How to Iron Out The Details {of J.Crew Shirts}

"Thanks!" to SC Crew who was kind enough to not only let us know that J.Crew was featured in an article from Martha Stewart Living Magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view! :)

The article (click here for larger image to read) showcases the Victoria Ruffle Shirts (Item 99694; Regular $89.50, now $49.99). It discusses how "detailed blouses can be ironed", with the following advice:

As with any shirt, work in sections: collar, cuffs, sleeves, back, and then front. Ruffles and pleats can be ironed to give them a crisp finish. Press the nose of the iron into the top of the father, flattening and pressing small portions as you work downward. Embellishments such as rhinestones and embroidery should be ironed on the wrong side atop a clean, terry-cloth towel. If these additions are glued on rather than sewn, make sure to avoid ironing the adhesive, even if you're working from the wrong side.

In a previous post (refer to "J.Crew Dry Clean Items {how do you care for them?}", I mentioned using Dryel for the Victoria Ruffle Shirt. I found that after a few instances (three or four times), the pleats lost the original crisp & tight shape. The result is the Victoria has more of a "free form" shape (similar to the image on the left of the Victoria Ruffle Cami) around the collar- which is not a bad look. I have not taken the shirts to a dry cleaner, since I am not sure they would be able to re-create the original pleats (considering how small they are).

What are your ironing methods for J.Crew items, especially detailed items (like the Victoria Ruffle Shirt)? Have you tried alternative methods (e.g. hand washing, Dryel)? If so, please share with us your results. Also, if you have used a dry cleaner for items, like the Victoria Ruffle Shirt, what were the results? :)

J.Crew Dry Clean Items {how do you care for them?}

"Thanks!" to Anon at 12:20 AM (in this post) who came up with a great post topic: "I thought I'd suggest a topic for a post -- washing/care. The majority of jcrew sweaters are dry clean only. I'm wondering whether others have tried hand washing instead & what their experience has been. I didn't have that great of results washing my tartine cardigan & now I'm worried about wrecking other sweaters (like the Lea)."

Is it just me, or has the number of their tops, (including sweaters, camis,... even tees!) requiring "dry clean" increased over the years? It seems like every other top I purchased this past Fall/Winter had to be dry cleaned. Considering the amount, my trips to the dry cleaners were sure adding up. ;)

As a result, I have been turning to Dryel (click here). I have to admit, it works. I used it on a variety of items including the Silk Elizabeth Halters (Item 95001; was $89.50, now $59.99), the Victoria Ruffle Shirts (Item 99694, $89.50), and even the Candy Tees (Item 10605; was $49.50, now $9.99). So far, I have been pleased with the results. Of course, this method is no where near the same results that I would get at the dry cleaners- but it is "good enough" and is way better for my wallet. ;)

What are your methods for "dry clean" only J.Crew items? Have you tried alternative methods (e.g. hand washing, Dryel)? If so, please share with us your results. :)