| In any and every given moment of your life, you | | | | that are made available. Rather then being blindly |
| are either in command of yourself, or you are | | | | led to something that may just be the popular |
| being commanded. Guy Finley | | | | style of the moment, adjusting your style is the |
| Keeping a wardrobe that is complete and always | | | | better way to go. |
| new is rare. The costs of buying clothing today | | | | Where do you start to build a best-dressed |
| and with the constant change in styles, bargains | | | | wardrobe? Start at the beginning and learn to |
| are a treasure. There is a definite challenge to | | | | stretch your fashion dollars by saving any clothing |
| being well dressed at all times, especially on a | | | | you already have. Make an inventory of what you |
| limited budget. For working women this is difficult, | | | | have in your closet. Most of us usually make two |
| yet, it can be done. | | | | main divisions. One is your summer-wear; the |
| The key is in the planning. It takes money to build | | | | other is your winter wear. Stay within reason and |
| a wardrobe, or to start over from one season to | | | | keep anything that is still useful and in good |
| the next. When you plan your wardrobe, keep in | | | | condition. Just try not to cling to any clothing, |
| mind your particular style or look. If you find | | | | even for sentimental reasons, that have not been |
| yourself asking questions like, What on earth will I | | | | worn for over a year. They only take up space. |
| wear today? Or, I have got absolutely nothing to | | | | Dresses, suits and coats are your most important |
| wear! Another favorite is to telephone a few | | | | investment and should be cared for properly. |
| friends to see what they are going to wear. If | | | | Upon removing them at the end of the day, be |
| you find yourself doing any of these, then, your | | | | sure to immediately hang them up on their |
| goal is to plan. | | | | individual hangers. Check for spots and stains, and |
| Asking yourself some of the following questions | | | | if necessary, brush them off and air them first |
| may prove helpful: | | | | before putting them away. |
| Does your wardrobe consist of more than 20% | | | | In dressing well, the other parts of your wardrobe |
| of clothing you have not worn in over a year, | | | | include your shoes and accessories. Shoes are a |
| thinking they may come back in style? | | | | major item and must be kept clean and in shape |
| Do you own enough accessories to start your | | | | as often as possible. Constantly walking along |
| own craft store? | | | | cemented sidewalks can be a death march to |
| How often do you make impulse purchases? | | | | your shoe heels and soles. Have them repaired as |
| Before purchasing, do you allow enough time to | | | | frequently as possible and discard shoes when |
| actually try on the garments? | | | | they are unsalvageable. |
| Answering these questions may make you frown, | | | | Accessories are additional items that may be the |
| but these fashion problems are not uncommon. | | | | central aim of your outfit. Give them your |
| Just realizing what your fashion sense is, is the | | | | attention. Jewelry items must be sparkling clean. |
| first step. | | | | Any traces of tarnish on silver pieces can be |
| Getting to know your own particular styles | | | | cleaned with silver polish. Soap and warm water |
| including the strengths and weaknesses of your | | | | may be applied to jeweled rings, except on pearls, |
| figure type is a start. Make a point to focus on a | | | | to remove dust and dried soap on the stones or |
| clear image of what you consider being well | | | | settings. A little soap and water rinse, and even a |
| dressed. Knowing what you like, want, and what | | | | little rubbing alcohol on many costume pieces can |
| looks well on you are important. Buy only what | | | | bring back the shine. |
| suits you best and not rely on the opinion of | | | | With a little planning, a lot of care, and special |
| someone else. Nor should you base your decision | | | | thought to your wardrobe purchases, you can |
| only on what is currently popular. | | | | add life to your clothing and have a closet that will |
| Fashion is distinctive to each individual and does | | | | rival any superstar. Dressing well is a sign of your |
| not need to be classified into a standard mold. Let | | | | self-esteem. And self-esteem is a part of your |
| your own taste dictate your fashion and beauty | | | | personal development. Without it, you may not be |
| behavior. Pay attention to fashion and beauty | | | | motivated to pay any special attention to the |
| magazines and adjust your taste to the fashions | | | | way you dress. Go do, and be well dressed! |