Anxiety over button-downs and loafers (I mean, my interview)

It's definitely worth noting that I absolutely love to shop. Anyone who knows me (ahem, 100% of this blog's readership, most likely), knows that. But yesterday, I had to tackle the daunting task of purchasing a few items to make me look awesome and über-professional for my upcoming interview in New York. Let me tell you, this was not easy.

I like to pride myself upon the fact that, most of the time, I'm pretty good at picking out an outfit for myself or my friends, whether this is from within our own closets or while out at a store. I figured I would be a natural at shopping for a specific occassion, where the guidelines seem pretty simple: nothing too tight, nothing too low-cut, nothing too loud. I was wrong.

I already have a pair of nice black pants, and a conservative-chic 3/4 sleeve grey Theory blazer to hopefully knock this interview out of the park in less than two weeks. All I needed was an appropriate shirt for underneath, and a nice pair of flats; heels are out of the question for this all-day-long affair. But when I walked into my first store and started browsing the racks, I began to panic.

Although in my opinion, it's always better to over-dress for an interview, this is the first real, serious, business-y interview that I've ever had. While I currently own more clothes than I know what to do with, I've always worked in semi-trendy places. I looked around the store, not even knowing where to begin. I was seriously lost, and I needed help.

Even when I asked a sales girl for some assistance, I felt like I didn't know what the eff I was doing. Yeah, I love to shop, but I've never had to buy stuff like this before. How is it supposed to fit? Am I supposed to look uptight? I'm pretty sure I was in the middle of a panic attack in the fitting room, because I actually started to sweat profusely. I made a mental note that whatever shirt I wound up purchasing for the interview must be short-sleeved.

I wound up leaving with two shirts and a pair of shoes, most of which I actually think that I'm going to return. I found a shirt in my closet that works pretty well and still manages to feel somewhat like me, but the silver accents on my new loafers clash with the gold accents on my bag. Although my mom told me to calm down because it's "just clothes," I know that in order to be taken seriously, I have to look consistent. Hopefully I'll find another pair that works.

I never realized that shopping could be so stressful. What if I get this internship and take it? I'll have to get lots more stuffy business clothes, and I'm not sure if I can put myself through this again. Now that I've almost nailed the outfit, though, it's on to more important things. Like...actually preparing for the interview itself?