For as long as I can remember, I’ve been at war with my mom.
It’s been going on for years. There has been blood. Sweat. Tears. Drama. And it’s always been about one thing:
That’s right, everyone. I confess.
I am not a fashionable person.
I guess I never cared as a kid. Or as a teenager. Or now. I wore sports sneakers every day until my senior year of high school, and didn’t start even attempting makeup until I graduated. Even in elementary school I thought fashion trends were stupid and that comfort trumped all. Just call me a 7-year-old hipster.
I hated shopping. Back in the day, I’d bring my Gameboy while my mom and sis hunted for sales.
To this day, I really only shop when I actually need something. Nothing brings me greater joy than to dress in shorts, a loose tank, and a comfortable hoodie.
Fast forward to last winter, when I was searching desperately for an internship. My school managed to arrange a visit to Nordstrom, a chain of high-end department stores in the US and Canada. A group of students, including me, were able to meet current Nordstrom tech employees and even listen one of the VPs speak about the company.
I have to say, he sold it.
So I applied. And lo and behold, I got an interview.
So imagine my shock — and my family’s shock — when I got the internship.
I was really nervous. What if everyone there dressed really nicely? Would I need to up my fashion game to work there?
Then, on my first day, I met some of my coworkers.
I mean, I still try to dress properly for work. I’m an intern, not a full-time developer. Plus my mom would have a fit otherwise.
Gotta dress to impress, especially if you like the job! Which I do. The work is interesting. Everyone’s been really nice and helpful. I’m learning a lot!
About both technology, and fashion.
And my knowledge is a little uneven.
The other day, the interns got to go on a tour of our flagship store in downtown Seattle. We were taken around the store before it opened and got to see all the brands and designers that we carry.
It was like… how I imagine a non-programmer feels when they hear software developers talk.
Seriously. Like Jon Snow, I know nothing.
After the tour, they set us loose for a half hour to shop around.
Overwhelmed by the fancy clothes, I immediately headed for the electronics section.
But hey, who knows? Maybe Nordstrom will have a positive influence on me and I’ll suddenly become fashionable. I did see some items that I would buy!
Or maybe not.