Handle with Care - Garnerstyle

Handle with Care

I have gotten a lot of emails, comments, & tweets saying that you ladies have been investing in your wardrobes, so I wanted to give some pointers on protecting your investments.  As you have heard me say, I have owned some pieces for 5+ years.  When I invest in a piece, I take to the following steps to make sure the garment is maintained over the years. These 6 tips can help you keep investment pieces for as long as you want to have them.  

1.   I do not wash/dry clean an item after every time I wear it.  Now I don't want you to think I'm dirty.  I may wear something 4 - 5 times before having it cleaned.  Let me explain. I wear a shapewear everyday, so generally my bare skin doesn't even tough the garment.  If I don't get any food on my clothes then in my book that dress can be worn again without cleaning.  
2.  I'm careful when I eat.  In the case that I do get food on the garment I spot clean immediately.  Sometimes you can get the food/drink completely out.   Regardless, you don't want that stain to set in.  
3.  Save yourself and get your investment clothes dry cleaned.  I have accidentally washed investment pieces and been devastated when I found them in the dryer.  It's happened 3 times. Two were wool and the other was silk jersey.  Needless to say, all pieces were ruined.  When you wash pieces lose their luster.  With dry cleaning you can keep your items like new.   If if the item was cheap (or made out of a cheap fabric), but I really love the garment I get it dry cleaned.  I know once I wash the item cheaper items you might as well throw it in the trash.  
3.  When I do wash, I wash with Woolite.  I wash things like cardigans and I want to keep the colors vibrant, so I always have a little contain of Woolite around for color guard.  
4.  Take garments to the tailor as needed.  If something needs to be fixed, such as a fallen hem or an open seam then take it to get it fixed before the problem gets worse and more expensive to repair. 
5.   As my mom would say, pick up your clothes off the floor!  Having your nice clothes crumpled on the floor is no way to treat an item you love.  Hang them up.  This will cut down on your ironing time.   
6.  Rotate!  I keep garments in constant rotation.  I try not to wear once particular item over and over.  I mix and match different pieces all the time, so that one piece isn't getting too much wear and tear.  This also will allow you to wear a old piece in a new way.  

I hope this was helpful.  

LandsEnd, Plus size blog

Sidenote:  These are my new babies....LOL.  The shoe gods bestowed upon me a fabulous pair of shoes at the right height, width, and size.  Ask Kiah from the Rez to the City, I did the hammer in the store when I found them.  I like to break out a dance when I get really excited. Again I say, I love Nordstrom Rack for fab size 11 shoes!
LandsEnd, Plus size blog
Outfit Logistics:  Dress - Lands End $65, Shoes - Nordstrom Rack $70, Belt - Michael Kors via TJMaxx $40, Necklace - H&M $13

30 comments

  1. Great tips! I am guilty of finding some of my clothes on the floor at times (bad girl)!

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    1. I'm calling and telling mom Lolololol

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    2. You are a true inspiration to me with fashion, and I have picked up a couple of the pieces you have recommended. I think this weekend, I went to an Omega event, and gave you websie out to 10 women just by the outfit I had on. So I must say thanks, for your great fashion.

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    3. Oh that just warms my heart!!! I am so happy to be of service and thanks for spreading the love...sharing is caring :)

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  2. Great tips, thanks! I don't wash every single thing after one wear, either. It depends on how exposed it's been to every day things like bad aromas (ie cigarette smoke), food, stretching, and how active i've been.

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  3. Great tips.
    I try not to wash my clothes a lot, I refuse to wash some items if I don't have Woolite on hand, and I definitely believe in visiting the dry cleaners.
    <3 those shoes you found. =)

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  4. Stumbled upon your blog via Pinterest, and have to admit your my new obsession lol. Read all your past postings one night. Love your confidence but Adore those shoes :)

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    1. Welcome!!! I love new readers :))) Thank you so much for dropping by and spending time with little old me.

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  5. Pink is your color. I went out and bought a Mike Kors belt at Stein Mart 29.99 and Mac Girl About town. Thanks for the tips

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  6. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I love Girl about Town -- I can wear that with anything and feel fabulous! I know you will enjoy it!

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  7. Love the shoes they are so fun and vibrant!

    http://www.fullfiguredfever.com

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  8. yes, your tips are very helpful and I totally agree with you on each of them.
    lovely dress but most of all, great shoes!!!!!!!

    Love, Ylenia from Longuette


    Check on my latest post about a very special curvy model casting!!

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  9. I love you in this shade of pink! Girl them shoes...them shoes...you know how I feel about them shoes....LOVE!! You look great! Kiah

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  10. btw - I almost NEVER spend money on dry cleaning! lol I bought a $200 Ralph Lauren silk blouse and I throw it in the wash right along with everything else! lol I guess I just don't put much thought into taking care of my clothes because I pretty much wear everything once or twice and then donate them so I can hoard more stuff!! Prepare yourself for this next statement...everyday when I get home from work I take my clothes off and sling them across the top of my closet door. By the end of the week there is a pile on top of the door! I do try and put everything away on the weekends. I am seriously surprised the door has not broken!! LOL Am I on your naughty list now? :-O

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    1. 0_0 that's the look Im giving you. I guess it's ok if you dont plan on keeping the items longer than 1 or 2 wears.

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  11. ok, i am definately getting some woolite at the weekend! i have a deep love of knitwear, seriously bad habit and i resolve to take care of my lovelies! a tailor is next on my list too after your fab post (when i discovered from you they increase the bust area, i honestly did'nt know!)thank you for your great advice, and you look amazing, the shoes are soo divine x

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  12. What a great post!
    I do all the things you mention and have also had clothes for 5 years that are still in amazing condition.
    Your blog is great and I wish I had your confidence to show my arms. You are beautful.
    Ive started following you and look forward to your next post!
    Maybe we could follow eachother?
    Lots of Love
    http://bigisalsobeautiful.blogspot.com/

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  13. I love your blog and was wondering what kind of shapewear do you wear you always look so smooth and sleek...

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    1. Thanks! I get my foundation from Spanx and the Avenue

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  14. Hi Chastity, I just happened to run across your name in a few pics...I love your style and fashion sense. I love the tips!!! I will check your page daily!!!

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  15. This whole outfit is just so adorable. I am in love with those shoes as well. New subscriber here. Loving loving loving your blog. Adding it to my roll.

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  16. This is a great post, and it made me laugh cause I could see myself dancing too if I found a really good buy!

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  17. Hello! I love the heels!! And the dress is great, too.


    http://colourmebristol.blogspot.com/

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  18. Megusta las mujeres asi piernonas con falda asi sexi

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  19. Mi faborito son las mujeres asi piernonas sexi con falda sexi

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  20. Busco mujeres asi piernonas sexi con falda asexi

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