A Guide to Storing Your Winter Wardrobe: Preserve Your Clothes by Material

As the seasons change, it's essential to properly store your winter wardrobe to ensure your garments remain in good condition until the next cold spell. Different materials require specific care and storage methods to maintain their quality and appearance. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to store your winter clothes based on the materials they're made from, ensuring your garments stay fresh and ready for their next appearance.

1. Wool:

• Clean garments before storing to remove dirt and oils.

• Fold items carefully to avoid stretching or creasing.

• Store in breathable fabric storage bags or containers.

• Use natural moth repellents like lavender sachets or cedar chips.

2. Down and Synthetic Insulation:

• Clean according to manufacturer's instructions and ensure items are completely dry.

• Hang or loosely fold garments to prevent insulation compression.

• Store in breathable garment bags or well-ventilated areas.

3. Leather and Suede:

• Clean the surface with a suitable leather cleaner and air dry.

• Stuff sleeves and body with acid-free tissue paper or clean white cloth.

• Hang on padded hangers in a cool, dry, and dark place.

• Avoid using plastic covers to prevent mold or mildew growth.

4. Cashmere:

• Gently fold items and store in breathable bags or containers.

• Wrap garments in acid-free tissue paper to prevent wrinkles and creasing.

• Clean before storing and use natural moth repellents for protection.

5. Denim:

• Clean and air dry jeans and jackets.

• Fold or hang items based on storage space and preferences.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

6. Knitwear:

• Fold items instead of hanging to prevent stretching.

• Clean and air dry garments before storing.

• Place in breathable fabric storage bags or containers.

• Avoid stacking items too high to prevent unwanted creases.

7. Footwear:

• Clean and dry winter boots and shoes before storing.

• Use a soft brush to remove dirt and salt stains, and treat scuff marks with a suitable polish or cleaner.

• Stuff footwear with acid-free tissue paper or use boot shapers.

• Store shoes and boots in their original boxes or breathable shoe bags in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Properly storing your winter wardrobe based on the material it's made from is crucial for maintaining the longevity and quality of your garments. By following these material-specific storage tips, you'll ensure your winter clothes stay in pristine condition, ready to keep you warm and stylish when the cold weather returns.

The Dos and Don'ts of Leather Shoe Care

A nice pair of authentic leather shoes (and boots) is a staple in many people's wardrobes. From everyday work wear to your night-on-the-town fashion statement, leather shoes can be dressed up or down to bring an outfit together. With this, the condition of the leather footwear not only determines its lifespan and durability, but says a lot about your outfit overall. It can make or break your entire appearance. If your leather shoes are dull, visibly worn, or damaged (including scuffs, scrapes, rips, or dirt), you may give off the impression that you are attempting to dress more casual. If your leather is polished, clean, and well-maintained, your outfit may appear more put together, professional, or even more luxurious.

As always, we recommend you maintain your leather footwear regularly in order to prolong their lifespan and keep them in good condition. We also just want you to look your best! With that being said, we understand how difficult it can be to keep up with your leather shoes or know the proper way to go about it. In this day and age, good advice on how to maintain your leather shoes can be hard to come by and is becoming more rarely spoken about as fast fashion persists. That's why we've created this list of dos and don'ts of maintaining leather shoes and boots that will keep you looking sharp and your shoes in their best shape!

When it comes to wearing your shoes...

• DON'T wear the same pair of leather shoes every day.

• DO invest in a second or third pair.

It's important to remember that even your shoes need a break! Give your leather shoes a chance to breathe, because the more you wear them, the more you wear them. Wearing your favorite leather shoes to work every single day increases their exposure and decreases their longevity no matter how much they are maintained otherwise.

• DON'T wear your leather shoes or boots in wet weather.

• DO bring a change of shoes in wet weather.

When possible, we always recommend wearing a pair or water-proof or resistant shoes or sneakers outdoors and change into your nice leather footwear once you've reached your destination. Since the weather cannot always be predicted, we recommend weatherproofing your leather shoes and boots to lessen the potential damages that may occur if you get caught in inclement weather. You can either do this at home or bring them into our shop to be done professionally.

When it comes to cleaning at home...

• DON'T soak leather shoes and boots in water.

• DO use warm water for light cleaning and soft cloths.

When it comes to soaking dirty shoes, we recommend sticking to cloth materials. With leather, you risk permanent water damage and staining with a complete soak. We recommend wetting a soft cloth with water and rubbing the area lightly. Warm water is less harsh on leather and will ensure that your shoes aren’t left looking raw. A soft cloth is also recommended because any harsh brush or material could leave the leather scuffed and scratched.

When it comes to polishing at home...

• DON'T apply before cleaning.

• DO use the proper color or shade of shoe polish.

Using the correct shade of polish will ensure that the leather looks its best aesthetically and keeps them looking authentic. If you use the wrong shade, it could also unintentionally dye the leather over time. Along with this, applying polish before the shoes have properly been rid of dirt, mud, and moisture can also have an effect on the evenness of the polish application and overall appearance.

If you are unsure of how to properly choose a color or apply the polish, always consult a professional. Our expert cobblers are here to help your shoes look their best, so always feel free to consult us or have us properly clean the leather before doing anything.

When it comes to drying your shoes...

• DON'T wear your shoes before they are 100% dry.

• DO allow the leather to dry at room temperature.

After being caught in the rain or cleaning your shoes with water, it is best to allow your shoes to dry naturally in a room temperature climate before wearing them again. This is extremely important due to leather becoming weaker when wet. Wearing leather shoes and boots before they have had time to dry completely could lead to tearing and separation from glued seams and soles. Along with this, blow drying or heat-drying your shoes could lead to cracking and stiffening of the leather. This type of damage is, for the most part, irreversible.

When it comes to storing your shoes...

• DON'T stack shoes on top of each other

• DO keep your shoes in a cool and dry place.

How you store your footwear can drastically effect the appearance and lifespan of your leather shoes and boots. Keeping your leather footwear in a cool, dry place prevents any weaknesses. This includes cracking from heat and moisture buildup. We always recommend you store footwear in their original boxes or on standard, open shoe racks. This will also ensure that your shoes maintain their original shape and don't become squished or deformed.

By changing your shoe routine and habits with these easy dos and don'ts, you will notice significant differences in the longevity and appearance of your leather footwear. This list of tips will also help keep your outfits looking put together and more complete. These tips are necessary, if not crucial when it comes to maintaining your quality leather shoes and can be done without taking too much time out of your busy day! As always, if you have a question regarding at home shoe care, do not hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram or calling our shop!

How to Care for Vachetta Leather on a Louis Vuitton Bag: 5 Expert Tips to Maintain Your Bag's Beauty

Vachetta leather is a type of vegetable-tanned leather that is often used on luxury bags and accessories, including Louis Vuitton bags. This type of leather is known for its light color and tendency to darken and develop a patina over time, giving it a unique and personalized appearance. However, vachetta leather is also prone to staining, scratching, and other types of damage if not cared for properly. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks for taking care of vachetta leather on a Louis Vuitton bag.

1. Protect your bag from water and other liquids- One of the biggest dangers to vachetta leather is exposure to too much moisture. Water can cause the leather to stain or darken, and other liquids like oil or ink can be nearly impossible to remove. To protect your Louis Vuitton bag from water damage, avoid carrying it in rainy or humid conditions, and keep it away from any sources of moisture. If your bag does get wet, gently blot it with a clean, dry cloth and let it air dry.

2. Clean your bag regularly- Another important step in taking care of vachetta leather is to clean your bag regularly. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe down the leather, removing any dirt or dust that may have accumulated. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can cause the leather to scratch or scuff. If you need to remove any stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner specifically designed for vachetta leather, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

3. Condition the leather- Vachetta leather is a natural material that can dry out and become brittle over time if not properly conditioned. To keep your Louis Vuitton bag looking and feeling its best, apply a leather conditioner to the vachetta leather every few months. Be sure to choose a conditioner that is specifically formulated for vachetta leather, as some products may be too harsh or oily.

4. Store your bag properly- When not in use, it's important to store your Louis Vuitton bag properly to prevent damage. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid storing it in a cramped or crowded space where it may become crushed or bent out of shape. To help maintain the bag's shape, stuff it with acid-free tissue paper or a soft cloth.

Taking care of vachetta leather on a Louis Vuitton bag requires a bit of extra effort and attention, but the results are well worth it. By protecting your bag from water and other liquids, cleaning and conditioning the leather regularly, and storing it properly when not in use, you can ensure that your bag will look and feel its best for years to come!