February

We all get busy in the day-to-day shuffle, and for many of us, we just make do with the same old worn out items...like the tired scrub brush in the kitchen sink, and the rags in our bathrooms that seem to find the eye make-up our remover skipped over. And, every now and then, we look in the mirror and see a snag in our clothes that screams the question, "When are you going to retire me already!?" 

We buy little items here and there when it tugs at our heartstrings. That is how most items end up in our wardrobe, but when do we know a piece is passed its prime? This blog is all about your 5 most worn pieces of clothing and how to tell when it is time to revamp the hamper! 

1. Bra

Don't lie, girl! That bra you just slung off is old as the hills. If you listen carefully, I bet you can still hear Adele screaming "Hello" from back in 2015. According to Leann at Uplift Bra Store in Baton Rouge, these are the best things to know about your favorite lingerie. "If a bra is on the tightest clasp and riding up the back, that is the number one sign it is too big [from wear] and needs to be replaced." Other warning signs that your bra is reaching the end of its lifespan include vertical lines in the material, gaping cups, or no longer resting under the breast tissue. She also notes "three good bras will last a whole year. If someone has only one bra, they are wearing it everyday and the bra will only last for about 3-6 months. The more bras you add to your rotation, the longer they will last." Once you have made the commitment to update the girls, taking care of your new undergarment require hand-washing, or washing on the delicate cycle. If you wash your bras in a delicate cycle, clasp the bras and throw them into a mesh bag so the bras will not grab onto other items and twist in the wash. Drying should include laying flat or hanging to dry using both straps instead of only one.

2. Panties

Well, this doesn't come as a shock. What is just as exhausted as your bra? We all know its our panties. It is not hard to forget these little things need attention, also. The red light when it comes to evaluating when it's time to hit the 5 for $30 sale is holes in the fabric (especially lace), elastic in the waist band warping or fraying, stains (it is what it is), and odd fit due to over-wear. One of life's best pleasures are new under-roos so don't deprive yourself. If you are local to Baton Rouge, you can also find a great selection of panties at Uplift Bra Store.  

3. Jeans

Ok, I will admit it. A worn out pair of jeans is like an old dog, there is just nothing else like them. I am not saying to throw them out with the ragged drawers I guilted you into parting with, but understand their place. New denim can be almost as dressy as a pantsuit with the right fit, size, and condition! However, jeans that are distressed out of wear and tear, need to be worn with discretion. As much as I am loving this thick thigh trend, the first place my jeans show hints of exhaustion is where these two goddesses rub together! When your favorite pair of baby blues start to let the 'cat out of the bag', it is time to invest in some new ones! If you're finding that your jeans make that shimmery blouse look a tad bit dull, it's time to find a boutique with a bomb denim selection. Check out our partner affiliates, Wanderlust By Abby and Addiction Boutique in the Baton Rouge area to find your new go-to party denim. Psssst, they even offer delivery for local customers through our boutique delivery company, Shop The Area. 

4. Basic tees

This one is overlooked in a much different way than the previous ones. Most of us love our casual tees, especially the tees that are available in every single color under the sun. Picos, boyfriend tees, off-the-shoulder slouchies, crop tees... we wear them over and over, from yoga to coffee to carpool. They go through many life events with us because of their versatility. However, unless you wash them in the delicate cycle and lay flat to dry (the directions for most of these styles), you are cutting the lifespan of these shirts in half without even knowing it. One $25 tee will last through about five washings before the brand new fit subtly leaves it. If you are like me, you wear them for any and all events, like brunch and family outings. After a few wears, evaluate the fit and if it isn't the same, it may be time to slowly work them into your workout wardrobe. Check out LURE Boutique for some super cute new casual styles for $15 with code CASUAL.

5. Cami's/Bralettes

I know I do not have to take a peek into your laundry basket to know one strap of your cropped cami is barely hanging in there. They all fit perfect in the beginning but boobs are heavy! If you have worn your camisoles and/bralettes underneath everything for the past season, with a bra or without, you need to get some new ones....at the very least! No one sees a majority of these items, I understand that, but it is in the undergarment family. And, like my aunt and Shop The Area business partner, Terri told me when I was learning how to dress, "You can never underestimate the power of a proper undergarment." Don't throw them out, but do add some new ones into the rotation by buying several of your favorite colors or adding new styles in there, altogether. Taking the load off of one style can extend the life of all of them!

These are my top five items that are most likely worn slap out in your hamper. Email me or comment and let me know what items I missed and why they are the most worn in your book. Please like us on Shop The Area and keep up with the fun new stores and cities offering on-demand, boutique delivery!