I feel like women spend a lot of time talking about wardrobe staples and not a whole lot of time talking about wardrobe tools. Things that make your clothes last longer, and look their best. Things that save you time, money and a lot of heartache. Here are three of my essentials.
1.Steamer:
I feel like steamers are the best kept secret of the clothing industry, and honestly I don’t know why they aren’t just as much a household staple as an iron. Steamers do the job of an iron, in a fraction of the time and without damaging the clothes the way irons often do. I didn’t buy myself a steamer until I started my clothing line and then I was like “why didn’t I get one of these years ago?!” With a little bit of practice you can pleat or crease just as crisply as with an iron without worrying about putting that shiny iron mark on your clothes or melting the fabric. Heat and fabric are not friends and if you want your clothes to last longer and still look professionally pressed, pass on the iron in favor of the steamer. I personally feel that steamers release wrinkles much better than an iron, and they also work great as refresh for your clothing and do wonders on your second-day jeans. Steamers can kill household germs and bacteria without all the harsh chemicals and they are also fantastic for using around the house on linens and curtains. And let me tell you when my linen duvet comes out of the dryer more wrinkled than you can imagine, I take my steamer to it and it’s crisp in no-time. I have this really really amazing professional grade steamer (which is made in the USA, woot woot Jiffy!), and it can steam non-stop for like two hours without needing a break. I’m in love with it. But I started with a small $30 steamer and honestly it was amazing, took up almost no room and did the job like a champ. You can pick up a starter steamer at any Walmart or Target. I really like this one, and this one and I really really want this one for when I travel.
I remember the first time I saw one of these tide pens in the grocery store, I was a little skeptical, but I was willing to give it a try. These things seriously changed my life. I mean, they actually do what they say they will do, and how many products really live up to that? Not many. I bought them at first because I’m a mom, and let’s face it, we get goobers wiped on us all the time, but I cannot believe how many different ways I use these things. I can’t tell you how many whoopsies have been undone by one of these pens, it’s has dramatically reduced the amount of wardrobe changes for both me and the littles throughout the day, and cut down on my laundry pile. I keep one in my purse at all times for those on-the-go stains that happen, but these are also great way to cut down on those dry cleaning bills as well. When I get a spot on one of my dry-clean only items I just take a tide-pen to area, run the steamer across the item and voila! I just bought myself these tide to-go erasers, and I can’t wait to see if they work as well as the pens.
Every woman should have her very own tape measure. Even if you don’t sew in the least bit, it is still a good idea to have one on hand. I’m a big believer in knowing your own body, and part of that is understanding your measurements. You can pick up a tape measure for around three dollars, but it’s such a valuable tool, especially if you do any amount of online shopping. Sizing across clothing labels varies so widely, it’s almost impossible to be the “same size” in every brand. Shipping exchanges back and forth can be costly and even worse can take a lot of time. If you understand your own measurements you can avoid frustration and get a better fit on the first try. I even keep one in my purse for when I’m out and about shopping, and I use it more than you might think. I like this breast cancer awareness one, by Singer. I mean, it’s pink.
We love our steamer, too. Everyone always comments on how crisp and nice my husband’s dress shirts are. The secret – the steamer!
Love these ideas! I just bought a measuring tape this weekend. i agree, it’s soo good to know your REAL measurements and it helps in making things fit!
I have a tape measure hanging on my belt rack. It is handy for on-line shopping and many other things. I want a steamer. I’ll have to try the stain remover pen. Because, I have a stain-remover stick that is way to big to carry around in my purse. The stick works wonder on stains too.
i think you’ve convinced me on the steamer. ironing is not my forte, nor do i enjoy it one bit, really, and i am half tempted just to stop by the store this week and get one to try out.
I ALWAYS use a tape measure for shopping online. It’s so helpful! You’ve also convinced me to get a steamer. I loathe pulling out the ironing board! haha
I never thought about essentials to keeping those staple pieces in good condition but you are 100% right those three items are a must for anyone out there. I have a travel size steamer I use regularly and for now it works perfectly.
I think you just convinced me to get a steamer. Also, I love this fresh take on wardrobe staples!
LOVE Tide To Go pens! They don’t sell them in the UK but I will happily pay the shipping from the US because they are so good. I recommend them to everyone too.
Do you steam right there in the closet? How do you prevent the steam from rising and eventually doing damage to ceiling and trim? What about the bathroom with the exhaust vent on? Or am I being too critical? Does water drop from the steamer and onto the floor?
I’m fascinated by the idea of a steamer. Can anyone share their experiences? Any problems like I was wondering about above?
Thanks!
Love the steamer idea. I used to work at a clothing store and they really are amazing…I just never thought of using one at home. You’re right about the measuring tape too…I just recently started using one and it really is smart to know you’re exact measurements.
I too love my steamer, it’s so much easier to use than an iron and it doesn’t take as much time! I’ve never used a tide pen, but maybe I’ll pick one up on my next target trip.
I completely agree about the steamer. I have no idea how I lived without one before or why anyone would want to!
The Tide Erasures work so much better than the pens!!!! The pens leave a ring around your stain, but the erasures make it totally disappear! I always have 2 of them in my purse at all times!