signs of growing up

I was on a quest for a new pair of khakis for work this week. I went to my usual stores, Banana, Express, Limited, Gap. In one store, the salesperson asked if I was shopping for spring break. This made me feel both old and young. Old because I don't get one of those anymore and young because obviously I still look like someone who might be taking a spring break. As I stood in dressing room after dressing room, trying to be practical it hit me that I now view myself as a young professional (whatever that really means). I didn't want the pants to be too tight or too low. I wanted them to be comfortable. I even ended up getting a pair that is a little loose rather than squeezing into the smaller size. When I left the store, I coudln't help but think that my mom would be proud. After all her comments about things being too tight, too small, too low I was finally understanding. This is not to say that everything in my wardrobe is this practical. Far from it, I mean who can resist the clearance skirt that you know is too short, tight, whatever. Not me. But for work purposes I am finding that anything I can do to appear older than the 22 and fresh out of college that I am is a good thing. I need all the confidence I can get, and if a pair of khakis can help, great.