Fashion mishaps can “strike” at the most inconvenient times. Loose hems, broken heels, and popped buttons are just some of the likely culprits. With a little homespun know how, ladies can arm themselves with a DIY arsenal to combat fashion malfunctions. Dr. Ngozi Etufugh is a fashion expert and blogger who provides some quick and easy fixes to alleviate wardrobe 911s.
Loose Buttons: If you’re wearing a cardigan and a button pops off, you can thread a spare twist tie through the button and secure it behind the sweater. Beware — this only works on open weaves and loose knits. Use a twist tie on any finer fabrics, and you’re just going to ruin your clothes.
Instant Manicure- Wite-Out: When you have a big meeting and unkempt nails simply use Wite-Out to line the tips of your nails for a quick DIY French mani. “It’ll look just as good and will dry in no time,” says Dr. Etufugh.
Feet Slipping In New Shoes: To keep your feet from slipping in your new shoes (the rubbing is what can cause those sores to start), use a little clear deodorant on the areas your blisters usually occur. “Duct tape works as well,” says Dr. Etufugh. A trick used by athletes, the tape takes the friction normally transferred to your foot, keeping blisters at bay.
Ring is too big: Just because they didn’t have your size doesn’t mean you can’t wear that cocktail ring. Dr. Etufugh has the solution. “Simply use the pad of a clip-on earring, or even a small piece of the pad used on the bottom of furniture, and adhere it to the inside of the ring.”
Your hem comes undone: For a temporary hem in a pinch, you can use whatever tape is lying around: Masking, duct, gaffers’ (But avoid staples — they damage the fabric.) “Even better,” says Dr. Etufugh, “keep a roll of double-sided fabric “fashion” tape handy. This tape is handy for blouse gaps, too.”
Your zipper sticks — or worse, breaks: Soap or orthodontic wax works like magic on stuck zippers, says Dr. Etufugh. Alternatively, try rubbing a candle over the spot. For a broken zipper, use an adhesive Velcro strip to close the fly temporarily until you can get a replacement.”
Your button is dangling by a thread: Take a twist-tie from a bag of bread and remove the paper coating. Thread the wire through the button and tie at the back of the cloth.
Your skirt or pants are wrinkled and there’s no time to set up the ironing board: “This is one of my faves” says Dr. Etufugh. “Your flat hair iron makes a great substitute — no board needed. If your collar needs an extra perk-up, stiffen the fabric with a spritz of firm-hold hair spray.”
Static cling makes your skirt tangle around your legs: “Hair spray comes to the rescue. Spray inside the skirt and add a couple of spritzes to your tights,” says Dr. Etufugh.
Makeup stains on your blouse: Baby wipes can remove smaller stains. So can a damp warm cloth with hand soap.
Food in your teeth before a big meeting: Post-it notes can do the trick. Use the points and edges. Dr. Etufugh adds that, “You can also use them to clean underneath your nails or to get rid of that stray lipstick that seems to have smudged outside the lines.”
Lost Earring Backs: If you’ve somehow lost the back of your earring, an eraser can double as an earring back. Just snip it in half, remove the earring, and make a hole in the eraser (so you don’t hurt yourself trying to do it while the earring is in your ear).
Shiny Face: “Blotting papers and toilet seat covers are made of similar materials” says Dr. Etufugh. “If you’re looking a little oily and forgot your powder or blotting papers at home, grab a toilet seat cover and run into the stall for a quick fix.”
Paper Clips: They’re all over your office and can be great for more than just those stacks of paper you have on your desk. You never know when you’re going to need to fix a strap, fasten a missing button or clip together a torn hem. They can even pin back your hair or de-clump that mascara!
Stapler: For that loose hem, grab the stapler. Another trick: If you staple a dark clothing item, grab a Sharpie to color the metal black so that it doesn’t show.
You Broke a Heel: “Glue, particularly super glue, is powerful and can quickly become your friend when it comes to repairs. If your heel comes off on your way to a client meeting or is about to break, try to align it in its original position as best you can, apply super glue, and then apply pressure for a few minutes to ensure it will stay,” says Dr. Etufugh.
You Scuffed Your Shoes: “The solution depends on the shoes,” says Dr. Etufugh. She adds,” For leather, scrub away your scuffs with a little toothpaste; petroleum jelly will fix up your patent leather shoes and make them shine like new; brushing an eraser in one direction removes suede scuffs; and for your canvas kicks, use a baking soda paste.”