London Treasures from Fashion Week

I am salivating over the shoes from London Fashion Week. Two pairs that have particularly captured my fancy (and have me scheming and lusting after them) are the low heeled animal print with the embellished toe featured at the Burberry Prorsum show, and the gold open toed booties that shone on the runway at L’Wren Scott. Very different, but so spectacular!

Best Foot Forward

Much as I’m loving a number of the creations at NY Fashion Week, it is the footwear that has sparked my interest. I am especially in love with what I saw from Zero + Maria Cornejo’s showing. There was a pair of beautifully constructed heels in white, red, and black that would sizzle with any number of outfits. But my favorite had to be the slouchy boots the color of dried blood or desert earth–let’s face it, the color escapes my power to describe it. But the look is fresh and gorgeous, and I’m sure I’ll dream about them tonight.

In Praise of Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week for Fall 2013 is here, and I want to squee like a little girl. Fashion Week always make me smile and feel a bit giddy. The idea of seeing what designers have been up to and will send down the runway captures the imagination. I’ll never be able to afford these outfits, but a girl can dream–and plan how to incorporate similar elements into her wardrobe.

I also love to see the make-up and hairstyles on the models. How different will Alexander Wang‘s models look from Marc Jacobs? What will Prabal Gurung‘s girls be sporting? Will there be a trace resemblance to his Target line? Will models be back to the bright red lip, or will they feature nude lipstick? Will eyes be smoky again? Will high ponytails flounce down the runway?

So many questions–can’t wait to get the answers!

Show Your Dry Cleaner Some Love

Do you have a special relationship with your dry cleaner? No, not that kind! I mean, do you feel comfortable talking to your cleaner about stains on your clothes, or special cleaning needs, or hemming your new skirt?

If the answer is no, then you are wasting a precious resource. A good dry cleaner is worth their weight in bling. Your dry cleaner should be your partner in keeping your clothes looking fresh and new, in eliminating stains from items, and in altering clothes so that they look as if they were custom-made for you.  Here are a few tips that will help you strengthen your partnership with your cleaner:

• When you buy a new garment, always check the care instructions. Care instructions for dry clean-only garments are noted on the care label sewn inside the garment. Although some clothes with a dry clean only label may be washed, dry cleaning is the preferred method, especially if a garment is lined.
• If you spill something on a garment, blot the stain–do not rub it. Use a clean, white cloth. Do not apply water or club soda—these may spread or set the stain.
• Always show your dry cleaner any clothing that requires spot treatment. Do not assume your clothes will be inspected before they are cleaned.
• Ask your dry cleaner for a price list for basic alterations–hemming pants or a skirt, for instance, or taking in a seam. This list arms you with the data you need to decide if that great garment you found at a consignment shop or outlet, but that was just a bit too large/long, is worth buying when you tack the cost of alterations on.
• If you don’t have a favorite dry cleaner, ask friends for recommendations. At Doris’ Closet, we have a list of cleaners that come highly recommended from our customers.

Your cleaner should be your partner in your quest to look terrific.