The next stop was to find some basic layer tees. The best place, hands down, to find high quality stretchy t-shirts is Old Navy. Yes, other places carry them, but Old Navy t-shirts are same quality and are usually 2 for $22. Unfortunately this mall did not have an Old Navy. As Budget Fashionista, I am used to being in less than ideal shopping situations, so we headed to GAP. At GAP we found 4 layering t-shirts ( in black, white, pink, and purple). One was on sale for $3.99. Total at GAP: $49.93

After GAP, we headed to Lord & Taylor, one of my favorite shopping haunts. They were having a big sale on their early fall stuff, so Monique and I hit racks. We tried on several pairs of pants, but nothing seemed to work. It is very important to wear GOOD underwear when going shopping for pants. Monique, whose main criteria for good underwear is that it is clean, did not wear proper undergarments. It is all about "drawls" folks. Not letting poor undergarments disrupt our flow, Monique bought a nice black Ralph Lauren cotton dress blouse and a pair of "diamond" earrings. We figure she will be able to replace them with real ones after her residency.

Total cost at L&T- $49.18

Propelled to action by sad state of her underwear, we headed to straight to intimate section of Filene's department store. Now, I really truly love Monique, but I am NEVER going undergarment shopping with her again. First we had an argument over tank top bra issue. She said that they were comfortable (they are). I said that they make women have a "uni-boob" (they do). After spending 15 minutes arguing, during which she threaten to strangle me with a padded demi-bra, we reached a comprise. She got tank top bra thing and several pairs of sensible underwear with a little nylon to help uplift and hold in her "goods".

After leaving intimates, we headed to women's department, where we proceeded to wrap up shopping. It was like, we were in a trance. We found a great white cotton dress shirt and a black knit top from Kors- Michael Kors bridge line found in stores like L&T and Filene's, a pair of grey tweed pants from Ralph Lauren, and a beautiful Kelly green suede jacket from Inc. We did find a great black dress, however Monique felt she wouldn't wear until summer. Flashing back to my near death experience with padded demi bra, I decided not to push dress any further. Total at Filene's- $313.00

So this is what we got -1 Bra and 6 pairs of new underwear -4 Layering tops -1 Pair of earrings -2 Shirts (white, black) -1 black sweater -2 pairs of Pants (black, grey) -2 pairs of Shoes (black boots, black heels) -1 suede jacket/top

Total spent- $575.74 for a completely new professional wardrobe, with designer items and tailoring, from head to toe.

Time spent with one of my best friends- priceless.

Really there is no difference in how emotional and physical abuse affects mind, body and spirit. Take these thoughts into consideration for a minute or two. A woman who is said to be going through physical abuse also goes through emotional abuse with every kick or hit that’s encountered. Ask them what were they feeling?

Most would tell you that person may or not used words but they surely felt hatred by person who abused them. Now let’s go through same process for women who’s said to be going through emotional abuse. She too experiences physical abuse with every spoken word that strikes and attacks her mind, body and spirit.