2) New accessories (cufflinks, ties, socks) can rejuvenate present wardrobe.

3) Shop with someone else to provide input.

4) Make sure new purchases will work with old favorites.

5) Have a  haberdasher you trust. Make sure this person keeps you posted on new trends.

6) No matter the look make sure your clothes are comfortable

Caring for (non-electric) blankets- At some point in time most blankets will need to be cleaned. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning instructions. In most cases blankets should be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cold to warm water and line dried and tumble dried low.

Most blankets can also be dry cleaned.

Wool is special- Wool blankets can either be of a woven or knit fabric construction and require special precautions when cleaning. Hot water or high dying temperatures may cause wool blankets to shrink and feel harsh and stiff. Even though you may follow the recommended care instructions, some wool blankets may still experience shrinkage. Just follow the instructions and usually the blanket will turn out fine.

Shirts undergo two types of abrasions. Flat abrasion occurs when the shirt rubs against another surface.  Flex abrasion refers to the stretching of fibres when the wearer bends an elbow or otherwise stretches the material.

Starch helps protect shirts by enabling then to withstand higher degrees of flat abrasion. However, since starch stiffens the fibres and makes them less flexible, it reduces the shirt’s ability to withstand flex abrasion.

Starch’s primary function is to add body or stiffness to a fabric resulting in little flexibility. The lack of flexibility causes the fabric to snap under extreme pressure rather than stretch. , decreasing the fabric’s tensile strength.

It all depends on how you want your shirts to look vs. how long you want them to last. The life expectancy of a shirt can be shortened by use of starches and sizings because these additives reduce the ability to bend, stretch and straighten during use. Balancing out those negatives are the bonuses of having better whiteness retention, a crisper look and increased stain resistance.

www.dlionline.org

The average cost of a good suit today varies between $1,000.00 and $3,000.00 and a quality silk tie is $75.00. When choosing a dress shirt a classic white dress shirt remains timeless. Accessorize your shirt and suit with pocket squares and cufflinks in a way to add a personal touch.

The advice for ladies is to keep it simple. Keep skirts hemmed to the knee, wear a low heel, easy on the makeup and have the purse match the shoes. Keep the look tailored and feminine especially in a business environment.

” I wondered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high over vales and hills
When all at once I saw a crowd
A host of golden daffodils
Beside the lake and beneath the trees
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze”

Our lives are so busy we seldom have a chance to sit still and “smell the daffodils.” It is almost impossible to make time our servant ,but we can try.

I can offer you at least 30 minutes of quality time by removing dry cleaning and laundry from your to do list. I can even have my staff do your personal laundry which really would contribute to your freedom.

I have wandered the hill country around Grassmere and in my minds eye I see the places again and again. I hope you recall the wonderful spots you have visited the same way and take the time to enjoy the experience.

Best of Luck,
Stuart Warner