Suit Up

Reader Question (yay, I love those!!):
I spent the weekend looking for a new suit and kept getting stuck between looking too sexy and too manish/frumpy. Where do you recommend a career gal, almost 30, look for a suit (that doesn't cost a small fortune)?

I think that a classic, tailored black suit is a must for every woman's wardrobe. This is one of your investment pieces that you can have forever if you buy a classic cut. It can be your go-to outfit for an interview if you're not sure of the culture of the company.

Spend your big bucks on your staple suit and buy more inexpensive separates you can mix and match with the pants and jacket.

Tips for getting a steal of a deal.

• Sign up for emails and texts from your favorite stores. Usually companies will send you a 25 or 30% off coupon right away just for signing up. They'll also alert you of great sales coming up and new fashions.
  
• Visit an outlet. Although some stores are hitting the web with an online outlet store, most haven't caught on yet. Sometimes you just can't beat the deal at the actual outlet mall. They may have something you can get for a steal and tailor to your size or last season's look you can easily update.
  
• If you're consistently one size, you may want to take advantage of the end of season sales and stock up on separates for the next year. Try to avoid something that was super trendy this season unless you can modernize it with a scarf, belt or other accessories for the next year.
• Get a credit card from your favorite store. OK - HEAR ME OUT. Many stores offer great incentives for carrying a store credit card, and some work at multiple locations (ex: Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic). For example, I shop at Lane Bryant all the time and have a card with them. I get 2 points per dollar spent. When I hit 600 points I get a $25 gift card in the mail. I get double points the week of my birthday, get early notice on sales and new fashions, and I don't have to carry a balance. When I charge my card I immediately make a payment right in the store.
  

Here are some great options for blazers:
(although I wouldn't push up the sleeves for an interview)
Old Navy one-button blazer: $40
The Limited four pocket jacket: $60
New York and Company herringbone jacket: $60
Gap tipped tuxedo jacket: $98
Banana Republic wool textured blazer: $198
KEEP YOUR QUESTIONS COMING, I LOVE 'EM!