Am I Turning into Clotheshorse?

After your awesome advice last week, I went out last weekend armed with my rules and ideas ready to spend some money.

I have lots of pictures, so have a look at the START of my new wardrobe. I still have to get some more cardigans (I only have TWO, and you guys really talked cardigans and jackets up. However, finding those in the summer seems to be difficult.) and skirts. Maybe a few more pairs of shoes, as well.

I got lots of neutral shirts to go with some dress pants. Score.

Something essentials tank with pleated front $4.99
Urban Outfitters top $7
Ann Taylor Loft (boring!) tshirt $3.99

Accessories can make an outfit. I have never been much of a shopaholic, so accessories are something I'm sorely lacking. I tried to make a small dent in this problem.

Behold, jewelry:

Bracelets $2.50/set
Earrings $5.99 or less

Headband! With a buckle! (And a chunky turquoise necklace per Heartbreaker's instructions.)
Ann Taylor Loft headband $1.99
Necklace $2.50

Note to self: Lips appear to blend into face. Maybe next up: find a lipstick. Or something to color my lips more than my Trader Joe's chapstick.

Tights - I've never really worn tights (just leggings or - ugh!- pantyhose), so this will be new for me. (I KNOW, I'm soooo not fashionable, you guys.)
Ann Taylor Loft tights $3.99 and 50 CENTS (!)

These are for you, Steph. I hope I did your awesome fashion sense justice with my purchases. :)

Ann Taylor heels for $24.99.


My new shoes! I love the shoes on the left: $6.99 and they're COMFORTABLE. (And shorter heels, very doable!)

Look who's professional now.

Ann Taylor Loft petite blazer $29.99. My most expensive purchase of the day.
Made turtleneck $9.99. Is it a short dress or a long shirt? I should have figured that out before I bought it, huh?

I took your advice and paired a skirt with something OTHER than a white shirt. Much better, I think. (These shoes? Cute, but the DEVIL. I got awful blisters.) Yes, I look quite preppy here. And like I'm taking myself FAR too seriously.

I wore a maroon/red cardigan (and my black rimmed glasses) to work with this. A little less-boring-that-normal work attire... I think I need a skinny belt! (I'd never have expected these words to escape my mouth.)

Look! No hems dragging here!

Living simply and trying to lessen my impact on the environment: is this a contradiction to my recent shopping trip? Am I an awful hypocrite?

Confession:
Part of me is filled with eco-guilt: I should have gone to Goodwill. I should have shopped ebay. I should have bought . The other part of me feels like 1) I have a job that requires professional clothing, 2) I'm going to wear these clothes a LONG time, and 3) We have little money. Very little. We already spend more than average on food, because we really value GOOD food (and supporting local restaurants! Yum!). So, as a social worker/grad student and a community service coordinator (read: measly pay), we have to choose our battles. And sometimes, that means buying affordable clothing. Right?