Fash-On Summertime: Crazy, Crazy Madness

Summertime means fun in the sun, celebrating! This month we will look at some great day-to-day summer styles to get you through this humid season. There is also advice on how to best dry your clothing to avoid mold, mildew and that musty smell! Easy, breezy, Fash-on!

Here is a quick rundown of some of the essentials you will need! First, you need a great pair of shorts that will take you anywhere. Then, you need some comfortable slip on shoes that won’t leave your feet hot and sweaty all day; I loved mine so much that I bought them in red, blue and black.

Also invest in some light cotton V-neck t-shirts for the day and night. It is a classic. This season I stocked up on them, in my favorites colors of hot pink, gray and white. Neutrals can be worn nearly every day, and if you want a burst of color, just go for hot pink or another brighter shade. Wear under a cotton shirt or a denim one for a night look.

Next, don’t forget that the typhoons are approaching, so always keep your rain boots handy! Make a splash and keep your feet dry.

Round it all off with some funky retro and tribal jewelry and accessories. Sunglasses are a must and my essential lip balm and facial products come from Kiehl’s. They keep your face fresh, moisturized and non-greasy all day, and Kiehl’s also really like to pack in the samples. 

Finally, don’t forget your summer fragrance! Some of my favorites are from Calvin Klein. I have CK One for day, CK be for Night and also CK In2U to keep me smelling cool all summer long.

Now, here are some tips to properly dry your laundry in the humidity. First, think about your laundry needs, and yes, it might take a bit more planning but will result in clothes that dry properly without a funky smell. I would also suggest investing in a clothing drying rack which you can move around your house for better circulation.

Next, survey the position of your house. Where does the sun shine in the most or where is breeziest? This is where you need to hang your clothing, so having a moveable drying rack makes it so much easier. Sun and air drying is the best but we all know that sometimes it is impossible. My clothing rack is in my kitchen, which never sees the sun, so I have had to come up with some other ways on how to keep my clothes smelling fresh.

If you plan on washing your clothing at night, check the weather for the next day. If the next day will be rainy, drying your clothing will be difficult. A little planning goes a long way.

Try washing similar fabrics together for effective drying. For example, light t-shirts will dry faster than heavy cotton towels. Also in this weather, I would suggest not using large body sheet / beach towels. Use the smaller, Korean hand towels which are lighter and thus dry more easily. Ensure that you take the clothing out of the washing machine as soon as possible. The longer it stays in the machine, the more likely it is that it is going to start getting musty.

Wash smaller loads than usual, because you need air to circulate between your hanging clothes. If you pile and layer clothes on the racks, your clothes with take much longer to dry. If you are running out of space, drape lighter linens or fabrics over chairs or on the top of your doors. If you need to dry small and/or light items of clothing in a rush, just use a hair dryer. Vary the settings from hot to mild, in order to dry clothes quickly, such as underwear and socks.

Another great tip is that if you have a home fan, position it to blow directly onto the clothing, as circulation is of utmost importance. In the monsoon season, the air is thick with moisture and really does not move freely.

As an added bonus, dry out the air in your apartment with your air-conditioner at a relatively normal temperature for your comfort, let it run to remove moisture and don’t forget to close the windows. Also try purchasing some handy Korean dehumidifying Hippo containers. You can get about nine for under 10,000 won and all you do is put one in your closet or around your house and clothes. It will remove the excess moisture for you, which will prevent clothing damage and mold.

Now that drying is taken care of, just concentrate on looking good.

 

Clothing:

Kiehl’s – Shinsegae

V-necks – H&M

Rain Boots – Home Plus

Shirts – 8 seconds

Fragrance – Olive Young

Shoes – Mister Street/ Gmarket

Silver Jewellery – Forever 21 / Seoul