A list of handy wardrobe care and beauty tools I use and recommend to clients. Click on the red links to purchase and bookmark this page for future use!

 

WARDROBE WELLNESS

Janie Stick This item removes oil-based stains on silk blouses even after they've been through the wash. Think salad dressing! It will save you so much money on dry cleaning.

Wine Away At a party once, I witnessed a guest spill an entire glass of red wine on a white upholstered couch. The hostess did not fret. She used this product on the stain and it disappeared within minutes. It can work on coffee and juice stains too.

Sweater Stone Cashmere and wool pill; it's natural. Less dense cashmere and wool pill faster than higher-quality versions. The Sweater Stone is an environmentally smart choice that will save you money on professional dry cleaning by removing pilling and balling with its unique pumice-like surface that lifts and trims fibers on sweaters. Pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and get after it! You won't regret it. 

Steamer There are less expensive, travel-sized steamers on the market but I hear mixed reviews. This model works just fine speaking from personal experience. Steam will freshen up armpits in blazers and keep your silk, lightweight wool, and cotton pieces wrinkle-free. Purchase locally at Grand & Benedicts.

Otter Wax All natural fabric and leather care from a Portland-based company!

 

ORGANIZATIONAL BLISS

Felted Hangers Space-saving and easy to use, replacing your random hangers with these babies will make your wardrobe feel like a boutique! Your blouses won't slip and you'll discover you have so much more room. Purchase locally at Grand & Benedicts.

Cedar Hangers Perfect for hanging blazers or suit jackets and trousers, these hangers have the added bonus of being made of moth deterrent cedar.

Industrial Wardrobe Rack Display your pretty things outside of a closet, use this when organizing, or store your overflow. Buy a sturdy one, not a flimsy one from Ikea. Purchase locally at Grand & Benedicts.

Clear Jewelry Storage Seeing your jewelry displayed beautifully in an airtight container that protects it from oxidizing makes all the difference in you being inspired to wear it. I love cases like these sitting atop a vanity. You can organize your jewelry by "family" so it's easy to grab and go.

Silver Tarnish Remover steps that are easy to do at home.

Battery Powered Stick On Lights Have a dark corner in your closet? I did until I got these! Now I can see everything clearly which makes finding what I want to wear so much easier. A simple solution for about $10.

Under Bed Storage Bin I have a small closet and I like to keep it clutter-free with a little space between the felted hangers so my clothes can breathe. I store out-of-season clothes, novelty items, sentimental pieces, and pants to revisit in a couple of pounds folded in four bins in our garage. I switch things out twice a year.

 

BEAUTY ROUTINE

Hairprint This natural product restores grey and white hairs to their original color (on brunettes and darker, not blondes or redheads yet). Check out the website, they have a tremendous amount of information and great customer service.

Temporary Spray-On Root Color by Bumble & Bumble.

Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste I've tried a ton of dry shampoos and this one steals the show! A little goes a long way, obliterating oil and adding volume.

Natural Deodorant Stick that works! I also love Schmidt's, created in Portland.

FootGloss Also created by a Portlander. This is for blister prevention while breaking in new shoes.

Jergen's Natural Glow is a way to get a natural-looking bronze glow on your legs come summer time. Exfoliate first, then apply the cream evenly. Wash your hands immediately afterward. Some clients prefer this organic self-tanner by Skinerals.

Anti-chafe Stick by MegaBabe will relieve you of the uncomfortable chafing on the inner thighs that can happen to the best of gals!

Nipple Covers are something I get asked about quite frequently. Erect nipples can be quite distracting especially in the workplace. In Europe, however, I see women sporting no bra confidently. It's a matter of personal preference. If you are feeling self-conscious about it, and your bra ain't cutting it, these will help.

Seche Vite One coat of this top coat smoothes polish lines and is quick drying.

 

TRICKS OF THE TRADE

The Jelt Belt for men and women is a low profile elasticized belt that will keep your pants up.

Yummie Shapewear This brand is perfect for women who want the benefits of wearing shapewear without the suffocation feeling. If you want industrial-strength, red-carpet-worthy shapewear, contact me directly.

The Feathers Bra Most women seem to love this bra. The reason why I like it is that it looks natural, contouring my figure, and it has adjustable straps.

Lingerie Laundry Bags These will save the shape of your bras and undies that tend to get tangled up while being tossed around in the washing machine.

No Show Socks that stay on your feet for men and women.

Bling Dots relieve the pressure and weight of your earrings AND position them perfectly!

 

SHOE CARE

Suede Brush Remove marks on suede using this tool. And, if your shoe starts to show a little wear, don't worry, marks add character! Just watch for suede heels getting marked up while driving. The right heel will turn black from resting on the mat under your gas pedal. This is why "driving shoes" were invented.

Weatherguard I'm a proponent of wearing your shoes in the elements. Some folks are wary of investing in leather or suede shoes because they are afraid of ruining them in a wet climate. If you invest in handmade, whole-hide leather shoes, you really don't have to worry about this. The leather is skin from an animal that lives outside. There are shoemakers who only source hides ethically. The shoes will wear fabulously over time. That said, it doesn't hurt to apply water repellent spray once or twice a year. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

Cedar Shoe Trees These not only help keep the shape of your shoes, they also wick moisture, limiting the odor that can linger.

Magic Eraser, or nail polish remover, will remove scuffs from white rubber soles on Converse and other kicks.

Laundress All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate and Laundress Stain Brush is an effective one-two punch for more serious sneakerheads to employ.

Pledge Wipes These polish up patent leather quite nicely.