Sheila had perfect timing. I was just focusing on Professional Business Image within the Blog this week and last when she wrote us asking several good questions and ones I know enter the minds of many admins. I will try to address each one the best I can.

1. She first states, "I would like to address the cost of professional attire and the cost associated with keeping up physical appearance. The only place that I can find quality clothes that fit me is at Talbots. I'm not making a six figure income and Talbots is expensive."

You are right. Talbots is a bit pricier than other stores but very good quality. So here are a few thoughts about quality. When you purchase quality clothing, it lasts longer so you actually spend less money over a 6 year period. For example, if you find a beautifully-made traditional-looking blazer or jacket for $240, divide that by at least 6 years' wear (even 8 years) and that equals $40 per year! Also, this will last longer through dry cleaning and wear and tear because it is well made. Any you really don't have to have them dry cleaned as often as you think because of the better fabrics.

Since I know at the price you can't buy probably more than 1 jacket that becomes your best wardrobe piece. You wear that when you really want to look professional, are meeting important people, welcoming important guests, or asking for a raise. Or get a basic-looking one that you can wear numerous times for casual business dress.

The same would hold true for slacks, blouses, sweater, or shoes you would purchase at a store like Talbots.

2. You may have to travel a little ways out of your community to find a store that better fits your budget and your body. Then you only go there twice a year - in the summer to purchase fall and winter clothes; in the late winter, to purchase spring and summer clothes.
3. Budget your money. Save for those special pieces of clothing. That means that you have to give up other items such as one less night at the movies, two less Starbucks, one less vacation, etc.
4. Look for great sales. Try to shop when there is a good sale and stock up on what you like. So maybe there is a great blouse and style looks fabulous on your body, buy 2 or 3 in different colors when they are on sale.
5. In regards to your comment about "expensive." Please keep in mind that looking good does not have to be expensive. In other words, a person can spend $1500 on an entire outfit, shoes, handbag, and jewelry and not look put together. Another person can spend $200 and look terrific. It's a matter of purchasing items that:

• bring out the best of your shape. People come in all shapes, right? Some have larger hips, stomachs, thighs, and so forth. Even thin people have certain parts of their body they deal with - arms are too thin, etc. Select items that bring out your best and stick with that cut of clothing.
• enhance your natural coloring - your hair, eyes, and skin tone. You will look terrific when you do this. For example, bright and vibrant colors look good on me plus white and black. I looked totally washed out in pastels. So I don't buy them.
• fit with the line of work you are in, your industry, corporate culture, and geographic location in the United States
• It's also a matter of how you look from the top of your head to your toes. A detractor is when a person has on a nice looking business casual outfit and then their shoes are all beat up!

6. What about monthly haircuts and coloring and manicures, you asked?

• Well, I guess one way to save money on haircuts is to let your hair grow for a few months and then cut it. My hair grows very quickly and I could probably get a haircut every 3 weeks! And because of that, my color grows out too. (Yes, I color my hair.) So that means I can spend a lot of money every 3 weeks just on my hair. Seriously, try to stretch out your hair cuts. You can do this if you get a really good, shorter cut and then let it grow for awhile. Try to do a little hair coloring of your own in between the beauty shop. That will save you money.
• We all know of the $10 hair cut places. I know a few women who go there and get a pretty good cut. My hair is very thick, natural curly and wavy and I have met only 2 great stylists in Vegas who know what to do with my hair! Believe me, I've tried several others. I imagine you have to take that into consideration. Plus, I am in the public eye all the time and because of my business need (and want) to look my very best.
• Manicures area wonderful and give a very nice professional look, especially when you are in the workplace and always using your hands. It says you pay extra attention to yourself. Again, look for salons where the nail techs do a good job, but aren't so costly. Or go to the stand-alone nail places. Wehave them all over town here. Can you do your own manicure once and awhile?

7. Sheila says, "It seems there is so much expense involved in looking professional." You are right. I guess I can say that I've met people who don't wear makeup and watch their budgets closely and appear professional because their professionalism also comes across in how they act, speak, and their body language. On the other side of that coin, Sherry Maysonave, author of Casual Power says, "Women who wear makeup have 20 to 30% higher incomes."

(Casual Power is the most informative book I have ever read on professional image/dress and casual attire. I read this book from front to back and have highlights all over my book. There are great pictures and the author clearly explains 6 levels of casual dress. I was so impressed with Sherry's book that Office Dynamics has it for sales on the shopping cart, and I use it as a reference at our World Class Assistant workshops. She even has a chapter on Acquiring a Business Casual Wardrobe on Any Budget.)

Well Sheila, I could write for hours about this topic. You asked very good, real questions. I would encourage you to think about your career goals and aspirations. Creating a professional image is an investment in career success.

What about the rest of you? Do you have some good ideas for Sheila?

Joan Burge