My first day at my new gig is officially on the books. Oh, and funny story before we get into the work pants. I put a long-wearing matte liquid lipstick on before leaving the house (MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in A Little Tamed, one of my faves), and in the rush to get out the door on time, I forgot to double check my teeth for any wayward lipstick bits and bobs.
Two hours into my morning, I hop over to the bathroom, and that’s when I realize that I had a big ol’ blob of lipstick smack dab on my front tooth, HA HA HA! I’d been smiling and saying hello to people all morning with lipstick on my teeth. Ahhh, serves me right for rushing and not doing things I know I should’ve done the night before.
Anywho, I’ve been wearing the Madewell work pants I bought for my new job out in the field, and in case you were considering them, these are my thoughts on them so far.
The Petite Perfect Vintage Jean in Meyers Wash
I’m wearing this dark jean in the pic at the top. Babe, it’s really goooooood. So good I’d want another pair.
It’s all about the fit! I like how it skims my hips and thighs but also there’s some looseness around those areas too, so they aren’t skin tight. When you pair it with a jacket, I think it’s professional enough for work. Oh, and as the day goes on, the jeans stretch out a little but not so much that they’re hanging off your booty-meat by the end of the day.
The petite length hits me perfectly at just above the ankle.
Shout out to this jacket!
The jacket, by the way, is also from Madewell, and it’s the Rosedale Blazer in Plaid, and right meow it’s on sale! It’s usually $198, but with the markdown and an extra 40% with the code NEWYEAR, it’s $89.99. Sadly the petite sizes are limited, but if you wear standard or plus, right now there are still plenty available.
The cut is roomy but not too oversized, and I like the pockets! It’s also machine washable, which is a major plus in my book, as this girl has no time or patience for dry cleaning.
The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
This wide leg trouser comes in so many different lengths and colors. I wore a dark gray plaid version on my first day.
The pros!
- Deep pockets that lie flat.
- The drape of this particular material is very fluid and it moves nicely when you walk.
- The plaid print hides a lot of things, including cat hair and any food you accidentally spill on yourself (hello, story of my life).
- The petite length is perfect with a small heel.
But, while I like a wide leg, I feel like this cut might be just a smidge too wide. Also, the area around the front has almost too much material with all the pleats, and when I sit down, it feels like there’s just so much going on in the crotch area. LOL! Too much information? Probably.
Honestly, it also could be because I was wearing a sweater with balloon sleeves that was also slightly oversized, and the whole effect made me feel like I was drowning in fabric… I dunno. I’m going to try these pants again with a more fitted top and a slim jacket to see if that changes how I feel about them.
Anywho, I’m really liking the people and the job so far. I’ve already used my writing and editing skills, which makes me feel good. 🙂
How is life on your end?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
You look super cute and professional in your new work clothes, Karen! And I’m glad to hear it’s going well so far. I don’t have to dress super professional at my job, like when I’m teaching a lab I usually just wear a sweater and jeans since I’m wearing a lab coat anyway. So I have a cart full online at ThredUp with some Lou&Grey for Loft since I know my size and the things I like in that line. Let us know if you get any more cute clothes or outfits for your job, and let us know your everyday work makeup look!
I own one pair of pants from Lou & Grey and I gotta say, they are SUPER COMFY. So soft and so warm!
Good luck in your new gig! I like the jeans and the double breasted jacket a lot. I bought a new pair of similar jeans, and just like you said, they stretch and end up almost falling down, ugh. With regard to the wide pants, I haven’t quite gotten into those yet.
I can’t deal with the stretching out! The bagging out at the knees is the worst.
The jeans and blazer looks so polished to my eye. Love the booties you’re wearing too.
I bought two pairs of the Madewell Harlows in black and tan and felt they were a little too wide legged for my taste. Also that extra bunching of fabric in your lap when you sit down was too much for me. I returned both pairs.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the new job.
Thank you! The booties were a recommendation from Jean Wang at Extra Petite. Some of the things she recommends don’t work for me, but these totally did!
BTW I just tried on the navy pair of Harlows and my hunch was correct; they do tend to look better with a fitted top. Ahh. I’m still on the hunt for a wide leg pant! I got a pair from Abercrombie last year, and while I liked the fit, they fell apart so quickly.
I’m with you on avoiding the “dry clean only” clothes. I used to wear them a lot to work in the 1980s, which in retrospect was kind of stupid because the pay was SO LOW and people almost never paid me any kind of compliment on those clothes. It was hard to find “office clothes” back then that weren’t “dry clean only.” I was diagnosed with non-Hodkins Lymphoma 7 years ago, and exposure to dry-cleaning fumes (they seem to out-gas forever; I can pick up that scent on things that were cleaned several years ago) probably played a part in that.
Yeah, I try to avoid dry clean as much as possible. If I can throw it in the washer, I’m in!
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Congratulations on the job! Love the outfits too. My current favorite are the Endless pant from Athleta. Pricey, but so comfortable and professional looking.