September 2006 Issue
In this months Issue:
A Good Looking Bag
Laundry 101: Doing it Right
Buying the Basic Blazer or Sport Coat
Home Laundry Tip
Whether you carry a briefcase or a pocketbook (or both), one of the biggest challenges is keeping it clean. Briefcases and pocketbooks often spend time in tough conditions. Buffeted by weather, placed on the floor, hung by the handles on the backs of chairs, these sturdy carry-alls endure a lot of abuse.
If your bag or briefcase is made of imitation leather (there are some wonderful fakes out there), you can clean it with a damp cloth. If ballpoint pen marks up the exterior, try a spray of non-oily hairspray to remove it. If your item is made of real leather, use saddle soap or Murphy's Oil Soap.
Another excellent resource for restoring a leather bag is Pressed4Time and our shoe repair service. If your briefcase was expensive, it will probably be worth the expense of having it fixed. Cobblers can often replace fittings, lining and even the strap.
Laundry 101: Doing it Right
In our last issue, we discussed how to prepare laundry for your trip to the Laundromat. This month, we'll discuss how to do laundry at home.
Once you've sorted your laundry, checked for stains and pre-treated items, it's time to choose your water temperature. Hot water is best for very dirty clothes, whites and light-colored cotton items. Warm water should be used for lightly soiled items, dark colors, some wools and synthetics. Cold water can be used for just about any laundry, but is especially recommended for items that might bleed dye, bright colors or fragile items.
How long should you set the wash for? Very dirty clothes should be washed on the longest cycle, usually 10-12 minutes. A regular cycle is 6-8 minutes; that's probably the best cycle to use for almost all of your washing. You might want to put it on "gentle" if you're washing delicate fabrics or knits.
Some items should not be placed in a dryer; again, check the care label if you're not sure. (If it says line dry, drip dry or dry flat, avoid the dryer at all costs.)
Buying the Basic Blazer or Sport Coat
Now that the fall weather is here, everyone's wardrobe should include a selection of separates. The sports jacket or blazer is a great fashion accessory, because it can be mixed and matched. Here are a few tips for both men and women:
Focus on fabric. Versatility is the key, so be sure to look for fabrics that can be worn year-round. Wool is great for colder climates in the winter months, but you can save money by buying wool blends. Also consider lightweight wool gabardine, twill or crepe.
Select sensible styles. Avoid extremes that are a fad; instead, stick with a cut and color that will be in style now and in five seasons from now. Popular colors are navy, camel, winter white and black.
Trying and tailoring. Be sure to try the blazer or sports jacket on and check sleeve length and fit. Check the inside to ensure that all linings are properly cut and sewn.
Wake up your wallet. If you're looking to buy a jacket or blazer as an investment, something you'll keep for a few years, then spending between $175-300 seems reasonable. If you shop discount or outlet stores, you can pay about half that amount for a good quality item. Remember, this is a garment you can probably buy for even less, but it might not last as long or fit as well.
Home Laundry Tip
Now that it's September, many people put their outdoor, porch or summer furniture in storage. To clean wicker, wash with a solution of warm salt water. This will help prevent the wicker from turning yellow. To prevent drying out while it's in storage, apply lemon oil to the wicker. If you live in a cold climate, we recommend that you not store wicker in an unheated garage or shed, because if wicker freezes, it can crack and split.
What about other types of furniture? If your furniture has metal legs that got rusty, try scrubbing the rusty areas with turpentine. Vinyl chair cushions and seats can be cleaned by sprinkling baking soda or vinegar on a rough, damp cloth, then washing with a mild dishwashing soap. Never use oil on vinyl, because it will make the vinyl hard and almost impossible to soften up again.