I'm just holding on for the ride, folks! My new job has, at it's outset, a certain degree of sales (ick). I don't have to "cold call," but I do have to build my own schedule and clients from a waiting list, and since I go to their homes, I have the travel time to consider. Once my case load is up and running, I can focus more on providing high quality music therapy services to a group of resilient and fabulous children and adults. At the moment, however, everything is in flux, the schedule is whack, and the budget is tight! I'm keeping my energy up by spending more time hiking outside, and am working on healthier habits with eating and exercise and spiritual quiet time.

Fashion wise, I'm not in my zone yet. Frankly, I'd love to dress for what I call a "high-powered creative" job. I'd love to be dressy and smart casual, with dramatic and retro touches. The truth is, however, that "high powered" vibe might be off putting when entering individual homes. It's also impractical when your day involves schlepping keyboards, guitars, drums, computer, visual aids, tambourines and cabasa...yada, yada, in an out. Oh yes, I have learned to balance my load perfectly while putting on shoes by the door!

Still, I want to look polished, and feel like myself. Here are some pics of what I've worked out so far.

1-4 These are outfits suitable for client meetings (which I'll have a lot of). I call these smart casual. 3/4 is the same, but I think this blouse works better tucked. The gillet in 1 is new, from Kohls (and I'll need a post on how to style it). The jacket in 2 is also new (in my Finds and fabulous -- I highly recommend). The bowed top in 3/4 is also new, and comes in a couple of solids, also.

5/6: Work to casual. #1 is an example of how I wear my peplum top and swingy cardi for work, and then for errand running. I'm loving my ivory slip ons and the crop flares! I hope to keep wearing crop flares with booties later on, but will need work on the styling! I like these proportions, and the outfit allows me all the movement and freedom I need.

7/8: dress over leggings for work at home. These are bad pics -- I almost didn't post them. However, I think these outfits work better in real life. #8 was a late night trip to WalMart, and is basically what I call "Upscale Lounge." This is the way to dress for a long day of car travel, perhaps. I could upgrade with a denim or moto style jacket and heeled booties. The dress in #6 is from SteinMart. I found it moments after I declared to myself that Tencel was "not for me."

9/10: Casual to Lounge -- I use this basic formula a lot for my work at home and errands. #9: I liked this outfit better than any of the items I tried on at Loft. #10 as literally early in the morning, writing emails -- and needing to redo my hair! Keepin it real!

More posts to come! I need Forum help to hit the right "notes" for my new lifestyle!