buying interview wear for my dstepsis

[devonshireduckling]

I'd planned to buy little stepsis a pretty bracelet for Christmas, but just had a phone call from her saying that she'd prefer some interview clothes: she's at university and about to do the rounds of corporate interviews. She's 20s, size 6/8, at the moment lives in tunicy dresses/skinny jeans. She has bobbed mid blonde hair and pale skin. She's 5'4''. Ideally she is going to need a jacket and skirt, or jacket and dress (doesn't want trousers), also she wants a portfolio clutch or some kind of nice document holder (to avoid carrying a big handbag). I'd budgeted maximum £70-£80 for her gift. Am looking on the asos site, as she often gets stuff from there, so I thought about this for the clutch? A skirt like [[http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Ponti-Pencil-Skirt-With-Thigh-Split/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1703900&cid=2639&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=20&sort=3&clr=Black this] not sure what blazer. She wants something quite narrowly cut and soft, which she'd use on a day to day basis. I think I will select a few things (in my budget) and show them to her, though she's basically given me carte blanche. Thoughts?

Can you share the present with someone else so as to not go outwith your budget?

Warehouse have some nice dress/jacket outfits.

sorry, links didn't work, trying again:
I'd planned to buy little stepsis a pretty bracelet for Christmas, but just had a phone call from her saying that she'd prefer some interview clothes: she's at university and about to do the rounds of corporate interviews. She's 20s, size 6/8, at the moment lives in tunicy dresses/skinny jeans. She has bobbed mid blonde hair and pale skin. She's 5'4''. Ideally she is going to need a jacket and skirt, or jacket and dress (doesn't want trousers), also she wants a portfolio clutch or some kind of nice document holder (to avoid carrying a big handbag). I'd budgeted maximum £70-£80 for her gift. Am looking on the asos site, as she often gets stuff from there, so I thought about this for the clutch? A skirt like this not sure what blazer. She wants something quite narrowly cut and soft, which she'd use on a day to day basis. I think I will select a few things (in my budget) and show them to her, though she's basically given me carte blanche. Thoughts?

Good idea catsareevil, I am also wondering about doing this when the sales hit. I'm looking at Warehouse ...

If she is going to be entering the corporate world then she would be better off with quality classic items that will last her. The sales is a good idea as you can then venture into lk Bennett etc.

The portfolio is a good idea but practically she is still likely to need a purse, phone travel pass/car keys with her so will need to make sure 'goes' with her handbag.

Thanks northernnumpty, I agree. I think she is getting nervous and just wants something as a stop gap. I hope that LK Bennett really reduce in the sale. I think she was hoping to use the portfolio for some paper and a copy of her CV, if necessary, and then also take a small shoulder bag (she might borrow one of mine) as her handbags are all very shopper-type and huge/casual.

I would avoid ponte or jersey fabric if it's corporate- what area does she want to get into?

Agree with NorthernNumpty about getting quality classic items. Check out Hobbs, Jaeger and Austin Reed in the sale. Hobbs for instance has this look which would be ideal.

Meanwhile:

Asos skirt

Matching jacket

Ooh love that Hobbs suit, might have to invest myself!

My Hobbs suits have lasted at least 5 years and they tend to do the same fabrics year on year so you can update without buying a whole new suit.

thank you so much for that tethers, Hobbs has some absolutely beautiful stuff. I showed dssis the asos option and she's very keen, so that's our fall back outfit at the moment! I love vicarious shopping for glamorous and willowy younger sis ...

NorthernNumpty I never knew that Hobbs repeat the same fabrics - very good tip (having had a ruined jacket which had a great matching skirt from another store which could never be replaced ...).