Alexandria Stylebook

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Expert Tips & Fashion Hacks

Over the years I’ve heard from customers, sales reps, and designers their tricks of the trade for resolving some of our fashion dilemmas. Some are more well known than others, but it never ceases to amaze me that some of the most common tricks are not common knowledge. So I’ve put together a few of my favorite and frequently used tricks and hacks to help you get the most out of that investment of a wardrobe you have. 

Hide Your Nips

Sometimes that office AC is just too cold. The solution: Sticky Boobs and Silicone Nipple Covers. These are well worth the investment, and buy them two at a time because when they stop sticking, it’s a sudden thing. No one wants a nipple cover to slide off during a business dinner. That has happened. For those times you are out of nipple covers and the options are limited, you can also use band-aids. I recommend trying out a few sizes to make sure it seamlessly sticks around the nipple so you don’t see sticker folds through the shirt...because that would just defeat the whole purpose. 

Lift the Boobs

Again, Sticky Boobs can work...but once you get to a certain size chest, it makes it more difficult to achieve that full lift you need. Enter…wait for it….duct tape! Yes. I wouldn’t recommend this on a date with someone you’re not fully comfortable with. But grab that roll of duct tape from your junk drawer and you can strategically strip the tape to achieve the lift that you need. Just avoid the nipple…ouch! 

Stretch Those Shoes

My favorite way to stretch leather shoes (or any stretchable material) is to fill up a gallon-sized Ziploc bag half way. Wrap it in another bag -- a grocery bag will help protect your shoes if a little water leaks -- and then put it inside your shoe/boot/bootie. Place your shoes in the freezer, and boom, the water turns to ice and expands your shoes! It helps break in those Frye boots and tough leather shoes that can be unbearable at first. Otherwise, find a friend with a foot about a half size bigger than you, and have her wear your boots around for a bit. That helps the process, too! 

Stick with Double-Sided Tape

From making that plunging neckline not flop open during the school fundraiser, closing the pockets on a cardigan that are not so strategically placed at your hips, or helping cover that weird skin fat between your armpit and chest, this works for everything. They even sell it at CVS now! We swear by Hollywood Fashion Tape...go pick it up now! Keep one in your purse. You never know when you, or a friend, might need it! 

Eliminate Static

There is obviously a little orange and blue can called Static Guard, but when you’re in a pinch you can use dryer sheets! We’ve also used a damp paper towel on the inside of the fabric, if you don’t have access to dryer sheets, either.