Pickled in Polyester - Removing Perspiration Odor from Clothes

"Do you wanna be a Polyester Bride?"

Gotta love all of these classy ladies esp. Brigitte Bardot ...

Classic Poly Tunic w/Belt

ONE DOWNFALL WITH MANY VINTAGE ITEMS IS THAT POLYESTER WAS AT ONE TIME KING 
And polyester "finds" from thrift stores sometimes...well, most times, stink "b.odorously" (sure it's a word!).  The better the piece, the more likely it was worn at full-bore - singing and dancing the night away.
We can only assume that these pieces moved about during exciting times, but we do not desire for the garment to retain the malodorous remainder of those days, do we?

Fortunately, my Mom took really good care of hers so there is no problem with the ones I've received from her lovely and well-scented closet. And if you find a reputable vintage store online, they will send you pieces that were screened/cleaned and don't carry too much of a lingering odor (A special Thank You to Lulu's.com! Shipping was quick and the vintage top smelled fine - post coming soon).

Vintage Windsor Top Arrived!

However, I have spent several afternoons around the country at some of the best kept secret, secondhand spots with the most outstanding fashion.  And these spectacular pieces more likely than not are worth the maintenance required to "De-mustify".
Ahhh...segue to BRB Post on Getting Rid of Polyester P.U.

During my research, I found great ideas from iVillage.com.
I loved some ideas better than others, BUT understanding a bit about chemistry, I strongly advise AGAINST ammonia ever being added to a clothes washer, sink, or tub (because if it ever mixed with chlorine bleach - that means hair dye bleach too - KABOOM!).

But I'll tell you a few of the following methods that have worked for many, myself included.
DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES TO DEODORIZE
*Note: Each number indicates a SEPARATE technique
Charcoal

Place Charcoal (non-lighter fluid soaked) into a small plastic tub and poke small holes in the lid.  

Put container inside a larger plastic bag along with garment holding stench. 

 **I might even use a higher thread count cheese cloth or nylon in which to wrap the charcoal
 instead of the small tub.**
I'm thinking that this might allow more exposure to the charcoal for filtration...

Seal bag and leave for a few days.  

The charcoal should filter out the odor.  Think water filtration system, but with air.

Be careful not to let charcoal dust get onto clothing.

20 Mule Team Borax

*also gets rid of urine smell (I know gross, right? Well, it does!)

Regular Washing Machine Load:  1/2 cup + detergent of choice to regular load of laundry

Delicates:  1/4 cup + 1-2 TBSP detergent of choice dissolved into warm water, soak for 20 min., rinse in cold water

Baking Soda

*Some detergents have baking soda already included in the ingredients

1 cup + detergent added to your regular wash load

Soak for 1/2 hour

1/2 Cup White Vinegar to Rinse Cycle

Salt

*not recommended for washing machines

1 Cup + detergent and warm water

Soak overnight.

Here's a Tip for DRY CLEAN ONLY garments:

Take an issue of your latest fashion mag that has perfume inserts 

OR a piece of charcoal wrapped in cheesecloth (or, again, placed inside nylon),

Put into Large Gallon Freezer Bag with Garment and Seal.

Leave Overnight.

And finally,

For a FRESH CLOSET (esp. one lovingly stocked with Shoes)
I suggest a strategically placed box of Baking Soda and Cedar Hangers (also keeps moths away);)

Those are my tips for now:)  Have a great week and 

I'll be here if you need me.

xBRB

Vintage Advantage

Life really is balanced.  

Just got word from my husband that my shopping budget is pretty much null until further notice :( 

However, my mom graciously allowed me the honor of sorting through her den closet for some really amazing vintage finds :)

I had a couple of slip-ups and purchased 2 items that I'm still in the doghouse for :)...:(:(

My Mom informed me she regrets giving "boxes" of her stuff to charity already :(...karma...:_(

My Mom gave me belts that belonged to the vintage pieces that are now good as gone... :(...  ... :)

The stuff I have in my closet needs to be sorted through anyway (will be setting up an ebay account and there will be some fashionable items in the lucky hands of the local charities soon) :)

I've always had luck in finding amazing pieces :) :)

Here is a wonderful piece from Saks Fifth Avenue (Vintage Saks!).  I love this muted, amber-rose color and the fabric feels thick but light at the same time like raw cotton.

Vintage Saks Blouse, 1920s Silk Pinstriped Lace Express Tank, Lucky Brand Jeans

What I love about vintage is that it is usually really well made.

The carefully crafted details of the precise darting at the shoulders and cuffs cannot compare to today's mass marketed products.  Even the purple veined, ball buttons whisper of well thought out design.  The stitching is impeccable which I suppose is critical when using a burgundy contrasting thread.  Even the paisley pattern is well planned in its simplicity.

As I mentioned, this particular blouse is of a raw cotton nature.  It breathes well but needs to be ironed under the lowest setting.

Aside from organizing my closet once again, this weekend will involve activities that hopefully revolve around re-discovering other very special things that I already exist in my life;)
If we open our eyes to the present, we can see what is before us.

xBRB

Plaid Wool Skirt Revival

I've had a hankering for plaid.

Last week, I found something that I used to wear soooo long ago.  I'm not even going to tell you when I wore it or you're gonna scream.  Have you ever rediscovered something that you absolutely adored before and now are delighted to find?  And even more exciting was that it fit!  

It was a perfectly chilly day for wool and almost as easy to put together as a dress.  It was one of those non-make-up days where I had to rush somewhere super early and attend to a burdensome load of things, hence no time for bells and whistles.  I figured that If I threw my hair up in a quick chignon and wore sunnies, no one would be the wiser.  By the time I got to taking pics for you, my chignon was withered by the weather and more of a chig-not, but the progression represents so much of how the day went, so I'll go ahead and post;)
 Anyhow, I think the skirt pretty much held the spotlight...

Anthropologie Sweater, Vintage Skirt, JCrew Tights, Laundry by Shelli Segal Jacket, Michael Kors Wedges, Ray Ban Sunglasses

Turns out, it was so much fun to wear!  Love that it is made so well, it wears like new.  I'm so glad that I decided to take it out to play.  What do you think?

xBRB

Whimsical Wonderland - My Favorite Red Coat

After Sunday's Earthquake, I feel something has awakened within me.  Maybe it's a grounded awareness of how fragile our lives really are.  Quite possibly it's a newfound desire to actually take life for all it's worth while the delicate balance still appears to be so. 

Suddenly, certain things don't seem as important as they were a week ago.  All I really want to do is pull my loved ones close as I take on this journey while wearing my favorite things.

Perhaps I'm ready to just be me.

*mushroom VIA rozalia sebokova2005*

 

One Love,
xBRB