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Quick Tip! Muffin Top reduction....
Boy, am I glad to get that C-string picture off the top of this page!
Today I have a quick tip, that will not only make you more comfortable, but make your jeans fit better!
I have a fabulous new boyfriend who happens to be a wonderful cook! So, over the past few months, instead of my standard bowl of cereal for dinner, I have been treated to delicious, well-crafted, but not low-cal, feasts. Case in point- he has a Pork Shoulder in the oven right now...yes, an entire Pork Shoulder...its been cooking since 8am...dinner is not til 7. Anyway, the point is, my heart is happy and tummy full, and as tends to happen in situations like these, my jeans have become little too tight.
So here is a tip I'd like to share that will take a little pressure off your, eh and my, Muffin Top. As much as my man likes to squeeze that little protuberance of flub oozing out the top of my jeans, I hate the way it shows through t-shirts and how it feels. No matter how much I bend and stretch and squat, the waistband stays tight.
So here is how I solve this and buy myself a little bit more room.
The waistband of most jeans have a line of stitching right at the top edge. This is there to keep the waistband from stretching out. By simply removing that thread (all you need is a small pointy pair of scissors) you restore a little stretching room, that I at least, prefer!
Now, we are not talking a ton of extra room here. Its more like Millimeters, but you will be surprised what a big difference it makes, That thread is what cuts into your middle, and removing it makes the entire waistline much softer.
Also, this is not a replacement for having jeans that fit, mind you. I have only ever done this to jeans that fit well everywhere else. And I will say that I am of the opinion that you should buy jeans a little tight, since Denim does stretch out so quickly over a few wearings...But I am also a big believer in doing the little things that personalize make your garments... especially in the realm of comfort and fit! Making some simple adjustments seems to make more sense than constantly being uncomfortable or complaining that no one makes jeans that fit you correctly!
So there is your quick tip for today, now... I have some BBQ to get to....
-Becca
Oh! And check out my honey's blog!!!- I Luv Pork.com!!!
Today I have a quick tip, that will not only make you more comfortable, but make your jeans fit better!
I have a fabulous new boyfriend who happens to be a wonderful cook! So, over the past few months, instead of my standard bowl of cereal for dinner, I have been treated to delicious, well-crafted, but not low-cal, feasts. Case in point- he has a Pork Shoulder in the oven right now...yes, an entire Pork Shoulder...its been cooking since 8am...dinner is not til 7. Anyway, the point is, my heart is happy and tummy full, and as tends to happen in situations like these, my jeans have become little too tight.
So here is a tip I'd like to share that will take a little pressure off your, eh and my, Muffin Top. As much as my man likes to squeeze that little protuberance of flub oozing out the top of my jeans, I hate the way it shows through t-shirts and how it feels. No matter how much I bend and stretch and squat, the waistband stays tight.
So here is how I solve this and buy myself a little bit more room.
The waistband of most jeans have a line of stitching right at the top edge. This is there to keep the waistband from stretching out. By simply removing that thread (all you need is a small pointy pair of scissors) you restore a little stretching room, that I at least, prefer!
Now, we are not talking a ton of extra room here. Its more like Millimeters, but you will be surprised what a big difference it makes, That thread is what cuts into your middle, and removing it makes the entire waistline much softer.
Also, this is not a replacement for having jeans that fit, mind you. I have only ever done this to jeans that fit well everywhere else. And I will say that I am of the opinion that you should buy jeans a little tight, since Denim does stretch out so quickly over a few wearings...But I am also a big believer in doing the little things that personalize make your garments... especially in the realm of comfort and fit! Making some simple adjustments seems to make more sense than constantly being uncomfortable or complaining that no one makes jeans that fit you correctly!
So there is your quick tip for today, now... I have some BBQ to get to....
-Becca
Oh! And check out my honey's blog!!!- I Luv Pork.com!!!
From the Vaults: To Thong or Not to Thong?
Um... Really??
Why would you do that to yourself?
No, this is not a joke. Its The C-String!! The latest...eh...."development" in ladies undergarments. I cannot even imagine how uncomfortable that must be! I mean, why bother wearing anything at all?
Anyhoo, my discovery of this peculiar, senseless, (and I can only imagine,) painful contraption reminded me of a Think Pink classic post from days gone by. "To Thong or Not to Thong??" I hope you enjoy!
To Thong or Not to Thong??
Ah yes, the eternal question: To thong or not to thong? A question that, as a stylist, (and honestly as a pedestrian behind certain ladies on the street) I wish that I could answer for everyone. We’ve all been stuck behind a woman making a poor choice of undergarment, and I personally have to restrain myself from offering unsolicited panty advice on the street all the time. The widespread combo of jiggle-ly butts and thin knit pants is pretty unfortunate and my pet peeve is thongs sticking out of the top of pants. Eeew, really girls... Tack-Y!
However, I do concede that the thong has its important place in panty society, and making the “thong or not?” choice comes down to knowing that there are plenty of non-thong options out there. I think that you also have to take into account whatever your individual comfort preference happens to be. I personally am not a fan of that constant wedgie feeling, but do still own several thongs and wear them when deemed appropriate. ‘Appropriate’ to me is a really hot steamy day in the city, when wearing any more layers than necessary can really do you in, or when all other anti-VPL choices seem to be in the laundry.
Now first of all, when it comes to thin knit pants, or anything you are wearing, it seems to me, if you can see the intimate topography of your backside through them, perhaps the problem is more the garment and less the undergarment! But if you must, there are so many good undie choices out there to wear that don't show under clothes and are still comfortable. I have become a big advocate of boy shorts, men's briefs and granny panties lately. Ok...I already can hear the collective gasp! But wait, don't stop reading... hear me out. The goal when wearing underwear is to make it work for you, not against you. So sometimes you have to go with a non-traditional choice to achieve a Panty-Line-Free silhouette. Not only are these more sizable underwear insanely comfortable and tend not to ride up; I find that a leg line that hugs underneath the cheek instead of cutting diagonally across it or just skipping out on it altogether gives you a pert, non-jiggle-ly, dimple free looking bum with a no underwear look. Imagine!
When most pant-styles really fit, they hug the bum most of the way, but at a certain point they begin fall away from the body, usually right where the cheek begins to curve back under. You want the panty-line to hug below the drop-off point... voila! No visible line. So a granny panty or a boy short with a low leg line is a great choice in this case. Same goes with slim fitting skirts. Just think back to the 40's and 50's for a minute... ever see Visible Panty Line on Katherine Hepburn or Elizabeth Taylor? I promise their panty-leg hems were nestled happily under their butt cheeks.
Another great choice that’s popping up everywhere now is invisible panties. One brand I like are Commandos! But versions are popping up everywhere, from Target to Victoria's Secret. I love these. They come in all shapes and colors and are constructed in the most ingenious way- the fabric is super thin nylon-spandex which does not fray, so the fabric is cut but not hemmed. No hem means no Panty-line at all!! The only seams are at the sides and they don’t have tags… they truly look invisible!! Wow!
Ok, let me just say it... Spanx rule. They are such a stroke of genius! My absolute favorite are The Higher Power Panties. They fit from the thighs all the way to under the bustline, They manage to completely smooth everything into a beautiful line, eliminating bumps, and bringing out the best of your body shape... without creating weird Muffin-Tops at the waist or Thigh Bulge with the remarkably engineered hem. Not to mention, they totally free you from the threat of Visible Panty Line. I dress a lot of real women for TV appearances and I encourage everyone, no matter their size to invest in a pair! I think they are soooo great, but... would I wear my Spanx on a hot summer day? Only if I had to be on TV or go to a really important meeting!
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t take into consideration the question of the pretty factor. We all love to feel sexy in our undies, and we should. My mother always told me to wear beautiful underwear...even if I was the only one seeing it, because it makes you feel great all day! I understand how to some women practical panties and sexy panties are not always the same. Personally, the "big" underwear makes me feel like a pin-up, and I have a pair of men's briefs with Superheroes all over, that make me feel like I can conquer the world when I wear them. Then I have a cache of tiny, lacy, totally impractical panties that I love to flit around in too… If a thong is what does it for you, then great, love it! But take a few minutes to make sure your little sling of booty floss is really working for you... and if its not, make another choice. The woman behind you on the escalator just might thank you!
Happy shopping!
XO,
Becca
Almost Free Bathroom Makeover- Extra: Out in the Open TP Storage!!
Ok…its happened to all of us. We are in a bathroom not our own, innocently heeding nature’s call, reach for the TP… and nothing! We quickly glance around to see if there are any extra rolls stashed within easy reach. If there are, yay!…whew! Crisis averted! If not… then we are left to the dreaded drip dry…
This has certainly happened to me more than once. I hate being put in that position and I hate the idea of putting my friends and guests in that position, too!
Since I have been spending some time focusing on my Bathroom make-over as of late, I decided to muse on my easy solutions for keeping the Toilet Paper within easy reach for me and my guests!
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Almost Free Bathroom Makeover- Part one: Junk-Hiding Sink Skirt!!
Hello Pink Friends!
I sit in amazement as I look at the calendar and realize that I haven’t blogged in a over a month! For shame! Bad, bad blogger!! I’d blame the fact that summer is here, but considering that the East Coast has been feeling more like the perpetually damp Pacific Northwest lately, I cannot fault having too many picnics to attend. Ah well.
But summer is indeed here! Hooray! I love the summer! Wearing shorts, sundresses, and sandals; sunshine at 8pm, popsicles, outdoor seating at cafés, BBQs in the park, smelling like sunscreen…aaahh. Another summer touchstone for me always ends up being a summer project. Freed from a seemingly endless New York winter hibernation; the blossoming of the Spring and Summer months always fill me with new found energy for re-organization and re-invention of my life and space. Not to mention, there is less freelance work in NY during the summer…so I have extra time on my hands!
This year’s summer project is going to be a No/Low-cost Makeover of my bathroom. Now, when I first saw my apartment just over a year ago, the bathroom was the first room I saw and sold me on the place immediately. Not the size, or functionality… but the awesome 1950’s pink and black tile covering the walls and floor… I mean, come on… this is me. But truly, it is a poorly designed space. Long and skinny, tub with 3 sides exposed, air-shaft window, one dim light fixture that also houses the ONLY outlet, and one miniscule medicine cabinet for storage. As you can see from this picture I took before moving in and cramming every extra nook and cranny with bathroom stuff:
I do love the sink... Totally old-fashioned (and I’m pretty sure original to the building), solid and heavy, utilitarian and simple and beautiful down to the exposed plumbing… perfect for shoving a bunch of stuff under!! Since this sink and bathroom was designed for an era gone by, storage for such things as blow-dryers, hair dye, extra bubble bath, and jumbo bags of cotton balls was not high on its list of priorities. I created some extra storage under the sink with these great little stackable shelves from The Container Store and some small storage bins I already had to contain extra bottles and such. It works just fine. But I have to be honest, a year later, I have grown tired of being greeted by my box of latex gloves and extra tubes of toothpaste every time I glance over at my sink…even organized, extra stuff still kinda looks like junk.
So, the first thing on the agenda for the Bathroom makeover was to conceal all the junk hanging out under the sink by sewing it up a removable skirt. I wanted the skirt to be simple, clean, and tailored…best for a tight dim space. I also needed it to be easily and completely removable for access, cleaning and hair dyeing. AND… I wanted to spend zero money on this project, by using supplies I already had on hand. I settled on re-purposing a white sheet, adding box pleats and black and white ribbon trim, and using both sew-on and self-adhesive Velcro to attach it to my unsuspecting sink.
I am really pleased with how it came out so I wanted to share how I did it and how you can too!!
Supplies:
Sink
Measuring Tape
Fabric (old sheet, extra table cloth, unused curtain, or regular yardage)
Sewing Machine, Thread
Ruler, Pencil, Pins, Scissors
Painter’s or Masking Tape
¾”Female Sew-On Velcro
¾”Male Adhesive Velcro
Ribbon or Trim (big enough to cover Velcro)
How To:
Measure:
First measure the height and total length around your sink. My sink sits about 31.5” off the floor and 35” around.
Cut your fabric:
I decided to recycle a white top sheet that no longer fits my bed. As I said, I wanted this to be a No-cost project, so I was happy to use “free” fabric. But, besides that, re-purposing a pre-manufactured fabric can also be less work. In this case I thought the thick hem from the Top edge of the sheet would look great at the bottom of my Sink Skirt. Plus, cutting into the sheet at the corner, meant I only had to hem the top and one side of my project.
Since I was going to box pleat my skirt I added an estimated extra 20” plus 1.5” for the hem. For the length I cut at 31.5” plus 2” for the top hem. If you are using unfinished fabric you will want at least a two inch hem on the bottom.
SIDE NOTE: You could also do a gathered skirt. For that you will want to at least double your finished width. (So for my 35” sink I’d cut a piece 70” wide.) Width x 2.5 will yield a poofier skirt. I decided to add box pleats to my skirt, in order to keep it slim and tailored. But really, depending on how complicated you want to be, you can leave it flat, or pleat or gather it as much as or however you want!!
Cutting out of a full-sized sheet proved to be kind of awkward, so I cut a little extra around and then trimmed down to the correct proportions.
Press and Hem:
I am a total cheater when it comes to pinning hems. I press my fabric and while it is on the board I measure and mark my hem, then fold and iron into place. I pin as I go. Fold, press, pin. Totally cuts down on time and uses less pins.
Hem top edge at 1” finished and the side at ¾”.
Stitch on machine where pinned… then press.
Pleat or Gather the Skirt:
If you are doing a Gathered skirt, gather it now. On the machine, stitch a gathering or basting stitch ¼” below your finished hem. Then gather to desired width. Secure thread tails with pins. Move on to Add Trim and Velcro.
I love to drape, and since my sink is a little oddly shaped I decided it would be easier to drape the skirt right on the sink and figure out the spacing and pleating that way.
I used painters tape to secure the skirt in place, then pinned the pleats where I wanted them. After removing the skirt from the sink I stitched the pleats down on the machine.
Then I pressed and starched my pleats in place. I starched the pleats, because I like the crisp look. You certainly don’t have to starch them. Also, I use the starch now to help keep everything lined up as I add the trim, and also so I don’t gunk up the trim with starch later.
Add Trim and Velcro:
First pin on your Velcro to the inside of your skirt, to the back of your pleats. Line the Velcro up so the hem line or gather line is in the middle of your Velcro. Pin and stitch along each outside edge of your Velcro.
Use the female (or soft fuzzy side) Velcro on the skirt. This way when you wash it, it won’t snag on other things.
Then Add Ribbon trim to bottom and front. Place the Ribbon trim along the bottom wherever you think it looks nice. Pin and stitch on each outside edge of the ribbon.
That’s my kitty Royale hiding behind the machine. She is helping. And by “helping” I really mean eating the thread while I try to sew.
Line up the ribbon trim for the top with the Velcro. You want to cover the stitches from the Velcro that are at the moment showing on the front of your skirt. I used 1” ribbon that easily straddled the ¾” Velcro. Stitch down the ribbon along each outside edge.
Press your trim and touch up your skirt, it is done!!
Apply Velcro to Sink:
Before you apply the adhesive Male (sharp and curly) side of your Velcro, you need to prepare the sink surface. Clean the sink edge with Glass and Surface cleaner, and then wipe down with water to make sure there is no residue left.
Slowly apply the Velcro to the sink… peeling off the plastic backing as you go. If you are worried about applying it straight and even, you can make some small pencil marks to follow first. I just eyeballed it about ½” or so below the edge of the sink. After all the Velcro is stuck on, rub it down with the side of a pencil or a ruler to really get it stuck on there.
Now stick on your skirt!! And you are finished!
I love how simple this project is, and how much a difference it has made in my tiny bathroom. Now everything is tucked away, looks lovely and clean, and still super easy to access when I need to blow dry my hair or run out of Q-Tips. That just makes me happy!
Stay tuned for more posts about my summer project as it happens… Next up: Hanging Product bags!
Happy Summer, don’t forget your sunscreen!!!
-Becca
Jeans!!!
I LOVE Jeans.
As with a lot of things in life I came kind late into the jeans game. Mom, being the classically minded sort, tended to dress us in slacks. (BTW, the sound of the words “slacks” has always made me shudder…”slacks”…uhhhh...) One outfit particularly burned into my memory consisted of a pair of grey slacks, with a baby pink and white stripe button-down shirt that had a whale cross-stitched over the breast pocket. I’m sure I was rockin’ a pair Kangaroos with that get-up too… HOT. Oh…2nd grade awkwardness…
I am not sure exactly when I started wearing jeans. I assume it was somewhere around 4th grade. When, as my family was about to be transferred overseas, my brother and I were treated to a shopping spree of American clothes. It was the first time I remember actually actively choosing my wardrobe. A formative moment indeed.
Over the years I fell victim to myriad jean trends. In middle school my jeans were slim with a zipper and denim bow at the bottom, In Jr. High I longed for (though never acquired!) a pair of tapered acid washed Guess jeans with that triangle logo on the ass, In High school I tight rolled… until that became passé and I went baggy, oversized and flared for the grunge 90’s. The new millennium and grad school re-discovered my waistline thanks to blessed low-rise and boot-cut. Lately, thanks to the cyclical nature of fashion, those skinny jeans have worked their way back into my closet, co-existing happily with their ever flattering boot-cut sisters.
Anyone who knows me is aware that I wear jeans pretty much all the time. They totally fit with my lifestyle. My job, as glamorous as it may seem from the outside, is actually a lot of grunt work…from hauling huge bags of clothes or sitting on the floor of a dirty warehouse to fake-hem someone’s pants or tie their shoes. It is not unusual to see me on a shoot with a leg covered in pieces of double-stick tape and labels pulled off of garments, Giant safety pins piercing front pockets to be within easy reach and a hanger with the next outfit dangling from a rear belt loop. Suffice it to say I like pants that can work…
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As with a lot of things in life I came kind late into the jeans game. Mom, being the classically minded sort, tended to dress us in slacks. (BTW, the sound of the words “slacks” has always made me shudder…”slacks”…uhhhh...) One outfit particularly burned into my memory consisted of a pair of grey slacks, with a baby pink and white stripe button-down shirt that had a whale cross-stitched over the breast pocket. I’m sure I was rockin’ a pair Kangaroos with that get-up too… HOT. Oh…2nd grade awkwardness…
I am not sure exactly when I started wearing jeans. I assume it was somewhere around 4th grade. When, as my family was about to be transferred overseas, my brother and I were treated to a shopping spree of American clothes. It was the first time I remember actually actively choosing my wardrobe. A formative moment indeed.
Over the years I fell victim to myriad jean trends. In middle school my jeans were slim with a zipper and denim bow at the bottom, In Jr. High I longed for (though never acquired!) a pair of tapered acid washed Guess jeans with that triangle logo on the ass, In High school I tight rolled… until that became passé and I went baggy, oversized and flared for the grunge 90’s. The new millennium and grad school re-discovered my waistline thanks to blessed low-rise and boot-cut. Lately, thanks to the cyclical nature of fashion, those skinny jeans have worked their way back into my closet, co-existing happily with their ever flattering boot-cut sisters.
Anyone who knows me is aware that I wear jeans pretty much all the time. They totally fit with my lifestyle. My job, as glamorous as it may seem from the outside, is actually a lot of grunt work…from hauling huge bags of clothes or sitting on the floor of a dirty warehouse to fake-hem someone’s pants or tie their shoes. It is not unusual to see me on a shoot with a leg covered in pieces of double-stick tape and labels pulled off of garments, Giant safety pins piercing front pockets to be within easy reach and a hanger with the next outfit dangling from a rear belt loop. Suffice it to say I like pants that can work…
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The Seasonal Closet
I wish I could explain to you just how tiny my closet is.
I am picky about closets. I like things just so. I like to be able to see everything, organized at a glance. I hate sliding closet doors, always obstructing half my sartorial view. I much prefer accordion or French doors, even a simple curtain. Someday, I will have a dream walk-in closet… or even a specially chosen spare bedroom… perfectly appointed with double-level racks, paper lined shelves, giant full-length mirror, beautiful lightning, even a chaise-longue on which to recline while contemplating my outfit choices.
But… that is a dream for another day. Currently I reside in a wee Brooklyn apartment, with two of the tiniest closets you ever did see. One for hanging clothes, the other for shoes, bags, and folded pants. I mean we are talking no bigger than 3’x3’ square… and that is the big one…hardly wider than its skinny doors.
I pride myself, that in the last few years, I have pared down my closet and refined my clothing buying habits. I’m going for quality over quantity. Carefully selected pieces that I love made from natural materials. Ok, I’m not perfect, I still fall prey to the occasional trendy impulse buy… and let’s be real… I really love to shop…but the point is, I have made strides to cut down on the copious amount of clothing that occupies my mini-closets, and yet I still do not have enough room for everything…
Lack of closet space, and storage in general, is an all too common inconvenience to the dwellers of this fair city. And everyone I know has figured out their own way of dealing with it. Packed shelves scale walls all the way up to the ceilings; monsters find no refuge under beds, since every inch is already spoken for; bicycles hang in hallways like modernist sculpture…cause, where else will they go? I have a friend, who at this point is a full-fledged adult, who still shuttles out of season clothes to her folk’s house on Long Island to free up space in her tiny Manhattan abode.
Which brings me to what I really want to discuss today…the seasonal closet!
I started packing up the winter clothes and unpacking spring stuff, mostly out of necessity. But now, I find it such a practical practice that, even if I had my dream closet I would still implement the seasonal switchover. Call me a closet nerd if you will, but I think its fun! I love re-acquainting myself with my sundresses as the weather starts to warm up, and re-discovering my jackets again just as the air begins to get crisp…
Even if you don’t get giddy planning out your summer outfits in April like I do, any process that keeps you in touch with your wardrobe is a good idea, no matter what. Having to come to terms with every piece of clothing you own twice a year will yield you a more refined look and an organized and accessible closet for the months to come. In the spirit of simple organization, I have created for you a straightforward list of 8 of my fave closet tricks of the trade, and reasons you should tackle yours every season too!
1. Out with the old!-
Culling and purging your closet on a regular basis (or at least twice a year in this case) keeps your wardrobe fresh and easy to navigate. No one wants to be digging thru a stack of shirts that don’t fit trying to find one that does…get rid of what does not work for who you are now! And that means things you don’t like or don’t fit. Anything you are packing up that you didn’t wear this season or anything you unpack that doesn’t fit anymore has to go! Sure, there are exceptions…but be brutal and be honest! You’ll be happier in the long run!
Plan a clothing swap with your girlfriends or donate to charity… (Goodwill and Dress For Success are a couple of good ones). Or hey, times are tough! Sell particularly nice pieces on Ebay and make some cash!
2. Create a shopping list!-
We all know that shopping for groceries without a list leads to impulse buys of Oreos and forgetting the milk! The same applies to shopping for clothes. Hang a small white board or stash a notepad in the closet. Take note of what your wardrobe lacks for the upcoming season. Take your list with you on a shopping trip and only buy what’s on the list. Also, jot down what not to buy (like go-to items you already have plenty of)!!! This saves you money and keeps you focused. My List looks like this:
3. Less Outfit Stress!-
We’ve all stood in front of a packed closet whining that we have nothing to wear. The seasonal check in will help eliminate this easily … think about it… you’ve removed seasonally inappropriate pieces, gotten rid of anything you don’t love or doesn’t fit, and figured out what you need to round things out. So, you automatically have a closet full of things that look cute…so just pick something already! It is ALL good! Even if you wear the same cute, perfectly you outfit 3 weekends in a row…who cares? No one will notice anything other than that you look hot.
4. Don’t forget about your basic bits…-
Just like you are supposed to check the batteries in your smoke detector at Daylight Savings Time, the seasonal switchover is a good time to check in with all your hardworking foundation pieces as well. Inspect your socks for holes and indentify any orphans, pull out any undies that have lived past their day, find any bras with over stretched elastic or broken bits, check thru tees and camis and make sure you have the colors you need and that everything is in good shape. Mend what can be fixed, trash what is dead, and add any needed replacements to your shopping list!
5. Transitional Items-
Last weekend it felt more like August than April, today it is rainy and mild. So needless to say, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to only have shorts and sundresses on hand. Pack up your seasonal gear that you really aren’t going to need, but make sure to keep a few transitional pieces on hand. Light sweaters and jackets and long pants still have a place in your spring/summer wardrobe for chilly days, but your thick wooly sweater and snow boots can go ahead get to hibernating for the next few months. I tend to keep more extra layers within reach at the beginning of the season and then pack them away as the season progresses.
6. Be a Hanger Snob!-
Ok... I promise not to go all Joan Crawford on you here. But I am an admitted hanger snob… and you should be too. Seriously, the hangers you use really do matter. Chances are your clothes spend more time hanging in the closet than they do on your body, so you want to make sure that they are not being damaged in the process. Which is all a wire hanger will do. They offer no support, and will stretch out the sleeves and shoulders in no time. Think about it this way- the dry cleaner gives them away for free for a reason… cause they are cheap!! So give them back to him! It will save him a little money on the back end, and you will not have useless evil hangers clogging up your life. Those plastic tubular hangers are only marginally better…I hate them too.
Wooden Hangers are beautiful and offer decent support but are expensive not nearly as useful as my favorite (and pretty much the only hanger I use)- The Clear Plastic Store Hanger.
These have been used in the industry for years. They are inexpensive, super durable and super functional . You can hang anything on them, from your heaviest winter Coat to your skimpiest summer Camisole. They are thick enough to support the shoulders in your garment and keep items from slipping off, the big grooves are great at securing straps, the hook spins, so that all your hangers can easily face the same way (which is vital!), clips keep them adaptable, and they stack together which is a great space saver. Since my closet is so small, I hook hangers together to layer pieces… three blouses take up as much room as one!
I have a lot to say when it comes to hangers and how to properly hang things…so stay tuned for another post where I can indulge my hanger obsession and delve even deeper into the subject!
7. Organizing Tricks and Tools-
As you are gearing up your wardrobe to work for you this season, make sure your closet is working for you as well. In addition to good quality hangers, I have a few other tricks that help keep your closet running smoothly.
Organize garments by type and add rack dividers to create sections. I use a piece of Grosgrain ribbon, use a sharpie to write the section name, and then tie it around the rod. Its cute, it works, and its free!
I love hanging shelves. They just fasten on over the closet rod, and you can store sweaters, pants, shoes, you name it. The great thing is that if you need to remove them for the season like I do, they come off easy and fold up flat and easy to store.
I also have an over the door hook on my closet door. It’s a simple addition but adds an extra place to hang things, while deciding on an outfit, or for having a planned outfit within easy reach for the next day… An extra hook or two is almost like having an extra hand when in the depths of outfit deliberation. They also are great place to hang transitional pieces until the weather has changed enough to store them as well!
I’m a sort of out of sight, out of mind kind of girl, so I love clear storage boxes. I mostly use mine for storing shoes, but if you are keeping other accessories in your closet too, they are great for being able to find what you need that much faster and easier.
Keep wardrobe tools, such as a lint roller, double-stick tape, safety pins, and a small pair of scissors stored in a bag or box in the closet. Having your tools close at hand makes it easy to when you need to snip a thread or get the cat hair of your black dress.
8. Storage Tricks and Tools-
Likewise you want to make sure your out of season clothes are being stored properly so they are ready to go when it is time to for the next seasonal switch.
If anything needs to be washed or dry-cleaned, do that before you pack them up.
Fold things nicely, use a folding board to keep things in uniform shape or roll sweaters to prevent creases.
Invest in good quality storage containers with a good seal. I store most of my stuff in my old cedar chest and in storage bags/boxes that slide easily under the bed. Be aware that cardboard, wooden and plastic containers are slightly acidic, and can erode delicate fabrics over time, so if you are storing cashmere or silk or vintage items, line your boxes with acid-free tissue paper, to keep them in tip-top shape. I store my vintage and designer shoes in acid-free paper year round. You can find decent sized packages at the Container Store.
Pack a lavender sachet or cedar block into your storage container with your clothes to help keep tings fresh. For a great low cost alternative, toss in an un-used dryer sheet instead!
I just finished my spring swap this weekend. My sweaters are all folded and cozy in my old cedar chest, my closet is brimming flirty dresses , my t-shirts are newly folded and even organized by color! I’ve got my shopping list started and there are two bags of clothes in the hallway ready to go off to a new life… I am ready for Spring!! But, a few months from now, as another New York winter starts to take shape, I will pull out the flirty dresses and replace them once again with a hanging shelf full of sweaters… and I’ll be pretty excited about that too.
Happy Organizing!!
-Becca
Two Eggs, over scrappy...
I have a weird habit when I sew.
All of the fabric scraps that I trim off my projects are dropped into a basket that sits next to each machine. This is to keep me from dropping said scraps right onto the floor... a bad habit I’ve picked up from working in professional shops, where they have special elves that come in the night to sweep up after you. No such creatures dwell in my workroom, so I have developed the basket system to keep my space in some sort of order.
But here’s the thing… after the trimmings are in the basket, they don’t go anywhere. I don’t throw them out with the rest of the workshop trash, they just stay in the basket. Poor languishing strips of nylon, cotton and batting patiently waiting to be used or mercifully disposed of. What am I saving them for? We are talking ¼ and ½ inch strips of fabric!! I fully admit to suffering from “Why toss it when you might be able to use it someday!- syndrome” But seriously, what could this stuff be used for? Well, how funny you should ask! How about some super cute, Easter decorations to celebrate the onset of spring. That’s right, you heard me.
I was inspired by an article in Creative Home about Quilt Designer Denyse Schmidt and her new book- Denyse Schmidt Quilts. Apparently she can’t throw her fabric scraps away either (Ha!) and uses hers to make decorative balls. The pink bulb popped on above my head, when I realized I had some Styrofoam egg shapes lying around… perfect!
First I sorted my scraps, tossing the truly useless ones, and dividing things up by colors.
I used the batting scraps to pad out my styro-eggs. This is a completely optional step, but I like how the batting made the eggs soft to hold… plus I might as well use those scraps too! Make sure the batting does not distort your egg shape. Wrap from base to tip, keeping the thicker pieces near the bottom. Secure any loose ends with fast drying glue, such as my beloved Magna-Tac.
I used strips of knit fabric next, to cover the entire egg. Again, wrap vertically, base to tip. The knit fabric is great since you can stretch it to control the batting fullness and retain your eggy silhouette. Secure your loose ends at the base if the egg with glue. I used solid colors of the knit fabric. You can keep it all the same color, or mix! But don’t let it get too busy, since this is just your first layer.
For the next layer I used 2 coordinating strips of cotton print. If you use larger egg-forms you can use more strips. I wrapped one from the base, all the way around, and then wrapped the other so that the two strips meet perpendicularly at the tip of the egg. Secure the strips at the base.
Finally, I used colorful yarn to wrap the entire egg in a haphazard pattern. Leave a tail at the end so you have a place to tie off as you go to keep things secure. When you are done, trim the tail.
Add a string at the top to hang as an ornament, or just display in a bowl.
Voila! Egg-cellent! They are little shabby-chic, a little punk-rock, and totally adorable!
This is a great craft to do with kids, and can be applied to any styro-shape for pretty much any occasion! Let your imagination go!
Trashed turned to trinkets...that's Thinking Pink!
Happy Spring!
-Becca
All of the fabric scraps that I trim off my projects are dropped into a basket that sits next to each machine. This is to keep me from dropping said scraps right onto the floor... a bad habit I’ve picked up from working in professional shops, where they have special elves that come in the night to sweep up after you. No such creatures dwell in my workroom, so I have developed the basket system to keep my space in some sort of order.
But here’s the thing… after the trimmings are in the basket, they don’t go anywhere. I don’t throw them out with the rest of the workshop trash, they just stay in the basket. Poor languishing strips of nylon, cotton and batting patiently waiting to be used or mercifully disposed of. What am I saving them for? We are talking ¼ and ½ inch strips of fabric!! I fully admit to suffering from “Why toss it when you might be able to use it someday!- syndrome” But seriously, what could this stuff be used for? Well, how funny you should ask! How about some super cute, Easter decorations to celebrate the onset of spring. That’s right, you heard me.
I was inspired by an article in Creative Home about Quilt Designer Denyse Schmidt and her new book- Denyse Schmidt Quilts. Apparently she can’t throw her fabric scraps away either (Ha!) and uses hers to make decorative balls. The pink bulb popped on above my head, when I realized I had some Styrofoam egg shapes lying around… perfect!
First I sorted my scraps, tossing the truly useless ones, and dividing things up by colors.
I used the batting scraps to pad out my styro-eggs. This is a completely optional step, but I like how the batting made the eggs soft to hold… plus I might as well use those scraps too! Make sure the batting does not distort your egg shape. Wrap from base to tip, keeping the thicker pieces near the bottom. Secure any loose ends with fast drying glue, such as my beloved Magna-Tac.
I used strips of knit fabric next, to cover the entire egg. Again, wrap vertically, base to tip. The knit fabric is great since you can stretch it to control the batting fullness and retain your eggy silhouette. Secure your loose ends at the base if the egg with glue. I used solid colors of the knit fabric. You can keep it all the same color, or mix! But don’t let it get too busy, since this is just your first layer.
For the next layer I used 2 coordinating strips of cotton print. If you use larger egg-forms you can use more strips. I wrapped one from the base, all the way around, and then wrapped the other so that the two strips meet perpendicularly at the tip of the egg. Secure the strips at the base.
Finally, I used colorful yarn to wrap the entire egg in a haphazard pattern. Leave a tail at the end so you have a place to tie off as you go to keep things secure. When you are done, trim the tail.
Add a string at the top to hang as an ornament, or just display in a bowl.
Voila! Egg-cellent! They are little shabby-chic, a little punk-rock, and totally adorable!
This is a great craft to do with kids, and can be applied to any styro-shape for pretty much any occasion! Let your imagination go!
Trashed turned to trinkets...that's Thinking Pink!
Happy Spring!
-Becca
Trade Secrets- Eeeek! I'm such a mess!
What’s a girl to do?
Well, I’ve experienced such fashion disasters in my own life, not to mention on photo and TV sets, and I have a few tricks of the trade to share that will make dealing with such things a little easier.
De-Pilling-
I got to thinking about removing pesky sweater pills the other day when a friend mentioned that she was attempting to de-fuzz with one of those battery powered pill removers, became momentarily distracted, swiped the device over her chest and sliced off a mole!!! OW! I have to say I amazed at its capacity to remove a chunk of skin, since I have never seen one of those things remove a single sweater fuzz with any bit of efficiency!! When it comes to battery defuzzers, I just say- NO!
But, truth is I have one in my styling kit anyway, lord knows why. So I dug it out and decided to put it to the test once and for all. And while I was at it, I decided to try a new technique I recently discovered.
My guinea pig for this experiment was my favorite cozy hang-around-the-house cashmere hoodie. It has been looking a little worse for wear lately due to the abuse my well meaning crutches have been imparting to sides of my torso, as well as a tragic shrinking accident, due to a “misunderstanding” at the Laundromat, where apparently “Please Dry-Clean this…” translates into “Oh, just toss this into the washing machine with my jeans and socks and such…” Grrr. Anyway, I’m over it, but cozy hoodie definitely needed a little TLC.
So, first I tried the battery powered thing-a-majig. In my experience the only way to get it to work is with constant pressure on a firm surface. I slid a nearby book underneath, but using a table, dictionary or the Vogue Fall Preview would do just as well. Or, just do it on your body, but be sure to keep it away from any skin protuberances.
I worked in a circular motion, pressing down for a good solid minute on about a 2” in square section of my sweater. And sure enough…nada. There was a miniscule amount of pink fluff inside the fuzz catching compartment, but no visible improvement to the collection of fuzzies. At that rate I would have been there all afternoon. So I moved on to a new a controversial (well, at least to me) technique I read about from those crazy geniuses over at ReadyMade Magazine… Sandpaper!
That’s right, sandpaper. According to the article (in the April/May issue, hot off the presses!) you just wipe the paper down in one direction and voila! the pills disappear. And you know what? They did! I have to say my first thought was that this idea seemed like a good way to scrape a hole right thru your merino cardigan (since in my experience sandpaper is one great way to distress or de-construct your garment) … and I was not entirely wrong. My one critique to this technique is that in addition to removing the pills, it also took off a perfectly good non-pilled layer of sweater. I think in the future I’ll save this method for heartier wool sweaters. But, even so, it defuzzed the entirety of cozy hoodie in a matter of minutes. I tried both 220 grit paper and an x-tra fine grit sanding block. I have to say I thought the block did a better job. It picked up more fuzzies, was more gentle, and was easier to handle.
Despite my skepticism, I have to say this is great way to de-fuzz if you are already dressed and on your way out the door, or need to do a large surface area quickly.
My favorite time tested technique is to just cut off the pills with some small pointy scissors, or just to pick the damn things off with your fingers. This is how I’ve handled most pills in both personal and professional life. I find it to be the most precise and delicate way to address this problem- no over de-fuzzing or accidental holes. Granted it will also take the longest… but hey just think of it as something for your hands to do while your brain slowly melts in front of VH1s Sunday night reality shows. (No judgment, you know you love them too…)
Seriously though, I prefer this since it is an easy way to prevent the pilling from getting too bad to begin with. Pretty much every sweater (no matter how nice it is) is going to pill a little over time. So if you notice one or two or five, just pluck or cut them off and move on. That way you won’t ever have to worry about sanding blocks or nasty mole eating de-pilling machines!!
Deodorant Stains-
OK. This tip is a quick one. It is the easiest clothing care trick up my sleeve and I have never seen it fail. Scouts honor.
If you spy a deodorant smudge (even old ones), take the inside of the shirt—the same fabric that the stain is on—and use the back of that fabric to slowly and carefully buff out the deodorant. Done. That’s it. This works… I PROMISE!! I’ve practiced this on my own clothing, designer pieces on shoots, and even garments hanging on the rack at the store. Works every time.
Also, if you want to prevent stains to begin with… and file this under ‘duh’, if your shirt or dress is sleeveless… just get dressed first…then apply your Secret Extra Strength in Malibu Mango. Wave your arms in the air for a minute while it dries and then you are good. No stains.
And FYI… no deodorant is “invisible” I don’t care what the container says. Even the gooey gel stuff can and will leave a stain. Sneaky, but true…so watch out!!
Food and Make-Up Stains-
I remember an incident from my past where a certain disco diva that will remain nameless guest starred on a kids show I costumed a few years ago. She arrived to the wardrobe room with about 20 layers of foundation already spackled on. So, needless to say, said foundation rubbed off onto everything she tried on including a Chiffon dress I would then get to terrifyingly return to Saks Fifth Avenue. Thankfully the wardrobe gods were with me. I was able to get most of the thick pancake out, and even though it wasn’t perfect, the return went off fine. Whew…
Hopefully you will not have to face a stain challenge as daunting as this, but we have all had a make-up smear on the collar of a dressy top or spilled a little something that needs to be removed ASAP.
Here is my quick fix stain removal technique-
Say you find yourself in the restaurant bathroom with the aforementioned chocolate sauce dribble. First of all…don’t panic.
Just take a paper towel (those hard stiff ones in public restrooms are great for this) and fold it so that you have a sharp stiff edge and corner. Use the towel to scrape off the sauce. Use a scooping , lifting motion away from the fabric. The idea here is to get rid of as much gunk as you can without rubbing anything else in.
Then, take out a Shout Wipe (love love love them!!) that you have cleverly already stored in your tiny clutch for such an emergency. Place a fresh paper towel under the stained spot and then use the Shout Wipe to blot the spot out. Blot gently and the paper towel beneath will pick-up the excess moisture of the wipe and will take on the stain. As the stain fades, you can start to gently wipe in a outward feathering motion. This helps to keep a ring from forming where you have been cleaning. Give a final blot with a dry paper towel and then stand under the hand dryer just for a moment to dry the wet spot.
Now, this is not a fail-safe method. But, I’ve had success with this technique on set plenty of times for everything from smeared in make-up to cake batter splattered across the front of a host’s apron. It tends to works really well on more natural fabrics and tight weaves- like a Cotton Broadcloth, for example. A Polyester Satin may show more of a ring after the stain removal… but even so… its gonna look a whole heck of a lot better for the rest of the night, than that chocolate sauce on your chest! Plus any remaining stain will come out much more easily in the wash later.
Alright! There are a few of my favorite tricks, new and old. I love figuring out great new ways to handle whatever life tosses at you… and I’d love to hear some of your own trade secrets!
‘Til next time…Stay Clean!
-Becca
Design Tidbit- Simple Flowers
Here’s a quickie for you…
Dad sent me a big bouquet of flowers last week, to make me feel better! (Awww…) They were gorgeous and lasted for days!! But, I realized, as I was cleaning up yesterday, that sadly it was time to throw them out. I noticed, however, that there were a few Peruvian Lily buds that hadn’t quite opened. So I took a minute to clip the buds off the big stems and just tossed them into a stem-less wine glass.
One bud opened fully almost immediately…perhaps it was grateful to be saved…
I love how simple and beautiful they look…and I love that I can enjoy watching them continue to bloom for a few days more.
Dad sent me a big bouquet of flowers last week, to make me feel better! (Awww…) They were gorgeous and lasted for days!! But, I realized, as I was cleaning up yesterday, that sadly it was time to throw them out. I noticed, however, that there were a few Peruvian Lily buds that hadn’t quite opened. So I took a minute to clip the buds off the big stems and just tossed them into a stem-less wine glass.
One bud opened fully almost immediately…perhaps it was grateful to be saved…
I love how simple and beautiful they look…and I love that I can enjoy watching them continue to bloom for a few days more.
If it Ain't Baroque...
Howdy Pinkos…
Forgive the delay in posts. I had surgery on my knee not quite 2 weeks ago, and dealing with that has certainly taken up most of my life, and the crafty times have been few and far between… with one exception…which we will be discussing shortly.
Post-op Orthopedic patients, upon leaving the hospital, are presented with their new best friend… The Cane. My doctor seemed to think that Cane and I would bond in no time. That my trusty crutches would recede into the background as I hobble off into the sunset, hand in crook with my buddy Cane. Well dear readers, I’m not sure what prescriptions my Dr. is sneaking, but there is no cane walking happening here. Crutches remain faithfully by my side, supporting my weak knee, while Cane hangs out with the bedside table.
But that doesn’t mean I didn’t get it ready for its eventual debut…
Walking down the street in NY with a Day-Glo pink mane does not elicit a ton of response. However throw some crutches into the mix and everybody looks. Now I don’t really love being stared at, but at least people coming know I am obviously hurt and mostly get out of the way. Now, the cane, being of slightly lower profile, let’s say, needed a boost in the getting noticed department, for safety’s sake only of course… and I needed to do it from the comfort of my bed.
So, I opted to keep it easy. Some Silver Sharpies, a bottle of Magna-Tac (the best glue ever...), and some Swarovski Flatback Crystal ABs were all I needed.
I have to say doodling on an inch thick cylinder is a lot harder than I thought, its hard to hold onto and keep straight… but with some patience I was able to ink some silver vines all the way up the body of the cane. I kept the handle blank, and wrapped some Black gaffers tape around it for a little extra grip. Then I glued individual crystals onto the vine to act as sparkly flowers. It looks cute and a little 17th century all in one. Plus, the flashy crystals will lend it in an air of “look out here I come!”
I have to say I wish I had a few more to decorate. It was easy and fun, good way to pass the time with my leg propped up, and it would be cool to have one to match every outfit!
It would be easy to wrap layers of ribbon in a candy cane pattern and secure with hot glue. Or weave strips of colorful tape into a basket pattern. Decoupage bright tissue papers to make it look like colorful marble… ah the possibilities are endless…
Ok…seriously, I realize this is not the most mind-blowing craft of my life. But I think in certain ways it embodies the philosophy and spirit of thinking pink! Just shows that with a little effort and imagination you can do simple things to make any situation more fun!!
Keep Walkin!
-Becca
Forgive the delay in posts. I had surgery on my knee not quite 2 weeks ago, and dealing with that has certainly taken up most of my life, and the crafty times have been few and far between… with one exception…which we will be discussing shortly.
Post-op Orthopedic patients, upon leaving the hospital, are presented with their new best friend… The Cane. My doctor seemed to think that Cane and I would bond in no time. That my trusty crutches would recede into the background as I hobble off into the sunset, hand in crook with my buddy Cane. Well dear readers, I’m not sure what prescriptions my Dr. is sneaking, but there is no cane walking happening here. Crutches remain faithfully by my side, supporting my weak knee, while Cane hangs out with the bedside table.
But that doesn’t mean I didn’t get it ready for its eventual debut…
Walking down the street in NY with a Day-Glo pink mane does not elicit a ton of response. However throw some crutches into the mix and everybody looks. Now I don’t really love being stared at, but at least people coming know I am obviously hurt and mostly get out of the way. Now, the cane, being of slightly lower profile, let’s say, needed a boost in the getting noticed department, for safety’s sake only of course… and I needed to do it from the comfort of my bed.
So, I opted to keep it easy. Some Silver Sharpies, a bottle of Magna-Tac (the best glue ever...), and some Swarovski Flatback Crystal ABs were all I needed.
I have to say doodling on an inch thick cylinder is a lot harder than I thought, its hard to hold onto and keep straight… but with some patience I was able to ink some silver vines all the way up the body of the cane. I kept the handle blank, and wrapped some Black gaffers tape around it for a little extra grip. Then I glued individual crystals onto the vine to act as sparkly flowers. It looks cute and a little 17th century all in one. Plus, the flashy crystals will lend it in an air of “look out here I come!”
I have to say I wish I had a few more to decorate. It was easy and fun, good way to pass the time with my leg propped up, and it would be cool to have one to match every outfit!
It would be easy to wrap layers of ribbon in a candy cane pattern and secure with hot glue. Or weave strips of colorful tape into a basket pattern. Decoupage bright tissue papers to make it look like colorful marble… ah the possibilities are endless…
Ok…seriously, I realize this is not the most mind-blowing craft of my life. But I think in certain ways it embodies the philosophy and spirit of thinking pink! Just shows that with a little effort and imagination you can do simple things to make any situation more fun!!
Keep Walkin!
-Becca
