Hellobee Boards

just the basics!

black/white/gray or nude camis
black/white/gray or nude tees (nice)
a couple of button down blouses/shirts
a couple of cardigans
two or three pairs of black/gray slacks
a pencil skirt
a nice pair of jeans
a pair of black pumps
a pair of black flats
and a fun pair of colored shoes!

I just went back to work after being a SAHM for 2 years. My office is business casual, but you def. see people in suits. Here's what I've bought:
Bottoms:
Black trousers
Dark Gray trousers
Brown trousers
off white wool trousers (winter weight)
Navy trousers
Black aline skirt (pencils look bad on my shape)

Tops:
Navy, orange, cream printed tank
Navy, blue, green, printed tank
Beige, black, cream printed tank
solid black tank with ribbon detail
Several wrap style tops, in cream, black, brown, plum, printed camel
Orange cardigan
Ivory cardigan
2 black cardigans

Dresses: 1 black ponte knit, with 3 quarter sleeves, one black/camel/ivory print with short sleeves

Shoes: black wedges, brown wedges, black/ivory pumps

Still to purchase:
Navy blazer
black blazer
colored blazer, prob. warm pink for a pop of color
White chinos for summer
white tee, can always use multiples

@Honeybee: the navy and ivory pants came from Banana Republic, the Jackson fit is good for my pear shape. The other pants are all Calvin Klein that I found at Loehmanns.

The tops are all from Banana Republic, I don't really care that I look like a walking advert from there, I am all about having "sets" that I know go to together so I can just put them on without thinking.

The shoes are Cole Haan Air or Geox via Zappos. I buy a few diff. sizes/brands and return what doesn't work.

@Honeybee: my two go to stores are loft/Ann Taylor and banan republic! The outlets for these stores are great too.

I needed a few key pieces for my new job too:

White flowy blouse- Nordstrom rack (love this becaus it pairs casually with shorts for a chic summer outfit)
Blue flowy blouse- Nordstrom rack

Two cap sleeve ruffle blouses from banan republic outlet
Dress pants
Nude pumps

A few basic tees/sweaters from loft
Grey dress pants from loft

Pencil skirt- I got one from a thrift store actually but originally it was from old navy surprisingly enough!

A few dresses- again, I like loft, banan republic, j crew, anthro, gap for these. I try to find dresses in silhouettes and prints that are nice for any season, flattering, and able to wear for weekend wear or work.

Invest in a nice pair of boots! I have a few pairs and love them. In the spring and summer I wear them with knee length dresses, bare legs. For fall and winter, tights or leggings with a dress and boots! You can also wear them under dress pants.

Have fun!! I love shopping :):)

Oh and don't forget a few nice accessories like scarves, skinny belts, nice necklaces (classy strand of pearls are my go to!), and professional earrings (cameo is my fave!).

@Mrs. Jacks: yay you went shopping and found good stuff!! I want to see pics

@Mrs. Jacks: Proud that you came in under budget ; )

I echo others suggestions - hit up the outlets and get basic bottoms and cardigans with some mix and match tops/blouses!

@mrsjyw: Great list!