Keeping your stripes in line
February 18, 2010 12:58 PM
Self-actualization, when it comes to dressing yourself, is knowing exactly what looks good on you and what doesn’t. However, even if you are able to achieve this and step out of your house every day looking like Audrey Hepburn, no one is perfect. Shit happens, as they say, and you must be prepared for your outfit to develop a few flaws. Here is how to deal with these flaws and always look put-together.
Co-dependency issues
So you throw on your favourite silk dress, and much like your last annoying boyfriend, it decides that it doesn’t ever want to be separated from you. The easiest thing to do is rub a dryer sheet on the inside of the dress. But if you’re like me and can’t afford such luxuries as dryer sheets, hairspray will work too. Just make sure you spray far enough away from the material to avoid marking it; testing spots on a less visible part of the garment is a good idea.
Always on the run
The only thing easier than putting on tights is causing a huge run while doing it. Once again, hairspray is a good quick fix, but your best bet is to put some clear nail polish at the very top of the ladder. If the material is thick enough, stitching up the run is also a good idea. To prevent runs before they happen, make sure your nails aren’t jagged, bunch up your tights to the foot and inch them up your leg.
Blotchy complexion
Especially on red wine nights, stains can happen so easily. The most common reaction is to rub it frantically off your dress, but don’t do it! Blot it with cold water or club soda immediately, and then use a pre-laundry treatment as soon as you get home. After you wash it in cold water, be sure to check if the stain is still on your garment before throwing it in the dryer or ironing it. Both of these foolish heat-oriented actions will set the stain for good.
Detached
Manufacturers always throw an extra button somewhere on garments for good measure. But unless you have a button box (you should), you may think you’re screwed once one goes missing or falls off. If you’re away from a sewing box and an extra button, the quickest way to solve this is to use a paperclip or a bobby pin. Luckily, haphazard is in, so when you can get your hands on a button, don’t worry if it doesn’t match the others. If your reaction to this is, “But my mom/grandma is far, far away! Who will sew it on?!” don’t even start with me. Learn how to sew; if everyone in the army can, you can too. At almost 2,500 hits on YouTube, there is no shortage of educational aids.
Can’t keep it up
There’s nothing more frustrating than finishing off your outfit with your favourite skirt only to step into the hem as you’re putting it on.
Don’t freak out because this is easy to fix. If you’re dealing with cotton, tape might work but it won’t be a hundred per cent reliable.
Your best bet is safety pins, if you can attach them blindly. This means that you catch the inner layer of the material only so that you can’t see the metal of the pin on the outside. This will look a lot cleaner than the results a stapler will produce.
Won’t stay put
When you spend time getting dressed, chances are you look exactly the way you want to... for about five minutes. Things slide and shift, especially necklines and bra straps. For these common mishaps, double-sided fashion tape was invented. Invest in a roll of this; the fact that you’ll be able to wear a bra with your low-cut tops and dresses will make it more than worth it.
Poor sole
The difficulties that come with walking in sky-high heels can be overcome, but one thing that doesn’t come with practice is making your soles less slippery. The first thing you should try is sandpaper, but don’t rub too hard and steer clear of the material on the top of the shoe. If sandpaper doesn’t work, carefully spray hairspray on the sole of your shoe, or cut duct tape out in the shape of the sole and stick that on. The perfect solution if you’re out is to soak a piece of paper towel in coke and rub that on the sole of your shoe. Let it dry before walking, and again, be careful to avoid the upper material.
Salty disposition
As if winter isn’t frustrating enough, you always arrive at your destinations with salt-stained boots. Not only does salt leave unsightly marks, but it’s also damaging to leather and suede. If it’s leather you’re dealing with, dip a cloth in undiluted white vinegar and wipe the stain. For suede, do the same, but be sure to thoroughly rinse the area with warm water afterwards. Those of us interested in fashion will always assert that form comes before function. However, when something is malfunctioning to the point that it won’t stay in one piece, it looks messy or it causes injury, the argument ends. So don’t feel bad about your mishaps and remember these easy solutions to keep your stylish outfit at its most stylish.
