Get a Fashionable Leg Up
October 25, 2011
Finding a job in today’s economy can be rough and if you land that big interview, you want to be as prepared as possible. Here are some helpful tips on how to dress for success and make sure you put your best foot, or fancy stiletto, forward.
- When in doubt, wear the suit. Yes, you could be overdressing for the situation. But wouldn’t you prefer that a hiring manager recognize that you came over-prepared than judge you for not being dressed up enough? Suits should be a solid color, preferably black or navy and worn with a basic shirt and tie for men.
- Skirts or pants are best for women. One is not better than the other. Just follow the rules of the men’s suit – keep it classy and simple.
- This is not the time to showcase your personality through your wardrobe. You want them to remember your skills and assets when you leave, not just your crazy shirt, tie or belt.
- Plan the outfit the night before. Don’t be surprised to find a suit no longer fits or that top and bottom don’t look as good together in real life as you thought in your head.
- Don’t overlook your shoes. A scuffed up old pair can be more noticeable than you think.
Don’t underestimate how dressing well will help make you feel more confident. If you have rushed to get ready and do not feel professional, you may not feel as prepared as you should to land the big job. To ensure your interview clothes are really ready to impress, drop them off at your neighborhood Classic Cleaners today!
How to pick the warmest winter coat
October 18, 2011
With the cold weather fast approaching it’s time to get those coats and jackets out of storage and back into the closet. From Oct. 16 through Nov. 5 at Classic Cleaners, you will receive $3 off each piece of outerwear. Some of you may not be as prepared as you would like for the upcoming frigid temps. Did you purchase that oh-so-cute jacket that looked great but upon stepping outside you discovered you were freezing? If so, here are some fabric tips for finding your next coat or jacket.
- Wool: A great material for winter because it will keep you warm, even when wet! Some people find wool to be scratchier, so be sure to check out whether you like the fabric before making a purchase.
- Fleece: A very popular fabric that rivals wool. The benefit of fleece is the softness compared to most fabrics. However, fleece does not typically stay warm once wet. Choosing a jacket with an inner lining of fleece for comfort is often a smart choice. Did you know fleece can be manufactured from recycled plastic bottles? It’s something to consider if you want an eco-friendly coat.
- Down: Often considered the warmest material for a coat, it can also be quite big and bulky – a turn-off for some fashionistas.
- Cotton: While cotton is soft, it is not ideal for warmth. Aren’t most of the t-shirts you wear on hot summer days made from cotton. The fabric breathes, allowing cool air in.
- Synthetics: They might be cheaper, but natural fabrics handle snow and rain better than synthetics can. One exception is wind protection, when you don’t want the material to breathe at all. Most wind-breakers are made out of synthetic nylon and then lined with a cotton or wool for added warmth.
Don’t overdo it! If you dress for an arctic expedition instead of a trip to the grocery store, you could end up sweating, which will naturally cool your body. Make sure you feel warm in the jacket, not hot.
Remember that size matters. You want to make sure your winter coat is snug enough to keep you warm but not so tight you are uncomfortable. The sleeves should cover the wrists, and the length really depends on the style of coat you want. Consider what you will wear under the coat during the winter season. Shop with a sweater on or whatever you may wear on a cold day. Finally, avoid the temptation of buying a child’s coat a size bigger so they can wear it longer. If it is too big, it won’t keep them warm enough.
Now you know how to pick out your next winter coat. For the ones that you already have from last season, bring them to any Classic Cleaners location from Oct. 16 through Nov. 5 for $3 off dry cleaning!
How to sew on a button
October 13, 2011
Buttons have it rough. With all of the pulling and snagging they endure, sometimes they crack, come unraveled or break into pieces. At Classic Cleaners, we sew on new buttons should there be any broken or missing ones on your laundered shirts. If you’re at home, you might want to take care of the replacement yourself.
No matter what style of seamstress or dresser you are, the process for sewing on a button stays the same. So here are two tutorials for two different audiences. Pick your favorite.
Quickie, How-to Sew on a Button, Threadbanger. So, you’re a hipster with a lose button. This video is for you.
Wisdom from Grandma: How to Sew on a Button. Grandma gives you a lot of details and encouragement.
How to remove terrifying Halloween stains
October 6, 2011
Even if you little one is an angel or a princess this Halloween, devilish stains can cause monstrous headaches for the person in charge of laundry. Here are some tips on getting out those spooky Halloween stains.
Chocolate
From kisses and nuggets to coatings and coins, chocolate is a tough customer. Here’s how to get it out:
1. Lay the stained area down on a couple layers of paper towels and blot the backside of the stain with a heavy-duty liquid detergent. This will help the stain leech out onto the towels.
2. Launder according to fabric care label.
3. If the stain remains, take it to your dry cleaner.
Chewing Gum
If it takes a jar of peanut butter and bag of ice to remove chewing gum from your child’s hair — if you haven’t resorted to scissors — imagine what it can do to her clothes. Here’s how to get it out:
1. Place garment in plastic bag and put in freezer.
2. Scrape off frozen gum.
3. If residue remains, blot with oil solvent or mineral spirits.
4. Rinse with isopropyl alcohol; let dry.
5. Follow up with an enzyme detergent before washing.
6. If the stain remains, take it to your dry cleaner.
Lipstick
So you’re little one dressed up as a rock star for Halloween. Of course, a little strategically smeared lipstick was necessary to pull off the look. Here’s how to get it out:
1. Gently scrape off excess lipstick.
2. Using an eyedropper, apply a dry solvent such as mineral spirits and tamp with a soft-bristled brush.
3. Rinse with isopropyl alcohol and tamp.
4. Repeat until all of stain is removed.
5. Once removed, spray area with diluted dishwashing-soap solution.
6. Follow up with an enzyme detergent before washing.
7. If the stain remains, take it to your dry cleaner.
