<p>Same thing - I actually use spring water in my Rowenta and I don’t think there are any calcium deposits or signs of an obvious problem. Perhaps a gasket has failed? I may have H take a look at it - I really don’t want to buy another iron. I’ve looked online, and Rowenta is always touted as the best available. Meile makes a large rotary iron; I wonder if they make a steam iron?</p>
<p>I’ve bought a few blouses in the $200 range and like oldfort, I’ve viewed them as investment dressing. Classic, stylish. In fact, I just packed one for a business trip - I’ve had it for about 6 years and I always get compliments on it. </p>
<p>My best find was years ago, 2 Escada jackets - each originally in the $1,200 range - that I snared for $200 apiece! I also have Missoni flats and Prada flats that I scored at a fraction of their original price. </p>
<p>I’m also a believer that if you find basics you like (such as nice pants), buy several pairs in different colors.</p>
<p>I had the same problem with my Rowenta and I always used distilled water. I was desperate when it conked out so I bought a Black and Decker model. I actually like it better than my Rowenta. </p>
<p>Thanks for the advice on the steamer, BB. I have a daughter who did not inherit the ironing gene and I think she might prefer a steamer. </p>
<p>As for caring for clothing - I rarely put anything in the dryer. I always whisk things out immediately, smooth the wrinkles, and hang on a padded hanger. I really think it prolongs the life of clothing. </p>
<p>One of the reasons I have so many pairs of black slacks - obviously in different materials, weight, etc., is so I have the proper length depending on the heels that I wear. Honest, Gourmetmom - I don’t look like I am wearing a uniform, despite my parochial school background! Should the plaid skirt and knee highs go??</p>
<p>I lightly mist damp items out of the dryer or clean but wrinkled clothes after I have worn them or they have been crushed in a drawer or the closet. Sometimes collars and seams need to be stretched a bit, but it saves on washing and dry cleaning, not to mention washing. Not perfect, but it works for me most of the time. I also know people who mist and then stick the item in the dryer without heat. I have purchased those balls one fills with water then throws in the dryer to steam clothing but have never used them . . .</p>
<p>I frequently toss clean but wrinkled clothes into the dryer for a few minutes. Never heard of a water ball - will have to look into it. You can also wet a washcloth and throw it in the dryer with your clothes as well.</p>
<p>Another tip to freshen dry clean only items in the dryer - dampen one of those antistatic dusting cloths with water and add it along with a dryer sheet. Let spin on low heat for 10 or 15 minutes. I almost never dry clean sweaters and woolens - they are never the same afterward and I hate the odor.</p>
<p>I second the suggestion of watching a few episodes of “What Not To Wear.” There are a lot of very good principles at work in most episodes, like the fact that there’s no substitute for trying on. Don’t be shy about taking 6 or 8 pairs of slacks in different sizes into the dressing room. You must see how it looks and feels on YOU. Ordering something other than a scarf or jewelry from a catalog is advanced technique, not for beginners. </p>
<p>I use Dryel rather than dry cleaning most items. I only dry clean something very structured like a suit.</p>
<p>Do you have a friend whose taste you admire? See if she will go shopping with you. A friend who will tell you honestly, “Yes, those make your butt look fat” is worth her weight in diamonds. Especially since you can then believe her when she says, “Your legs are fine! You’re being crazy! Try this fantastic skirt.”</p>
<p>I’ve had great success with using Nature’s Miracle to get rid of sweat stains and odors on my clothes (even on my prized Gucci dress that I would not even dare to wash!). 
It works best if the stains are fresh.</p>
<p>Hanna - I love to take my mom or my daughter with me when making important shopping decisions. They love me enough to tell me the truth.</p>
<p>For me, LLBean is a fashion upgrade. (sorry…) I was so excited they they started offering womens’s sizes. I am all about scarves and crafty jewelry. If I could move 5-7" from my waist to my hips, I’d drop three sizes. I’m kind of built like Big Bird. ;)</p>
<p>Am finding the bra recommendations frustrating, as “full-figured” seems to mean D and larger rather than a larger band size.</p>
<p>I was out of town yesterday and am late to the bra fitting stories lol! But I had a bra fitting at Victoria’s Secret (don’t it was a big mistake) 36B. Went to Nordstrom, 32D. No longer do my bra’s fall off my shoulder’s and I think I look so much better. No slouching, no drooping LOL!</p>
<p>Limabeans, your 34AA could really be a 30B. Who knows but they say most women are wearing the wrong bra size and I was!</p>
<p>I go to a private bra fitter – her store is, seriously, just all bras and lingerie and this is what she does for a living. She even has services for women who have had mastectomies or other issues. She takes one look at you (and cops a quick feel, ha ha) and can tell you specific brands and styles that will work best. They even alter the bras – just like you might tailor a pair of pants. I’d rather have 3 bras from her store than a dozen from any other place. I’m sure most metro areas have something like this. It’s rather word of mouth though.</p>
<p>For me, it’s the thrill of the hunt. Finding that $200 blouse on sale at a bargain basement price gives me a high! Over the years, I’ve narrowed down my purchases to a few manufacturers that I know will fit and wear well. The maker of the pants and jeans I like does not make tops that fit well OR last because they shrink in the length, even washing in cold delicate cycle and drying on extra-low. I buy knit tops and sweaters at a store where the jeans are all super skinny. At age 57, I don’t think so! I LOVE Brooks Brothers button down shirts. They are truly non-iron, and are on sale at various times during the year. I have way too many that look almost the same. That’s my big problem–I’m in a rut.</p>
<p>I go to a shop similar to Pizzagirl - the owner is an expert fitter and if she doesn’t have it, she’ll get it for her customers. She does a lot of mastectomy and special fit business, but it’s a small shop and she does not do a ton of business, probably because not many women bother to be fitted or realize how bad their bras really fit. Honestly, most of the women I see out and about would benefit from a good bra. I have a relative whose bust line has dropped to nearly her elbows - she’s not heavy or large breasted either; she just needs a more supportive bra. A better fitting bra would take years off her figure, but I’m afraid of offending her.</p>
<p>For Seattle-area residents, I highly recommend Zovo Lingerie store in the U-Village by U-Dub. They stock brands of bras that are impossible to find anywhere else in this neck of the woods, like Marie Jo. The ladies who work there know their business well and are very experienced at bra fittings.</p>
<p>I’m standing by the running trail, stretching my legs. 90% of women running past me need better jogging bras! It is really painful to watch these ladies run. I suspect that their regular bras are wrong size, too.</p>
<p>That’s it…after this storm passes, I’m going to Nordstrom for a fitting. Do you have to make an appointment?</p>
<p>The time I went to Nordie’s in HI, I didn’t have an appointment, but they were very helpful & accommodating. I was fitted to a different size than I had been wearing.</p>
<p>It was worthwhile & afterwards, I scoured Nordstrom’s Rack & Ross for good prices on my new size. I have been various sizes over the years–pre-pregnancy, when I was nursing, of course, and now since I’ve had the kids, I’ve been a few different lingerine sizes.</p>
<p>Yes, Costco has a great steamer model. My brother uses it regularly to steam his cotton dress shirts every morning before work.</p>
<p>One thing that can help you figure out what looks great on you is as everyone suggests, wearing one of your nice black slacks & going to a store you really like with helpful sales staff and being ready & willing to try on a number of items to help figure out what YOU are comfortable in, regardless of what is or is not on sale. Perhaps purchase an item or two, but it will help you figure out the looks that might work for you & then you can always go to outlets, Ross, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, etc.</p>
<p>If you live near Rehoboth Beach, there is a wonderful place called Something Comfortable. The owner is an amazing woman (and my best friend when I was a kid) who always looks stunning and so you know you can trust her advice. </p>
<p>I think the next best thing to a well-fitting bra is lifting weights. Or at least for small busted women. Those bench presses help to keep things where they were when we were young.</p>
<p>Wnp, yes, yes, and yes to lifting weights! Many women are afraid that lifting weights will bulk them up, but it is impossible to get bodybuilder’s looks without resorting to some special tricks. 10 minutes of free weights 3-4 times a day will do wonders. :)</p>
<p>When shopping for bras, keep in mind that sizing varies greatly among different manufaturers and even different styles of any given brand. Get fitted for several styles, and then keep an eye for them at your favorite discount place, look for sales or shop on the web. The two Internet lingerie shops I like are HerRoom and Bare Necessities.</p>