By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
April 19, 2000
Angelique Thomas is shopping for more than a new jacket at Sears. She is in search of a streamlined look that will help her land a new job.
Thomas, 30, was one of five local women participating in Sears’ Fashion Takes Action program, which kicked off Tuesday in Chicago. The program pairs women making a transition into the workplace with fashion experts. Sears provides each participant with two business-appropriate outfits, as well as cosmetics.
The event also is scheduled to take place in nine other cities: New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver, Washington, D.C., Miami, Baltimore, Atlanta and Pittsburgh.
“I’m more of a jeans girl,” says Thomas. “I dress like a tomboy and don’t have any business clothes. It’s time for me to dress like a lady.”
Barbara Samuels of N’digo magazine, who is paired with Thomas, thumbs through a rack of blazers. She finds a chic gray number and holds it up against Thomas.
“I think this will look nice on you,” Samuels says.
Thomas smiles brightly, contemplates the choice and asks, “Do you think I should try something a little longer?”
Downstairs in another section of the Northwest Side store, Sun-Times fashion writer Lisa Lenoir is guiding Renee Jackson, 34, through her choices.
Jackson, who is enrolled in a GED program, is working toward becoming a registered nurse.
“This has been a fun day,” says Jackson. “It’s nice to get a little guidance about things like which colors and what looks good on me.”
The two eye a three-piece set that includes a dress, slacks and a jacket.
“I’m trying to get her basic pieces that she can mix and match,” Lenoir says. “We’re looking at neutral colors, but we’ll add some color through the shirts and blouses.”
A smart outfit not only makes a woman feel more confident when she heads into a job interview, according to experts. It also gives employers more confidence in prospective hirees.
“Appearance alone certainly won’t get you a job,” says Mary Lynn Damhorst (author of The Meaning of Dress), who also was in attendance at the event. “But a pulled-together look will set the right tone for the interview.”
In other words, leave the “Erin Brockovich” bustiers at home.
In addition to donating $100,000, clothes and accessories, Sears also is conducting a clothing drive that runs Thursday through April 30. New or used work-appropriate women’s clothes may be dropped off in the women’s department of the store at 4730 W. Irving Park.
