Got a fashion question? Send it to me!

Have you ever found yourself in a fashion dilemma that you didn't know how to solve? Let's put my knowledge to the test. Ask me anything! Not that I claim to be the be all end all when it comes to fashion. I really kind of go my own way for the most part. But, I do focus my life's work on this topic, so let's see how good I actually am. To start with here is a fashion conundrum that a friend recently asked me about.

Q. How do you keep denim dark? Can you recommend a detergent, washer/dryer settings, etc?

A. I remember this question being addressed in my textile science class while we studying how denim is made. There are a few options you can try. If at all possible, it's best to hand wash your jeans (the bathtub works well for this) with a mild detergent in cool water, inside out, and hang them to dry.

I've also heard (but have yet to try myself) that you should NEVER wash your jeans, and when they get too grimy/smelly, put them in the freezer for a few days, and supposedly when you pull them out, they're crisp, clean and ready to wear. Well, after they de-thaw, I'm assuming. Sounds interesting for sure. If you try this, please report back!

If you have the budget to do so, another option is to dry clean your jeans.

Washing your jeans in the washing machine is going to lighten them, without a doubt. If you aren't willing to hand wash them, or don't have it in your budget to dry clean them, it is okay to machine wash them, but the worst thing you can do is wash them in the machine, on a hot setting, and then put them in the dryer. If you have to use a washing machine, I'd say wash them with cool water only, and hang them to dry. This still isn't going to prevent them from fading, but it will prolong their rich dark colors much longer than if you were to wash them in the same manner that you wash your cotton t-shirts.

Another tip I have for black jeans only is to buy a pack of black rit dye and wash your jeans with the dye once a month. (exact instructions are on the bottle, and you can do this right in your washing machine.) You can buy this dye from their website, at JoAnne Fabrics or Michael's.