TRICKS OF THE TRADE WORKSHOP, Santa Rosa, CA YMCA, Tuesday, August 16 from 12:00 - 1:30 PM

AUGUST 16, 2005 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM For all those in the San Francisco North Bay Area, mark your calendars to attend a FREE workshop and swap meet at the Santa Rosa YMCA. Learn Sue's TRICKS OF THE TRADE and discover economical ways of dressing with elegance, style, and pizzazz for less. The workshop will be followed by a fun-packed half-hour "swap." Bring two women's and (if you wish) two children's clothing items or accessories (in absolutely pristine shape) so you and your neighbors can update both your wardrobes. The workshop is limited to 30 people so register early!

Since childhood, my greatest summer sport was SALE-ING! Actually, GARAGE SALE- ING to be more precise! In my home, we also enjoy the annual ritual of purging the house by holding our own sale. Normally, I bring my clothes and accessories to area consignment shops, or sell them at auction online; but this year the accumulated goods in a trunk residing in the garage moved me to see what interest (and prices) they might fetch when strung out on display in our driveway. Needless to say, I was quickly reminded as to why I so enjoy buying things at garage sales, for shoppers can grab great items for a song. Local ladies at our sale purchased new French jeans worn once which really didn't fit me right for $10 (a $100 value), gorgeous scarves and shawls for $5 each (OK I admit it . . . my collection was taking over the house), and more. Needless to say . . . our shoppers made off like bandits!

Now it's your turn! Grab your local paper, check the grocery store "rags," go to www.craigslist.com to look up sales near your home, or even cruise the neighborhood looking for those brightly-colored, home-penned signs. (Hint . . . check out the upper- crust "house sales" for the best offerings.) Above all though . . . HAVE FUN!

BUFFALO EXCHANGE 2585 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, California 97404. (510) 644-9202. Open M-SAT 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM, SUN

BUFFALO EXCHANGE got its start in Tucson, Arizona and has grown to a rich herd of 25 stores and six franchises in 11 states. In California's Berkeley store, I was tickled by the unique Berkeley energy and eclectic range of fun and youthful items, many currently being found in local malls. Admittedly "trend-driven," the Berkeley store offers hundreds of short summer skirts, sundresses, jeans and t-shirts by the rack, funky handbags, hats and scarves. Some new items (such as cute socks by Chinese Laundry) purchased by the corporate buying group out of Tucson add to the kitsch feeling of the clothes. Every store is quite different, based primarily on its location - its customers and those who fill their racks with inventory. Interested in selling? Like traditional trading posts, you just bring in your "former favorites" during open hours, and those items selected will be assigned selling prices.

THE BEAT GOES ON: 333 Montezuma Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Open M - F 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; S 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

I absolutely ADORE Suzi-Q's creative eye and unique "wearable art." From local Santa Fe textile artists to many of our favorite designer labels, this Santa Fe delight is tucked discretely away in the Guadalupe Shopping Center, a treasure trove of fun Western Wearables to Couture items for the sophisticated shopper. Every inch of the store seems festooned in color, fabric and fun. It would be difficult not to walk away with a bag filled with goodies from this "Very Cool Consignment Shop." Right now, you'll find summer Ikat caftans, lightweight dresses, tops, blouses, skirts and shawls. Then there are those beautifully hand-tooled purses and cowgirl boots, often "one-of- a-kind." Interesting jewelry from locals to craftspeople from exotic lands make accessorizing a dream.

Don't forget to visit the website for many more tips (and much more talk)! I will be introducing new features and working to make THE CLOSET COACH the missing smile in your day. For those of you busy people who have little time to break away for shopping . . . if you are available to shop on-line, please check out the LINKS page on the website. It's my way of providing you with an extended "virtual ALTERNATIVE SHOPPING MALL!"

REMEMBER . . . LIFE IS A PARTY AND WE'RE ALL INVITED . . . WE JUST NEED TO DECIDE WHAT TO WEAR!