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 The time is getting short to sign up for this 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 and I'll see you there!

In the world of Alternative Shopping, there are really TWO seasons. The first one falls in February; the second in August. These ìEnd of Season Salesî are ripe with opportunities to purchase glorious items we admired, but didn't buy from major department stores and boutiques for they have been, or soon will be . . . marked down. Fall clothing will replace summer garb within the next few weeks, so keep your eyes open for ìPre-Season Salesî as well.

UPDATE YOUR LOOK WITH: ìShrunken Jackets,î thinner costume jewelry chains mixed with more delicate beads, something metallic (just accent pieces, donít go ìGoldfingerî on us), a little bit of Gypsy (again . . . less is more and only if you can pull it off without looking like something out of the Bavarian countryside), camis with blouson-type covers and some type of large accent piece (silk flowers have opened the door to all sorts of fabric wonders). Until the fall shuts them down you may also want to check out local crafts shows or outdoor markets for wonderful accessories at bargain prices.

VICKIíS SECRET 108 Petaluma Blvd. N. Petaluma, CA 94952. Open M-F 11:00 AM ñ 5:30 PM; Sat.11:00 AM ñ 5:00 PM; Sun. 11:00 AM ñ 5::00 PM

Victoriaís Secret may lay claim to the fineries we wear beneath our clothing, but VICKIíS SECRET presents the fine clothing we present to the world! Whoever would have guessed that all the finest designer labels would be represented in a deceptively tiny shop (from curbside) in quaint and sleepy Petaluma, California? Donít let the humble storefront fool you though . . . when I say ìfinestî Iím alluding to this collection of 5,000 items including: Chanel, Valentino, Armani, Versace, Gaultier, Escada, Gucci, Moschino, Pucci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Hermes, Fendi, Galliano, Michael Kors. In fact, VICKIíS SECRET claims to possess the largest selection of couture items in the United States, with two long racks completely filled with Chanel finery alone!

T.J.MAXX 3337 Golf Road, Skokie (Evanston), IL 60203. Open M-Sat. 9:30 AM ñ 9:30 PM; 11:00 AM ñ 6:00 PM, Sun.

It is said that a thief never returns to the scene of the crime, but when I consider the steals I have enjoyed at T.J. MAXX since 1977, my recent visit put that saying to rest! In town to visit my mother, It seemed fitting to review my old stomping grounds. This very same T.J.MAXX is where I first discovered the fine art of Alternative Shopping. Now a national chain, this Off-Price Retailer features clothes and accessories for women, men, kids and their homes! Travel back in time with me to the days when I was an eager young businesswoman, with the taste-buds of a princess and the pocketbook of a . . . well, less than royalty!

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!