Designer Consignment for Cash

Do you have designer clothes in you closet that perhaps never fit you right, was a gift that was not your style or color, or simply a bad purchasing decision. If they are still in style, clean, and in good condition you can turn them into cash. In Pasadena, Roberta Lyon, owns a consignment store called "Style of Green". She will inspect your garment before accepting it, then determine the resale price. You receive 50% of the sale on garments priced at $100 and above. There is a one time marked down of 25%. New or gently worn couture quality pieces do not get markdown.

"Style on Green" is located at 1136 E. Green St. Call for an appointment to bring garments in 626-796-9924. Roberta will come to a home to collect larger consignments. Last month Roberta sent checks to women for thousands of dollars. This is because "Style on Green" has a great client base that frequents her beautifully merchandized store full of designer clothes and accessories.

Summer Whites

Nothing says summer like white. This turquoise Carlisle sweater just "pops" when paired with white, as do all bright colors. White does require some extra care though.

One of the complaints I often get is keeping summer whites from turning yellow or taking on a dull gray hue. I called Scott Bell, owner of Bryan's Cleaners, and my dry cleaner for decades. The best advice is to remember to clean frequently. Body oils, perspiration, unseen splatters of white wine or other unnoticed foods or sprays absorb into the fabric. The longer they stay in the fabric the harder to remove them.

When you clean your washable clothing note that regular bleach can turn some white fabrics yellow. Look for natural oxygen safe bleach, usually found in health stores. Borax or washing soda will also brighten whites, as will sunlight for cottons especially. Really hard water can turn garments that dull gray color, so use vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Byran's has an excellent website with tips. Go to http://www.bryanscleaner.com/ then the tab newsletter. You'll see several letters about the care of whites by Steve Boorstein. In addition there are style tips on body types by Kate Rice starting with #22.

Finding the Right Swimsuit

I had to face the terrible moment of buying a new swimsuit for the summer. On line I found this great site. www.itfigures.com You click your figure issue and a selection of possible choices come up. My issue is heavy thighs. Pictures here is one of their solutions. Other figure issues could be tummy, long torso, wide hips, small bust, large bust, or mastectomy. You can order on line, find a store that carries this line, or request a catalog.