This is a new sort of post for me but after seeing Fabulously Broke have success with it, I thought I’d give it a go! I’m clearing out my closet for spring and looking to boost my income for this month, so below are some items of clothing I have for sale. Please contact me at bridget [at] moneyaftergraduation.com if you’re interested or have further questions. I will accept payments by PayPal and combine shipping for anyone that purchases multiple items. Whatever does not sell I’m going to take to a consignment store or give to my sisters.

All of the clothing listed below is a size small (with the exception of the shorts). I usually wear between a size 2 and 4 to help give you perspective of the fit of these items.

BCBG dress, size 2 — $75.

Red/purpleish RW & Co. long top, size small — $40. I wore this in my MoneySense article, so it’s a little famous ;) It’s much darker and less pink looking than it appears in the photo.

Green patterned Forever XXI dress, size small — SOLD.

Brown patterned dress, size small — $10 OBO

Pink Jacob tank top, size small — $20.

White Limelight shorts, size 5 — $10 OBO. Haven’t worn in years because they’re too big for me.

Thanks!

I generally don’t consider myself particularly fashionable. Maybe because before my current job, my daily outfits alternated between a uniform and lululemon. In my opinion I’m actually a rather boring dresser. I almost only wear solid colours, I loathe most pastels, I prefer classic cut clothing, and I don’t wear (or own) a lot of accessories. While I do get compliments on my dress, it’s never for being interesting or trendy, I just like to look put-together. When I decided to become an adult with my clothing I attacked it the same way I do everything:

I took out a book from the library. Actually I took out a few, but the Lucky Shopping Manual was my favourite. You can see that the styles have changed since it was published, but the advice is still solid. I would really love them to do another edition.

If you want advice from someone more stylish and adventurous than me, one of my best friends has started a fashion blog called Fashion To Teach, where she will be chronicling her own transition from student to career woman (as a teacher, obvs). For me, I’m a little bit by the book, and if that’s what you’re into I think you might like my advice below — if not, at least I’ve provided you with an alternative!

The six items I’ve posted are pieces I presently own or have similar in my closet:

1. Talula Exeter blazer from Aritzia. Regular $125 (I bought one in black at full price, then I bought a second in grey for $99 at a Boxing day sale).
2. Approaching Sunset blouse from Anthropologie. No longer available, regular $109 (I bought this on Kijiji for $20)
3. Blue and Me Forever dress from Modcloth. Out of stock, regular $60 (I bought this last month. I AM IN LOVE.)
4. Calvin Klein flats from Towne shoes. In store, regular $99 (I bought similar from Nine West for $145)
5. Joe’s cigarette jeans from Anthropologie. No longer available, regular $225 (I got these for $89 in the Anthropologie clearance section)
6. Textured Ponte skirt from Anthroplogie. Available, regular $118 (I own similar from RW & Co. which I bought for $65)

I’m of the mindset that spending more on essential pieces once every few years is better than buying new clothing every month. As you can see above, I still hunt for deals, but I also don’t hesitate to spend >$100 on items when it’s worth it. In the long run, it’s definitely easier on your wallet to buy a few expensive pieces than to buy mountains of cheap clothing.

Must-haves:

• a black or grey blazer
• pretty blouses that can be worth with jeans or dress pants
• a solid colour work-appropriate dress that does day-to-night
• a pair of dark denim jeans and a pair of lighter denim jeans
• black or dark grey dress pants
• a black or grey skirt
• a good pair of black or brown leather boots
• flats that can be paired with a dress or jeans
• a pair of sheer black tights and a pair of opaque black tights

Tips:

- nude bras go under everything. Never wear a white bra under a white shirt. Ever. Wear a nude bra!

- sheer black tights go with everything. From a casual dress to a skirt for work, sheer black tights look sexy, modest, and appropriate. Patterns are cool too, just make sure they’re not too loud or clash with whatever else you’re wearing.

- avoid buying sleeveless dresses or shirts. Never buy tank tops unless you’re going to wear them under something. This might seem overly-modest (I can’t help it, it’s left over from when I was a devout mormon), but it’s best to choose clothing that’s appropriate for work AND going out. In the summer sleeveless or tank dresses are ok, but you have to cover your shoulders at work. If your dress is strapless, it should also be knee-length.

- with your hands by your sides, no skirt should be shorter than where your middle finger reaches on your thigh. NO SKIRT. People tend to differentiate between “bar clothing” and “everyday”. I have a bit of a personal moral vendetta against skank-by-night girls. Be Kate Middleton when you go out, not Paris Hilton.

- never, ever, EVER buy any dresses or shirts with midriff or sides cut out. This is along the same line of thinking as the point above it. I don’t care if it’s for going out to the bar and you have the body for it, you look like a hooker. Be wary of low cut backs and fronts as well — they can look classy, but it can go wrong fast. Double-sided tape is your friend.

- avoid unusual patterns or overly bright colours, especially in anything other than shirts and dresses. Brightly coloured or complex patterns on pants, skirts, and coats can look awesome one year and garish the next. Make an exception if  it’s your favourite and you can match it with a ton of other items in your closet, otherwise steer clear (or just accept that you might be wearing it only one season).

- likewise, say no to logos. No one should be able to tell who made your item of clothing unless they 1) are very familiar with the brand and can spot it on sight or 2) they read the tag in the back of your shirt.

- never sport bare legs in the winter. This my personal bane of working at a university in Canada’s largest most northern city. If you live in Edmonton, you must wear tights from mid-September until the end of May. Going without looks terrible, and is also very cold.

- take care of your clothing. If it says hand wash, then wash it by hand. If it says dry-clean only, then take it to the dry cleaners. If you cannot afford the time or cost to take care of delicate fabrics, do not buy them! Choose something more forgiving of the washing machine, like cotton. Also, cut loose threads, sew on missing buttons, and patch holes. Sadly, a small flaw and ruin an entire outfit so fix it fast!