big-girl clothes

When we were in elementary school, my mom would always take us to get new outfits for the first day of school. Mini shopper that I was, I would spend what seemed like hours scouring the racks for the perfect ensemble. It was such a highlight - thinking through the impression I wanted to make, finding the right accessories, and not giving a moment's thought to how I would look in yearbook photos down the road. Recounting exactly what I chose would be counterproductive, so kindly look away from the sunflower overalls and turquoise peasant blouses and follow me to the moral of the story: Big first days are bolstered by great first-day outfits.

There have been many other big first days since I was in fourth grade, and I have gone shopping with mom for almost every one. It's weird, in some ways, that dressing in new clothes should seem like the best idea for a first day, when these new people have seen virtually none of my wardrobe. Anything I wore would be new to them. But for me, there is something that feels appropriate about greeting a first day somewhere new with a new first-day outfit.

About a week ago, I got a call offering me a job with a PR firm in San Mateo. I start next Monday. So, this weekend, I once more headed to the mall with my mom and picked out a new skirt and top and trousers . . . and while I have yet to decide exactly what I will wear on the first day - aside from the shoes that never fail to inspire great confidence - I loved getting to do with my mom what we have done together for years. Plus, I felt a sense of connection to my eight-year-old self. I might have been in a slightly classier store than Limited Too this time around - i'm not hating on L2 - but I like the idea of a ritual that started so many years ago and for such a different occasion, continuing on now. From preschool to the first day of work at a grown-up job . . .

It's nice to know some things never change.
And nice to know that my style has. At least, no more velvet sunflower overalls.