Fabulous Financials

29 comments:

1. Fabulously Broke, 6 August 2008, 6:56
   

   1. I’m going to link this.

   2. I’d suggest looking out for sales. Sometimes at Suzy Shier, they have these buy the pants, get the jacket free kind of deals.

   3. If she can swing it, I’d suggest buying 2 REALLY good suits, like $200~ each, and just using them over and over again. They’re really investment pieces because in the past, I had 6 suits that were $50 each, and I wish I had just purchased ONE great $300 suit instead of 6 ill-fitting ones.

   I’ve always heard people recommend spending HUNDREDS on a GOOD suit. Well, guess what? I’ve never owned a $300 suit and never will. Can I afford it? Yep! Do I think I need to spend that much for a GOOD suit? Never!

   I think a GOOD suit can be had for less than $100. Regarding the quality, it’s all in the eye for detail. Regarding how long they last, it’s all in the care. Regarding the fit, a professional tailor. Any suit off the rack, regardless of price, should be tailored to YOUR measurements for a perfect finish.

   My most expensive suit cost $90. It fits perfectly, but so do all of my $50 suits. Personally, I’d rather own six $50 suits and rotate them often than own one $300 suit that I have to wear over and over. With all the wear and tear, the end result will be the same after one year.

   Further, my $50 suits are also an investment and my return has been tremendous. They’ve never cost me a job, a deal closing, or a promotion. I also consider it a calculated investment: if I gain/lose weight, I’ve used my money’s worth and I won’t feel bad if I have to buy more.

   Finally, if you and I walked into a boardroom at the same time (you wearing a $300 suit and I’m wearing a $50 suit), I guarantee that I would look just as polished and professional. [-SM]

   4. Stick to neutrals. You can expand later.

   5. I am not a fan of too many accessories on at once, so I’d suggest one really striking ring (a simple modern one is my style, but may not be yours), and keeping it plain for the rest. However, I do love my chunky necklaces in bright colours to spice up any outfit.

   Accessories are all about “personal” style. Some people don’t wear them well at all. [-SM]

   6. Make sure you REALLY have to wear a suit, don’t just assume that. I went a bit bonkers buying 6 suits before, but I’ve ended up being business casual for most of my working career, sometimes in jeans because of the nature of my work. In which case, I’d suggest some nice sweaters, camisoles to mix and match with those sweaters, 3 REALLY good pairs of pants (black, herringbone, grey), and 2 pairs of really great heels (mid to low because you’re gonna cry after 2 hours trust me)

   Good point, make sure a suit is necessary in the work environment. It’s really important to fit in with the culture of the org. and business casual is becoming very standard. However, as one progress to a certain level, suits are necessary at some point. Also, keep in mind that one should dress for the job they want, not the job they have.

   Re: heel height…again, that’s a “personal” preference. [-SM]

   I think I have more posts on my site about this under “Fashion/Style” and “Career”…. but my laptop’s acting up right now

    
2. Fabulously Broke, 6 August 2008, 6:58
   

   Oh and underwear is very important. Sorry, I forgot. Get those Hanky Panky panties that are full coverage, v. comfortable and a good bra so that you aren’t constantly adjusting yourself under your suit/business casual outfit.

   And don’t rule out hand me downs or thrift stores. Some of my favourite tops (tank and camisole) came from thrift stores for only $2!!!!

   Great tips, thanks! But me no likey used clothes so I don’t do thrift stores. [-SM]

    
3. toniannette, 6 August 2008, 8:31
   

   Here’s my .02 — do, do, do invest in some quality (and comfortable) shoes. You won’t be sorry. I’ll also suggest heading to Nordstrom. You just missed their annual sale and you may have found some loverly shoes at a hugely discounted rate. Whatever you do, do go with quality over quantity and you won’t be sorry. I’d say that spend the most on your shoes, purse and watch and you’ll always feel and be put together.

    
4. Amber, 6 August 2008, 9:04
   

   Thank you SO much for this! I’m in law school and starting my first job as a clerk in 2 weeks. I have a lot of the clothes I’ll need already, but I still need to get a few things.

   I’ve been obsessively surfing the sale racks at Anne Taylor and BR.

   Hopefully I’ll have a shoe collection like that one of these days!

    
5. Lashawn, 6 August 2008, 9:51
   

   Great advice…….other suggestions for stores with discount prices include:

   Burlington Coat Factory - one of the few stores with layaway, and you can get nice skirts, pants and suits there

   Kohls has a great selection for career clothing staples

   DSW & Off Broadway for shoes

   One can also try to locate the nearest outlet

    
6. Sistah Ant, 6 August 2008, 10:42
   

   I have rather recently discovered outlet shopping. Don’t be fooled, a lot of the prices at outlets are still higher than the things at Ross or Burlington, for example. But their SALE RACKS have better stuff for affordable prices. I clean up at Anne Klein and Banana Republic outlet sale racks. I really like the way Banana’s suits fit me. I’m small-built, medium height, and a lot of the suits from Ross and Burlington are too boxy for me and drown out my shape, so I’ve found that Banana, Express, Limited, and NY&Co suits fit my body type and age better. They’re relatively expensive - unless you find those suckers on sale in outlets or in the off-season racks of stores like Marshall’s, Ross, or Burlington. Nice shoes are more affordable there, too.

   Gotta emphasize Single Ma’s advice about keeping things simple and interchangeable. I have button down shirts and camisoles/tanks in many colors, which can completely change a suit ensemble. Amber - since I’m in your field, hear this - you can’t have enough skirt suits if you’re in a court or firm setting. Pantsuits are seen as more casual, though they’re permissible. And in some areas of the country and some courtrooms, judges DO NOT LIKE women in pants in their courtrooms. Having neutral colored blazers of various shades and cuts is good too, for coordinating different outfits. Pearls (fake ones are fine) are a MUST, but mostly for interviews or first impressions. Feel free to express yourself within reason on earrings, bracelets, etc.

   Yes, it is widely understood in a business environment that pantsuits are considered casual attire for women.

   I have pearls, they were given to me as a gift, but I don’t like them. They remind me of an old lady. For interviews or first impressions, I always wear small diamonds (earrings and matching necklace w/ small diamond teardrop). I love my bracelets, rings, and colorful jewelry, but I don’t wear them to formal meetings. [-SM]

    
7. Lady V, 6 August 2008, 10:43
   

   Single Ma! Lemme know when you have a yard sale on those jewelry accessories…some of them look FIERCE!!!

   Good advice for people starting out. I need to spruce up my waredrobe…

    
8. Moneychick, 6 August 2008, 11:13
   

   I discovered an awesome place that has 90% dress down clothes, but they do have some dress pants/shirts - Steve & Barry’s! Almost everything in that store is $8.98!!! It’s amazing, i can get a weekend outfit for less than $18. I bought a pair of dress pants there last week - $8.98 - so it’s good if you have mix and match pieces. They also have awesome shoes which go for $8.98!

   S&B for BUSINESS attire? Lawd, my teenager shops there! [-SM]

    
9. LittleMissMoneybags, 6 August 2008, 12:27
   

   Yes, all of this! I especially agree with Fabulously Broke’s advice to MAKE SURE you need a suit. I bought three (at $200 each) when I was right out of college and I used them for one internship and never again. I donated all of them to a charity that helps underprivileged women get better jobs, and interviewed in black pants and a blazer when I needed to look like I had a suit.

   Also, dress your age. I don’t mean dress like a college student just because you’re 22, but look for a Express or J. Crew look, not Anne Taylor and Casual Corner. I look very young for my age and I always felt like I looked like I was playing dress up in my too-grown-up-for-me suits. I would have been better served to get something from The Limited or NY&Co instead of a department store, especially since I didn’t end up using them long enough to get back my investment.

   A great way to save your heels is to commute in sneakers or flip flops and only wear your heels in your office. I know it looks stupid on the commute, but I am not wearing out my shoes nearly as quickly.

   Dress your age, good point! That goes BOTH ways. I hate seeing 40+ yr old women in mini skirts. I always shake my head and wonder what their kids think. [-SM]

    
10. BK, 6 August 2008, 13:58
    

    FYI.. Steve & Barry’s will be closing a lot of their stores due to bankruptcy..

    Ross definitely a steal to find clothes.. DEFINITELY get pieces you can MIX & MATCH for the time being.. dark/solid bottoms work best.. invest in that GOOD PAIR of shoes otherwise the podiatrist will get more of your paycheck than you!!!

    Pay attention to labels when it comes to washing vs. dry cleaning.. invest in GOOD HANGERS or see if you can get them from the store that you purchased the suits/blazers/etc.

    I never thought about investing in GOOD hangers. I just hate wire hangers, as long as they’re plastic, I’m good. Do they really make a difference in how long the clothes last or fit? [-SM]

     
11. nofearingthemoney, 6 August 2008, 13:59
    

    The most important thing I did for my work wardrobe was to figure out what looks good on me now, (not 10 years ago) and find the clothes that work for my shape, lifestyle and work environment. So, honestly, I spent a good deal of time thinking about my body, my life and what was required for work and what would make me feel good wearing it.

    So, as a result, I have a very narrow spectrum of clothes that I wear. Some might call it a uniform.lol But, it works for me, it is easy to mix and match and I save time and money by not buying clothes that are nice, but won’t work for me or where I work.

    My budget tip is to “buy in bulk” if possible. I don’t buy clothes or shoes very often, but when I find something that works for me, I will buy it in every color that I like. For example, I was on vacation recently, found shoes that were comfortable, affordable and relatively stylish. I bought three pairs (of the same shoe, just different colors). That will probably be it for shoe purchases for the next 3-6 months.

    LOL @ buy in bulk! Now that’s a strategy for people who hate shopping, not people who are budget conscious. LOL! But I remember those shoes. And that lady I wanted to cuss so bad. LOL! How long did it take to get them? [-SM]

     
12. Bridget, 6 August 2008, 16:04
    

    In addition to finding really good thrift stores (which often carry well-made clothes as opposed to cheap crap from China) and you can justify the tailoring expense a bit better (I’m very, very budget conscience). I personally love sheath dresses in neutral colors because you can wear them with belts, sweaters, blazers, or collared shirts under them. And after being a broke ass single mother college student, I can FINALLY afford the drycleaner and its been very well worth it: clothes last longer, they look newer longer, and my blouses are all crispy and fresh. One last thing - keep up on the maintenance of your shoes! Scuffed up, tired old shoes are SOOO tacky.

     
13. Rufina, 6 August 2008, 20:25
    

    Dont forget Marshall’s , Filene’s Basement and TJMaxx-they have some cool designer items there at times
    and of course, living in NY, we have this department store that everyone thinks is a real estate firm since they share the name-Century 21
    They have shoes!!!!!!!!!!!! you do not want to end up in that store
    They have Italian clothes that in Saks and NM worth hundreds of dollars and at Century they are a fraction of that since it is usually last season designer items
    anyway, when in NY, be sure to stop by there - it is now a sort of landmark-like Statue of Liberty. In fact, once tourists visit Ellis Island, many of them walk up Broadway right to the store.

     
14. dogatemyfinances, 6 August 2008, 21:21
    

    You need some of those clear shoe boxes! You can get them at the container store, and even at Target. Those big mountains of boxes will be boxes that contain shoes you can see!

    I thought about buying those clear boxes, but knowing me, they’d end up empty and all over the floor just like the others I can’t see through. I’ve tried all kinds of organization units. I’m just lazy. [-SM]

     
15. citygirl, 6 August 2008, 21:34
    

    Artist-type here, so I’m usually forgiven when my outfit looks awry. But one thing struck me as I was reading…

    How do you deal with all those shoes? I have a ton of cute shoes that I just can’t wear all day long. Not comfortable. Do you wear the sneaks to work and then change when you get there? I don’t commute on public transportation. I drive to work and walk from the parking garage to my office. No reason to change. [-SM] Wear lots of band-aids? On my feet? For what? [-SM] take off the shoes when at the desk? Sometimes, if they’re not strappy and can easily be kicked off. [-SM] I’m curios because no matter how comfortable the shoes seemed in the store, they always change their tune when I wear them for a whole day. And I’m not talking about cheap shoes either… Oh grasshopper, wearing heels comes with practice. First, you must learn to walk properly in a heel. Always keep your back straight and step with the ball of your foot. I’m not being facetious, I am very serious. When wearing heels, you can not slump or step with your entire foot like you would when wearing flats or sneakers. It puts too much pressure on your arch, forces your foot to slide forward, and worst of all, ruins the heel. Second, assuming you already buy quality shoes, you must always wear inserts. The reason your feet hurt when wearing heels is because they shift in the shoe. If you wear inserts, preferably gel inserts (I use these), they not only provide extra cushion and comfort for your feet, but they have a grip on the bottom so your feet won’t shift. Gel inserts come in all shapes and sizes. They can protect the ball of your foot, the bottom of your heel, around the heel, in between your toes, around the ankle strap, etc. Like a good bra, you must learn to wear proper inserts - your feet will thank you. [-SM]

    I see women in the subways all the time in shoes I can imagine are killing them, but they are adorable… so what’s your strategy? Knowing what products to use for extra comfort so others will think I have a special strategy. [-SM]

     
16. Debbie M, 6 August 2008, 23:05
    

    Wow, I thought button downs were out of style and that everyone was wearing nice t-shirts with their slacks and blazers. (I do live in an extremely casual part of the country and I have very little fashion sense myself. The blouses with the big self-fabric bows on top are still out, though, right?)

    Do you leave the collar tucked inside the blazer or laid out over the top of it? Oh, I guess if it’s a “button-down,” you leave the collar buttoned down and thus tucked in.

    If you see me in a T-shirt, it better be SATURDAY or SUNDAY. I’ve never worn a t-shirt to work…ever.

    Re: my shirt collar…I thought they were made to be popped. [-SM]

     
17. nofearingthemoney, 7 August 2008, 0:03
    

    I think bulk shopping is for both types of people. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!

    I received the shoes the day after I got back. No shipping and no tax. All good.

     
18. Maria, 7 August 2008, 0:09
    

    I am the original sender of the email and I have to say that Single Ma’s response was well worth the wait! So many good tips. Thank you so much!

    I’m a month into my job right now and loving it, but alas, my style is still all over the place. Suits are basically mandatory because I work at an investment fund. Some of my clothing comes from Ross, some from places like Express or Zara, and some is from Ann Taylor/Nordstrom.

    To the reader who said “dress your age” - interesting advice! I think that it depends on where you are. At my company, all the 20somethings seem to be wearing Ann Taylor/BCBG/Banana Republic, while older (probably wiser) women are not nearly as stylish. It stresses me out a bit because (a) I don’t have very good dress sense and (b) I still hate to spend money.

    A question for SM and all you readers out there: How often do you dry clean your clothes? The saleslady at Ann Taylor told me that I only had to dry clean jackets every 6 months, but to dry clean skirts/pants after every 4 or 5 uses. Seems a little bit…dirty to me, but at the same time, dry cleaning costs money.

    Yours in fabulousness,

    Maria

     
19. Vicki, 7 August 2008, 0:56
    

    My biggest boon to my wardrobe and my wallet: go to the nicest neighborhood in your vicinity and track down the Goodwill store. I’ve picked up designer clothes in mint condition for nearly nothing! You never know what you’ll find, but be patient - something fabulous will turn up.

    (By same token, when I no longer wear a piece of clothing that’s still in good condition, I donate it to the Goodwill, knowing that someone else will be thrilled).

     
20. Tara, 7 August 2008, 4:26
    

    If you sign up on the limited’s and express’s site, they will send you many coupons and they have great sales. I currently have 5 coupons that are good for August! They have some wonderful button down shirts that do not need to be dry cleaned, I hand launder them and hang them up to dry and they are perfect in the am… saves me tons in dry cleaning.

    I would also suggest a sheath dress, I just picked up a new one at the goodwill store… anne taylor, size 6, black, nice mid weight fabric and BRAND NEW with tags… for the total sum of $6.00.

    I would agree about dressing your age, I also work for a law firm and our only female attorney who is just out of law school buys almost all her suits at express and limited as they fit so many body types… if you are short or tall, curvy or very slim, long or short waisted, they have the right suit for you… they often have buy a jacket get a pair of pants for free, works out to be $150 before coupon. One of the other benefits of the limited is that you do not have to worry about if you buy a skirt to expand your suit it will match as long as the fabric is the same (I think they only have 3 - 4 fabric weights depending on season) and the colors will match. One of my pet peeves is seeing someone wear a black jacket and a black skirt that are different shades of black.

    I would also take into consideration the weather for where you are at… if you are in Houston, you will not need heavy wool pants and will want more sleeveless shirts for the summers (at least when you are not indoors) but if you are in Chicago, you will need to think of clothes that can work in layers better.

    I have some coupons that I will not for the limited and express and I am happy to drop them in the mail for you, just let SM know and she can tell me how to get them to you or her. I also have one that I can email to you…

    Good luck and congrats on your new position!

     
21. tru2oneself, 7 August 2008, 5:15
    

    First, I have to thank you for this post because I have always had a problem of finding something that would appropriately fit my age.

    Second, Do you have any suggestions on pantyhose? Do you really have to wear them? I have sensitive skin and most pantyhose irritates my skin.

     
22. Sunshine, 8 August 2008, 10:23
    

    To Maria (8/7, 0:09),

    I don’t wear suits often, so I might not be totally correct here.

    When I get them drycleaned, I ALWAYS do the jacket and pants together, whether both need to be cleaned or not. This way the wear process is the same. I mean to say that one won’t get more faded than the other. Does that make sense?

     
23. Bra Accessory, 8 August 2008, 11:04
    

    I think wearing a belt completes a professional look

     
24. Jajababy, 10 August 2008, 23:41
    

    Hello - Congrats too on the new job!

    I HIGHLY recommend Target! I’ve found pants as low as $6 to $8 on clearance. I feel like every professional woman should have really good black slacks. Being fashionable and frugal is all about being smart. I’ve been known to buy great pieces for a reasonable buck. I live by eBay. If you know what you’re doing, you can buy some really good things. For ex: I bought a French Connection dress for $12 plus shipping (brand new with the tag still.

    Another time, I bought 2 shoes, one was brand new name brand (BCBG and Dolce Vita) for $13 plus shipping.

    I never limit myself to one store. I’ll always go into any store and hit the clearance section b/c you never know. Many people may down it, but you can find some cute sweaters at Forever 21 for under $20 and cute work blouses at H&M if there is one in area.

    Like others have said, I’d spend more money on classic pieces and I would spend less on things like tops/blouses.

     
25. mapgirl, 11 August 2008, 14:07
    

    Good advice. I second the person who said wait to buy suits till you know what you need. I panicked earlier this year and bought about 4 suits for $1000 for a new job. I truly only needed 2 of them, and 6 mos later I don’t need any of them at all. (One was $70. Two were ~$300 each (desperately needed them in 24 hours), the fourth somewhere around $150.)

    1. Wire hangers are bad for jackets. The longer you leave them on there, the more it makes a crease that weakens the fiber of the fabric and it will break over time. (Of course, that will take 10 years and who has a suit jacket that long? The cut will be long out of fashion before then.) Use a padded hanger, or anything that will shape the shoulder wider. Dry cleaners use a specially cut piece of cardboard over a plain metal hanger. That works just fine.

    2. Always wash pieces of a suit together regardless if the piece needs it or not. The wear and tear will be the same. I have actually seen suits at my mother’s dry cleaning store where the items came in separately one too many times and the difference will be apparent.

    3. How often to dry clean? Depends on the material. Wool can go 5-20 wearings without a dry clean. Just make sure to air out on a hanger before returning to the closet. Rayon stuff should be cleaned after about 3 wearings or at the very least, pressed again. Your hand finish will never be as good as the pressman at the dry cleaner. Take it into a shop and ask for a press-only job. (Should be less than half of the price of dry cleaning and take it to a place with presses on site. The drop shop may cheat and do it at the shop, but will not add the pounds of pressure needed to keep a crease crisp over time.)

    4. Last piece of advice: When you get a suit back from the cleaner, rip off the plastic and air it out to remove the chemicals still left in the clothing. (It floats away.) But leave the paper cap on. (Get a new cleaner if they don’t give you the paper cap. It’s only ok not to have it for folded sweaters on the hanger. The cap is too far from the sweater.) The paper cap will keep dust from settling on the shoulders of your clothes if they are the closet for a long time.

     
26. Amal, 15 August 2008, 10:36
    

    If you cannot splurge anywhere else, invest in a very nice black suit and have it tailored. I purchased a black suit from Saks Fifth Avenue (Theory) that is timeless and fits well. I bought the jacket, pants, and pencil skirt to match. As long as jackets are not required at your office, you can get away with owning one suit for a long time–just pair them up with button-downs, camisoles, scarves, nice earrings/necklace, and shoes (not all at once, of course). Do this until you can purchase the next suit.

    Also, your clothes can look fierce, but if your hair looks less than fabulous, you’ll look less than fabulous.

    Has anyone tried that no-iron, white button-down shirt from Brooks Brothers yet? I want to get one (I hate ironing).

     
27. Kee Kee, 2 September 2008, 8:40
    

    These are excellent tips! I am a bargain hunter and love love the thrill of finding a really nice piece for 60+% off. Some of my favs are also Ross, TJ Maxx and Burlington. I was recently promoted and am looking forward to applying your principals to my new wardrobe. I own too many ‘business casual’ clothes and not enough pants suits. I’m sure they will all have to be altered as I am not in that 1% lucky enough to have an hour glass figure. I do own over 90 pairs of shoes and have been on a “no shoe buying” diet since April…..I don’t have enough space to store my collection :-(! I would like to suggest my favorite online retailer for shoes, http://www.endless.com. They offer really great prices, the latest styles, free overnight shipping plus they take $5 off each order…..seriously! Thanks again for the tips!

     

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