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Tip Store: Clothes: Jewellery and Accessories

No More Tangled Jewellery

​To stop jewellery tangling, place necklaces and chain bracelets in paper straws then lie side by side in your jewellery case or bag.
Contributed by Faye Lording

​An Organized Handbag

Do you have to rummage through your handbag to find your keys or phone, or perhaps a hanky? Maybe even your purse? You find screwed up old receipts, old pens, tissues, the lipstick you've been looking for, lolly wrappers, school notices, perhaps even unopened mail. Handbags are a bit like the spare room: a catchall where you stash everything but can find nothing. With a little creative organisation and a few minutes you can have your handbag in tip-top shape, organised and tidy so you can put your hand on the things you need when you need them. No more rummaging for pens or keys or business cards.

You will need:
Your everyday handbag - make sure it is a nice size for your everyday requirements. Too big and it will fill with rubbish, too small and you'll always leave something you need behind. 3 -7 small make-up purses or pencil cases. They can be fabric, plastic, printed or plain, with a zip, button or velcro fastener.

How to Organise:
1. Your purse/wallet: money - notes; money - coins into the change compartment; credit/debit cards; driver's license; most used rewards cards; small calendar

2. Bag 1: Lipstick/lip gloss; small comb/brush; blush; mascara; powder - pressed/loose/bronzer - whatever you use; feminine hygiene; mirror

3. Bag 2: Nail file/emery board; small hand cream; small scissors; hankies; breath mints/cough drops

4. Spectacle case 1: for sunglasses

5. Spectacle case 2: for reading/spare spectacles

6. Bag 3: Business cards - yours, hairdresser, mechanic etc.; library card; club cards - auto club, ambulance, health fund etc.; seldom used credit/debit cards; small calculator

7. Bag 4: toothbrush; small toothpaste; wet wipes; small sewing kit; band-aids; toothpicks; small tape measure

You won't need to carry all these bags every day, but having them organised makes it much easier to quickly pack your handbag for the day or swap to another handbag.
​ Tip of the Day, 7th April 2015

​Specialised Leather Paint

I make baby and kids leather shoes and found a great product last year: Angelus acrylic leather paint. It's great for decorating, there is an included small applicator brush attached to the lid and I've used it successfully to cover up scuff marks on my children's and my own shoes. It comes in many colours, including black, and if you want, fancy glitter paint (for over top of the standard paint). It's available from Lefflers here in Melbourne for $5-$8 and available to the general public.
​Contributed by Tanya Herriot, 1st March, 2014

​Re-colouring Black Handbag or Shoes

Buy some spirit based black leather dye. Leather supplies or saddlery places will have some in small containers also. It is not recommended to do this by shops who will generally tell you all sorts of prepping will be required, but I have found the dye works well with next to no prepping as long as the dye is spirit based and not the sort of dye that is like paint. I even used the dyeing straight onto a real Hermes bag that I found in a completely beaten up state in an op shop overseas. If the bag has considerable surface finish you can choose to just do the parts that need it, even if they are very scuffed. Otherwise just do the whole bag. The dye containers often come with an applicator but these are of varying usefulness, so try it out. If not useful you may have to use a cloth. You will get the dye on your hands which is annoying. You can use surgical gloves but I found it reduces dexterity and will still go though a bit. A barrier cream will reduce the amount of dye on your hands if you have to use a cloth. You can use this same technique on scuffed shoes (or re-colour them if they are not a white sort of colour). If the bag or shoes have considerable surface finish they may not take the dye and you would have to use a leather stripper, but I have never found anything I did it on that still had sufficient surface finish to warrant it. If the leather is very scuffed you will not be able to get a surface finish fully back, but at least the scuffing is well disguised.
​Contributed by Susan Czermak, 27th February 2014

​Get Professional Advice to Restore Handbags

​Try going to a proper 'brand name' shoe shop, (you know the type, not a $5 cheapie shoe shop) and ask the staff about paint for shoes. I think that you can get brown and white as well as black. It comes in an 'easy applicator' bottle. Follow the preparation instructions before applying. 1bottle does a few pairs of shoes so should easily do a hand bag and for the fraction of the cost, good as new :) Contributed by Belinda Rice, 27th February 2014

​Raven Oil Disguises Marks on Leather

Raven oil will restore the colour to the bag, it will help disguise some scratching but will most likely require a polish afterwards. I don't bother to strip the finish especially with black, as it should blend in anyway.
​Contributed by Paula Rae, 27th February 2014

​One Pair of Shoes, Four Different Looks

​When I was working I had a couple of pairs of very expensive leather shoes (we had to wear high heels part of uniform), and as they became a little scuffed, I used to dye white shoes beige, then chocolate and finally black and they always look glossy and new. Saved a fortune.

​Restoring Black Leather Handbag

Try a black leather dye as opposed to a leather cream/polish? The dye can be messy but it doesn't rub off like a polish/cream does as it seeps into the leather. You can usually buy it in small bottles for about $10-$15 at shoe or key cut places. Just apply the liquid carefully and let to dry. It's worked for me.
​Contributed by B. Thorley, 27th February 2014

​Handbag Help

Try a shoe repair store. I had a much loved pair of ankle boots which were looking very worn, faded and ready for the bin. I watched as the shoe repairer coated the leather with a special liquid black dye/polish which was dried with ultraviolet light. The leather was completely restored to black and looks good as new. Well worth asking if they could use the same process with your handbag. Shoe repairers will likely be cheaper than a specialist handbag repairer, but you could ring around to get quotes. I was only charged for new soles and heels - he did the dye for free.
​Contributed by Jan Heinrich, 27th February 2014

​Black Leather Handbag

To cover scratches and marks on a black leather handbag try black shoe colour change paint, sourced from a kiosk that does shoe repairs, then top with clear shoe polish. Depending on the size of the bag it may be pricey but will save you the cost of a new bag.
​Contributed by Andrea Hewett, 28th February 2014

​Restoring Leather Handbag

There is an Australia wide franchise business that repairs leather furniture and other items, including handbags. www.myleatherdoctor.com.au A less expensive option may be to use black aniline dye. This can be purchased online, or you may be able to talk to a local leather upholstery store and ask if they would sell you a small amount? I believe it comes in powder form.
Contributed by Sharee Sweet, 28th February 2014
​ Website: www.myleatherdoctor.com.au

​Handcream Cleans and Conditions Leather Handbags

I haven't tried this but we were in Florence late last year and bought a couple of handbags/briefcase from the leather market and were told to use hand cream on them to keep them nice... I would try on a non-obvious place to start and see how it goes as I've not yet tried this.
​Contributed by Colette McLaren, 1st March 2014

​Revamping a Worn Leather Handbag

Take your bag to a boot maker/repairer (most large shopping centres have a booth in the mall). They will advise you and many offer re-dyeing options. It probably won't be cheap, but it will be cheaper than buying a new bag. (BTW, if you buff your handbag every week with a soft cloth and some leather conditioner, it will last much longer. Regular maintenance is a long-term solution to keeping something in peak condition.)
​Contributed by Kerry Rowles, 1st March 2014

​Oh So Easy Jewellery Storage

Approximate $ Savings: Time is money : $100 p.a.

​ Enforced time indoors due to the heat. Time to tidy? What? Jewellery! The ear rings, after the girls have been into them, can never find the matching one quickly. Found a small canvas, saved because? Had a plastic skirt hanger. Used my favourite tool: cheap shop glue that is highly recommended as it glues most things to each other. 10/10 Pierced canvas for pierced ear rings. Glued a loop across the bottom of the canvas for the clip ons. Then, and this is the best bit, used a generous amount of glue along the ridge at the base of the hanger, same on canvas, waited the going off time of around 30 minutes, pushed it together and it is there for the life of the equipment used.
Contributed by Carol Ryan, 16th January 2014

​Tiny Earring Storage

Approximate $ Savings: $10.00

You can use a monthly pill storage box to store smaller earrings that are fiddly to find. The compartments in these pill boxes are much smaller and are perfect for tiny post earrings.
​ Contributed by Gayle Poirier, 20th February 2014

​Jewellery Cleaner

Approximate $ Savings: $50 year plus no damage!

In reply to using a mascara wand and toothpaste to clean jewellery, this will in fact cause damage to your precious jewels, as it is too abrasive. I have worked for a few big name jewellers and can tell you the jeweller's secret is warm water, a little dishwashing liquid to cut through the grease and fat residues and a small amount of cloudy ammonia. Simply place your jewellery in the solution, leave to soak for 5 minutes, give a scrub and rinse with warm water and dry with a soft dry cloth (never wash pearls, coral, opal etc.). The mascara wand is a great addition to this little secret that every jeweller I have ever worked with uses!
​- Contributed by Brooke Gibson, 20th July 2012

​Cleaning Jewellery

I have found that with the exception of pearls the best jewellery cleaner is Martha Gardner Wool Cleaner about 1 teaspoon in a cup of water. This will clean both real and costume jewellery. All you do is mix and place the item in and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Then rinse and pat dry.
​- Contributed by Rosemarie Garland, 20th July 2012

​Keep Your Jewellery Looking New Longer

If you love to wear a variety of costume jewellery, but you find that it tarnishes from the acids in your skin, try buying a cheap bottle of clear nail varnish and carefully coating your jewellery with it. Your jewellery will look new for longer so you can keep wearing your favourite pieces! :-)
​- Contributed by Kathleen Burke, 14th April 2012

​15 Years and 50c Leather Purse is Still Going Strong

I have a nice sized purse for what I need. It measures 6in long by 3in wide unopened. Opened it has two areas; one at the back and one for the everyday things. As I have cards from the two chemists near me I use them. I also carry Rivers card and Flybys and a Woolies card, all I receive specials from. I have my library card, Medicare card as well as my ATM card so I need room for all of these. My licence sits in the front so I can get to it if needed. Behind is the coin area and the note area. So really a purse is what you need it for. My purse, which is leather, cost me the grand total of 50c at a garage sale over 15 years ago and is still going strong.
​- Contributed by Robyne Neal, 2nd March 2012

​Cleaning Jewellery

instead of paying out for expensive jewellery cleaners or the cost of a jeweller doing the job, use an old toothbrush and a little toothpaste which does not harm the jewellery and brings it up like new.
​- Contributed by Val, Noble Park, 31st May 2009

​Revamp Jewellery and Wear It

​Approximate $ Savings: $100

I have so much costume jewellery that does not match i.e. I have necklaces that don't match earrings and bracelets and some that don't match any outfit so don't get worn at all. Work out which pieces you don't wear and why. Then you can revamp them by changing the centre pendant, removing the pendant, re-beading, etc. Swap with your friends. If you have a favourite piece, keep it in mind next time you purchase a new garment. Combine with another tip - add the details of your accessories to a notebook so when shopping you can ensure you buy something that you can use!
​- Contributed by Leah, Boonah, 14th May 2009

​Fix Your Earrings With One Simple Step

I have an allergic reaction to pierced earrings and I paint cheap earrings with clear nail polish - the part that goes through your ear. Then I use clear plastic backs to hold them in place, also works for necklaces bracelets and watch straps and clips anything which touches my skin. Works like a charm and I have now a huge range of cheap jewellery which don't cause me problems.
​- Contributed by Trish, Mosman, 28th April 2009

​Simple Gathered Scarves

I wanted to get some trendy new, flouncy, gathered up scarves recently but went out and found most to be around $30 to $40 each. So I came home and dragged out all of my old long scarves. I then picked out some of the longest and hand stitched some thin elastic along the length (like tram tracks). With some I used similar coloured cotton and used big tacking stitches and then just pulled them up and tied knots. With the longest ones I used two 'U' shaped rows of tacking threads - one at either end. Voila - new and trendy scarves for free! I also found a couple at op shops for $2 each and did the same. Recycling in action.
​- Contributed by Amanda Johnston, 13th April 2010

​Jewellery Cleaner

Approximate $ Savings: $9.00 per bottle

​ Instead of buying expensive jewellery cleaners, use pink Handy Andy to clean diamonds and other jewellery.
- Contributed by Dianne, Eatons Hill, 4th February 2010

​Change Your Own Watch Battery

Approximate $ Savings: Approx $13 per time

These days jewellers charge about $15 for the 2 minute job of replacing your watch battery, but you can do it for about $2. It is a fairly straightforward job, (if a bit fiddly) and you can find out how to do it here... http://www.howtochangeawatchbattery.com/ Firstly you need to remove the back of your watch (this is the awkward bit - see the instructions). Remove the battery and take to an electronics shop (e.g. Dick Smith or Tandy) and get a replacement battery (about $2). Keep the packaging with the battery size on it as you will need it next time. If you are going to be changing more than 1 battery, write the persons name on the packet so you know whose watch it is for. Replace the battery, making sure it is the same way as it was - usually the positive + side is facing you. Replace the back of the watch (easier than getting it off), and you have saved about $13. I would not recommend doing this for very expensive watches, but for most cheaper watches it works fine, and we have been doing it for years.
- Contributed by Donna, Ringwood East, 30th March 2009

​Website: www.howtochangeawatchbattery.com

​Earring Canvas - Artwork or Clever Storage Idea!

I am an avid beader and was finding that all my earrings were becoming tangled and mixed up, resulting in lost pairs etc. I needed a cheap and easy solution to store them all. I went to the reject shop and bought a medium size art canvas ($4) and used some poster paint I had at home, and some wire and screw hooks. After allowing the paint to dry, I screwed the hooks into either side and tied the wire between them. For a small cost of $4 and some time and effort, I now have a great looking hanging earring display! These also look great for gifts, I have made for friends and they all loved them.
- Contributed by Megan-Rose, Wadalba, 23rd September 2008

​Silver Jewellery Club

Approximate $ Savings: $50 - $70 per item I have just discovered this US site: www.silverjewelryclub.com to promote their silver jewellery business, they offer FREE jewellery - you only pay US$8.99 postage/handling (approximately $9.70AUD)per item, and the jewellery on offer includes earrings, rings, and pendants in pure sterling silver with gemstones, valued from $50 - $70. This appears to be a genuine offer (I found it via the trend forecasting site www.trendwatching.com) and I have ordered a pair of earrings, so let's see how it goes! There are 4 items on offer for 15 minutes only, these then disappear and another 4 items are offered. You can click through to see the next several upcoming items, and can register to be notified of an item you like. What a great way to treat yourself, or to purchase a lovely gift for someone else!
​- Contributed by Anna, Marrickville, 23rd June 2008

​Budget Specifically for Clothes, Shoes and Other Personal Needs

I budget just $50 per fortnight for clothing/shoes and hair needs (cuts/colours). You can allocate the money to whatever you like. That's just $25 for each. You would be surprised how quickly the money adds up if I don't spend it for a while. I always have more than enough for my needs and the beauty of this arrangement is, I never feel guilty about spending my allowance!
​- Contributed by Glenda, Lawnton, 1st June 2008

​Online Bargain for Pandora Style Charm Bracelet

Approximate $ Savings: $100's I recently have purchased myself a Biagi bracelet with charms. After doing a bit of research online I could purchase the sterling silver bracelet for $52 instead of $84 in the stores, and looking on ebay and purchase new charms for a fraction of the price. I have managed to nearly fill my bracelet with charms starting from as low as $5 instead of the retail price of $35 upwards.
​-Contributed by Jo-anne, Subiaco, 7th April 2008

​Wool Wash Your Jewels

Approximate $ Savings: $3.00

​ I use a cheap home brand wool wash to clean my jewellery. I soak my jewellery in the wool wash for about 10 minutes, remove the jewellery, wash under the tap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Leaves your jewellery looking like new.
- Contributed by October 2007