Okay, we've reached the point of winter where new snowfalls and freezing temperatures are starting to lose their charm, especially for our poor shoes. Are yours taking a beating? Of course, there are certain pairs you need to put away until warmer months, but with proper planning and care, you can still wear and preserve your favorite shoes through this chilly, brown-snow stretch of winter! Waterproof spray is your friend. Spray your leather, suede, and canvas shoes before you break them out! Beeswax makes a great natural waterproof-er for your canvas shoes. Rub a layer over the entire canvas surface before setting it with a blow-dryer. Wave goodbye to those water marks and salt stains on your prized leather boots. Mix a few drops of vinegar into a bowl of cold water and scrub the solution into the leather with a soft bristle brush. Otherwise, wipe down with water and half a squeezed lemon. Leave the boots to dry overnight. Besides washing, waterproofing, and polishing, you should semi-regularly CONDITION your leather boots. This literally adds years onto their lifespan. Think of the beating your leather takes against the water, salt, dirt, and grime of wintertime. As skin without the regular nourishment provided from a living body, leather will dry and eventually crack when it loses its natural oils and moisture. Leather conditioners prevent this breakdown, so don't hesitate to lather up! For a creative and cheap way to clean dirt off your delicate suede beauties, let a bread crust go stale, then gently rub stains with said crust until they disappear.
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Remember when we found out clear nail polish prevents ripped tights from running? Well, that's not all it does. Besides its obvious shiny-chic-nail qualities, this nifty veneer is also the cure for all your jewelry-stain needs. Do you LOVE wearing funky rings, but find that after a while, they often start coloring your fingers green? Don't fear, fashionistas — they're not fated for the garbage! Simply coat the inside of each ring with a couple coats of clear nail polish and voila: no more discoloring! Happy New Year! Now that January is underway, it’s time to get back to normal: resolutions to live up to (or not), holiday weight to lose, and work to restart. Where do all your shiny, metallic, sequined New Years pieces fit into the normality of the rest of the year? Don’t fret, fashionistas! Each shiny, crazy piece can fit seamlessly into an understated/casual look in any other month. This winter, dress that sequined top down with dark jeans, a fitted blazer, and leather boots and voila- you’ve got a perfect night-on-the-town look. Pair your cute albeit loud dress with dark tights, that same fitted blazer or cardigan, and sleek flats for a more casual but no less stunning ensemble. Throw one gold, metallic, or otherwise shiny accessory into an otherwise plain outfit- think a gold bangle and statement ring to glam up your office chic style, or an oversized necklace and earrings to spice up your classic Little Black Dress. Normal doesn’t have to mean boring! |
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AuthorFashion Know-How is written by Alyson Lincoln McHugh, owner of No. 9 Boutique in downtown Montpelier, VT. Hear Fashion Know-How every Saturday at 7:50 a.m. on WDEV. |