As if being female on earth is not a hard enough challenge, women actually have their own pressures on themselves that they create. Best of all they have someone to blame for each, which ofcourse allows them to exclude themselves from the responsibility of actually explaining why they have such a clause on their lives.Most of the time they blame culture, religion and their husbands. I have met so may women who say to me they cannot wear short skirts at their inlaws homes because it i not allowed. I always ask why? Then they always think I'm challenging the rule. Whereas all Im saying is 'why do you follow the rule'? I mean how many rules are there that we break everyday? Personally, probably all.
I have no issues with those that stick to the rules and follow them to the T, I have issues with those that follow them because they believe they have to, but have no clue why they have to. People that follow a crowd silently scare me. I mean not once do you ever want to say why or what if I did this another way? Yes I know this is because Im that person with the why. On everything. I believe its one of the freedoms I've been granted in 2016; young black and loud. Today many actually want to know what the young black female thinks; probably first time in like forever.
My favorite example with this subject is all the things we do that arent requested by anyone. Lets keep it close and personal. Lets discuss what most of us do when we find a new man. Automatically you think you need to cook for him, clean for him, clean after him, etc. Because your mom did it? Because your mom taught you such? Because society says a good woman does that? Or because you want to? Then ofcourse the man is just himself unapologetically. He doesn't do anything he wouldn't do normally. Then he cheats, leaves and you say 'after all I did for you'. But wait, who asked you to do them? You were being kind? Well thank you.
I went through such a stage in my life. Devoted and invested so much of what my mother gifted me with, and still the relationship ended. I was totally sure it would work. Forgetting my mother did them for her husband, not boyfriend. Now Im not saying dont do them for your boyfriend, Im just saying she was dealing with a different relationship to mine, in a different time to mine. I did it too at my first job. That first year I became the go to person. The one who will stay a bit late; who stands up first to do any work needing to be done. Yes it benefited me career wise; but I didn't have to do it. But I believed I had to; and that people would reciprocate (side eye right here...).
Today Im the total opposite to all that. Unapologetically so. No I haven't become immoral; or rebellious. I am simply letting life lead me. The day I discovered that the man Im in a relationship with doesn't need me to cook 'Sunday kos' every Sunday was absolutely shocking. I was offended. I was hurt. I was asking is my food bad? I was wondering where did he eat? Like who is feeding him? Because in my mind Im meant to ensure when he walks in there's food on the table, always. Guess what. He only eats when he's hungry. Which I have learnt now is twice in a day. This goes for cleaning the house as well. He really couldn't be bothered when or if I clean. But I came in with that skill mastered to the T as well. And delivered on a task not necessary.
Maybe you say its culture. Maybe you say its religion. Maybe mama taught you. I think I will stick with asking myself if this works for me, and if I can be consistent at it. Best of all what is my opinion on it. I have a feeling the young black woman is living in an era that is changing ; and some culture, religion and mommy teachings are getting challenged. It is time to write your story.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Corpoboring
Two years ago I left corporate. For a reason. And lo and behold in 2016 I find positions that I believe are great investments towards my career as a fashion bomb.But ofcourse as usual I want it on my terms...kikiki in a world that operates opposite to me! I am that crazy yes. So I went to two interviews excited with doing this again and also already dreaming about my next project in the fashion journey.
At the first interview I was totally psyched. I couldn't believe I was there for a position. It is a big fashion home. I will not divulge the name because I am still holding my big toes that somehow they make a mistake and call me back. So the interview was great. According to me ofcourse. Then again I"m good with conversations, so much I forget why I am having the conversation and with who I am doing it. Therefore, telling too much and relaxing too much. Which is probably the case here.
The second interview was just hilarious. As in I laughed through it all. The interviewer was simply just unaware and not interested in me. From the moment he walked in with me. He was just not interested. I found this simply entertaining. Mostly because he kept trying to find questions to ask me. To fill the air. Like I am unable to fill it. And for some reason it was as if I was there as a heart surgeon and being interviewed for a neurology position. It lasted 15 minutes including walking to my car. While laughing.
The point of this post is at both interviews I was told I am simply too creative. Which I cannot deny. But found amazing. You see for someone like me who has to create everyday, I didn't realize how creative I am. I just take it as part of who I am, and somehow I expect it not to be a 'thing'. Am I making sense? Like Sheldon (from Big Bang Theory) really thinks we all know science like he does. He knows he's intelligent but he expects those around him to be the same. And also value that fact. Well hmmm not really. Apparently you can loose a position because you are too creative.
I am sure it starts with my entire dress code. The hairstyle is a problem. To them. Then I am always looking smart formal in a creative way. I do not own a black suit of any sort, or a grey one or even a white one. Or anything corporate looking. I know this because it takes me an hour to dress for an interview, and 5 minutes to dress for Roka Roko. Then they ask, 'what do you do?', and I say 'I am a fashion designer'. Apparently it sound like ' I am a creative person'.
I am not necessarily complaining. I am surprised I am here. When I left corporate I was empty. Finished. I couldn't even imagine a dress by simply looking at flowers. I was so depleted of creativity I struggled for 6 months to do anything different, I thanked God print was in. All I had to do is manipulate the prints and voila. Today I can imagine how to manipulate the actual pattern to make newness. I have regained my creativity. And apparently its illegal in the world of corporate. Sigh.
So I shall wait and see which area in corporate can allow me to flourish on my own terms. Which by the way say I go to work on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday only. I start at 9am and end at 3pm? NO. Asking for too much? Well someone said if you think it, meditate on it and write it down, it has 96% chance of actually happening! So lets see. But then again...I just might create this position myself, for myself :)
Ta
Me
At the first interview I was totally psyched. I couldn't believe I was there for a position. It is a big fashion home. I will not divulge the name because I am still holding my big toes that somehow they make a mistake and call me back. So the interview was great. According to me ofcourse. Then again I"m good with conversations, so much I forget why I am having the conversation and with who I am doing it. Therefore, telling too much and relaxing too much. Which is probably the case here.
The second interview was just hilarious. As in I laughed through it all. The interviewer was simply just unaware and not interested in me. From the moment he walked in with me. He was just not interested. I found this simply entertaining. Mostly because he kept trying to find questions to ask me. To fill the air. Like I am unable to fill it. And for some reason it was as if I was there as a heart surgeon and being interviewed for a neurology position. It lasted 15 minutes including walking to my car. While laughing.
The point of this post is at both interviews I was told I am simply too creative. Which I cannot deny. But found amazing. You see for someone like me who has to create everyday, I didn't realize how creative I am. I just take it as part of who I am, and somehow I expect it not to be a 'thing'. Am I making sense? Like Sheldon (from Big Bang Theory) really thinks we all know science like he does. He knows he's intelligent but he expects those around him to be the same. And also value that fact. Well hmmm not really. Apparently you can loose a position because you are too creative.
I am sure it starts with my entire dress code. The hairstyle is a problem. To them. Then I am always looking smart formal in a creative way. I do not own a black suit of any sort, or a grey one or even a white one. Or anything corporate looking. I know this because it takes me an hour to dress for an interview, and 5 minutes to dress for Roka Roko. Then they ask, 'what do you do?', and I say 'I am a fashion designer'. Apparently it sound like ' I am a creative person'.
I am not necessarily complaining. I am surprised I am here. When I left corporate I was empty. Finished. I couldn't even imagine a dress by simply looking at flowers. I was so depleted of creativity I struggled for 6 months to do anything different, I thanked God print was in. All I had to do is manipulate the prints and voila. Today I can imagine how to manipulate the actual pattern to make newness. I have regained my creativity. And apparently its illegal in the world of corporate. Sigh.
So I shall wait and see which area in corporate can allow me to flourish on my own terms. Which by the way say I go to work on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday only. I start at 9am and end at 3pm? NO. Asking for too much? Well someone said if you think it, meditate on it and write it down, it has 96% chance of actually happening! So lets see. But then again...I just might create this position myself, for myself :)
Ta
Me
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Brain format.
Well...
This post is going to be like a testimonial, or a confession of some sorts. I'm giggling as I write this(unfortunately there is no emoticon for that!).
This week I realised once you have a near death experience, you simply fear nothing. Even the things you think you fear, are just illusions really. Now this state of mind is ofcourse both scary and amazing. I mean you spend most of your life being in fear of something or everything, in all the processes of existence you are taught from day 1 to have an element of fear. Then one day you come close to experiencing the one thing most humans claim to fear, DEATH, and then God say 'watch out...I'm bawsss not you'. Can you imagine!
My near death experience came in the form of a vein exploding in my brain. Something I didn't even think was possible. When the doctor told me what I had suffered after surviving atleast two hours of hospital admin...while unconscious that is, I just said what is that? So I didn't have the opportunity to panic or what not. I just thought ergh I'm sick, less time in real life. Because you see, somewhere , somehow I had gotten myself to that place. All the things I had done with my life, led me there. To that bed. With that complication.
My body seemed to thank me. And I agreed with it. I got 3 months off work!!! And didn't care. Honestly I didn't. I decided to see it as a sabbatical; where all my family and friends visit me everyday...whoop whoop. I allowed myself to be. I was ok with the complication, understood I had a 50 /50 chance of ever making it out 100%. And yet again I was just fine. I was so ok I was literally impatient the day of the surgery(which involved going into my brain). I was like can we get this done so I know if I'm making it or not. And that attitude got me here, functioning just fine.
So today I am living a life wayyyyyyy different from the day I collapsed. And its about to change again. The change was my biggest fear ever, but it has come to my door and I cannot say no no more. I simply have to ride the storm. I'm not sure how to explain it to you, but I am a new person. Some of those who knew be before will agree with me, but I am a work in progress. When major things happen (accident, loss of loved ones, robbery, etc.) I now simply let them be. I sit as long as I have to to deal with the numbness in my legs; my time limit for that is a day. Then I cry as long as I have to. Then my brain does something I never did before. It goes silent. Absolutely just silent. Then it starts finding solutions to the predicament at hand. Before I would dwell on my mistakes, stay numb from fear and shock for months, and stay angry for yearrrssssss. Nah, that's over!
I learned
- that life is just short. No joke. I'm 29. 40 is 10 years away! Then 50.....
- that my life is precious. Yes I'm here for a reason, I can make that reason worthy or a curse.
- shit happens. DEAL
- I'm not for everyone. Some love me and some don't. BLAH
- nothing absolutely nothing is bigger than GOD.
- you are able to face most things in life. And come out new and victorious.
- people around you are Gods angels. Take care of them, and let them take care of you.
- my favourite, life is too short for bullshit. Don't take it.
I learned from my father that you need to work hard to have whatever you want. I learned from my sister that you can sleep on someone's couch and still run a business that leads you to drive the car you want in less than 5 years. I learned from my mom that she believes in me no matter what; I could start a dog farm tomorrow and she would support me...and she doesn't like dogs! I can tell you so many lessons I've learned form many many of the amazing people around me; and thank the Lord I'm blessed with amazing souls; BUT the best lesson I learned was from me. I learned that I am way way way stronger than I think. My name defines that.
So I say if you have had a life threatening experience(or watched a loved one go through it), you are blessed. You are awake. And that is something most people lose at birth. When you come out on the other side, allow the change to take place. You will be amazed at what lives in you. The entire whole universe is in you, you need to give it a chance to work with you. No hardship is by mistake, it is exactly what you need at that time to become what your purpose requires you to be to pursue it to perfection.
Ta
Me
This post is going to be like a testimonial, or a confession of some sorts. I'm giggling as I write this(unfortunately there is no emoticon for that!).
This week I realised once you have a near death experience, you simply fear nothing. Even the things you think you fear, are just illusions really. Now this state of mind is ofcourse both scary and amazing. I mean you spend most of your life being in fear of something or everything, in all the processes of existence you are taught from day 1 to have an element of fear. Then one day you come close to experiencing the one thing most humans claim to fear, DEATH, and then God say 'watch out...I'm bawsss not you'. Can you imagine!
My near death experience came in the form of a vein exploding in my brain. Something I didn't even think was possible. When the doctor told me what I had suffered after surviving atleast two hours of hospital admin...while unconscious that is, I just said what is that? So I didn't have the opportunity to panic or what not. I just thought ergh I'm sick, less time in real life. Because you see, somewhere , somehow I had gotten myself to that place. All the things I had done with my life, led me there. To that bed. With that complication.
My body seemed to thank me. And I agreed with it. I got 3 months off work!!! And didn't care. Honestly I didn't. I decided to see it as a sabbatical; where all my family and friends visit me everyday...whoop whoop. I allowed myself to be. I was ok with the complication, understood I had a 50 /50 chance of ever making it out 100%. And yet again I was just fine. I was so ok I was literally impatient the day of the surgery(which involved going into my brain). I was like can we get this done so I know if I'm making it or not. And that attitude got me here, functioning just fine.
So today I am living a life wayyyyyyy different from the day I collapsed. And its about to change again. The change was my biggest fear ever, but it has come to my door and I cannot say no no more. I simply have to ride the storm. I'm not sure how to explain it to you, but I am a new person. Some of those who knew be before will agree with me, but I am a work in progress. When major things happen (accident, loss of loved ones, robbery, etc.) I now simply let them be. I sit as long as I have to to deal with the numbness in my legs; my time limit for that is a day. Then I cry as long as I have to. Then my brain does something I never did before. It goes silent. Absolutely just silent. Then it starts finding solutions to the predicament at hand. Before I would dwell on my mistakes, stay numb from fear and shock for months, and stay angry for yearrrssssss. Nah, that's over!
I learned
- that life is just short. No joke. I'm 29. 40 is 10 years away! Then 50.....
- that my life is precious. Yes I'm here for a reason, I can make that reason worthy or a curse.
- shit happens. DEAL
- I'm not for everyone. Some love me and some don't. BLAH
- nothing absolutely nothing is bigger than GOD.
- you are able to face most things in life. And come out new and victorious.
- people around you are Gods angels. Take care of them, and let them take care of you.
- my favourite, life is too short for bullshit. Don't take it.
I learned from my father that you need to work hard to have whatever you want. I learned from my sister that you can sleep on someone's couch and still run a business that leads you to drive the car you want in less than 5 years. I learned from my mom that she believes in me no matter what; I could start a dog farm tomorrow and she would support me...and she doesn't like dogs! I can tell you so many lessons I've learned form many many of the amazing people around me; and thank the Lord I'm blessed with amazing souls; BUT the best lesson I learned was from me. I learned that I am way way way stronger than I think. My name defines that.
So I say if you have had a life threatening experience(or watched a loved one go through it), you are blessed. You are awake. And that is something most people lose at birth. When you come out on the other side, allow the change to take place. You will be amazed at what lives in you. The entire whole universe is in you, you need to give it a chance to work with you. No hardship is by mistake, it is exactly what you need at that time to become what your purpose requires you to be to pursue it to perfection.
Ta
Me
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Vukani 2014 Competition
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| Vukani 2014 Finalist Range - Free to be me |
Being a finalist was in all honesty a surprise; I knew I could get in but when it happened it was like WOW. Sort of like being pregnant for 9months and still being surprised you are a mom when they arrive. I was surprised because I have been out of competing for approximately 8 years; had been absent from fashion school for a year and Roka Roko is only but 9 months old.
The show was all a fashion show is. Models. Organizers with organizers. Fabric. Threads. Needles. Make up. Weaves. Strangers that became new friends. Honourables. Heels. Tempers. Coffee. Lots of coffee. I survived. Simply because I love this space. The back stage at a fashion show is just pure fun for me. All the drama, fast pace, colours, fumes and frustrations make my blood run. It is my form of a concert!
The Roka Roko range is based on human existence amongst fauna and flora. The plants that feed us and keep us breathing, the water that nourishes us and the sun that gives us life. Lace is used as it is this years biggest fabric; coupled with a bit of leather for a bit of edginess. The print is to incorporate the colour that is Africa, the diversity that is the 2014 Africa. The gold accessories symbolise the boldness of our people and strength of the African heart.
Though I didn't win any of the available awards, I learned a lot. And when I review my range I can see where I fell short and where I can improve; with the help of the judges ofcourse. What I know now is:
- I need to improve my finishing to the point that I cant even tell if I made it or not.
- I need to improve my creativity further. Remove those limits. Be more than just free. Rebellion
- I need to bring more of Brigette into my work without forgetting the mandate
- I need to ensure the fabrics used are of best quality and exude that to the eye
- Need to create garments that say I'm expensive and durable and hottt!
- Remember you cannot do everything alone. It will drain you. This dream is too humongous.
All of these are mere adjustments in my work; and I count myself as fortunate to have learned these at an early stage of Roka Roko.
Also met Azaria Khoza, Isaac, Kelvin, Lerato, Jimmy (BantuWear) and other fashion players.
Last but not least congratulations to Bosebo, the winner to 2014 Vukani. Her range was just that, the winners range. Very proud to have people who can produce such excellence and inspire us all. May God grant her more success going forward.
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| The high fashion full length dress (Model - Michillay) |
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Eish Eish Eish
This phrase explains my feelings when I experience a mini heart attack related to Roka Roko.
The mini heart attack: When a client calls me to say the item produced doesn't fit. And they are more than 45km away from me...or worse 600km far away.
The heart attack is caused by the fact that what I do is not a job,it is not a way to make money(even though it makes money), it is not something Im doing while waiting for a better opportunity. It is my passion. It is my calling if I may say. It is Brigette. And I put my name on each item with pride and satisfaction that I have done it justice. So alas such a call from any client is like a moment of 'ho' with a palm in my face. The cherry on the heart attack is the fact that the distance ensures that I am unable to correct the situation. Sigh.
I start questioning what could be wrong. Is the client putting it on correctly? Did I make a measurement mistake? Did we take in too much some where? Did I even use the correct pattern? Then it hits me, I didn't insist on all the necessary steps to be taken. Steps which avoid such heart attacks. Steps like measurements, first fitting and last fitting. If one of these is missed, it opens up the chance for a heart attack.
The issue with working in the real world with real people; is that real things happen. You can have the time table set out and ready to perfection; but life will happen. Most times last fittings never happen. That is what happened this weekend; to cause my heart attack last night. We miss them because people work, people have to be in places at certain times, people change their minds, I get held up somewhere, delays come into play for serious matters, etc.
Funny thing is every time this happens I make a mental note never to do it again. Until a client stands in front of me asking for an item I so want to make...and the creativity takes over. I want to make clothes for those here, far, for tomorrow, next week....even yesterday. But in reality I need to think strategically and logically(I am an artist hle!). And learn to say NO. Learn to remember my clients just want to look amazing; they are not interested how it happens because they pay a fee for that. I must make it happen. And if they discover its not happening the night before the event...I get a mini heart attack because I have failed my client. The no. 1 priority here.
Then while I'm heart attacking myself I get a call about tomorrows pick ups. Then I remember in business, we fail and get up. There simply is no time for wallowing. You correct if you can. You compensate if you can. Anything but you must move on. Getting held up on a mistake you made last week will only create more mistakes this week. I will deal with my mistake, will learn from it but today I have a chiffon dress to finish, a bride and her bridesmaids to fit, a cousin's pant dungaree to finish... so lets Roka Roko.
The mini heart attack: When a client calls me to say the item produced doesn't fit. And they are more than 45km away from me...or worse 600km far away.
The heart attack is caused by the fact that what I do is not a job,it is not a way to make money(even though it makes money), it is not something Im doing while waiting for a better opportunity. It is my passion. It is my calling if I may say. It is Brigette. And I put my name on each item with pride and satisfaction that I have done it justice. So alas such a call from any client is like a moment of 'ho' with a palm in my face. The cherry on the heart attack is the fact that the distance ensures that I am unable to correct the situation. Sigh.
I start questioning what could be wrong. Is the client putting it on correctly? Did I make a measurement mistake? Did we take in too much some where? Did I even use the correct pattern? Then it hits me, I didn't insist on all the necessary steps to be taken. Steps which avoid such heart attacks. Steps like measurements, first fitting and last fitting. If one of these is missed, it opens up the chance for a heart attack.
The issue with working in the real world with real people; is that real things happen. You can have the time table set out and ready to perfection; but life will happen. Most times last fittings never happen. That is what happened this weekend; to cause my heart attack last night. We miss them because people work, people have to be in places at certain times, people change their minds, I get held up somewhere, delays come into play for serious matters, etc.
Funny thing is every time this happens I make a mental note never to do it again. Until a client stands in front of me asking for an item I so want to make...and the creativity takes over. I want to make clothes for those here, far, for tomorrow, next week....even yesterday. But in reality I need to think strategically and logically(I am an artist hle!). And learn to say NO. Learn to remember my clients just want to look amazing; they are not interested how it happens because they pay a fee for that. I must make it happen. And if they discover its not happening the night before the event...I get a mini heart attack because I have failed my client. The no. 1 priority here.
Then while I'm heart attacking myself I get a call about tomorrows pick ups. Then I remember in business, we fail and get up. There simply is no time for wallowing. You correct if you can. You compensate if you can. Anything but you must move on. Getting held up on a mistake you made last week will only create more mistakes this week. I will deal with my mistake, will learn from it but today I have a chiffon dress to finish, a bride and her bridesmaids to fit, a cousin's pant dungaree to finish... so lets Roka Roko.
Thursday, October 09, 2014
First 8 months!
So the business is now 8 months old. Did I think I would get here?...hmmmm I suspected while my haters(voices in my head) kept telling me I could fail. It has been a very interesting 8 months and there are 5 more interesting months before I have a 1st birthday. In these 8 months I have achieved more than I thought I would at Roka Roko; both business wise and personally. There are things I have learned about myself, about people close to me and new to me; things I realise about life and my own future.
My biggest fear (which I shouldn't have but do) is having no financial support to continue. Which in essence wont happen because I run a business that technically supports itself. You see upon starting I had already collected all I needed to start. I had been making clothes for close to 10 years and was in my 3rd year fashion school. I had the basics and needed some advancements to polish my product. So the actual fear is getting out of my comfort zone about money....
I was the dream person. Got my matric, my degree and a job. And I was in my 6th year of being a fashion buyer/sourcing agent; and just about to probably land a management job somewhere. So at that time things like medical aid, insurance, accounts, rates, groceries, petrol etc. were not my problem because the salary paid for them. Technically I didn't even see them being paid because money came in on the 28th and left on the 28th; no credit control calls from anyone.
Suddenly all that falls away. I am what I do. I am how much I do. The performance at Roka Roko determines what I can have and what I cannot have. The comfort zone changes or disappears. This is absolutely traumatic for a person who left home and jumped into a job with all benefits. Everything has to be degraded, managed and controlled critically. It is daunting I wont lie even a bit.
The funny thing is the day I found myself moneyless, I calmed down. All the stress leading to that day as the money depleted little by little died because it is what it is. What can you do. If you get frenzied you sort of stop hearing God leading you; you miss the way out of that little hole that feels like a prison. I realised well I have no cash and need to make cash. So lets Roka Roko...
My biggest fear (which I shouldn't have but do) is having no financial support to continue. Which in essence wont happen because I run a business that technically supports itself. You see upon starting I had already collected all I needed to start. I had been making clothes for close to 10 years and was in my 3rd year fashion school. I had the basics and needed some advancements to polish my product. So the actual fear is getting out of my comfort zone about money....
I was the dream person. Got my matric, my degree and a job. And I was in my 6th year of being a fashion buyer/sourcing agent; and just about to probably land a management job somewhere. So at that time things like medical aid, insurance, accounts, rates, groceries, petrol etc. were not my problem because the salary paid for them. Technically I didn't even see them being paid because money came in on the 28th and left on the 28th; no credit control calls from anyone.
Suddenly all that falls away. I am what I do. I am how much I do. The performance at Roka Roko determines what I can have and what I cannot have. The comfort zone changes or disappears. This is absolutely traumatic for a person who left home and jumped into a job with all benefits. Everything has to be degraded, managed and controlled critically. It is daunting I wont lie even a bit.
The funny thing is the day I found myself moneyless, I calmed down. All the stress leading to that day as the money depleted little by little died because it is what it is. What can you do. If you get frenzied you sort of stop hearing God leading you; you miss the way out of that little hole that feels like a prison. I realised well I have no cash and need to make cash. So lets Roka Roko...
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Loving your clothes
Clothes need love too, that is why they have that little piece of fabric with writing at the back, side, etc. No its not a factory malfunction; is is advise on how to best treat your garment; allowing it to look at its best for longer. Here is a simple list of clothing maintenance for the ones lazy to read the label:
1. You need the right equipment. These include a washing machine/washing hands; the right soap (auto/hand wash clothes washing powder); a clothing line, pegs, an iron, an ironing board, hangers, closet, and washing basket. These are simple items most households have; but most people omit some of these.
2. You need to know how to use these equipment property; and practise these actions properly. Some materials shouldn't be in water for too long (e.g dyed cottons); some should not be ironed (printed areas), some should not be tumble dryed (wool), and there are different levels of ironing heats for different types of fabrics.
3. You need to have your coats/suits dry cleaned. Please do not try to wash these yourself in the washing machine/bath tub. You will destroy the coat; and will struggle to correct this mistake. Also this should be done regularly; not once a year for winter's sake!
4. Clothes don't need extreme sun for 12 hours. If you cannot stand in the sun for 12hours; neither can fabrics. They only need the right amount of heat; and only until they are dry. Leaving them on the line will destroy the colour (sun or rain damage); and the shape (pulling of the pegs and strength of gravity). I also am not a fan of the tumble dryer; go green...hang them outside.
5. You need to iron/press your clothes. A function I do not love but very important. Ironing sets the shape, kills germs, and gives you a 'i know what I'm doing' look. If the iron has black marks on the bottom...buy a new one. The iron should have a steaming function; which should be used at most times.
6. You should probably was your clothes regularly; especially before ironing them(don't forget to dry them before ironing!). In summer after 1 wear; the dress will start smelling like you after a marathon. Do not wash them every day/week; just every 2 weeks maybe. Don't forget to add softener; they feel good afterwards and smell fresh too.
7. Don't abuse your clothes. Do not wear heels for a jog; do not dance in the rain in your faux leather pumps, do not borrow your size34 jacket to your size38 friend, etc. You will be arrested for domestic abuse.
8. Do have your clothes altered, tailored and mended. A hole in a garment is a sign of negligence. There is no need to look like you are poor if you are not. If it is too long; too wide; get them altered to fit; if they are too tight, too short...don't wear it!
9. Give away. If you haven't worn it for a year (most extreme); you don't need it. Give it away. If you buy more, give something away. This will keep your wardrobe up to date, not stale looking/smelling, and will put a smile on someone else.
10. Do not sleep in your clothes. Never. This includes your bras girls. All you are doing is stretching them; decreasing their lifespan. Buy pyjamas if you must; and sleeping bra (if they exist); or just go commando at night; its cleaner for your sheets too.
Ta,
Brigette
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