Leather and Suede Care

Have you seen all the leather pieces available this fall and winter? Leather is a must have for fall/winter 2009. It is seen in gloves, jackets, coats, dresses, belts, and boots. Your leather purchases are investment pieces you will enjoy for years to come as long as it is cared for properly.

These general guidelines are from the Leather Apparel Association, a non-profit industry group of manufacturers, retailers, tanners, and cleaners. Following these simple steps will assure you years of pleasure from your leather pieces.

1. To maintain the garment’s shape, store it on a broad hanger, not wire.
2. If your garment becomes wet, air dry naturally.
3. Wrinkles will hang out. If ironing is desired, cover the garment with a brown grocery sack and use the low setting. Do not ever use steam.
4. Hems may be fixed with a tiny bit of rubber cement.
5. Avoid spraying perfumes or hairsprays while wearing leather.
6. Do not apply adhesive name badges or pins.
7. Wipe away dust and dirt by rubbing lightly with a soft dry sponge or cloth. Brushes designed specifically for suede are also available. (Suede is leather finished by a special process originally applied to kid, whereby one side is buffed on an emery wheel to produce a napped, velvety surface).
8. For ink stains rub gently with an art gum eraser.
9. For grease spots sprinkle talc powder on the spot and allow it to remain for an hour or so to absorb the great or oil spot. Reapply if necessary, then shake garment or brush gently.
10. Matching garments should be cleaned at the same time since a slight variation in color or texture may occur as a natural result of the cleaning process. The garment may shrink slightly, but will stretch again with wear.

Enjoy your leather garments. Wear them often. Life is too short to save anything for good.

2009 Fall Trends

Fall Clothing has always been my favorite. There are several trends this year I'm very excited about. As with all trends, adapt those that work for your body shape, personality, and age group. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Leather: Nothing feels better than buttery leather. This season there will be lots of it with gloves, full leather dresses, and thigh high boots. The boots aren't for me, but you'll probably see me wearing gloves- in every color.

2. The color this Fall seems to be Pink. Neon pink will be very strong along with wearing red and pink combinations. Basic colors are still strong such as black, navy, and gray.

3. The 80's are back. You'll see sharp shoulder lines and padding along with sexy cutouts on dresses and blouses. Now I just need the 80's big hair to come back strong.

4. Legwear will be seen patterned, textured, and lace in a variety of colors.

5. Houndstooth, tweed, plaids, and herringbone Patterns are strong.

6. The Cocoon coat is back. This style is perfect for diamond and oval shape bodies.

7. Fur, hats, and peplum jackets top off my list of favorites.

8. White is now being worn year round. Don't worry about wearing it after Labor Day, just be sure it is not in a summer fabric.

Happy Fall Shopping!

Enjoy!

Chris