Look your best

Fur clothing is made from animal hides that still have the hair attached. The most common types of fur clothing include fox, mink, sable, rabbit, chinchilla and seal. The presence of hair means that fur clothing requires special care.

• Store fur clothing during the summer. This generally requires a refrigerated unit made specifically for this purpose. The ideal temperature for storing fur is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A humidity of 50 percent prevents the fur from drying out without allowing it to become wet.
• Avoid keeping fur clothing in regular closets, since closets are typically 10 degrees warmer than the rest of the house. They also don’t provide the constant airflow needed to maintain the conditions needed to store fur.
• Keep fur clothing from picking up unpleasant odors. This is especially common with cedar closets and mothballs.
• Condition your fur clothing once per year. Fur requires professional cleaning from an expert, like Sarni Cleaners. We offer seasonal fur storage in our secure temperature and humidity controlled vaults.
  

Before the tenth holiday party, my neighbor said to me, “Don’t wear your gold lame cocktail dress to a crowded party in a hot room.” What’s so bad about that?

Answer: Partygoers need to be particularly careful of metallic fabric that can corrode if exposed to moisture. To prevent dampness to lame and other metallics, be sure to wear underarm shields that will help prolong the life and looks of your special outfit.

After the eleventh holiday party, my mother said to me, “How are you going to clean your new beaded top after the soiree?” Good question!

Answer: The beads on many outfits are made of polystyrene, which looks like glass. Polystyrene should not be drycleaned but washed as long as it is attached to a garment that is washable.

At the twelfth holiday party, my father said to me, “You’ll look gorgeous in this new fur, just be sure to care for it well.” How do I protect this investment?

Answer: Furs, leathers, and suedes should be kept clean by keeping them covered with a cloth, not a plastic, garment bag. Each should be cleaned annually by a drycleaner who specializes in cleaning furs. Special storage facilities are recommended for seasonal storage of furs. Ask us about storage.

Now, enjoy the rest of the holiday season!