As the chill of winter fills the air, you will find yourself in need of a few key clothing essentials to help you fight off this cold weather. Dressing the part is important when trying to get ahead in the world of business. You will need to portray an image of professionalism and class in order to show clients you are the real deal. If you are looking for some professional pieces to add to your winter work wardrobe, be sure to check out the list below.
A Nice Wool Overcoat
One of the best materials to use when trying to fight off the cold of winter is wool. Investing in a nice wool overcoat is an excellent way to stay warm and look great while doing it. When trying to select the right overcoat, be sure to get measured by a tailor. The tailor will be able to give you your exact measurements, which will make it much easier on you to get an overcoat that fits snug. Choosing a darker color for your new woolen overcoat will allow you to wear it with a wide variety of suits, ties and pants.
Accessorizing With a Scarf
Another great way to add a bit of appeal to your winter business attire is by selecting the right scarf. One of the biggest mistakes most people make when choosing scarfs is staying safe with the coloring. While the base color of the scarf will need to be a neutral color, let your creativity shine through when choosing the accent colors. Choose bright, bold accent colors to liven up your business outfits and attract a bit of attention in the process.
Don’t Forget About Your Briefcase
When dealing with snowy weather, you will need to find a way to keep all of your important documents safe. Without a durable briefcase, you may lose valuable information due to water getting on your documents. Selecting the right briefcase will require you to think about what type of look you are going for. Leather is always a great briefcase material option due to the resiliency and appeal it has to offer. Try a Tumi brand briefcase for functionality or style, or go all out with a Louis Vuitton.
Keeping your new winter clothing clean can be made a lot easier when using Crest Cleaners. We take the time to clean your clothing and remove any stains that may be present.
The holidays are here once again. After the craziness has subsided, you will be able to let loose at New Year’s celebrations in your area. The team at Crest Cleaners has had an amazing 2016 and can’t wait to see what 2017 has to offer. If you are curious about the New Year’s events going on in your area, check out the list below for some details.
New Year’s Eve Parents Night Out in Alexandria, VA
Looking for a New Year’s Eve event that is fun for the whole family? The New Year’s Eve Parents Night Out is fun for kids of all ages. This event will be held at the Charles House Recreation Center in Alexandria, VA. The event will feature a variety of games and activities for the kids and some great food supplied by local vendors.
The Frostival in Chantilly, VA
For Burke, VA residents looking for a bit of New Year’s Fun, the Frostival in Chantilly, VA is a great fit. This event features things like local talent singing the hits of today and yesterday, as well as games and fun for kids of all ages. This event will take place at the Dulles Expos Center from December 30th until January 2nd.
6th Annual New Year’s Eve Casino Night in Arlington, VA
If you are looking to try your luck and have a great time this New Year’s Eve, then the 6th Annual New Year’s Eve Casino Night is a great fit for you, and it’s only 20min from Springfield. You will be able to sip a nice cup of brandy, while trying to win at blackjack, slots and roulette. This event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Arlington, VA on December 31st from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m.
Come Join the New Year’s Eve Celebration at Rhodeside Grill in Arlington, VA
Looking for some adult fun to ring in the New Year? The Rhodeside Grill in Arlington, VA will be hosting a party that features a $70 open bar all night. The bar includes drinks, party favors and some great appetizers. The cover band Radio Republic will be in the house and will be playing all night long.
The Big Night DC New Year’s Eve Extravaganza in New Harbor, MD
On December 31st, the Gaylord Hotel in New Harbor, MD will be turned into the New Year’s Eve party of the century. This venue features seven dance floors, ten bands and all the food and drink you could want. You can’t afford to miss this once in a lifetime party!
The Around the World New Year’s Eve Extravaganza in Washington, DC
The Sphinx Club in Washington, DC is one of the most popular event halls in all the world. This year’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza will feature a French bistro buffet, an open bar and as much coffee as you need to stay up and ring in the New Year. This event will start at 8 p.m. and go until 3 a.m.
Family New Year’s Eve Celebration in Monrovia, MD
If you are looking for a bit of fun this New Year’s Eve, then the Family New Year’s Eve Celebration at Adventure Park, USA in Monrovia, MD is a great choice. This event is a short drive from the Germantown and Gaithersburg, MD area. For just $30 a person, you and your family will be able to enjoy unlimited access to bumper cars, video games and laser tag. This event starts at 9:30 p.m. and will end at 12:30 a.m.
Are you prepared for the frigid temperatures of winter? One of the main things you need to do when preparing for winter is to get the proper attire. Without a good jacket, you will find it nearly impossible to fight off the cold that is common during this time of year. The team at Crest Cleaners can help you get your jacket clean and in good shape before the chillier weather moves in. Below are some of the things that you will need to do when trying to get your jacket clean and ready to use for the winter.
Read the Label Inside of the Coat
The main thing that you will need to do when attempting to get your jacket properly cleaned is to check the label on the collar. Generally, this collar will feature a variety of instructions regarding how to wash and stain treat the coat in question. Getting to know what the various symbols on clothing tags mean is important when trying to care for a jacket the right way. Be careful to interpret the tag correctly, or you could end up with a shrunken or ripped jacket.
Getting Down Filled Jackets
Among the most popular and effective ways to stay warm during the winter months is by purchasing a down-filled jacket. When the time comes to clean this type of jacket, you will need to be very careful to avoid damaging the garment. Be sure to remove the hood of the jacket and empty the pockets before the cleaning process begins.
You will need to stain treat the jacket before you wash it. Once you have stain treated the down jacket, be sure to flip it inside out before washing it in cold water. You may want to purchase a garment bag for this project to avoid snags and leaking feathers.
Properly Caring for Wool Jackets
Another very popular coat material used by people trying to stay warm during winter is wool. While wool jackets are very aesthetically appealing, it can be a bit difficult to keep them clean, lending themselves to snags and stains. Usually, the only way you will be able to get a wool coat clean is by either hand washing it or putting it in a very gentle cycle in your washing machine. Wool is a very absorbent material and could soak up colors from other articles of laundry, so be sure to wash this jacket by itself. Avoid shrinkage and static by avoiding the dryer.
Most jackets are quite expensive, which is why taking proper precaution when it comes to cleaning them is important. Getting guidance from the team at Crest Cleaners regarding how to properly care for a coat will help you to keep it damage free for years to come. Crest Cleaners has the equipment and the knowledge needed to get clothes and jackets immaculately clean.
Are you gearing up for the holiday season? There are so many different events coming up in the Crest Cleaners neighborhood. Below is a list of some of the best events you can look forward to this holiday season.
Enjoy Christmas at Mount Vernon in Alexandria, VA
Have you ever wondered what Christmas time in the 1800s was like? By visiting the Christmas at Mount Vernon event, you will be able to party like its 1799. At this event, you will be able to take part in traditional dances from the period, as well as get a firsthand look at how chocolate is made.
Light Up The Holidays in Burke, VA
For most people, the most enjoyable part of the holidays is seeing all of the lights. At Ball Run Regional Park, you will be able to get a look at nearly 2.5 miles of holiday illumination. This event starts on November 23rd and goes to January 8th.
Experience the Music of the Holidays in Clifton, VA
Singing Christmas carols is one of the most memorable parts of the holiday season for many. Each year, the Reston Chorale and Washington Symphonic Brass put on an unforgettable concert filled with music of the season. This event will take place on December 3rd and is suited for all age groups.
Herndon, VA has a Canoe Ride With Santa
Each year, the town of Herndon, VA hosts a very unique event that allows children to take a canoe ride with Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas. This event is hosted on December 3rd and is sure to make memories that last a lifetime. Be sure to dress yourself and your children in a bathing suit for this unique event. Don’t worry, it’s indoors!
You Can’t Miss the Christmas Parade in Reston, VA
What could be better than a traditional Christmas Parade to kick off the holiday season? On November 26th, you need to make your way to Reston, VA for their annual Winter Wonderland extravaganza. This parade is over a mile long and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to spread holiday cheer.
The Winter Walk of Lights in Springfield, VA
One of the most popular attractions in all of Northern Virginia is the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. During the holiday season, these gardens are illuminated with some of the most beautiful lights you will ever lay your eyes on. You can enjoy the Winter Walk of Lights from November 18th until January 8th.
The Winter Lights Festival in Gaithersburg, MD
The Seneca Creek State Park is one of the focal points of the city of Gaithersburg, MD. Each year, this park is transformed for the Winter Lights Festival. When attending this festival, you will be able to drive through 3.5 miles of lights and animated displays. This festival starts on November 25th and goes on until December 31st.
Holly Trolley Fest in Germantown, MD
Bring the kids out to the Holly Trolley Fest to let them ride the rails with Ole Saint Nick. Each year, this festival allows both kids and adults to get an up close and personal experience with Santa Claus. This event will go on from December 3rd to December 18th.
Free Holiday Concert in Rockville, MD
Looking for a break in your holiday shopping action? Then coming out to the free concert in Rockville, MD is just what you need. This concert will be held at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre on December 18th. Tickets are free and this event is suitable for all ages.
Are you ready to deck the halls this holiday season? For most people, the holidays are a time when they flex their creative muscle to put on great parties for their friends and families. Whether you are throwing your holiday extravaganza in a large home or small apartment, you will need to take the time to plot out your event in order to achieve a high level of success. The last thing you want is to have your guests looking bored at your event, which is why you will need to consider the following tips when trying to prep your living space for a holiday party.
Great Tips for Apartment Dwellers
Having a holiday party in a smaller space may be a bit challenging, but well worth the effort invested. The main thing that you need to think about when throwing a party in a smaller apartment is having plenty of activities planned out.
Having a holiday-themed adult beverage for your guests is vital. By supplying adult beverages, you will be able to get everyone in on holiday drinking games. The “Santa’s Hat” drinking game is one of the easiest and most enjoyable adult themed activities you can participate in. Simply put on a holiday-themed movie on the television and each time a person is seen wearing a Santa hat in the movie, you and your guests will take a drink.
Since an apartment is drastically smaller than an actual home, you will have to get creative when it comes to decorations. One of the best ways to get everyone in the holiday spirit as soon as they approach your apartment is by getting a door dressing. There are thousands of different holiday door clings out there, which will give you the opportunity to create a customized look for your apartment’s front door.
Holiday Party Tips for Homeowners
If you are a homeowner, you will have a bit more freedom when it comes to decorating for a holiday party. The first thing you will need to do when trying to throw a great holiday themed party at your home is selecting the theme. Whether it is cute snowmen or traditional Santa décor, choosing a theme is the best way to make the party planning phase easier.
One of the staples of holiday décor are holly trees. Usually, you will be able to find artificial holly trees at your local home improvement stores. With a few artificial holly trees and some snow in a can, you will be able to transform your home into a winter wonderland in no time at all. You will also need to focus on the food and drinks you will serve during your party. Having little treats like sausage or eggnog is a great way to keep your guests full of the holiday spirit.
If you get a stain on your best Christmas sweater, call on the team at Crest Cleaners to help. The concierge service offered by Crest Cleaners will take all of the stress out of getting your clothing dry cleaned after a wild holiday party.
Having a full-time job is very stressful. The drain of “adulting” all day can be a bit much at times. Finding a way let loose and forget about your problems is vital when trying to avoid having too much stress in your life. Who doesn’t love hitting the bar after work? Getting a few adult beverages and hanging out with friends or co-workers is a great way to let the issues of your day melt away. Here are some of the best happy hours around you.
Going All Out in Alexandria, VA
If you are looking for a place to let loose in Alexandria, VA, then be sure to stop by The Alley Cat. They have happy hour from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday-Friday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend. This establishment has great drink specials and a DJ spinning the hits of today and yesterday.
Have a Ball in Burke, VA
The Hopsfrog Grille is a fantastic place to get your happy hour started. Their happy hour lasts from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Not only do they have great drinks, but they have some of the best food in the area as well.
Call Your Friends to Join You in Centreville, VA
Alto Plaza Restaurant is a wonderful place to go have a few drinks any day of the week. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, you can enjoy their happy hour specials. They offer specials like half priced appetizers and $2.50 draft beer during their happy hour.
Get the Party Started in Clifton, VA
The Main Street Pub has great food and some of the best mixed drinks in the area. Visiting this establishment with friends will allow you to get the party started without having to spend too much money in the process.
Having Some Drinks in Herndon, VA
Jimmy’s Old Time Tavern is one of the best places to enjoy a drink or two in Herndon, VA. They have happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. You will be able to get $2.50 domestic beers and $3.25 during their happy hour.
Let the Good Times Roll in Reston, VA
Clyde’s of Reston has some of the best happy hour deals you will find. From 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, you can enjoy happy hour at Clyde’s. They have deals like $2.50 house wines and drafts.
Sipping Suds in Springfield, VA
Looking for a great happy hour in Springfield, VA? Then Houlihan’s is a great option. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, you can enjoy $5 signature martinis, as well as $2.50 short draft beers.
Great Drinks in Gaithersburg, MD
The Dogfish Head Alehouse in Gaithersburg, MD has some great happy hour specials. Happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and features specials like $1 off of appetizers and pizzas and $1 off of all draft beers.
Painting the Town Red in Germantown, MD
The Copper Canyon Grill has happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday. They offer specials like $2 appetizers and $1 off of all of their drinks.
Rocking Out in Rockville, MD
Letting loose in Rockville, MD is easy when taking advantage of the happy hour at Gordon Biersch. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday you can enjoy $5 appetizers, $1 off of beers and $2 off of wine glasses.
If you spill something on your shirt during your happy hour adventure, don’t worry because the professionals at Crest Cleaners can get it clean for you.
The election season is in full swing and one thing you can’t deny is just how entertaining this year in politics has been. There are a countless number of men and women all over the country who take their fashion cues from the presidential candidates of the day. Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have a very unique style that has captivated the country. Below are a few things to consider when trying to make your style more presidential.
Taking a look at The Donald
While you probably want to avoid taking hair styles cues from Donald Trump, you can learn a thing or two about how to dress from this real estate mogul. There are a few key things that define Donald Trump’s sense of style and they are as follows:
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Tailored Suits-
The first thing that you will notice when taking a look at the way Donald Trump dresses is the immaculate suits he wears. Most of the suits that The Donald puts on are tailor made. There is never a speck of dirt or dust on the suite, which helps to enhance the appeal they have.
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Colorful Ties-
Having a great looking and colorful tie is a great way to add a bit of pizazz to a suit. Most of the ties that you see Donald Trump wear are from his own personal collection. The ties are usually colorful, but not too overwhelming for the eyes.
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Matching Handkerchiefs-
Keeping a continuity in regards to the accessories you put with a suit is important. If you will notice, Donald Trump always has a handkerchief to match the tie that he is wearing. If you wear a tie with a colorful design, you may want to pick out one dominant color to match your handkerchief with.
Hillary Clinton: A Beacon for Women’s Fashion
Since the Clintons burst on the scene in the early 90’s, Hillary Clinton has been among the most fashionable people in all of politics. Her look seems to transcend fashion trends, especially this election series. Here are some of the things that define the Hillary Clinton look.
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Stylish Pantsuits-
A trademark of the Hillary Clinton look is the pantsuit. Hillary was one of the first public figures to prominently feature the pantsuit in her wardrobe. Most of the pantsuits that she wears are solid colored and understated.
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The Accessories-
In order to offset the understated pant suits that she wears during the election, Hillary Clinton usually wears a variety of eye catching accessories. Whether it is gold earrings or a beautiful necklace, Mrs. Clinton is known for the jewelry she wears on the campaign trail.
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Comfortable Shoes-
Another trademark of the Clinton look are comfortable flat shoes. Very rarely will you see Hillary Clinton wear high heels while campaigning. While the shoes she wears are comfortable, they are usually adorned with flashy designs that match her outfits perfectly.
Regardless of what type of presidential style you are going for, you need to make sure that the clothes you wear are clean. The team at Crest Cleaners will be able to help you keep your clothes looking their best.
As a manager or office administrator you realize the value in a full eight hour work day and the harm leaving 20 minutes early can have on overall productivity in the workplace. All reasons seem valid; pay rent, pick up kids from school/sports, pick up dry cleaning, getting a car serviced, doctor appointment, hair appointment, etc. But what if you could eliminate one by promoting dry cleaning delivery to the office? With Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners we offer a Crest At Work Program that offers a deliver service to employees of an organization at the employee’s cost.
How to Persuade Your Employees Dry Cleaning Delivery to the Office is Worthwhile:
- One less item checked off your “To-Do-List” – Your personal and work schedules are hectic enough. Why not put a bit of the organizing and arranging into someone else’s hands? This service would ask of you to bring your clothes to the office and leave it in the hands of your office administrator/coordinator/manager whom then would take care of the rest. The best part? You will have clean clothes delivered to you at the convenience of your workplace. No hassle trying to rush through traffic to make it to the laundromat before it closes.
- No Stress – Your manager or office administrator/coordinator will be in charge of scheduling the service and reminding employees to bring in their dry cleaning. No more losing a personal calendar notification, instead it will be an organized reminder through your business.
- It’s a Benefit, Why Not Use It? – Sure, you could still drive to the dry cleaner on Tuesday before work – rushing through traffic to make it by nine – and then come to work early on Wednesday to be able to leave early to pick up your dry cleaning through rush hour traffic. But why? The convenience is given to you, take it!
Once employees are convinced of the convenience of dry cleaning deliver to the office, try implementing other ways to save staff time: plan your day before you start, do your hardest task first, create timelines (even if they are not true), and remember to take your 15 minute breaks to freshen the mind.
When you’re running around all day, walking through your front door should be a sigh of relief. However, it can just add more stress to your day when you come home to another list of chores. At Crest Cleaners, we want to make sure your dry cleaning is waiting for you at home, checking one more thing off your list.
On a beautiful weekend it is easy to get caught up in the hustle-bustle of tending the lawn, washing the cars and managing the slip and slide for the kids. Every time you find yourself running inside quickly to get a towel, sunscreen, soap or bandages you add to your pile of laundry. Then you throw in all the Virginia and Maryland summer events into the mix…and your family calendar is officially full. With your busy weekend activities and upcoming work week it is impossible to find the time to tend to the build up. Here, at Crest, we know the longer stains and sweat sit and soak into your clothes the more difficult they are to remove. We are happy to take the time to give your garments the attention it takes to refresh and revive their colors, smell, and feel without effecting your valuable relaxing time with friends and family.
This is the exact reason why we offer doorside pickup and delivery dry cleaning service between the hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Choose which days work best for your busy calendar; Monday & Thursday or Tuesday & Friday and we pick them up and then promptly deliver them back to you clean, pressed and ready to wear clothing the next scheduled delivery day. We can assure that you will have a remarkably pristine wardrobe without having to spend your valuable time scheduling driving to and from the dry cleaners.
At Crest, we believe your time is priceless!
Outdoor Living: Summer Cleaning
Summer is the time for entertaining. You’ve worked hard on designing your patio, now make sure that it is spotless for your guests. Here are some of the ways you can tidy up your patio space for the ultimate summer gathering:
Wood Furniture – Wood furniture is lovely to look at and creates a homey/rustic feel. Unfortunately, after hours of scrubbing on your hands and knees it seems the stains and wear and tear are still left. With just 2 tbsp. of powdered oxygen bleach and one gallon of water to scrub on the wood using a brush. Make sure to scrub only in the direction of the wood grain – especially when working on soft woods. Allow the wood to dry completely in the sun before using the furniture. If the wood seems rough you can use a medium-grit sandpaper either by hand or a palm sander. Again, make sure you sand in the direction of the grain. After sanding you will need to seal your furniture – using either resin-based pigmented sealer (to maintain the original wood color) or a clear sealer (to obtain a rustic grey faded color).
Patio Cushions – *Most patio fabrics have been treated with special coating to protect from UV rays and water – please check tags before using any techniques listed below.* If cleaning instructions are not listed you can usually get by using a solution of 1 tsp. Mild dish soap, 1 tsp Borax and 1 quart of warm water. You can then put the solution in a spray bottle and saturate both sides of the cushions making sure to get into all crevices. Let the solution sit for some time but not dry completely. Take the cushions to the yard and spray them down with a garden hose and allow to air dry before use.
Grill – The BBQ cannot happen without a good cleaning first! Here is a list of materials to use to get the grease and grit off before you put the chicken on the grill:
- Stiff-bristle Wire Brush
- Toothbrush
- Scour Pad (scratch pad)
- PROXI dish soap concentrate
- PROXI multi-purpose disinfectant cleaner
- Baking Soda
- Microfiber Cloth
- Spray Bottle of Water
Heat the grill up by closing the lid and turning the gas on for about 5 min. This will soften the build-up. Use the wire brush and scrape away as much as possible. Wait for the grill to cool down and move on to soaking your grates and flame guards in a sink full of PROXI dish soap, using the hottest water possible. Scrub the grates as they soak using the metal brush and scour pad. When it comes to the grease build up, make a paste with baking soda, water and a small amount of PROXI dish soap. Rub this on the inside of the grill lid and allow it to dry and then wipe it clean. Happy Grilling!
If you have no luck with your cushions or outdoor patio pillows and blankets make sure to Contact Us for the ultimate cleaning! Enjoy your summer days on the patio as much as possible.
Why choose Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners?
