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How to Store Your Clothes to Make Them Last Longer

This is why you CAN have nice things

Congrats! You finally pulled the plug and bought that two-months'-rent “investment” handbag. Now it’s time to put your money where your mouth is and actually store that puppy the right way. (Hint: not under the sofa or slung over the door handle.) Here, six storage tips to keep your nicest stuff nicer longer.

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Store Your Purses On Shelves

To the woman with 14 handbags on her doorknob: You are slowly but surely taking years off that Marc Jacobs’ life span. Next time, put your purses in their dust bags, slide them upright on a shelf and use dividers to keep bulkier bags from shifting.

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Weekend Style Book

And Your Tights In Sandwich Baggies

Truth: You are more likely to snag your hosiery if you’re digging through a disheveled pile. Fold and stash eachpair in a resealable plastic bag, then stick them in your sock drawer for easy retrieval.

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Stuff Your Shoes

Stuffing: It’s not just for boots, people. Fill any shoe (we’re talking heels, sneaks and flats) with tissue paper or even wadded-up newspaper to help it keep its form over time. As for boots, go with Styrofoam shapers or cut-up pool noodles.

Ditch The Wire Hangers

Because there’s nothing sadder than a silk dress with little puckers in its shoulders.

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And Fold When You Can

There’s a reason celebs’ covetable walk-in closets are filled with floor-to-ceiling shelving: Folding and storing clothing puts less stress on the material--particularly for coats, sweaters and jeans.

Stop Jamming 900 Blouses Into A 2-foot Closet

Much like you after a weekend with your mother-in-law, your nicest clothes need room to breathe. Resist the urge to squeeze garments tightly into a closet or storage bin, which can cause wrinkles and pilling and make weird smells stagnate.


susan waits

Lousy baker, stellar shopping buddy

You can find Susan either blissfully buried in a pile of clothes or on a plane between L.A. and NYC.