Dark-wash denim can rub off onto shoes, clothes and skin. This is especially annoying when you’re wearing white. You’d think that merchandise would fail quality control standards if dye bled off garments, but sadly this isn’t the case. Instead you’ll find a swing ticket attached to the garment stating something along the lines of “garment dye may stain clothing”. So what is a girl to do when we’ve painstakingly found the perfect pair of jeans?

Stephanie recently shared the answer on the forum: soak those jeans in a bucket of vinegar and water overnight. The acidity of the vinegar helps to set the dye. Wash and hang dry afterwards and you’ll notice less bleeding the next time you wear them. I tried this in January with my ink blue denim clamdiggers from Zara and it has definitely helped. The dye has set a little more, and my hands aren’t blue after a day’s wear.

I believe that you get your money’s worth when it comes to jeans. I have two pairs of ink blue Diesel jeans that were expensive. They have never rubbed off onto my clothes, shoes, handbag or skin. I suppose setting the dye is just too expensive a process for the manufacturers to use on less pricey jeans.

Fashion goes in cycles, but fashion technology and comfort are always improving. Here are four breakthroughs for which I am eternally grateful:

• Denim: I cannot imagine a fashion season without jeans. They are the quintessential basic.
• Stretch: We enjoy Lycra, Spandex and Elastine in so many of our clothes and I still take it for granted. Think of how uncomfortable a bra would be without elastic.
• Knitted fabrics: Living in a world of woven fabric would be dreadful. Knits give us comfort and choice. Imagine wearing woven socks and woven underwear!
• Comfortable shoes: They are still hard to find, but they do exist.

Silhouettes and trends come and go, but technological advancement is here to stay. Which comfort breakthroughs make your world a happier place?

Apart from animal hide, all fabrics fall into one of two categories: knits or wovens. It’s not the fiber content that distinguishes them, it’s the manufacturing process. Yarns like cotton, viscose, rayon, wool, polyester, velvet or silk can either be knitted or woven.

• Knitted fabrics are produced on huge knitting machines that “knit” different yarns together. These machines use exactly the same hand knitting method to make fabric. They knit a row of plain and a row of pearl at the speed of light to create a “stocking stitch” effect. You’ll see the familiar stocking stitch pattern on knitted items if you look closely. All knitted fabrics stretch. T-shirt fabric, sweatshirt fabric, knitwear (fabric that sweaters and cardigans are made from), jersey, mesh, toweling, felt and La Coste fabric are examples of typical knitted fabrics.
• Woven fabrics are produced on huge looms that “weave” different yarns together by interlacing threads both horizontally and vertically. Woven fabrics do not stretch unless Lycra, elastic or spandex fibers are woven into the fabric at the same time. This is how button down shirts and jeans get their stretch. Linen, denim, cotton twill, satin, chiffon, corduroy, tweed and canvas are examples of typical woven fabrics.

It’s important to distinguish between knits and wovens because each fabric type has a set of good and bad properties. See if you can distinguish between what’s knitted or woven in your wardrobe.

Patent is everywhere and it’s the third season in a row. From handbags to shoes, wallets to belts and jackets to jewelry, there’s no getting away from major gloss and shine this season. I like patent best when it’s cracked, distressed and textured. It’s the newer and edgier version of high shine at the moment and I love it’s urban appeal.

The trend is taken to new heights this Autumn with entire garments made of patent. Less extreme, but equally eye catching, are skirts, pants and coats that glisten graphically with patent trim. It seems that high shine has gone from fashion statement to fashion basic in less than 18 months. It’s quite the look in men’s and children’s shoes as well.

Patent remains one of the biggest trends around and I’d be surprised to see it diminish next year. How do you feel about the shine?

Fashion forward patent and cracked patent men’s shoes.

Stacey and Clinton, hosts of the American version of “What Not to Wear“, are adamant when it comes to polyester. They maintain that it’s a big “no no” and that you should rather stick to luscious natural fibers. I beg to differ.

There is a time and a place for polyester. It’s true that polyester is not the best choice if you’re after cool and breathable clothing for scorching summer temperatures (100% cotton and linen items are better choices). However, you can’t go wrong with clothing that’s made of polyester and blended with rayon, wool, viscose or spandex.  It’s the polyester component in a garment that will give it its pristine drape and often crease-free finish. Natural fibers do not possess this incredibly appealing attribute.

You’ll need to be discerning when it comes to polyester. Sometimes clothing that’s made entirely of polyester can look ghastly and feel flammable, but then there are polyesters that look and feel fabulous. Ann Taylor offers impeccably tailored suits and blouses made of 100% polyester every season.

I’m thankful for Polyester. It keeps the price of clothing affordable and the wash care easy.