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I have a series of speeches coming up and find that my inner A-type refuses to remain in its hiding place as each event approaches. A competitive nature causes me to obsess over every detail. I have engaged in in-depth discussions on what to wear every day since last week knowing I not only have to be successful, the audience needs to perceive me as successful.

Although I do admire quality clothing, I do not consider myself a fashionista. I am happiest in yoga pants, t-shirt and some fleece jacket. However, I am aware that people are likely perceived based appearances. People can tell at a glance that you are wearing something cheap. This can cause them to perceive you as unsuccessful or your company as low quality. It is not necessarily a conscious decision. A competent person can speak to a packed room yet are bested by someone who was better dressed and practiced more.

Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future. ~ Coco Chanel

It is tough to finance a quality wardrobe when you are just starting out, advancing in your career or in transitioning to something completely new. Consider money spent on a quality wardrobe as in investment in you and your career! If there is little room in your budget for clothing, buy a few high quality foundation pieces that when interchanged, make several outfits. Spend wisely, shop sales and go for standards such as a sport coat and wool pants. Buy a few wool suits in black, navy and grey.

Here are a few wardrobe essentials:

• Purchase good quality suits in basic colors
• Accessorize: Men still sport watches as a status symbol
• Shirts: Crisp, clean and pressed dress shorts look nice! Buy a few and take god care of them. French cuffs are a nice touch!
• Shoes: Find quality, comfortable shoes in brown, black and nude for ladies

To be sure they fit well, have them tailored. Don’t pay expensive department store prices. Take clothing to a reputable local dry cleaner who does fast, excellent work at reasonable prices.

The world mourns the loss of author and poet Maya Angelou who died last week at the age of 86. Growing up during the Great Depression, she met life’s challenges and grew from them, never allowing her circumstance to determine the path of her life. She was a writer, teacher, playwright, composer, stage and screen producer, Hollywood director, performing dancer, singer, and activist.

According to her website, “She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being.”

Maya Angelou worked her up way from high school dropout to best-selling author. As a world-traveler, the multi-talented Angelou mastered five languages. She worked and became close friends with fellow civil rights activists, Malcolm X and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. She served on two presidential committees, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and earned three Grammy Awards.

Maya Angelou’s words embodied lessons on living as well as life’s injustices. Her inspiring words taught courage, instilled hope and gave strength. She showed us that success comes from a kind heart, an open mind, hard work, and perseverance. Enjoy ten inspirational quotes from Maya Angelou that can inspire you to success.

1. “Nothing will work unless you do.”

2. “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”

3. “As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better.”

4. “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

5. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

6. “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”

7. “I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”

8. “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”

9. “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

10. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”