The secret that makes me feel like walking the red carpet even in old clothes: A second-hand fashion enthusiast and her daily life with a hand steamer for clothes
Not everyone wears new clothes to work.
I'm thirty years old and live in a small apartment in the west of Chicago. I'm a freelance writer. I wear an old jacket I bought from a flea market to meet clients. Occasionally, when asked, "Which brand is this?", I always smile but don't answer.
Because it might have been the dowry of some old lady 20 years ago.
But I know very well that what makes it look "decent" is not just luck - but the cloth steamer that couldn't be more low-key behind my laundry door.
The second life of an old garment begins with steam
Some people think that wearing second-hand clothes saves money, but that's not entirely true. For me, this is more like a philosophy of life: buy less, but treat each piece of clothing with care.
I love old things, but I don't like wrinkled creases. A pleated suit makes you look like you just came out of a storage room rather than someone ready to present a proposal to a client. This is where hand steamer for clothes changed my life.
I don't like irons. It's too troublesome and too easy to damage sensitive fabrics like gauze and satin. But once this handheld steam iron is plugged in and preheated for 15 seconds, with a spray and a pull, the clothes will regain their vitality as if they were "awakened". That feeling of old clothes being reborn is something a washing machine can't offer.
Small tools, great dignity
Once, I wore a dress transformed from a dark blue men's suit to a women's creative salon. Someone asked me, "Are you a designer?" I didn't reply. I just smiled.
In fact, that dress was bought for only five dollars, but the night before, I spent five minutes carefully steaming the neckline, cuffs and hem of the dress.
One thing I like about cloth steamer is that it doesn't have a sense of ritual. It's not the kind of "ceremonial tool" that requires you to take out an ironing board and wait for five minutes before starting to operate. It is like an old friend on standby at all times. No matter how hurried or tired you are, it can help you regain a bit of order in the chaos.
It's not just about heating up, but also about having control over life
Life is not perfect. I can't dress like a magazine model every day, and not every old piece of clothing can become "fashionable".
But cloth steamer gave me a small space to create a bit of "look just right" in imperfection.
For instance, before catching the subway in the morning, use it to quickly steam my khaki coat that I've worn for several years. Or before going to the bar, use it to iron out my favorite silk scarf and let it shine again under the dim yellow light.
It's like I'm using it to tell myself: "You deserve to spend another three minutes treating yourself well."
I don't buy new clothes, but I can dress as well as new every day
How did this little thing become a clothes steamer handheld best seller?
I think it's because it truly addresses the most practical needs of those of us who have a fast-paced life and are particular about things:
Instant startup, saving time.
Lightweight and easy to use, it can be operated with one hand.
She is very gentle with all kinds of fabrics and has no trouble of burning.
The safety design is well-considered. I feel at ease using it when I have children at home.
These functions are really life-saving for me.
Those "lazy but effective" little details that I have learned
For instance, I always use filtered water for steam engines, which makes the machines more durable. When steaming clothes, they won't stick too close to each other to avoid damaging the fabric. Also, when hanging clothes, try to let them hang naturally so that the steam can be more evenly distributed.
Even better, apart from clothes, sometimes I use it to spray on curtains and throw pillows, making the whole home feel a bit fresher.
Life doesn't have to be perfect, but it must have a sense of order
This steam iron actually brings me not only clean and smooth clothes, but also a kind of spiritual support. In the chaotic and busy life, it enables me to find a little sense of control.
I worked overtime until late at night. Looking back, I saw myself in the mirror with a crisp collar. I was still tired, but I told myself: I'm still taking care of myself. That feeling is even more refreshing than having a cup of coffee.
This steam ironing machine may not be a particularly high-end thing, but in my busy life, it is that old friend who quietly supports me.
