Tag Archives: clothes

Aug27

How To Feel More Confident In Your Skin

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How To Feel More Confident In Your Skin

More often than not, most of us will feel insecure. It may not be intense insecurity, and it may not severely impact our daily lives, but we can feel it all the same. It might be not feeling that confident in our jobs or worrying about how we look when we’re out with friends. As much as it can be frustrating, it’s quite common. But that doesn’t mean that you have to accept it as normal and live that way forever. In fact, you can look to do something about it as soon as possible!

It’s easy to think that some people are confident and others aren’t, but that’s not strictly true. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something that’s built. If you’d love to be able to feel more confident in your skin and say goodbye to your insecurities, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’re going to take a look at the best ways for you to feel more confident in who you are:

Practice Positive Self-Talk:

First of all, you may want to change the way you talk to yourself. If you’re used to being tough on yourself and beating yourself up in the way you think and speak about yourself, it’s going to really lower your confidence. When you’re more positive, it can help you to feel a lot more confident and happier in yourself.

Prioritize Self-Care:

It can also help to look after yourself a little better. It’s easy to think that self-care is just pampering and caring too much about your appearance, but it’s far from that. It can be relaxing, helping your mental health, and boosting your mood as well as your confidence. You may find that starting a self-care routine drastically changes how you feel.

Focus on Feeling Good:

You should also be proactive about feeling good in yourself. Buying new bras, taking yourself for a walk, or even having a little solo date night could help you to feel recharged and boost your mood. Treat yourself to something nice, grab a coffee from your favorite cafe, or simply take a pause when you feel like you could use a pick me up. When you find what works to boost your mood, you can keep turning back to it as often as you need.

Dress for Confidence:

You can also look to what you wear for a lot more confidence. You may find that if you’re wearing things that don’t make you feel good, getting excited about what you wear can change everything. Take yourself out shopping or order some options online. Once you find some pieces you love, you may feel a lot more confident in your skin. When you dress with clothes that fit well and enhance your best features, you are going to love what you see when you look in the mirror.

Embrace yourself, your quirks, and what makes you you. Doing so will always make you feel so much happier and confident in who you are!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec18

5 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Laundry

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5 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Laundry

You might think that there isn’t anything that could go too wrong with your laundry. However, if you want to keep the quality, color, and reliability of your clothes, then you had better be ready to offer them the care that they need. Here, we’re going to look at all-too-common mistakes people make when doing laundry, and what you can do to prevent them:

Not sorting them by color:

Yes, you still need to sort your clothes by color. Dark clothes should be washed with dark clothes, light with light, and white with white. We have heard a lot of people saying that many modern t-shirts don’t really require this as much because production doesn’t use dye that can come off in the wash. Unless you know precisely how each piece of clothing is going to act when swirling in hot water together, don’t chance it.

Not following the instructions on the tag:

You might think that the instructions on the tag are just a suggestion and that nothing bad is likely to happen if you don’t follow them. Or, you might be like many people who never check the tag at all when washing clothes. If that happens, then you should expect tearing, shrinking, or stretching as a matter of course. If you want to keep your clothes like new, you have to follow their instructions.

Neglecting to check for optical brighteners:

This is a tip that a lot of people don’t know about. There are laundry detergents out there, sold with the express intent of washing clothes, that don’t really wash them too well. Optical brighteners are a somewhat common ingredient. Rather than focusing on washing them, getting out stains, and keeping them fresh, these detergents act as a sort of dye, brightening the laundry instead. Needless to say, most people want their clothes washed, not just having the appearance of being washed.

Keeping the temperature too high:

Another common mistake is thinking that “hotter is better.” Yes, in higher temperatures, dirt and stains might be able to dissolve more easily. However, this is also worse for your clothes, making them more likely to stretch and lose their consistency, as the high temperatures also add wear and tear to the mix. A cold wash can do your clothes a lot of good and uses less energy than usual.

Not cleaning your washing machine:

You have to take care of your washing machine for it to take care of you. Mold, mildew, detergent residue, and hard water buildups can begin to affect the effectiveness of your clean, as well as the health of the machine. A self-clean cycle with a good washing machine cleaner is all you need.

Many of the mistakes above can be a force of habit, so you might not realize exactly what the problem is until you stop it, and find the alternative a lot better. These tips will help you end up with cleaner, fresher clothes, that don’t suffer any unexpected changes in the process of washing them!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug2

4 Ways To Quickly Boost Your Confidence

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4 Ways To Quickly Boost Your Confidence

Feeling confident is key to success in any area of life. When you feel good about yourself, it shows in your actions and the way you interact with others. If you’re looking for a quick confidence boost, try some of these methods:

Stand up straight and tall:

The first step to looking and feeling more confident is your posture. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high. This will make you look and feel more powerful, which in turn will boost your confidence. If you’re not used to good posture, it may take some practice to get into the habit of standing and sitting up straight. But once you do, you’ll notice a difference in the way you feel about yourself.

Smile!

Smiling is another great way to boost your confidence. It makes you look friendly and approachable, two qualities that will help you feel more confident in social situations. If you’re not used to smiling, it may take some extra thought at first. But once you do, you won’t be able to stop. There is always something to smile about!

If you feel like your smile could use some work, consider visiting a Dentist. A professional cleaning and whitening can do wonders for your self esteem. Dentists can also help with other confidence boosting treatments, such as straightening your teeth or fixing minor imperfections. If you’re considering any type of cosmetic dental work, be sure to consult with a reputable dentist who has experience performing the procedure you’re interested in.

Make eye contact with people:

Making eye contact is a great way to show confidence. It shows that you’re interested in what the other person has to say and that you believe in what you’re saying yourself. If you’re not used to making eye contact, it may feel awkward at first. But the more you practice, the easier it will become. In addition to making eye contact, be sure to speak slowly and clearly when you can. Speaking too quickly can make you seem nervous or unsure of yourself. But speaking slowly and clearly will help you come across as confident and in control.

Dress for success:

What you wear can also impact your confidence. If you dress in clothes that make you feel good about yourself, it will show in your demeanor. So be sure to choose clothes that fit well and are comfortable to wear. You should also avoid wearing clothes that make you feel self-conscious. There is no point in that and it will show as you fidget and pull at your clothes throughout the day. When you look good, you’ll feel good – and your confidence will reflect that.

With a little practice at these four suggestions, you’ll be feeling more confident in no time! Why not give it a try?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep24

Clothing Staples For Your Wardrobe

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Clothing Staples For Your Wardrobe

Creating the perfect wardrobe for you is something that takes time. Unless you’re a celebrity, literally no one is buying an entire closet full of clothes in one shopping trip! Today, we are going to explore three different components of day to day life and the clothing you need to make it work:

Work:

Clothing that is appropriate for work is completely dependent on where you work, of course!

  • If you work at an animal shelter, clothing that moves well and is comfortable is the way to go like stretch jeans, leggings, and light long sleeved tops.
  • If you work at a restaurant or a grocery store and are in and out of the freezer constantly, a cozy cardigan should help the cause just fine. (And, if your freezer system at work is on the fritz, consider walk-in fridge repair for businesses to assist!)
  • In an office setting, you might want to opt for smart, professional clothing like blazers, slacks, blouses, or pencil skirts. Don’t forget a sharp pair of oxfords or kitten heels to complete the look!

Think about where you work and plan accordingly. Is the temperature comfortable or can it get a little warm or chilly? What are your coworkers wearing? Is there a dress code? This will all help you make the right decision on work appropriate attire.

Play:

You might not have much of a choice in what you can wear for work but play attire is a totally different story! Clothing for running errands, hanging out with friends, or a date should be all about what makes you feel confident. These are going to be key pieces in your play wardrobe’s arsenal:

  • A great pair of jeans is a definite must. A great pair of jeans with big pockets is even better! Skinny, boot cut, flare, or high waisted – a pair of jeans can be dressed up or down for whatever the occasion. Knowing your measurements can be a huge help when it comes to shopping for bottoms and can save you many a back and forth trip from the fitting rooms.
  • Statement jackets can turn an ordinary outfit into something special. Moto jackets with patches are always fun and edgy while a classic trench coat is a timeless piece. From sophisticated in a peacoat or sassy in a faux fur number, throwing on a jacket is an ideal option when you don’t feel like styling a look!
  • No matter if your style is simple or total fashionista, everyone should have at least one bold “look at me” top in their wardrobe. This is the perfect opportunity to play with patterns, bright colors, and unique shapes. If you are uncomfortable with something so loud on top, a patterned skirt is a great way to dip your toes in the water.

Leisure:

We can be so focused on work or play clothing that we tend to forget about pieces that are made purely for comfort like these cozy co-ord sets. I am definitely guilty of this and my life changed for the better when I allowed myself to purchase pajamas and sweatpants! 😀

  • Leggings and sweats are the best for lounging at home, working out, or even going out and about in a sporty chic look. Leggings will also come in handy when it’s cold because they can easily be worn under your jeans. If you like to work out outside, be sure to invest in some hi vis jackets for your safety.
  • Wrapping yourself up in a snuggly, chunky cardigan is so comforting on a brisk day or when you’re curled up on the couch. Accessorize with a cup of tea to complete the look!
  • Cute pajama sets feel so luxurious, especially if it is something that you normally wouldn’t buy. Treat yourself to some new PJs and a matching robe and hit the hay like royalty.

Complete every aspect of your day in style with the tips above!

Mar13

Always Meant To Wear OOTD

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Always Meant To Wear OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a new OOTD compliments of my Reimagine Your Wardrobe series! About two times a year, I try to do a closet purge and I am, usually, pretty good about donating items that haven’t been worn or have sizing issues. However, I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that I definitely have a few pieces in my wardrobe that I have hung onto despite qualifying to be donated because I’ve always meant to wear it!

The Reimagine Your Wardrobe series is all about making your clothing feel brand new again and the dress that my OOTD is centered around is actually brand new – I have never worn it! That is not for a lack of wanting to, though. Take a look at my Always Meant To Wear OOTD and find out more:

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^^^ Johnny insisted that a small fraction of our record collection be featured in a picture because of my retro inspired outfit!

Who? What? Wear?

I am ashamed to say that this dress has been sitting unworn in my closet since 2018 because every time I wanted to wear it, it just didn’t fit quite right because I had gained some weight since purchasing it. Even though it is a golden rule of closet maintenance to donate items that don’t fit you well, I just couldn’t part with my BCBG dress because I knew in my heart of hearts that some day I would wear it and it would be magnificent!

As soon as I formed my idea for the Reimagine Your Wardrobe OOTD series, this is actually the first outfit that came to mind – provided the dress fit, of course. I have always loved this dress and it fit the criteria of incorporating my older clothing into my current outfits perfectly. I was so nervous to try it on for the first time in over a year due to the pandemic and I was really happy that it fit even better than it did when I first bought it. It looked and felt exactly how I imagined it to when I added it into my shopping cart and it was an amazing confidence boost.

My Always Meant To Wear OOTD was inspired not only by my new fashion series but the documentary on the history of rock n’ roll that Johnny and I watched recently. Johnny is a musician and we are constantly talking and learning about as well as listening to music in our apartment. The documentary we finished was incredibly entertaining and informative and I enjoyed seeing all of the different fashions of each decade.

In fact, this OOTD has been styled in my head for over a month already because I came up with it in the middle of one of the documentary episodes we were watching. The shape of this dress is super 1960s while the floral built in button down offers 70s vibes and colors. Then, I fast forwarded it into modern day with my “Who Cares?” speech bubble heels, big hoop earrings, and a mauve matte lip.

Although it will be a while until I have an occasion to rock this OOTD in public with because pandemic, I am so glad to know that it is now a viable option. My self confidence was sky high even though I was just hanging out in my apartment and it was so fun, as always, to have Johnny’s help taking my pictures. He is the absolute best and is such a good sport about snapping a million shots for me! ❤

What is your favorite decade for music? How about for fashion? I want to hear from all about you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar9

Let’s Go Shopping Together!

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Let’s Go Shopping Together!

Hello!! If I had to plan a day in my neck of the woods for a blog reader who has never been to Akron, Ohio before, I always say that we would go shopping at TJMaxx, mani/pedis at Elysian Nails, a trip to the Shear Shop to get our hair done, and Taco Bell to end the day. Sounds perfect, right? While we may never enjoy Taco Bell or some pampering together, that doesn’t mean we can’t shop together because Lil Red just got approved to the Reward Style program Like To Know It!

Like To Know It provides influencers with a way to share links to all of their favorite clothing, accessories, and beauty products and if someone purchases anything, they get a commission. I have been interested in Like To Know It for a while now and I finally decided to apply to it after some encouragement from a fellow blogger who is also on LTKI. I was so happy to have been approved and it really couldn’t have happened at a better time because it coincides beautifully with my Reimagine Your Wardrobe series.

Be on the lookout for lots of fun new fashion on lifewithlilred as well as the potential to shop similar pieces on all of my OOTDs. It will be like we are going shopping together every time you visit my page. If anyone is ever interested, I can also try my hand at styling a look for you for your next big event too!

Who else uses Like To Know It? Do you have any advice for getting started? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar1

Quick Updates For Your Spring Wardrobe

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Quick Updates For Your Spring Wardrobe

Hello!! Unless you really do need a whole new wardrobe at a season change, typically, seasonal shopping is just about adding a few new pieces to update your closet. A handful of spring statement pieces gives you the opportunity to change how you style the clothes and accessories you already have, instantly making your entire wardrobe feel new again. While a huge haul of clothes is always nice, it is not necessary and, today, we’re going to talk about a few key pieces to add into your cart during your spring shopping:

Longer Skirt:

It can still be cold in the spring time and, despite the sun shining, it isn’t quite time for the mini skirts just yet! Mid to midi or tea length skirts are perfect for spring. This length will not only provide a little extra warmth but will make you the belle of a social distanced garden party with friends. A skirt also gives a great opportunity to incorporate a bold pattern or color into your closet that you might not want in a shirt or dress.

Lovely skirts are a fun way to give your outfit some movement too! Opt for one with pleats, ruffles, or a high low length to let your clothing put on a show when you’re walking around the farmer’s market. Don’t forget that on colder days, you can always slip a pair of tights on beneath your skirt! And, paired with a crop top, it will make an easy piece to transition into summer.

Speaking Of Tights:

While shopping, grab yourself a couple of pairs of tights to sport this spring. Of course, they are great underneath skirts or floral dresses but they are also so cute when worn under a pair of shorts! If your heart is screaming “summer”, break out your favorite pair of denim shorts and pair them with colored or patterned tights, a tucked in top, and a light jacket to incorporate summer clothes while still being weather appropriate. I tend to prefer white or pale pink tights in the spring because it gives such a sweet touch of girliness but any tights you like will do!

Pastel Accessories:

Pastel hues are huge in spring but, unfortunately, pastel shades just wash me out. I look a lot better in gem tones and if that is the case for you too, then incorporate pastels into your accessories instead. Statement purses, big sunglasses, silky scarves, and parasols in pastel shades will still give your outfit some spring flare while keeping your clothes in colors that you prefer. Don’t forget pastel hued kitten heels. Adorable! Updating your accessories with the season is also way cheaper than buying lots of new clothes.

Sharp Button Downs:

Spring is a fun season to style for because you get to play with several different silhouettes and materials. People often associate gauzy, silky, flowy fabrics with spring and there is nothing wrong with that. However, you still need pieces that will give your outfit structure so all of the billowy ones don’t overpower you. A well fitting button down with long or short sleeves will do the job just fine. As established, a button down looks great with a flowy skirt but it will also pair perfectly with gauchos and paper bag shorts. Remember to add a more structured piece to your look if you are rocking breezy materials to best enhance your shape.

Update Your Color Palette:

It is no secret that I prefer to wear dark colors over light and that black is usually my go to color. However, fashion is no fun if you can’t experiment with different shades, especially in the warmer months! Spring is the best time to try out other neutral colors like navy, white, and tan. I used to shy away from all of those colors but I love to wear them now and it definitely has made my wardrobe more interesting. You don’t have to go overboard with it but in the spring time, the pop of color technique is much more effective when it’s against a lighter shade.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to update your spring wardrobe. Go for a few of the pieces mentioned above and you will be all set to step out in style on the first warm day!

What is your go to neutral color? How do you update your wardrobe with the seasons? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb19

Best Practices For Keeping Your Clothes Like New

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Best Practices For Keeping Your Clothes Like New

Any fashionista wants their clothes to continue looking as good as it did the first time you tried it on in the store and that means knowing how to properly care for them. Keeping your clothes in great condition will allow you to get more use out of it as well as give you the opportunity to sell it on Poshmark once it is ready to retire from your wardrobe. Today, we’re going to go over a few best practices when it comes to taking care of your clothes to keep them like new for as long as possible:

Tend To Appliance Repairs:

A dryer that overheats or a washer that doesn’t fully rinse away detergent isn’t going to do your clothes any favors at all. Tend to all dryer and washer repairs when the problem arises to avoid an even bigger repair a month or two down the line as well as potentially ruining some of your favorite pieces. 

Store Your Clothes Properly:

Knowing how to store your clothes properly will help prevent wrinkles and creases which will limit the possibility of you burning your favorite top on the iron! That’s one of my nightmares, anyways. A good rule of thumb is to fold clothes that have a stretchy material like T-shirts and sweaters while using Luxury Hangers to hang up items that need their shape supported like a jacket as well as materials that can wrinkle easily like silk blouses. Learning the Marie Kondo method of folding will also help with the overstuffed dresser drawers that won’t shut!

Don’t forget to take care of your accessories too. Invest in a cute jewelry stand or a wall mounted fixture to display your bling while keeping them tangle free. Keep sunglasses in protective cloth bags and, if possible, keep your shoes stored in their original boxes. Remember to stuff your purses, shoes, and hats with tissue paper to help reinforce their shape.

Follow Washing Instructions On The Tag:

For some reason, people never seem to follow the cleaning instructions on clothing tags which provide a how to guide to the best care for the item. There is nothing more disappointing than a new favorite shirt that shrunk because you didn’t wash it in cold water! Following the instructions on the care tag will prevent the colors of your clothes from bleeding as well as the fabric from stretching, shrinking, or tearing. And, please, if it says “Dry clean only” just take it to the dry cleaner!

The clothing and accessories in our wardrobe were bought because we thought they were flattering so we want them to stay in great condition for as long as we can. Follow the best practices above to help increase the longevity of your clothes as well as giving truth to all of your “next to new” listings!

Feb13

Pro Tips For A Spring Wardrobe Revamp

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Pro Tips For A Spring Wardrobe Revamp

Hello! I consider myself a seasonal shopper and enjoy upgrading my wardrobe with a few new pieces as the seasons change. Unfortunately, I wasn’t really able to show off my fall and winter TJMaxx haul in public because pandemic. However, with spring just around the corner and the promise of socially distanced outdoor hang outs, now is the time to give your wardrobe a boost so you can step out for the first time in ages in style. Consider the following tips as you revamp your wardrobe for spring:

Do Some Pre-Shopping:

Prior to browsing online, I always like to go through my closet and see what I already have before I add onto it. You can only have so many floral dresses and light jackets so evaluating what you have beforehand will allow you to purchase pieces that will stand out more in your wardrobe. I also do a lot of window shopping online before I commit to anything to get a feel of what trends and colors are going to be hot for the season. Mid February is a great time to do some pre-shopping, especially since full spring collections typically don’t drop until the end of the month or early March.

Set A Budget:

Once I have a good idea of what I will need from pre-shopping in my closet, I like to make a list of pieces that I would like as well as set a budget that I am comfortable with. Setting a budget is a wise thing to do before seasonal shopping because you don’t need a whole new wardrobe. Rather, just a few new pieces to freshen things up. You can leave a little wiggle room for a find that you simply can’t live without just don’t blow your entire budget on one extravagant purchase!

Keep Statement Accessories In Mind:

Spring is one of the best seasons to accessorize for and you can completely transform a look with one statement accessory. Accessory shopping tends to be cheaper than purchasing brand new clothes and if you like what you already have in your closet, then it is a great way to go for a wardrobe revamp. Think bold necklaces, patterned tights, floppy hats, floral fashion scarves, and pastel hued purses. Don’t forget a soft shawl or cardigan to layer with for chillier days.

Come Up With A Color Palette:

Warmer weather encourages a brighter color palette and while pre-shopping in your closet, it is also important to consider what colors your wardrobe is lacking. I, for example, prefer clothing in a darker color – so much so that I never really realized how much fun it is to experiment with clothing in pink, white, yellow, and green. Incorporating shades that you have never worn before or shy away from will quickly revamp your wardrobe so come up with your own spring palette and give it a try. The worst that can happen is you not liking it!

Updating your wardrobe never has to break your bank – especially if you follow the tips above. Set your budget, snag some statement pieces and, like the beautiful flowers of spring, your wardrobe will blossom too!

Which colors are in your spring palette? What is your favorite season to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Oct12

Keeping Clothes You Love Looking New

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Keeping Clothes You Love Looking New

When you fall in love with a piece of clothing, whether it’s your new jeans or an elegant blouse, you want them to last for as long as possible. Unfortunately, when it comes to fashion, nothing lasts forever. Clothes are made to be worn, and as such, they can develop signs of wear and tear. It’s part of their life cycle.

However, more often than not, the items you love don’t even make it to “old age”, so to say. Your fall haul shopping may not last longer than a couple of months if you can’t prevent damage. If you’ve been choosing new clothes to keep you warm in fall and winter, here is a brief reminder of how to avoid those rookie fashion care mistakes.

Read the label:

It might sound silly, but you’d be surprised to know that most people are quick to snap the label off without reading it. It makes sense: Labels can be itchy and unpleasant against the skin. Yet they contain valuable information. If you’re going to cut it, make sure to store it safely for future reference. Your label will display different symbols related to wash, bleaching, tumble dry, ironing, dry cleaning, and additional instructions. A hot wash and tumble dry are the most common places where damages can occur! If you’ve removed the label without reading it, your best bet is to apply the following principles:

  • Warm wash for cotton and similar fabric
  • Hand wash for silk, satin, underwear, lace, mesh, and wool fabric
  • Avoid tumble dryer for wool, non-stretchy clothes, and fragile clothes such as underwear, tights, or mesh skirts

Check your water:

Do you find white marks on your clothes after washing them? It could be limescale. Hard water can damage the fabric and leave white stains that are difficult to remove. Ideally, you want to consider hard water removal solutions such as a water softener. You can test your water to figure out if it is relevant to you. However, the easiest way is to check for limescale is in the kettle, around the taps, and on the shower curtains. Hard water will deteriorate your most loved clothes so it is wise to look into a Water softening equipment supplier in Vista, CA or your local area to get this problem solved.

Sort your colors and fabrics:

Granted, nowadays, you can throw all your clothes in the wash at the same time and add a color catcher sheet to avoid color bleeds. Do these sheets work? Yes, more often than not, they can be highly effective. But it takes only one lousy sheet to ruin your laundry, so it’s best to learn to sort out your clothes. Ideally, you want to end up with distinctive piles: whites, darks, lights, denim, delicates. Color sorting is only one step! Make sure to consider fabric weight – hence denim VS delicates for instance – heavily stained garments.

Keep your washing machine clean:

A dirty washing machine will damage your clothes. Simple steps such as removing debris after a wash like pet hair and small particles and not leaving wet clothes inside the machine for too long can avoid unpleasant odors. You can also run a cleaning cycle as most washers have one nowadays. You won’t need a machine safeguarding assessment if your washing machine isn’t functioning as it should but a call to a local handyman will do just fine!

If you’ve had your love affair with a piece of garment cut short because of unexpected damage, now’s the time to stop the story from repeating itself! Keeping your clothes for longer means becoming more strategic and organized with your laundry routine.

Featured Image By: Unsplash