Let's Talk Fashion

After a fun-filled, jam-packed, last weekend of summer break, the kids and I made the trek back to North Jersey to make final preparations for my first day of school.  I've spent the afternoon attempting to tie up loose ends, but images of my less-than-desirable wardrobe keep forcing their way into my brain.  What does a thirty-something mother of two wear to college?  I want to say it doesn't matter to me what others think...but let's be honest, it always matters to some extent.  I've never been one to go with the flow when it comes to fashion, but I want to feel good about myself as I make this journey.  I have fallen somewhat into the trap that many young mother's fall into over the years.  My appearance has taken a back seat to the business of motherhood.  I can generally pull something together for a special occasion that I feel ok about, but the day-to-day is always tough for me.  I just don't spend money on myself.  I recently purged my wardrobe (among the many things I've donated this summer) and am left with little that I love.  Now that I've purged, I feel an overwhelming desire to replace the old with new and fabulous.  Herein lies the dilemma.  With no money in the budget for a back-to-school makeover for Mom, I have to pull from what I have.  Being the same age of several professors, I find myself wanting to look a bit more professional so as to not feel like a total loser in their presence.  On the other hand, I will be spending most of my time with classmates 10-15 years my junior.  I'm not looking to make friends, but I don't want to be the dorky old lady no one wants to talk to, either.  How do I strike the perfect balance between professional Mom and undergrad student?  Let me know your ideas of the ideal first day of school outfit for this Mom on a Mission: )  Any thrifty people out there with suggestions on how to stretch a buck when creating a wardrobe?  Any crafty mama's know how to make something new and fantastic out of something old and drab?  Let's talk fashion!