More Bang for Your Buck: Dress For Success

WSVN -- George W. Bush may be known as a conservative.

But when it comes to spending on his wardrobe, there's nothing conservative about him.

Each one of the president's suits cost $2,000 dollars. Each one of the first lady's dresses - $1,000 dollars.

If looking good on the job is a priority, who says you need the president's paycheck.

Just ask, Monique Woodley and Erica Toylar.

These two stay-at-home moms have a lot in common.

Both are ready to enter the working world, but neither have a lot of extra money to pay for power suits.

Job seeker Erica Toylar: "If you have a suit, not only do you feel confident, they look at you and say this is someone who is serious."

That's why a Fort Lauderdale store is serious about making sure every man and woman is appropriately dressed for a job interview.

The store is called positive images and it's affiliated with a national charity known as the women's alliance.

Nicole Wild from the Women's Alliance: "Its about giving people a boost of self confidence."

And it works. Every outfit you see here is free. They're all donated by south floridians cleaning out their closets.

The only requirement is you must qualify financially and you must be enrolled in an approved job training program.

Nicole: "It's a barrier and when you start in a work environment you want to fit in."

But it's a barrier that can be overcome.

Both Monique and Erica found something they believe sends the right message.

Job seeker Monique Woodley: "So when I walk through the door, they'll be like she knows what she wants and she wants this job."

And now they're hoping to start a new career with a winning wardrobe.

Monique: "When I looked at myself in the mirror. I was surprised it looked like a brand new suit, and I said wow, this is great, I look like an office manager."

If you're interested in donating clothing, all donations are tax-deductible. Positive Images is especially looking for plus-sizes and wide width shoes.

Contact: lgarrigan@wsvn.com

The Women's Alliance
3745 Northeast 171 Street
Suite 62
Miami, FL
305 762-6400
www.thewomensalliance.org

Positive Images
2700 W. Oakland Park blvd.
Suite 21
954 484-1824
www.iampositive.org