Category: The Closet Manager

  • Spring (closet) cleaning, part one.

    When surveyed, American women admitted to over $500 worth of never-worn clothing hiding in the closet. That’s one of every five items: shoes, dresses and coats. Why? 75% said they just liked other pieces better, half said their friends didn’t like it, and a third admitted the item was out of style. Three ways to…

  • Six pairs is enough.

    Six pairs is enough.

    According to fashion expert Brock McGoff an adult male only needs six pairs of shoes for almost every day. Start with white canvas sneakers and light brown boat shoes for warm weather casual. A pair of medium brown dessert boots (chukkas) for jeans, cords or chinos. Dark brown loafers for business casual, brown wingtips for…

  • Wondering…

    what to do with bulky winter blankets until next winter? Bring them to us – professional cleaning of down, wool, and silk household items will help them last for years, and the breathable bags we return them in are perfect for easy closet or attic storage.

  • Spring cleaning early?

    Start with the closets. Review your collection of winter wear and donate everything you didn’t use this year. Now inspect the keepers for damage, stains and wear. Mark problem areas with masking tape and we’ll repair, clean and press everything before it goes into storage for the season. Ask about seasonal storage and non-plastic packaging.

  • Save the memories.

    Everyone has an heirloom item made of fabric. Wedding gowns are such popular heirlooms we offer special preservation services. But the same careful cleaning and archival storage can benefit any textile. Grandmother’s lace tablecloth, Dad’s letter jacket or uniform, antique tapestries or christening gowns. We’ve seen it all and can recommend the right procedures and…

  • Hanger humps.

    We’ve all seen sweaters with humped shoulders from incorrect hanging. Sweaters and knits should be folded and hung over the padded hanger bar. Better yet, stored flat on a shelf or in a cedar-lined drawer. The weight of the fabric pulls and stretches, even while wearing. Hump not: we can get garments blocked back into…

  • The missing care instructions

    Are you trying to figure out the best way to clean a tie, hat or handbag, but can’t find  the care label? Manufacturers are not required to put care labels on items such as those because they are not considered “washable.” Bring them to us for expert evaluation: we can clean most fabric and leather…

  • Cashmere deluxe.

    While it still can seem like a splurge, cashmere’s more affordable than ever. But it’s an investment worth protecting. Wait for deodorant to dry before putting on your sweater to prevent build up and stains. Wear cashmere sweaters no more more than once a week to avoid stretching. Retouch wrinkles with an iron on low,…

  • Button, button.

    Let us know if you have a loose button or a falling hem. Our staff will make repairs so you can keep wearing your favorites time and time again. Hemming a new pair of pants? Let us know if you want to keep the original hem. And don’t forget to call ahead for a fitting…

  • Season switch.

    Before you store away your summer favorites, make sure everything’s clean and free of spills and stains. That little white wine spot or Ranch drip can oxidize over time, leaving a brown stain. Pack like-colored items together, and keep everything away from light and moisture. If you don’t have closet hanger space, fold everything (with…