07Oct

How to Makeover Your Closet: Inspiring Tips to Get Organized

October 7, 2021 Lots of Luxe

There is something refreshing about organizing a part of your home. It’s a new start; everything feels better, looks better, and your space feels rejuvenated. After making over your closet, you’ll feel better about getting dressed, you’ll find it easier to decide on outfits, and you’ll probably discover clothes or accessories you haven’t worn in a while!

Ready to finally organize your closet once and for all? Sometimes the inspiration to get organized strikes, and you realize the task may be more daunting than you thought.

If you want a fresh start with your closet, here are some tips and tricks to help you check this task off your to-do list.

Declutter First

The first step to organizing is to declutter. Don’t waste time organizing things you don’t want to keep! Before you start, clear out the clutter for a new beginning with only items you love and want to wear. This step will make organizing much easier. If it helps, make “yes” and “no” piles. The “no” pile will consist of anything outdated, doesn’t fit, or doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

Sort Clothes by Season

Don’t just organize to tidy up, but rather make your closet easily accessible so you can quickly choose what to wear each day. Separate your clothes by season and make the clothes you will wear now easily reachable for the next few months. Place out-of-season clothes in another area. You can also organize clothes by length, volume, or color. Perhaps you choose to put tank tops first, then sleeveless tops, then short-sleeved tops, and so on. Whatever makes the most sense or feels best to you, do that.

Keep Similar Items Together

Want your closet to feel like a boutique? When you are shopping for pants, you know exactly where to go. Make your closet as organized as a clothing store and put all like clothing together! If everything in your closet is hung up or folded at random, it’s time to change that. Find what you need quicker by putting items together. All pants, jeans, dresses, and tops go together. Feel free to narrow it down further by organizing by color, activity, or most often worn.

Add Closet Accessories

Want to get extra organized and stay that way? Use closet organizers! If your closet is busy and it’s hard to find what you’re looking for, do yourself a favor and use some excellent organizational tools. Use extra hooks, bins, shelf dividers, additional shelves, over-the-door organizers, or whatever else you think will help—keeping smaller items like belts, scarves, wallets, etc. together by using helpful organizers. You can choose clear organizers if you want to see what’s in them or opt for something colorful to brighten up the space. Using labels can be helpful too! If you’re going to get serious, install drawers if you need extra storage space.

Tie a Bow on It

After you’ve organized your closet and made it clutter-free, beautifully coordinated, and accessible, you’ll want to make it look more appealing too. Make your closet a place you want to be in by making it look fabulous. If it needs paint, a new light source, or any maintenance, be sure to get that done. Display your shoes, jewelry, and accessories as if you’re stepping into a small boutique every morning. Add some fun wallpaper or a new mirror. If you have space, decorate your closet and make it like new again!

Relax and Know You Conquered Your Closet

You did it! Organizing is no easy task, and it’s usually in the back of your mind to complete, but it doesn’t always get accomplished.

After you’ve finished organizing your clothes and refreshing your space, you might feel like you have some gaps in your wardrobe. After everything is separated and categorized, it’s easier to spot the things you need.

Wardrobe styling could be your next step. You’ll save time, feel your best in your clothes, and save money by avoiding making the wrong purchases. It’s a win-win for busy women!

29Oct

The Art of Minimalism: The Famous Wardrobe Organization Strategy that Will “Spark Joy”

October 29, 2020 Lots of Luxe

There are so many closet organization strategies, but recently, a decluttering queen has become quite famous for introducing us to her method for a complete closet overhaul.

If you haven’t heard of the decluttering queen Marie Kondo, she is a tidying expert who has shared her method for organizing that has become a sensation.

With Marie’s method, you ask yourself “does this spark joy?” and you only keep possessions that spark joy within you.

If we apply this to our wardrobes, you will be left with only the clothes you love and wear, and everything else will go. With this method, your entire wardrobe will spark joy every day, making it easier for you to define your style and effortlessly put together outfits.

Ms. Kondo’s minimalist method called the KonMari method can bring you the confidence to organize your closet and get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose for you.

What Does it Mean to “Spark Joy?”

According to the KonMari method, look at each piece of clothing, accessories, handbags, etc. and ask yourself, “does this [insert object here] spark joy?”

If it does spark joy, you keep it, if it doesn’t, you lovingly toss it or donate it. We can easily know what sparks joy for us, because you will be instantly aware of how much you love a certain purse or pair of shoes, just like the first day you bought them. But, if you feel indifferent, you’ll know right away.

Maybe you have dozens of items that you begrudgingly wear but they don’t spark joy, so it’s time to let them go and keep and wear only what you L-O-V-E!

It might seem daunting to look into your closet and decide to get rid of everything that doesn’t “spark joy” but if you do it, the process is easy, and afterward your entire closet will spark joy. Now, that sounds fantastic!

The Steps to Sparking Joy

When applying the KonMari method to our closets, there are some essential recommendations from the organization expert.

1. Fully Commit to the Organization Process

You might start by scheduling a day to begin your organization journey or set up an appointment with a wardrobe stylist to assist you with the hard decisions. Know that organization is refreshing and can be the start of a new you. Especially while the seasons are changing, committing to getting rid of old clothes that don’t fit can feel really rewarding.

2. Imagine Your Ideal Lifestyle When Organizing Your Wardrobe

Do you know how to define your personal style? When you begin the organization process, it’s good to have an idea in mind about the types of items you want to keep. Luckily, with the KonMari method, asking if each item sparks joy is an easy way to figure it out. When you’re done, you’ll have a closet full of clothes you absolutely love.

3. Decide What Sparks Joy

Sort through your closet and while looking at and holding each item, decide if it sparks joy. If it does, you automatically keep it, of course!

Anything that doesn’t immediately spark joy, will be kept in a separate pile. According to Marie, she recommends saying “thank you” to the unwanted item and give it away in gratitude. This can make the separation process a lot easier for many people. Have gratitude for the pieces that no longer spark joy and resell them online or donate them, bringing joy to another woman who will love them.

A third pile can be for things you are unsure about. You can go back to them and reassess your feelings about them. After you’ve made your “joy” pile and “donation” pile, it will be easier to determine how you feel about the items in the “uncertain” pile.

4.Organize By Category

Now that you have clothes that only spark joy, you can easily organize and enjoy a clutter-free closet full of the clothes that make you feel your absolute best.

Need Extra Wardrobe Help?

While Marie Kondo’s minimalist method is very helpful, you might worry about doing it alone. So, that’s where a professional wardrobe stylist can assist your organizing efforts. Everything is easier when you have an expert by your side. If you feel overwhelmed, get in touch with us today!

14Aug

How to Build a Wardrobe for Each New Season

August 14, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Each season brings forth new energy and excitement about getting last year’s clothes out of storage. Suddenly, everything feels brand new again! Or, does it? Well, it should if each season’s wardrobe is properly prepared in advance. Rotating clothing for the change of seasons can be an easy process if you know how to do it and have the right help.

The benefits of seasonal wardrobe rotations:

You’ll get inspired by clothes you already own.
Periodic inspections of clothing keep you from having a cluttered closet.
You’ll be forced to consider getting rid of ill–fitting, outdated items and make room for new clothes that make you look and feel great.
There will be fewer items in your closet, which means that it will be easier to dress every day.

Here’s how to evaluate, rotate and pare down your wardrobe for each new season:

Step 1: Evaluate Each Item

For each article of clothing in your closet, ask yourself if there is a purpose for each item. There should be a purpose for every piece of clothing you are keeping (e.g. for work, leisure, special events, etc.) or else it is just clutter and it needs to be donated. If you don’t have a purpose for the clothing, let it go.

Next up, ask yourself if you actually like each piece of clothing. Tastes change and so do trends, if you aren’t in love with an item, donate it. You aren’t likely to wear it if you don’t love it.

Do all of the items in your wardrobe fit well? If it doesn’t fit or feel comfortable, set it aside. Anything that doesn’t fit can either be donated or altered.

Lastly, donate or toss any clothing or accessories that aren’t in great condition.

Step 2: Sort Through the Seasons

There will be three categories of clothing to sort through: the incoming season, the outgoing season, and the season–less items. Choose the outgoing season’s items that you wish to keep and then prepare them for storage.

Before you put every piece of the previous season’s clothing into storage, take a few minutes to consider the following:

Do you still like the piece?
Does it still fit well?
Is it too worn for another season?
Do you think you’ll wear it again next year?

Use these deciding factors to keep or donate the outgoing season’s clothing and you’ll save yourself time and aggravation when pulling out your clothes a year later. The change of seasons is the best time to let go and make room for the new.

Step 3: The Incoming Season’s Rotation

Once you get your incoming season’s clothing out of storage, it’s time to reintroduce it into your wardrobe.

While you spend the effort to bring out next season’s pieces, consider a few of these questions:

Is the item in perfect condition?
Do you like wearing it?
Do you need any additional items to pair with the piece?

Step 4: Decide What You Actually Need

Now you have evaluated each item based on its condition, purpose, and wear-ability. You have also sorted your clothing by seasons. However, you may still have some questions:

What kind of pieces are you missing?
Are there gaps in your seasonal wardrobes?
What’s on trend for upcoming seasons?

Need more help?

Building a wardrobe can be a daunting task, but the easiest time to do it is when the seasons are changing. You’re likely to already be in your closet, rotating out one season’s items for the next. While you’re at it, it’s a smart choice to build the perfect wardrobe for the season and to prepare last season’s wardrobe for next year (you’ll be happy you did).

It will be fall before we know it. Now is the time to be taking your fall clothing out of storage and to consider how you can reintroduce it into your wardrobe. You will also want to do a review of your summer items before packing them up until next year.

I’ve given you the steps to build your wardrobe for each new season, but I understand that it may still sound like an overwhelming process, or perhaps you simply don’t have the time or don’t want to do it. If you need additional help, that’s what I’m here for! I can help you decide what goes and what stays, how to pair clothing, revive clothing, and how to set you up with a perfect wardrobe for every season. Call or email to set up an appointment!

12Jun

5 Items You Need In Your Closet

June 12, 2019 Melrose Fisher

There are certain items every woman should have in her closet to make getting dressed and looking stylish effortless. We’re not talking about the essential wardrobe pieces or fashion basics (you can read more about that here) but, the items that you wish you had when there’s a last minute issue when dressing.

These are the items that are going to help fix an unexpected fashion blooper. These simple tools will help save the day when you’re needing to rush out the door or quickly find the ‘right’ outfit in your closet. When you don’t have time to perfect your look, having these resources on hand will make it quick and easy to do so.

Review these 5 items and you’ll agree that you most definitely need to have them in your closet.

1. Steamer

Many of us own an iron and an ironing board but many of us also view ironing as one of our most dreaded chores. It’s a bulky setup and it’s time-consuming. We also have the option to use a dry-cleaning service but that can get costly and also adds a stop on our never-ending list of errands to run. Yet no one wants to be walking around in wrinkled clothing! A steamer is the perfect solution – it’s fast, easy, and effective! A steamer heats up quickly and is ready to go to work as soon as you put your garment on the hanger. Using this wrinkle-freeing process also makes it easier to get those hard-to-reach spots and can be used on virtually any fabric. By the time it takes to set up your ironing board and heat up your iron you could already be done steaming your garment. Save yourself time and energy by investing in a steamer; prices start as low as $20 for a portable travel-size steamer and can also be very affordable for a full-size model.

2. Fashion Tape

Also known as wardrobe, lingerie, or dress tape, double-stick fashion tape is a small, affordable fashion “must have”. You may even be surprised to learn of its many uses. Fashion tape allows you to quickly secure an unraveling hem or a floppy jacket lapel. It can be used to keep clothing items in place, such as preventing a plunging neckline or gaps between blouse buttons from revealing ‘too much’. And it can also be used to keep finicky bra straps from slipping off your shoulders. This little fashion accessory is a miracle worker and a true lifesaver when you’re in a sticky situation as you’re on your way out the door or into a power meeting! For around the same price as a glass of wine, you’ll be glad you purchased this handy fashion saver.

3. Snag Repair Tool

A proper snag repair tool will have you believing in magic! How many items of clothing have become ruined due to snags and pilling? A snag repair tool is simply a precision tool that repairs knitted and woven garments quickly and easily. This teeny tiny useful tool will bring new life to garments new and old that have had a bad run in with a snag! As the cheapest and smallest fashion necessity you’ll have in your closet, you may even want to keep one in your purse, car, or office desk.

4. Foam Deodorant Remover

A major fashion faux pas that many of us deal with often is deodorant stains. There’s nothing more annoying than being dressed and ready to walk out the door only to notice white marks smeared across your outfit. This frustrating occurrence can easily be fixed by briskly rubbing the sponge over the smudge, no water needed! When you’re in the car on the way to work or an event and you’ve just realized you have a deodorant stain, this tool comes in handy to keep nearby when a washcloth and water aren’t available. These fashion savers are also great for removing makeup residue from your clothing.

5. Sewing Kit

The most basic essential item for clothing repair is a simple sewing kit. Some of us own sewing machines, which can be a great thing to have! But many of us need to rely on the quick, old-school method of hand sewing. We’ve all found ourselves with at least one of these common problems: a loose or missing button; an unraveling hem; a pair of pants in need of a hemming; a blouse strap that needs to be shortened; a waistband that needs to be tightened. These minor fashion fixes probably occur more often than you put in the time to repair them. Keeping a small sewing kit on hand provides you with all the items needed to conveniently fix these issues.

Are you familiar with any of these items? You may already own one or two of them. Are there any that you haven’t thought of or didn’t even know existed? Trust us, these fashion-saving items will make your life so much easier! You can practically purchase all these items for less than you’re likely to spend on lunch today and they’re all available at many popular retailers and online for easy ordering. They’ll help you time and time again and they’re convenient for keeping at home, in the car, or when you’re traveling. Be sure to add these items to your closet and you’ll find that they’ll save you time, energy, and headaches in the future. Tell us – What’s in your closet that you can’t live without??

12Nov

The Importance of Wardrobe Auditing: How to Create Your Dream Wardrobe

November 12, 2018 Melrose Fisher

When is the last time you did a full inventory of the clothing you have? Many of us struggle with choosing what to wear on a daily basis. Do you typically wear the same outfits on a regular basis even though you have dozens of neglected pieces of clothing in your closet? It’s the timeless dilemma: a closet packed with clothes but nothing to wear.

There is a simple solution to all of this and it is a wardrobe audit.

What is a wardrobe audit?

Simply put, wardrobe audit is the deliberate purging and organizing all of the items in your closet. If done correctly, your closet will be full of versatile outfits that are customized to your lifestyle and flatter your body perfectly.

Why is a wardrobe audit so important?

It helps you to eliminate unwanted clothing that is crowding your closet
Your wardrobe will be organized, making it easier to plan and dress
You will be able to effortlessly style yourself daily with relevant and eternally elegant outfits
You will be able to bolster your personal style and enrich your personal brand
Have peace of mind, less indecision, and easily identify the outfits you need to put together a specific look
Your wardrobe should reflect who you are in personal and professional areas – first impressions are essential

When is the best time to do a wardrobe audit?

At least once a year at minimum, but the best and easiest time to audit your closet is when the seasons change. As summer has turned into fall, we’re starting to put away our summer clothing and bring our winter clothes to the forefront of our closets.

DON’T: Wait to do a wardrobe audit until you’ve lost 15 pounds or any other excuse that is stopping you. You are worthy now! You deserve your dream wardrobe now.

Here’s how to do it:

We’re moving into the winter months soon, so first remove all of the summer clothing in your closet. When your summer clothes are packed up until next year, it’s a good time to dust the shelves of your closet, purchase new hangers, and generally clean up. If needed, a fresh coat of paint and new light bulbs give your closet a fresh makeover.

Now you can begin to organize your fall and winter clothing.

Next, organize your clothes into three groups:

Must keep:

Anything that you love!
Clothing that you wear often
Clothes that fit you beautifully
Clothing that is in good condition
Major investment pieces

Hold onto it:

Anything you like
Anything you’ve worn at least a few times
Clothing that fits and is in good condition
Any piece of clothing that holds great memories for you

Toss it: Get rid of anything that is no longer serving you. Unwanted clothing can be donated, gifted, or consigned.

Anything you haven’t worn within the last year! If you didn’t wear it last fall or winter, then you probably won’t wear it this year either. Make room for clothing you will wear.
Anything that is stained or in poor condition.
Clothing that doesn’t fit. (It probably won’t ever fit again, let’s be honest!) Anything that doesn’t flatter your body goes.
Anything that is no longer your personal style or anything that you are simply indifferent about. Your wardrobe should be full of clothes that you absolutely love. Don’t hang onto clothing just to have it, keep it because you love it and wear it.
Out of style clothing that doesn’t qualify as a vintage classic.
Clothing that carries bad memories.

Once the “toss” pile is out the door, you will have more space in your closet, making it easier to organize the rest!

Now is a good time to organize your wardrobe into sections so you can easily dress or choose outfits for any occasion. For example: professional wear, leisure wear, special events, social activities, etc. And, you will be able to identify what you actually need to add to your closet instead of mindlessly shopping for new clothes.

A wardrobe audit is a must for any woman who needs to organize and cultivate her own personal style. An audit can take a bit of time, and figuring out which items to let go of can be difficult. Many women put this task at the end of their “to do” list because it can be time consuming and hard to let go of clothing.

Fortunately, this is a service that Lots of Luxe provides! If you need an assessment and someone to help you organize, the path of least resistance is to have a professional help you with it. If handling a wardrobe audit on your own seems like a challenge, then we’re here to help you assess and organize your closet.

13Jul

What DO Those Garment Care Labels & Symbols Mean?

July 13, 2017 Melrose Fisher

Cartoon Garment Care

How many of you can relate to this cartoon? Practically everyone of you I bet. I’ve heard you tell me so, plus I do it all the time. As itchy as those labels are, and as much as we want to cut them out (and have done it), they do provide us with important care instructions to help us maintain the longevity of our garments. Especially our “fine” pieces. But “these” care symbols, usually read or look like a foreign language to us. What use to be only 4 symbols… How to Wash, How to Dry, How to Iron, Use Bleach or Not, we now have too many to remember. I feel your pain. Click here for your “cheat sheet” to what all those care symbols mean and have it at your fingertips the next time you need to know how to care for that fabulous white blouse or designer jean.

One tip I always like to pass along to my clients is…if it doesn’t say “Dry Clean ONLY,” it can be washed. Happy Wash Day!

13Apr

Tips & Tricks for Seasonal Storage of your Clothes

April 13, 2017 Melrose Fisher

Compliments of The Laundress

Yes…I think you’re safe to go ahead and store your fall/winter clothes now. For Pete’s sake, it is Easter!

Here are some tips and tricks for how and where to store your off-season “threads.” I retrieved these helpful tips from The Laundress website, a website I use quite often for laundering supplies and “how-to” for my delicate pieces. I respect their advice, and I think you will too.

First thing – Wash and clean everything!

Have you ever thought: It doesn’t look dirty. I don’t see any spots. I think I only wore it once and it was just a short time. JUST WASH IT! Perfume, body products, body oil, food, and dirt show up later and are much harder to get out. This is also true for starch. Do not store items that are starched. All of the above are the feeding ground for bugs.

Seasonally Re-organize:

If you don’t store items seasonally, you should do a thorough re-organization once or twice a year. Clean your wardrobe and drawers for the new season – take everything out, wash, vacuum & re-organize your drawers.

Proper Storage:

We recommend storing items clean (obviously) and folded well. Delicate items and items prone to wrinkling are best when folded with acid-free tissue. (Acid-free tissue is critical for long term storing – not as important for short term i.e. season to season). Do not hang knits, silks, and synthetics; as you may not recognize these items or they may not fit next season. Fur, leather, and outerwear are best stored hung – if these items are not stored properly, they can lose their natural oils by drying out which are the luxurious properties.

Pack clothes and textiles in a breathable fabric, such as cotton or linen, and with a zipper closure. There are several cotton, canvas, etc. storage containers that come in a variety of sizes to accommodate all your items, big and small. In addition to finding storage containers on The Laundress website, you can also find containers by clicking here. Never store in plastic or cardboard. Plastic bins, cardboard, and dry cleaner bags may look tidy but are not suitable for proper textile storage as they attract and encourage bugs and bug reproduction. Do not use drawer liners or contact paper as the adhesive can attract bugs as well.

Where to Store:

Items should be stored in a clean, cool, dark and dry area. Where is this? Not usually in an attic or basement as humid/damp areas such an attic or basement are optimal environments for moth breeding attacks, mold, and mildew. Extreme temperatures will damage textiles, and direct sunlight will fade and deteriorate fabrics as well.

Mold/Mildew Problems:

Did you have water damage or flooding from storms in your area this winter? Unfortunate circumstances can cause adverse problems. Not to worry though, with some patience, items with mold and mildew usually can be salvaged.

Silverfish, Moth, Bug Issues:

There are non-toxic moth products out there, avoid mothballs – which are toxic and deadly – and it is impossible to remove their odor. We do not recommend cedar wood blocks or chips. If you are using cedar wood avoid direct contact with the textiles as they can transfer oil to the fabric which will create stains that are hard to remove. If you’ve been attacked by moths, quarantine the scene! The freezer is a good holding spot with airtight bags (throw away after) while you wash everything such as clothes & drawers in the exposed areas. It is imperative to clean your machine after. Do not go to the dry cleaner or laundromat as you will infest other clothing and the location.

They may be small, but bugs and moths can do big harm to your favorite fall and winter fashions during the offseason. With proper storage and treatment, you can make sure your best pieces last for years to come. And if the damage is done, don’t despair, there’s still hope with the right repairs! And when the damage is done, call for repairs.
Consult your local tailor or dry-cleaner to fix your favorite pieces and don’t leave damaged clothing in your closet. You won’t wear it, and neglected items could easily become a breeding ground for critters. Replace buttons, mend holes and alter clothing that is too big or small. Keep the yarns that come with your knits in one safe spot for the future.

Creature Feature: Silverfish

What are they? Silverfish are tiny light gray and blue wingless insects that can grow to a ½ inch long. Found anywhere humidity levels are high, they thrive in cool, dark, damp locations like attics, closets, baseboards, and bathroom fixtures. And they love to nestle into your warm bulky textiles as much as you do.

What do they eat? Silverfish feast on a diet of starch, sugar, and protein making linen, cotton, viscose, rayon and silk prime targets.

What’s the damage? Silverfish eat the surface of textiles, leaving garments with a shaved appearance. Other signs of damage include irregular holes and small yellow stains.

Remember, what smells sweet to you is toxic to them. Cedar and lavender emit a smell that is noxious to silverfish. Try adding The Laundress Lavender Pouch to your garment storage to drive them away.

Creature Feature: Moths

What are they? Moths are a group of flying insects related to the butterfly and moth larvae that have a big appetite.

What do they eat? Moth larvae have a specific diet and typically pick clothes made from animal fibers such as silk, wool, cashmere, angora or fur, and materials that contain keratin. Keratin is composed of fibrous structural proteins and can also be found in our skin and hair.

Hopefully, you’ve found some helpful tips for storing your fall/winter clothes; therefore, increasing the number of years, you’ll be able to enjoy your fine garments. Thanks for reading and please share.

14Jun

HOW TO PACK – TRAVEL PACKING TIPS & TRICKS

June 14, 2016 Melrose Fisher

Summer is here and traveling is on everyone’s schedule. Here are 20 tips and tricks you may or may not know to help you get those “must haves” in as little space as possible along with a couple of safety tips to “ward off evil spirits.” You know the old saying, “if you have it, you won’t need it.”

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05Mar

101 Fashion Tips & Tricks Every Girl Should Know

March 5, 2016 Melrose Fisher

by Perrie Samotin
Shared by Melrose Risher

March 8, 2016

When it comes to fashion tips, it sometimes seems that everyone and their mother (literally!) has tried-and-true style advice they swear by. Some are useful, while others are well, not so much. With that in mind, we’ve culled 101 style tips from the best: designers, lifestyle experts and, of course, our staff. Trust us: With these gems, you’ll be well on your way to living your most stylish life.

101. Despite what it says on the tag, cashmere is best washed by hand. To dry it, use a salad spinner, which releases excess water in seconds.

100. Use white wine to remove red wine stains.

99. Wash new jeans twice before taking them to the tailor. Why? Because jeans will always shrink in length when washed.

98. To stop angora or mohair from shedding, fold the garment and place it into a zip-top bag and freeze it for at least three hours.

97. Remove odors from vintage or thrift clothing by spritzing them with a mixture of one part vodka, two parts water.

96. “Remove white deodorant marks from a garment by gently rubbing the protective foam used on hangers against the fabric.”
— Jonathan Simkhai, designer

95. If you get an oil stain on your favorite handbag, coat the mark with baby powder and let it stand overnight. By morning, the stain should be gone. If a bit remains, repeat the process until the stain is complete

94. The best at-home method to keep diamonds sparkling: liquid dishwasher detergent and an old toothbrush.

93. The secret to well-fitting everyday clothes is Lycra. The formulas to look for: 95% cotton / 5% Lycra spandex for T-shirts, and at least 2% Lycra for jeans to hold their shape.

92. “Always organize your clothes going light to dark from left to right in your closet. Your eye will follow the color and thus help you stay organized.” — Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, Founder, Clos-ette and Clos-ette Too.

91. Wondering about the quality of your cashmere? Gently stretch the body of the garment to see if it snaps back. A lower-quality cashmere won’t.

Photo via J. Crew

89. “If you don’t have time to try on jeans in the store, try the Neck Method: You can determine your size by placing the waistline of the jeans around the diameter of your neck. If the waistline of the pant comfortably meets at back of your neck, then the jeans will fit.”
— Sarah Ahmed, Creative Director, DL1961 Premium Denim

88. Cut down your closet by 25% by asking yourself this one question: “If I were shopping right this second, would I buy this?” If the answer’s no, out it goes. — Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, Founder, Clos-ette and Clos-ette Too.

87. “Never put your swimwear in the washing machine, and always hand dry. The machine will damage the suit, and it will lose its elasticity. The only exception: At the end of the summer or vacation, wash your swimwear in lingerie washing bags on the gentle cycle with a bit if Drift or Woolite. But only after many wears.” —Shoshanna Gruss, Designer

86. To drop bloat five days before a big event, stay away from dairy and whole grains, which can do a number on the digestive system.

85. A useful style tip: While fake designer bags are a huge don’t, fake diamond studs are a huge do. Faux stones are hard to spot to the untrained eye.

84. Dressy occasions aren’t the time to play with trends, so know your silhouette and stick to it to always look your best. Perfect example: Sofia Vergara knows she looks good in mermaid dresses, and always chooses variations of the shape on red carpets.

83. “Never put a garment on immediately after ironing, as this can cause new wrinkles to form. Instead, let it sit for five minutes to set the press.” — Althea Harper, Designer, and Rowenta Brand Ambassador

82. The best way to de-fuzz a sweater: use a pumice stone.

81. Snap clip-on earrings onto flats for an instant evening shoe, or onto shirt collars for DIY embellishments.

80. If you get wax on a piece of clothing, layer wax paper over the hardened wax and then run an iron over it to loosen it up. Once you pull off the paper, the wax should come right out with it.

79. Pour a dash of vodka into vase water to extend the life of your flowers.

78. Spray tights with sticky (read: cheap) hairspray to avoid holes and runs.

77. To clean dirt off suede, remove the crust from a piece of bread and allow it to become stale. Gently rub dirt and stains with the edge of the stale bread, and they’ll disappear. To de-scuff suede, use an eraser or nail file.

76. Shopping for a wedding dress or another big-event outfit? Head to the store with makeup on, proper undergarments, and your hair semi-done to get a better sense of how it’ll look.

75. Double-stick tape work to shorten a hem in a pinch if you can’t get to the tailor before an event.

74. Blot, don’t rub when you spill something on your clothes. Wiping or rubbing will further ingrain the stain into the weave.

73. “Panty lines are not okay! Every woman should invest in nude, seamless underwear.” — Giuliana Rancic, HSN designer and E!
Ruby Ribbon gripper edging eliminates all lines.

72. If you don’t feel like trying on a dress but still want to see where the hem will hit you, align the shoulder seam exactly with your shoulder bone (not your collarbone).

71. Repurpose old or thrift sweaters and blankets by using them to reupholster a throw pillow, a chair seat or cover a stool.

70. “Use hairspray to remove a lipstick stain.” – Kaelen Haworth, designer, KAELEN

69. Add a 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse cycle while doing laundry to maintain the wash of your favorite pair of dark jeans.

68. To stretch tight shoes, fill two freezer bags with water and place into each shoe. Let it freeze overnight. As the water freezes, it’ll gently expand your shoes.

67. Frame vintage scarves for cool original artwork.

Photo via The Urban Slant

66. Due to its high level of surfactants, Dawn dish detergent is especially successful at removing grease and oil stains from clothing.

65. “A flattering silhouette begins with the right underpinnings. Never underestimate the power of quality Shapewear—they’re a girl’s best friend!” — Lucy Sykes Rellie, Fashion Director, Rent the Runway.

64. Revamp an old coat by swapping out the buttons and having a tailor replace the lining with something eye-catching, like a pattern or a bright color.

63. When getting jeans shortened, always ask your tailor to reattach the original hem. It may cost extra, but it’s worth it.

62. If blush or bronzer breaks in your handbag, pre-moistened makeup removing wipes will clean up the loose powder flawlessly.

61. Break in stiff or too-snug shoes by slipping them on with socks and blasting your feet with a hot hairdryer.

Photo via Coffee, Light & Sweet

60. Hang a shoe bag on the back of your bathroom door and use it to hold makeup, toiletries, brushes, hair ties, etc.

59. A vintage trunk not only makes a stylish coffee table, but it can also house shoes and clothing you rarely wear.

58. “To remove watermarks from leather boots, add a few drops of vinegar to a bowl of cool water and scrub the stains with a soft bristle brush until stains are no longer visible. Let dry overnight.” — Daryl Carr, Marketing Coordinator, Stetson

57. To stop squeaky shoes, remove the insole and apply Vaseline or WD-40 before replacing it.

56. To determine if pearls are real, lightly rub them over your teeth. Fake pearls will be perfectly smooth, and real ones will feel slightly gritty or textured.

55. When you’re shopping for a jacket, coat, or blazer, pay attention to the fit around the shoulders. While a tailor can tweak pretty much everything about the fit of a jacket—from tapering the waist to shortening it—they can’t change the shoulders. Make sure the seams sit perfectly at the bony tops of your shoulders.

54. Chic up a sporty puffer vest by cinching the waist with a skinny belt.

53. Unless they’re cropped or tapered, pant hems should just graze the tops of your shoes and be from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch off the floor.

52. Always dry-clean coats before storing them, and place on cedar hangers inside cloth garment bags, preserving the fabric and keeps moths away.

51. If you have a small closet, never keep your shoes in clunky shoeboxes. Instead, always line up them on the floor.

50. Going to a winter wedding or formal event? Try wearing a sleeveless fur vest as a top, cinching it with a skinny belt or piece of ribbon and pairing it with a floor-length skirt.

Next week – Tips # 1 – #49

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