Tips
Tips
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How To Properly Take Care Of Your Winter Coat How To Properly Take Care Of Your Winter Coat
Buying a coat takes some serious consideration in this neck of the woods, we wear it for at least 5 months of the year. We need a coat that we like, but also that protects us from the harsh Canadian winters. On top of that, its often a financial investment. So don't make a mistake! One you have found the coat of your dreams... how do you keep it top notch for the years to come? Here are a few tips to properly take care of your purchase.
**IMPORTANT**
Always read the coat tag for cleaning instructions!!
--- CLEANING ---
- We recommend cleaning your coat once a year, ideally at the start of the winter season.
- If your coat is machine-washable, follow the instructions on the coat tag.
- If your coat is dry-clean only, make sure to take it to a specialist (in leather or down, depending on your jacket).
- Make sure to take off the fur if it's removable, before taking it to be cleaned. Otherwise, make sure to mention to the dry-cleaner that they'll need to protect the fur during cleaning.
- Natural fur can be delicately combed while dry, or with a bit of clean snow (snow helps to pump up the volume of the fur).
--- STORAGE ---
- Store the coat in a coat bag, in a cool place.
- If the coat has removable fur, take it off before storing.
- Natural fur can be stored in a bag.. in the fridge. (Yes, you read that right. Heat is the #1 enemy of natural fur, the cold of the fridge helps to conserve the quality. DO NOT store it in the freezer!).
- At the start of the winter season, once it has been cleaned, use a waterproofing spray. Most coats are treated before purchase, but cleaning agents may reduce the efficacy of the protection.
**WARNING**
Choose a CLEAR spray that is for both the fabric AND the leather! Take off or cover any fur before applying.- Wait 4-6 hours before wearing your coat outside to make sure that the product has dried completely.
--- LEATHER ---
If your jacket is made out of leather, or has leather parts (eg. sleeves) it is important to take extra care.
- Choose a dry-cleaner who specializes in leather to make sure they don't damage it.
- Apply a leather hydrating cream, at least once per season to keep it supple and shiny.
- Apply the cream on a clean surface : clean the leather beforehand with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Once the cream has been applied to the coat, use a waterproofing spray, as suggested above.
It may seem like a lot... but it's quick and easy and worth it in the long-run! You can always contact-us if you're not sure of what to do or have any questions about the care of your purchase, it's our pleasure to help you! You can also pop into one of our boutiques to purchase the cream or waterproofing sprays and receive specialized help.
Check-out our video on facebook for more information (french only) :
Buying a coat takes some serious consideration in this neck of the woods, we wear it for at least 5 months of the year. We need a coat that we like, but also that protects us from the harsh Canadian winters. On top of that, its often a financial investment. So don't make a mistake! One you have found the coat of your dreams... how do you keep it top notch for the years to come? Here are a few tips to properly take care of your purchase.
**IMPORTANT**
Always read the coat tag for cleaning instructions!!
--- CLEANING ---
- We recommend cleaning your coat once a year, ideally at the start of the winter season.
- If your coat is machine-washable, follow the instructions on the coat tag.
- If your coat is dry-clean only, make sure to take it to a specialist (in leather or down, depending on your jacket).
- Make sure to take off the fur if it's removable, before taking it to be cleaned. Otherwise, make sure to mention to the dry-cleaner that they'll need to protect the fur during cleaning.
- Natural fur can be delicately combed while dry, or with a bit of clean snow (snow helps to pump up the volume of the fur).
--- STORAGE ---
- Store the coat in a coat bag, in a cool place.
- If the coat has removable fur, take it off before storing.
- Natural fur can be stored in a bag.. in the fridge. (Yes, you read that right. Heat is the #1 enemy of natural fur, the cold of the fridge helps to conserve the quality. DO NOT store it in the freezer!).
- At the start of the winter season, once it has been cleaned, use a waterproofing spray. Most coats are treated before purchase, but cleaning agents may reduce the efficacy of the protection.
**WARNING**
Choose a CLEAR spray that is for both the fabric AND the leather! Take off or cover any fur before applying.- Wait 4-6 hours before wearing your coat outside to make sure that the product has dried completely.
--- LEATHER ---
If your jacket is made out of leather, or has leather parts (eg. sleeves) it is important to take extra care.
- Choose a dry-cleaner who specializes in leather to make sure they don't damage it.
- Apply a leather hydrating cream, at least once per season to keep it supple and shiny.
- Apply the cream on a clean surface : clean the leather beforehand with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Once the cream has been applied to the coat, use a waterproofing spray, as suggested above.
It may seem like a lot... but it's quick and easy and worth it in the long-run! You can always contact-us if you're not sure of what to do or have any questions about the care of your purchase, it's our pleasure to help you! You can also pop into one of our boutiques to purchase the cream or waterproofing sprays and receive specialized help.
Check-out our video on facebook for more information (french only) :
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Plus size : We help you find the perfect jacket for every type of curve. Plus size : We help you find the perfect jacket for every type of curve.
It's no secret that not everybody is an XS (in fact most people aren't!!)
No matter what your silhouette is, choosing the right cut and especially the right size can be a real nightmare ... especially for a purchase as important as a winter coat. It can be even harder when you have a more voluptuous silhouette, either generally or more targeted (such as stronger hips or larger bust for example). Several brands offer a range of products in larger sizes such as XL or 2XL *, but it is not always easy to understand.
* *Please note that the 2XL offered by these brands are in the "regular" size category. This 2XL is equivalent to a 1XL plus size.
Here we'll show you 3 types of silhouettes and coat suggestions that suit them best.
If you would like further advice before purchasing your coat, I invite you to read New winter coat - Knowing your needs as well as A jacket for every silhouette.
PLUS SIZE
Before talking about specific silhouettes, let's talk about plus sizes. We currently stock Ookpik & Point Zero that offer sizes larger than XL is. All of their styles are offered in the regular 2XL and in the oversized 2XL (OOKPIK only). Do not hesitate to contact us for more details on these sizes.
Point zero - Carina 8158564 (left)
SOIA&KYO - Salma (right)H silhouette (or square)
The final silhouette is the H (square), where the shoulders are as wide as the hips and the waist is not defined. The first coat presented is the KATIE by Lolë. Although most styles by this brand could be suitable, we particularly like the KATIE for its length, its 2-way zipper and removable synthetic fur collar. Its cut is straight and not fitted, which makes it perfect for this type of figure. The second style is very similar to the CHRISTY presented above and it is the SALMA by SOIA&KYO. Although similar, we can see that the zipper is off-center and slightly oblique. It is also less fitted in the middle section, which makes it perfect for women who do not have a defined waist.
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How to take care of your boots How to take care of your boots
Ahhh snowy sidewalks, slush, calcium marks on your boots... the many joys of winter! But seriously, to get back to calcium, is there anything worse than seeing your beautiful winter boots ruined by salt? Because, believe me, salt can actually ruin a pair of boots ...
So before you get there, I recommend you read these tips carefully so that your boots do not end up looking like mine !!
The first thing to know and to remember is to always clean the boot before applying any product. When I say clean, I mean using a clean wet cloth and a little bit of gentle soap, on the entire boot including the sole (avoid the fur if there is some). This step is even more important with leather boots, because, for example, if you apply a wax or a cream on a dirty boot, the leather will absorb the dirt and that is really not what we want! !
Leather boots
As you can tell from the picture of my ruined boots, the maintenance of leather is very important. The two products that I consider essential would be a waterproofing spray and a cream. A colorless waterproofing spray is really interesting to have since you can use it on all colors of leather, for your shoes as well as your bags or other accessories. I personally apply it as necessary; if I know the temperature of the next day requires it, I apply a good coat the evening before so they have time to dry before wearing them out. As for the cream, I apply a thin layer every two weeks, with a clean cloth making circular movements. The cream will moisturize and soften your leather and keep it from cracking like mine !!
Rubber boots
Maintaining your rubber boots is a bit simpler, but still essential. I recommend cleaning the boot with a wet and soapy clean cloth on a regular basis, say once a week. This prevents calcium from accumulating and gnawing the rubber. You can also use a waterproofing spray cause often (not always, so check well!!), leather waterproofing sprays can be used on other surfaces such as fabric and rubber.
Fur
If your boots have a fur trim, be careful when spraying them. I recommend trying to hide it with a plastic bag or a towel. If you find that the fur is missing some wow or if it's dirty, you can take a clean cloth soaked in warm water and gently slip over the fur to clean it. You can also brush it gently with a comb to remove the knots.
**TIPSSS**
If calcium has left a ring on your boots, don't panic! It's not too late!! Whether your boots are leather or rubber, take a clean cloth and pour a tiny bit of white vinegar. Gently rub the stained area and rinse well with warm water (especially the leather !!). Warning: can leave you with a strong desire to eat vinegar chips!!
So this is it! Keeping your feet warm in the winter is super important, the maintenance of your boots is therefore not negligible. Especially if you don't want to buy new ones every year !!
Ahhh snowy sidewalks, slush, calcium marks on your boots... the many joys of winter! But seriously, to get back to calcium, is there anything worse than seeing your beautiful winter boots ruined by salt? Because, believe me, salt can actually ruin a pair of boots ...
So before you get there, I recommend you read these tips carefully so that your boots do not end up looking like mine !!
The first thing to know and to remember is to always clean the boot before applying any product. When I say clean, I mean using a clean wet cloth and a little bit of gentle soap, on the entire boot including the sole (avoid the fur if there is some). This step is even more important with leather boots, because, for example, if you apply a wax or a cream on a dirty boot, the leather will absorb the dirt and that is really not what we want! !
Leather boots
As you can tell from the picture of my ruined boots, the maintenance of leather is very important. The two products that I consider essential would be a waterproofing spray and a cream. A colorless waterproofing spray is really interesting to have since you can use it on all colors of leather, for your shoes as well as your bags or other accessories. I personally apply it as necessary; if I know the temperature of the next day requires it, I apply a good coat the evening before so they have time to dry before wearing them out. As for the cream, I apply a thin layer every two weeks, with a clean cloth making circular movements. The cream will moisturize and soften your leather and keep it from cracking like mine !!
Rubber boots
Maintaining your rubber boots is a bit simpler, but still essential. I recommend cleaning the boot with a wet and soapy clean cloth on a regular basis, say once a week. This prevents calcium from accumulating and gnawing the rubber. You can also use a waterproofing spray cause often (not always, so check well!!), leather waterproofing sprays can be used on other surfaces such as fabric and rubber.
Fur
If your boots have a fur trim, be careful when spraying them. I recommend trying to hide it with a plastic bag or a towel. If you find that the fur is missing some wow or if it's dirty, you can take a clean cloth soaked in warm water and gently slip over the fur to clean it. You can also brush it gently with a comb to remove the knots.
**TIPSSS**
If calcium has left a ring on your boots, don't panic! It's not too late!! Whether your boots are leather or rubber, take a clean cloth and pour a tiny bit of white vinegar. Gently rub the stained area and rinse well with warm water (especially the leather !!). Warning: can leave you with a strong desire to eat vinegar chips!!
So this is it! Keeping your feet warm in the winter is super important, the maintenance of your boots is therefore not negligible. Especially if you don't want to buy new ones every year !!
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New winter coat - knowing your needs New winter coat - knowing your needs
Buying a new winter coat - knowing your needs
There comes a moment in life where you can't escape the obvious ... you need a new winter coat! This may be a pleasure for some, but can be a real nightmare for the majority. It is an important purchase, financially speaking, and also because your winter comfort depends on it. What's worse than ending up with an expensive coat, but which you freeze in all winter? No thank you! I blogged last year about 3 tips for enjoying winter, this year I decided to go into more detail and create a guide of how to make an informed decision that you won't regret!
The first step is to evaluate what you need the jacket for. Obviously if you need a coat for work or for skiing, the choice is not the same! Over the years, you can build your wardrobe with a different coat for each need, a chic one for work, a sporty one for winter activities and a super warm one for every day use. But hey, let's be realistic, it's not everyone who can afford to have 3 or 4 different coats. If you choose wisely there exist coats that can meet a multitude of needs, such as the Point Zero 8618535 that has a removable lining so you can wear it in warmer weather too. You can also go for a neutral and solid color (black, grey, white or navy) and play with your accessories to create looks adapted to your needs. Like here, with the Soïa & Kyo Salma-f6 coat, I had fun creating a more chic look for work and a more casual look for the weekend. As I have already said ... everything is a matter of accessorizing!
Chic bag (left): Rudsak - Patna // Casual bag (right): Matt&Nat - Gil
Ok, when I say "adapted to your silhouette" I don't just mean in an aesthetic way. It is important that your coat is suitable for your body shape because otherwise you could A: be uncomfortable all winter, and B: cut air circulation and freeze all winter. Understand how important this is? If you need help check out a jacket for every silhouette. I invite you to read it for more details, but basically:
Small waist: highlight it with a belt. It will also help stop the air coming in from underneath.
Strong hips or thighs: go for upper body details like pockets on the chest or an imposing fur collar. A longer coat (mid-thigh or longer) will also benefit your figure and keep you warmer.
Wide shoulders: The opposite of the previous one. Go for less details at the top and more at the bottom, to balance your body out. A coat with big lower pockets is a great option, especially if it has a more discreet fur collar.
Oh yes! Whether you like it or not, you need to take care of a winter coat! First thing, when winter has come to an end, store it in a cover, ideally not too compacted so that the down does not flatten. It is also recommended to dry clean it every year, when it comes out of the closet (make sure you shop for a good cleaner, especially if the coat has fur or leather !!). If you are lazy and do not want to spend time on maintenance, I recommend you go for coat like the Soïa & Kyo - Katlin (see photo below) simply because it has no fur and no leather. So the only maintenance is to put it away and dry clean it every year. Plus, it's super warm!! (win-win)
Hopefully I've helped you out! And don't forget that if you are unsure, ALL our team, whether it's in store or online, are waiting and more than happy to help you find the coat of your dreams ;)
Buying a new winter coat - knowing your needs
There comes a moment in life where you can't escape the obvious ... you need a new winter coat! This may be a pleasure for some, but can be a real nightmare for the majority. It is an important purchase, financially speaking, and also because your winter comfort depends on it. What's worse than ending up with an expensive coat, but which you freeze in all winter? No thank you! I blogged last year about 3 tips for enjoying winter, this year I decided to go into more detail and create a guide of how to make an informed decision that you won't regret!
The first step is to evaluate what you need the jacket for. Obviously if you need a coat for work or for skiing, the choice is not the same! Over the years, you can build your wardrobe with a different coat for each need, a chic one for work, a sporty one for winter activities and a super warm one for every day use. But hey, let's be realistic, it's not everyone who can afford to have 3 or 4 different coats. If you choose wisely there exist coats that can meet a multitude of needs, such as the Point Zero 8618535 that has a removable lining so you can wear it in warmer weather too. You can also go for a neutral and solid color (black, grey, white or navy) and play with your accessories to create looks adapted to your needs. Like here, with the Soïa & Kyo Salma-f6 coat, I had fun creating a more chic look for work and a more casual look for the weekend. As I have already said ... everything is a matter of accessorizing!
Chic bag (left): Rudsak - Patna // Casual bag (right): Matt&Nat - Gil
Ok, when I say "adapted to your silhouette" I don't just mean in an aesthetic way. It is important that your coat is suitable for your body shape because otherwise you could A: be uncomfortable all winter, and B: cut air circulation and freeze all winter. Understand how important this is? If you need help check out a jacket for every silhouette. I invite you to read it for more details, but basically:
Small waist: highlight it with a belt. It will also help stop the air coming in from underneath.
Strong hips or thighs: go for upper body details like pockets on the chest or an imposing fur collar. A longer coat (mid-thigh or longer) will also benefit your figure and keep you warmer.
Wide shoulders: The opposite of the previous one. Go for less details at the top and more at the bottom, to balance your body out. A coat with big lower pockets is a great option, especially if it has a more discreet fur collar.
Oh yes! Whether you like it or not, you need to take care of a winter coat! First thing, when winter has come to an end, store it in a cover, ideally not too compacted so that the down does not flatten. It is also recommended to dry clean it every year, when it comes out of the closet (make sure you shop for a good cleaner, especially if the coat has fur or leather !!). If you are lazy and do not want to spend time on maintenance, I recommend you go for coat like the Soïa & Kyo - Katlin (see photo below) simply because it has no fur and no leather. So the only maintenance is to put it away and dry clean it every year. Plus, it's super warm!! (win-win)
Hopefully I've helped you out! And don't forget that if you are unsure, ALL our team, whether it's in store or online, are waiting and more than happy to help you find the coat of your dreams ;)
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Laundry : How to take care of your clothes (to make them last longer) Laundry : How to take care of your clothes (to make them last longer)
We'd all love clothes that last forever and whose colors are still as bright as day one. Ahhh it would be so wonderful, but let's be realistic: the life of our clothing is far from being eternal. Whether it's a manufacturing problem or a simple tomato sauce accident (oops), the factor that has the greatest influence on the life of a garment is how you take care of it, more precisely, how you wash it. Keeping in mind that it is best to wash clothes of similar colors together, I'm sharing with you 3 tips for washing white and black!
Black
We've all had a black garment that has turned gray too quickly. My clothes being almost all black, through trial and error I have some tips to prevent fading while keeping the same detergent for every color.
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With black clothes, it's super important to avoid hot water. Cold water is your best ally to combat fading! If you put your clothes in the dryer, it's important not to leave them there longer than necessary because, as with hot water, heat is damaging in the long term. The best way to dry them is to let them dry in the open air! Yes with a could old-fashioned clothesline.
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Washing your clothes inside out is also very effective in slowing fading!
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The first time you put a black piece of clothes (or any dark color) in the washer, add a cup of white vinegar (or white wine vinegar) in addition to your detergent. The vinegar will help set the color in place.
White
We've all experienced the frustration of seeing our favorite white sweater turn gray or yellow after a few washes. Before throwing it in the trash, or for your next white shopping spree, you'll want to try these three things!
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Use a washing powder. Detergents in powder or capsules contain bleaching agents that will help keep your clothes as white as possible! Another plus, they emit less surfactants (not good stuff) and therefore are a little better for the environment. In addition, they are easier to dose!
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Unlike black clothes, whites require hot water to prevent yellowing or becoming greyish.
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Add ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda to your laundry. Baking soda will effectively enhance the effect of the detergent (and its cheap).
Once your have these things in mind, remember that before doing anything, you should always look at the ticket on the garment because it's the best guide to maintain your garment. If the label suggests dry clean only ... there's a reason !! I'm the first to say "Bahhh, it can't be that bad if I put it on the gentle cycle, just once ..." Well yes, it can be serious! Even at delicate, your clothing could be weakened and will have a shortened lifespan.
So there you go! if you follow these simple instructions, your clothes should stay brighter and last longer!We'd all love clothes that last forever and whose colors are still as bright as day one. Ahhh it would be so wonderful, but let's be realistic: the life of our clothing is far from being eternal. Whether it's a manufacturing problem or a simple tomato sauce accident (oops), the factor that has the greatest influence on the life of a garment is how you take care of it, more precisely, how you wash it. Keeping in mind that it is best to wash clothes of similar colors together, I'm sharing with you 3 tips for washing white and black!
Black
We've all had a black garment that has turned gray too quickly. My clothes being almost all black, through trial and error I have some tips to prevent fading while keeping the same detergent for every color.
-
With black clothes, it's super important to avoid hot water. Cold water is your best ally to combat fading! If you put your clothes in the dryer, it's important not to leave them there longer than necessary because, as with hot water, heat is damaging in the long term. The best way to dry them is to let them dry in the open air! Yes with a could old-fashioned clothesline.
-
Washing your clothes inside out is also very effective in slowing fading!
-
The first time you put a black piece of clothes (or any dark color) in the washer, add a cup of white vinegar (or white wine vinegar) in addition to your detergent. The vinegar will help set the color in place.
White
We've all experienced the frustration of seeing our favorite white sweater turn gray or yellow after a few washes. Before throwing it in the trash, or for your next white shopping spree, you'll want to try these three things!
-
Use a washing powder. Detergents in powder or capsules contain bleaching agents that will help keep your clothes as white as possible! Another plus, they emit less surfactants (not good stuff) and therefore are a little better for the environment. In addition, they are easier to dose!
-
Unlike black clothes, whites require hot water to prevent yellowing or becoming greyish.
-
Add ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda to your laundry. Baking soda will effectively enhance the effect of the detergent (and its cheap).
Once your have these things in mind, remember that before doing anything, you should always look at the ticket on the garment because it's the best guide to maintain your garment. If the label suggests dry clean only ... there's a reason !! I'm the first to say "Bahhh, it can't be that bad if I put it on the gentle cycle, just once ..." Well yes, it can be serious! Even at delicate, your clothing could be weakened and will have a shortened lifespan.
So there you go! if you follow these simple instructions, your clothes should stay brighter and last longer! -
