Congratulations! You found the perfect piece of clothing, accessory, or shoe to add to your wardrobe! You feel like a fashion rockstar the first time you wear it. You receive lots of compliments and start getting ideas for the next outfit you will incorporate this special piece with. The first catwalk is complete, now what?
Taking proper care of a special piece is just as important as finding it in the first place. The Polished Professional is a proponent of the circular fashion commitment. This means that instead of subscribing to fast fashion that tends to be lower quality items for cheap prices, you instead spend the time and dollar investment in acquiring wardrobe items that will stand the test of every fashion trend. Taking care of high quality pieces is a better investment in the long run. You will save money, time, and hassle.
If you haven’t already, begin researching and testing the below suggestions in your local area or stores. Another suggestion is if you see someone wearing a perfectly tailored item, or a fresh looking leather bag, or heels with new heel tip, just ask them where they go for tailoring/dry cleaning/leather work/shoe work. Gain as much knowledge as possible to make sure you are going to the best service spots in your area.
(The below suggestions are specific to Clovis and Fresno, California.)
-WHO TO TAILOR?
Tailoring is arguably more of an art than the original construction of a piece. The proper tailoring of an item can make an outfit look entirely different. You need to understand the proportions of your unique body and how to accentuate and flatter your figure. (This goes for women AND men.) Keep in mind that just because a tailor is expensive, does not mean they are the best. As you discover and try out tailors in your area, it may be best to start with items you would not be devastated if they did not come out quite right (for example: a pair of jeans that are too long and need to be hemmed). I am still in progress on the right tailor in my area and welcome your suggestions in the comments!
-HOW TO WASH?
From my experience of handling pre-loved items, it is very important that if you ever want to re-sell an item that you use unscented laundry detergent. It is near impossible to get scented detergent out of clothes. It takes MANY washes and a long time. I have done research and trial and error with many “green” laundry detergents. My recommendations include: the unscented, organic liquid detergent by Whole Foods; the re-fillable powder detergent by Package Free Shop; and the re-fillable detergents and other laundry items from Zaytoona in Fresno’s River Park. These products do not leave a lingering scent.
Wash your clothes with like colors and fabrics (ex: whites, darks, colors, towels, etc.). Use hot and cold water appropriately for the fabric and never over-dry clothes. If anything, dry for a few minutes and then hang dry everything.
-WHERE TO DRY CLEAN?
It is HARD to find a dry cleaner where no residual smell is left on clothes. My all time favorite dry cleaner that I miss so much is Eco-Friendly Cleaners in Santa Barbara, CA. They even provide a re-usable bag that doubles as a garment bag when your clothes are ready to be picked up. The dry cleaner I have settled on in Fresno is Chateau Cleaners. The owners provide great customer service, their prices are reasonable, and they do a good job.
-WHAT TO BUY?
Quality over quantity, every time. A handful of fast fashion items may get you through a season, but their quality will deteriorate by the next season and they will be too trendy to be relevant again. You are better off investing in fewer, high quality, classic items that will stand the test of time. For my personal wardrobe, brands like Talbots, Banana Republic, Untuckit, and JCrew carry great staple pieces with a little detail or flare that keep them relevant in terms of style. Leather shoes and handbags will last MUCH longer than man made materials. Not to mention, leather shoes are more comfortable than man made materials (less sweaty feet and blisters). One of my favorite shoe brands is Sam Edlemen (discovered the brand from a thrift store high heel purchase back in 2014-ish).
-WHEN TO PURGE?
One of my wardrobe consulting clients taught me a great trick: on the same day, turn ALL of your closet hangers backwards so that they are facing the pole from the opposite side you would naturally place a hanger. Over the course of a period of time (3 months to 1 year), every time you pull out an item to wear, when you put it back, put the hanging item back normally. By the end of the time period, you will literally be able to see which hangers have not been touched and “set back normally”. These are the items to pull out and seriously evaluate if you need them. Now, there are exceptions for special occasion items (ex: ball gown/gala dress and you just haven’t been to an event lately or a suit for men) or other extremely sentimental items. So exercise discernment in what can go and what should stay.
-WHY CARE MATTERS?
Caring for your wardrobe matters, because clothes are what you live your life in. Everyone has a favorite go-to pair of jeans, or simple t-shirt, or dress, or jacket. These pieces are go-to’s because we feel good in them. Maybe its the comfortability of the item, maybe it brings back a memory or nostalgia, maybe you feel more proud of yourself. Clothes have meaning in our lives. Properly taking care of these items means we get to wear them longer. Taking ownership in your wardrobe is another way to care for yourself and how you show up in the world. As one of my mottos goes: Feel Your Best Everyday When You Get Dressed!