Don’t you just hate it when your new handbag develops a stain, or your favorite shoes start to look old and worn? Rather than just throwing your belongings away and purchasing a new set, brush them up and give them new life instead.
Disposing items that have developed aesthetic defects is incredibly wasteful, especially if they are perfectly fine otherwise. Not only are you spending more money in the long run, but materials can take over 200 years to decompose — bad news for the environment.
Luckily, there are a few handy and affordable fashion tips to save your accessories from going into a landfill. So, stop throwing away your money and try out these techniques to revive old accessories instead.
Soiled Footwear
Footwear often ends up scuffed, marked and scratched. Luckily, most types of shoes can be saved. Dirty suede shoes simply need a few applications of suede cleaning solution, while leather shoes can be hand cleaned and then reconditioned.
Some fabric shoes, such as canvas sneakers, can be thrown in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Just remember to remove the laces beforehand. Instead, soak them in a baking soda and water solution.
Worn Leather Belt
Leather belts are a classic closet staple that complement most outfits. Although some leather belts are designed to look worn, a belt that has deteriorated over time can make an outfit look tacky. Fortunately, you can revitalize an old belt using a few simple products. Using a quality deglazer, you can prepare your belt before painting on some Angelus Leather Paint.
For protection, and to lock in the paint, apply a finisher. With leather paint, the opportunities are endless. Not only can you choose from a variety of colors, but you can also create a glossy, satin or matte look too. When applied properly, you don’t need to worry about fading or cracks.
Stained Handbags
Using the same technique as above, you can restore your leather handbags or give them a brand new look. If your bag is made of vinyl, simply give it a good wash with water and soap. Deep stains on fabric bags can be difficult to remove.
Totes can be bunged in the washing machine, but canvas handbags with a sturdier shape need a bit more TLC. Not to mention, machine washing can damage hardware and attachments. Instead, try using a soft bristled brush to remove loose debris, then apply a gentle cleaning solution and scrub the surface in a circular motion. Rinse the stain, then let it dry naturally.
Tarnished Jewelry
Costume jewelry is made from inexpensive materials, and it is designed to help you look good without breaking the bank. However, costume jewelry can still cost a pretty penny, and it can be disappointing when you notice imperfections after wearing it once or twice.
Rather than giving into fast fashion, you can remove tarnish by giving it a scrub using an old toothbrush and a bit of toothpaste. In addition, soaking jewelry in equal measurements of water and lemon juice is great for removing grime and dirt. Whichever method you choose, make sure you rinse the jewelry in cool water and then buff it dry.
Still if you no longer want to use old fashion accessories or clothes, you can sell them on Vinted for some cash.
