11 Quick Fixes for Fashion Disasters

Have you ever lost a button in the middle of the day, lost an earring clasp, or couldn’t get that zipper to budge? These mishaps are now a thing of the past, thanks to these 11 tips that’ll have you prepared for any fashion disaster you might encounter during your day. I’d suggest any woman carry these items in her purse, and every man should be thankful she does, before he decides to complain about all the "junk" we carry around. 

1. Removing scuff marks from shoes

Our shoes can get dirty and scuffed, sometimes in the worst possible time. Luckily – it’s quite easy to fix:

• Suede: A simple pencil eraser is all you need. Just rub it on the scuff until it’s gone. Stubborn scuffs can be treated by using a cotton bud to apply some vinegar or alcohol over the scuff.
• Synthetic Leather: A little bit of window cleaner goes a long way. Don’t overdo it and use a soft cloth to wipe the liquid off (paper towels are not recommended).
• Leather: Moisturizing soap is your ally and will give you the best results. You can also use a small amount of moisturizing cream or toothpaste.
• Wet, Malodorous Shoes: Wet shoes can be dried up with a hairdryer, and then left in the sun until completely dry. If the shoes smell bad, you can use a spray meant to deal with pet urine smells. The spray has a special enzyme that gets rid of any smell, but it should only be used on the inside of the shoe, as it may damage the outer layer.

2. Temporarily fix a bra’s underwire

If you ever had a piece of the underwire pop out, you know it’s not a pleasant sensation, to say the least. The wire can poke, scratch, and even injure you, and pulling it out will destroy a bra you could fix with some needle and thread.

To temporarily fix the bra, so you don’t get poked by the wire, grab a hygienic pad and cut it into strips as seen in the picture below. Push the wire back into place, and then cover the hole with the padded strip. This way – even if the wire comes out again - it won’t poke or injure you.

3. Loose button quick fix

Start keeping those twist ties that hold new cables together in your bag in case you lose a button. Fasten the button to the shirt with the tie, and gently push the edges of the tie into the old button holes, then twist it closed until you can sew it back on.

4. Unsticking zipper

Mishandling a stuck zipper can ruin clothes, so it’s vital to know this trick. Zippers get stuck for different reasons, but whether it’s old and rusty or just snagged on the fabric , you can use a plain pencil to lubricate the mechanism and free it. If the fabric is lighter in color, you can use a bar of soap instead.

5. Slippery high-heel shoe?

The inside of some high-heel shoes can be slippery and uncomfortable. If you want the slipping to end, grab a piece of cloth and cut it to the shape of your foot. Make sure you don’t use a slippery cloth, or one that’s too thick. Glue the foot-shaped cloth to the inside of the shoe and enjoy your slip-free life.

6. Fix a run in a stocking

A run in a stocking is not only unsightly, it can also become bigger very quickly. Stopping the run can be achieved in two methods: One way is to apply clear nail polish to the run, then allow it to dry and apply another layer on the inside of the stocking. Another method is using hairspray all along the run. Please note that the second way is temporary, so use the nail polish fix as soon as possible.

7. Blister prevention

You just bought new shoes, but your feet need some time to get accustomed to them, and you don’t want to develop blisters? There’s no need to suffer, simply apply some stick deodorant over the area, which will help your foot slide in and out of the shoe without causing it to blister. In particularly bad cases, use a Band-Aid to prevent any more friction.

8. How to quickly iron small creases

If your cuffs, shirt fringes or collar are creased and you need to leave in a hurry, you can use a hair straightener to iron them. If your collar needs some extra rigidity, you can apply some hairspray to it.

9. Breaking in new shoes

You buy a gorgeous pair of new shoes, only to realize that they’re just a tiny bit too tight. Don’t fret, just follow these steps:

• Wear extra-thick socks and put the shoes on.
• Heat up the area that needs stretching with a blow-dryer and wiggle your foot or toes to stretch the shoe.
• Keep the shoes on and only remove them after they cool down.
• If the shoes need some more room, simply repeat the process.

10. Prevent static electricity

Some fabrics can generate annoying levels of static electricity, giving you small zaps throughout the day, or causing your clothes to cling to your body. Luckily, the solution is quick and easy. Apply hairspray to the inside of the offending fabric. Alternatively – put the fabric in the freezer for six minutes, but this solution is only recommended during the summer.

11. Missing earring clasp

Losing the back of your earring can be one of the most annoying things, and can cause you to lose that earring. You can use a small piece of pencil eraser as a temporary clasp. No one will ever know, and you won’t feel the difference.

Got any more fashion emergency tips?

Share them in the comments.