My grandma, my mum, my aunty passed the rule over generations: only wear in natural fabric following the seasons: linen for summer, cashmere for winter, silk for occasions and cotton for everyday.
Acc to me Cotton is the most luxurious fiber fr 😂 I CANNOT do without it When I'm shopping online, anything that doesn't have cotton is immediately out xD
my biggest pet peeve on clothing is when the outer fabric is thin, yet it is lined with polyester. and then proceed to charge with $300 price tag ?? they literally cut the cost on the thin fabric with polyester lined, and they have the audacity to put a high price afterward. insane!!
I WAS A DUMB TEEN THAT WANTED A LACY SUMMER DRESS. SWEATY MESS. I STILL BOUGHT AT LEAST TEN DRESSES THAT I ENDED UP NOT WEARING BUT THEY’RE SO PRETTY, VACUUM SEALED AND PACKED AWAY TILL THE DAY I MAGICALLY STOP REGULATING MY TEMPERATURE AND CAN FINALLY WEAR THEM 😭😭
Also, all the designer brands changed composition in 00s from natural to blends FOR WHAT REASON? I can still get those vintage pieces, they’re not ruined or anything, whole family has been wearing natural fabrics for decades yet we are supposed to pay thousands of dollars for a blend? In the same breath they go on and undercharge crochet items (1k for a maxi dress when the similar bandeau top I’m making is 1k in minimum wage), so we all know the money isn’t going to the employees 🤦🏻♀️
@user-fv8se5fb2e Nah, bot, only filthy rich ppl can afford to throw away money on topluxs instead of commissioning literally anything at a self-employed leatherworker. Don’t advertise infamous scams in comment sections where people know what they’re talking about 😠
I don't know if it's Italy but finding high quality clothing became SO hard. it's not even a matter of price anymore. obviously if you go for Loro Piana or have a tailor-made dress it will be good, but when it comes to high street and even for good brands, everything looks and feels so cheap. there's no mid range quality anymore. it wasn't like this 20 years ago.
I only buy vintage/fleamarket stuff because I don't feel like paying premium price for bad quality when I know the workers who have made them are basically used like slaves and don't get fair pay. I've also started using mom's old clothes from the 90's that I found on grandma's attic and a lot of the pieces are so much better quality than what's new today even though they have been worn by her a couple of years already.
I'm surprised to hear that a country like Italy has this issue as well! I would hope at least you and perhaps France would be spared. The only way how to get something decent nowaday seems to be vintage shopping.
Basics are worn on heavy rotation, so it makes sense to spend money on them and buy quality. I have white tshirts that have lasted me over 4 years and they all get worn at least once a week. My cost per wear is amazing on them. The key is proper laundering, and hanging everything to dry.
@@madhugowra6180I work in a sustainable clothing shop and part of my job is literally instructing people on how to wash their clothes so I do have some tips. Generally, the lower the temperature, the better - 30 degrees max - and always use a low spinning cicle. Also, try not to overfil your washing machine - leave at least 25% free - it lowers the mechanical damage done to the material. And last thing - try to use a mild, gentle laundry detergent. I have great experience with soap flakes - just beware, you should add a teaspoon of baking soda to the clothes if you’re going to be washing whites so that they stay white and do not turn grey. And of course, not using a dryer is a given, always line dry your clothes 😀I hope this helps!
To add to the detailed response from Michaela, if you haven’t got any yet, get some wash bags. I use them for all ‘small’ items like socks (one too many went missing), or anything more delicate. Use non-bio for a gentler wash.
My big pet peeve when shoes is when the sole has no grip or texture on the bottom, just smooth plastic which makes them slippy. Happens on designer shoes too! Makes no sense to me!
Advice from someone living in a tropical country: If you want your summer to be more comfortable, stay away from polyester/acrylic/nylon/polyamide, you can't survive in my country wearing such clothes. Instead go for cotton/linen/viscose/tencel/lyocell/bamboo, they are not only easy to wear but also more sustainable. The woolen clothes are suitable for all weathers (tho still too hot for my country), but as someone who is allergic to wool, I recommend choosing merino wool. Strangely enough, people say alpaca wool is the most hypoallergenic wool but I had strong reactions to alpaca than sheep wool
Agreed on this! We're based in Singapore and synthetic clothing just leaves you in a hot sweaty mess. Unfortunately this is a lot of what is offered by fast fashion or blog shop brands-there's also a lot of blended cotton and polyester which can feel almost 'natural' until you read the label.
I am not even close to tropical zone and I cannot wear anything polyester/acrylic/nylon or polyamide. I cannot even tolerate elastane in my tops. I love wool, especially cashmere but it is definitely a winter item. Linen, silk and light cotton are the best for hot weather, cotton being the most affordable but linen is very comforting in hot climate. Silk, if one can afford, pure silk is unbeatable in summer's heat.
Possibly stupid question: Which fabrics would be best for people who don't iron and just hang their clothes? (aka me) Cotton seems to work fine for me so far, but I have a viscose blouse which crinkles by simply existing and I'm not sure if it's the fabric or quality.
Agree! But dang Thailand’s summer is something else 😂 I wear knit wear everyday since i really sensitive to temperature and my most picked up was viscose. Still! Since the clothing that I wear were made from polyester (uniform fabric sucks🥹) I need to take it off and put it back on every time I’m done with one cold room and go eating in a humid canteen.
I'm also allergic to wool, and have tried alpaca wool on when I was working in a swedish clothing store last year. comfy to touch the outside, but as soon as I put it on my skin goes all prickly. I've been recommended marino wool, but we sold that too and that was just as bad to me, so customers recommended cashmere. But I can't afford luxury materials like that, so for now synthetic wool is all I have or cotton. But the synthetic wool loses it's shape so fast, either shrinks tight or falls loose and baggy in an unflattering way. For reference, I'm in the UK.
One of my favorite tips is to look back at your fashion Pinterest boards, scroll back a few years, and see what styles still resonate! It surprises me when the style in really old pins still resonate with me, and helps me make decisions on what new clothes to buy :)
This video is SO interesting ! The sole protruding protecting the shoe, lining because the material is thin to cut costs… I’d never thought of these things ! Thank you for such a thorough analysis that’ll no doubt help me in my next purchases !!
I agree with everything except white tops. I love white summer tops. More than 50% of my summer tops are white or ivory, in cotton, linen, silk or blended natural fiber. I have always liked white in summer and have been doing this for years. Yes, it is a little easier to stain, but they can all be machine washed, just use room temperature water, and gentle or delicate cycle. Air dry. That is it. I don't even need to iron them. I ignore dry clean only recommendation on all summer clothes. It is crazy to do that.
Same! I’m a mom of two and still wear white most days of the week but even the worst stains come out after a few delicate washes on cold cycle and air drying. I never machine dry because that makes the stains set in forever.
I haven’t found one brand specialized in good quality white tops. I look everywhere, and try them on to find the ones I like. I had luck with Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J Crew, Anthology etc.
how do you get those yellow sweat stains off tho? i dont wear a lot of light colours but i do have one white cotton shirt i really love (it has a cool graphic) i dont wanna ruin it with harsh treatment but the stains are very noticible :(
"What works for me might not work for you." I like how you state that simply and succinctly--so many youtubers bend over backwards apologizing and giving disclaimers before they've even managed to say anything...it's a trend that really annoys me. Don't waste time stating the obvious (you didn't, you did it right) 👍
Shoes! I hate the plain super thin sandals that everyone wears and recommends nowadays because the Hermes ones are "trendy" and everyone wants to have look alikes. It is not practical to walk a lot (I live in Germany) and get super tired after walking because basically there is no support on the shoe. Also your feet get super dirty and if there are cobble stone streets, it just hurts to walk. I always wonder if ppl who recommend those sandals even walk anywhere.
Great points! I would also add that shoes from trendy clothing brands are often overpriced and unconfortable. I would always recommand to buy from a brand which specializes in one type of product as the level of finishing, overall material quality and anatomic considerations will be more thoughtful. Same thing regarding bags! Bottom line : quality over branding is a long term bet :)
I almost never buy shoes from non-shoe brands. Shoe making takes expertise on how shoes fit different feet properly. Clothing brands might make trendy shoes, but I doubt how they have expertise on shoe making. I have tried on shoes made by clothing brands many times, it never worked. I do understand there are brands are good at both shoes and clothes. But they are usually extremely expensive and out of my budget. So I make it simple: buy my shoes from shoes stores.
Let me tell you a funny/sad story. I am living in Japan now, so most ladies' clothes don't fit me...but I still like shopping for clothes. I have found a couple of pleated skirts with an elasticated waist that fit fine (and I've discovered that this style is good when riding my bike to work). BUT I was in a second hand shop and I found a skirt, long and pleated, and the design of it was quite unique--it was a matter of, "just try it, it might work, it's so cool that I HAVE to try it on." Well, the sad thing was that while the skirt itself was quite voluminous, the lining was very slim and made from the worst, stiff polyester fabric. I pulled the skirt over my head and the lining was just stuck to my body...and of course I started panicking and sweating, which made it even tighter. I tried to pull it down, take it off that way--impossible. I was seriously wondering if it'd have to be cut off, that's how badly it was stuck. But I took a deep breath and managed to pull it over my head again, one shoulder at a time. Every time that happens, I think "never again!" But yeah, polyester linings suck.
Oh you poor thing, I hate panic from stuck clothes or jewellery, that sounds awful! I wonder if you could remove the lining and wear a slip underneath?
I’ve cut the polyester lining out of many a piece of clothing. With skirts and dresses, if they need it, I wear them with a quality slip instead. Also very satisfying snipping out that terrible fabric.
Another tip: investing in YOUR basics is worth it. Emphasis is on the word 'your', as in, the custom best colors, shapes, cuts and prints that will make YOU look the best and may not suit someone else with different complexion. Black only suits 'winter' types while camel may depend on the undertone (there may be cooler or warmer camel color, but usually it is for 'autumns' and 'springs' while beige or taupe may suit summers and some springs.
I have to say I used to be nervous about “Dry Clean Only” items, but I’ve found for clothing that just has delicate fabric and dyes it’s completely efficient to wash them yourself at home. I’d only avoid maybe a dry clean only coat since those are usually more intricately constructed with multiple forms of fabric.
Great video and I too hate polyester lining! Most of the time if I end up with a piece with lining, I cut it out or seam pick it out. I have some breathable underdresses that then work if I need a layer underneath. As well as dry clean only don't forget the the occasional "don't wash" item!!! I bought a lovely little vintage italian silk cami dress. Didn't know it said don't wash... I put it on a cold delicate cycle, as usual, and it came out tiny !!! Ridiculous. Why would an item be produced that can't be washed?! Immediate money down the drain...
It probably could be washed, but not in a machine. Wash very quickly in a bucket with a little warm water and hair shampoo, which is formulated to rinse out easily, Rinse in two changes of warm water, squeezing in your hand to get the water our. Dry flat in the shade. I wear silk all the time, but I have made all my silk stuff myself and have pre washed the fabric the same way, before cutting out the garment.
I also cut out polyester lining often. I have a few underdresses made of silk or very thin cotton. If a dress or skirt is a little sheer, I just wear those nice underdresses. For Linen pants, I just were nude boy shorts under it, no lining is needed!
It should be hand washed only - very gently at that. The brands go crazy over the tags with dry clean only or don't wash because of some customers that would sue
The first tip about polyester lining ruining breathable fabrics like linen and silk. I have even seen high-end designers electing to use cheap materials for lining to cut costs and it is a shame.
As always, Helen's content isnt always about buy buy buy but there's a lot of material consideration, practicalities as well... bravo Helen, been enjoying your work for a couple of years by now ❤ you're awesome
I’m glad I passed on some linen pants with the polyester lining at the thrift store the other day! I wish I didn’t spend so much money buying pieces that fit an aesthetic but didn’t match the rest of my wardrobe! Now I like to mix my styles and it’s more cohesive since I consider the rest of my wardrobe (especially my key pieces)
Intense. Walking. 🙌🏽 Am also a member of this club. General tip for beloved shoes with scuffs: nail polish makes for a great fix, since it’s hard wearing, can be applied with precision and all the options out there make it possible to match the color pretty closely. I’d say the most expensive mistake is feeling compelled to buy a high end designer version of every trend. As Helen says, best to wait and consider (and maybe buy second hand down the line). Uncertain whether you’ll like it, and if you constantly move on to the next such piece/trend, you’re likely chasing a feeling (status, belonging, social acceptance, etc.) that a piece of clothing is unlikely to provide, hence moving on to wanting the next thing. Imo, better to thrift / buy secondhand for trend experimentation and meditate/journal on the other thing instead.
I agree with all these! As for the shoes, I have been looking for a pair for my heavy walking as I always ruin whatever I buy throughout the years. I'm gonna check those with your tip. Another helpful tip is not to buy anything that is not within your wardrobe's color palette, I have wasted so much money on these pieces as I always have a hard time pairing them with the clothes that I already have.
They're not very pretty but I love Scarpa walking shoes and boots if you're really into walking and hiking. I have a pair of soft brown leather walking boots from them and they are so comfortable I bought another pair as a backup for when they eventually wear out in case they get discontinued in several years time.
Trends is such a good point. Sometimes I see trendy items online or in stores and my only thought is "This was made to land in the sales section soon." Just a few minutes ago I watched a video about trends and there was this lace skirt with built in shorts from Mango - a complete waste of fabric and everything else.
It's not about the price of the garment you buy, it's about the construction. Look at how it's finished on the inside, does the cuffs have puckering? Well made doesn't mean more money spent if you know what you're looking for.
It’s amazing the number of designer items with three or four figure price tags that look like a clearance item from Forever 21. There are gorgeous designer pieces and then there are those meant to even out the overall profit margin.
This is why I love vintage and second hand clothing. They're often properly tailored in beautiful fabrics and little details. They fit me so much better due to the tailoring.
Personal opinion: If I could go back in time and tell myself to not buy the cowl neck satin dresses, I would. I really _really_ love them, but they've been sitting in the closet for more than a year now. I've never worn them anywhere since they don't fit my lifestyle
Can't you weat them at home? I have a lot of a bit too formal dresses or some clothing that's a bit costume-y to wear outside, but I love these pieces, so I just wear them at home... but then you need to wear apron to do housechores, it's a bit dangerous without haha.
These are all so true! I love this kind of content, it's so helpful and the detailed examples you give make such a difference - especially seeing all the shoes up close.
Hey Helen, a quick tip to remove stains from white cotton and linen items (no silk). Let them dry with stains facing the sun! I have tons of items that are white (or off white) and leave them air dry in direct sunlight (sun from closed windows work too).
A lot of "dry clean only" items (but not all of them) can be washed in the machine with an appropriate detergent, in a mesh bag, on a gentle cycle. Sometimes it is not even the outer shell that is delicate, it is the lining that can get a bit weird-textured. Do I care? No, because I buy secondhand "dry-clean only" items for like 5-10 bucks and....wash them. Nobody sees the lining. Also: for synthetics and cellulosic fibers (for white and light colored garments only): I like sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach) a lot better than instant stain removers. It works slower, and you need to soak the item at a temperature from 40°C, but it works, and doesn't ruin fabrics. I do it in the washing machine, i just stop mid washing cycle. Vinegar works well also as a sweat stain (antiperspirant stain really) remover on light clothing.
Great video, I agree with all of these. One thing I recently heard from a fashion podcast is that basics should have a point of view. I think that’s where these luxury priced basics become worth it if they offer a cut or hemline or silhouette that makes the garment still a basic, but a more elevated one.
Great tips--thanks for talking us through them. The more we all become more discerning about what we're buying (wherever its from) the more 'sustainable' we can all be as consumers to buy less, buy better and wear longer. Knowing what to look out for when it comes to quality, fabric and materials is key. It's so interesting to see so many people in the comments who dislike polyester, but so much of fast fashion and even mid-range fast fashion e.g. COS, Massimo Dutti, is made of some sort of synthetic (poly, nylon, acrylic, or blends) or has that dreaded lining.
I don't mind polyester in trousers or skirts. Sometimes a particular look, like a pleated skirt, can be achieved best with a synthetic fibre. I also have some jumpers out of acrylic as I really can't wear wool at all (too itchy on my skin). I prefer cotton sweaters though.
Agree agree agree. I’ve been waiting to buy seasonal trends for the reason that I didn’t want to look like everyone else on the street but your point is also legit that we have the time to wait and think about it. Plus the discounts!
I brought a uniqlo coat and didn't read what the care instructions were. I had to hand wash it, but the steps given were so detailed, and I regret not returning it. I plan on selling it now.
Acetate is OK for linings, so long as you don't care if they are wrinkly after washing. I share your love of wool. I make my own clothes and, by pre-washing the wool fabric, before cutting out the pants, I can avoid going anywhere near the dry cleaner. Wool fabric is always sold as "dry-clean only", which is necessary, because they don't know how the customer will wash it, and they can't guaranteed against shrinkage. But I have been wearing home-made woolen trousers for all my adult life without needing a dry cleaner. The wool that is safe to wash is closely woven and thin. Usually expensive, but I knew how much I needed for a pair of pants and bought the fabric on sale. Still, I wouldn't wash a ready-made wool garment because it would be a big loss if it did shrink.
To me, it boils down to willingness to look at some supposedly "useless/dull" item in a new creative wear possibility. Some clothing items can be saved & restyled. Just the matter of you daring to try new fashion styles outside your comfort zone. Including matching it with accessories you usually overlook, or never thought of trying it before. For example, that mini black dress with big, layered puff sleeves. The design's purpose of it is meant to show the wearer's legs off, so high heels with long strap of laces going around your calves to knee cap level is called for - if you style it for clubbing or party-night outfit. Also, you can style it as a simplified biker chic, steampunk, Tokyo style of Lolita or mid-west cowgirl look. A.k.a. wearing that mini black dress with metal belt with steampunk metal Harajuku-style chains at the sides of your waist/large fashion belt/non-black corset belts/non-black sleeveless vests + wear black leggings/stockings + wear high heels/ankle boots/calf-high boots/ knee-high heel boots/cowboy boots. In short: that clothing item you think it is not functional for most occasions, it can be reworked into a different style you never thought of before.
I have such a poor success rate with shoes, only about half or less turn out to be reasonably comfortable. I do my best to examine every detail carefully when trying them, and break them in slowly at home, but it’s such a letdown, and expensive, when a broken-in shoe feels perfect, then I go on a first short errand and get bad pain in my foot. I don’t want to wear Birkies or sneakers all the time. I’m mostly a skirt and dress wearer and I want super-comfortable 2-inch block heels or wedges that I can actually walk more than a few steps in. That 2-inches gives me so much more confidence in a skirt, I feel stumpy without them. It’s not like I’m expecting 4- or 5-inch stiletto heel pointy pumps to be comfy! I shop very carefully and never get higher than 2.5” heels. I just ordered my first Castanera 2-inch wedges (espadrilles), they come only in whole sizes, which is fine for me, I could get a half-size up. They’re exactly what I want, I hope they don’t hurt like my cheaper Soludos did (gave away after one brief wearing, they kill).
Same here. It does not help that I have high arches, narrow heels, and a widish forefoot. I like to wear dressier shoes if possible. Unfortunately, in my hometown, high-quality shoes (especially in real (not so-called) leather) are hard to find, so I am forced to either drive a few hours for better shoes or order online. I fell for Everlane Day Heels and Day Gloves (even though flats make me stumpy-the pink ones are so cute)-the company claims the shoes are comfortable. They are not! Both killed and tore up my feet, but it was too late to return. I recently broke down and bought Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandals and am in the process of breaking them in. Fingers crossed they will be the most comfortable shoes, especially for my high arches. I really wanted the Castañer espadrilles, but the three-inch ones were scary to walk in. Maybe I will get the two-inch pair. Good luck with your new Castañers!
Thank you for the helpful tips! I agree with not overspending on basics, however, I also account for where and how the piece was made. Better working conditions and employee wages are worth a higher price tag IMO.
Your style reminded me of this channel of to girls thrifting their way to these types of outfits, but they don't upload anymore. Either way, I'm grateful that I came across your channel. I'm excited to see more of your top staples for many more quality brands.
This is probably the first video of it's kind that i find actually helpful. As a general rule I don't wear synthetics at all, unless it's something Hi-Tech (like thermal underwear to wear in winter, etc), because once you are over with the item, if it's polyester - you can't even make a rug out of it, cause it won't soak up any dirt or water. Also don't buy any heels, especially stilettos or even kitten heels unless you drive a car or are often in the part of the city where the sidewalks are PRISTINE. I own so much footwear I can't even wear because of this. And mind your own body and how it works. I absolutely cannot wear items that go all the way up into the armpit unless it's something I don't care about, is one example.
Good tips here, but I disagree about the lined clothing. The lining usually helps the clothing hang on your body rather than stick to it. When I wear pants without lining, I hate it when it clings to my skin in certain parts and rubbing and clinging to longer socks/hosiery. Lining in a jacket/blazer keeps it warm especially for colder weather. It also hides all the threads, seams, and messy stitching which is very apparent when hanging it on your chair or coat hook where everyone can see the underside.
I air my clothes by turning on my big laundry-area stand fan, it works great. If I don’t launder something, I check it, steam or iron it, brush if necessary, then air overnight with the fan. I hate putting anything back into my closet that isn’t ready to wear, or has picked up odors. There are lots of wood fireplaces, campfires and stoves, barbecues, etc., where I live, plus the wildfires - they’re just unbelievable, sometimes I can’t see the end of my short block (it only has two houses after mine). It took me a year, an hour at a time, while watching YT, to polish all my silver jewelry after the 2017 firestorms and it was stored all in cabinets or drawers. I put it all into plastic jewelry bags with no-tarnish squares after that. Our localities here in the Bay Area had banned wood-fires and charcoal BBQs, I wish mine would. They create incredible air pollution unhealthy and ugly and everyone has natural gas furnaces, cookstoves and dryers, etc., anyway.
Very good tips and agree with all, except about the white tops. No hate but white can be the easiest colour to get stains out of, as long as you wash and dry it correctly. There’s no need to use vanish if you know the origin of the stain, there are a variety of tips and tricks that can help without damaging the fabric. There’s a reason why white was the preferred material for undergarments for ages, not to mention chef, lab, or hospital coats.
This is a helpful list. I especially like the concept of knowing when spending more doesn't really get you more. Your examples made this easier to understand.
About “splurging” on basics - i think you should just consider what constitutes as a basic for *you*. Jeans is something everyone should have, but I just don’t wear T-shirts that much so I don’t need to spend money on them. Whereas a “statement” looking shoe is actually one that matches all the colours in my wardrobe and I can wear with most of my outfits. (Also i cannot recommend any jeans other than Levi’s, anything else just doesn’t compare in my view!)
"Dry clean only" clothes can normally be washed without any problem. I wash all my super delicate items made from silk etc (blazers...) very often because due to biking I sweat in them. Just use a silk detergent and use the delicate wash cycle. Educate yourself and learn how to wash it and you're going to be fine. The laundry cycle even takes less time
Thanks for the tipp on the shoes and wool jumpers! I would also really appreciate tipps on what to look for when buying new cloths and sharing similar tipps that you have mentioned
I wash my cashmere knitwear maybe once a year before storing it for Summer. I always wear a thin breathable undershirt so this makes washing knitwear basically unnecessary. I spend a lot on good quality linen. It washes better, it crinkles better and looks a million times better than cheap thin linen.
I hadn't thought about the "overspending on basics" point. But I think when you say "overspending" you're talking about some serious money that I couldn't afford anyway. But it made me think about another youtuber whose style is on the one hand basic, but re-a-lly cool. She wears neutrals for the most part and basics, but almost every item has something unique and edgy about it. Her style is often gender-neutral as well. She has a lot of pieces from Margiela...a couple of Botega Veneta things, but she mixes it up with things from Uniqlo.
Some good guesses here! I don’t know Natalie Martin, but your description made me think of Emily Wheatley. She has a really cool edgy minimalist style.
Such a useful video! I would add that a thin polyester lining is usefull for big, heavy coats - for getting them on easy, but I'm saying to summer polyester lined clothing! 🎉
I hand or even machine-wash (delicate cycle) all my silk items, regardless of the dry-cleaning recommendation. The only exception is when they have additions of those interfacings, stiffeners, etc., like in a blazer or suit. For some stupid reason, those generally aren’t washable! Washable versions are available, I don’t know why they don’t just use them except that they might cost more. I afore wearing silk, but just don’t wash my silks very often (except for underwear, socks, and “lining” thin silk tees for under cashmere or wool), they stay very clean unless I get a spot or sweaty. Silk is breathable, but not like linen, cotton or rayon is. I don’t my silk tops as much during the hottest part of the summer, August and September here, if I’m going to be away from AC, because I do noticeably sweat in them. Silk is really a three-season fabric for my California climate. When it’s hot, it can be very dry, about 10% RH, so it clings like mad, too (so does my hair). Even my looser silk items look too sexy when they do that, they cling to every curve and detail of my body (I never felt comfortable with my fuller bust emphasized like that). I do use Static Guard sometimes, it’s perfectly safe for silk, but it has a chemical smell.
I don’t buy synthetics at all, even in blends. Polyester linings are what I hate the most of all. Banana Republic has been offering blazers lined with highly breathable rayon, I have been stocking up on them! I also recently got a white linen blazer, lined with cotton, from Club Monaco, but the quality is very disappointing, the lining is puckered everywhere and I haven’t even touched it yet.
I have a second hand linen dress in a warm terra cotta….perfect for transitional fall BUT it’s lined in polyester and it’s dark enough and thick enough not to even have a lining….trusty scissors to the rescue. Have taken many formal linen dresses and washed them into sundresses.
I would love for you to give us some ideas of shoe basics, like you I walk a lot and now I only wear sneakers but would like to expand to some “dressier” shoes
Great video, Helen! So helpful, and I was nodding pretty much all the way through! Thank you for helping us keep our head out of the clouds and our feet on the ground! 😉
7:47 I think this would be so cute with something under it. You could layer it that way and wear it so much more. It’s such a pretty dress. I love taking my summer/spring dresses and adding a turtleneck or other warmer layer under them for fall and winter. Just an idea I thought you might like to try. Great video!
amazing tips that you pulled from experience that I haven't seen from other beauty/fashion channels!!! thank u!!~~ love the shoe one and the not to overspend on basics!
super agree with white clothing. even those linen and cotton ones. painful lesson for me this summer as i thought white clothing would feel more comfy. i still had to wear some Numi base layers to not have sweat stains on the armpits. i'd rather stay with my darks/blacks/prints so as not have to deal with stains. i went to a wedding recently last month, and i thought i'd be comfy in a nice silk top. it sure was nice, but i was more concerned about getting a stain on it, even though i had applied a scotchguard on it prior to the event. never again. i'll just wear something dark or printed but in a comfortable fabric for summer
Shoes are so true! And sometimes brands mark the price WAAAAAAAY too much for the material that they use. For tropical climates people, If you’re looking for something with longevity stay away from PU leather and thick synthetic rubber sole. Some people like it some people don’t. The thick rubber soles (synthetic) will melt and gets misshaped easily. Looks for the inner part of the shoe too. I’ve come across one pair that the inner lining was literally peeling off as I wear it 😭 the weather was too hot and humid for some glued together shoes. $$$ doesn’t mean quality!
I agree with you 100%. I wear the same make of underwear for 40 years Marks and Spencer ( UK) when I lived abroad my mother used to send it to me😂 Basics from Cos, my style and fit I like and very reasonably priced. I don't waste money on summer clothes because I like to be covered up. I just Linen mostly, main style oversized wide leg trousers, big shirts with cos vest underneath that I wear for layering in winter also. And linen shirt dresses x 2. My true love is autumn / winter so knitwear that is 20 years old as well a few pieces that I will wear forever. Recently invested in a pair of loafers in a buttery leather( sale) they are fantastic just like wearing your slippers. No need invest in basics unless you don't sweat and that's all you wear. Always buy a good coat, they last a long time, classic coats are the best no need to break the bank but look out for sales or thrift. Accessories are your friend if you wear simple style clothes, they add personality.Helen your vlogs are topnotch, a lot of thought goes into them and I really appreciate that. 😘
@@margotlescargot Sam Edelman, if you do a Google search you can sometimes get them in the sale. They are quite expensive at regular price. They are so comfortable but I got them in the house of Fraser sale. Hope this helps x
If you ever have to buy acrylic blend knitwear (cute designs, ik 😢, only keep the cute statement ones), wear a cotton t shirt underneath!!! And just wash the t shirt after a coupleof wears. It will keep your knits from getting stained and have to go fewer laundry cycles. Avoid cheap knit pants though, the pills are horrendous!!! Wear cotton corduroys or heattech leggings underneath if needing warmth.
oops I’m a little late here, but just wanted to say that yes, Calvin Klein lingerie is extremely good quality. I’ve been owning some of these for… 19 years! 😮 Thanks for all your good advice, Helen 👍
When I was studying dress making, I begged my teacher to tell me which the most natural pinning fabric is. She insisted on polyester. Changed teachers and second teacher taught me to get the best fabrics.
I am such a fan for Calvin Klein undies. I have been only wearing CK for my undergarments and I never looked back. I haven’t had to purchase new things for years. I def recommend.
dry clean you can throw in the wash on hand wash in a bag. and we also shop at walmart a lot for clothes so yeah a lot of rich people are wearing walmart, target and believe it or not 2nd hand stores you want to stay rich
@dailyhelen A have a objection to the advice to not buy white shirts or tops for summer. In my experience white items need gentle hand wash to remove stains from sweat or sunscreen. Therefore I use bile soap (gall soap) and rub it gently on the stains, let it act in the fabric for half an hour and then wash it out by hand.
Ohhhh loved your video. I had to find out the hard way that some more expensive pieces aren’t for me. I‘m a florist and I need to wash my clothing often so wool only works on special pieces and doesn’t work for a lot of them. Same goes for a lot of high quality materials. I tend to rip clothing a lot (I do work with knives all the time). So cheap or expensive makes no difference 😅
Where do you buy your warm winter clothes from? I'm a gardener and I find it difficult to find stylish, attractive winter clothes that are also warm, practical and in terms of trousers, ideally waterproof. I dislike feeling frumpy all winter but I also don't want to be cold.
Everything you buy is a waste of money if the garment does not suit your body shape, or is the wrong colour for your underlying skin tone. Another waste is buying an expensive garment and not looking after it correctly. Some garments are best stored flat and others on a hangar. Washing clothes too often is also a waste of money. Not mending your clothes will make you look scruffy.
Unfortunately, many items have that on the label not because they can’t be machine washed, but to minimize returns from people who wash carelessly. It’s helped to learn about fabrics and careful machine washing methods (basically if the fabric can handle it: inside out, cool temperature, delicate cycle and 90% air dry).
I have to pack something for cruise ship dinners. I got 3 satin tops, one pair of drapey fabric pants, and one black blazer. Shoes I just wear ballet flats. With chunky chains, the outfits are dinner appropriate. I’d not pack fancy dresses and shoes.
White sneakers. There’s nothing like a beautiful gleaming pair of white sneakers but even the best cleaning products can’t prevent chewed up soles, tongues etc. There’s so many really cute & sturdy high street options And when they are looking tattered beyond repair I’m happy to turf them & get a fresh new pair. They don’t owe me anything.
I would say opposite on knitwear. I must wash my clothes every single time I wear them and anything that requires special care is not going to work. Sadly wool is incompatible with my lifestyle and I can't be the only one.
Fairy washing up liquid gets almost any stain out of your whites it gets foundation out of mine that had been there a while it would not come out by washing machine alone put some washing liquid straight in to the stain rubbed it in slightly so it went into the fabric fibres then regular wash cycle gone it's great stuff and something most people have I don't know if cheaper washing up liquid works fairy is concentrated ❤
