What do you wear to work?

[beth anne herrin]

I know it's hot outside. And if this year is anything like last year, the summer will continue far into October.

This makes me wonder....If it is 90 + degrees outside, and the department stores have sweaters and wool coats in store, what are you purchasing and wearing to work?

This summer I have spent a lot of time visiting different "corporate" worksites and talking with both employees and HR folks about dress code. It seems that in most offices, summer brings a more relaxed expectation in the work environment. The exception seems to be in offices that have a high degree of formality (maybe a law firm).

I know for me, one of the hardest things to find as a plus size customer are work appropriate clothing. Seems that there are a lot of T's Tanks and capris out there, but is that really appropriate for the work place?

I would like your feedback and some input about the type of styles you wear to work (or would like to wear?) Is there a store out there that carries style in smaller sizes that you would like to see available in the plus size world? Example, I LOVE Banana Repubic and J Crew, but there just doesn't seem to be the plus equivalent out there?

Here is another idea; when you write your feedback, copy and paste a picture of an item you would like to have in your size.

So my question (s) begins:
What are you wearing to work?
What would you wear (brand or style) if you could find it in your size?
How do you transition your wardrobe into fall when it is still 90 degrees?
And here is the "pot stirring" question:
Do you think flip flops and capris are OK in the office?

Can't wait to hear what you all say!

[Kate Hayes]

I get to dress like a slob for work. :) Jeans and t-shirts are my usual get-up. Flip-flops, capris, definitely. But of course it depends on the type of business. I'm a typesetter who doesn't see a single customer from the outside world ever.

[beth anne herrin]

Kate:
Thanks for stepping in with feedback! OK, so work does not require more formal wear. I get the typesetting / printing thing....I don't think it would be good to wear expensive professional attire when you are in the printing world.

It also seems that a lot of jobs are home based. Good for those that are lucky enough to have employers (or your own biz) that allows you to work from home!

Kate, let's take this one step further; I am changing the scenario. What do you choose to wear when you are going out to a little more than casual event with friends? Could be dinner (a place other than Chipotle), maybe a networking event or seminar?

What would you choose then?

And...thanks for playing along with me!

Regards
Beth Anne Herrin

[Peppermint_Patt]

Hi! I am a retired teacher with tired feet. The last few years I taught I wore a "uniform" of a shell, over-shirt unbuttoned, and capris or pants. I was in high school and the desks and tables always snagged whatever I wore as I paced the classroom. I also stuck to tennis shoes with steel supports. It was always easy to fall amidst the bookbags, stray writing implements, and cords. For PTSA wearing a pant suit or dress was a major dress-up. I was careful in my selection of clothes, I looked like a teacher and very different from the students. I stayed away from huge prints and plaids, so I guess I was pretty blah.

Since I am retired and live at the beach I wear shorts as long as possible, capris to local meetings on the island, and church is even very casual here. For going out to dinner or somewhere off-island usually nice pants and top, rarely a dress.

I love the clothes that Maude used to wear on Golden Girl! I like longer tops and jackets that go below the hip. It is very frustrating to find clothing that I can wear and
most of all, feel good in. I would love to have some small prints in a shell blouse but everything is usually gigantic. It is tough to live in solids all the time. I tried buying a
swimsuit on ebay and that was a wash out, although I did find a swim short I like. Now I have to go back and sell my purchases to someone else. For years, when the kids were in school, then college, I got used to wearing the same old clothes. Now when there is extra for me to buy something, I can't find anything I like.
As far as Banana Republic, Gap, and any of the trendy stores, I don't go there to look cause I know they don't have my size. I shop in the catalogs a lot since it is too frustrating at the mall. Pat

[beth anne herrin]

Pat!
Great response! You are in the same place as so many of the women that I have received feedback from! A lot of the shoppers at www.realityplusclothing.com are educators. They range from elementary to college level.

I would say your comments were pretty much in line. Most like to wear shirts over tanks or T's. One major concern is clothes getting ruined in the class room.

Sounds like you are empty nesting and getting ready to spend some time and money on yourself! It is really easy to build a wardrobe that works no matter what your lifestyle. I would say build your wardrobe around a few great bottoms, and then put your excitement into tops!

Thanks for the positive feedback on the web site! Our intention is to bring high quality clothes that work to our customers at a fair price. I believe that clothes can (and should) last more than one season, and you should be able to add a piece or two at a time. Purchasing good quality basics is the way to begin!

Are you an internet shopper?

Beth Anne

[Peppermint_Patt]

Me again! Beth Anne, went to your site and really enjoyed being there among all the positive! Neat video stories of the models you feature! The clothes you carry are great basics that can be mixed and matched. Signed up for your mailing list to keep up with what you offer! Great Job!!!!

[beth anne herrin]

Patti: Thanks! I created this company for my customers! I want them to see really terrific plus size women in the clothes. I don't use models, I use plus size women (all were a size 20), that I meet through out my community. The women in the video range from a 23 yer old that just graduated from College, to women in the 50's and 60's. Some are tall, some are short. But did you notice....they are are very beautiful! Funny, I never looked at any of them as "plus", I just looked at them as fantastic women doing great things! I am hoping that as we progress, we can feature stories on some of the women and share with other customers. Trust me....they are pretty amazing women!