Link Love: Clothing Maintenance

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Inge is senior editor and a regular contributor at YLF.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Link Love: Clothing Maintenance

— by Inge

on August 31, 2017

Banoffi and I both thought that this New York Times article on How to Take Care of Your Clothes had some good tips.

I’m strangely fascinated with reading guides on how to keep footwear in good shape. I find it relaxing. This older article on the best products for maintaining and shining leather shoes focusses on men’s footwear, but of course applies to shoes in general.

Apparently adding 1/2 cup of salt to the wash cycle can brighten clothes if you feel the colours are fading. I’m curious to hear if anyone has tried this.

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New Zealand is having its annual Fashion Week in Auckland this week, and Jenni NZ is going to the Designer Garage Sale, as it is too good to pass up.

Anne very much enjoyed this blog post with lots of photos about the Dior exhibition in Melbourne.

Scarlet wanted to share an article about men wearing shorts at work. She adds: “Personally I have trouble with the idea of men in shorts at work, but if it meant the A/C would become less frigid I could get behind it.”

Annagybe came across this article calling out H&M for inconsistent sizing.

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12 comments · Add a comment

lisa p

I loved that article about H&M – and was nodding my head in agreement with the writer. That store is THE worst. I don’t even know why I go in there as it goes against everyone of my spending and shopping principles, but on the very odd occasion I’ve tried something on, it’s been so laughably poor-fitting . They are doing nothing to help turn the tide of the global onslaught of fast fashion – well, they *are* fast fashion of course – and by turning out such inconsistent garbage, they are adding fuel to the fire that is our environment .

August 31, 2017 at 4:20 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’m going to try the salt tip, Inge.

Interestingly though Lisa p, H&M is near the top of the list for sustainable fashion manufacture. Zara too. And both are fast fashion houses. Ironic. I used to buy a lot at H&M twenty years ago. Perhaps we are simply not the target market? (I agree that the sizing is inconsistent).

September 1, 2017 at 12:00 am

Dianna

Veteran

Please let us know how the salt tip works, Angie.

September 1, 2017 at 1:03 am

Style Fan

Veteran

Great links Inge. I especially enjoyed reading about how to take care of footwear.

September 1, 2017 at 1:54 am

Scarlet

Veteran

I love this, “I’m strangely fascinated with reading guides on how to keep footwear in good shape. I find it relaxing.” I turn over my shoes to hubby for polishing. He was in the army and can do it better. Going to check out that article though. Nothing like having your footwear all in good order

September 1, 2017 at 3:11 am

cindysmith

Veteran

I just don’t get that bothered by sizing inconsistencies. Maybe it’s because I didn’t start shopping at h&m until they opened a Shreveport Louisiana location a couple of years ago, and by then I had already become so accustomed to inconsistent sizing that it was just another day of shopping for me. Which is why I kind of hate shopping anymore lol

September 1, 2017 at 8:57 am

ClaraT

Veteran

Sizing inconsisency is so frustrating (but I find sizing to be inconsistent in many brands, at least +/- 1 size). I’ve only shopped at H&M once, but I got a denim jacket that fits me like it was made for me (plus it has a bit of stretch)–I’ve had it several years (classic style) and it has held up well. So I know it is “fast fashion” and I bet some things (like knits) may not be well made, but my little experience with H&M was surprisingly positive.

On another note, I don’t usually comment on the Link Love posts, but I love them. So thanks, Inge.

September 1, 2017 at 11:05 am

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Lisa, Cyndi and Clara – *nodding* I’ve definitely experienced the inconsistent sizing issue at H&M (other stores too) first-hand. I try to be pragmatic about it, i.e. once I know, I just take different sizes of each item I want to try on into the fitting rooms. Which can be annoying when I want to try on 5 different tops, especially because it’s always crazy busy at our H&M store.
Like Clara, I’ve had items that have lasted and are nice quality, and others that barely hold up for one season.

Angie – Let us know if it works?

Scarlet – I like your shoe strategy. And I’ll admit: while I love reading those elaborate guides, doing the actual shoe maintenance is less relaxing;-)

StyleFan – Glad you enjoyed it.

Clara – That’s so wonderful to hear, thank you!!

September 1, 2017 at 12:34 pm

smittie

That is interesting about the sizing!

I actually can’t fit into any jeans at Zara (unless “sausage casing” is an actual look) and I consider myself average to small. I thought it was a quality control thing but maybe their audience is little people like H and M.

September 1, 2017 at 1:11 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Sizing inconsistency exists within stores like H&M too – they should try comparing two H&M jeans with different cuts. The shoe care article is great too!

September 2, 2017 at 8:00 pm

Jane

Veteran

I didn’t know that Zara were high on the list for sustainable manufacture. Good to know, thank you Angie.

Inge, I am becoming more and more picky about how to keep my footwear in good condition. It has come about because I find it a challenge to find comfortable shoes. If you happen across anything that cleans the inside lining of a light colour leather, I would be very interested. I have a pair of heels for the office that are looking a bit worn on the inside. Thank you for the links Inge.

September 3, 2017 at 2:36 am

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I hear you, Smittie, even when I was slimmer I could never fit into Zara bottoms (while tops and jackets were alright). Perhaps it has something to do with the way the bottoms are cut?
Shevia – I agree, I found it a little strange that they didn’t do exactly that to begin with.
Jane – I so hear you. I have a very hard time finding comfortable shoes these days too, so it has become even more important for me to keep them in good shape for as long as possible. Good question about a product that cleans the inside lining. Will definitely let you know if I find something.

September 4, 2017 at 4:46 am

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