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Business & Tech

She'll Teach You What To Wear

La Grange's Nancy Pipal consults one La Grange Park resident to professional style to match a new career; her fashion expertise is available to corporations as well as individuals.

It’s an everyday dilemma: “What am I going to wear today?” That question takes on new meaning when you are changing not only jobs, but careers as well.

When Patti Zavagnin, of La Grange Park, decided she wanted to venture into the financial and investment world after spending many years on the administrative and information services side of the schools, she was at a loss as to what to wear for her initial interview. Patti got in touch with her long-time friend and colleague, Nancy Pipal. Nancy, of La Grange, had recently retired from high school counseling and had begun a new career herself—that of Executive Presence and Personal Style Consultant. Patti’s request was right up Nancy’s alley—to help pick out an interview suit, a how-to-get-the-job ensemble.

Since the financial services industry is conservative by nature, the women discussed what image Patti needed to project. They both agreed they did not like the "cookie cutter" uniform-looking suit. They were looking for style and professionalism.

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The two women went shopping and with Nancy’s advice, they picked out the interview outfit—a classic look adorned with simple pearls. When it came to individualizing the look, Patti tried on and loved a pair of deep red shoes.

“They were the energy of the outfit,” said Patti.

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Patti got the job and has now been a private wealth associate with a major firm in the city for four years. Her dilemma of what to wear every day did not stop, however, upon being hired.

“I can’t think about what to wear. I want it to be simple and good-looking without my spending time thinking about it. I also don’t want to spend a lot of time shopping,” Patti said.

The career shopping trip was next on the agenda. Nancy looked through Patti’s closet to see what would still work and what wouldn't. They then went out together and Patti purchased a real wardrobe—pieces that all went together, that could be dressed up or down. At the end of the trip, she had two weeks' worth of clothes.

Patti is relieved to know that she looks professional and well put-together, which is especially helpful when she unexpectedly must meet with a client. With Patti’s new look, management and her co-workers began to notice as well.

There are many people who begin a new job and need help in getting a put together look. One of the services that Nancy provides is in-house consulting for corporate entities. After making a presentation at the firm where Patti works, the group now has a more standard look: professional, yet stylish.

Nancy and Patti meet any time there is a special occasion that requires a special dress and they also meet periodically to discuss trends and what might be added to Patti’s wardrobe.

I was present for their spring session. Typically, the sessions include looking at magazines that Nancy has already perused and dog-eared some fashions for Patti to approve. This way, Nancy can do “target shopping” for Patti: she can find staples that go with everything, get one substantial item that coordinates well with other pieces as well as with professional ware.

Patti also had brought a couple of pieces from her closet to see what Nancy thought. The blouse got a "yay’"; the suit a "nay."

To Patti, the services Nancy provides are invaluable. As Patti says, “Yes, I am paying for a service. But what Nancy has saved me in fashion mistakes far outweighs her fee. I have a whole wardrobe, not just pieces that don’t go with anything or things that really do not fit me well.”

For those interested in meeting Nancy, she has two local appearances this month: "A Modern Woman's Guide to Fashion, Grace and Style" in the evening of March 10 at Katherine Legge Memorial Park in Hinsdale—call Susie Woerner for details 630.986.1315—and "Shop in Your Closet" on March 29 at the Palos Park Library at 7 p.m.—call 708.448.1530 for details.

Nancy is also planning summertime group workshops in La Grange; more information is available in her monthly newsletters, available here. Additionally, Nancy can be reached at 708-579-1016 or by e-mail at nancypipal@gmail.com.

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