How To Take Care of Your Jeans

Everyone thinks they are supposed to wash their jeans how you would normally wash your other clothes, but what people don’t know is that there is a whole procedure and many different methods on how to keep them clean and make sure they last. If you wash your jeans after every wear, this stretches out the cotton and breaks down the fabric faster, causing things such as fading, holes and rips.
When spending $150-$250 for jeans the last thing you want is for them to rip after a couple months of wear. To ensure the longevity of your new high end jeans, try to not wash them after your first wear, try holding off as long as possible before giving them their first wash. Of course if they get a stain or smell you can always throw them in the wash, there is no law saying you can’t, but when washing make sure to wash with like colours or with other similar coloured jeans, as the indigo dye will bleed and come off. Flipping the jeans inside out always helps and don’t forget to wash in cold water. Now a lot of women like their jeans to fit tight or back to how they originally fit, so with that being said if there is a 2-3% elastane in the fabric content you can throw them in the dryer and they will go back to size, they might feel like they have shrunk, but your jeans only shrink a ¼” in length the first time you wash them, otherwise if you don’t care about them fitting tight again, you can just hang them to dry. Keeping your jeans out of the dryer will ensure that the material doesn’t thin out to fast and that your jeans will have a long life.
 An odd, but effective way of cleaning your jeans, throwing them in a freezer bag and putting them in the freezer. Although it’s a weird concept, by putting them in the freezer it  kills the bacteria and scent without actually breaking down the material. Now I wouldn’t suggest doing this every time you want to wash your jeans, but it’s definitely a good method to throw in the mix once in a while. Raw denim which means has 0% elastane in it is a whole different cleaning method. With raw denim you want to refrain from washing them for a minimum of 6 months. Raw denim is super stiff and not as common for women as it is for men, but the denim only gets better with age and for the best fades and to preserve the dye you are not supposed to wash your jeans for months. In that case that’s where the freezer trick comes in handy a lot. 
  No one wants to spend $250 on a pair of jeans and have them rip, fade or tear shortly after purchasing them. I know that with following these simple, but effective washing techniques, you will stretch the lifespan of those favourite you are not yet ready to part with.

 

FUR IS BACK

FUR IS BACK

…is it fur you?

Fur has made a huge return to the fashion industry in recent years. From high-end fashion couture to street style, it is now being seen everywhere.  Although faux fur gained in popularity after animal activists were successful in getting people not to wear real fur, it seems the real thing is back and hotter than ever.

Fur - The ultimate cover up

Wearing a fur coat is not only a fashion statement; it’s an extremely versatile piece to have in your wardrobe. Cropped fur jackets are perfect to wear with high-waisted pants and skirts. Paired with a simple top and a statement necklace, it’s an easy yet chic look. For a more edgy vibe, pair your cropped jacket with a leather mini skirt and knee high socks. Long fur coats are perfect for a very sophisticated look or pulling together a bohemian style outfit.  If sophistication is your goal, team your coat with a sleek dress, dark tights and heels, or maybe leather pants and pumps for a night out on the town. To achieve the bohemian inspired outfit, pair your coat with a long flowery dress and knee-high boots.

A vested interest

Yes, the fur look can be achieved without the high cost of a full coat. Many fashionistas are re-introducing themselves to fur with a simple, yet elegant vest.  A fur vest is great to pair with anything and everything. Many celebrities, including Kim Kardashian along with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have made fur a red carpet favourite. They know it makes a statement when the rest of their outfit is well balanced. A vest is perfect to dress up by layering it over a dress or skirt for added warmth and style. To achieve a casual, yet cool outfit, pair your vest with a pair of skinny jeans and sneaker wedges or try putting your vest over a leather jacket for a really fun look.  Teaming your vest with all black is great for an outfit that can take you from day to night. Wear it with leather pants, a black sweater and black fur and you’re good to go!

Just a hint

Whether a fur hat, lined boots, gloves, or a neck warmer, you can add a touch of fur to any outfit without having to fully commit to a vest or coat. Faux or real, it’s an added fashion option for you. Retailers, including Canada’s Mendocino, are quickly realizing that fashion-conscious customers are warming up to fur in their wardrobes.  They, and others, are offering a large assortment of fashion items featuring fur or the fur-look.

Yes, fur is back!

The natural fur industry received a huge boost when super model Naomi Campbell reversed her stance on the fur issue. Shortly after appearing in a PETA ad opposing fur, she shook up the fashion industry (and animal rights activists) by walking the runway wearing a natural fur coat.  Then, she posed for a highly-publicized photo session wearing ‘just’ a fur coat! Even though the activists were outraged, it was clear the tide was changing. The trend back to fur had begun.  The natural fur industry has been celebrating ever since.