Q&A with Lynda, Rick, and Jordan: is club soda a miracle worker?

Happy Friday, Readers!

Welcome to the another session of reader questions, answered with care and expertise by Lynda, Rick, and Jordan. Today, our reader wants to know if an age-old tip really works:

Question: "I am going to a lot of formal parties and events this season, so I am breaking out some of my favorite dresses. I love the holidays, but it seems as though whenever I wear a great piece to a party I spill on it. What's the best way to handle this? I have heard of dabbing club soda on the stain, but is there another solution I should be using?"--Karyn {Chicago, IL}

Answer:  

Well-meaning friends generally reach for the club soda bottle and a napkin on the way to the aid of wine- or makeup-stained dresses, but our overwhelming response is absolutely do not use club soda.  In fact, the safest answer to your question is do not put anything at all on the stain.

Why?  Well, essentially there are two types of stains, those that can be broken down with water (known professionally as water soluble stains) and those that can only be broken down with chemical solutions (known professionally as solvent soluble stains). Lipstick and most make-up stains can only be removed by chemical solutions, so the only result of applying club soda to that type of stain is creating two stains: the original make-up stain and a second problem--the dreaded club soda stain ring.

I guess you are now thinking that since a wine stain would be classified as water soluble, you can successfully utilize the club soda to remove wine.  Our answer is NO once again.  Even though wine stains can be broken down by water, applying club soda on a wine stain would most likely only serve to spread the original wine stain and once again leave the dreaded club soda ring.  

Applying the club soda can also cause another problem. Typically, the group of good Samaritans surrounding the dress wait with baited breath as the “fabricare doctor” guest begins rubbing the fabric in the affected area with a damp cloth, while continuing to pour the club soda on the stain.  Unfortunately the doctor unintentionally has more than likely permanently damaged the finish of the fabric and possibly caused color loss.  

What to do?  Usually by the time stains occur at the party, you're halfway into the night.  Blot (do not rub) your stains with a white cotton napkin, and enjoy every remaining moment of the evening. As soon as you can, take the dress to a trusted professional. 

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and happiness always…

Special thanks to Lynda, Rick, and Jordan for stopping by and helping out! And don't forget to email, tweet, or Facebook us any questions you may have. We'll pick the best to feature right here. 

An Exhibit Not to Be Missed--Charles James: Deconstructed

When a dress is exquisitely made, it can appear as an extension of the woman herself. Charles James, one of the great geniuses of fashion, constructed his pieces with such intricate detail and unique form that some referred to him as an architect as well as a designer. And just like talented architects in history, James’ work stands the test of time, inspiring countless others who came after him.

It is the best of these works—capes, hats and dresses, some structured so much like sculptures they could almost stand on their own—that are drawing flocks of style-obsessed to the Chicago History Museum for the exhibit running through April 16, 2012. October 21st, attendees of the Costume Council Costume Ball--including Lynda, Rick, Jordan and his wife Cyndi--were lucky enough to receive a sneak preview--and want to share it with you!

Charles James, born in London in 1906, was shipped off to Chicago by his parents at 18 due to his repeated misbehavior in school. It was there that he opened three hat shops and gained a fierce following of fashionable women from Chicago to London, eventually evolving his craft into dress design and splitting his time between Paris, New York, and London. While the 40's and 50's were the peak of his career, including a showing of his collection on the Paris runways (the first of an American after World War II and one that was so well-received that Christian Dior later referenced him as inspiration), James' battled many inner demons that prevented him from realizing the full accolades and success he deserved in his lifetime. The Chicago History Museum exhibit honors the true impact he's had on the industry, as 40 years after his death his work continues to overtly and subtly influence designers far and wide.

The curator of costumes at the museum--Timothy Long--and his impeccable attention to detail helped display James' works in fresh light. Long and his team created an exhibit that is not to be missed. In addition, the chairs of the Costume Ball Catherine Eberle, Lawrie Weed and Robin Loewenberg Berger, along with Helen Harvey Mills (an Honorary Chair) whose mother was a muse of Charles James, organized the first black-tie themed ball in 10 years, elevating the whole experience to a truly elegant
level.

Tim Long with Rick Wood

What a party.....the gala is back after a 10 year hiatius

Costume Council President Nena Ivon was also joined by master of ceremonies Bill Zwecker, ABC 7's Kathy Brock, fashion designer Wes Gordon and Award for Design Excellence award recipient Ralph Rucci, along with 400 other revelers for the stylish soiree.

Bill Zwecker and Costume Council President Nena Ivon

While the Woods’ love anything to do with truly talented designers and fashion, Lynda, Rick, Jordan and his wife Cyndi have a special tie to the James' showing--they are co-sponsors of one of the pieces. Designed in 1957 and worn by Peg Zwecker, James designed the piece around a form and hung the fabric around it--a combination of polyester plush, polyester organza, and silk satin.

This show is important to the Wood family not just as lovers of couture fashion, but also as owners of Davis Imperial Cleaners, leaders in the restoration and preservation of haute couture and vintage garments. For the Woods’, Charles James: Genius Deconstructed further illustrates the importance of a thorough understanding of the construction and fabrication of a garment to process it to the standard of excellence and respect it deserves.

Along with the preview of the exhibit, the Costume Council also honored one of today's most acclaimed international couturiers, Ralph Rucci of Chado Ralph Rucci, with their prestigious award for Design Excellence. Like James, his collection was also shown in Paris. By recognizing work like Rucci's, the Costume Council and the Chicago History Museum honor the memory and legacy of James and designers everywhere whose talent far outlasts their careers.

Jordan and his wife Cyndi, Rick, and Lynda Wood in front of the cape

We could show you a complete pictorial recap of the exhibit but to see it in person is the only way to view Charles James: Genius Deconstructed and truly appreciate this amazing designer--it's a true treasure to the fashion world and Chicago alike. For more information, click here. Thanks for reading!

Davis Imperial Download: The Tuxedo

Brad and George show off classic peak and notched collared double-breasted styles

As Brad and George so adequately display, there’s nothing like a man in a tuxedo. And whether you’re in your first wedding or attending your twentieth formal event, there’s a couple of crucial details to keep in mind. So today, the team at Davis Imperial is giving you this handy cheat sheet to print out and bring with when renting or purchasing.

Fit
The first step to determining the right tux is to get professionally measured, ideally more than once if you’re purchasing (just to be certain of the sizing), but definitely each time if you rent.

Design
Any designer’s tux collection will likely include a double-breasted jacket option (meaning the buttons appear in two rows on top of each other), but the classic version of the tux is single-breasted with one line of buttons—ranging from one to four buttons.

The collar of the jacket is known as the lapel, and typically comes in three fashions:

1. Peak: points up just above the collar bone

2. Notched: one indentation where the lapel joins the collar

3. Shawl: the collar creates a smooth, curved line

Shirts are also broken down by collar:
1. Wing: a formal stand-up style with downward points
2. Crosswick: crossed in front and held together with a button
3. Mandarin: rounded and often worn without a tie

Details:
And for the guy who feels restricted by too much formality, add some personality through custom cuff links (also a great option for groomsmen gifts!), ties, vests, and cummerbunds.

Tom Ford in a shawl-collared tux from his eponymous line

Trends
“These days, younger men are returning to the elegant style of the tuxedo. This is a distinct departure from what used to be worn at many work and social functions,” says John Jones, co-owner of Chicago men’s boutique, George Greene. “In addition to the peaked lapel, there is a nod back to the elegance of the 30’s and 40’s. The double- breasted jacket with a peaked lapel has gained popularity. Grosgrain lapels are also growing in popularity, although the majority are still silk satin.”

Maintenance
The purchase of a designer or couture tuxedo requires a substantial investment. No matter what style you choose, after showing it off and having a great time wearing it, it's absolutely crucial to care for it correctly.

Only an experienced fabricare specialist like Davis Imperial Cleaners--not an ordinary dry cleaner!--should be given the responsibility to clean and press your tuxedo. By engaging this level of professional care, you can bank on the greatest chance of removing any stains, and know with certainty that your tuxedo will be properly detailed by an operator who is skilled with a hand-iron.

Selecting a specialty cleaner will help you avoid the possibility of getting your tux back with shiny labels that show multiple seam or pocket impressions, and will also prevent double creases and missing or cracked buttons. You need to make absolutely certain that your tux is cleaned and pressed by a team of experienced professionals. This is not the place to skimp. Remember you get what you pay for--choice in quality does not end after the tux is purchased.

Thanks for reading! Do you have any questions or tips about tuxedos that we didn’t cover? Leave us a comment here, on our Facebook or Twitter pages, or email us at davisimperial@gmail.com.

Image of Brad and George from Buzz Blog, Tux Lapel sketch via Grooms Groove, Tom Ford Image via People Watch

Flair 2011 Event Combined Fashion and Philanthropy

Last Saturday, Lynda, Rick and Jordan Wood of Davis Imperial, along with Saks Fifth Avenue, the 900 North Michigan Shops, and with the generosity of others were honored to support and attend the Chicago Lighthouse’s first Flair event. A treasure trove of designer and couture clothing and accessories were showcased in a fashion show (preceded by a delicious breakfast and lovely gift bags) at Saks and available for purchase along with an amazing selection of additional "finds" at a wonderful pop-up store at the 900 North Michigan Shops throughout the weekend.

A foundation that gives hope to the blind and visually impaired, Chicago Lighthouse has been around for 100 years and offers an array of educational, training and employment opportunities. The Flair event combined fashion with philanthropy, allowing women of Chicago to purchase the designs shown in the Saturday morning fashion show at a greatly discounted price (up to 80% off!) in support of the foundation—in fact, all proceeds went to help those with vision impairments.

As a company so involved in the fabric of Chicago and its communities, the Davis team loved attending and supporting Flair not only to appreciate the incredible designs and to meet fabulous Chicago women and men, but also to continuously give back to those in need, and to the city that’s given so much to them. Below are some of their favorite pictures from this very special event. To find out more about Chicago Lighthouse, visit their website here, and as always, thanks for reading!

Individuals Who Make This Incredible Charity and Event Possible:

Sandy Forysthe, Board of Directors and Janet Szlyk, Ph.D, President, Executive Director of Chicago Lighthouse

Flair Co-Chairs Lynn Cooper, Ellie Thompson, and Kaye Rahn

Lynda Wood of Davis Imperial Cleaners and
 Jeff Byron, Vice President and General Manager, Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago

 Cassandra A. Gaddo, Editor-in-Chief of Today's Chicago Woman; Lynda Wood, Davis Imperial Cleaners;
Sharren Leigh, President and Founder of Today's Chicago Woman



Sarah Harrington, Manager of Special Events/Financial Development



Rick, Lynda and Jordan Wood of Davis Imperial Cleaners

Runway Show Pics:



Mary Ann Arbogast and friend



Christina Tran

Patricia Ward and her dog, Serious

The Finale



Shopping!

Rick Wood was ecstatic about finding a vintage Hermes scarf for Lynda Wood, his wife of 41 years!

Special thanks to Ed Estrada and Mike White for their fantastic photography!

Red Dresses the Real Winners at the 2011 Emmy Awards

Kate Winslet in Ellie Saab

Each year, television’s biggest stars parade down the red carpet of the Emmy Awards draped in Hollywood’s most talented designers’ dresses, and this year did not disappoint. While there were a variety of unique looks—Modern Family’s Julie Bowen and The Good Wife’s Juliana Margulies come to mind—the theme of the night gave a nod to old-Hollywood glamour, and no trend made this more apparent than the influx of red floor-length gowns.

From winner Kate Winslet’s stunning Ellie Saab number to Lea Michele’s luxe Marchesa piece, the dresses showed the versatility of this almost-universally flattering shade. But you don’t have to be a starlet to shine in scarlet—anyone can feel sophisticated with a dress in this hue. The key is to ensure the dress fits right and is cared for correctly.

Unlike these stars, you would probably like to get a little more than one night out of this investment. So to make sure you can wear that gorgeous gown again, remember these important tips:

1. Do your homework. Ask for a recommendation from the retailer or designer where you purchased your gown.
2. The brighter the color, the more likely that the dye could be unstable and possibly result in color loss. Make sure your fabricare professional adequately tests multiple areas of the garment before processing, and always opt for hand cleaning when available.
3. If you spill, don’t panic! Gently blot the stain-- do not rub as it could result in damage to the finish. Bring the garment to your fabricare professional as soon as possible.
4. Make sure to ask your fabricare specialist if they inspect your gown in full spectrum light. Invisible stains dry clear (white wine, champagne, etc.) and must be located so they can be removed before processing to avoid permanent damage.
5. Should your gown have embellishments and trims that may require hand cleaning, make sure that service is available and will be performed by experienced technicians.
6. When it comes to finishing, insist that the garment is pressed completely by hand to avoid unsightly shine and impressions.
7. In between wearing, make sure your beloved piece is stored in a cool environment with adequate airflow and minimal exposure to light.

Follow these tips and you too can look like a celeb time and time again.

Below are some of our favorite crimson looks of the night. What was yours?

Sophia Vergara in Vera Wang

Adrianne Palicki in Dolce & Gabbana

Kerry Washington in Zuhair Murad

Lea Michele in Marchesa

Fall 2011 Runways Offer Extremes for Any Style

Summer in Chicago really only officially got started in July, but the fashion-obsessed have had visions of Fall lookbooks in their heads for months. With the recent arrival of the September magazines, let’s take a look at some of the key themes popping up for Fall 2011.

Colors:
If the runways are any indication, the Autumn lines will offer something for everyone, whether it be geometric color-blocking of rich reds, yellows, blues and oranges; over-dyed tones of blacks for jeans, coats, and dresses; or bold white in fur coats. When caring for a piece in which the key statement is color, look for a quality cleaner that will test the stability of the dyes —you want to keep your statements bold and crisp.

Burberry Prorsum (photo by WWD staff)

Prints:
Checkered tops, coats, and dresses will offer a cozy break from the season’s chill and look as effortless at Sunday brunch as they do at an afternoon business meeting. Ikat and batik prints will be popping up in everything from coats to skirts to house accessories (including plates and throw pillows) while polka dot accents made a decidedly feminine appearance in everything from flowing gowns to sheer overlays on blouses. Especially delicate attention must be paid to sheer pieces like the Stella McCartney number below, and a quality fabricare specialist will ensure every single detail looks as good as the day you bought it by examining the cut, make, and care instructions, then adjusting their process accordingly.

Stella McCartney (photo by WWD staff)

Silhouettes:
Menswear details continue to dominate the Autumn season, with added feminine touches like volume (in the form of elegant wide-legged pants) and delicate details like flowing tie-neck tops and crisp belted shirtdresses. For an even more womanly take on office-wear, the 60’s heavily influenced the season with demure dresses and suit sets in rich jewel tones.

Christian Dior (photo by Giovanni Giannoni via WWD)

Accents:
Feather details abounded, giving skirts, tops, and dresses a life of their own as they bounced down the runways. Snakeskin was a close second as the detail of choice, appearing on shoes, in dresses, and on skirts. Make sure only a fabricare specialist with the proper tools, technical expertise and experience hand processes your specialty items.

The Davis Imperial team always stays abreast of the latest in fashion news and views in an effort to deliver everything you need to look your best. If you splurge on a one-of-a-kind Fall number, you can be confident that the Davis team will be prepared to properly process your garment while maintaining its gorgeous detail and will answer any question you have regarding the piece. They can’t wait to see the latest fashions come through their door.

What’s your favorite style from the Fall lines?

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to send any questions you have about your favorite clothing to davisimperial@gmail.com. And follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook for weekly tips and updates!

All images via Women's Wear Daily

Event Recap: A Day on the Terrace by The Service Club Of Chicago

Day On The Terrace 10th Annual Fashion Show...

Last Monday, I had the fantastic pleasure of joining Lynda Wood of Davis Imperial at A Day on the Terrace, the annual fashion show and luncheon thrown by The Service Club of Chicago. Not only did the event mark the tenth anniversary of this particular Service Club function, but it also was the tenth anniversary of the Peninsula Chicago—a special occasion on several levels. As a member of the The Service Club Of Chicago, Lynda attends the various fundraisers and galas throughout the year, not only to enjoy the company of other Chicago women whose influence reaches far and wide, but also to allow Davis Imperial to give back to the community that helped make it the business it is today. After all, at the heart of the company is the Wood family, and while the services they offer are among the best in the business—in Chicago and nationwide!—they treat every client as though they’re a dear friend or family member. Events and organizations like these help them honor that commitment.

Interestingly enough, Lynda explained, she also attends these events to get a feel for current fashion trends and potential styling challenges her clients could be facing. While the family tends to steer the conversations away from business during social events, a keen eye is kept on new styles seen within the event, including any noticeable trends that keep popping up (both in the fashion show and in the crowd itself!) as well as possible problems the various garments might present when being cleaned.

For example, at Monday’s event, the styles seen on the guests ran the spectrum, but, as usual, black and white was a frequently seen go-to pairing. What many fashionistas may not realize, however, is that combining dark and light fabrics, embellishments, or trims on the same garment could potentially be problematic as the dark dye might bleed to the lighter color during processing. At Davis Imperial, whenever a piece comes in with similar challenges, they test the material to ensure this will not occur. Likewise, if the fall previews show garments or tailoring that looks more delicate, the Woods will take note of that to determine how to best service those pieces. At events like Day on the Terrace, fashion plays a role in entertainment, but also in continuously raising the standards of excellence by which the Woods run their business.

And what a fashion show it was. With looks from Luca Luca, Neiman Marcus, Intermix, Lulu’s at the Belle Kay and more (see the photo recap below!), there was something to please everyone—from gorgeous high-waisted pants and tie front shirts to chunky necklaces; from a vintage couture gown worn in Mad Men (found at Lulu’s at the Belle Kay!) to chicly sophisticated shorts sets; the show proved Chicago is always a top contender in the fashion world. Guests were also treated to a fabulous lunch with a theme of the Far East, and the men got in on the fun also. Three very gracious Chicago firemen flaunted their stuff on the runway to the delight of everyone in the audience. Members of The Service Club modeled in the show, as well as local celebrities and some of the city’s top tastemakers. All of the proceeds from this event will go to The Service Club Of Chicago that will supplement monetary grants established by government or corporate entities for various worthy organizations around town. All in all, a fabulous afternoon was had by everyone to benefit the city of Chicago.

What is your favorite look from the selections below? Do you have any concerns about caring for the styles or fashions shown here? Davis Imperial prides themselves in being able to address even the most challenging of care problems, so if you have an issue or question, please email us at davisimperial@gmail.com or leave it in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!



Lynda Wood with: top left Hazel Barr, top right Candace Jordan,
bottom left, Sherrill Bodine,  bottom right,  Susanna Negovan



Founder of Day on the Terrace Hazel Barr, show producer Tracey Di Buonco,
Peninsula's Greg Hyder, and fashion show chair Jean Antouniou

Chicago's Media Execs

Members and guests of Day on the Terrace anxiously wait for the show to begin

Fendi 1986 from Lulu's at the Belle Kay

Oscar de le Renta 1970 from Lulu's at the Belle Kay

Marie Clecura wearing Balenciaga 1950

Susanna Negovan, Editor-in-Chief of Michigan Avenue Magazine

Susan Gohl

Vintage Couture (worn on Mad Men!)

Sherrill Bodine, President, The Service Club Of Chicago

Valentino 1980 from Lulu's at the Belle Kay

Chilli Pepper

Windy City Live's Valerie Warner

Laurie Davis, owner of Lulu's at the Belle Kay escorted by Fireman friend

Jean Antoniou, Fashion Show Chair

Dusty Stemer

Candace Jordan for Neiman Marcus Evening

Laurie Davis of Lulu's at the Belle Kay

Mary Ann Childers leads the finale

Candace Jordan with Chicago's Finest

Vonita Reescer

 Simon Garcia, manager of Luca Luca, Lynda Wood, Davis Imperial Cleaners,
with daughters-in-law Stacy and Cyndi

Stacy and Cyndi with the guys!

 The Wood girls--what a wonderful afternoon at Day on the Terrace

Thanks to Steve Starr, Maureen Schulman and Caitlin Saville Collins for sharing their incredible photographs from the show.