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Grandma’s laundry secret.
Good old-fashioned vinegar’s back! This inexpensive miracle worker gives brighter, cleaner, fresher laundry. For instance, it removes sweat and deodorant stains, replaces fabric softener to reduce static, and boosts detergent power while eliminating buildup from powdered cleaners. Add a half cup distilled white vinegar to your next load and see the difference.
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Stain first aid.
When you want to try removing a stain at home, remember that even everyday stains can be problematic. For any stain, blot with water. Never club soda, never rub or scrub. Time is of the essence, fresher stains are easier to remove. If the garment is not washable, give it to us with a note…
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Boot investment.
Winter boots can serve for many years, but proper care will extend their wearable life. Clean them often with a brush to dried-on soil. Store them upright, using boot trees to avoid creases. Use a boot dryer when they get soaked, never prop them next to a heat source. Oil the leather regularly, especially the…
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Wedding budget.
With an average cost of $32,000, smart couples start saving early. The Knot magazine recommends finding out who will pay for what and what their expectations are. The bride’s parents often split most of the bill with the couple, but settle the details long before the cake is ordered. A detailed budget will list costs,…
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Out with the old.
Start the year by clearing the old — Toss last year’s beat-up bag; 86 any undergarment with holes or stains; saggy sweaters; not-right jeans; trophy shoes (you know the ones) and anything you’ll never wear again. Donate what’s usable, recycle what you can and say hello to a fresh start.
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Figure flatterers.
Favorite magazine Real Simple offers tips to look your best. Keep prints in scale to your frame; larger people=larger prints. To minimize a fuller bottom, choose jeans with large, straight pockets that are close together. Look taller and trimmer dressed in the same color head to toe. Diagonal wraps, chevron prints and asymmetrical hemlines create a…
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Secrets of the loop.
Almost every top-quality button-down shirt has a tiny fabric loop sewn into the seam where the shoulder blades meet. The loop started way back in the Navy when sailors hung their clothing on hooks to save space. In the 1960s when the collegiate Ivy League look became popular, the Gant company reintroduced the little extra…
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Camel coat come-back.
The outwear classic is chic, flattering, timeless and versatile – definitely a good investment. Choose a tailored cut in a mid-length coat for serious wardrobe staying power. As with any investment garment, look for top-quality fabric from a trusted vendor. The best (and most expensive) camel’s hair has long, thin fibers for a warm and…
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Spring styling tips.
Glamour Magazine shares clever tricks from the spring runway that cost $0 and add smart style to clothes you already own. Wear a turtleneck under a buttoned-all-the-way-up blouse, embellish a sleeveless dress with tie-on ribbons or simply hang a scarf from the waistband of your midi skirt where you tuck in the sweater. Take a…
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Winter coat trends.
While last winter saw military style jackets and capes, this year the big designers focused on six styles for winter warmth. Classic trench coats adapt to fall and spring wear, year after year. Cozy shearling and fluffed-up puffers are being seen everywhere. On the synthetic side, vinyl and faux fur stretch the imagination. For sporty…