Effortless Dressing with Jana Kos Style Partners

Happy New Year! It has been a couple of months since I have blogged. Some of you have reminded me of this and for that I thank you. With a New Year and a New Decade I'm excited to focus this New Year on "effortless dressing".

As a Jana Kos Style Partners consultant, I overhear women chatting in public places about hating to shop for clothing because of lack of time or being unhappy with their current body shape. I am passionate about helping all women create a wardrobe that puts a smile on their face when opening their closet door. Life is too short to not live it in style - your style. Follow me weekly as I walk you through small steps to effortless dressing.

First I would like to introduce you to designer Jana Kos. I just returned from New York City where I saw her beautiful 2010 spring collection. This lady is all heart! At the meeting she introduced her button guy, pattern maker, husband, mother, and twin boys. She spoke about her favorite mills in Europe, the ladies that hand knot her silk scarves, and her efforts to save the garment district. This isn't just about designing clothing but designing effortless lifestyles through effortless dressing. Jana's stunning collection and trained consultants can do just that. To view Jana's spring collection go to www.janakos.com.

Next week I will discuss the spring trends and how you can effortlessly apply the best ones to your wardrobe. I can't wait! Until then have a fabulous week.

Joyfully,
Chris

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.