BUSINESS Consider your clothing an investment DO YOU get your money’s worth out of the clothing you buy? Do your clothes help you earn more money? “Some people are successful without great wardrobes, but most of us can use the edge,” said Diana Kilgour, wardrobe and im- age consultant, who spoke recent- ly to the Canadian Association of Financial Planners, Pacific Chapter. “The way you dress makes a statement. It reveals your econom- ic status, education, taste and social class. It’s the only consumer choice we make that is visible to all “In sales — and at some level this applies to everybody clothes are part of your tools.”’ Kilgour told me dressing has become a technology removed from fashion, something statistically measured and careful- ly researched. “The most influential look to achieve is that of the upper middle class,"’ she said. “It is a knowing look, always appropriate, in season, medium to high quality."’ Unfortunately, said Kilgour, many peopie follow the example of ill-clad parents or peers, and they don’t even know what they don’t know. “The sole purpose of the fash- ion industry is its own survival,’’ she said. ‘‘What is offered is often lacking in good taste. “Most employers appreciate taste over fashion in staff apparel. And performance is perceived to be consistent with the visual im- pression one creates.”* Few people really get value from their clothing dollar, Kilgour said, ‘‘Things that don’t flatter or don’t co-ordinate easily don’t get worn, and that equals a high cost per wearing. If you plan your wardrobe, then fewer pieces work harder.’’ Kilgour said there are various ways to get the most from your clothing dollar. “Naturally,’’ she said, ‘‘since it’s my line of work, IJ feel hiring a wardrobe consultant could be your best investment. A knowl- edgeable person working for you (rather than working to make a sale) can stay within your budget and keep you from making costly mistakes.”’ Other tips: * Know the look of quality. Spend some time in stores that carry top quality merchandise and observe the characteristics of color, drape of fabric, the way pieces are co- ordinated, accessories and so on. ¢ Look for items on sale, especial- ly during store-wide discount sales. But don’t count on finding major items like suits and winter coats on the clearance rack. The best ones are snapped up early in the season. So buy the key pieces for your wardrobe when the selec- tion is good. Then shop at sales to complete or update your outfits. e The most practical fabrics for year-round tailored clothes are wool gabardines and crepes; wool gabardines and linen are seasonal. e if the budget is tight, berrow or rent clothes for a special event. “It puts a fot of pressure on a date if you’ve blown the budget for a special outfit that you'll never wear again,”’ Kilgour said. Did you know researchers at B.C’s Children’s Hospital are perfecting techniques to transplant insulinproducing cells and cure diabetes! Wednesday, April 24, 1991 - North Shore News - 41 VANCOUVER OF COMMERCE. Business After Business Thursday, April 25, 5:00-7:30 p.m. North Shore Winter Club, 1325 East Keith Rd $5 members / $7 guests & prospective members Phone: 987-4488 to be Sponsored by: Michael Grenby VANCOUVER WHARVES LTD. DOLLARS AND SENSE ® Put your money above the waist, where it’s more likely to count. A great tie or pair of earr- ings can elevate the perceived cost of a moderately-priced suit al- though they cannot salvage a cheap one. ® Look for multi-purpose pieces. A classic blazer works with shirt and tie or with a polo shirt and chinos. A simple pair of gold ear- rings can complete many different outfits. © Buy several pieces at one time, including accessories. It’s difficult to choose co-ordinating items for garments that are at home in the closet, * Never buy something unless you know exactly how and with what it will go. eKnow your shopping weaknesses. If you balk at spend- ing $150 for a beautiful blouse but own a fortune in ski clothes or have a world-class collection of T-shirts, your priorities could use an adjustment. © Pay for the alterations necessary to give you a custom fit. “Women are especially prone to wearing jackets with too-long sleeves or skirts that need to be brought into proportion: with their new jackets,’’ she said. Kilgour gave examples of clothing combinations that just don’t work. ‘‘They meant well enough, but...’’ « The eager young man who wears clip-on suspenders and a dressy white-on-white shirt with a tweed jacket. « The woman who learned the art of accessorizing from her granc- mother (‘‘add a bright touch, dear’') and always wears inexpen- sive plastic earrings that exactly match: her blouse. ¢ The jolly fellow at the company barbecue who wears his Bermudas with black lace-ups and executive length dress socks. e The suited businesswoman who carries her essentials in a squashy kidney-shaped bag or, worse, a straw or plastic one. . Mike Grenby is a Vancouver- based columnist and independent personal financial adviser; he will answer your questions as space allows in his column —~ write to him c/o North Shore News, 1139 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver V7M 2H4, You Hold The Key Take control of your telephone calls and your time with Call Management Service. 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