj1111! It was a skirt and jacket from Neiman-Marcus in Houston, worn with a turquoise-blue sleeveless turtleneck top. I felt like I had the world on a string in that outfit. I blew a month's paycheck on it, with no regrets. I don't know how I paid my rent that month; I probably just didn't eat!

Your AV jacket should be bronzed and in the hall of fame!

bj1111

Veteran

@Suz -what a great memory of a coat and a crush. The Italians (men and designers) do it for me every time. Shhh, don't tell mr bj1111.

@kkards and @Staysfit -coach was aspirational for me. @staysfit, your daughter has style, the smaller rectangles are reminiscent of the new jcrew shoulder bags. Ps, @suz pressie of danier conditioner is super for reconditioning without taking away that slightly broken in look.

@Emily K -ha! I'm midulting. Once bought a sharp shouldered suit in this decade because I could see Joan Collins wearing it on dynasty! still love the jacket.

bj1111

Veteran

@rachy --that sounded like an awesome outfit and June had some fun outfits in that show. When did the folk part of your persona develop?

@Barbara Diane--yup! It's the feeling from the clothes that makes you hang on to items for so long. I'll bet you looked fabulous!

@Diana --love that lime colored pattern. How great that you can still wear the skirt.

@Xtabay--so did you bronze your suit?!?

Thanks for all the memories, ladies.

Love how the common elements are how fabulous the clothes made us feel and the remarkable lack of regret!

El Cee

Veteran

Great topic. I am enjoying reading about everyone's fab purchases. Mine was a tomato red Norma Kamali shirt dress. It became a signature piece. Wore it for years until it was nearly threadbare.

peacechick

Veteran

I've never thought about this topic before but I would say my first grown up purchases were in my mid-20s from this little boutique my friend introduced me to that sold all kinds of discounted designer clothing with the tags cut off.

I bought this beautiful taupe-colored sheath dress that was made in Italy and for the first time experienced the magical trifecta of quality fabric, cut and fit. It looked like it was made just for me. I wore it to an interview and got the job I wanted, so really, thank you dress, wherever you are now...

Anonymous

LOL, bj. I should have bronzed it, but I'm pretty sure I eventually passed it on to my sister. It's enshrined in my memory, though!

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, I'll have to ponder about the folk element! I suspect there have always been hints, starting with my Heidi dresses and always being made to tie dye and wear it when I was little (hippie kiddie crafts! Native Wear!). I took a big break tho in my 20s trying to mainstream it and taking up the professional life...

Dee

Veteran

My first was a Kate Spade handbag. It was the first "designer" brand item I ever bought, and I paid full price for it from Nordstrom (my first Nordstrom purchase ever as well) after longing for it for about six months. It was my gift to myself after I finished my PhD in my late twenties. It's a classic crossbody/satchel that I expect to have for a long time.

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Carla

Veteran

Late 70's I scored a wool/silk dirndl style skirt by Alfred Sung at the toniest women's store in town. It was a gorgeous plaid of many fall colours, mostly greens with a thin turquoise thread, and lined in olive. The same store had some dainty olive leather pointy toe shoes with a low heel and real leather soles! I had the shoes resoled once, and wore the skirt until the threads gave way.

Andrea H

I think mine was a fuchsia with cobalt blue patterned silk dress I bought for Christmas 1985 when I was pregnant with my son. I don't remember the maker, but I know it cost over $100 which was an exorbitant amount of money for a dress when I was making 14k a year. Plus, y'know, it was a maternity dress. And terrible colors on me.

What I remember more fondly is the outfit I bought myself circa February 1987 to celebrate being back to my prepartum size: skinny Guess jeans with zippers in the ankles, a somewhat cropped thin lambswool leopard print sweater, and pointy toed silver loafers (starting the love affair with metallic shoes that persists to today). I'd wear every one of those garments today, except I'm sure I wouldn't be able to deal with how high waisted the jeans were.

JAileen

Veteran

The first nice thing I bought was this watch. I had just found out I had passed all four parts of the CPA exam, and I had just started working for one of the "Big Eight" accounting firms, and wore a plastic digital watch. One of my coworkers actually told me it was tacky. My husband promised me a nice watch, but didn't think he'd have to buy one so soon. Anyway, it was over $100, and we could barely afford it. I've had it for over 30 years. I don't wear it anymore. I recently bought this giant Timex watch at Target.

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bj1111

Veteran

@El Cee--so neat Ethan purchases become a signature piece. Is tomato red still a signature color for you?

@peacechick--congrats on getting the job. Just the right outfit can bring out your confidence and close the deal. How long did you have the dress?

@Xtabay--ha! Clothing shrines for those that are gone but not forgotten

@rachy--ooo, might need to hear more about how a waif went corporate.

bj1111

Veteran

@Dee--items bought to celebrate a milestone are great ways to remember events. Especially if you get to wear it frequently like a crossbody bag.

@Runcarla--that skirt sounds so gorgeous especially this time of year. And red leather soles...trend setter even before loubies.

@Andrea H--I remember guess jeans! Did you hop around to shimmy into that pair then lie on the bed to get it zipped? I know I did!

@JAileen--a friend has a timex watch that he dresses up with different grosgrain bands to match the occasion!

Thanks again for all the stories!

Laurie

We had elderly neighbors that wintered in Florida every winter. My parents sent me down via airplane (no one in the family had flown before) over Thanksgiving break. I recall sewing all my clothes for the trip including a bathing suit. This was in 1972, and I was 12. While there, I used all my birthday monies that I had saved to buy a beige trench coat (I recall it being quite stiff) and a pair of camel colored suede shoes. I recall my mother telling me how grown up I looked when I came off the plane. Still the classic dresser to this day.

unfrumped

Veteran

Two things come to mind, from about the same time frame, near the end of my training. The Coach bag-- their small rectangular shoulder bag, in black, purchased at a Neiman's while OOT at a conference. still have it; should maybe recondition.
Also a Dana Buchman silk party dress- long sleeves ! but sheer; fitted waist, knee length. It's gone now due to fit, but I'd buy an updated version in a heartbeat.

rachylou

Veteran

bj - I have to tell you, I'd traveled all over the world but I never had so much culture shock as moving just 22 miles for college. That's when I realised, really understood in my bones, the whole peace, love and recycle thing was not an inevitable progression and that it had not even taken root where it was supposed to have had... And I had better learn something about hairspray. I ended up living in the ghetto for 15 years, because truth, I only ever got so good at it and could not come home to a plot of manicured Miracle Gro and DDT after a long day of work.

Ha! Hehe

Altho, I did enjoy the driving range and trying to hit little golf balls in an evil plot twist...

Bijou

Veteran

I bought a royal blue suit - blazer with gold buttons and a matching skirt that came with a Chanel inspired gold chain belt. I was 22 years of age and in my first job out of university as an auditor (at a Big 6 Accounting firm). Clients often asked me if I was still at school, as I looked very young for my age, but when I got that suit I definitely looked more grown-up.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have a hard time remembering. I have bought some nice clothes from the time I was a teenager. When I was in high school I bought a dark brown fringed suede jacket that I still have. I am not sure if that counts as a "grown up" purchase.
In my early 20s (late 70s) I bought a Ports dress for a wedding from Holts Renfrew. It was a golden beige colour. I look good in that colour and not soul sucking. It was typical of that era. I think I only wore it once.
In my late 20s when I was looking for a job I bought a suit from Liptons. Liptons is a store that was around in southwestern Ontario. I am not sure if it was in other parts of Canada. I did not shop there. I shopped at places like Majorie Morningstar (?) and out of way boutiques. I was living in Toronto at the time.
The suit was totally different than anything else in my closet. It was blue. I never wear blue. The skirt was pleated. The jacket was a typical jacket. Anyhow it was a suit. And I got the job. In my suit which was totally not me.

Chris987

Veteran

I'm like Emily K, "still waiting"., and YLF is helping me on my journey. I have bought basic grown up clothes for years but nothing that's a true statement.

I remember some of the clothes I bought when I started working after college, for example a melon print qiana shirt and solid bell bottoms to match that were not expensive. Also like Emily, I had a magical purple dress. I wore it to be maid of honor in a friend's wedding in the late 80's and bought it at the same local boutique where she bought her dress. Peplum top and full skirt, silk, lovely watercolor type of print, to this day the most expensive clothing item I've ever bought. I only wore it twice, and it's the only item of clothing that my dad ever mentioned. It was a rough time of my life and I had lost a lot of weight so it never fit me once I was back to normal. I don't think I would have bought it if not for the friend's wedding, and I'm so glad I have a pic of it.

bj1111

Veteran

@Laurie--as a classic dresser from way bag, did you ever have style detours?

@unfrumped--coach purses are a recurring trend. Just resurrected mine from the same vintage. You should do the same...style twinsies! Also very reminiscent of the jcrew bag currently in.

@Bijou--funny how clothing makes people take you more seriously, even if you had the skills without.

@Style Fan--I wish I had a vintage fringe jacket. Do you still wear it?

@Chris987--that dress sounds like bittersweet memories. Would you consider posting a pic?

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

My first "grown up" purchase was a capsule actually. I remember like it was yesterday but it was about 35 years ago! I had just gotten an office job as assistant manager for an apartment community. I had very little $ so I bought several items that could be mixed and matched from a local boutique (on layaway no less). It included a deep olive green skirt suit, a burgundy/olive/cream striped skirt and top combo. And two additional tops, one was a short sleeve light weight burgundy sweater and the other was a cream colored light weight sweater. I wore the heck out of those items and had a talented friend make me a couple of additional skirt outfits that could be further mixed and matched.

Funny how now I never wear skirts but then it was a daily thing.

bj1111

Veteran

@rachy--I hear you about the manicured lawns and dodging the lawn service guys. Culture shock is a very real thing. Our town may be slowly turning over into a place I won't recognize in 10 years. Folks have been in the area since they moved in during the late 60s/70s, raised their families and retired in place. They're dying or moving into assisted living or with their kids.

Fancy brewpubs and dessert bars with $15 cocktails in our tiny Midwest downtown rubs elbows with the second run movie theater and the tattoo place.

Can't tell if it's the hipsters or the suv-armed young families that will change our town the most.

Now tell me how satisfying it is to take out frustrations on a golf ball!

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