August 2011 -

So, you’ve just purchased your perfect Vintage outfit and would like tips on how to keep it in great condition.

Firstly, and most importantly, make sure when you purchased you vintage garment there are no holes, damage or/and stains. Its best to avoid these problems rather than buy hoping they can be repaired. Of course, if its your dream dress or an absolute bargain, it can’t hurt to put your faith in the clothing gods and attempt a fix.

It is very important that you hand wash a majority of vintage clothing, there is nothing worse then you popping it in the washing machine or dryer only to end up with a shrunken sweater or tie-dye skirt that was once striped. Hand wash, gently with cold water and it is not suggested to colour dye unless the certain material can be dyed. Keep an eye out for care label instructions; this can make your job a whole lot easier. Care labels were first introduced in the 1970′s so it’s quiet likely you’ll spot one in your purchase. Of course if you’ve bought yourself the perfect 1950′s tea dress then it’s always better to be safe than sorry – have the item dry cleaned or hand wash and dry lying flat. If your item looks at all like it is comprised of a woollen fabric then be extra careful not to be to rough with when washing; wool requires a tender hand-wash or better yet leave it to the dry-cleaners.

You must be weary of fabrics that may not be colour-fast, particularly if it has sections of embroidery (the tread colour often runs). Best thing to do is to colour test small section of the fabric to see if the colour stains warm water. After you have colour tested, to be safe, wash in cold water and add salt to the mix to help fix the dye.

You may find stains on your vintage clothing because it does have considerable history. Common stains include; blood, grass, food and rust areas (if the garment includes silver/gold/metal). Do not despair, there are a number of things you can do. First of all, try soaking over-night in a laundry detergent (remember to colour test first before doing this). If your stain is stubborn, there are a number of stain removal products that can be applied directly to the stain such as: stain goes, bleach (for whites) and even Windex. I highly recommend you Google the specific remedy for what the stain appears to be, eg. grass stain which are greeny-brown, blood or rust stain which are brown etc.

When storing your garment, it should be stored in a breathable container; for example store in a containers with no holes, preferably plastic to help keep out mice and insects. When placing the garment in your closet, its a good idea you put it on a wooden coat hanger or even plastic. Do not use metal! It is highly suggested that you do not use a metal coat hanger, especially if the garment is garment is heavy. Metal coat hangers do tent to rust which may have a effect on the garment and due to their fine, narrow structure, can ruin the shoulders of your treasured vintage item in a matter of hours.

Hope these tips will help you on the quest for vintage perfection.

About the Author: The Ginger Fox is a dedicated and avid enthusiast of vintage clothing and unique, imaginative vintage style.

Disclosures: Beauty and Fashion Tech at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

About the Author: Carleen Pruess Coulter

While coloring hair is common throughout the United States, getting a creative hair color is less common. Creative hair colors are bold, expressive and not for those who are shy or worry about the way others will react. Fortunately, for those with a bold style flare who enjoy standing out and do not care what others think, getting the best creative hair color and design will display your daring to stand out from the crowd.

Creative Hair Color Tips:

Before starting on a design for a creative color, it is important to keep some key tips in mind. Coloring your hair is a type of commitment, particularly when you plan to use bold colors or creative hair ideas.

• Select a base hair color before considering any type of color design. The base color is the main color throughout your hair. In general, the best base colors are natural colors like shades of blonde, brunette or red. Sticking to something that is close to your natural color is ideal because the color will suit your skin tone while also requiring less upkeep than colors that differ dramatically.

• Match other colors to the base color. Though you might decide to use bright colors that stand out or more subdued colors that highlight the base color with something imaginative, you want a color that suits the base color. For example, if your base color is a dark brunette or black, you might use a dark purple, blue or red rather than a light shade. If the base color is lighter, such as a medium brunette or dark blonde, a subdued and lighter shade to highlight like light pink or blue will suit the color better.

• Design the colors around the haircut. The style and cut of your hair will often dictate where you should avoid adding color. For example, a short and choppy style looks great with alternating chunks of hair in different colors while long layers suit a style like lowlights and highlights.

• Get the style done at a salon rather than in the home. Unless you are a hairstylist or someone living with you knows enough about coloring techniques like foiling, it is better to get your hair professionally colored. The best hair color requires an expert hand, particularly if you want a complex and innovative design.

• Determine your level of commitment to your hair before getting it colored. Creative hair designs and colors require a certain level of upkeep to maintain the stunning and artistic look. If you do not have time to re-dye your hair often or touch up the color, you should avoid a large amount of dying. Instead, keep your natural hair color as the base and use subtle colors for the design. In this way, when the hair grows out it will not look bad.

Coloring your hair in any style requires upkeep and planning. This is particularly true when you dye light colors like blonde or when you use bold colors like blue, pink, green or purple. While these tips are key points to consider, you should always discuss the best color options for your hair with a stylist before dying it. Each individual, hair cut and skin tone will look best with different color combinations, designs and looks. Enjoy the challenge of getting the best color for your skin and hair.

Don’t feel brave enough for permanent creative color? Try Streakers, for adding temporary color streaks to you hair!