10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WARDROBE LAST ...

Want your clothes and accessories to last for many seasons?

Well, here are a few ideas to make your wardrobe last!!

1. BRIGHTEN WHITES 

Yellow collars and underarm stain seems to appear all of the sudden but you probably never noticed it and it took a while to develop. Prevention is long term. To avoid this from happening before every wash spray areas with undiluted lemon juice (bottled or juice) or white vinegar, let sit for 15 minutes, then put clothes in the machine. These natural acids dissolve the alkaline sweat residue that causes discoloration. 

2. SHADE YOUR SHADES 

Don't keep your specs in a hot car or direct sunlight. When they are not covering your eyes, store shades in their cases as opposed to pushing them back on your head, where body heat can stretch them out. 

3. PROTECT SOLES 

Shoes with leather bottoms absorb moisture like a sponge. To maintain your shoes in good condition, wear a new pair three times so it can form to your feet, then apply a rubber sole over the existing leather  one. In addition to water resistance, the new piece gives you traction. 

4. STEAM DON'T IRON

Steam heat is the safest way to dewrinkling. Hot metal should NEVER touch wool, velvet, or any type of embellishment, it can burn fabric, leave sheen marks, and take the finish right of sequins or beads. Plus, handheld steamers warm up faster and require less space than an iron and ironing board. 

5. POLISH UP PATENT 

Keep a bottle of windex on hand. Glass cleaner safely restores the glossy finish on patent leather without streaking. 

6. PERSERVE OUTERWEAR 

Moths like to feast on residue from perfume, food, and even sweat that they find in clothing. Wool is their favorite egg-laying surface. This is why is important to clean coats before they're retired for the season. You can also store them on cedar hangers in cloth garment bags for another layer of protection.

7. PUT JEANS ON ICE

To zap odor without running denim through the wash cycle place jeans in a plastic bag in the freezer for two days. Chilly temperatures kill pungent bacteria while keeping color intact. 

8. DE-SCUFF SKINS

Rub pain leather with a crepe eraser which will lift even deep stains. For suede, all it takes is a firm toothbrush and some elbow grease. 

9. STORE GEMS IN PLASTIC 

Experts put rings, bracelets, and other baubles in individual clear bags, its easy to see whats inside and finishes won't rub off or nick. Since earrings can scratch one another place each in its own sack.

10. REMOVE OIL FROM SILK 

Lets say you accidentally splash vinaigrette on your blouse, Instead of reaching for seltzer and a napkin which will most likely erase the dye on your top, sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch on the spot. Let it sit 15 to 20 minutes, then brush off. This sops up the oil, often minimizing a mark.