(Editors note: Tricks of the Trade is an editorial column written by guests, propville.com members, sponsors and, occasionally, by the publisher. If you have interest in submitting material, or seeing an industry related topic explored, please inquire via the contact page at propville.

WARDROBE WISDOM

In past Volumes, TRICKS has spent some space describing what was useful, in a stylists kit, and even useful in a CPA. This column has very specific and relevant content regarding wardrobe styling. If you handle, or shoot fashion, product or advertising, there are some tips contained in this Tricks of the Trade that will inspire a thoughtful,
"Oh Yeah, that makes sense!"
From the obvious to the obscure, here they are. Just tips, not much talk.

Have a good dry cleaner. A seasoned expert can hem pants or jackets (sleeves and cuffs), dry clean suede or leather and change out buttons; all without drama.

Invest in an Ironing board, Iron, Pro-Steamer, spray bottle (for water) and a can of spray starch. Pro Steamers are available at Daniels Display (415) 861-4400 and Hold Everything, located in the Stonestown Galleria.

If you find that you press a lot of dress shirts, a sleeve board is a great investment at about 20$. You can find them at fabric stores. On location a "ham" is a small, portable tool to accomplish the same thing, also great for shoulders. One of the tell tale signs that something has just come from the store is the fold marks on sleeve and shoulder.
Or maybe you're going for that look!

Wardrobe Bags. It's great when a garment comes in a zipper bag. It's also good to have something more substantial than a dry cleaners plastic bag to move wardrobe around. Forty-eight inch navy canvas bags are available for $40.45 from Grand & Benedicts 510-782-1988. A smaller size, complete with a windowed pouch for your business card, is available at Hold Everything.

Use available resources. www.propville.com has an abundant listing of fashion and clothing websites in the Business Builders directory. Click here and use the keyword "reference".

Some things to keep on hand for fashion and wardrobe work:

· Iron on seam tape, fastest hem west of the stapler.

· Sweater de-piller. Motorized is ok, but we prefer the blade type, available at fabric stores and some gadget shops. Sharper Image has the battery-operated version.

· Soft bristle brush. Comb carpet fringe, brush velvet or fur.

· Suede Stone. Available at shoe repair stores. (We like Marelli's in San Rafael) Takes dirt and marks out of suede.

· Arm pit shields. Especially timely if you have a model, a warm studio and a garment that may need to be returned. (Watch your ethics please.)

· Some small clamps. A lighter gauge than an "A" clamp is best. We have found them at Walmart, or any store specializing in plastic for America. Use these to pull open a jacket or get a better fit from off-the-rack clothing.

· A roll of tape; a lint brush, if you're fancy or a stack of Fed Ex airbill pouches. They make great lint-removal "Mitts".

· A Pack of "Toupee Tape" Available at California Theatrical Supply 415-863-9236 or Vapon 1-800-244-9352. Keeps hair, J-Lo's Versace dress and your shoulder straps in place.

· Flat batting, fluffy batting and stiff interfacing. Just some of each to add loft, body, puff and stiffness to everything from a collar to a bed.

Some last miscellaneous tips…

1.) Sometimes a soft touch is all that is required.( fashion is a microcosm for life). When adjusting fabric or a garment, just pet it!
2.) The plastic zipper bags from new sheets and pillowcases make great storage bags for hosiery, hair accessories and men's socks and ties.
3.) Learn to tie a superb tie. Nordstrom, in the men's furnishings dept occasionally offers a booklet on Tie Tying or check out www.mulberryneckwear.com/tieatie.html

Kids, don't try this at home. If you're styling at this level consider reviewing some portfolios and getting a professional stylist in to help you actualize your vision.
Places to find stylists:
Propville.com: call the office, 415-531-3019, we'd be happy to refer you to someone.
Call Jeff at APA 415-882-9780 or check online at reeldirectory.com