Who knew what you could do with a hair iron?

And a little bit o' makeup, of course.

So with a new cheery hairstyle, I can face the likelihood of cutbacks at work at least looking good. Yes, the economy and the dollar and the mortgage crisis and the price of oil not to mention the latest war the US can't get out of have finally caused my company to make some staffing cuts. All to be expected. It's a great company, nonetheless.

In fact, at my company, I was able to donate my old suits (remember those that never fit me and never looked good on me?) to a group that collects them and distributes them to women's shelters where women take training to enter/re-enter the work force. So somewhere, this summer, some woman is looking better than I ever did in my old Laura Ashley blue linen suit (bought in Britain and lined, no less) working at her job and possibly hoping that I will not lose mine.

My friend S has forwarded me some information so that you too can donate old suits (and blouses, shoes, handbags and jewelry) to women in need who are being trained to get office jobs. And if you're not in NYC, look for a local group that serves the same purpose and send your old suits there!

Bottomless Closet NYC, 545 Eighth Ave. b/t 37th and 38th Sts., 12th Fl.; Drop-off times: M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or call (212-563-2499) for special arrangements.

(I told you that S was good!)