RealSimple.com is my home page website because there are always fun little tips and tricks that you can read about covering everything from home decor to house cleaning schedules! They have printer friendly spreadsheets and pictures that illustrate exactly what they are talking about. Instead of re-inventing the wheel--I will just share my favorite discoveries from their website! I picked out my top 10 tips (of their 20), and for the full article-- click the link at the bottom.
10 Tips to Make Your Wardrobe Last
courtesy of RealSimple.com by Sarah Jio
1. Don’t drive in good heels. “The floorboard scuffs the heel, and the pedal scratches the toe,” warns Elena R. Aronson, a San Francisco–based stylist and personal shopper. Drive in simple flats, or try heel protectors by Smart Heel ($12, smartheel.com), which are plastic coverings that slide over high heels.
2. Never hang pearls. "This weakens the silk threads that hold the necklace together," says Helena Krodel of the Jewelry Information Center, in New York City.
3. Launder whites after every wear. It’s tempting to put a white blouse back into the closet after a spill-free wearing. After all, it looks spotless. But "body oils and perspiration, along with other time-released stains (like perfume, white wine, and oil splatters), will start to give a once-bright white a yellowish tint," says Steve Boorstein, developer of the DVD Clothing Care (Day Light, $20, amazon.com).
4. Beware the dryer. "Excessive heat makes fibers brittle, causing the fabric to break down," says Boorstein. Combat this by removing lightweight garments, like T-shirts and camisoles, and anything containing spandex (which can lose elasticity over time when exposed to too much heat) 10 minutes earlier than heavy garments, such as jeans and sweatshirts. “Most of the damage is done in the last 10 minutes of drying,” says Boorstein.
5. Iron clothing inside out. "Ironing can fade dark colors as well as create shine marks on fabrics with sheen, like gabardine, acetate, and polished cottons," says Chris Allsbrooks, a textile analyst with the Dry Cleaning & Laundry Institute, in Laurel, Maryland. Avoid damage by using the appropriate heat setting and pressing the item on the reverse side. Or use a cloth between garment and iron. And, adds Boorstein, “never iron a crease on a black garment―it can leave a permanent line.”
6. Wash (unstained) jeans every third wear. “Most people wash their jeans too often,” says Melissa Ladines, a fit expert for Levi Strauss. Launder them inside out and in cold water. Obsessed with preserving the deep dark rinse? Skip the clothes dryer and let them air-dry, or take them to a dry cleaner.
7. Hold off on your jewelry. "Wait 15 minutes after applying perfume or body lotion before slipping on baubles," says Krodel. Beauty products are notorious for leaving a greasy buildup.
8. Zip up to avert snags. Your clothing goes into the wash perfectly intact. Later you notice a mysterious pull. "The teeth of zippers (especially those made of metal, as on jeans) or any kind of hook closure is typically the culprit," says Boorstein. Next time close all zippers and clasps before tossing clothes into the washing machine (or, better yet, the hamper).
9. Store handbags on shelves. It may sound counterintuitive, but “hanging a bag by the handles lessens the life span of the bag,” says Chris Moore, owner of Artbag, a New York City handbag boutique and repair shop. Hanging puts stress on the strap seams, and “it can leave unsightly marks on the handles,” says Moore.
10. Alternate bras. "Allow a bra to rest for a day in between wearings so the elasticity has a chance to bounce back," says Susan Nethero, chief fit strategist for Intimacy lingerie boutiques. If you don’t, your bras will wear out faster from being stretched for 14 to 16 hours a day.
For all 20, read the full article on RealSimple.com click here -->
Hope this helps!
Love,
Rose
