Tips + Tricks of the Trade

As a stylist, I often have clients interested in my garment care guidance, favorite storage solutions, and "wardrobe malfunction" quick fixes. So, I thought I'd spend some time sharing a few tricks I've picked up that may just be what you, your closet, or your clothes are screaming for! Enjoy the first of this three part series below – and learn the stylist secrets to keeping your clothing steaming and gleaming!

Steam Power

Crazy as it may sound, I don't actually own an iron. Instead, I rely heavily on my commercial-grade Rowenta Garment Steamer. A steamer does just what you'd presume from the name – it produces hot clouds of steam that lift wrinkles out of fabrics in a matter of seconds. Steamers are most effective on delicate or lightweight fabrics such as silk, satin, or linen, which are most easily wrinkled as well. Boycotting an iron is not for everyone, but investing in a steamer is a wise idea for fast wrinkle fixes for your favorite pieces. Travel-sized steamers, such as the Jiffy Esteam, are also a handy way to eliminate wrinkles, no matter where you are. Just make sure you're not wearing what you're steaming – steam is HOT; burns are not!

Dry Cleaning Discretion

Do you dry clean your suits, sweaters, or silks after nearly every wear? Dry clean with discretion and save your extra cash for shoes! Unless a garment is stained or smelly, it doesn’t truly need to be cleaned. Even seemingly stubborn deodorant stains can usually be fixed by simply massaging the fabric against itself until the marks disappear. Now I’m not suggesting you abandon your sanitary standards here, but dry cleaners’ chemical concoctions can shorten a garment’s life, so be choosy in what you send for cleaning, and opt to hand wash in a delicate soap whenever possible!

Purse Pointers
Carry these mini must-haves and be you’ll prepared for almost anything:

Join me next week for Part II – Stylish Storage Solutions

Yours truly,

Ally