Saving with Style

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Women’s fashion for the workplace can be a tough nut to crack, especially when so much of it is “dry clean only.”  So, what’s a girl to do? Stock up on some great suits, separates and dresses that can be washed right at home with some tender loving care.

Yes, you heard me, career wear that you can wash - at home.

Now, before you start wrinkling your nose at me, let’s take an informal survey.  How many of you busy, professional mom’s find yourselves running out of the house, 10 minutes late, with at least one kid under your arm, briefcase on the other, and your breakfast bagel teetering between your teeth?

How many times do you arrive at work with cream cheese or spit-up as an accessory?

That’s what I thought; about 87.6% of you.

Which means you get to wear that dry-clean only outfit about 2 hours before it really needs a quick trip to the professionals.  Virtually unheard of in past years, machine washable suits, separates and dresses of terrific quality are popping up on many boutique and large retailers clothing racks.

The Worthington line, sold at JCPenny, has a huge selection of two and three-piece suits in both pants and skirts.  East5th is another great option; they have a beautiful black, pinstripe pant suit that is perfect as a closet staple, and it’s machine washable.

Retailers like Kohl’s are now carrying lines by Vera Wang, ELLE, and AB Studio; what’s not to love about Vera Wang?

Both feminine and high-quality, you don’t need to give anything up just for the ease of washing your work clothes at home. I, for one, can attest to how easy it really is.

See, on my way to my big meet and greet with Upromise, I managed to spill coffee down the front of myself in the car.  I, like most people, do not carry an extra set of clothes in the back seat. Which means, had I not been wearing a highly-fashionable, machine washable top, I would have arrived at the office looking less than professional.

And no, I didn’t stop at a laundromat; I used a Shell gas station instead.  A little bit of cool water, some soap, and the hot dryer and I was good as new. I couldn’t have done that with a “dry-clean only” suit.

Bottom Line: Your precious time is valuable; spend it with your kids, not at the cleaners.