The Executive Look on an Intern Budget

For your Monday Sportsanista reading pleasure, I would like to introduce you all to Megan Riggs. Megan is currently the Administrative Intern with the National Association of Collegiate Womens Athletic Administrators (NACWAA) and today, a guest Sportsasnita. I hope that you enjoy her wit and smarts just as much as I do!

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If you are anything like me, you have learned it is quite interesting how quickly the thrill of a diploma and joy of landing your first “real” job can crash, upon walking into your closet and realizing you have no “grown-up” clothes.  The harsh reality is, after spending four years running to class after practice and calling a clean sweatshirt presentable, one is not ready to step into the office.  Even worse is realizing that getting paid with “experience” does not leave much room for expanding the wardrobe.  

Building a wardrobe on a small budget can be challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible.  Years of being a broke student with expensive taste, has given me the heavenly gift of smelling a bargain from a mile away. During this time I have gathered up a few tricks, tips, and kept them safely in the back pocket of my J.Crew (outlet) jeans.  

When trading in sweats for suits there are a few key things to remember.  First and foremost, focus on your key pieces.  For me, these are skirts and great tops.  Key wardrobe pieces include: dress pants, skirts, blouses, jackets and the coveted high heel.  When selecting your key pieces, it is best to stick with classic cuts and solid colors to increase the versatility and longevity of your wardrobe.  

I do not believe in paying full price for an item and I certainly find no shame in picking up my labels at an outlet store. Full price shopping is the flagrant foul of retail.  When it comes to landing a great steal at merchants,  I have found the golden ticket is normally found in your inbox.  When asked for your email address, GIVE IT!  Receiving copious amounts of emails is sometimes irritating, but when upon opening a 50% off sale items coupon flashes before your penny pinching eyes, it all becomes worth it.  My first experience in a J.Crew outlet was somewhat of an out-of-body experience, and required every ounce of self-control I possessed. Outlets normally carry the previous season’s fashion, which is not a problem since you are hunting for those classic staple pieces!  

One of the best ways to make your wardrobe stretch is with great accessories.  Cardigans, tights, belts and statement necklaces are the band, cheerleaders and fireworks of your halftime.  Pair your favorite summer dress or skirt with a cardi and tights, and you have suddenly taken summer into fall─hello wonderful!  Necklaces, my favorite accessory, quickly add new pizazz to your outfit and can take day to night in two seconds flat.  Though I try to avoid Forever 21 like the plague, I at times take a deep breath and enter for the sake of finding inexpensive, trendy jewelry.  H&M is a go-to for the jewelry-belt-cardi triple play. 

Time to review the game film, Sportsanitas: 

INTERN PLAYBOOK


Favorite blouse: I purchased this gem with one of my 40% off email coupons and used my $10 off Banana rewards coupon.  Hello $26 never have to iron shirt!

Favorite dress pant: Two things I love about NYCO-their constant sales and Forever Black.  Their black never changes which is heavenly if you want to go back and purchase a suit jacket or a replacement pair.

Favorite jacket: Banana Republic outlet has been my mecca for jackets as of late.  They often have suiting sales where you can get two pieces for $80.  Go in armed with an email coupon and whammie, the gates of discount heaven will part. 

Favorite tights: Unlike most trends, I consider tights a mainstay.  When you can find them at The Rack, Target and Marshall’s for mere dollars a pair, it is okay to play with colors, patterns, and textures.  I am a religious purchaser of Hue tights.  They have an outstanding selection of textures and colors, and when they say opaque, they mean it!  Best of all The Rack carries an eye watering selection all year long in a budget friendly price range of $6-$10.