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Swimwear care.
After each use, rinse swimwear in cool tap water to remove sunscreen, dirt, sweat and chlorine. To wash after a few wearings, turn the swimsuit inside out and hand wash in the sink, using a few drops liquid detergent in warm water. Gently squeeze the suds through the garment, don’t wring or twist. Rinse well…
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Handbags.
Forbes magazine reports that on average, women, age 18 to 45, own 13 handbags from seven different brands. “Women are spending more per bag and buying more bags overall,” which explains how this industry has grown to $11.6 billion a year. Forbes continues, ”More casual wardrobes and flexible work situations have made handbags surrogates for…
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Smart shirt buying.
The right shirt adds confidence, style and comfort. Five tips to help get the best shirt: know your neck, arm, chest and waist size for proper fit — not too baggy or tight. Look for subtle features like pleats, fit and finish. Spread, cutaway or club, choose a collar that goes with your suits, neck…
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The bride’s bustle.
If your wedding dress has a train, you need a bustle — or you’ll be tripping over fabric instead of the light fantastic. Brides Magazine offers expert advice on bustle styles. The American bustle, aka the Ballroom or Over bustle, uses waistline hooks to lift the train. The elaborate Austrian gathers fabric vertically with ribbons sewn through…
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Hang it up.
Website thesweethome.com recommends top-pick Proman Kascade Hanger for its consistent, smooth and solid construction, with hooks for chain-linking, shoulder notches for hanging straps and a solid crossbar for trousers. It’s lightweight and affordable, sold by Amazon in 50-packs for under $70. The wire hangers we provide with your cleaning are not intended for long-term use,…
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Prom dressing.
Whether you choose a dramatic red-carpet look or a vintage heartbreaker, there are a few trends we’re seeing in stores and the fashion magazines and sites. The hottest solid colors are black, champagne and red, and don’t be surprised to see dramatic prints. Details include intricate low backs, lace insets and practical pockets. If allowed,…
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Friday the 13th.
Casual Friday need not be unlucky, but dressing business casual for men has a few rules for success. Choose neutral colored, collared shirts that are crisply pressed (we take care of that) and long sleeved. Dark jeans are OK if they’re clean and hole-free. A casual jacket in a neutral finishes the look. Every office…
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Like-new colors.
Keep your bright new shirt or blouse looking new with this easy trick from Martha Stewart. Add 2/3 cup distilled white vinegar to a gallon of cold water. Mix well and add your garment for a 15-minute soak. The vinegar helps set the color and prevents bleeding. Follow the soak with laundering per the manufacturer’s…
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Sustain our Earth.
The move to fabrics that can be sustainably grown and responsibly sourced is good news for conserving resources and encouraging wise agricultural practices. Growing cotton takes a lot of water, so blending it with other fibers can reduce its footprint. Hemp is up and coming as a linen-like durable fiber, once legal restrictions are eased.…
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Coco’s wisdom.
“The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.” And who should know better than the queen of fashion, Coco Chanel. From the palest pastels to classic navy, your garments will maintain their color through repeated wear and cleaning. After all, when you find the color that works for…