Pull yourself together, and let me help

There are times when Southern gentility just won't get the message across.

Such was the case when I walked into my senior clothing-selection class one fall morning at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. I had on an off-white straw hat, an ivory, shiny blouse with a textured pattern, off-white wool/rayon pants and gold suede shoes that picked up a gold print in my blouse. My professor looked me up and down and mustered a polite, "My, you sure do have on some interesting fabrics today."

I had an epiphany nearly 10 years later when I looked up and down at an intern who was quite into fashion but still rough around the edges. My professor had really wanted to say I looked as if I were vying to replace Minnie Pearl's character in "Hee Haw."

My undeclared minor was clothing and textiles, and college absolutely was the right place to fumble, learn the tricks of the trade and come out on the other side with my own clearly defined sense of style.

The prof had the license to inform. Had she done that, I would have learned sooner to pause and scrutinize my choices. I would not have left the house looking like a country fool again.

The little things do matter - the way a person presents himself to the world has a profound effect on his message.

I had color coordination but no harmony. The look didn't glide. It was like publishing a story that had not been edited. As a journalism major, I would have gotten the picture with that analogy.

I've spent nearly a lifetime striving to create a functional, vibrant style on the cheap. I recall when I was about 7 or 8 trying to sew knockoffs of the Bob Mackie gowns Cher wore. I almost sewed my fingers to the bone with the little blue sewing machine my mother had bought from Roses in Greenville, Miss. Among other things, I made purses to go with the gowns and pillows to dress up the room I shared with my sis, and I put pockets on everything.

While sticking with the news industry as my bread and butter, I indulged my passion for styling with an apprenticeship at an interior design firm and a job in a clothing chain, both in Dayton, Ohio. Visual merchandising was my specialty. Heck, give me anything - a person, a dummy, a house, a yard, a page of type - and I'll dress it up.

After marrying and having three kids in two years (I'm disclosing that for entertainment purposes only; please don't try it at home), I needed to keep a whole family looking sharp on a dime.

I am proud to have again been extended the privilege of writing a style column every other Wednesday in The Daily Break. I previously wrote for The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., and I have been The Pilot's assistant features editor for a year.

Unlike my old professor, I won't hesitate to dish insights, such as the importance of categorizing the items in your drawers and closets by color, sleeve length and season.

In this space, you will find practical knowledge and commentary on style trends, everything from finding a flattering fit and color palette to buying a superior iron. Among other things, expect to:

- Read about what's new and hot and where to purchase it locally.

- Learn how to score the best bang for your buck.

- Be introduced to local people and their styles.

- Ponder options that will push you out of a style rut.

- Find answers to questions you submit.

My goal is to help you read between the seams, and pull your look together so you can get your intended message across.

Jamesetta M. Walker, 446-2211, jamesetta.walker@pilotonline.com