Monday, September 30, 2013

Tired of Your Clothing Falling Apart in the Offseason?

In October I'll be doing a series on how I organize my room, closet, and eventually my sewing area. I'll also be sharing my wardrobe basic picks that work for my personal style & lifestyle -- which will from person to person. To start out the series, we will be having a guest post from Danielle Ames who will be sharing her tips on storing your off-season clothes, and just how to prolong the life of your clothes. 
It never fails. Winter rolls around, you decide to unpack your warm cozy clothes in preparation, only to discover they have acquired a strange smell or developed small holes in them. It is a frustration phenomenon that almost everyone has experienced. If this hasn’t happened to you, you’ve probably still experienced other clothing dilemmas such as knits being stretched out and not fitting properly from being on hangers, dusty fabrics or footwear that seems impossible to clean, boots that have lost their shape, or clothing with faded color. It makes trying to dress nicely and present yourself well a more difficult task than it needs to be. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to help prevent all of these problems. Taking some very simple steps will help prolong the life of your clothing and help keep you looking your best year round! 

Winter Clothing 

Winter clothing is often found in a variety of fabrics. Many of them are bulky and insects seem to adore them; they are the cause of all those pesky little holes that appear. Most winter clothing is best stored in plastic, airtight containers. You can put commercial made products in with them to help keep them smelling fresh or you can use something natural such as lavender—doing this will also help deter insects. When you unpack your sweaters and winter clothing, watch for small holes. If you find them, you may have an insect problem and should take precautionary measures. One of the easiest things you can do is put the clothing in a freezer for two days, take them out for a day, and place them in the freezer for another two days. This kills any living insects, as well as their eggs and larvae. Be sure to put the clothing in a sealed plastic bag or container to keep them from escaping! 

Footwear 

Before storing your footwear, make sure it is clean. This is especially important with winter shoes that may be covered in harsh chemicals such as salt. If you leave this on the shoes, they will break down much more quickly and the color may fade. Leather shoes should also be polished or conditioned before storage to help keep them looking nice. Stuffing your shoes with newspaper or special made shoe forms is also a good idea; this will help them keep their shape. Magazines rolled up are great for boots. Using the original boxes the shoes or boots come in, or using plastic containers, is a great way to keep them from getting dusty or damaged while they are being stored. To help your boots uphold their original form for everyday use, check out shoe racks like many of the organizers found at Taylor Gifts that provide upright hooks intended for this purpose. 

Delicates

Knit clothing, silk, and other delicate fabrics can be difficult to store and maintain. Clothing made of these fabrics lose their shape and can easily be damaged if improperly stored or cared for. The most important thing is to keep them as flat as possible. Avoid hanging these fabrics if at all possible. If you do need to hang them, don’t put the hanger through the neck and shoulders like you would a normal shirt. Instead, carefully fold them in half and drape them over the bar of the hanger like you would a scarf or a pair of pants. This will minimize the distortion of the fit. 

Summer Clothing 

Most summer clothing requires little thought. However, linen fabrics are best stored rolled, rather than folded. Rolling the clothing puts less stress on the fabric and will help prevent deep creasing or fading at the fold points. Rolling will also help maximize storage space. If you travel, it is a great way to pack your suitcase! 

General Things to Keep in Mind 

If you want to use moth balls, don’t let them touch fabric. They will destroy the fabric with prolonged contact so it is best to use them in special pouches or even an old sock. You should also keep fabrics as dry as possible. Opt for plastic over cardboard, as the latter will allow dampness to seep through; Amazon has plenty of bins of various sizes. Having too much moisture in the air when the clothing is stored can cause mold and mildew to ruin the fabrics. With some preplanning and a bit of research on the types of fabric you are storing, it is possible to successfully store all of your clothing for the next year.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

My Swell Caroline Favorites

I thought it would be lots of fun to share with y'all my picks from Swell Caroline. As I simply love their jewelry and who knows, I might inspired you to make some purchases from them. *grin* 

I adore this Fish Hook Rope bracelet, only problem is that I have small wrists which means most adult bracelets are too big for me. Oh, well...if you have normal sized wrists this would look adorable on you. 

If you love simple, yet colorful teardrop earrings you should check out the Cabana Teardrop earrings -- I think these would look adorable if you have longer hair (I don't know why, but I just love these type of earrings with longer hair).

To help dress up your basic tee shirts, try pairing a statement necklace like the Harper one for added color & glam. It can really help dress up just about any outfit.


These Brooke earrings are another casual, yet glam type teardrop earrings -- except with this shorter shape I think it would look good with wither short, or long hair. Yay!

I've come to really love Monogram jewelry, and this bracelet is so adorable and would look great stacked with some other bracelets & a watch. 

If you aren't really into the really bold statement necklaces, you might want to check out the Cabana necklace -- it is simple yet long, with some sparkle of color.
  

Remember how I love monogram now? Well, these post earrings are another great way to add some monogram to your collection, as they are simple yet classic.

Now, I own the Bloom necklace and I love it paired with dresses, tee shirts, and button-downs. Looking at the necklace on the website, or in person you wouldn't think it would go with that much, but actually it goes with just about everything in my wardrobe -- which is kinda awesome.  

What is your favorite thing from Swell Caroline?
~Ashley

Thursday, September 26, 2013

What I Wore | Take Me Back to the Start

What I'm Wearing
Striped Tee -- Forever 21 ($6)
1950s Vintage Skirt -- c/o Paraders
Leopard Print Scarf -- J.Crew via Thrift Store ($8)
Key Necklace -- Forever 21 ($2.80)
Flats -- Ruche ($15)
Pear Drop Earrings -- Brittany Chavers Etsy Shop (?)
Lipstick -- Mary Kay in Apple Berry (won in a giveaway)
Nail Polish -- Essie in Carry On

Hello lovelies! How are y'all doing? I wore a very fun outfit today, as it had a lovely mix of modern, classic, and vintage! As a thank you for writing about Paraders 60% off closing sale, Rachael let me pick out something from her shop. After much debating, and thought, I went with this fun 1950s circle skirt over a 1950s/1960s dress -- mostly because it would be easier to style a bunch of different ways, than a dress would be. This afternoon I stopped by at our local Starbucks (which they just built down the road from our house), and all of the girl workers loved my outfit! I don't always get that when I'm out and about, but the skirt is so unique with the built-in petticoat that it sticks out from everyone else's outfits.   

Does anyone watch The Voice? Me and Gaby are keeping up with the show via Hulu, and we have already fallen in love with one of the artists -- Holly Henry. I'm really hopping that she wins this season. I know it is still early, but if you watch the show who is your favorite so far?


~Ashley

Shabby Apple | 2013 Tartans & Tweeds Fall Collection


If you are a huge fan of Shabby Apple, you might have heard of their new fall collection, Tartans & Tweeds -- which, btw has a very English/Scottish look. LOVE it.  If you haven't heard yet, than this post is perfect for you.

If you are really into the English country look, or are just wanting to add some classic pieces to your wardrobe, you might want to consider adding something from their collection to your wardrobe. Their pieces also have a bit of a vintage flair to them too -- meaning you can style everything either to look more modern, or vintage if that is your thing. Anyway, onto some of my favorite things from the collection!

One of the most unique pieces from the collection is the Melrose Sweater top with a faux-fur collar -- so cute & vintage-y. It is would great paired with either a skirt, or some jeans & boots.

Their Glasgow Skirt has a very 1940s look, as I'm positive that I have seen this design before perhaps in a Roy Rogers film, or something from the 40s. I love they way Shabby Apple styled the skirt.

 
                                                                  Coldstream                                                                       Adair
If you have been wanting to add a more autumn/winter type dress that would look amazing with some nice tights (in either a neutral or bright color) and some boots, may I recommend one of the above dresses? They are perfect for everyday wear, or can be dressed up for any event you may have in these upcoming cooler months.

What is your favorite thing(s) from Shabby Apple's Tartans & Tweeds collection?

~Ashley

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Sunday Style | Gingham & Wool & Tights. Oh My!

What I'm Wearing
Gingham Button Down -- Lauren Conrad @ Kohl's ($10)
Wool Pencil Skirt -- J.Crew via Thrift Store ($12)
Grey Tights -- JCP 
Leopard Pumps -- Thrift Store ($10)
Bracelet -- J.Crew ($10)
Bloom Necklace -- c/o Swell Caroline
Nail Polish -- Essie in Carry On 

Today is the first day of autumn & since it was on the cooler side this morning, I wore tights & my new favourite wool skirt to church. You see, I found this J.Crew pencil skirt brand new with tags at the thrift store the other week -- it was amazing, considering the original price of this skirt was $140. Can I just say, my two favourite parts about this skirt is the button detail on the pocket & waist area, and how soft the wool feels -- it feels like melted butter. Well...you get my drift anyway. *grin* Anyhow, this skirt looks great paired with either a button-down or a nice tee shirt (I've done both and it looks great both ways). To say the least, I've become addicted to wearing J.Crew skirts as they fit me so well, and they tend to fit on my natural waistline. 'Cause you see, I'm over the hip-slung skirts that were so popular the past several years, I like my skirts to fit on my waist nowadays -- it looks more polish & vintage to me. 

I better get going. I'm either going to cozy up in bed with an old movie or listen to the Anne of the Island book audio. Of course, I'll have a snack of ice-cream & chips and salsa too. I'm crazy like that. *smile*

~Ashley

Saturday, September 21, 2013

What I Wore | Polka-dots for the Weekend

What I'm Wearing
Polka-Dot Blouse -- c/o OASAP
Jeans -- Ann Taylor Loft via Thrift Store ($12)
Flats -- Ruche ($15)
Bracelet -- J.Crew ($10)
Anchor Post Earrings -- c/o Swell Caroline
Lip color -- e.l.f Liquid Lipstick in Ruby Slipper ($1)

Hello everyone! Ever since I received this blouse from OASAP back at the end of August, I've been wearing it just about every weekend with these jeans & flats. You can say, it is my go-to outfit for the weekend, as it is the perfect mix of dressy & casual. Do you have a go-to outfit for the weekend?

~Ashley    

Thursday, September 19, 2013

What I Wore | Classic Pieces for Everyday Wear

What I'm Wearing
White Tee Shirt -- Target ($4)
Trouser Jeans -- Maurices ($5)
Leopard Print Scarf -- J.Crew ($8)
Red Flats -- TOMs (50 cents)
Bracelet -- J.Crew ($10)
Earrings -- Charming Charlie ($3)
Nail Polish -- Wet 'n Wild's Megalast in "Undercover" (99 cents)
Lip Color -- Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in "Fig" (Received from Becca in our Christmas Swap)

Yesterday was a long day for me, as we had the Senior's Luncheon (a monthly lunch hosted at our church for the Senior Citizens in our church) to run in the morning & afternoon with my sisters, and some friends from church. I'm sharing some pictures from the event below for y'all to see. 

Our Menu + Decorations
Table Settings
The Dinner Plate. Our theme for the meal was: Late Indiana Summer.
Dessert was musical cupcakes, since the speaker for this month was speaking on Indiana music.

Than in the evening I drove my siblings, that are in High-School, to their Bible Study. To help pass away the time, Gaby & I went to Starbucks to pick up a cold drink before heading to one of our favorite stores -- Half Price Books. They had a wonderful selection of soundtrack CDs, vinyl records, and DVDs -- so many that we weren't able to go through them all in the time we had. We didn't even have to time to make it to the old book section! I found some amazing things, including some records that I've been wanting for awhile: The Andrew Sisters; Fred Astaire collection of songs from some of his films; classical music records from the 30s/40s recorded in London; and some Big Band records that were recorded live at hotels, nightclubs, and on the radio. Very exciting!

~Ashley

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

PARADERS VINTAGE 60% OFF SALE!

If you have been wanting to add some vintage clothing to your wardrobe, but your budget hasn't allow it because it can get pricy. Now is the time to perhaps pick up your very first piece, or tenth since Rachael of The Paraders is having a 60% off sale in her etsy shop.


Why the big sale you ask? Well, I'm glad you asked. Rachael will be moving from the Midwest to Portland, and she would like to get rid of all her stock before the big move -- this is where we get to help her out by buying her stock. *grin*

Details about the Sale
 -- The 60% off sale lasts until September 28th.
 -- This is the last LAST CHANCE to buy vintage from The Paraders until further notice.
 -- On top of the 60% off sale, she is also offering free shipping on most items by using the code: SHIP6 (Most US   shipping is $6, but if it's higher or an international order, she will just give you $6 off the cost).


Be sure to follow Rachael's blog, The Paraders to hear about: the big move, her upcoming projects including her upcoming vintage-inspired clothing collection (very exciting!), and vintage styling tips.

You can also follow The Paraders elsewhere across the internet at the following places: her shop, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Etsy, and Instagram.  

~Ashley

Saturday, September 14, 2013

What I Wore | Early Autumn Days

What I'm Wearing
Striped Knit Dress -- c/o Choies
Chambray Button-down -- T.J. Maxx ($10)
Bauble Necklace -- J. Crew knock-off via Ebay ($10)
Post Earrings -- Kohl's ($8)
Nude Flats -- Steve Madden via Sams Club ($10)

Hello lovelies! How are y'all doing today? The past couple of days it has been feeling like Autumn outside, which is lovely since I've been dying to start wearing my fall clothes: like boots, scarves, tights,  jumpers, and just layering in general. Normally I'm not this crazy for fall, but since we didn't visit the beach this summer I've been craving cooler weather. *smile* Anyhow, today me & Gaby went for walk and it was nice to see the goldenrod blooming, and the trees starting to put on their colorful autumn coats. 

Btw, if you are on the smaller size (like me & Gaby) you might want to checkout Choies knit dresses. As they are so comfy, yet look very chic no matter how you style them. I've been wearing mine non-stop since they arrived in the mail last week - honest. You see, I wore my black one on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday. Then I wore the stripe one on Tuesday & Friday. I told you I was addicted to them. If you are curious about the sizing, just ask me your questions and I'll do my best to answer.

~Ashley

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