• It goes without saying that your wardrobe, drawers and shelves should be thoroughly hoovered, dusted and cleaned a couple of times a year. This will help with moth infestations and generally keep your clothes nice.

• 

  Moth Box by http://www.totalwardrobecare.co.uk

  Keep an eye out for moth infestations, which can do heartbreaking damage to your beautiful pieces, especially the woollens. It is well worth putting proprietary moth repellants in your wardrobe as a preventative measure.

• Do put high summer clothes and high winter clothes into storage when out of season to make more room in your wardrobe. Put light summer dresses, skirts, trousers and beach wear away in winter. Put heavy knitwear, skirts, trousers, dresses and coats away in summer.

• Ideally ensure items are clean before storing away (moths love dirty clothes!). Put in a moth repellant and store in boxes, garment bags or vacuum bags to protect them. For longer term storage, ie. items of sentimental value that you will no longer wear, do wrap them in acid free paper too. There are special services provided for Wedding dresses that will do it for you.

• 

  Rubber Non-Slip Hanger by http://www.totalwardrobecare.co.uk

  Claim back some more space in your wardrobe by using slim, rubberized hangers, which take up the minimum amount of space and are non-slip. You will also need some slightly thicker ones for jackets and coats as well as those with a hanging bar and/or clips for skirts and trousers. And excuse me for getting a bit “Mommie Dearest” here, but do throw away those dreadful wire hangers!!

• Organise your clothing into sections and then colours. Ie. Put all the trousers together, then Skirts, Shirts/tops, Dresses, Suits, Jackets, Coats. The following items will be kept in drawers or shelves: Knitwear, Jeans, T-shirts and vests, Loungewear, Beachwear, Outdoor/sportswear, Lingerie.  Then, within each section it can be helpful to group them into colours from light to dark.

• If you have bikinis, or even matching underwear, try putting the sets in clear ziplock freezer bags so that you keep the two parts together! This works well for separating different coloured and patterned tights too, which usually get tangled up in one big knot.

• Scarves and pashminas deserve a drawer to themselves, or consider putting a curtain rod on the inside of a wardrobe door to hang them from.

• Bags
  

  Michael Michael Kors

  are best stored somewhere where you can see them all! If you don’t see them, you won’t use them! Do stuff them with tissue or newspaper to keep their shape and give them a dusting every so often.

• Belts can be coiled up and held with an elastic band before keeping in a drawer. Alternatively hang them from hooks attached to the inside of a wardrobe door.

• Jewelry should also be displayed so that you can easily see what is available to go with your outfit selection. Again, attaching pretty hooks to the inside of a wardrobe door is a great way to do this.

• In an ideal world we will all have the space for an extensive shoe rack! Sadly that is  often not the case. If yours are lying in a great big shoe heap then it might be worth you putting some in boxes and storing elsewhere. But do put a photo of the shoes on each box to make finding them easy!

• It can be really helpful to keep a record of outfit ideas, lay them out on the floor or bed, by photographing them on your iPhone or digital camera. This way, when you are devoid of inspiration you can flick through your own iWardrobe of possibilities!

Spring and Autumn are great times to refresh your wardrobe, swap over your cool and warm weather items, and get you organised for the new season ahead!

Angela Weyers

www.mystylistlondon.com

A good pair of golf shoes is the first thing you’ll need. Be sure to buy shoes that fit your feet comfortably because you’ll spending lots of time on your feet during a game of golf. The first few games might be a bit painful as you break the shoes in but that can be minimized by wearing them off the course or to the driving range a few times before going a full 18-hole round of golf in them. Your spikes will need to be appropriate for the courses that you’ll play most often. Most U.S. courses, for instance, require soft spike shoes.

Golf balls are also a good idea to purchase when it comes to beginner golf equipment. You will most likely lose plenty of balls at first. It can take time to find the ball that best matches your personal style of golf. One good suggestion to consider as a beginning golfer looking for the right equipment is to buy recycled golf balls. Recovered from the water hazards on golf courses, recycled balls are available in large packages on mixed brands. This method gives you an inexpensive way to try out various brands to find the best fit for you.

You will also need to invest in golf club head covers. Good golf clubs are an investment. You can easily spend a few hundred dollars on even a beginners set of clubs. You need to protect that investment in order to lengthen the life and usefulness of your clubs by investing in quality head covers to protect them from banging in to one another in the bag, the back of your closet, and during the drive to and from the golf course.

You can find all styles of covers from plain to whimsical so look for ones that reflect your personal style. There are tremendous advantages you will experience when you apply what you know about learn more here. Take action on this because that is the only thing that will help you.

Hoping will not get it done, and we know you realize that; but then again so many people do yet that is all they do. There is really a form of momentum in our lives, and the hard part for most is just simply getting started.

Half the battle with anything is making decisions and following through with them. As you can see, we are not done yet – please keep reading to learn more.

Few items are as essential to a good game of golf as the ones mentioned above. New golfers need all the help they can get. These items are not horribly expensive and will greatly impact the quality of your game and your enjoyment of it. Buying the smaller pieces of equipment now will make it easier to invest in the larger pieces of equipment later to help kick your game up a notch.

The car only came with a driver side front seat belt. So, I’m adding the rest of the seat belts. I just got this cheap seat belt on ebay. Maybe I’ll upgrade to some better, nicer seat belts later, but this will be fine for now

The right rear seat pan has holes for seat belts.

The left rear seat pan has no seat belt holes. 

Here’s the bolt coming through to the bottom of the car.

Washer, lock washer and nut with thread luck.

And here’s a new rear seat belt. I think I will get some better looking ones like this later.

Jewelry:  As a general rule- Large earrings, small necklace or small necklace, large earrings. Balance your jewelry pieces so that they don’t compete with each other or what you’re wearing.

Scarves, hats, belts: Again, balance is key! Don’t overdo it- sometimes less is more

Make-up: As a former make-up artist, I’m all for creative looks, however, all you really need is:

• Amazing, well groomed brows
• Fabulous lashes (achieved with great mascara or with falsies)
• Lip color

Shoes: Play around with shoes to make sure they complement your outfit in the right way. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a poor shoe choice ruin an outfit. Check the shoe color, heel height and details of the shoe with your selected outfit. If you’re a bit unsure about it, that’s a sign that you need to keep going until you get the right shoe.

Handbags: Contrary to popular belief, shoes and handbags do NOT have to match!! Once upon a time, this was the case, but no more! They should coordinate, but not match like twinkies. If you must match your handbag to anything, match it with your accessories.  That way you have subtle hints in different places that play on one another. Other than that, choose a handbag or clutch that simply complements  your outfit.

Before you head out the door, take a spin in front of a full length mirror and do one final check, then you’re good to go! 

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

~Stephanie Marlis

Fresh! Boutique’s parade of upscale options extends to its accessories as well. Keggy’s Basking in Basketweave belt is the foolproof vintage accessory to compliment your dainty Derby dress, while a Hip to be Square belt easily polishes off your under the gown graduation look.

Stop by Fresh! Boutique soon to be styled to perfection and be sure to check out the latest Keggy collection of belts and rings.

FRESH! BOUTIQUE
10749 Falls Road
Lutherville, MD 21093
443.901.0097
Hours: M-F 10am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm

Pictured (from left to right): Earrings by Lionette, Belts by Keggy, Bag by JPK Bags, Pink Dress by Lavender Brown, Necklace by Rachel Mulherin, Rings by Keggy, Maxi Dress by Tart

There are so many styles, types, and colors that a person can choose from when buying a belt.

Skinny belts – Skinny belts are typically worn around the waist or the hips for a fashionable look. They are popular in the office setting and can also go along with summer dresses.

Thick belts – These belts are typically worn with dresses that flow. These are worn around the waist that gives a person a slimming look. Sometimes a thick belt is just the right accessory for a plain dress.

Braided belts – Typically worn by women, braided belts are the most fashionable belts. They go with almost any outfit and can add color, style, and texture.

Scarf belts – Scarf belts are exactly what the name says. Scarves are used as belts for an extra pop of color or style with an outfit.

Obi belts – An obi belt is more of a type of sash rather than a belt. It resembles a belt because it too is worn around the waist. It can be tied either at the front or the back and is typically worn with dresses.

Other styles of belts include: studded belts, beaded belts, printed belts, and woven belts.

Written by: Andrea Marie Luistro

Photo Sources:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vCTCS1FN-Nc/TTZSm5NjaLI/AAAAAAAAAKA/HOFLvYf51FQ/s1600/belt2.jpg

http://www.voglue.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/stretch-belt-540×317.jp

Sounds easy enough, but you may find or have found that dyeing leather black can come with complications. Streaking, fading, and pigment rub off can be common issues. Good news is that these issues are usually relatively easy to fix.

Is you are a newbie at leather crafting you may not know that when you dye leather black you HAVE TO finish it! If not you get pigment rub off. It can come off on clothes, skin, car seats, or anything else that leather article may come in contact with. If you have dyed your leather, rubbed off all the excess pigment possible, finished your leather,  and are still getting the pigment rub off, it could be because you didn’t let the leather completely dry after dyeing. This has then caused the pigment to suspend in the finish and still be on the surface. To avoid this you can wait until the dye soaks into the leather and then take a clean (lint free) cloth or rag and rub the surface of the leather. This gets the excess pigment off and readies it for finishing.

Most people find that on their first go-round with dyeing leather, whether it is black or any other color, is that it can come out streaked. It’s almost like the effect you get when taking a colored marker and try to color a big area… the color just isn’t even. This can be easily resolved by putting on another coat of black and using a black finish to aid in evening out the black.

If you are doing other colors besides black try cutting down your dye with alcohol (if you are using an alcohol dye). There is no special formula to how much you should cut it down… just remember you can always add more dye but can’t take it away!

Fiebing’s Company makes two great black finishes that work wonders for the final finish on black, Black Acrylic Resolene and Black Leather Balm.

Want to learn more about dyeing leather black as well as tips and tricks along the way check out our video, where Kevin and Rusty break down simple fixes for getting that true black color! Click Here!

Also check out our YouTube Channel for more helpful videos

Springfield Leather Company’s Helpful Leather Crafting Tips and Tricks

Have Spare Tissue?

Do you ever find yourself with packs of tissue paper but not gift bags? Here’s a way to use all of that spare tissue paper in a fun, creative, DIY way.  Try layering different colors of tissue paper for a simple yet eye-catching look.

Boxed Treasures

For an assortment of smaller gifts, keep them all together in a wooden box like this one.  These cases are usually only a few dollars from a craft store. Fill it up with filler grass and organize the individual gifts for a completely aesthetic presentation.

Make It a Piece of Art

If you’re ithe creative type, share something special by designing original art and showcasing it on top of the wrapped gift like this one. It’ll be a present to remember, and hopefully the person receiving the gift will want to keep it as a way to remember that special day.

Rolls of Fun

For odd-shaped or tubular presents, try the Tootsie Roll twist. Depending on the fabric you choose, you can make this gift fit any occasion and stand out, too. Then, with two short strings, you can tie simple bows around the ends and voila!

Thinking Outside the Box (or Bag)

You can find many interesting alternatives to the traditional wrapped gift or gift tote at any  container Store – just use your creativity! Look for a container that goes with the theme of your gift, add a ribbon and bow, and presto! You’ve created a one of a kind gift presentation, and a gift within a gift!

Do you have a gift wrapping idea? Share it with us! – Cute Beltz

Toddler Belts & Kids Belts

It may not be particularly ground breaking to report that shorts are going to become an inspiring piece of menswear this spring summer season. However, what you should be aware of is the style of shorts that are likely to become famous and the items you choose to pair them with.

It is clear that a more traditionally tailored style will be favoured by the majority of the main street come spring summer trends 2013, and as most popular magazines writes: It’s all about the slim cut from hip & hem this season.

The haute couture designers also demonstrated a penchant for shorts paired with blazers. The concept of the shorts suit (aka a suit jacket worn with matching shorts) has been simmering within spring summer collections for several years now.
Checkout latest seasonal collection of coloured men shorts at http://www.elitify.com.

http://www.elitify.com/clothing/shorts.html

The continuation of this trend for the past two summers makes coloured pants or chinos even more appealing for the bright summer months coming.
Inversely, if you’re yet to get on the bright bandwagon, now is the right time for you to be purchasing the popular coloured pants or chinos that would effortlessly be a popular trend this summer.

We hope to rightly assume you are already well stocked in a plethora of brighter leg wear.
It’s just a matter of you finding a pair you like. Here are a few at: http://www.elitify.com/clothing/casual-trousers.html

Vacuum cleaner belts are one of the most frequently changed components on most vacuum cleaners.  Belts stretch, slip, melt, fray, break and occasionally just dismount.  If you find yourself in need of a new belt, it’s important to check things out while you’re working with your machine.

Most belts are easily accessed by removing the brush guard on the bottom of your vacuum, or by removing the hood over the brush roll.  Your vacuum’s instruction manual will guide you in accessing the belt.  Once you’ve reached the belt, stop and look it over.  How is your belt damaged?  The nature of the belt’s failure can tell you something of what’s going on with your vacuum.

A stretched belt that is slipping will have a shiny inner surface, and may also show some cracking.  Slipping can cause melting damage to some brush rolls, so carefully inspect the surface where the belt makes contact, and make sure it is not damaged.  A stretched out belt is not out of the ordinary – and doesn’t necessarily mean that there are any other problems with your vacuum.  Because rubber belts get pretty warm during normal operation, and are stretched to ensure the necessary tension to drive the brush roll, stretching / relaxing of the belt material occurs naturally over time.  Some vacuum models use a fiber reinforced belt, which cannot stretch, and tends to last a lot longer.  These belts usually have small “teeth” around their inner circumference, and mount to a pulley and brush that have corresponding “teeth” to ensure a no-slip grip.  This type of belt requires much less frequent replacement than the more common ”flat” rubber belt.

A break in the belt can occur with extreme wear or cracking in dry environments, or can commonly occur when the brush is stopped abruptly by a carpet’s edge, a stray sock, or other objects.  In many cases, if the brush roll is not maintained regularly, animal hair or human hair or other long fibers can collect on the brush and interfere with the belt’s grip on the brush, or create extra fiction at the brush’s bearing ends.  Always check your brush for hair or other fibers and make an effort to maintain a cleared brush.  If you find that your brush does not turn freely or seems stiff to turn, or if there is any melting damage at the bearing ends, it is important to replace the brush with a new one.  A poorly performing brush will eat belts quickly, and may cause other damage to the vacuum cleaner.

When replacing your belt, be sure to use the recommended belt for your vacuum.  Using the right belt ensures proper tension and performance – a belt that is too tight can cause premature wear to your brush (and the belt) – a belt that is too loose will slip / melt / not turn the brush.  Your vacuum cleaner’s instruction manual will tell you what belt to use.  Many vacuum cleaners display belt information right on the model label, or on a label near the brush roll.  Always use the right belt!  If you’re not sure where to get a new one (or a new brush roll), you can always look to us at www.NelsonAppliance.com . We are happy to help you figure which belt is right for your machine, and supply you any parts you need.

Tip – always check the floor (especially under the bed or the coffee table) for any loose objects that might get pulled into the vacuum BEFORE you start vacuuming!

It is light as a feather – knit with a fine alpaca lace yarn with a little merino wool and nylon for elasticity and “memory”.

Stock image.

I had a new experience at the weekend… I attended my first clothes swap and it was brilliant!

I’ve heard about clothes swaps before and even intended to go along to one I’d heard about a couple of years ago but never managed to make it in the end, so the concept of clothes swapping was pretty much forgotten for me after that. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I received a Facebook invite to a clothes swap taking place just outside of Sheffield city centre, to raise funds for a mission trip.

I decided to go along and try it out but I wasn’t sure what to expect although, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting it to be a great experience. It sounded too good to be true to simply take along a selection of unwanted garms and expect to replace them with fab, new additions to your wardrobe.

So, I turned up at St Thomas’ Church Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon with a couple of friends and a mild hangover. We each paid our £4 to get in and handed over our carrier bags of clothing that we no longer had a use for.

“Bring what you don’t use, take what you need.”

We were greeted by a selection of tables, rails and even radiators that were draped with clothes, hats and belts, along with a selection of shoes and bags arranged on the floor. I sceptically began rifling through the clothes on the first table I came to and was thrilled when I pulled out a top that was totally my style. My friend followed suit with an item of clothing that took her fancy and then that was it, we were well and truly away, and my hangover was long forgotten!

All three of us managed to find a good few items that we liked, so we were chuffed. The ethos of this clothes swap was “Bring what you don’t use, take what you need.” All clothes, shoes, accessories and even bedding were accepted as long as they were clean and in good condition, so there was a good selection of quality items to choose from – no moth eaten, sweaty t-shirts to be found here.

This event even provided guests with free refreshments, so as we took a break from our swapping to enjoy a cup of tea and slice of flapjack, I was thrilled to spot a couple of people picking up items of clothing from the table that I had donated. It was a buzz to see the items of clothing that you no longer had a use for going to a good home!

Apparently, clothes swaps began in the early 1980s, in response to the increase in consumer culture and they have grown in popularity ever since. It’s a thrifty way to revive your wardrobe and be environmentally conscious at the same time, ensuring unwanted clothing does not simply go to waste.

You can read more here about the clothes swapping sensation in America.

I left the event with a lovely knitted green dress, a beach dress and a belt, and my friends took away a selection of treats too. I, personally, am now a clothing swap convert and cannot wait to find another local event to attend!

In 2012, 72 Smalldive launched a sundry collection called Back to Basics. This is a ‘perenial’ collection that offers a range of well made colour-coordinated sundry items for customers who love to make a impact to their daily ensemble without overt fussing & preening. The Back to Basic range consists of wallets, belts, and convertible wallet bags for both men and women. All Back to Basics items are handmade by two adopted artisan workshops in Milan.

In 2012, 72 Smalldive launched a sundry collection called Back to Basics. This is a ‘perenial’ collection that offers a range of well made colour-coordinated sundry items for customers who love to make a impact to their daily ensemble without overt fussing & preening.

The utilitarian convertible wallet and cross body bag un-suprisingly finds its way to win the affection of many of our women customers who love this wallet for its versatility and its capacity. Our convertible wallet could fit not only 8 bank cards, bank notes, but also your iPhone, passport, and coins! The detachable strap also allows the user to carry it as a bag.

We have since updated the convertible wallet in various leather material. Seen on this slide presentation are those made in ALCE leather hide, a textured top grain leather with a protective coat. The rich texture of the top grain leather gives the product a highly elegant sheen that does only proud to the carrier!