Best Bib & Tucker

Archive for the ‘Q & A’ Category

Q: How do I make my regular jeans fit into my boots without them looking bunchy?

A: Jeans that are fitted in the knee area can be folded into a pair of boots.  The first step is to fold the hem up so you have about a five inch cuff.  Then grab a hold of the cuff and pull it back so the material lays flat against the front of your leg. Take this extra fabric and fold it to the side against your leg. Pull on a pair of knee high socks over the fold to hold everything in place.

Q: I’m a new football mom. After this weekend’s game, my son’s pants are caked in mud.  How do I get them clean?

A: The first thing to do is let the mud dry.  Then, scrape it off and rinse the pants thoroughly with cold water.  Next, spray the area with foam shaving cream and let it stand 20 minutes.  Blot the area with a paper towel or rag and repeat if needed.  Wash as usual.

Need help with grass stains?  Check out our playground stains post.

Q: I’ve been cleaning out my closets.  How do I bring in items for consignment?

A: At Best Bib and Tucker we make consignment easy.  You don’t need an appointment; we take consignments anytime we are open.  Plus, there is no limit to the number of items you can bring in.  If you have a closet full of great pieces, we want it all!  We are accepting fall and winter items now through the end of November. For more information on our policies, procedures, and the items we take check out How to Consign

Update (9-3-11)
Due to a change in the status of our building we are currently waiting on any additional fall and winter consignments.  We will let you know when we are ready for them as soon as possible.  Thanks!

Q: My husband is very active and spends a lot of time outdoors.  In the summertime his clothes stink, even after washing.  Should I use more laundry detergent?

A:  Try adding 1/4 – 1/2 cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle.  It will remove the odor, release any remaining detergent, works as a fabric softener, and costs pennies!  Use your regular amount laundry detergent.  Extra detergent won’t rinse out and can leave your machine moldy.

Are you using too much detergent?  Here’s an easy test: The Too Much Detergent Towel Test

Q: I leave for vacation next week.  Is there any way to pack so my clothes won’t get wrinkled?

A: You can minimize creases in clothing by rolling instead of folding.  Make sure the item is wrinkle free before rolling and smooth out any creases as you go.

Choose material wisely.  Cotton blended with nylon, polyester, or lycra is less likely to wrinkle than an item made of 100% cotton, linen, or satin.

Once you reach your destination take your clothing out of your suitcase and hang them up as soon as possible.

If you still have wrinkles and are avoiding ironing, try bringing the item into the bathroom.  The steam from your hot shower will allow some of the wrinkles to release.

Q: My niece is getting married in an afternoon wedding next month.  What should I wear?

A: Morning and afternoon weddings are typically more casual than evening ceremonies.   Summer attire is even less formal.  When choosing an outfit, think “Sunday Best”, sweet, and pretty.  Knee length dresses, light colored suits, and flowy skirts are all appropriate choices.  Choose pieces made of cotton, linen, and chiffon over satins and silks.  While a little black dress is okay for an evening ceremony, try to keep colors lighter for morning and afternoon events.

More wedding fashion tips and pics here: What to Wear Wednesday- Wedding Edition

Providing great customer service is a large part of our business.  As a consignment shop though, our customers are only half of the equation.  The foundation of our business lies with our consignors and we believe that, hands down, we provide the fairest, most convenient and hassle-free consignment.

Bringing in Items

We accept items any time we are open and you do not need an appointment.  We are fine with whatever method, be it on hangers, in boxes or bags, or even in a rolling suitcase, that makes it easiest for you to transport your items to us.  There are also no limits on the number of items you can bring in at one time.  If you have a closet full of great stuff we want it all!

We will quickly go through your items.  Most orders take under 10 minutes but if you are bringing in extremely large amounts you can drop them off and come back later that day for pick-up.  You will sign a contract for the number of items we take and at the time of your first payment you will receive a detailed inventory that includes the asking price of each item.  We have a $2 contract fee.  There are no per item charges and you can add to your inventory any time throughout the season (spring/summer or fall/winter) without incurring additional fees.  The $2 fee may be waived for small contracts.

Payment

Consignment shops typically pay you 40-50% of an item’s selling price.  Best Bib and Tucker pays 45-50% on clothing items and 60% on long formals and designer purses.

The clothing you bring in belongs to you.  It seems obvious that when they sell, you get paid.  But watch out, not all shops are run this way!  Most shops have a 60-90 day selling period.  If any items remain they are donated or sold with the shop making 100%.  At BBT, if you still have items for sale after your initial 60 day consignment period we will extend your contract until the item sells or we feel it is no longer in season.  This means that instead of having one shot at selling, your items are able to sell throughout the season.

Many shops also require you to frequently check on your account to see if items have sold and have limits on the length of time they will hold your money before it is forfeited to the store.  Best Bib and Tucker processes your account every 60 days.  Within the following 30 days you will receive a phone call from us to let you know items have sold.  That’s right, we will call you.  At BBT, you do not need to remember payment dates or call to check on your account.  We do the work for you.  Everything will be ready when you stop in.  If you can’t make it in let us know and we will be happy to mail your payment to you.  If your check hasn’t been picked up within 90 days of your phone call we will automatically pop it in the mail.

Returns

Most shops do not allow you to pick up unsold items.  The few that do require you to find your own items.  At Best Bib and Tucker we give you the option to have unsold items donated or returned to you.  If you select “return” when you sign your contract, we will have any unsold items packaged and ready for you to pick up when you pick up your payments.

Consignment is not Resale

Resale shops pay you on the spot. Sounds great, right?  Except that they pay you less (typically 25-40% of their selling price versus the 45-60% that you receive at BBT).  If you still would rather be paid up front be sure to call around.  Some shops require appointments or have long wait times as they go through your items.  You may have perfectly acceptable items that they cannot take because they are full of that size or are low on funds to pay out that particular day.

Our Advice

We urge you to check with a few stores in your area before consigning/selling, ask questions, and find the shop that is right for you.  Feel free to call BBT at 330-877-3308 or send us an email at info@shopbestbibandtucker.com if you have any further questions.

Q: Help! My daughter has chocolate stains on her Easter dress.  How do I get them out?

A: First blot the stain with cold water using a clean rag or dishcloth.  Next, add a few drops of light-colored dish washing liquid.  Mild laundry detergent or even light-colored hand soap will work too.  Blot the stain then rinse completely.  If you have a tough stain you can add a couple drops of ammonia for milk chocolate or a couple drops of white vinegar for dark chocolate.  Reapply the soap, blot and rinse again.

For more stain removal tips check out Removing Playground Stains

50’s, 60’s and 70’s inspirations

The big trend of the season is the 70’s.  This means wide leg and flared pants are back.  You’ll also see long flowy skirts and dresses, tassels, macramé and crochet embellishments, head scarves, clogs, and bangle bracelets.

The 50’s/60’s look from last summer is still with us.  In addition to full circle skirts and dresses, we get to wear hip hugging sheath dresses, cat-eye glasses, wide waist-cinching belts, kitten heels and large “Granny Flower’ prints.

Colors and More

The two other trends we are seeing are stripes and mixed patterns.  Stripes this season are horizontal and have a bit of a nautical feel.  You can pair them with solids, but to be really trendy try wearing them with floral prints, plaids, and polka dots.

Think citrus for this season’s colors.  Pantone’s color of the year is called Honeysuckle which is a beautiful pink color.  You’ll see it as well as lots of oranges and yellows.

Q: After the winter we’ve had around here I can’t wait to stop wearing my heavy sweaters and coats. Do I need to do anything special with them before I pack them away?

A: First, make sure items have been washed or dry cleaned and are free from stains.  Then, find a place to store your clothing.  It should be dark to prevent sunlight fading as well as dry and clean.  Once you get items back from the dry cleaner, remove the plastic bags.   Plastic traps in moisture which could lead to insect damage or mold.   If you plan on hanging your items, use padded hangers for coats and ones with clips for pants and skirts.  Don’t fold them over a hanger bar.  Sweaters will maintain their shape better if they are folded into a plastic storage container, suitcase or clean cardboard box.