The Tools of the Trade
One of the things I love most about helping my clients in discovering their style is the end result; a wardrobe that they love and wear from season to season.
But how do you maintain those items? How do you keep them looking beautiful, fresh and like new? What do you do with that sweater that has pills on the inside seam, those pesky deodorant marks on your black camisole?
This blog is all about my favorite tools that I use to maintain my treasured items as well as some handy little gadgets that enhance or help a girl out. Below is a list of the goods everyone should have in their repertoire for preserving and protecting your wardrobe.
Wardrobe Wholeness
Conair Fluff Removing Shaver- this little powerhouse gets those pesky pills off your cashmere & wool sweaters (cashmere & wool pill) as well as acrylic sweaters and coats that tend to ball up. It’s battery operated and so easy to use. I like the retro colors too.
Lint Rollers- I prefer this brand over others. I have animals that shed so these are in every room and even in the car. You can also get them in extra sticky.
Gal Pal deodorant remover sponges- when I was in retail we had these handy at all times. These babies work like a charm- those white deodorant streaks come right off.
Janie Stick - this item removes oil-based stains on silk blouses even after washing. Think olive oil stains- no worries.
Wine Away -this product works on wine stains in minutes and takes the stain out- also great for coffee and juice stains too.
Strap Concealer Clip- forgot your racer back bra? This is the ultimate bra solution and they come in white,natural and black, no more bra straps showing on those halter tanks or racer-back tank tops.
Fashion tape- this apparel/body tape helps with bra straps, revealing necklines, blouse gaps, strapless tops, wraps skirts or simply to fix a hem in a pinch!
Lingerie Laundry Bags- use these for fine washables- bras, undies, and those delicate sweaters and finer items.
Conair Steamer- from personal experience this handy guys works like a champ. It is smaller and easy to store. Steam freshens up armpits in blazers and keeps your silk, cotton and lightweight wools free of wrinkles. It’s also a lot easier than ironing.
Cedar Hangers- one or two on hand for your blazers and suit jackets. Airing out your jackets with a cedar hanger allows the fabric to breathe and the cedar pulls sweat away and helps to freshen it up- do this after wear and you’ll extend your time between the dry cleaners. Also this style is made for jackets and you can hang your pants on too to freshen them up.
Felt Hangers- while we’re talking hangers! These are the only hangers I use. They are smaller in size so you can get more in your closet, they are the same size so your closet is uniformed, and you can see all of the items hanging, they prevent slippage and won’t create dents or marks on the shoulders.
Shoe, Handbag & Accessories Upkeep
Mr. Clean -magic erasers- I use them to clean all the soles on my sneakers they bring them back to their bright soles.
Cedar Trees for shoes- keeps the shape of shoe, and just like a cedar hanger they pull sweat and dampness out to keep your shoes smelling fresh.
Heel pads- for when you find yourself slipping out of your heels these will help keep your feet nice and snug-bonus no blisters.
Boot Support- makes me crazy when my tall boots fall over. These handy inserts keep them upright and maintain shape.
Shoe horn- not only do these make it easy to get your shoes and boots on they protect the back of the shoe from damage. I prefer the long style as I can put my shoes on standing up -so easy!
Shoe & Boot Jack- I keep this by my back door and use it for my pull on boots, they come off in a jiffy.
Leather & Suede protectant- I live in the Pacific NW and refuse to only wear my Wellies ALL the time. Shoes express your style but can take a beating in the winter elements. Spray your shoes and leather hand bags with this to protect and keep them looking new.
Leather Care- After protecting, give your leather goods a rub down with this lotion to keep it supple and conditioned. Leather will dry out and can crack over time, conditioning it will ensure it stays soft and conditioned. Use this on your shoes, handbags and belts.
Pledge Wipes- Use these to remove scuffs and marks on your patent leather. It will remove the marks but not the shine.
Silver Cleaning Cloths- If your silver jewelry is exposed to air it will oxidize and tarnish. Often I’ll grab a necklace and notice it’s gotten a bit dark, I like to keep a box of these close to my jewelry stand and give them a good wiping down, tarnish is gone and they are bright and shiny. These are good for gold, silver, platinum and plated items as well. Note: just like your knives need regular sharpening your jewelry needs a good cleaning- find a reputable jeweler who can do a deep clean at least once a year.
There you have it! Investing in these items and taking care to maintain and protect your clothing, shoes and accessories will ensure you preserve them for seasons to come.
Have a Styling Day!
xoxo
