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easier for the color-scheme challenged (hey, it happens!).

Ladies, you are fortunate to have even more options than the gentlemen. With your three-four basic measurements in the bag, you can go to any on line catalog (Chadwick's of Boston, Coldwater Creek, Newport News, Spiegel, etc.), check their size charts and shop away (especially if you are like me and hate crowded malls). Better yet - you can go on eBay and check out the vintage wear section. While the Victorian and Edwardian era pieces are usually too fragile for active wear and the formal wear from the 1970's and 1980's is, frankly, hideous (ah, the big butt bows), there is the golden ideal - the formal wear from the 1950's (also known as "the new look").

The lovely hourglass shape of the 1950's dresses is by far the most forgiving for nearly any height, weight and body type and those large circle skirt make your waist look tiny. Due to the dramatic size chart changes that took place in the last 60 years all of the sellers dealing in the 1950's wear include measurements, as well as detailed information about the garment (fabric, fasteners, decorations, patterns and any defects.) Most of the garments are in fantastic shape, are available in a variety of sizes and need no more than a round of dry cleaning. Hundreds of them are very reasonably priced. All you need to do is add the items you are interested in to your eBay watch list and keep an eye on them. Yes, there will be times when you won't win, which is why you need to pick out several options. Also, check the items that have a "Buy it now" option - they are more expensive, but you don't have to wage the bidding war and risk losing. One of my recent formal wear purchases was a fantastic pale pink gown that was offered with the "Buy it now" option for mere $65.00 - a bargain, if you ask me, considering the piece was in mint condition and of wearable size.

The vintage category is also a great source for the fabulous old-fashioned purses, belts and costume jewelry - those little details that can enhance your look so much. The only part of your outfit that requires your personal attention prior to the purchase is shoes. You have to try them on. My shoe rack includes pairs in sizes 5, 5-1/2 and 6 - they vary that much. If you are unaccustomed to wearing high heels, find something with a wedge or a stacked heel for better support. Do not wear shoes with ankle straps if you have chunky ankles - they (your ankles) will look strangled. A wedge heel will open

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