Frugal Fashion Friday - Quick Fixes and Garment Care

My clothes and accessories span the entire spectrum of price and quality.  I believe in a bargain but many times I opt for quality at a good price, since I know it will outlast a similar item that is less expensive.  My parents raised me to take care of the things I own and to make them last.  I wouldn’t consider myself a seamstress but I can make repairs, sew on a button, and fix minor clothing issues.  These time and money saving fixes can extend the life of your garments and save you a trip to a tailor.

Good tools are key to making these repairs.  I’ve made a list of the items I can’t do without. I have a repair box that I keep to make sure I have what I need on hand in case I need to fix something.  A button or hook always falls off when you are getting dressed and need to leave the house.  You won’t have time to run out and buy what you need but a few minutes with a needle and thread will keep you from wearing a safety pin all night.

My go to kit includes:

Thread and needles - You can purchase a ready made sewing kit at Target or Wal-Mart (even a drug store) or you can select a few rolls of thread in generic colors, like white, cream, black, blue, and brown from your local sewing store.  Dual purpose thread will do.  You can purchase a small pack of assorted needles for a few dollars.

Buttons (organized) – When I purchase a garment with extra buttons (if they aren’t sewn in) I place it in a button box I created.  If I remember, I write a quick description on the packet so I can match them later.  Of course I also have a ton of buttons from clothes long gone that are just extras.

Hooks and Findings – You can purchase a small packet of assorted hooks and snaps at any sewing store.  These come in handy if you lose a hook or snap and need an extra. Most times these are hidden closures. Matching the style isn’t crucial.

Scissors (large and small) – I’ve found that owning small embroidery scissors as well as larger scissors is helpful.  It’s so much easier to snip a thread or a remove a button with small scissors.  You can get them into places the larger versions won’t go.  A large pair is great for creating a pair of cut offs or a DIY project.

Shoe Goo – Nothing makes me crazier than seeing a pair of shoes that is falling apart, especially a sole that is coming off.  It’s an easy fix, with some Shoe Goo.  I’m sure you could use any glue but Shoe Goo is great because it stays flexible and dries clear.  It was made for sneakers but I’ve used it on sandals and the rubber soles of flats.

I know that these fixes can be intimidating to some of you.  Luckily for me I had a mom who taught me how to do these repairs.  I’m here to tell you that minor repairs can be done by anyone, no matter your skill level.  Of course you can always take your items to a tailor or a shoe repair shop and in some cases that is the best option.  However, spending $10 to have buttons sewn on a garment isn't necessary if you know how to do these quick fixes. 

I found some great videos online that might help you if you need a little guidance. 

Fixing a button is quick, once you know the tricks. You can also completely change the look of a blouse or sweater by changing the buttons. It's an amazingly easy DIY.

How to Sew On A Button  by ThreadBanger

 

There have been many times that I've caught my heel in the hem of a pair of pants or a skirt.  This video shows you how to fix it easily.

How to Hand Hem (Skirt or Pants) by Expert Village

HAPPY FRIDAY REAL GIRLS!

Modern Marvel: Fashion Tape

Oh fashion tape, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

You've seen my previous post about the miracle and modern marvel that is, fashion tape. Not only can you create an amazing DIY instant infinity scraf with it but you can do so much more!

1. Temporary Hem:  You know you have that pair of pants that you love but they are your high heel pants.  You want to wear them with flats but when you do, it looks like you borrowed them from an amazon. Just take a few pieces of fashion tape, fold the hem under and tape each cuff. It will last then day and you can take it out.  Two pairs of pants in one!
2. No Wardrobe Malfunction: I'm sure you own a low cut or cross over top that constantly makes you fidget for fear that you'll become Janet Jackson. Not the elegant, red carpet Janet but the Superbowl half time show Janet.  Determine how you'd like the top to look and how low you want it to be. Place one to two pieces of tape between the two pieces of fabric so they don't show or pull too much. If the temporary fix pulls, the tape may not hold as well as you'd like.
3. No Visible Bra Straps: When I wear a tank or sleeveless top, I'm always dealing with the bra strap fight. A piece of tape on each strap will keep them from peaking out of your top.
4. Ripped or Pulled Hem: If you aren't seamstress, you can quickly fix the ripped or torn hem of a pair of pants or skirt with some fashion tape.  Just place you pieces in the torn area.
5. DIY Infinity Scarf: All of the instructions are in this post.
6. Other DIYs to come...

The tape comes in many forms.  The two most handy are the roll and the strips. They are both equally good but there are advantages to each.  The pre-cut strips are great for keeping in your purse or evening bag. I love to tuck a few in a clutch when I go out. The roll is best for getting exactly the size you need without additional cutting. You can find it online at Amazon and many other outlets. Target carries it in their stores but I have also seen it at other major retailers. There are lots of brands and they are equally good.

Have you used fashion tape?  Tell me how you used and send me your ideas.

Fix It or Forget It!!

Yesterday, while walking around during and after work I saw a total of four women with broken or missing heel taps on their stilettos. For those of you who don't know, a heel tap is that little piece of rubber at the end of your heel that protects the shoe from wear and tear. When it's missing there is usually a little piece of metal sticking out and it makes a distinct clicking sound when you walk.

After watching girl number four almost bite it in the marble lobby of my office building, I knew I had to speak up. For goodness sake girls, FIX YOUR SHOES! This practice is not only dangerous, it's unsightly and you are ruining your shoes because you are too lazy to get them repaired.

A broken heel tap usually looks like this:



It's a very simple and inexpensive repair at your local shoe shop. If you like your shoes, then please spend the time and money to repair them. If your shoes aren't worth spending approximately $20 for the repair, you can attempt to do the job yourself. FabSugar, one of my favorite blogs, posted a great do it yourself piece about this very topic a few months ago. Check out "Fix It: Broken Heels!"

Now ladies, if both of these choices, sound too expensive, time consuming, or difficult, then your shoes aren't that important to you. Get rid of them and go shopping for a new pair. But please, don't walk in front of me. I don't want to have to pick you up off of the floor.