Alysa Rice is a freshman magazine journalism major and writes "Fashion Your Seatbelt" for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. Write to Alysa at aarice@bsu.edu.
Confession: I own a pair of black suede Uggs. Purchased in the midst of junior-high labeling and Ugg madness, today I solely wear these for lounging around after a day spent in the polar vortex or simply going out to start my car. After time, they began to show heavy signs of wear from bracing the white-out flurries and the ultimate shoe enemy—salt.
 |
|---|
Around this time of year, it’s crucial to prepare your shoes, handbags and clothing from getting battered by slush piles, snow and snagging. Through a little thoughtful safeguarding, you can save the lives of your closet so your wallet doesn’t take a plunge. And if you’ve already put your wardrobe through severe damage, fear not — there is still hope.
Leather:
Always wipe off the slush when you get inside: this helps to get rid of any hidden harsh chemicals that could potentially damage your leather goods. If the leather is ruined from water, snow, salt or all of the above, dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in white vinegar and gently rub. To protect your leather, suede and fabric shoes from water, salt and dirt, Ralyn Aquatec is recommended for a water repellent and stain resistant. Don’t feel like bearing the outdoors? You’re in luck; this product can be ordered through Amazon. Also, invest in a leather conditioner and regularly polish your shoes to keep the leather supple.
Suede:
Suede can be tricky. The wet cleaning remedies that work for smooth leather aren't good for suede, which needs to stay dry so it doesn't lose its texture. Instead, quickly rub off overall dirt with a kneadable eraser or just lightly sand away obvious stains with an emery board (nail file). To raise the nap of suede that's flattened, scrub briskly with a clean toothbrush. If it's not cleaned quickly, the stain can really set. You can still use the vinegar and water trick for salt stains, but try not to soak it. Just like leather, it’s best to grab a cleaning and waterproofing kit to preserve suede. MacPherson Leather Cadillac Leather Shield Spray, $7.95, will do the job for leathers, suede, and fabrics. For you Ugg-wearers: take full advantage of the Ugg Sheepskin Care Kit that the pushy salesperson insisted you to buy. For step-by-step instructions on how to use it, visit their website.
Fabric and Knits:
An old mythical legend (or Pinterest board) once said that if you have cashmere or wool sweater that won’t stop shedding, put it in a freezer baggie and toss it in the freezer overnight. This will help stiffen the fabric to keep it intact. Also, try turning your sweaters inside out before washing them, to remove friction. Then give them a once-over with a lint brush before storing them next to anything they might rub up against.
Wear and tear is, after all, an inevitable fact of life, footwear and clothing. Still, there are things you can do to your clothes and shoes to protect them. And remember — it is always better to pre-treat than it is to wait until after the damage is done.
Read More
Muncie Southside’s robotics team fosters STEM learning
By Grayson Joslin / 14 hours agoAfter a school day ends at Muncie Southside Middle School, most students return home, but a select few enter Brian DeRome’s classroom to learn about robotics.They wander in to the white-covered brick classroom, with chatty conversation about homework assignments and the upcoming practice.
Ball State women’s golf takes home first place at Lady Jaguar Invitational
By Nick Shelton / YesterdayAfter jockeying for position with Ohio and Butler throughout the competition’s second day, Ball State finished atop the 11-team field, one stroke ahead of the Bobcats and Bulldogs, in order to take home first place.
Ball State Sweeps Akron
By Staff Reports / YesterdayBall State Baseball walked away from its weekend series against Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponent Akron with a sweep.
