Month: September 2011

View from above– Coronado Bridge– California

How to “Let Go”… and Really Purge Your Closet!

We’ve all done it– standing in front of the closet in a trance wondering what to wear or wondering where that favorite fuchsia scarf could be hiding. It’s usually not so much a matter of nothing to wear but a matter of being able to easily find what you do have.

My answer to this was to purge out my closet. I did my “purge” in several phases over a 3-month period. And to this day I follow a strict rule of “one piece coming in means one piece has to go out”– I don’t want to go back to my jumbled junky closet. Here are my rules for Closet Success:

1. If you haven’t worn something in a year it goes regardless of condition, price or size. If you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably never will.

2. If you have a piece of clothing that every time you wear it you feel annoyed– dump it.

3. If it’s waiting to be mended–enough is enough. Are you really going to pull out the needle and thread yourself?

4. If you hate to iron–why do you still have an ironing pile? Get rid of everything in the “ironing pile.”

5. It’s okay to keep a few “skinny” clothes (we all do it) but you don’t need to keep all of them. Styles change, you change, your body shape changes so chances are that when you get back to the magical “skinny size” you’re going to want new stuff anyway.

6. Sentimental clothes you never wear should not reside in your closet. Either take a picture to preserve the memory or limit yourself to one bag of “clothes to show my kids”.

7. Don’t hang onto pieces that are “kind of okay” because you don’t have anything better as a replacement. Let them go.

8. You don’t have to do everything all at once. Purge in stages and be motivated by your success. One week you could do shirts, the next week jeans, etc.

9. Try everything on. This can not be stressed enough. A blouse that is too tight belongs in the purged pile. Even if the pattern is beautiful and you only wore it once 10 years ago when you were in college.

10. Don’t over-stuff your closet space. Cramming your clothes into the closet and battling every morning to find something to wear won’t make your closet grow bigger. It will only make you cranky…every single day.

Off the Rack: LPLP Linea Pelle for Target Fall 2011 Handbags

Off the Rack: LPLP Linea Pelle for Target Fall 2011 Handbags.

View of the pool area at Hotel Del Coronado

How to Shop With Little or No Money


How to Shop With Little or No Money

from wikiHow

Shopping is fun. Shopping with little to no money doesn’t sound fun, but it can be!

Steps

  1. Wear comfortable shoes and easy on/off clothes the morning of your designated shopping trip(as you will be trying on things), and also do your hair and makeup like you would normally do when going out (so when you try on things you’ll look your best in them) and don’t bring your life savings.
  2. Bring the minimal money (just enough for food or gas is good) and MAYBE enough for that perfect dress. If you have no money whatsoever, eat at home, bring snacks and water, or stay home. And pack your self-control.
  3. Make a mental or physical list of stores you want to go to and things you want to buy.
  4. Go directly to the stores you want to when you get to the mall/shopping center. Pick up whatever you like and try it on. Pick up things you weren’t sure would look good on you, or things you normally think are too expensive. Choose whatever! and try it on!
  5. Try to make outfits in the fitting room or as you shop.
  6. Tell the lady in the fitting room that you didn’t like anything (or if you have a lot and are too embarrassed, leave some with her and take some with you, then as you continue to “look around” the store casually hang up the rest).
  7. Repeat those steps for the rest of the stores you want to go to.
  8. Stop for food/water at some point since you may want to rest a bit.
  9. If you have some money to spare after food, only get something if YOU NEED IT, HAVE WANTED IT FOREVER AND IT’S FINALLY ONE SALE OR IS DECENTLY PRICED OR IF IT WILL COMPLETE YOUR WARDROBE.

Tips

  • Steps 3-5 apply to shoes as well. I love shoes and a lot of the time I try on ones I like but that aren’t practical or are too expensive.
  • In addition to your usual stores, go to places you’d like to go to but never would if you had money and were shopping, whether the reason is it’s too expensive, it’s super trendy, etc. Just have fun!
  • The beauty of window shopping is that you don’t feel as restricted as you do when you are shopping with money. When you have money, you only go to your usual stores and probably buy what you’d normally buy, but this gives you more options.
  • If the window shopping feels weird or slightly depressing, just think of it as a day of exploring, finding what looks good on you, discovering new trends and stores and passing some time while filling up your need to shop.
  • If you have had a successful day at getting barely anything or nothing, run out the mall quick, ignore big red “sale” signs everywhere and “buy one get one free” and “everything must go!” and “great deals, today only!”: it’s a lie! They WILL have other sales! so get out while you still have some dignity.
  • Sometimes you’ll see a great item on sale and have just enough to buy it if you downsize lunch or skip it. DON’T DO IT. When you see that item STOP AND THINK: “do I really NEED this or do I just want it because it’s cute/on sale?” “do I already own more than one thing that will go with this?” (if there’s more than one in your size: “I’ll come back and buy it when I have more money” (if not):”I’ll put it on hold as long as possible (if possible)” (if not)”ooh let me hide it with these items” BUT if you NEED it and have been looking for this quality item for months or have been waiting for it to go on sale and have so many big outfit plans for it, get it! hopefully you have eaten already. If not, grab a snack and afterward go home!

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Shop With Little or No Money. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Buy a Waterproof Jacket


How to Buy a Waterproof Jacket

from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit

If you intend to participate in outdoor activities frequently, then it is a good idea to invest in a waterproof jacket. When you’re outside, there is always a chance that the weather can transition from sun and clouds to showers and rain. A waterproof jacket will prevent your clothes from being soaked, thus keeping you warmer and reducing the chances of you catching pneumonia or hypothermia. Knowing how to buy a waterproof jacket is important, however, as some jackets will be better suited for certain activities. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right waterproof jacket for your needs.

Steps

  1. Determine which outdoor activities you’ll be participating in. Waterproof jackets that are designed for outdoor activities come in 3 main types: rambling, trekking, and snowsports. It is important to purchase the jacket type that matches your activity type, or else it may not be as effective at keeping you dry.
  • Rambling waterproof jackets are designed for lowland walking. They are designed to be lightweight and easily portable, which means that these jackets are perfect for those who will not be outside for a long time. Choose a rambling jacket if you are just going to be hiking, running, or simply staying outside for a summer day trip.
  • Trekking waterproof jackets are designed for dedicated weather protection. They are created using heavier materials and more technical designs, which means that these jackets are typically overkill for the casual hiker. However, if you are going to be in harsh weather for a long time, particularly in the mountains, then this is the jacket type for you.
  • Snowsports waterproof jackets are designed for intense and extreme winter conditions. These jackets have a highly specialized design that keeps the wearer protected in extremely cold and snowy conditions. If you participate in rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, or extreme snowsports, then this is the jacket for you.
  • Choose a jacket with a hood. The human body loses approximately 30 percent of its body heat through the head, and if you’re going to be in a situation where you need a waterproof jacket, then you’ll be wanting to retain as much heat as you can. Some jackets have hoods that are detachable, which is a great feature if you don’t want to be bothered by a hood until you really need it.
  • Choose a jacket with zips and vents. Zips are great for your convenience, allowing you to put on and take off your jacket quickly and easily. Some jackets come equipped with zips and vents on the underarms, which helps prevent your body from overheating during outdoor activity.
  • Choose a jacket with pocket storm flaps. In the case of heavy rain, storm flaps will keep your pockets dry and prevent anything inside from being damaged by water.
  • Choose a jacket with drawcords. Drawcords allow you to customize the fit of your jacket to your body, and you can adjust them on the fly while you’re in the outdoors. By adjusting the fit of your jacket, you will be able to run, climb, or hike with more comfort and less impairment.

 

Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Buy a Waterproof Jacket. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Make Money Selling to Consignment Stores

  • 1

    Make a list of all of the consignment stores in your neighborhood and what types of items they specialize in. If you have more than two or three shops in your area, it  is best to keep track of this information in a notebook. Be sure to include store contact information as well.

  • 2

    Visit each shop to look at the brands and quality of items they are selling. Knowing what the owner is looking to buy will help  you sort through your own items and choose what to bring for an  appraisal.

  • 3

    Search through your closet and make a pile for each consignment shop. Maybe  one shop accepts gently used items while another accepts jewelry.  Doublecheck that the quality and brands match the items you looked at when you made your visit.

  • 4

    Call to set up an appraisal appointment. This is when you  will take your items in to be reviewed. Some owners review on the spot while others review at a later date.

  • 5

    Clean your items before you bring them to the store. Clothing should  be washed and ironed & jewelry should be polished. All items should look as “new” as possible.

  • 6

    Review the shop owners offer. You don’t have to accept it, but if  you are just going to get rid of the items — donate them to a charity store —  you might as well accept the offer. At this time, you may also be given a  choice– you can accept cash when the item sells, or you can take store credit.  Each shop is different, but many owners offer a 60/40 split cash or  a 50/50 split store credit. You won’t see any cash with store credit, but it can  be worth it if you like to shop!

How to remove sweat stains from your thrift store finds

Sweat spots are one of life’s unpleasantries. Luckily, there is an easy way to get rid of them.

Mix two parts white vinegar to one part hot water.  Saturate stain with this mix and let sit for a few hours.  Launder in the washing machine as usual.   This should work even for older stains that have been through the dryer.

 

 

Faking it: How to spot counterfeit fashion

 

Knockoff designer goods are easily available on the streets in areas like Los Angeles’ Santee Street and New York’s Canal Street.

The internet is also full of online auctions and cybersellers offering “Inspired by” copies and fakes.

The old method of spotting counterfeit items was simple: flimsy hardware, cheap leather and crooked logos were a dead giveaway.

Fakes are now so good (and expensive) that you sometimes can’t tell the difference.

So how do you know what’s real and what’s not?

Some clues:

  • The price. A new Louis Vuitton handbag for $100 is not the real. The real LV typically sells for $800 to well over $2000. Same thing for my friends Prada and Gucci.
  • Where it’s sold.  Authorized dealers for Chanel, LV, etc. do not merchandise out of the trunk of a car and they do not sell at online auctions or home parties.
  • Point of origin tag. Designer apparel or leather goods with a “Made in Taiwan” tag is likely not authentic.
  • What if you are shopping online and come across a great deal on designer apparel? How do you know you’re getting the real thing?

    Read the fine print.

    Some etailers will lure you in with key words you’re likely to search for like Chanel or Prada. Many sites use overkill with words like “authentic,” “genuine” and other adjectives — to describe their merchandise.

    Only by reading the descriptions carefully will you see comments like “Inspired by…” to clue you in that the merchandise isn’t an exact copy (which the etailers claim gives them immunity from trademark infringement.)

    Many of the better knockoffs come with packaging, locks, etc. to appear (and sound in description) like the real thing.

    Ebay.com has rules posted forbidding the sale of counterfeit merchandise, but it’s not unusual to see Louis Vuitton and Gucci bags on the site for less than $100.

    How do you protect yourself?

    Purchase goods from an authorized dealer (a department store or a company outlet). Many labels sell directly to the public on company-owned sites such as Gucci.com, eLuxury.com (Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, etc.) and Coach.com.

    If in doubt, contact the designer directly and ask if you’re buying from an authorized dealer.

How to Clean or Disinfect Vintage Shoes

How to Clean or Disinfect Vintage Shoes

from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Vintage shoes can be so adorable if you pick them up from an auction or the thrift store but the thought of how clean they are might mar your joy. Give them a nice clean.

Steps

  1. Clean the outside of the shoes as with normal shoes, only with greater care. Dust first using a duster or clean, soft cloth. Use polish of a suitable color or leather cleaning solution. Leather conditioner is probably a great idea for vintage shoes, as the leather will be a lot older and have been exposed to aging for longer than recent shoes.
  2. Clean the inside of the shoes with a mixture of 1 part tea tree oil to 4 parts water. Dip a soft cleaning cloth into this solution and wipe through the shoe inner area, over the sole. If the toe is hard to reach, poke the cloth in with a stick, pencil, utensil end, etc. and swish it around. For particularly stubborn stains, wipe tea tree oil neat on the sole.
  3. Leave to air dry out of the sun. The tea tree oil will both clean and disinfect the shoe.
  4. Find an unused shoe box to keep the vintage shoes stored. They will last better if kept out of light and regularly conditioned.

Tips

  • Fabric shoes are much harder to care for; refer to the relevant fabric stain removal advice if you have stains to remove. Remember though, that the age of the shoes might make stain removal impossible and it might be better to consider a gentle dye.

Things You’ll Need

  • Vintage shoes
  • Shoe polish or cleaner
  • Leather conditioner
  • Soft cleaning cloths (duster optional)
  • Tea tree oil

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual.