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 When it comes to our wardrobes those fabulous luxe items we worked so hard to buy in the first place, are usually equally as hard to keep looking great...
A silk dress is definitely an investment, but what on earth are you meant to do when it gets dirty?!
Anya has the best tips and tricks for ensuring your silks, satins and chiffons will stand the test of time. She’s even got some magical advice that will keep your pointy shoes remain scuff free!
 Shoes
Your shoes say so much about you so make sure they are saying the right thing by keeping them looking fab.
Heels and Soles: The best advice, reheel your shoes as soon as you buy them – in New Zealand the quality of heels on boots sold in stores especially is low. Heel them now to make them last.
Suede shoes: Bring suede shoes to life with a good steam over a hot kettle, then leave to dry untouched in a dry place. This can help rid shoes of minor scuffs and scrapes.
Satin and fabric shoes: Should be spot cleaned by dabbing with a soft towel with a little warm water and fabric cleaner (buy from a craft store). But you should really scotch guard any fabric coated shoes you own to prevent this happening! Points: If you love your points make sure you get toe protectors put on to ensure they look fantastic and be mindful of stairs! If a disaster happens to your leather shoe, steam it over a hot kettle to see if deep scuffs relax and then polish with a soft cloth.  Wedding Dresses/Ball DressesIt’s after the big day and you have dreams of passing this one on (or at least selling it!) -what do you do? Dry-clean: Dry-clean it now, because quite frankly you’re not going to get around to it later. Anyway it’s best to get to those stains before they really set – and you can always hand this task over to your bridesmaids! Store: Never, ever hang a wedding dress for any amount of time. The amount of detailing (especially on long ball gown types) will be destroyed. Hanging causes weight to stress seams and finishing’s which can lead to tearing and your dress loosing shape. The best way to store your dress for the long term is in an acid free garment box lined with acid free tissue paper and moisture absorbing crystals. Check the dress every 8-12 weeks to make sure everything is still o.k. and store in a cool, dry place. Cashmere: Pilling makes winter warmers look old and dated! Pilling: The higher quality the mix the less it’s likely to pill. Make sure your cashmere is mixed with nylon, silk or cotton. Also check that your merino is 100% superfine knit. Wash by hand and be as gentle as possible. If a tight knit item does pill you can sometimes shave off the pilling with a razor – be aware this may weaken the fabric.  LingerieMake sure you keep your knickers nice or there will be no naughtyness…
Washing: Always wash lingerie by hand! Use a diluted soap solution or if you can a specific delicates wash. If you really can’t wash your delicates by hand (you lost your hands in a horrible incident with a cat and a bar stool) than by all means use a lingerie washing bag or place your items in an old stocking.
Drying: Never put your bras in the dryer, if you do this I will come after you! Doing this especially with padded bras causes them to loose their shape and support, it’s an ultimate no! For your pricey pairs: You splashed out on French whisker lace and hand finished silk detailing? Good on you – dry these flat on a towel instead of hanging on the line to keep the lace and detailing intact.  Bling blingYour sparkles just don’t cut it when they don’t sparkle anymore! Stop tarnishing: By putting on your Jewellery last each day (yes even after the perfume). Whilst it’s romantic to wear your luxe rings all day every day, take them off in the shower and especially when using cleaning chemicals! Do the checkup: At least once a year take your favourite pieces to get professionally cleaned and have them check that all the stones are in place. Don’t scratch: Keep scratches at bay by keeping jewellery as separate as possible. Keep them in velvet pouches or their individual boxes. If that’s not possible the next time you’re near a fabric store by a meter of velvet and layer your pieces in between the velvet.  Silks and satinsA lovely silk gown needs to remain as lovely as it began! Wash: If you have a trusted drycleaner then hand it over to them. Otherwise wash by hand with a little shampoo and then dry on a still day to avoid stiffness and marking. Softness and marks: If your silk goes stiff then add a teaspoon of salt to your washing water and rinse with a little vinegar I your rinsing water to avoid detergent marking. Sleek silks: Keep your silks sleek by storing your silk garments in a garment bag if hanging or in a draw with other silk items if folding. Anya Merryfield .jpg)
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