It Started With a Big Check...

I don't like surprises. Jay knows this. He also knows I don't like shopping. For the past several years, I haven't really paid much attention to myself. So my wonderful husband has had to listen to my sisters' jokes, my own beratement and a daily "I have nothing to wear." So nearly a year ago, he started saving his own budgeted allowance (and budgeted money we haven't used for babysitters, dates, etc.) and conspiring with my fabulously sylish friend Becky (who was still living in DC at the time) to ambush me "What Not to Wear" syle for my birthday. Here are the highlights. For more (in the co-conspirator's words), visit Bec's blog at http://wickstromadventures.blogspot.com.

Ambushed at Sanctuary Day Spa where Intrepid sent me and Becky for a "client meeting." Yes, my bosses were in on it and footed the bill for the haircut, mani and pedi. Amazing! I was overwhelmed and not too excited at first thinking I had too much to do at work and really couldn't take the time to do anything for me.
Me with my wad of cash (still don't know how much cause I probably wouldn't have gone with it) and check as the "before" picture. The smile is fake right now. Still not sure.

Getting the haircut. Becky collaborated with the hairstylist to encourage some length evening and some swoopy bangs.

Pedicure after.

We went from the spa (with the new haircut) to shop. Becky had pre-shopped and had a bunch of things on hold at various stores. She held the cash and I tried everything on, even if I didn't like it on the hanger. She really showed me how to choose clothes that would not make me look frumpy and fit my body better. She was so great.

After the first day of shopping with some of the spoils.

After a second day of shopping, here are the shoes we found.

Becky came to my house after our third day of shopping and laid out all my new clothes on the bed to help me style some outfits.

She then went into my closet and took everything out and proceeded to toss all the unacceptable pieces.

Becky's favorite casualties were the shoes. My Doc Martins that she thought were Jay's and died that I was wearing man shoes.

Other shoes that went to the DI. They were apparently too clunky and old lady. I still like them. Sorry, Bec.

Basically my whole prior wardrobe in DI bags. Jay was all to happy to take them directly there the next day so there was no chance of me grabbing anything back. I was able to keep a 13-year old Walmart, slightly torn sleepshirt.

One of the outfits. We bought for the fall and winter too.

Becky helping me put outfits together.

One of the new outfits on. Jay was smiling with this one.

My closet after.

Some outfits my first week. I wore my trouser jeans a couple of times because my slacks were all being hemmed (by Fof). Apparently nice clothes are all built for giants. The shirt is more of a departure for me. Becky was so good to have me try new things, but also get things I'm comfortable with (within her style meter).

New shoes. Everything is new.

A new necklace - birthday gift from my friend Erica. It turns over to say "good." Apparently accessories are important. We didn't really spend anything on accessories cause we needed the money for clothes.

So the moral of the story is Jay is the best husband ever. He finished it off with a "reveal" surprise party at the house, which I was two hours late for because I was shopping with Becky still:) I am so grateful to her and Jay and my friends and family (Fof and Painho threw in some birthday money with the requirement I get something nice - did we succeed?). I feel like I learned a lot and I've even felt more relaxed than I have in a long time. Maybe 33 won't be so bad. I have put Jay on notice that I do not want another surprise for a long time - if ever!