Top Ten to keep Vinegar in your Laundry Room

Here's why.  The acid in white distilled vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics, yet strong enough to dissolve the alkalies in soaps and detergents. This prevents yellowing, acts as a fabric softener and static cling reducer, and attacks mold and mildew, and more.  Below are 13 common problems with easy vinager solutions.


Reduce static cling and keep lint from sticking to clothes: add 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the wash cycle.


Water & salt stains off shoes and boots: Wiping them down with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.

Perspiration odor and stains as well as those left by deodorants: Spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on underarm and collar areas before tossing them into the washing machine.

Holes left along the hemline when you let out the hem: Moisten a cloth with white distilled vinegar, placing it under the fabric, then iron.

Mildew smell on wet towels or laundry left in washer: Pour a few cups of white distilled vinegar in the machine and wash the clothes in hot water. Then run a normal cycle with detergent.

Dull, faded black clothes:  Use white distilled vinegar in your final rinse.  The soap residue makes black look dull.


Dingy whites :. Add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring it to a rolling boil and drop in the articles. Let soak overnight.

Bring out bright colors: Add 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Acidic stains like mustard spaghetti, barbecue, or ketchup stains: Dab with white distilled vinegar.

Smoky odors on clothes: Fill the bathtub with very hot water and 1 cup white distilled vinegar. Hang the garments above the steaming water and shut the door so the steam can penetrate the fibers.

Tie yourself to Fashion

Start 2011 off right, with a bold, yet easy fashion statement.  Sport a tie like Carrie Underwood, Anne-Lynne McCord, Lynda Carter and Valerie Bertinelli. 

Worried about being too masculine, choose a feminine tie with a floral print, pastel colors, or a curvy pattern like a paisley.

  

Liberty of London cotton floral tie

Brooks Brothers silk floral tie

Giorgio Armani linen floral tie

 BackInStyle.com has over 200 ties to choose from starting at just $10, so start shopping now!

Help your Community, Shop at Locally Owned Small Businesses

A study by the economic analysis company Civic Economics found that when $100 is spent at a locally owned business, $68 stay in the community. That's compared to just $43 out of $100 spent at a major retail chain.

Problem Solved! Top 10 “I don't know what to get them” Gifts

For your secret Santa:
Is your budget $25 or less? Then you are in luck. BackInStyle.com has over 200 items that are under $25. How about a piece of vintage jewelry. It's sure to fit, and looks way more expensive than it is. Or for him- a fun vintage tie to make the office more interesting?

Your female co-worker:
Add some pizzaz to her work wardrobe with a rhinestone brooch, $35 at BackInStyle.com.  Festive, yet feminine, there are a million ways she can wear it; in her hair, on her handbag, on her scarf, on her hat, or the usual jacket lapel. 

Your male co-workers:
Help him get the promotion he deserves by having him dress the part.  Spruce up his look with a designer tie. Starting at just $10, you can buy one for each man in the office.

For your intern:
At the end of the day, when you can't wait to sit go home and sit on the couch, she is making plans to go out! A fabulous vintage clutch that she can throw in her work bag and pull out for a night on the town, makes an affordable and thoughtful gift.

For your mentor:
A vintage designer scarf is the perfect gift. Classic and sophisticated, it will show her how much you respect and admire her, with out being over the top.

For your sister, the girl who has always borrowed your clothes: You already know what she likes. Just pick something similar to what she used to steal from your closet. Or just give her that item she is coveting from your closet, and buy something new for yourself...

For your best friend:
After diamonds, a fabulous handbag is a girl's best friend. BackInStyle.com has many to choose from. Unique vintage to contemporary designer. A big tote to lug all her files to the office, or a cute little baguette for when you are out shopping, a tote to carry all her gym clothes, or a clutch for Girls Night Out. No matter what her style, you will certainly find it at BackInStyle.com


Your brothers, or brother-in-law:
You thought this one was hard, but now it is simple, Cuff links! The hottest new accessory for men. Affordable ($20-$35 at BackInStyle.com) and unique, they make the perfect thoughtful gesture without looking like you are trying too hard.

Your vintage loving friend:Can't afford a fab designer piece, but know she would love it?  Try a vintage designer tie.  She can wear it as a belt, in her hair, tied loosely around her neck, in a bow on her handbag.  The possibilities are endless.

For the girl who has everything:
A gift certificate, to BackInStyle.com, of course.  Then she can pick from the over 3,00 unique items.  They are all one of a kind, so she is certain to find something she doesn't already have.

Ashlee Simpson in vintage Chanel

I had to look twice.  No, this isn't a vintage Twiggy pic, this is Ashlee Simpson.  She rocks the pixie, and plays up the 1960s look in this vintage Chanel sequined mini dress.

Amber Tamblyn vintage YSL

Amber Tamblyn looks amazing in this vintage Yves Saint Laurent green satin dress.  The green looks great against her pale skin, and adds some life to the whole event.  I am green with envy!

Victoria Beckham in vintage Courreges

Victoria Beckham always looks chic, and on this flight from London to NYC is no exception.  (She looks better after a long flight, than I do on a good day!)  On this trip she wore a simple Andres Courreges vintage shift dress with clean lines in a soft pink.  So chic!