Even though we often say goodbye to our clients at the end of their shopping trips, the Stilista stylists certainly hope to leave a lasting impression on you. We hope that you think of us when you put on the dress that you never would have had the confidence to buy without us or when you put on the outfit that you didn’t even know lived within your closet. Well, we also hope that we leave a lasting impression on your clothes – well the care of your clothes that is.
Chances are, if you made the investment in a stylist and/or some new clothing, you care how you look and how you present yourself. One of the most important parts of looking good is taking good care of your clothing. Clothing that is stretched out, faded or shrunken looses its polish, power and presentation.
If you don’t want this to happen, then follow these simple rules:
1. Follow the wash instructions on the label. If it says to use only cold water, use only cold water. If it says not to put the item in the dryer, then don’t put it in the dryer. And – most importantly – if it says to dry clean it, then dry clean it!
2. If you are nervous about fading or shrinking and/or can not control the dryer heat or time because you do your laundry at a laundromat, don’t put the item in the dryer. Instead, air-dry the item.
3. Air-drying should be done in one of 3 ways: on a hanger, on a line or on a rack. When you use a hanger, make sure to use a plastic one. That way you won’t risk a rust stain from a wire hanger or a colored stain from a wood hanger. When you use a line, stick to the Spring and Summer months so that you don’t have frozen clothes. And, be sure to use a clothing rack for a delicate item that could become stretched our or disfigured due to the force of gravity that it would be subjected to on a hanger or line.
4. When washing your nicer things, use a delicate detergent. I am a big fan of Ivory Snow and Woolite. Both smell great, are gentle on your clothes and promise to prevent fading. Woolite even makes a special detergent specifically for dark colors to keep them dark. (See photo above!)
5. Invest in small laundry bags that can hold extra-delicate such as bras and tissue tees while they are in the washing machine. These bags will keep them from getting snagged on something and twisted out-of-shape.
In order to keep all of this in mind, I set aside my nicer clothing in a separate laundry bin. That way, I never accidentally wash my favorite top with my gym clothes and I know when I have enough delicate laundry for a full load.
Hopefully these tips will be helpful in keeping your new clothes looking new and your favorite clothes lasting longer.
-Marisa
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