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Presents some photographs showing how bold accessories provide flair for newly subdued suits. Shape of clothes less exaggerated; Styles of overcoats; Rise in sales of three-piece an double breasted suits.

Describes Access, which is the latest example of a trend among national--and some regional--brokerages: personal portfolio management for accounts of $100,000 and up. Steep fees; Weighing their pros and cons; Sizing up the `wrap-fee' programs, which cover both the manager's annual fee and the brokerage's commissions and custodial fees; Financial planners.

Discusses how many analysts feel that opportunities abroad are as good as ever, following the financial upsets of the last year. The crumbling of political and trade barriers has breathed new life into courses not long ago deemed incapable of dramatic growth; Prospects; Rising rates; The safest routes into foreign stocks is through international mutual funds.

Describes deep-discount brokerages, an increasingly prominent sort of company. Rise over the past 14 years; Low overhead, no-frills services; Appeal to the independent-minded investor.

Reports on REITs, publicly traded companies that hold a portfolio of properties. The REIT may be the ideal vehicle for real estate investing in the `90s. RELPs, real estate limited partnerships; Regional REITs, which own holdings in one geographic area.

Describes `business incubators,' a state or federally supported program that provides support services and management advice, neatly packaged in a low-rent building populated with fellow entrepreneurs. Most are private, non-profit operations sponsored by regional-development organizations designed to spark growth in the community. Some specialized incubators; Some private; Affiliations with universities; How to get in and what to look for.

Discusses how brokerages are coddling customers these days, doing just about anything to win back business. Outlines services they're offering.

Treatment for chronic backache is moving away from drugs and surgery towards more conservative therapies that emphasize both physical and psychological methods of treatment. Discusses various approaches to dealing with back pain.

Foreign restaurateurs are creating authentic American dishes and atmosphere in Europe and Japan. A replica of a New York City diner in Tokyo, Japan; Cinematic motif in most American restaurants overseas.

Examines the increase in the number of US adoptees who are interested in tracing their roots and the strides made in easing the difficulty of the process. The creation of search-and-support groups; Tips from the American Adoption Congress, and the Adoptees' Liberty Movement Assn. (ALMA); The reluctance of states to change their laws; International Soundex Reunion Registry; Catharsis.

Highlights how ethical investments in pension funds, mutual funds, and municipal and private portfolios total more than $500 billion, up from $40 billion in 1984. Their performance shows that you don't have to sacrifice profitability by sticking to your principles. All decisions are now an exercise in economic democracy; Mutual funds the easiest way to get into ethical investing; Impressive results; Steps for investors to take.

Looks at how many ski areas and resorts are now offering a variety of discounts and deals, especially for skiers whose travel plans are flexible. Where to go; What's available; Why the discounts; Where to call or write for more information; Costs.

Considers the appeal of `split-dollar life insurance,' where one gets a whole-life policy, complete with its tax-deferred savings component. One's company would foot the premium payments, and one would only have to pay modest income tax on the value of the coverage. Estate planning; Reverse split-dollar plans; Pension supplements.

Enumerates the benefits of signing on with a computer bulletin board system (BBS). Users from all walks of life post public messages and await a reply, including `shareware'; Benefits over on-line; Operated as a hobby for many; Options available.

Considers ways to avoid a needlessly large tax bill for 1990. Basically involves `shifting'--accelerating deductions into 1990 and postponing income, or vice versa. Rules of thumb; The bubble; Christmas bonuses; For many in high brackets, postponing income won't pay off; Moonlighting shelter. INSET: Quick! Should you adjust your 1990 tax withholding?.

Presents a book review of `Staying the Course: The Emotional and Social Lives of Men Who Do Well at Work,' by Robert S. Weiss.

Explains the many benefits of having a 900 line for one's company. How choosing pay-per-call over regular or toll-free lines to help pay for costly services; Examples of companies who installed 900 lines; What to do if you have an idea for a 900line; How to set a line up.

Covers the world of on-line data bases. Once the domain of reference librarians, these electronic storehouses of in-depth info can now be reached by PC hobbyists and business users. Learning to navigate data bases; Data boutiques; The full story;For the novice. INSET: From philosophy to politics: A sampler of data bases..

Reports how, hoping to match the prestige at home that bourbon has overseas, distillers are launching premium bourbons. What makes a bourbon premium; Background of bourbon; Flavors; Recipe for mint julep.

Describes a new move by some insurance companies that will make death benefits available to the living policyholder. Stems from the realization that some customers suddenly need large sums of money to cover medical expenses or long-term nursing home care. Options; No definitive tax rulings yet.

Discusses the overall flat performance of precious metals in 1989 and investment analysts' predictions for their performance in 1990.

Discusses the current boom in numismatic coins on Wall Street, in particular, 19th and early-20th century United States coins. Prices for top-quality coins increased a record 40 percent in 1989.

Discusses the benefits of real estate investment trusts (REITs), publicly traded portfolios of properties can offer steady income and high appreciation. Advantage over real estate limited partnerships (RELPs).

Reports how, after a long, slow decline through 1989, the price of gold has been steadily climbing, hitting $393 per ounce on Nov. 15, up from a three-year low of $359 in September. Discusses some of the unusual reasons for the rally.

Discusses the popularity of theme cruises, which organize activities around a particular hobby, subject, or sport. Sampling of cruises planned for 1989 and 1990.

Discusses charitable remainder trusts, which are set up to pay a donor income for a certain period or for life, after which, the asset passes to the charity. Outlines tax deduction information on the trusts.

Discusses how the recent experiments in cold nuclear fusion have driven up the price of palladium, a key ingredient in the process.

Gives suggestions on investing in gemstones. Currently, gemstones are being pushed as great investment vehicles though, in fact, the price picture has been somewhat flat over the past decade.

After dwindling membership in the '60s and '70s, prestigious private clubs are regaining their cachet. A growing number of clubs are being founded, combining the traditional privileges of club membership--privacy, facilities--with a more modern purpose, providing a place to make business deals.

Vodka used to be billed as the invisible spirit--colorless, odorless and nearly tasteless. Nowadays, it has taste galore, from jalapeno pepper to rowanberries, as a new batch from major importers has taste buds tingling.

This spring a drought in the Midwest, of an intensity that has not been seen since the dust bowl days, has pushed up prices of staples such as soybeans and oats to near-historical highs, with corn and wheat also advancing sharply. Discusses the effects the soaring farm commodities are having on food prices; Other commodities such as crude oil; Soybeans, oats; Corn and wheat prices; Impact of drought. INSET: A commodities fund with a guarantee--sort of..

States that at the country resort at Cliveden, a stately home in Berkshire, England, travelers can see the bed Sir Winston Churchill slept in--and they can sleep in it, too. Details of the estate; History of the home; Trip prices.

Discusses how brandies from Spain, Italy, and even the United States offer interesting alternatives to the finer French cognacs. Prices; `Cognac wannabes'; Vecchia Romagna Riserva Rara; Competition.

Presents advice concerning ways to deal with sexual harassment from six different experts in the field. Experts include: Freada Klein, management consultant, Klein Associates; Kenneth H. Kirschner, management attorney, Breed Abbott & Morgan; Faith A. Wohl, director of work-force partnering, Du Pont, and others.

Examines the failing performance of metals such as gold, silver, and platinum in 1990. Explanations for gold's rut; Recession and falling prices very likely; Worse for platinum and silver than for gold; Effect of the Persian Gulf crisis.

Looks at the new generation of miniature color TV sets, some combined with videocassette recorders, which can easily fit into a pocket or briefcase. Powered by alkaline batteries, they can provide you with pictures and sound anytime, anyplace. Features; Excellent stocking stuffers; Prices; Benefits.

Looks at and describes the features of the Steadicam, a hand-held video camera that allows users to follow a fleeing figure down a narrow hallway or up a flight of stairs without getting a jumpy picture. Developed by Academy Award-winning cameraman Garrett Brown; How it works; Costs; Phone number for more information.

Examines the benefits of opening a Keogh plan, and how, if you do it by year end, you get a 1990 deduction even though you have until you file your 1040 to fund the Keogh. How they work; Uses; Sizing up Keoghs; Catches one should know about.

Studies how, even though one may own securities of a company that no longer exists, that doesn't mean that they have no value. Companies change names through mergers or takeovers, yet their original certificates remain valid and can be exchanged for money or shares in an actively traded successor. Problem of learning where the money is and how to collect it; Questions about a securities value.

Announces the increasing number of unaccompanied minors, the five-to-twelve set who travel on airlines solo. Lists a few tips for those who are sending their children on airline flights alone. Problems with sending your children alone; Charges for escort service.

Looks at the benefits of utility stocks, which have long been a favorite in recessionary times. Benefits; Drawbacks; Outlook.

Looks at VCR Plus from Gemstar Development. Hitting the stores this month, the device is yet another remote control to add to the pile of zappers that already populate your living room. It centers around a program code, which many newspapers as well as some TV Guide editions are adding to their TV listing. How it works; Benefits; Future.

States how three long-distance carriers--MCI, US Sprint, and Call Home America, a small independent--have begun offering toll-free numbers for residences. Benefits of having an 800 line in one's home; How it works; Fee plans; Cost; Good for frequent long-distance users.

Uncovers some tempting travel packages to enhance one's fun on New Year's Eve. Includes jetting to Paris; A ride upon the Orient Express; Cruising the Caribbean; A lobster bash on Martha's Vineyard; More.

Features the better quality of California's sparkling wines, which has increased greatly in recent years. French producers who are now operating in California; How much of the dry French style has successfully crossed the ocean, and is now being produced domestically; Gives examples.

Explains how senior citizens who need medical insurance coverage still face a bewildering array of options in `medigap' policies, so-called because they pay for expenses that medicare doesn't cover. Includes a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for oneself or an older relative.

Claims that if one thirsts for investments that won't go flat, beverage stocks may suit your taste perfectly. Shares of softdrink makers have outperformed the market in each of the last four recessions, and this year is proving no exception. Demand for beverages remains strong; International expansion; Current favorites.

Profiles several clubs where indoor rock climbing is available. These gyms promise the thrill of outdoor climbing with the convenience of a lunch-hour workout; Popularized in France; Includes addresses and phone numbers.

Celebrates a large, gray, bottle-nosed dolphin, dubbed Fungie by the locals in Dingle, Ireland. Fungie came to this harbor on Ireland's southwestern coast six years ago and decided to stay. Since then he has entertained and played with animal lovers from near and far, performing his daily acrobatics for them. Camera shy; Renting boats and wet suits.