Stuffed Sausage

I have some good and exciting news! Can you guess what it is from my pictures?

shirt — Chico's Design

suit — Rafaella (Boscov's)

shoes — Fioni (don't remember)

So, can you guess what my news is? The only reason that I would wear an outfit like this is ... drum roll, please ... because I have a job interview. I had a phone interview on Friday, and today I found out that they want me to come down for a face-to-face interview. It's on Thursday, and I'm so excited that I'm not quite sure how I'm going to make it until then.

So now I'm trying to figure out what to wear. And the above is the stuffed sausage option. Ignore the shoes because they have definitely got to go. And the bare legs are also a no go. But unfortunately the shirt's no good as well.

And I was hopeful of this shirt. It's a silk shirt, with a black-and-white check pattern, and the arms are three-quarter length, which is usually good for me. (I have this thing about always needing to roll up my sleeves, so three-quarter sleeves negates that necessity.) Unfortunately, I just feel way too constricted wearing this shirt along with my suit jacket, so I need to find something else.

I don't typically do very well in structured clothes like suits and collared shirts — they're too stiff and unforgiving. I much prefer clothes that flow and move with me, but this ill-fitting suit is entirely my own fault. I have gained so much weight since being laid off that my suit just doesn't fit me all that well anymore. In fact, I feel like a stuffed sausage. Even my feet feel like they're stuffed in my shoes. Which is no way to walk into an interview.

I'm not quite sure why I've gained so much weight. I haven't been exercising per se, but I have been working in my house and out in the yard. And I really haven't been eating all that much. You know what? I'm just going to blame it on menopause.

So what do I wear so that I feel comfortable but look professional? Here is my second option.

shirt — Carlisle (thrifted) 

This shirt is actually sleeveless, and because I don't have to tuck it in, I think I can get away with my skirt being a bit too tight. Granted, I won't be able to take my suit jacket off (and expose my arms), but I should be able to keep my suit jacket on the entire time. (My interview is only supposed to be an hour long, and I'm counting on the building being air conditioned.)

What do you think? This shirt is a whole lot more colorful than the black-and-white check or even a white shirt, which is what I have always worn with this suit. But what do I wear on my legs and on my feet? I'm going to have to walk a bit, so that rules out most heels (I feel wobbly in heels). I like black tights, but would that be too wintry? Decisions. Decisions.

And in the meantime — I'm going to the gym! Better late than never, right?
I still have time to lose a pound or two, right? 

Edited to add: I'm linking this post to Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style, because, really, when you dress for an interview you definitely want to be visible. 

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Thank you everybody for all the kindness regarding my recent basement fiasco and just all your wonderful and thoughtful comments. I'm hoping that with this interview that maybe my luck will start to change. That sentiment in itself is kind of scary — I'm afraid to hope too much. What if it all comes to naught? And along with those insecurities is the struggle to just stay on track. I have the best of intentions, but I just can't seem to get my rhythm back. Every day seems to throw a different curve ball that needs some readjustment to get over the plate in the strike zone. (Is that a mixed metaphor? or is it just hackneyed and clichéd?) I'm quite envious of those of you who are able to do it all, and seemingly without a misstep. I'm grateful to you all — the feedback and warmth that you have expressed is encouraging, and I appreciate it ever so much.