How to get a 'stale' smell out of vintage clothing

I love vintage clothing, but hate that all too common moth smell that plagues some of the finest vintage clothes. I have passed on some amazing gowns, because I couldn't get over the smell.

My sister told me the following trick to get rid of the smell and I was elated to discover that it actually works.  It very simple and safe. Here is what you do:

1. Grind a cup or two of coffee beans. 
2. Add the fresh grounds into an open plastic bag. 
3. Hang the item in a garment bag with the the open coffee bag and let it sit for at least a week. 

The smell will be gone! Thanks Coffee for being even more amazing than I thought possible.

Image courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons Article by Elizabeth Aley

A Weekend in Astoria

My daughter had a swim meet in Astoria so we decided to make a weekend of it.
It is such a lovely Nautical town that has frozen in time. Romantic and pure. I cannot wait to return.

 The movie 'Goonies' pretty much sums up my Junior High Years. I was obsessed with Cyndi Lauper and the rebellious spirit the kids possessed in the movie. So visiting the Goonie house was an absolute must for me (event though this would be my second time).

 

 The County Jail used in the film Goonies has been converted into the Film Museum. 

It's cheesy and kitschy and right up my alley.

Me having too much fun at the Oregon Film Museum.

Just a building across the Fort George Brewery that I thought was just lovely. 

Maritime Museum

Style in the Pearl Fashion Show, August 2014

Parallel is joining forces with Dayna Pinkham Millinery for Style in the Pearl Fashion Show. This two day affair will showcase all the hottest summer & fall trends. Including raffles, pop-up shopping and a chance to party with Portland trend-makers. The festivities begins on Friday, August 1st; Doors open at 7pm & the show begins at 8pm, both days. Parallel will be modeling the latest looks on Saturday, August 2nd, 2014.

"A fantastic preview of what to expect this Fall from Portland's fashion scene." -  Carolyn Ciolkosz, Pearl District Business Association Executive Director 

Don’t miss this Portland fashion event featuring:

Friday, August 1st:
FlairWalk
Silkwood
EG Page
Garnish
Vintalier
Lexi Dog

Saturday, August 2nd:
Parallel

Mabel and Zora

Leanna NYC

Folly

RACHELLE M. 

Rustic House of Fashion

Physical Element.

Location:
Really Big Video Studios
525 NW 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209

Tickets: $25
Purchase tickets: Explore the Pearl
Find out more: Style in the Pearl's Facebook

All images courtesy of Style in the Pearl Fashion Week. Photography: Jessica Keaveny

The Laundress & Le Labo Detergent - Santal 33

The Laundress & Le Labo have joined forces to create the most luxurious laundry detergent the world has ever seen. Combining the Le Labo aroma Santal 33 with the environmentally conscious Laundress detergent, the result is soft & "woody" scented garment. Santal 33 is a "delicate scent with notes of cardamom, iris, violet, ambrox, sandalwood, papyrus, cedar and leather."

Le Labo Santal 33 Signature Detergent by The Laundress, 16 oz 

$45

While you might have sticker shock at the price (I certainly did), the results speak for themselves. If you decide to try this one of kind laundry soap, be prepared to be utterly spoiled by the experience and field the occasional "you smell amazing" - "what are you wearing" questions. Consider yourself warned.

Sleek in the Summer

As the mercury starts to rise, it's time to slip into something cool (literally & figuratively speaking). Parallel has some punchy tops that fit the bill and the best news? Many are now on sale. 

Elmar Top by Paul & Joe Sister

$169  $128

Boyfirend Stripe Linen Sweater by Nili Lotan 

$230

Ruched Top by Konsanszky

$158 $60

Bow Print Shirt by Chinti and Parker

$174  $119

Piper Pullover by My Line

$87 $35

Tablier Top by Rag & Bone

$215

Feather Tank by Rag & Bone

$175 $105