Saturday, December 29, 2007
MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
Q. How can I get wrinkles out of a cashmere sweater? I’m afraid to use a steamer in case the moisture damages the cashmere. The washing instructions call for dry-cleaning.
A. Judging by the amount of cashmere in the stores and catalogs this holiday season, a lot of people will soon have cashmere-care questions. The key is to handle the delicate material with care.
Steaming is actually the best way to smooth out the wrinkles in cashmere, which tolerates moisture well. If you don’t have a steamer, lay your sweater flat on the ironing board, hold the iron about a half-inch above the garment, and direct bursts of steam from the iron onto the wrinkles. Or place a thin, damp cloth on top of the sweater, then touch up the wrinkles with the iron using extremely light pressure.
If the sweater feels damp after steaming, lay it flat on a thick towel or drying rack to air-dry.
As for the cleaning instructions, keep in mind that manufacturers often recommend dry-cleaning to protect themselves in cases of careless washing. If a cashmere sweater is stained, dry-cleaning is the answer. But too-frequent dry-cleanings can damage delicate fibers. A better option for routine cleaning is hand-washing in lukewarm water with a mild liquid detergent.
Gently swish the sweater around in the sudsy water but do not scrub or wring it. Leave it to soak for about 10 minutes, then rinse it repeatedly in lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
Gently press out excess water, then roll the sweater in a thick, dry towel and press again. Finally, lay the sweater on a towel or drying rack, smooth it into shape, and allow it to air-dry away from direct sunlight or heat vents.
Q. Is mixing gold and silver jewelry a fashion faux pas? My rings are gold, but my favorite new earrings are sterling silver.
A. You get a pass from the fashion police. Mixing metals gets a green light.
Q. I recently ordered a gold silk blouse from a catalog. I plan to wear it with black velvet pants or a dark-green taffeta skirt to a number of holiday parties. The problem? The blouse gaps between the buttons in the bust area. I don’t want to pin it because that might leave holes in the silk. Scotch tape and masking tape don’t work. How do I close the gap?
A. You are one of several readers having gapping problems with blouses or crossover tops and dresses. Here is a recap of solutions suggested in the past:
Privacy Strips ($2.99 for 10). These are 2-inch strips with adhesive on each side. Designed to keep blouses, wrap tops and skirts closed and bra straps hidden, they provide a strong hold, but peel off easily without leaving residue. Order at privacystrips.com or (877) 599-5998.
Hollywood Fashion Tape ($6.95 for 36). Another double-sided apparel tape, it is available at Bella boutique in Winter Park, Fla., or order at hollywoodfashiontape.com.
Bosom Button ($12 each or $25 for a set of three). These decorative snap-on/snap-off buttons keep clothes from gapping without damaging the fabric. Buttons come in a variety of colors and finishes, including crystal, pearl, jet, silver and topaz. Available at ZouZou boutique, Orlando, Fla., or bosombutton.com.
Lost & found
Lost: Irene wants to know: Does anyone make socks that actually fit your feet anymore? The one-size-fits-almost-all are too large and uncomfortable.
Teri is looking for women’s jeans by Tapemeasure, which she used to be able to find at Dillard’s. And Betty from Melbourne, Fla., is trying to find Anton men’s cologne.
Found: Good news for Denise, who is looking for a thin, absorbent cotton towel for wrapping around her head after washing her hair. Readers suggest the following: Turbie Twist and Twisty Towel, cotton towels that self-fasten into a turban, are available at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linens ‘n Things and many online sites. Aquis Hair Towel, made from superabsorbent microfiber, is available at Sephora stores and sephora.com. Similar quick-drying towels can be found at Target, and an eight-pack of thin cotton towels is available at Sam’s Clubs.