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Leather for fall.
Suede and leather garments are investments worth protecting. Wear a scarf to protect the collar from body oils and perspiration. Allow leather to air-dry away from heat if it gets wet. Store in a cool dry place, never in heat or humidity, and never, ever in a plastic bag. Our leather cleaning specialists can help…
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High-tech cool.
Scientists at Stanford have invented a new fiber that not only lets perspiration evaporate quickly, but it also allows infrared body heat to escape. By allowing thermal radiation, air and water vapor to pass through clothing, the wearer can feel nearly 4 degrees (F) cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning. That’s cool!
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Silk scarves.
Proper scarf care adds years of life and wear. There’s nothing as luxurious as silk, or as delicate to clean. You can hand wash and press at home, but the experts recommend dry cleaning to avoid color loss, fabric damage or dye transfer, especially for crinkled (plissé) or brocades. To get the most from your…
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Smarter clothes.
Wearable technology is still in the early days, and shirts that control temperature or pants that charge your phone are still in the planning stages. Fashion and technology are combining to create a few surprises — like comfortable stiletto heels of thermoplastic or Ralph Lauren’s $295 PoloTech shirt that monitors heart, breathing and balance. We’ll…
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Lost your fluff.
When towels, robes and washcloths lose their fluffy absorbency, they may just need a good washing. Detergent residue and softeners can build up in the fibers, diminish softness and block the thirsty drying qualities of cotton. Run everything through the washer with a cup of white vinegar and an extra rinse cycle. Dry everything, without…
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Keep it local.
Want to make a local, sustainable choice that builds the economy? Well look no further than your neighborhood merchants. Born and raised in your hometown, neighborhood businesses create jobs and contribute to our community in many ways. The numbers are impressive: three-quarters of every dollar stays here in your community compared to about 40% when…
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Make your bed.
After summer’s hot and humid nights, it’s time to freshen your nighttime environment. Begin by stripping the bed down to the mattress. If you use a mattress pad, launder (or bring to us) and line dry thoroughly. Flip and rotate the mattress. Is it time to replace the pillows? Unless they are very high quality, it’s…
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Storage season.
Before you stow away the swim suits, linen trousers and patio cushions, be sure everything is clean, clean, clean. Invisible spots can oxidize into permanent stains – food drips and body oils are an invitation to hungry insects. Once everything is clean, store in a cool, dry place in breathable containers, like fabric garment bags.
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Warm weather wedding.
A September wedding can be just as sticky as a summer one. Pick lightweight and airy clothing for the wedding gown and bridal party. Warm weather means sweat, so use airbrush makeup. After the ceremony and formal photos, change into a simpler dress made of comfortable, lighter material. If you have long hair, choose an…