Congratulations to your daughter, Ann! And good on you for taking care of her at your inconvenience. Too many parents now wouldn't dream of doing what you're doing to get their kids a great start...
It seems like you're doing everything you can to find a good job, so keep it up. As far as dressing, policies are nothing more than words from the HR guys when you're still in the interview phase - words they legally have to say to stay in business. It doesn't mean that the interviewer has no independent thought process that will come into play. Some lines of work are more amenable to 'artistic' endeavors, but any interviewer will assess the amount of workplace 'trouble' (for lack of a better word) you're likely to bring. I think it depends a lot on they type of work and the type of people already working there.
I work in an environment with a lot of ex-military, its fairly sarcastic, caustic, and fun - everyone picks on everyone in a fun manner. But that type of workplace is not for everyone. So... If I had to choose between two equally qualified people, I'll take the one I think would fit in best. If the interviewer knows anything about management, (s)he will want a good fit as well as good qualifications.
