Thursday, September 20, 2012

Washer-woman Woes

One of my clothing wishes from my last post has already come true!  I went to a new, hole-in-the-wall thrift store yesterday, and behold!  There was this denim jacket in my size just hanging there waiting for me.  I tried it on and it fit!  A denim jacket for the price of a Starbucks drink.  3 dollars, people!  *Cue mini happy dance*  I also found a cute silk scarf/bandana thing for a buck. 
 

 
 This brings me to a confession.  Before now, I haven't always washed everything I've thrifted before I've worn it.  I know, I know, that's probably gross.  Most thrift stores usually seem pretty clean and stuff, so I just haven't bothered a lot of the time.  But after today, I think I will always wash my thrifting finds.  My sisters informed me that the store I found the jacket and scarf at smelled bad (I hadn't noticed.  Wonder what that says?) so I determined to hand wash them quickly just to get any smells out.  This was perfect for the scarf, but when I started washing the jacket, the water was turning dirty pretty quickly and I got a little grossed out.  So into the washing machine it went.  Now it's clean and fresh and ready to be worn.  Sorry if I've disturbed you with my little story.  ;)
 
I have a second story about thrifting and washing.  Remember that dress I thrifted a few weeks ago?  This one?
 
 
 After I had worn it once, I found a stain on it (should have checked in the store...), so I was going to try to wash it out.  It was "handwash only", so that's what I did.  But the color started running!  NooooOOOooooo!!!  So now the pretty white flowers are bluish.  Bummer.


 
See the damage?  If any of you have any ideas on how to remedy this problem, please, please let me know!  My dress and I beg you.  If worse comes to worst, I'll just cut the bottom off and turn it into a top.  But I'd still like to know if you have any suggestions first.  Thanks!
 
Niki

4 comments:

Ariel said...

Great finds!!! And atleast the stain isn't very noticeable! I couldn't even see it in the full body picture! :)

Niki said...

Thanks! And I'm hoping the stain isn't too noticible in real life. Maybe I'll wear it someday and see who mentions it. ;)

Niki

Helen @ Blue Eyed Beauty Blog said...

I am now following via email!! I'm SO glad you added that feature since I've obviously been missing out on some great posts!! Plus, more comments will be posted by me for sure now! :)

Love the thrift store finds! And yes, please Always wash the stuff! You have no clue where it came from...and the people who run the stores don't wash the stuff! Yuck! I always wash every single thing I get from the store...and I sanatize my hands after I leave the store and get to my car. (My mom was/is a germ freak so that's part of my problem...but its a vaild point none the less!)

The stain: I found this on pinterest awhile back...I haven't tried it though...but it might be worth a shot: http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2008/10/style-secret-the-only-spot-rem.html. If nothing else...try washing it in the washer on a gentle cycle, but don't run it through the dryer so a) it wont shrink, and b)if the stain is still there it wont become permanent.

Helen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog

Niki said...

Yay! I'm glad you can follow me that way now.

And yes, I've learned my lesson about washing thrifted stuff. And I've always used hand sanitizer after being in a store. Sometimes I can almost feel the grime on my hands. :P

Thanks for the tip on the stain! I'll give it a try!

Niki