Use Old Socks for Thumbless MittensWe are having below freezing temps with A LOT of snow. We have had to hand shovel it. We are building a home, and of course, it was to be complete before winter.
Stop Squeaky Tennis Shoes with WD-40How to stop a tennis shoe (sneaker) from squeaking: Step 1: remove the insole from the shoe. Step 2: spray lubricant (WD-40) on the problem area.
Sewing Buttons on Your Sewing MachineThis is a sewing tip. I have a special foot for my sewing machine for sewing on buttons. I love it because it's such a time saver. Anyway my tip is this: before I sew the button on, I lay a flat toothpick on top of the button and hold it there until I lower my presser foot.
Wet Shoe Laces To Keep Them TiedWhen shoe laces won't stay tied, wet the shoe lace and then tie it. It will stay tied.
Winter Life for Summer Children's ClothesAs summer comes to a close many delve into closets to wake the warmer clothing from its summer hibernation. Yet, while adults can pack away summer clothes for next year, children often outgrow their summer clothes before another summer season arrives.
Use Boxers As Summer PajamasInstead of spending a lot of money on my preschool boys' pajamas for the warmer months, I buy cute boxer shorts off season for next to nothing. They look as cute as can be in the fun boxers and undershirts.
Use Small Children's Clothes Hangers for PantsWhen my son was younger I loved the small kid-sized hangers to hang up his clothes. When he grew out of the small hangers and into the larger hangers, I didn't know what to do with them.
Use a Pumice Stone to Remove Fabric PillsInstead of using a lint shaver, try using a block of pumice stone. Those nasty tiny pills, and small specs will disappear onto the stone. It's easy to clean the stone that once helped the rough spots on your feet.
Keep Your Swim Suit From FadingTo keep your swim suit from fading, go to your local pet store and purchase chlorine remover that you use for aquariums.
Check Boating or Sporting Goods Stores For Shoe DealsBoating stores have great sales on boat shoes and other sporting shoes! My husband is addicted to Topsider sailing moccasins gotten on sale.
Frugal Tips When Shopping for ClothingSave money when shopping for clothing. Always turn the garment wrong side out and check the seams and hem for loose or broken threads. NEVER pull a thread to break it. Always cut it with scissors. If the garment is damaged or has a spot on it, you can ask the clerk for a discount.
Bring a Spool of Thread When ShoppingThis tip is for any one wanting to match an item of clothing. Take a spool of thread in the color you are looking for when you go shopping. It's much easier than taking the item of clothing with you to the store.
Use Salt To Extend The Life Of NylonsI soak my nylons in warm water with soap and add a tablespoon of table salt to the water. I let soak at least 1-2 hours, then I dry them on delicate or hung over the shower curtain rod. The salt is a natural preservative and it toughens up the nylon!
Use Hot Glue To Save SolesSave the heels of your family's new shoes from running down by doing this tip: turn shoe upside down with bottom of heel facing you.
Iron Your Clothes for the Entire Work WeekA friend of mine gave me this tip: Ironing your clothes for the entire work week so you're prepared for each work day with no wardrobe surprises and it saves on your electric bill.
Dye Old Jeans To Look NewWe have 5 daughters. As a result, a lot of clothes get passed down as hand me downs. The younger ones complain about the jeans already being faded out. If they are still decent jeans, I don't want to buy more. So, what I do is Rit dye them back.
Children's Shoe Sizes for School ShoesKeep a tracing of your children's feet in your handbag and search out the most economical (quality inclusive) store for your children's new school shoes.
Maintain Your Boots In Brand New ConditionCut off the legs from panty hose. Use plastic bags you get at the grocery store and stuff them to the size of your boot/shoe. You can also use newspaper. This will help your boots by standing up straight in your closet and looking new. Goodbye to those wrinkled boots.
Always Buy the Same Brand of SocksAlways buy the same brand of socks. Then when finding a sock with a hole in it, do not throw away the pair. Instead save the sock without the hole and when a hole is discovered later in another pair, use the two remaining socks to make another pair.
Use Dishwashing Gloves When Putting On PantyhosePantyhose can be expensive and nothing makes me any madder than to poke my finger through a pair when putting them on for the first time. To avoid this, put on a pair of dishwashing gloves.
Saving on Clothing - Be Willing to Do Minor RepairsWant nice stuff cheap? Be willing to do minor repairs! Just got 2 pairs of summer shoes new/practically new for $2 each at a sale at the Salvation Army (they have sales, too) - Why were they there? - One pair of moccasins had to have the lace re-threaded and the other had tiny bleach spots, which I easily filled in with my all purpose marker set! (I have also gotten great deals on clothing with simple ripped seams, lacking buttons, etc.!)
Making Over Vintage Clothing Is In StyleHave a teenaged girl who longs for expensive mall fashion? Tell her that a current hip fashion trend is making over vintage t-shirts. There are whole stores in L.A. devoted to made-over vintage tees!
Add Padding To Bargain ShoesI got a beautiful pair of off-white summer boat shoes/moccasins but they are a tad too large. I could just wear them with socks, but it's summertime!
Measuring Tape for Clothing SizingI always travel with a measuring tape and a small note on which I write my measurements, especially. I save both in the plastic yellow egg that comes inside the Kinder chocolate egg.
Ignore Fashion, Buy What You LikeThere is fashion and there are things you just like. Espadrilles, for example, those rope soled canvas shoes that originated in the South of France. They come in both flat and wedge styles.
Save Money on ClothingHere is a big list of tips for saving money on clothing. Wear older clothing around the house and save your nice clothing for when you go out. Buy clothes off season when they are on sale or even clearance. And more tips...
Buy Clothes on EbayI have two teenagers. I buy all of their clothing off of Ebay for less than I would pay in stores. Some are brand new, some are gently used.
Shopping for Clothing OnlineWhen you need new clothes, if at all possible, buy garments that are washable. Otherwise, you are definitely adding to the cost of the jacket, fancy dress, or whatever!
Tips For Easing Into Vintage ClothingI remember when I first started to wear vintage things, and I was nervous about it. So here are a few tips. Don't go totally vintage, use a vintage piece here or there, and use quality items.
Look At Resale And Vintage Shops For PromTo get a good deal when looking for your prom dress, go further afield than your local mall! Go to Resale shops where they have designer dresses for a lot less.
Look At Men's Clothing When ShoppingWhen looking for clothes, be unisex if you can. Women can wear most male styles nowadays and masculine clothing is much better made. In the old days, I wore guys' Levis 501's before they made them especially for women, and my first jeans jacket was a boy's size!
Emergency Waterproof ShoesIf you don't have waterproof shoes and you want to go out this winter and have dry feet, simply slip on a plastic bag over socks before putting on your shoes or boots. One gallon freezer bags are good for this.
Emergency Hemming With StaplesI bought a last minute pair of thrift shop jeans when I found I went off for a weekend without them. New $5 - good deal. But they were too long and I didn't have needle and thread with me.
Repair Sneakers With Silicone SealantJust when you're letting out a big sigh because the kids have ripped the sole and fabric apart in another pair of sneakers, consider this: repair the sneaker by gluing it with silicone, the kind you use in bathroom repairs.
Disguising White Marks On JeansSometimes when you scrub at stains on your jeans, you end up with a white spot, which can be even worse! To mask those white spots if you have lighter blue jeans, you can use a grey water-based marker.
Pantiliners As Shoe InnersolesWhile helping put together a rummage sale, we came across a pair of ladies high heeled shoes. We cleaned the shoes of any paper, so the possible buyer could easily slip the shoes on checking for comfort.
Panty Hose Panty Too Short?If you find you are left with panty hose that don't fit in the panty - (that is, the legs fit - but the panty comes up too short) you can still use them. I cut off the panty of old control top pantyhose and save them.
Don't Hang Sweaters and KnitsDon't Hang Sweaters and Knits. Fold sweaters and knit garments instead of hanging them. Hanging them can distort the shape of the garment.
Buying ShoesWhen buying shoes, always try on both shoes and walk around in them to make sure you get the right fit. Sizing can be inconsistent from different shoe manufacturers so be sure to try on different sizes.
Getting The Right Shoelace LengthGetting The Right Shoelace Length. In case you ever got to the store and remembered you needed shoelaces but forgot what length, here is a tried and true formula. Count the number of holes on EACH side of your shoe, than multiply that number by 3.
No Snow Pants?If you don't want to buy snow pants, just spray an old pair of jeans with water repellant. Wear a pair of long johns underneath to help keep you warm.
Repairing Clothing from Thrift ShopsRepairing Clothing from Thrift Shops. Often clothes at thrift shops end up there just because they need some tweaking. Got a lovely pair of GAP capris - but there as a knot of sorts where the stretchy material of the waistband met the front seam.
Leather Bag from a Thrift ShopI got a nice black leather bag for $1 at a thrift shop. You can tell leather from vinyl by the smell. Leather wears so much better.
I Made a "Clown" Shirt from Leftover FabricsMy kids are grown, in fact, I am a greatgrandmother. When my kids were school age and younger, I made a lot of their clothes. Had lots leftover so I decided to make myself a blouse.
Organizer for Kids SocksOrganizer for Kids Socks. I have recently discovered that there actually is a solution for mismatched baby and kid socks! No more lonely socks hanging out at the back of enormous dresser drawers.
Quick Shoe ShineFor a quick shoe shine, turn to your husband's car care stash. "Armour All" will shine shoes very quickly; and it lasts a long time as well.
Prevent Baggy KneesTo keep slacks from becoming baggy at the knees put an 8 inch piece of lining fabric on the inside from one seam to the next...
Thrift Store EveningwearI just wore a heavily beaded dress to a gala. Now, I had gotten it from a local thrift shop. It was a steal; but I did have to trim off the extra threads and hanging beads.
Longer Lasting PantyhoseBefore wearing pantyhose for the first time, put them in the freezer overnight. First get the pantyhose wet, gently ring them out put them in the freezer overnight.
Caring for Straw HatsIt's the time of year for straw hats - which need a special sort of care to live long and prosper. If they have become creased, you can restore them to their original shape (or tweak it a little) by spraying it with water and easing it back into shape with your hands and then letting it dry.
Planning Your OutfitsI got so tired of having nothing to wear, I was going crazy. I decided to tear into my closet and put some outfits together including jewelry and shoes and write each one down.
Leather vs. Plastic or Vinyl Shoes and PursesReal leather shoes and bags wear better in the long run, and can be polished and waxed. BUT in the rain (or the snow), PLASTIC or vinyl has the benefit of not being ruined by water.
High End Fashion ItemsDon't think of thrift shops for just utilitarian items. It's amazing, but you can often get higher-end consumer/fashion items, like fancy place mats...
Keeping Heel of Shoe Linings from Wearing OutMy sneakers often wear out in the lining, especially at the heel, before the rest of the shoe. So, I mend the inside of the back of the heels with either clear First Aid tape - or white First aid tape (which matches my white sneakers).
Covering Unremovable SpotsHave you got bleach spots or grease spots on a favorite shirt or slacks? Instead of getting rid of them, for that reason. Sew on a pretty applique over the spot.
Marking Hand-Me-Down ClothingWhen marking childrens clothing for family use, (Will not work for trips, like for camp).
Use 1 mark for largest child, 2 marks for next size and etc.
Stubborn Shoelace KnotsStubborn shoelace knot? Sprinkle on some cornstarch before working the knot free.
Purchase Your Clothes Off SeasonPurchase your winter time clothing in the summer months, if at all possible, you can save yourself big bucks. Recently, while in a thrift store, I was searching for summer time blouses & shirts. I noticed a lady was looking through the sweaters and jackets.
Drying Wet ShoesThe tendency is to put wet shoes on or near a heat source to dry them. Unfortunately, this can shrink your shoes. You want to dry shoes at room temperature. Fill the shoes with newspaper or cloth to absorb the moisture in the inside. Change the newspaper or cloth and replace with dry every few hours until dry. It will also help the shoes keep their shape.
Consignment Shop Sack SalesOur local consignment shops have been doing stuff-a-sack (Walmart sack) for $3. I have been hitting them for the past 3 months and have gotten some great stuff.
Using Rit Dye to Keep Things Looking NewI found a great way to make my clothing have a new look. I use the Rit dye to change the color of faded or to alter the color of clothing. I even recently dyed my white towels that were still plush, but didn't have that crisp white look anymore.
Make Your Own DickiesDickies can be made by taking the dickie cloth and using garters at each side at the top to attach around bra straps. They can be made from expensive remnants from something that you hemmed. I keep a stash of large pieces that were cut off from hemming just for this use.
Replacement Cuffs for a Jacket or SweaterI wear rib topped anklets (socks) every day, and I usually wear them completely out. I use the rib topping for replacement cuffs on jackets and sweaters. On a white double knit jacket I used pink. Then cut small hearts out of the top of the stocking and appliqued them on the pockets.
Caring for Nice ShoesTips for taking care of nice shoes. Post your ideas.
Men's Shirts and Socks are CheaperSeveral years ago, when I had gotten a job working in a casino restaurant. I was required to wear white button down shirts, black slacks, black shoes, black socks. I quickly realized that my shirts were going to be stained nearly every day and I did not want to spend my whole paycheck on clothes.
Update Old Clothing with AccessoriesIf you are tired of your old clothes, you don't always have to buy more. The key word is accessorize. Scarves, Belts, Hats, etc. can instantly update an old outfit and make it look new again.
Keeping Buttons on ClothingBefore you wear a new garment, put a little clear nail polish on the front and back threads of each button. Buttons will stay on longer when their threads are sealed.
Taking Care of Your FeetWhen looking for shoes, an expensive pair of shoes will often last longer than a cheaper pair. Plus the better shoes will be better for your feet, especially if you're on your feet a lot.
Clothing That Never Goes Out of StyleThe following are clothes that almost never go out of style. If you're out and about shopping, whether it be at a name brand store or mall, yard sales, thrift stores, or at a relative's house and they're getting rid of some of their clothes look for these.
Making Shoes Last LongerTo make your shoes last longer, put a thin piece of rubber on the bottom of the soles. You can have a shoe repair person do this.
Make Pantyhose LastWhen I open a new package, I put the pantyhose immediately in the freezer overnight which sets the mesh and resists snags and tears. When removed and warmed to room temperature, I spray the pantyhose lightly with hairspray.
Dyeing Clothing with TeaI needed a tan bolero jacket to wear over a dress. I didn't have any extra money to buy one, so I had a white one that I very seldom wore. I took an 8 qt. stainless steel pot, put in 10 iced-tea sized tea bags and water, then let it boil.
Spend Less On ClothingI am always purchasing my clothes the opposite of the season. I purchase my winter clothes in the summer and my summer clothes in the winter, this also goes for my shoes. Going to yard sales in the summer you can purchase both at very cheap prices.
Use Newspaper to Dry the Inside of Wet BootsNow that it is boot season, many people in our family have wet insides of the boots after being outside. To make them dry faster overnight, stuff them with crumpled newspaper. It absorbs the moisture away from the lining. Works every time!
