Archives for The Closet Manager

Hanger humps.

We’ve all seen sweaters with humped shoulders from incorrect hanging. Sweaters and knits should be folded and hung over the padded hanger bar. Better yet, stored flat on a shelf or in a cedar-lined drawer. The weight of the fabric pulls and stretches, even while wearing. Hump not: we can get garments blocked back into shape as part of cleaning.

Keep your outfit together.

We all have suits and matching outfits that we love, but may not always wear together. Sometimes you wear the skirt or pants with a different blouse, or the jacket with your favorite jeans and a fitted blouse or even a dress. Even though you don’t wear them together, you should always wash or dry clean matching pieces together to make certain that a slight color loss doesn’t give you two pieces that almost match.

Restore and preserve.

Count on us to keep your keepsakes fresh and protected. Preservation’s not just for bridal gowns, we can help save military uniforms, letter jackets and prom dresses. And restoration by our experts can repair stains, tears and loose seams. We not only keep your everyday wardrobe looking its best, we also help keep heirlooms for the future.

Seasonal storage.

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.

Closet management 101.

Keep all your clothes and shoes in the same general area, organized by function. Divide messy drawers with custom-fit partitions made of foamcore board. Add some structure, and capacity, by adding a rod at the top of your closet for shorter items like ...

Vacation essentials, part 2

More packing tips for your getaway from Smartertraveler: Sunglassses offer more than panache, good ones protect your eyes from UVA and UVB burning rays. What would summer be without sandals? Trade up from flip-flops to dressier summer footwear that’s as suited for an upscale restaurant as it is at the beach. Fold in a summer-weight cotton or linen sweater for blustery boat rides, napping in a shady hammock or taking off the chill of hotel AC. Invest in an easy-breezy summer dress for on the plane, beach coverup or dressed up with heels and jewelry for a night out. When you get back, let us clean your vacation clothes – you’ll be ready to go again.

Vacation essentials.

Packing tips for your summer getaway from Smartertraveler: Start with a packable hat to avoid overexposure, you may look like you’re on safari, but you’ll be cooler and sunburn-free;  a one-piece swimsuit will suit activities from bodysurfing to snorkeling; waterproof shoes from rain boots to aquasox, depending on your destination. Be ready for almost anything with a white cotton or linen shirt for coolness from beachy coverup to dressier dinner. Pack a couple of lightweight scarves for dressup, cover up or warmth against evening breeze. Speaking of inclement weather, be prepared for the inevitable with a lightweight waterproof anorak or windbreaker Make the most of your summer – pack light and smart.

The secrets of men’s underwear.

Ten percent of men have underwear in the drawer that’s at least ten years old, have designated a “lucky” pair or wear the same underpants up to four days in row! 35% have their partner or mother buy their shorts. 65% wear different underwear for sports and 30% admit underwear has caused a wedgie. What do men wear? 43% boxers, 32% briefs, 19% super-briefs and 5% go commando. Men’s underwear is a booming business that’s gone well beyond the classic whitey tighties. Bright colors, technical fabrics and graphic patterns are popular.  No matter what the trend, 91% of men look for comfort and good fit.

Spring (closet) cleaning, part two.

Spring (closet) cleaning, part two.  Here are ten ways to be sure “it’s gotta go.” 1-2, truly stained or stinky. We can do a lot, but some stains and smells are forever. 3. Damaged beyond repair, even by a talented seamstress. 4. Would you buy it right now?  5. It does not fit.  Not now, probably never. 6. Wrong look, wrong image. 7. Brings up bad memories. 8. It simply outlasted a trend. 9. Have yet to wear it. 10. It is worn out, stretched, faded or pilled.  Toss out the mistakes and make room for what you love and what makes you look your best.

Spring (closet) cleaning, part one.

When surveyed, American women admitted to over $500 worth of never-worn clothing hiding in the closet. That’s one of every five items: shoes, dresses and coats. Why? 75% said they just liked other pieces better, half said their friends didn’t like it, and a third admitted the item was out of style. Three ways to resolve the hidden problems? Sell them in a consignment shop or website like threadflip or tradesy. Ask us about local charities with thrift shops, or find more at excessaccess. Or swap your extras in a private Pinterest or Facebook group, or at swapstyle.