“Clothing Care: Winter Wardrobe Storage”, 5280, The Denver Magazine BLOG by Georgia Alexia Benjou

http://www.5280.com/blogs/2012/04/04/clothing-care-winter-wardrobe-storage

And also please scroll down for more tips and details about storing your winter wardrobe…

           

As the weather continues to warm up, we are approaching that time when we need to make room for our tees and tanks by transitioning our closets for the new season.  How exciting that spring is finally here and we can start pulling out our light, spring wardrobe.  However, as we put our favorite frocks front and center, we need to take extra care with our coveted cashmere and cozy winter wear.  Here are some tips for preparing them for storage…

Knitwear:

Before storing your knits and sweaters for the season, be sure they are thoroughly cleaned according to the care label inside the garment.  If you are to hand wash the garment, do so in cold water with a detergent for delicate fabrics.  Then make sure that all the detergent is rinsed out.  And instead of ringing, remove the excess water by laying it carefully on a large towel and rolling the garment and towel up together.  Then lay the garment flat on a mesh sweater dryer to finish drying: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/laundry/dryingRacks?productId=10000496 (Be sure to carefully place the sweater on the drying rack so that its shape is in tact.  For example, “finger-press” ruffles down, adjust the hem so that it’s even and lay it how you would like it to look when it’s dry.)  If the garment is to be dry-cleaned, then be sure to remove the plastic at home and let it air out to remove the chemicals, let the fibers breathe, and to take it off the wire hanger.

Once your knits are thoroughly cleaned and dry, I recommend folding them carefully with acid-free tissue paper:  http://thelinenlady.com/acidfreetissue.htm  This will create a soft roll in the fabric on the fold lines to help prevent creases, especially on thin sweaters.  (I recommend using this method of folding with tissue paper for packing a suitcase, too.)  Then store them away in canvas fabric storage bags.    I do not recommend plastic storage cases for long storage periods of your knits and sweaters, because the fibers of the garments need to breathe, and they will not be able to breathe in plastic.  For cashmere, use individual canvas storage bags.  Inside each storage bag for your knits and sweaters, be sure to place a sachet or block of cedar or lavender (though not directly on the fabric) in order to prevent clothes moths from feasting on your finest cashmere!

Leather:

Leather garments should be cleaned before storage.  Only go to a reputable professional leather cleaning service who will have the proper tools and knowledge for cleaning leather.  Although it’s important to clean your leather goods before storage, there are some risks that you need to be aware of.   A leather garment is made up of several actual animal skins, and so each one will be slightly different and may react to the cleaning process differently.   There is the possibility of discoloration, texture changes and more, so be sure to ask your leather care professional for all of the details.  Some leather professionals may recommend conditioning your leather before storing, too.   When your leather garment is clean and dry, hang it on a substantial hanger- either a padded one or cedar wooden hanger.  Next, stuff it with acid-free tissue paper to keep the shape, which may have formed to your body over time.  Then store it in a cloth garment bag:  http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/storageBags?productId=10000084&N=72587&Nao=20 or in a cotton bed sheet made into a garment bag.  Never store leather or suede in plastic.  Leather and suede are natural materials from animals and these materials need to breathe in natural storage bags.  Also, be sure not to fold your leather garments for storage.

Shoes/boots:

Go through your fall shoes and boots to discern which ones should be tossed, donated or kept, based on whether they are outdated, uncomfortable or too worn out to keep, or whether they are still a favorite and in good shape or at least easy to repair and polish up.  Then take the “to be kept” pile and be sure to get them in tip-top shape for storage.  Get some polishing tools and creams for a “D.I.Y.” (do it yourself) project, or bring them all to a shoe cobbler to have them repaired, dyed, cleaned and polished up.  Then stuff the insides with tissue paper or cedar shoe trees in order to keep their shape.  I always keep the shoe boxes and boot boxes that come with the shoes, in addition to the cardboard inserts (especially for tall boots.)  These are perfect for breathable storage that’s just the right size for each pair.  (Though they are transparent and convenient, I do not recommend plastic storage boxes for leather shoes, because for longevity, the leather should be allowed to breathe.  To see your shoes better while stored in their original shoe boxes, attach a photograph of each pair on the outside of its box.)

High-tech winter outerwear:

For ski and snowboard jackets, pants, gloves, etc, wash in cold water on delicate, with an athletic wear detergent such as Sport Wash: http://www.penguinapparelcare.com/sport.html.  Then you can add an extra coat of water-proofing to each garment before storing for the season:  http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=267&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1  Carefully follow the care instructions on the label for washing and drying.  Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets on high-tech fabrics.  Then store in a clear plastic bin all together so that your expensive outerwear and accessories are in one place and easy to find next winter.  (Plastic storage containers are fine for synthetic materials such as high-tech polyesters, just not fine for natural fibers such as wool, cashmere and silk.)  Have your skis and boards spruced up and waxed by a pro, then store upright with a thin towel between them.  Be sure your boot liners are all dry, then store your ski boots with the buckles closed, inside your padded equipment bag.

Wool coats:

Dry clean, then remove the plastic at home, change the hanger to a cedar wooden hanger and hang in a cloth garment bag or off-season coat closet until fall.

Time to bring out your spring attire for the long-awaited warm weather!

Check out The Denver Post article from today for my “Five Tips…” and then be sure to come back and scroll down the blog post for additional tips including a clothing collage with lots of examples– all regarding ways to freshen your winter wardrobe.  

The Denver Post, March 1, 2012:

 “Five Tips: Beat winter wardrobe blahs”  

With the remnants of winter stubbornly refusing to yield completely to spring, March brings high spring fever amplified by deceptively sunny days that are still too chilly to forgo a jacket. Fortunately, just because you can’t put away the sweaters and boots quite yet doesn’t mean you can’t punctuate your winter wardrobe with a pop of spring to stick it to the last weeks of cold.

This season’s brights may seem intimidating, but done the right way, they provide a great way to refresh your winter wardrobe. Spring is also an ideal time to introduce color into a wardbrobe full of of neutral black, navy, gray and camel – after all, whether in a vibrant print top, a cherry leather jacket or simply a bright scarf, the splashes of color will go with everything you already own.

Starting small. For those still wary of spring’s sorbet and primary hues, bright accessories pack a lot of punch on a monochromatic outfit. You can keep it classic with a scarf knotted around your neck or a cuff in cherry red against a neutral backdrop. A bright handbag, belt or shoe also has the same effect. For the more adventurous, pair a coral bib necklace with a top in a contrasting color, like aqua, or pick up a pair of leather driving gloves in deep teal. Whatever you choose, accessories prove that good things do come in small packages.

Also consider the option of making bold colorblocked or patterned shoes your main statement. With a monochromatic or otherwise neutral outfit, bright shoes have an impact much bigger than their size. Draw attention to them by cuffing your jeans or wearing them with your favorite mid-length skirt.

Stepping out. If the promise of spring has inspired a bold, carefree attitude in you, don’t feel constrained to accessories for your fix of color. Swap out the traditional shell under your work blazer for a breezy chiffon blouse in candy-dish hues, or set off a classic camel pencil skirt with a luxe teal bow-neck top. For all things leisure, a leather jacket in cheerful red makes a great weekend staple, and you can rework your favorite navy cardigan and jeans by pairing them with a casual aqua spring-weight sweater.

The final touches. One key to pulling off this season’s brightest trend is to keep the silhouettes classic – there’s enough going on in the material. As for shoes, your favorite black pumps will prove reliable once again, but nude and metallic shoes also play extremely well with saturated hues – and the same goes for handbags and belts. (And given a few weeks, you’ll no longer have to worry about splashing slush on light-colored shoes.) Jewelry, if worn at all, should be kept simple to avoid competing, unless the jewelry itself is your statement.

Finally, as with any trend, know what works for you, both in terms of colors and silhouettes. Don’t be afraid to say no to bright yellow!  And don’t buy anything that isn’t distinctly “you”.

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The temperature outside has barely climbed out of the 30s lately so it’s pretty hard to believe, but the spring season actually begins one month from today- on March 20!  And if you’ve walked by any retail stores lately you’ve probably noticed that spring attire is ready for purchase, whether you’re ready or not.

Well as a warm up to prep you for what’s in store (for example, get ready to wrap your mind around Barbie pink), I thought I’d share Pantone’s official color palette with all the fun, cheerful colors for spring 2012.  Take a breath of fresh air with the bright happy hues below; then if you’ve got the time, click the image to go to the detailed color report as well as inspirations of various designers.  (Guys- click and then scroll down for menswear.)

In case you ask, who is Pantone?  Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries.  The PANTONE name is known worldwide as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer.  

Grab some lemonade and feast your eyes!

Every year, “getting fit” tops the list of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Whether you plan to start a hot new workout plan or return to your old one, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with those resolutions!  But cute workout clothes can provide just the motivation to help you push through!

Usually, January marks the start of the rush hour of closet mistakes. Winter clearance sales tempt us into spending money on impulse buys that don’t fit properly or are the wrong color. But not so for activewear! January means stores stock a plethora of workout clothes in every color and suited to all workouts and body types. I’ve found some of the cutest activewear in great fabrics and fresh styles, so you can banish dowdy tees and tired sweats from your wardrobe forever.

Whether you choose fitted leggings or a wider-leg yoga pant, pair them with tank tops in equally moisture-wicking fabrics for some great new gym basics. Also, Nike’s signature Dri-FIT material comes in a variety of tops and bottoms in fun colors, which are a great option for a little more coverage.

Beyond basics, get creative with outerwear to complete the look for your trek to and from the gym. A quilted jacket in a sporty material, like Zella’s, has the feel of streetwear, and a mock-neck, fitted zippered jacket in magenta or lime can be very figure-flattering.  A sweatshirt that’s draped like a sweater is a stylish and cozy add-on to your activewear outfit.  And a long, hip-covering hoodie with a bright hood lining may just be sassy enough to wear even when you’re not working out (we won’t tell anyone it’s doing double duty).

Even cute accessories have a place in your workout ensemble. Puma’s metallic hobo gym bag is totally street-worthy, while a classic workout bag in a kicky color will hold all your after-gym essentials – a change of clothes, shoes and toiletries.  Sneakers in fun coordinating hues complete your workout wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to spend a little money here – well-made athletic shoes with plenty of support will keep injuries from ruining your fitness resolution!

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-The Denver Post, December 22, 2011

“Accessories add instant glitz and glam,” says Rachel Lefort, a stylist who blogs at lefortstylereport.wordpress.com.  “I’m loving classy pumps in metallics….” 

Please click to read the article from The Denver Post, and add some shine to your New Year’s look, no matter what your plans are!

Rival the sparkle of the holidays with sequins and metallics. Whether you choose jeans, a work-to-party ensemble or all-out drama, go ahead – be a little conspicuous.

Keep in mind:

The key to either type of look is to choose classic shapes – they give longevity to trendy pieces like a sequined dress, and keep you from competing with the Christmas tree for glitz in the worst way.

Swapping out your regular daytime bag for a clutch polishes and finishes any holiday look. Besides, what more do you really need to carry besides lipstick, your cell phone, and a few cards? Clutches are the most chic way to carry almost nothing.

Audrey Hepburn immortalized the little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and it’s been synonymous with chic versatility ever since. Simplicity keeps the style classic, so accessorizing is key to personalization. Metallics, fur, or jewel tones give the LBD a totally different feel, no matter the silhouette you choose.

1. Jewel Tones. Accessories in saturated hues lend an air of timeless sophistication. Simple magenta satin pumps make a cummerbund-waisted dress cocktail-party worthy, and a royal purple geometric clutch complements its artistic design.

2. Golden Metallics. A copper, rose gold, and peach color palette give a long-sleeved fitted jersey dress an effortless earthiness, but metallic materials and rhinestones make the accessories anything but boho. Plus, the visual depth is genius with an eclectic texture mix of a wool scarf, metal bangles, a leather clutch, and rhinestoned pumps.

3. All-Black Glam. The flirty A-line shape and gorgeous gathering center stage on this irresistible taffeta number. Black patent pumps and a feathered clutch are the only accessories needed when the dress is this interesting, but fab chandelier earrings would instantly amp up the dazzle factor.

4. Old Hollywood. Complement a gathered-front, knee-length silhouette with a sumptuous cream fur stole, a ladylike pearl bracelet, and a flower clutch. Mesh cage heels make for a fresh take on the bootie. With such classically elegant detailing and luxe fabrics, you’ll wonder why Katharine Hepburn ever ditched her skirt.

5. Festive Silver Sparkle. Monochromatic silver accessories make a simple, one-shoulder satin variety perfect for winter. Jeweled silver booties are totally modern, while a silver cuff (or three) and foldover clutch keep the ensemble classic.

The depths of December feel less dreary and more like a chance to sparkle with gorgeous outerwear, and this season’s array of shapes and detailing are nothing less. From rugged utilitarian anoraks to feminine capes, it’s the details that make every choice as fabulous as you are.

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Build your cold-weather weekend wardrobe with pieces that exude serious style yet have the comfort of your softest t-shirt.

Start with a base of skinny jeans, and choose an oatmeal chunky-knit dolman sweater. Suede over-the-knee boots, a mauve sequined scarf, and an armful of gold bangles are the perfect proverbial sparkle.

Flattering volume shows up everywhere in this season’s hottest shapes. Whether in a flowy cape, a swishy A-line midi skirt, or winter-white wide-leg pants, volume becomes effortless with the right proportions.

Keep In Mind…

Always balance volume with a slimmer top or bottoms – few can pull off the extra fabric on both without looking either overwhelmed or frumpy. Also include a multitude of texture to add depth. Cold-weather fabrics like wool, leather and fur balance well with all-season materials such as silk and denim.

1. Winter White Wide-Leg Pants. Go monochromatic with this unbelievably chic hue, and you’ll be glad Labor Day is long gone. The dry-cleaning bill is worth it. Just make sure to balance the extra volume in the pants with a fitted top.

2. A-Line Midi Skirt. This classic hemline at first appears merely demure with its length, but that changes the instant you take a step. Swishy movement and an A-line shape lend the midi skirt drama and an overt femininity. Tall boots, a gauzy scarf and a fitted leather jacket complete the perfect combination of retro and luxe.

3. Cape. Surprisingly easy to pull off, yet definitely demanding and commanding of a little drama. Opt for a hip- or mid-thigh length to avoid a casting call for Pirates of the Caribbean. There’s no hiding when paired with high-heeled gold booties and an animal-print blouse, but with an outfit this fabulous, who would want to?

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